JOEL MARTIN

BASIN EVENTS: July 31-Aug. 31

COLUMBIA BASIN — Those lazy days of summer don’t have to be so lazy you can’t get out and enjoy some fun around the Basin. Here are a few ideas for August.

Field study

Japanese Agricultural Training Program celebrates 60 years at BBCC

MOSES LAKE — Six decades of agricultural collaboration between the Columbia Basin and Japan were celebrated Monday evening at Big Bend Community College. “Over the years, hundreds of participants have come to our region to learn, to work, and share their talents,” Big Bend Community College President Sara Thompson Tweedy said at the commemoration Monday. “And in doing so, you have enriched our college, strengthened our agricultural community, and created lifelong relationships that continue to span the Pacific Ocean.”

Holy Trinity celebrates 80 years of faith

EPHRATA — Even in challenging times, there's a lot going on at Holy Trinity Church in Ephrata. “(It’s) a far cry from the heyday in the history of this congregation where they had hundreds of people worshiping on a Sunday,” said Council President Gary Bracht. “But within this small body, we're doing a lot more outreach and impacting more people in the community. We're looking at it as, where do we see God calling us? And that's the direction that we've taken.”

'Man up'

Rodeo campaign raises funds, awareness for domestic violence services

MOSES LAKE — When the rodeo riders wear purple, that means it’s time to man up. “Man Up" is for awareness of domestic violence, said Kim Pope, executive director of New Hope. “Any time we make someone aware of the services that are provided in our (area), that’s important.” The Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo teams up every year with New Hope for the Man Up Crusade, an awareness program to raise both money and awareness of domestic violence. Rodeo competitors and spectators will wear purple bandannas, shirts and more at the rodeo Saturday to signal their support for the folks who care and advocate for domestic violence victims.

Old Hotel to host summer art event Saturday

OTHELLO — The Old Hotel Art Gallery will host “Paint, Pour and Explore” Saturday, according to an announcement from the museum. “We are collaborating with several other businesses in an effort to give the community a fun evening, draw people into The Old Hotel, and support local businesses,” Director Samantha Copas wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. The event will include wine tasting with Ginkgo Forest Winery, and group painting led by artist Nellie Hoot of It’s Arty Time. There will also be cake tasting with Artisan Bakery and charcuterie boxes from Bites of Rye, according to the announcement.

CBCCA unveils 2026-27 concert season

MOSES LAKE — The Central Basin Community Concert Association has released its concert schedule for 2026-27. The season will begin with a CBCCA favorite, the Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra, on Oct. 11. “The Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra has a long tradition as one of the finest student/community orchestras in the region and its repertoire contains some of the most demanding pieces in orchestral music,” the CBCCA wrote on its website. The orchestra is conducted by Ke

Confluence Health names new Chief Medical Officer

WENATCHEE — Confluence Health has selected a new chief medical officer, according to an announcement from Confluence July 23 July 23. Dr. Katie Peterson replaces former CMO Dr. James Murray, who was appointed to Confluence Health’s new chief physician executive position in March, according to an April 29 announcement from Confluence. “Dr. Katie Peterson brings a thoughtful, steady leadership style along with a strong understanding of both clinical care and the broader work required to improve health across a system,” Confluence CEO Dr. Andrew Jones wrote in the announcement. “She has earned the respect of colleagues across our organization and has shown a clear commitment to collaboration, quality, and doing what is right for patients. I’m confident she will serve our physicians, care teams, and community exceptionally well as CMO and will help us continue moving forward together as an organization.”

Podium cuts ribbon on new, expanded physical therapy and training clinic

MOSES LAKE — In physical therapy, it’s good to have plenty of room to work in. Now, Podium Physical Therapy and Performance Training has that space. Owner Dr. Ryan Carpenter cut the ribbon on his new, larger practice Thursday afternoon. “My idea with therapy and training was always to have a space for people to advance what they want to work on,” Carpenter said. “Our space seemed to shrink with equipment and people coming in.” The new space is a huge increase: 6,800 square feet compared to the1,800 square feet in which he opened Podium four years ago. Carpenter moved into the building next door, which was formerly Beck ‘N Call Pet Care, and for many years before that, the Calico Cat thrift store. The process took about six months, he said.

