JOEL MARTIN

Moses Lake teachers march downtown

MOSES LAKE — Teachers from across Moses Lake marched from Sinkiuse Square to Frontier Middle School Thursdayin support of the Moses Lake Education Association’s work stoppage. The teachers stayed at Frontier while a band played at Carl Ahlers Park across the street and passing motorists honked. The teachers had been on strike for four days while the union negotiates a new contract with the Moses Lake School District.

Local organizations collect Christmas presents for children

MOSES LAKE — There’s a lot of talk about the true meaning of Christmas, but it’s hard to deny that one of the best parts is seeing children open their new toys.

‘People connector’

Small business mentor Allan Peterson prepares to retire

MOSES LAKE — Allan Peterson is hanging it up after more than two decades of helping the little guy find success. “(We) really appreciate all that he has done for Grant County,” Grant County Economic Development Council Director Brant Mayo said. “He’s been an unsung hero of the growth in this area.”

Cookie decorating the focus of Free Family Saturday

MOSES LAKE — ’Tis the season for all kinds of sweet treats, and this month’s Free Family Saturday at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center continues that tradition, decorating gingerbread cookies. “It’s our annual December event,” said Creative Programs coordinator Jenni Shelton. “We’ve done gingerbread cookies for, I think this is the fifth year.” It’s also one of the most popular Free Family Saturday events, Shelton said, drawing 150-200 participants. Most of the cookie artists are children, she said, but parents are welcome to join in too, and many do.

Senior events for December 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather outside may be frightful, but the holiday events this month make the chill in the air a little more bearable. Here are some opportunities to get out and about in December:

Plan early for dementia care

MOSES LAKE — Having dementia can seem like the end of everything. But in some ways, it’s only the beginning. “The most important thing (for) people with dementia is planning for the future,” said Dr. A. Carroll Hayman, a Seattle physician who specializes in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, at a symposium in Pasco in October. “In fact, if we can do an early diagnosis that gives people an opportunity to plan (and) also allows the patient themselves to be involved in some of that planning. If we wait too long they can’t say what they want anymore, then we’re just sort of guessing what they wanted rather than involving them.” As much as we might wish otherwise, dementia isn’t going to go away, and it isn’t going to be cured. How long it could last varies widely from one patient to the next. The patient will have medical, legal and social needs to work out, and they can’t do it alone. Starting early is key, Hayman said.

Celtic Christmas returns to Moses Lake Dec. 12

MOSES LAKE — Fiddler Geoffrey Castle will bring his Celtic Christmas show to Moses Lake again Dec. 12.

Moses Lake Council approves temporary ice rink fix

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council voted unanimously at Tuesday’s meeting to rent replacement equipment to keep the Larson Recreation Center ice rink functional.

GALLERY: November 2025 in review

COLUMBIA BASIN — November in the Basin began with memorials for the departed, surged through state sports championships and finally began to look like winter during Thanksgiving week. Here are a few highlights from last month.

BASIN EVENTS: December 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Now that the Thanksgiving turkey coma has passed, it’s time to get off the couch and start the December festivities. Here are some things happening this month.

Use common sense when warming up with a space heater

MOSES LAKE — Winter weather has come to the Basin, which means a lot of people will be looking for ways to keep warm. Space heaters can be a useful, portable way to heat up a room, but you have to be careful with them and the fire risks they present. “Maintain space between the heater and any combustible object: clothes, blankets, anything that could catch fire,” said Moses Lake firefighter Seth Ellis. One in six residential fires on average are caused by heating equipment, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. Of those, about a third are caused by space heaters, but those fires result in 88% of civilian deaths and 80% of civilian injuries from heating-related fires. The number of fires caused by heaters has dropped from more than 70,000 annually to about 40,000, largely due to safety features like switches to shut the device off when it tips over.

Moses Lake tree lighting kicks off the holidays

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake has reached a landmark, according to Downtown Moses Lake Association Executive Director Mallory Miller.

2,500 families expected for Moses Lake Food Bank Thanksgiving distribution

MOSES LAKE — The line of cars stretched for the better part of a mile at noon Monday, an hour into Moses Lake Food Bank’s Thanksgiving meal distribution. “We have 2,500 families, and we’re anticipating all of them by Wednesday,” said food bank Operations Lead Jim Gantenbein.

