JOEL MARTIN

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.

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.

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.”

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

STCU to open new Othello building

OTHELLO — Spokane Teachers Credit Union’s Othello branch is moving July 1, according to Vice President and Communications Strategist Dan Hansen. The new building at 1335 E. Main St., comprises 3,300 square feet with four offices, six teller stations, a large lobby and, importantly, plenty of parking. That was an issue at the old location, Hansen said. “The lot was a bit cramped, and sometimes when the drive-thru was busy it spilled out on to the road and caused congestion,” he said. STCU opened its Othello branch in 2021, and the problems with parking and drive-thru lines were obvious right away, Hansen said. In 2023 the credit union built a new four-lane drive-thru less than a mile away on Main Street, with plans to put in a new building at the same location. Members were mostly unfazed by having the drive-thru separate from the offices and walk-in services, Hansen said.

Recycling program lets homeowners dispose of paint safely and free

MOSES LAKE — Those old cans of paint that you swore someday you’d use but which are now just collecting dust in the garage? There’s a way to get rid of them safely at no charge. “It’s estimated that 10 percent of paint goes unused each year,” said Lauren Scher, Washington and Oregon Program Manager for PaintCare, a nonprofit organization that operates paint recycling centers nationwide. “So, rather than having it sit around in your garage or your farm or your barn, take it to a drop-off site.”

EVENTS: July 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — July will be bright, hot and filled with fun. Once the Fourth of July hoopla is over, there are still plenty of things to do. Here are a few suggestions, starting with a couple of end-of-June events.

Garred Road Fire sees no growth, two other local fires contained

COULEE CITY — Fire crews are still working on containing the Garred Road Fire, near Coulee City, which has seen very little growth, remaining at nearly 3,400 acres and is around 61 percent contained as of Thursday afternoon. According to the Southeast Washington Interagency I

Quincy store holds raffle for hospitalized employee

QUINCY — The raffle to help an ailing employee at Quincy Hardware and Lumber is booming. “When I first was trying to brainstorm what we could do about this (Wednesday) morning, I thought, (maybe) we can raise $1,000 to help with travel expenses and them being out of town so long,” said owner Tina Stetner Thursday. “Well, the first couple of hours that the store was open (Thursday), I think we'd already made $1,250.” Charles Rounds, who has worked at Quincy Hardware for about five years, was struck last week with cauda equina syndrome, a rare but critical condition in which some of the nerves at the base of the spine stop transmitting messages to the lower part of the body, according to the American Association of Neurosurgeons. In Rounds’ case, the nerves had stopped telling his bladder to empty, causing waste to back up and his kidneys to fail. He went to the emergency room at Quincy Valley Medical Center, which sent him on to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in the Tri-Cities, Reiman said.

Soap Lake Food and Folk Festival grows with second venue, bigger crowd

SOAP LAKE — The third annual Soap Lake Food and Folk Festival added a new venue this year. “Cloudview Farm offered us the partnership and the manpower for getting the thing together,” said Ruthann Tobiason of the Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee, which puts on the festival. “We really needed that because we’ve been running on the energy of a handful of volunteers.” The festival ran for two days, with interactive exhibits and workshops at various locations in Soap- Lake. There was a guitar workshop with musician Carl Tosten, who performed at last year’s festival, held at the Bistro at Soap Lake Natural Spa & Resort, and Walla Walla-based Micah and Me offered a ukulele workshop at the Soap Lake Community Center. Cloudview Kitchen hosted free live music in the evening, for anyone who wanted to come and enjoy the show. “It’s a big deal for them to let all these musicians take over, allowing people to come in and listen to music,” Tobiason said. “Nobody’s asking you to buy a coffee, no admission, you can just come and listen.”