Looking good

Institute of Beauty Professionals trains barbers, nail techs and more

MOSES LAKE — It takes a lot of training to make people look their best. “(A license to do) nails is 600 hours (of instruction),” said Institute of Beauty Professionals owner and instructor Nicholas Harle. “Cosmetology is 1,640 hours, barbering is 1,000, hair design is 1,440 and aesthetics is 750.” IBP takes its own private students and also serves the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center’s cosmetology program, Harle said. Those students spend 2 1/2 hours a day at IBP and earn credits in lab science, technical science, first aid and fine arts, he said. There were 61 CBTECH students at IBP last year, he said, and there are about 25 full-time students.

Growing fast

Gray Girl Farms nursery springs up near Royal City

ROYAL CITY — It’s one thing to grow and sell flowers. Owning a complete nursery is something else altogether, especially when you have only months to build it. “The learning curve has been really steep,” said Kylie Gray-Eilers. “I just always tell myself that every day is a new day.” Gray-Eilers isn’t a stranger to raising plants; her Gray Girl Farms has sold dahlias for almost eight years, and she holds a Dahlia Days festival every year in October. The dahlia operation was beginning to reach the point where she needed either to scale it back or grow, she said. So when she learned that Robin Prchal, owner of Emerald Desert Nursery in Quincy, was fixing to retire, Gray-Eilers decided it was time to expand.

BASIN EVENTS: July 24-Aug. 1

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s hot and smoky outside? This is the Columbia Basin. We’re used to this. Here are some chances to get out and have some fun no matter what the sky looks like. July 25 Christmas in July at the Market Who says you have to wait until December for holiday cheer? Stroll through decorated vendor booths, shop amazing local makers and growers, enjoy holiday-themed fun, festive music, sweet treats, and surprises for the whole family. Wear your favorite Christmas shirt, Santa hat, or holiday outfit. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Moses Lake Farmers Market, McCosh Park, 401 W. Fourth Avenue. Info: www.farmersmarketml.com.

Library activities for August 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — Summer winds down in August, and so do summer reading programs. Here’s what’s happening at libraries in the Basin. All activities are at the library unless otherwise indicated.

Basin vets honored with quilts

MOSES LAKE — Some Basin veterans were honored Monday, not with medals or a parade, but with quilts. “Many people see beautiful quilts and admire the colors and patterns and stitching, but it is much more than fabric and thread,” said Jenn Tincher, who leads Soap Lake Freedom Quilts of Valor. “Every quilt represents countless hours of planning, cutting, piecing, quilting, binding, labeling and praying. It carries with it the hands and the hearts of us volunteers who may never have served in the military ourselves, but we want to thank you and let you know that your sacrifices have not been forgotten. Each stitch is a reminder that someone cares, someone remembers you and someone is very grateful for what you have done.” Quilts of Valor met at Grace Harvest Church in Moses Lake to present quilts to 13 Basin veterans, of whom seven were able to be present. The quilts’ designs were varied: some were simple triangle or square patterns; others had flag motifs. One quilt had stars and stripes surrounding a bald eagle with a U.S. flag behind him. Each had been created by a team of seven ladies from the area who collaborate to pick the patterns, cut the fabric and assemble them. Those are matched up with veterans who either are nominated by somebody local or reach out through the organization’s website. Once 10 or so veterans have been nominated, the quilters hold a ceremony where the

Warden library hosts Mexican dance show

WARDEN — The dancers of Warden’s Ballet Folklórico Viva México performed at the Warden Library Thursday afternoon, entertaining one of the largest crowds a library event has drawn, said Librarian Jean Boersma. “We were pushing 100,” Boersma said. “They just kept coming.” About 15 dancers of wide-ranging ages and sizes demonstrated traditional moves from Mexico on the library lawn, in both denim shorts and skirts and full, flowing dresses in bright colors. The audience sat or stood in the shade of the tree on the library lawn, many of them holding up phones to capture the moment on video. After each dance, one dancer would shout, “Viva Mexico!” and the dancers would enthusiastically respond, “Viva!”

