JOEL MARTIN
Joel Martin has been with the Columbia Basin Herald for more than 25 years in a variety of roles and is the most-tenured employee in the building. Martin is a married father of eight and enjoys spending time with his children and his wife, Christina. He is passionate about the paper’s mission of informing the people of the Columbia Basin because he knows it is important to record the history of the communities the publication serves.
Recent Stories
Basin Easter Events 2026
SENIOR EVENTS: April 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s spring in the Basin at last. Swing a golf club to support St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, plant some marigolds with the grandchildren, learn to line dance at the Moses lake Senior Center or check out any of the other events in store for this month.
Vietnam vets honored Sunday
MOSES LAKE — The American Legion and the Karneetsa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held a commemoration Sunday for veterans of the Vietnam War. March 29, the date the last U.S. service members left Vietnam in 1973, was designated National Vietnam War Veterans Day in 2008.
Family Resource Home Care matches caregivers with the people who need it
MOSES LAKE — Some folks, when they get a little older, just need a little help. “The basis of in-home caregiving is to keep the clients in their home for as long as possible, instead of having them go to a nursing home or assisted living,” said Family Resource Home Care Branch Manager Marisa Martinez.
Homegrown: Dr. Firouzi gives back to his community
MOSES LAKE — A lot of young people, when they go off to college from a small town, never return. But some do. Dr. Kameron Firouzi is one of them. “When I was figuring out my passions in terms of what I wanted to do career-wise, I always wanted to come back and give back,” Firouzi said. “There were (times) throughout my life with my mom when I felt like the community rallied around me and my family, so I always felt a little bit of a tie.”
Dr. Alexander Brzezny guards the community’s health
EPHRATA — Dr. Alexander Brzezny had a good reason for going into public medicine. “I grew up in an area which is well known for coal mining and production of steel,” Brzezny said. “The air was very unhealthy and there was a lot of pollution. It was what we call the black heart of the country … I could see firsthand the difficulties of people who were working, and I could see how poor air and bad health habits affected them.”
Mental health care includes self-care, expert says
MOSES LAKE — Sometimes, especially in the health care field, it’s easy for the people who look after others to forget about their own well-being, said nurse educator and mental health activist Bethany Thrasher.
Shared Calling: Brothers find their medical home in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Some professions run in families: a lawyer’s children may follow in their parent’s footsteps, or a teacher may inspire their children to teach. But occasionally a profession just fits two brothers, like medicine did Zach and Nate Thomas.
TRP Truck Parts opens in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — The trucking industry is how things get from point A to point B in this country. To do that, the trucks have to be kept rolling, and to keep rolling, sometimes the trucks need parts.
3rd Moses Lake No Kings rally protests Trump, GOP policies
MOSES LAKE — The third No Kings rally Saturday in Moses Lake brought out almost 200 people, said Grant County Democrats Vice Chair Jill Springer Forrest.
Seed Cupboard goes on a growth spurt
ROYAL CITY — Seed Cupboard is going big. “We’ve extended our tree section,” said owner Lisa Villegas. “We’ve been able to hold about 1,000 trees ... and we’ve had a need for larger trees than what we’ve carried in the past. So, we’ve expanded that and our evergreen section to about twice that much.”
Grant County home prices 8th lowest in the state
MOSES LAKE — Grant County had the eighth-lowest median home price in Washington’s 39 counties as of March 5, according to data released March 13 by real estate website Realtor.com. Adams County ranked fifth from the lowest.
Basin libraries events for April 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — If you thought libraries were just a place to look for books, you’re in for a surprise. Check out these activities at libraries in Grant and Adams counties.
GCFD 7 ceremony promotes captains, medical service officers
SOAP LAKE — Four Grant County Fire District 7 firefighters officially received five promotions Friday, according to Chief Erick Brittain.
‘They are counting on us’
Cellarbration! draws record crowd to support BBCC students
MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Foundation’s annual Cellarbration! for Education auction was bigger than ever Saturday night. “This is a record number,” said LeAnne Parton, director of the foundation. “We have over 300 people here.” The amount raised Saturday night was not immediately available. Last year, the college celebrated one of the largest graduating classes in its history, President Sara Thompson Tweedy told the attendees, and started a second bachelor’s degree program, this one in behavioral health.
Church volunteers clean trash out of field near Ephrata
EPHRATA — A field just outside Ephrata looks a little better after volunteers swept through it Saturday morning. “A lot of people come into (Ephrata) on Nat Washington Way,” said Lowell Allred, who organized the cleanup for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “There’s often a lot of paper and plastic and cardboard blown over into that field.” More than 20 volunteers came to the field at the northeast corner of Nat Washington Way and State Route 282, said Alberto Rodriguez, one of the participants.