120-acre fire burns structures by I-90

MOSES LAKE — Nobody was harmed in a wildfire alongside Interstate 90 Wednesday afternoon, according to Grant County Fire District 5. At about 3:45 p.m., Adams County Fire District 2 firefighters were dispatched to a fire, dubbed the Schrag Fire, at a farm residence on Schrag Road at milepost 194 of the eastbound lanes of I-90, GCFD 5 Battalion Chief Travis Svilar said. As of 6:30 p.m., the fire had grown to 120 acres. ACFD 2 called for mutual aid from neighboring departments and for air support, Svilar said. Two scooper planes and two helicopters were on the scene. The fire’s forward progress to the east was stopped by 6 p.m., Svilar said. The freeway remained open the entire time.

Wall of pride

Moses Lake unveils ball field mural

MOSES LAKE — The ball field at the Paul Lauzier Athletic Complex on Central Drive sported some new, vibrant colors Tuesday, when a mural celebrating Moses Lake was unveiled. “This is yet another example of (Moses Lake City) Council priority No. 3, which is city pride,” Mayor Dustin Swartz said. “This shows an immense amount of city pride, and also pride from our young people, which I love.” The image covers the back of the dugout facing Central Drive, and shows a young baseball player, a heron with wings spread wide, a Japanese torii gate and the city’s iconic fountain, all with a Moses Lake sunset for a backdrop. The mural was a collaboration between artist Phil Seth and 10 local youth between the ages of 12 and 17, Seth said. The creation took about a week, Seth said Tuesday.

Eudaimonia Medical Spa helps people feel good in their own skin

MOSES LAKE — Merriam-Webster defines “Eudaimonia” as well-being or happiness. That’s what Dr. Hollie Matthews said she had in mind when she opened Eudaimonia Medical Spa in Moses Lake. Eudaimonia Medical Spa, which held a ribbon-cutting Thursday, offers treatments to improve patients’ self-confidence in their appearance, Matthews explained. “A lot of people will say that's just vanity,” Matthews said. “I don't think so. This is about helping you feel your best in your own skin. It's living your best life; it's that internal feeling of being happy, prosperous, flourishing, living your best life, and that has value. Because when you feel good in your own skin, you project that out onto the world. It makes you a happier person. It makes you want to help your neighbor. It makes you want to be out of the house.”

Library activities for July 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty going on for children and adults at libraries around the Basin. All activities are at the library unless otherwise indicated.

Flags, fireworks and parades

Basin communities gear up for the Fourth of July

MOSES LAKE — The United States only turns 250 years old once, and Basin communities are preparing to celebrate in a big way. Moses Lake starts the festivities a day early, with its Red, White and Boom celebration on July 3. There will be food vendors in McCosh Park and a live performance by the 133d Army National Guard Band, followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. The town named for the Father of our Country will host festivities all day, including a fun run, parade, patriotic program and the world’s largest cherry pie at the George Community Hall. The Quincy Valley Historical Society will bring its American History Mobile Museum, and Jeremy McComb’s Honky-Tonk Circus will perform, sponsored by Veterans Operation Creation. The day will finish with fireworks at dusk.

Long service

Lind couple steps down from ministry after three decades

LIND — They say time goes by quickly when you’re doing what you love, and maybe it goes twice as fast when you love doing two things. Steve Schofstall retired last week from both the ministry and the Lind Dryland Research Station, after three decades of devoted service to both. “Our oldest daughter was a kindergartner (when I started), and now she’s 36,” Schofstoll said. “The years have gone by very quickly.” Steve and Kim Schofstall were called to Lind Calvary Assembly of God Church in 1996, and Steve came on board at the WSU Lind Dryland Research Station at the same time, he said.

MLCC to host conversational town hall Thursday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Community Coalition will try to kick-start some conversations Thursday at a town hall titled “What's Troubling You, Moses Lake?” “The feedback that we've gotten for all of our prior town halls is people enjoyed them, but they wish there was more of an opportunity to talk,” said Coalition Coordinator Megan Watson. “So we (said), ‘Let's create a town hall event where that's the point – where you come and talk in small groups.’” The coalition holds town hall meetings every year, Watson said, and in the past they’ve focused on specific issues, like gangs or addiction, with local experts on those subjects giving information to the community. This time, Watson said, the MLCC is partnering with Braver Angels, a national organization dedicated to helping Americans practice courageous citizenship across political differences, according to its website. The event, which will take place at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center, is free and open to the public.