‘A Gathering of Ologists’

Floodfest brings Basin history and science to life Saturday

COULEE CITY — Just about anything anyone could want to know about the Columbia Basin will be on display Saturday at the Ice Age Floodfest at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park. “Floodfest is a gathering of ‘ologists,’” said Washington State Parks Interpretive Specialist David McWalter. “We’ve got archaeologists, geologists, geomorphologists, biologists, historians.”

Man arrested in Thursday morning hit-and-run

MOSES LAKE — A suspect was taken into custody Thursday afternoon in the hit-and-run of a county road worker early Thursday morning, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. Trino Mendez, 36, was booked into Grant County Jail on suspicion of hit-and-run attended complicity and vehicular assault, according to the Grant County Jail roster. No bail had been set as of Friday morning. The incident happened around 5:10 a.m. on North Frontage Road about a mile east of Dodson Road, according to the GCSO. Road crews were preparing the road for chip sealing when the worker was struck.

Free bowling, pizza and movies for Ritzville’s National Night Out

RITZVILLE— Ritzville’s National Night Out will look a little different this year, said Ritzville Police Chief Mike Suniga. “This year, we’re going to rent out the local bowling alley, and we’ll have bowling and free pizza,” Suniga said. “And we’re finalizing a movie at the Ritz Theater next door.” The segment of Main Avenue in front of the theater and bowling alley will be blocked off for displays of fire trucks, ambulances and police cars, Suniga said. The bowling will take place in the evening, and the movie will be shown the next morning.

EVENTS: July 17-25, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — We’re near the halfway point of the summer, and there’s still no shortage of things to do this year. Here are some ways to get out and about.

Renovated low-income housing unveiled in Grant County communities

QUINCY — A new-and-improved Quincy Manor apartment complex was unveiled at a ceremony Tuesday. “Today is not only about buildings preserved or units counted,” said Catholic Charities Housing Services Director of Housing Services Bryan Ketcham. “It's about families having a place to begin again, children having a stable home from which to learn and grow, and communities becoming stronger because people are rooted, supported and seen.” Quincy Manor, with 20 units, is one of three low-income apartment complexes operated by Catholic Charities Housing Services that received a complete makeover, according to Ketcham. La Amistad in Warden, with 30 units, and the 45-unit Villa Santa Maria in Mattawa were also renovated. The apartments in all three complexes were refurbished with new roof systems, interior and exterior paint, upgraded cabinets and countertops and updated community spaces, according to CCHS.

Home sales up as summer moving season begins

MOSES LAKE — More homes hit the market in June as summer home sales gained momentum, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 27 of Washington’s 39 counties. Active listings increased 16.4 percent statewide in June 2026 compared to June 2025, according to the NWMLS data and 8 percent compared to May 2026. Grant County listings followed a similar pattern, increasing 14.56 percent year-over-year and 9.18 percent over May 2026. Active listings were down 15.87 percent in Adams County from June 2025, but up 3.92 percent from a month earlier.

National Night Out

Police departments prepare to meet the public next month

MOSES LAKE — The Ephrata Police Department will host its first National Night Out this year, joining several other Basin communities. “We’ll have static vehicle displays: one of our patrol cars, the fire truck, (and) Lifeline is hopefully going to be joining us with an ambulance,” EPD Office manager Jennifer Hansen said. “We’ll be serving free hot dogs and everyone is invited for a free swim.” The event will be held Aug. 4 at Splash Zone, the city water park, according to Hansen, who took the lead in planning the event. It’s long been a priority of the department to get to where it could host National Night Out, and although this is the first year, Hansen said, it won’t be the last.