Moses Lake Touch a Truck to return April 25
MOSES LAKE — The MomCo Touch a Truck event will be April 25, and there may be something new, according to organizer Brittney Ketterer.
COLUMN: Looking ahead toward Easter
A few weeks ago I wrote a story about local Lenten observances that got me to thinking: What is it about this time of year?
Summit set to build leaders for recovery, mental health
MOSES LAKE — The Eastern Washington Home Grown Leadership Summit will come to Moses Lake April 18, to equip people who have lived through hard times to help others through them.
Student entrepreneurs invited to Flywheel Conference
WENATCHEE — Students who have a business or an innovation they’re trying to get off the ground can get a boost at NCW Tech Alliance’s first Student Pitch Competition.
Patriotism and luck showcased at Moses Lake Business Expo
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Expo drew between 1,100 and 1,200 people Tuesday, Chamber Director Debbie Doran-Martinez estimated.
Grant County detective honored by Girl Scouts
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Detective Katrina Ball was recognized March 7 as a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. It was an unexpected honor, she said.
BASIN EVENTS CALENDAR: March 20-27, 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty to do this week in the Columbia Basin. Here are some possibilities.
Kit home bill would pave the way for small DIY housing
OLYMPIA — A bill passed in the Washington Legislature and signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson this year could mean some new options for housing in the state in the future, said the bill’s primary sponsor, state Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview. “When you’ve got a $600,000 beat-up starter home someplace around Seattle, what about a simplified but modernized version of a kit home from the old days?” Wilson said. “We need all choices on the menu for housing options, except living in a blue tarp on the street.”
More inventory, lower interest make buying more appealing in Washington
MOSES LAKE — Housing inventory is up in Washington state and interest rates are down, making buying a home easier than it was a year ago, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 27 of Washington’s 39 counties.
Brews & Tunes draws crowds despite chill
MOSES LAKE — The weather wasn’t altogether friendly, but that didn’t stop people from enjoying a drink and a shopping trip at Brews & Tunes in downtown Moses Lake Saturday.
‘Divas of Soul’ features strong voices, beloved songs
MOSES LAKE — The last half-century has seen – and heard – some strong female singers, and those voices will be at the Wallenstien Theater March 28 in the Columbia Basin Allied Arts presentation of “Divas of Soul.”
Trout Derby adds a little something extra to lake fishing
MOSES LAKE — Anglers, cast your lines! The 2026 Trout Derby begins April 25. “We stock lakes all over the state,” said Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Communications Specialist Nicole Jordan. “Some of the fish are tagged, and people can catch a tagged fish and win a bunch of donated prizes.”
Rotary Club of Moses Lake celebrates 75 years
MOSES LAKE — The Rotary Club of Moses Lake gathered at Pillar Rock Grill Saturday to celebrate 75 years of service to the community. “Every person in this room has chosen to spend some of their time serving others,” said Rotary Club President Tori Douglass. “When I look around this room, I don’t see money; I see value. In fact, I believe this may be the richest room in our city because it’s filled with people who are willing to give their time to make someone else’s life better.”
'A Taste of Ireland' set to showcase Irish music, dance and fun
MOSES LAKE — Three Eastern Washington venues will get their Taste of Ireland this spring when “A Taste of Ireland – The Irish Music & Dance Sensation” comes to Yakima, Spokane and Wenatchee.
Gettin' down to business
MOSES LAKE — Attendees stroll down the aisles at the Moses Lake Business Expo Tuesday afternoon at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce puts on the annual event to support businesses and provide a bit of fun for the community. Further coverage of the event will be in an upcoming edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.
Mind Matters
Workshop set to bring together mental health professionals, community
MOSES LAKE — The Mind Matters Mental Health and Behavioral Health Workshop will explore a wide range of related topics March 26 at Big Bend Community College.
Local artists invited to share work at Easter shows
MOSES LAKE — Artists, and people who enjoy art, are invited to participate in Easter art shows in Moses Lake and Ephrata this month, hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The theme for the shows will be “A Walk with Christ,” said Becky Earl, a member of the Moses Lake Stake’s communications committee.
BASIN EVENTS CALENDAR: March 13-21
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s been a little bit breezy, but nothing the Basin isn’t used to, and it’s certainly no excuse not to get out and do something fun this week. Here are some options.
‘Stars, Stripes and Shamrocks’
Moses Lake Business Expo combines themes, expands into third building
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Business Expo has a dual theme for 2026, Executive Director Debbie Doran-Martinez said.