Hard-earned success

BBCC students step into the world armed with diplomas and courage

MOSES LAKE — Genuine success is neither quick nor easy, as the students who graduated Thursday from Big Bend Community College attested. There's a simple story I remember when I was younger,” Associated Student Body President Pedro Lopez said, alternating between English and Spanish. “It's about a kid who plants a seed. At first nothing happens. They water it every day, but the ground still looks the same. They start to wonder if anything is happening at all. They think about digging it up to check, that maybe it didn't work. Maybe nothing is growing. But they keep watering anyway.

BBCC’s final TRIO students prepare to move on

Federal funding cuts end program

MOSES LAKE — For more than 30 years, Big Bend Community College’s TRIO Student Support Services has helped low-income and first-generation college students succeed. On Tuesday evening, it came to an end. “Without TRIO, I would not have had the support that I needed to get to where I am today,” said Adrian Deleon Marmolejo, one of 77 students graduating this year from Big Bend Community College’s TRIO SS program. “Coming from a home that severely affected my mental health and my grades in high school, I never thought I would succeed in higher education, but when I met the TRIO team, their passion for what they do helped me realize that I can do the same.”

Home Center changes ownership, but not quality

MOSES LAKE — After 31 years, The Home Center in Moses Lake is changing hands. “(Owner) Roger (McSteen) was ready to retire,” said Wendy Cox, who has taken over the store with her husband Ron Cox. “Instead of selling or trying to find new jobs for everybody, we decided that we would take on the monster.” Wendy is well equipped for it, she said. She’s been with the company for 28 years, and the general manager for about 15 years. McSteen started out with the original Home Center store in Stanwood, north of Seattle, and owned it for 53 years, she said. Another location, in Ephrata, opened in 2004, according to Columbia Basin Herald archives. Both the Ephrata store and the store in Stanwood closed a few years ago, Wendy said, leaving only the Moses Lake location.

BASIN EVENTS: June 19-27

COLUMBIA BASIN — School is out, and summer officially arrives this week. Here are some ways to make the most of the season. June 19 Soap Lake Food & Folk Festival Live music, local food, workshops, craft vendors, family activities, and community gathering. Hosted by Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee in partnership with Cloudview Farm and Soap Lake Creative District. Free and open to all ages. Soap Lake Creative District Friday, Cloudview Farms Saturday. Info: tinyurl.com/solawafff.

Farmers day out

Growers, scientists and others turn out for Lind Field Day

LIND — The 108th Lind Field Day had something for everyone, at least everyone who has anything to do with wheat farming. Which is a lot of people in Adams County. “I hit this (event) every year and I’ve probably been coming here for 20 (years),” said wheat grower Darrell Miles. “I come here for a variety of stuff, to see what’s coming down the line for new varieties and what’s replacing the old varieties.” The Lind Field Day brought in about 250 farmers, as well as businesses that serve farmers and a smattering of agricultural scientists from Washington State University. After about an hour of coffee, doughnuts and networking, guests split into two groups and toured the wheat fields, stopping for presentations by WSU scientists on new wheat varieties, fungicides and insect control. They rode on a motley variety of vehicles: some buses, and some flatbed trailers with aluminum bleachers attached.

Cars, fireworks and goat tying to grace this year’s Royal City Summerfest

ROYAL CITY — This year’s Summerfest, which takes place July 10-11, will feature a new activity: goat tying, organized by the Royal Ranchers 4-H group. “It’s pretty cute,” said Summerfest Committee Chair Jill Larsen. “It’s for younger kids. There’s a goat staked in the middle of a pen and toddlers run in and take a ribbon off the goat’s tail and then come back to the line. The (children with) the fastest times get prizes.” The goat-tying will be among the activities kicking off the festivities at 6 p.m., along with a touch a truck hosted by Royal Slope EMS and the Dean Callahan Memorial Car Show. The show was renamed this year, in honor of a pillar of the Royal City community who passed away in November, Larsen said.