Alleged assault on officer, paramedic lands man in jail

MOSES LAKE — A man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly assaulted a paramedic and a Moses Lake Police Officer, according to a statement from the MLPD. Jared Blake Hunter, 34, was booked into Grant County Jail on charges of third-degree assault – law enforcement officer, according to Grant County Jail records.

Man arrested in Moses Lake for drive-by shooting

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested in a drive-by shooting incident in the Cascade Valley area of Moses Lake Tuesday night, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Austin Bennett, 27, was booked into jail on suspicion of drive-by shooting, according to the Grant County Jail roster. As of Wednesday morning, he did not have a listed bail amount. At about 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, GCSO deputies and Moses Lake Police officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 7900 block of Stanley Road Northeast, according to the statement. Investigators collected evidence at the scene, including a spent .223-caliber cartridge casing.

‘What Royal City is all about’

Summerfest celebrates small-town pride, community spirit

ROYAL CITY — Royal City celebrated the sunny season with its annual Summerfest last weekend, and the event was by any measure a success. “The feedback has been really great,” said Committee Chair Jill Larsen. “People loved the parade; it’s an election year, so that brings out more people. Our dancing horses were as popular as ever. I’m pretty sure we had around 75 horses this year.” This year’s Summerfest featured a couple of new events, both geared toward younger attendees. The Royal Ranchers 4-H Club hosted goat tying, which actually involved untying a ribbon from the tail of a goat. A 4-H volunteer held the baby goat still so the smaller competitors could get a hold on the ribbon; for the older kids, a mama goat led them on a chase around the ring.

‘Year of the Horse’

Up Town Art Gallery opens equine-themed exhibition

MOSES LAKE — According to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 (and a little bit of 2027) is the year of the horse. That was a good reason, decided the owners of Up Town Art Gallery in Moses Lake, to hold a special art show centered around the magnificent creatures. “We’ve got, I don’t know how many local artists,” said Judy Kalin, who co-owns Up Town Art Gallery with Leanne Hickman. “I think there are 10 or 12 of us.” The equine theme took on a lot of forms: oils, watercolors, acrylics, charcoal and Hickman’s trademark painted feathers. There were rope baskets made from lariats, wooden horse sculptures and a stuffed unicorn as well.

Basin hospitals honored by state association

MOSES LAKE — Four local hospitals were awarded the Achievement of Quality Excellence by the Washington State Hospital Association at the WSHA Rural Hospital Leadership Conference in Chelan on June 28. “For this year's award, the measures that we looked at related to quality, and those are: working on climate change; working on health equity; our safe deliveries road map, which is related to perinatal work, quality work in the delivering babies arena; fall prevention; opioid harm prevention; sepsis; and workplace violence,” said WSHA Director of Clinical Excellence, Rural Programs Megan Herman. Confluence Hospital in Wenatchee, which serves Moses Lake, Royal City and Ephrata through branch clinics, was a gold honoree, according to an announcement from Confluence Health. Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake and Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee also received gold awards, according to the WSHA, and Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata received the silver award.

Where to swim in the Basin

MOSES LAKE — In case you haven’t noticed, it’s hot. And it’s likely to get hotter before the summer is over. Which makes plunging yourself into water seem like a really nice idea.

Quincy Lakes Fire spurs evacuations

QUINCY — A fire that broke out in the Ancient Lakes area south of Quincy Saturday night prompted a Level 3, or Go Now, evacuation order. Nobody was hurt, and no structures were threatened, according to Grant County Fire District 5 firefighter Daniel Garland, who spoke from the scene. “We evacuated all the campers,” Garland said. “Probably five to seven people, no cars or trucks, not a crazy amount.” The blaze, dubbed the Quincy Lakes Fire, was officially at 200 acres Sunday morning, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, but Garland, who was at the south end of the fire, estimated it at closer to 800. It was discovered at about 9:30 p.m., according to the NIFC.