EWU earns rare NSA accreditation
CHENEY — Eastern Washington University has been named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations, according to an announcement from the university.
Light moves: Custom exterior lighting marks holidays, shows team spirit
MOSES LAKE — Lighting up the outside of a house for the holidays looks pretty, but it can be a whole lot of work to set up. That’s what Moses Lake brothers Zach and Nate Thomas aim to change.
Home prices down, houses moving faster in much of the Basin
MOSES LAKE — Home prices dropped in January in Moses Lake, Ephrata and Othello compared to January 2025, according to the real estate website Redfin, but showed a substantial increase in Quincy.
Brews & Tunes set for this weekend in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Tickets are still available for Brews & Tunes Saturday, the Downtown Moses Lake Association annual blend of music, beverages and fun, according to DMLA Executive Director Mallory Miller.
MLHS softball has the numbers and the drive to win
MOSES LAKE — The field outside Moses Lake High School was teeming with softball players March 3. “Our numbers are huge,” said Head Coach Mike Hofheins. “We’ve got a ton of girls out, like 55 girls. We have a huge senior class, (so) we have a lot of veterans. Our expectations are high.” The Mavericks graduated some standout pitchers last year, which means the next crop of pitchers is rushing to build up their skills.
Maverick boys work on basics, teamwork
MOSES LAKE — How’s Moses Lake High School’s baseball team looking this year? “Young. Really young,” said Head Coach Donnie Lindgren. “Inexperienced, but ready to work.” The baseball team graduated nine seniors last year, Lindgren said. The incoming team has boys who have played before in youth baseball and for a club team at The Six, Lindgren said, but not as a unit. Some of the newcomers have played for Moses Lake in football and basketball as well, he said.
Veterans groups to host virtual career fair
ERLANGER, Ky. — Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the National Virtual Veterans Career Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Pacific time March 17, according to an announcement from DAV. The online event is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve.
Children donate stuffed animals, make up packages for children in foster care
MOSES LAKE — Children from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints East Moses Lake Stake brought in stuffed toys Saturday to add to packages for children in foster care.
Corral Creek kicks off spring season at George CoffeeHouse
GEORGE — The George CoffeeHouse concert season gets underway March 21 with a performance by Corral Creek at the George Community Hall.
Gentlemen’s Quartet set to make sophistication fun March 24
MOSES LAKE — The Gentlemen’s Quartet – plus a lady – will take the stage March 24 at the Wallenstien Theater. The concert is sponsored by the Central Basin Community Concert Association.
Basin churches come together for Lent, fellowship
MOSES LAKE — For some local churches, Lent is more than a time for giving things up; it’s also a season of fellowship and community.
Ellensburg trooper named WSP Trooper of the year
ELLENSBURG — Trooper Thomas Megargle of Ellensburg has been recognized as the Washington State Patrol District 6 Trooper of the Year. “Ever since I've known Thomas … there's no one who's going to outwork him, that's for sure,” said Sgt. John Bryant, Megargle’s sergeant. “He has the drive, the internal drive to get things done.”
‘I thank God for you’
Community Court graduate ready to start new life
EPHRATA — Shannon Robinson never expected to be where he was Wednesday: hugging a judge and walking away a free man. “I’ve been in and out of prison most of my life, with drug addiction being a big part of it,” Robinson said. “I really didn’t know anything other than that. So, every time I got out of prison, I kept going back to the drugs. And there was never any program that I could take advantage of that would show me anything different until this drug court came along. I thought, ‘Well, I’ve tried everything. I might as well try this.’”
Man arrested for arson, assault in Ephrata on Thursday
EPHRATA — A transient was arrested Thursday morning after allegedly setting fire to an apartment building in Ephrata, according to a statement from the Ephrata Police Department.
Oak and Lily Day Spa gets a little bigger
MOSES LAKE — The Oak and Lily Day Spa has been tucked into a little corner next to the downtown end of the Alder Street Fill for several years, but now it’s expanded into a larger space. “We’re going into our fifth year, (and) we just expanded into the other side of the building,” said owner Stephanie Perez. “We added new services and redid some of our services that we started with.” Perez celebrated expansion Tuesday with a ribbon cutting, attended by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. The space she expanded into used to be a law office, Perez said. The building is an older one, built in 1961, according to county records, and Perez has had to make very efficient use of the space. There’s a small room right behind the front counter where she started out doing manicures and pedicures. In the expanded space, there’s a room with a zero-gravity massage chair that reclines all the way back and wraps around to massage your entire body, right down to your feet, Perez said.