ACH builds a college-ready culture with AP program

COULEE CITY — With a 2026 graduating class of 21, Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School is one of the smallest in the area, but its advanced placement, or AP, program rivals those of much larger schools. “Our colleague at College Board (the organization that oversees the AP program) noticed that since 2019, our tests, both our test scores and the amount of tests we were administering for the examinations had risen significantly,” said ACH Counselor and English teacher Jennifer Goetz. “They were starting to look at wanting to encourage access and equity in rural schools, and they approached us and said, ‘What are you doing?’” AP classes allow high school students to do college-level work in high school, which gives them college credit alongside the high school credit, according to College Board, and if they continue on to college, allow the students to skip some of the more basic classes other freshmen have to take.

Hanging it up

Frontier Middle School science teacher retires after 34 years

MOSES LAKE — After 34 years, Steve Gjefle has hung up his last classroom ceiling tile. “It’s a good time (to retire),” Gjefle said. “At 66, it’s time to go, let somebody else take the reins and start driving the wagon down the road.” Gjefle spent yesterday, his last day of teaching, right where he spent his first: in the eighth-grade science classroom at Frontier Middle School. He had originally thought he’d teach high school, he said, but when he finished his education and started looking around for work, he stumbled on Frontier, and he’s loved it ever since.

Two youths stabbed in altercation Saturday

MOSES LAKE — A fight between juveniles at an event venue Saturday left two hospitalized with knife wounds, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. At about 8 p.m., first responders were called to a location in the area of Road N and 8 Northeast outside Moses Lake, according to the statement. They learned that two juveniles, 15 and 16 years old, had been stabbed in a fight among multiple juveniles during a celebration at the venue. Both youths were transported to Samaritan Healthcare, according to the statement. Because the investigation is ongoing, it was unknown Monday what triggered the fight or how many other people were involved, according to GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. The juveniles’ medical status was also unknown.

Help on wheels

Cross-country bike riders donate home repairs along the way

OTHELLO — Sometimes help comes in the strangest of ways. For some homeowners in need of repairs, it can come wearing an orange T-shirt and riding a bicycle.

BASIN EVENTS: June 12-20

COLUMBIA BASIN — The kids are out of school and the summer awaits. Here are some things happening in the Basin this week.

Housing inventory up, sales down in Washington

MOSES LAKE — Housing inventory continued to increase in Washington state in May, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 27 Washington counties.

Elbow room

Country Fabrics’ new location has lots of working and growing space

MOSES LAKE — Quilting and sewing enthusiasts can look forward to working in a little more open space at Country Fabrics’ new location on East Third Avenue.

Growing together

Lind-Ritzville Class of 2026 moves on with shared memories

RITZVILLE — The Lind-Ritzville High School Class of 2026 had a lot of shared history. “Our classes had a unique journey,” said Salutatorian Lilly Fannin. “Before we were one graduating class, we were two separate classes from different schools. When we came together in middle school, none of us knew exactly what to expect, but instead of staying separated, we welcomed each other and formed new friendships. As the years went on, these two groups expanded into one, bringing a class of supporting each other, laughed together, and grew together.” Thirty-five seniors graduated from Lind-Ritzville on June 6. They filed into the Gilson Gym two by two to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the Lind-Ritzville High School Band, then took their places while Principal Kevin Terris recognized them for their accomplishments.

Sage-N-Sun to feature patriotic theme, drone show

EPHRATA — Sage-N-Sun will fill downtown Ephrata this weekend with music, parades, sunshine, fun and a semiquincentennial celebration. “Everything is patriotic-themed,” said Britney MacLeod, director of the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the event. “From our bands to the decoration of the town and the parade, the festival (will be) red, white and blue.” The festivities begin Thursday evening with the Youth Parade and then take off in earnest the next morning with the Ephrata Lions Club Fun Run, followed by Grand Parade, according to the Chamber’s online schedule.