Improv camp coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake students can immerse themselves in the world of improvisational theater at a new camp coming in August. “It’s an entry point for 7- to 18-year-olds into theater and improv comedy,” said Columbia Basin Allied Arts Director Shawn Cardwell. “They’ll go through the games and the thought processes behind improv acting.” The week-long camp, called Yes, And Academy, will take students through four different classes with multiple instructors, where they’ll learn scene work, devising, improv fundamentals, and performance through fun, interactive improv games and exercises, according to an announcement from CBAA, which is collaborating with MG Teams of Spokane to produce the camp. Students will get to explore a variety of games and activities tailored to their age group, according to the announcement. Classes will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, with a lunch break. Students should bring their own lunch, according to the announcement.

Achieving the dream

Catholic Charities brings homeownership into the realm of the possible

MOSES LAKE — Catholic Charities Housing Services, based in Yakima, operates multi-family housing in 19 communities including Moses Lake, George, Royal City, Warden and Mattawa. Some of those residential properties are for seniors, some for farmworkers, some for anyone who needs an apartment to rent. But for those residents who are ready to move beyond renting, CCHS has programs to help them get into a home of their own. “We have two different models that allow families access to homeownership opportunities,” CCHS Vice President and Director of Housing Services Bryan Ketcham said. “They're both sweat equity-based, a component where there's buy in and commitment from the families.”

BASIN EVENTS: July 10-18

COLUMBIA BASIN — Whether you soak up the sun or the air conditioning, there’s something happening to suit you in the Basin this week. Check these out.

Drought prospects looking dire this year, experts say

The question isn’t whether we’ll have a drought in the Inland Northwest this summer, according to regional experts. It’s just a question of how bad it will get.

Tribute, cover bands finish out Moses Lake’s summer concert series

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Summer Concert Series, sponsored by the Moses Lake Creative District, has come into its own in its fourth year, said Creative Programs Coordinator Jenni Shelton. “I think it’s growing, as things like this do,” Shelton said. “We didn’t have super high attendance with our first two concerts this summer, but we had bad weather. It wasn’t very warm out and there had been rain earlier in the day. But I think word is getting our more and I’m hoping that these tribute bands are going to get people out even more.” Two of this year’s concerts were tied in with other events: R and B singer Lady A performed at Juneteenth and the 133d Army National Guard band performed last week at Red, White and Boom. In between, tejano/conjunto band Los Volcanes de Eddie Rodriguez brought the sounds of the south Texas border country to the Centennial Amphitheater.

Ouija board leads to car prowl arrested

MOSES LAKE — A Ouija board led to an arrest in a vehicle break-in Friday afternoon, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department.

George celebrates Independence Day in a big way

GEORGE — The town of George, Washington began its existence as a city on July 4, 1957, and it’s been celebrating America ever since. But this Independence Day marked a quarter of a millennium of American history, and that meant going above and beyond the usual festivities. “I love the enthusiasm people have for the red, white and blue this year,” said Marissa Vela of Ephrata, who had her Blessed Beads vendor booth set up at the George Community Park. “I think it makes America feel so (much) heart with the 250th year, plus the World Cup. I’m loving that vibe.” George’s celebration had many of the elements that have been par for the course in past years: the parade, the patriotic program with song and speakers and the town’s trademark, the world’s largest cherry pie. In addition, there was a historical display by the Quincy Valley Historical Society, where reenactors showed kids how Benjamin Franklin’s printing press worked, recounted the experiences of a young Revolutionary War soldier and let them sign the Declaration of Independence with an actual quill pen. The display made the rounds of Quincy-area elementary schools earlier this year, said QVHS Director Harriet Weber, and gave those students a perspective they might not otherwise have had.