Bingo nights raise money for K-9 programs

MOSES LAKE — About 100 people filled the Moses Lake Taproom Thursday, hoisting pints and stamping bingo cards to support Columbia Basin K9s. So far this year, the bingo nights have raised a bit more than $100,000. “I’ve done a ton of fundraisers down there over the last couple of years, and that was probably one of the biggest ones,” said Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete, who served as MC and bingo caller for the event.

‘Exactly what I needed’

Community Court graduate has his life on track

MOSES LAKE — Ricky Boehler has stood before his share of judges in his time. But Wednesday he was laughing, smiling and sharing pizza with one rather than worrying about sentencing.

Festival of Trees to support cancer patients

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Foundation’s Festival of Trees fundraiser this year will benefit cancer patients and their families, said Foundation Director Corinne Isaak.

Is your roof ready for winter?

EPHRATA — Your roof may look ready for winter. But is it really? “You (think you’re) fine until you see a stain,” said Sergio Miramontes, sales manager for Heavenly Roofing. “And when do you usually see a stain? In the winter. By the time you’re seeing it, it’s been leaking for seven to 10 years. Now you’ve got problems with your attic, probably mold on your sheeting or your insulation. It’s already wet, like cotton candy. It’s created issues, but no homeowner thinks about that.” The time to find out about problems is before they get big, Miramontes said. Having the home inspected regularly can alert a homeowner to problems that they wouldn’t notice ordinarily. Especially in older homes, Miramontes said; problems develop that aren’t obvious to the untrained eye. “Even if it’s a couple of nails that don’t have tar, that’s an issue,” he said. “Your pipe boots, they’re cracked. The longer you wait (to have it inspected), the more it’s going to cost you … Next year, your roof is going to cost you more than it did last year.” It’s best to inspect a roof at least once a year, according to Allstate Insurance, and twice a year if the home is older. Homeowners should bring in a professional to check it, as moving around on a roof is dangerous without the proper training.

BASIN EVENTS: Nov. 21-29

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s Thanksgiving week, and there are turkey-related events happening everywhere in the Basin, plus holiday shopping, crafts and much more. Here are some ways to enjoy the week:

No injuries in Larson community attic fire

MOSES LAKE — Nobody was hurt in a fire Thursday afternoon in the Larson community, according to Grant County Fire District 5 Battalion Chief Travis Svilar. “There was one occupant in the house at the time of the fire,” Svilar said. “She was able to escape without injury.”

Crash near Washtucna claims 1, closes road

WASHTUCNA — A collision on state Route 26 just west of Washtucna claimed a life Thursday morning, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. At a little after 11 a.m., a Ford pickup was traveling southbound on Marcellus Road about six miles west of Washtucna and failed to stop at the stop sign on SR 26, said WSP Public Information Officer Sgt. Greg Riddell. The pickup was struck by a semi-truck traveling westbound on SR 26 and came to rest on the westbound shoulder of the highway. The semi came to rest on the eastbound shoulder.

Buckets N Boards brings high-energy percussion and fun

MOSES LAKE — Buckets N Boards isn’t easy to define. “There’s comedy, there’s acrobatics, there’s song and dance,” said Shawn Cardwell, director of Columbia Basin Allied Arts, which is presenting the show Saturday at the Wallenstien Theater.

Eastern European traditions on display at Basin schools

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Allied Arts kicked off its annual school tour Monday, with a performance for Grant and Columbia Ridge students in Ephrata by Trio Barynya.

Firefighters get hands-on training with donated houses

MOSES LAKE — The alert that came out from MACC Dispatch Monday, that a house on East Terrace Avenue in Moses Lake was engulfed in flames with people inside, was part of an exercise with no actual fire or victims involved. Instead, it was designed to be a training simulating a real situation firefighters might respond to.

Holy grounds

Coffee fundraiser puts shoes on children’s feet

OTHELLO — The hot coffee served Sunday by an Othello youth group will help some Othello children with new shoes this winter. “We call it Coffee for a Cause,” said church volunteer Shelley Kensler. “It’s (run by) the Presbyterian youth, and we use the money to purchase shoes for Othello school kids.” The Ironworks Cafe & Market was packed Sunday morning with people who wanted to help further the ministry, or maybe who just wanted coffee and a homemade cinnamon roll. Middle and high school students from the Othello First Presbyterian Church youth group made and served the drinks. Kensler and her husband made the cinnamon rolls themselves, she said. “We do this once a year,” she said. “Erica (Rattray, owner of Ironworks Cafe) donates the use of Ironworks and one of her employees, and really some of her resources too. And then other people donate the other materials that go into it. It’s all pure profit for the program.”