One man arrested in MLPD chase

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested Friday following a brief police chase Friday morning. Canaan Nickolas Elliott, 18, was arrested on an out-of-county warrant in the Cascade Valley area of Moses Lake, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. Elliott was previously arrested in June on suspicion of third-degree retail theft with special circumstances, obstructing a law enforcement officer and second-degree burglary, according to Columbia Basin Herald archives.

Over 100 fire calls made across Grant County during Fourth of July weekend

MOSES LAKE — Fireworks sparked over 100 fire calls across Grant County during the Fourth of July holiday, stretching local fire agencies and volunteers as crews raced from one incident to the next under dangerous fire weather conditions. "All I can say is wow," Grant County Fire Marshal Nathan Poplawski said in a statement released following the holiday weekend. The amount of fires responded to over the Fourth of July weekend was roughly double the number recorded during the first week of the county's burn restrictions, according to Poplawski.

Purple Party to kick off Alzheimer’s fundraising July 16

MOSES LAKE — The Walk to End Alzheimer’s technically takes place in September, but in fact, it starts two months earlier at the Purple Party. “I like to call it the pre-party to the Walk,” Cox said. “It gets people energized to build their teams.” This year’s Purple Party is on July 16 at Brookdale Hearthstone in Moses Lake, the second year it’s been held there. Before that it was held at an outdoor venue, and the change has been a welcome one, Cox said. “It was always so hot,” she said. “The participants were grateful that it was inside and air-conditioned.

Multiple injuries in boat, personal watercraft collision on Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Several people sustained injuries Sunday in a watercraft collision in the Laguna area of Moses Lake, according to a statement from Moses Lake city officials. “There was a personal watercraft being operated in an area where there were some boats,” Moses Lake Fire Chief Art Perillo said. “The personal watercraft had two people on it. They ended up hitting one boat, going up and over, and then hit a second boat.” “Eight individuals were transported to the local hospital for further evaluation. Three patients involved in the collision sustained significant injuries,” the city wrote in its statement.

Job fair offers opportunities for justice-impacted youth

MOSES LAKE — Some young people in Grant County took a step toward employment Wednesday at Grant County Youth Services’ first job fair. “One of the programs that we teach is on education and employment,” said Tammy Roloff, a treatment counselor with Grant County Youth Services. “We found that (when it came to) getting work experience, we were having difficulty finding businesses to work with, to do job shadowing or placement. It sparked this idea to do an employment fair for justice-impacted families.”

Veterans, supporters to gather at GC Fairgrounds July 15

MOSES LAKE — The Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee will hold an event for veterans at the Grant County Fairgrounds July 15, according to an announcement from Washington Department of Veterans Affairs. “We do four events a year, two on the west side and two on the east side,” said Sue LaVoie, executive assistant with WDVA. “We’re asking resource providers to come for a roundtable and let us know what they provide for our veterans … We’re going to talk about where the successes are, what are the gaps, how maybe one group can work with another. (We’re) trying to connect resource providers with each other so we can all assist each other in supporting veterans.” The resource fair will give veterans a chance to interact with both government agencies and private organizations that serve veterans, LaVoie said.

Moses Lake Scout builds garden at fairgrounds for Eagle project

MOSES LAKE — Seventeen-year-old Carson Overfield is taking the final step to reach the pinnacle of a Boy Scout’s career, becoming an Eagle Scout, and he proved it with sweat Tuesday morning. “He started (Scouting) when he was in second grade and went all the way through,” said Carson’s mom, Bonnie Overfield. Only about four percent of Boy Scouts ever reach Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank in scouting, according to the Scouting America Heart of America Council website. The process is a rigorous one; Scouts spend years earning merit badges, passing tests and demonstrating leadership. Part of the process is the Eagle Scout Project, in which the Scout must plan something that will benefit any religious institution, any school or the community, according to the Eagle Project Workbook. All of the work must be completed before the Scout turns 18.

BASIN EVENTS: July 3-11

COLUMBIA BASIN – This weekend will be loaded with Fourth of July observances in most of our communities, and then there’s plenty more happening afterward. Here are some things to check out.

Basin home prices steady; closing costs drop in WA

MOSES LAKE — Basin home prices have stayed fairly steady in the larger communities this year, varying by 5-9 percent, according to data from the real estate site Redfin. Moses Lake’s home prices averaged $369,769 from March to the end of May 2026, an increase of 8.8 percent over the same period in 2025, according to Redfin’s data. Ephrata’s median was $340,796, a decrease of 8.6 percent from last year, and Quincy averaged $384,770, down 5 percent from a year ago. Othello’s median was $339,747, a drop of 5.6 percent. Warden prices were up 25.3 percent to $395,000. Mattawa homes sold for an average of $355,000, a drop of 14.5 percent, and Royal City’s median was up 18.3 percent to $358,000.

Senior Picnic celebrates America’s 250th birthday with hot dogs, music and fun

MOSES LAKE — The 12th annual Moses Lake Senior Picnic June 10 was a star-spangled success, organizers said. “It’s amazing,” said Laurie Ahmann, executive director of Brookdale Hearthstone, one of the sponsors of the event. “There are some (people) who are first-timers this year, but there are those who say they’ve been here all 12 years.” The picnic took up two buildings at the Grant County Fairgrounds and drew a crowd of about 900 people, said Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Director Debbie Doran-Martinez. That number was about on a par with the 2025 picnic, she added.

Battle of the Badges coming July 9

MOSES LAKE — First responders will be pitted against each other July 9 for the Battle of the Badges blood drive. “There’s a big rally for all blood types to come out and donate to ensure that we have a strong blood supply this summer,” said Amber Short, community partnership development account manager with Vitalant, a nonprofit that provides blood to those who need it across the U.S. This is the third year the Battle of the Badges has taken place in Moses Lake, Short said. Last year, the Moses Lake Fire Department took the trophy back to the fire station; the Moses Lake Police Department had claimed it the year before.

SENIOR EVENTS: July 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — When all the Fourth of July celebrations have wound down, there will still be plenty of opportunities to get out of the house and into something fun. Here are a few things awaiting seniors in July.

Moses Lake pianist performs at honors recital

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake student performed last week at the Washington State Music Teachers Association Honors Recital. “She performed very musically and beautifully,” music instructor Marina Munter wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “A lot of teachers from all over Washington commented to me how much they enjoyed her performance with a lot of musical expression and emotion.” Anna Borodulin, who has studied with Munter for nine years, was one of 11 students statewide selected to perform at the WSMTA Conference, which was held at Central Washington University June 27-29.

Jehovah’s Witness convention coming to Kennewick July 3-5

KENNEWICK — Jehovah’s Witnesses will hold their annual convention in Kennewick this weekend, according to an announcement from the religious organization. The theme for the three-day event is “Eternal Happiness,” according to the announcement, and participants will explore how everlasting happiness can be achieved through spirituality founded on practical Bible principles.

Fun on wheels

Mobile Recreation Unit brings toys, games and crafts to Moses Lake parks

MOSES LAKE — When you’re a kid, the summer is full of enjoyable things to do. And if you can’t get to them, the city of Moses Lake brings the fun to you. “Not every kid can get to the Recreation Center,” said Recreation Superintendent Carrie Hoiness. “Not every kid can get to the pool or to the roller rink. So what we want to do is provide those opportunities for the kids who can’t get there.” The Mobile Recreation Unit began its summer schedule last week, traveling around Moses Lake to four city parks in four neighborhoods Monday through Thursday. The activities are geared toward children 5-12 years old, but nobody gets turned away, Hoiness said.