STCU surprises Soup on Saturdays with $5K donation

MOSES LAKE — Spokane Teachers Credit Union had a surprise for a local nonprofit Friday morning. We usually pick up one to two local nonprofits within our community that we can support their needs,” Branch Manager Kerrie Petersen told representatives from Soup on Saturdays. “We chose you guys this year … and so we have a check for $5,000 that we would like to donate to you.” “Oh my God, yes,” Soup on Saturdays Secretary Mindi Brimhall said through tears. Brimhall was at STCU with SOS founder and President Trinette Mullineaux, Treasurer John Killian and Social Media Director Cassandra Wixom to receive a donation, but they had no idea how much it would be, Petersen said.

CBTECH students push in their own fire engine

MOSES LAKE — The Fire Science students at Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center held their first push-in ceremony last week, welcoming home their new fire truck. The truck was a donation from the city of Moses Lake, and while the program had borrowed it in the past, it’s now all theirs, explained CBTECH Fire Sciences teacher Lynn Dodd. “It was a fire truck that was still in service,” Dodd said. “It was a backup of a backup of a backup, but if for some reason the city needed it, they could come and get it and they could utilize it. This last summer it failed pump testing and was deemed no longer an asset to the city. It doesn’t meet the requirements to be an in-service engine anymore … So we can do whatever we want with that truck and stock that truck and train on that truck, and it now is an asset of our class.”

Downtown Tree Lighting to kick off season in Moses Lake Friday

MOSES LAKE — Downtown Moses Lake will be a hopping spot Friday, with food, games, music and the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree. Oh, and a visit from Santa Claus, but without the sleigh.

Interest down, inventory up in Basin housing market

KIRKLAND — The prospects for home buyers in Washington are looking up, according to data released last week by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 27 Washington counties.

BASIN EVENTS: Nov. 13-25

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is getting nippy and the holidays are fast approaching. Whether it’s shopping, art, music or theater, there’s something for everybody happening in the Basin this week.

When buying a first home, listen to the pros

MOSES LAKE — Sometimes, the first step to homeownership is simply taking a step. “The best thing for us to do is to start with a loan application and let me talk with you a little while,” said Guild Mortgage Branch Manager Anne Fisher. “Let's figure out what are your needs, what are your goals.”

Coffey Anderson brings laughs and tears for Veterans Day

QUINCY — Probably at least half the audience had never heard of Coffey Anderson before his concert began Tuesday night. An hour later, he had a whole auditorium’s worth of new best friends.

Generations Church to offer trees, Christmas presents

MOSES LAKE — The Generations Church Christmas tree lot is both moving and expanding this year. “We’re moving our tree lot to our church property, and then we’re going to combine it with an indoor sale, which is hopefully a new and improved garage sale,” said Patty Culver, a member of Generations church who is organizing the sales. “We’ve weeded out the junk and focused on Christmas stuff: clothes and toys and books.”

Eagles to face Northern Colorado Saturday after nail-biting loss to Montana

CHENEY — Eastern Washington University’s football squad made a good showing last weekend, narrowly losing to No. 2 Montana, according to a statement from EWU Athletics. The Grizzlies jumped out to a 22-0 lead early in the second quarter led by Keali'i Ah Yat who completed 14 of his first 15 passes. EWU cut that lead by eight points, leaving the score 22-14 at halftime.

EWU loses to Weber State, heads next to Montana

CHENEY — The Eastern Washington University volleyball team fell Friday to Weber State 20–25, 15–25 and 23–25, according to a statement from EWU Athletics.

Classical sound

Concert Association show will highlight cello and piano, plus a little holiday fun

MOSES LAKE — The Central Basin Community Concert Association will present “Classical Sounds of the Season” Dec. 4. The concert replaced the one originally planned by pianist and Moses Lake native Collin Hansen, who was unexpectedly unable to come from Finland to perform. “Classical Sounds of the Season” will feature Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra cellist Kevin Hekmatpanah and pianist Yoon-Wha Roh.

Members Exhibition opens Friday at Moses Lake Museum

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center’s Members Exhibition is in its fourth year, and it’s breaking records, said Gallery Coordinator Veronica Talbot. “It’s over 160 pieces, with over 50 artists,” Talbot said. “We have quite the array (of media). We have acrylics, we have oils, we have wool wreaths. We’ve got a skull.”

Grant Co. Democrats collect for food bank

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Democrats took to the streets again Tuesday, this time to collect food for the Moses Lake Food Bank. “People have a right to eat,” said Dave Hammond, who was standing on the corner holding signs that said “Feeding the hungry is patriotic” and “Donate here.” “The thing I like about this is it’s going to go to the food bank, and anybody who needs it can get it.”

CliftonLarsonAllen consolidates in new Moses Lake office

MOSES LAKE — CliftonLarsonAllen has a new home in the Columbia Basin. The accounting firm, which has had offices in Moses Lake, Quincy and Othello, is consolidating those offices into a single location on Yonezawa Boulevard in Moses Lake. The company cut the ribbon on its new building Wednesday in a ceremony with the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Grant County eatery looks to raise funds for food donations

OTHELLO — With SNAP benefits up in the air, a lot of people are stressing about how they’re going to fill their fridges, and many others are looking for ways to help. Potholes Bar & Grill is taking some steps to bring the two together.

Fairy tale: Othello HS to stage ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

OTHELLO — It’s your typical teenage drama. Boy loves girl. Girl’s father wants her to marry someone else. Girl runs away and both boys look for her. A mischievous fairy sprinkles a potion on everybody that makes them all fall in love with the wrong people. Wait, what?

BASIN EVENTS: Nov. 7-15

COLUMBIA BASIN — This week celebrates veterans, and there are several events honoring those who served. There are also holiday markets, live performances and much, much more. Here are a few possibilities:

Covenant Homeownership Project showing results

MOSES LAKE — Washington’s Covenant Homeownership Project is beginning to do what it’s designed to. “As of the beginning of last week, 886 people had closed on their homes using this program,” writes Margret Graham, communications director for the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. Another 92 buyers are waiting to close, she wrote.

Ephrata info portal gives residents planning insights

EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council got a look at some long-term plans and the grants to fund them at its meeting Wednesday evening. The information was on a new interactive website, and City Engineer Dave Bren walked the council through them.

Moses Lake collecting food, necessities this month

MOSES LAKE — The City of Moses Lake will collect food and other necessities for the Moses Lake Food bank this month, according to Moses Lake Museum & Art Center Director Dollie Boyd.

Light Up Columbia Basin

Do you have what it takes to be the Champion of Lights?

MOSES LAKE — Basin residents can turn loose their inner Clark Griswold and help students at the same time.

Considering dementia's warning signs

MOSES LAKE — About 42% of adults over 55 will develop dementia eventually, according to the National Institutes of Health. Yet for such a common phenomenon, it’s very little understood.

Ephrata Senior Center Thrift Store gets new wheels

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Senior Center Thrift Store has a new truck, thanks to a grant from the Paul Lauzier Foundation. “We asked the board for $10,000 budget to get a new one,” said Store Manager Tandra Harrington. “We found some different options, and about that time the Paul Lauzier grant opened up. So instead of using the $10,000 that (the board) granted us, we went ahead and wrote for the grant and the Paul Lauzier Foundation granted $40,000.” it wasn’t a quick process, Harrington said. The previous truck’s engine had blown up six or eight months earlier, she said. The new truck is a 2021 Ford Econoline, Harrington said. It will be used primarily for pickup and delivery. “We do two pickups per week,” Harrington said. “And then its used for any materials or supplies needed for the store, and for dump runs.”

Car club raises $4,000 for first responders

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Classic Car Club will donate the proceeds from its Cars, Cops, Coffee and First Responders car show at a ceremony today. The event, which was held Oct. 18, raised $4,000 for local emergency services, according to club member Dave Robins. The money was raised through entry fees into the car show, Robins said, and also through donations from local residents and businesses.

Moravida honors departed loved ones, celebrates Hispanic culture

MOSES LAKE — After all the Halloween candy is gone, the costumes are put away and the decorations are brought inside, it’s time to get down to the solemn part.

Piper Barn Show opens Wednesday

MOSES LAKE — There’s a lot going on at the Piper Barn Show this week, but one thing not to miss is the cinnamon rolls. “They are amazing,” said Julie Piper Phipps, who organizes the four-day market every year. “People line up and wait for them. They make about 400 a day and they sell out by noon.” Phipps’ daughters and daughters-in-law – whom she calls “her girls” – make the rolls, she said, much like she did when the show debuted in 1988. Phipps’ mom, Sheila Piper, started the show on the family farm with a friend in 1988. Circumstances forced them to close it up in 2001, but when Phipps and her husband moved back to Moses Lake in 2012, she decided to start the ball rolling again.