JOEL MARTIN

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.

Royal High School sends graduates into the world

ROYAL CITY — Royal High School’s graduation Friday was a little bittersweet, said Principal Courtney McCoy. “I will miss you more than you know,” McCoy said, opening the 2026 commencement ceremony. “You have left a lasting impression, not only in the halls of Royal High School, but in the hearts of teachers, staff, families, and friends who have had the privilege of watching you grow. Many of you have spent 13 years walking, running, learning, playing across these four campuses.

‘So much hope’

Suzi Fode passes the baton at New Hope

MOSES LAKE — New Hope has a new leader. “I am so excited for Kim (Pope) to take the reins and add some fresh breath into the work,” said former New Hope/Kids Hope director Suzi Fode, who retired May 15 after 20 years at the helm. “I am excited to see what she does.”

Basin students selected state Future Farmers of America officers

MOSES LAKE — Arielle Montoya of Moses Lake and Tessa Hauskin of Ephrata will serve as Future Farmers of America officers next year for Washington state. Montoya was named state treasurer and Hauskin state reporter. “It’s a big deal,” said Ephrata High School FFA advisor Landra Kosa. “It’s a pretty rigorous process to be chosen to be a state officer.” In the history of Moses Lake High School, only five students have attained the honor, said FFA Advisor Tony Kern, one in the 1970s and four others, including Montoya, since 2014. Hauskin is the first Tiger elected to state office since 2008, Kosa said.

Walk of pride

Former Peninsula students return for Graduation Parade

MOSES LAKE — Some seniors getting ready to graduate from Moses Lake returned to their elementary school one last time before heading out into the world.

Senior Picnic gathers senior resources in one place

MOSES LAKE — The Senior Picnic is more than just a luncheon

BASIN EVENTS: June 6-13

COLUMBIA BASIN — The sun is shining, flowers are blooming and the Basin is bubbling with fun things to do. Here are a few suggestions.

Creative district conference coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake will host the ArtsWA Creative District Conference June 11-12, bringing in administrators from creative districts all over Washington.

Ticor Title opens in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The new Moses Lake office of Ticor Title Company held a ribbon-cutting Tuesday with the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, welcoming the local business community to meet the team. Branch Manager Steve Martinez has been in the title and escrow business for 15 years, he said. He had just started work at REC Silicon when that company ran into financial difficulties at its Moses Lake plant. “They started taking voluntary layoffs,” Martinez said. “I had already started dabbling in (title and escrow) with my wife, and I liked it. I loved the work, so I started at the very bottom of the industry and worked my way up through the years.”

Free and clear

Title search is a small but vital part of the home buying process

MOSES LAKE — The home buying process can be a long and involved one, especially for first-time buyers: finding the right home, threading the mortgage maze, negotiating the down payment and the closing costs. In all that hoopla, the title search can sound like a very minor step, but in fact it’s vital.

‘The Trip to Bountiful’

Masquers play explores what it means to go home

SOAP LAKE — Home, and what it means, is at the heart of the Masquers Theater’s production of “The Trip to Bountiful,” written by playwright Horton Foote, opening June 12. “The show is very nostalgic,” said director Jesse Huntwork. “It’s about going back to your hometown, your home roots, and remembering where you came from.” Carrie Watts (played by Rosalee Chamberlain) lives with her son Ludie (Jason Noble) and his wife Jessie May (Machelle Miller) in a small Houston, Texas, apartment in the post-World War II era, but none of them are really happy with the arrangement. Jessie May carps constantly at her mother-in-law, who responds passive-aggressively, while Ludie is forced to play the peacemaker.

AeroTek opens Moses Lake office

MOSES LAKE — The ribbon-cutting at the new AeroTek office in Moses Lake Monday brought Traci Thomas full-circle. “Having come from Moses Lake … being able to come back to my home and my community with my four kids and have the people I trust most by my side is super important,” Thomas said. Thomas moved to California to take a promotion with AeroTek a number of years ago, she said, and now will serve as AeroTek’s representative in Moses Lake. AeroTek, a staffing and recruitm

MLHS seniors earn Seal of Biliteracy

MOSES LAKE — Sixty-nine Moses Lake High School seniors earned the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy this year, according to MLHS EL Specialist Galina Shaporda.

SENIOR EVENTS: June 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — The sun is shining; the birds are singing, and there’s lots of fun out there for seniors in the Basin. Here are a few things to check out.

Caregivers help prevent depression in seniors

MOSES LAKE — It’s not talked about very much, but depression is a very real concern for seniors. “Aging is not always easy,” said Marisa Martinez, branch manager at Family Resource Home Care. “It’s not always pleasant, but it’s something that eventually has to happen.” About 15% of Americans 65 and older report having been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That’s not counting those whose depression goes undiagnosed, often because they’re reluctant to allow for the possibility after having taken care of themselves and others their whole lives.

20-year friendship

Microsoft throws street party to thank Quincy community

QUINCY — In May 2006, a few shovels turned over not just some dirt, but the fortunes of a community.

Honky-Tonk Circus to headline George Fourth festivities

GEORGE — For a town of barely 1,000 people, George hosts a whopping Fourth of July Celebration, as befits a community named for the Father of the Country.

Microsoft donates $200K to Quincy nonprofits

QUINCY — Twenty non-profit organizations in Quincy got a surprise Thursday evening, as Microsoft passed out checks for $10,000 each to further their work. “It couldn’t have come at a better time, because our big heritage barn is in terrible need of repainting,” said Quincy Valley Historical Society and Museum Director Harriet Weber. “That’s a big, big job.”

11 Wilson Creek grads prepare for the future

WILSON CREEK — The 11 young men who graduated from Wilson Creek High School Saturday will be well prepared for their next steps.

CBTECH Criminal Justice student graduates complete first step to law enforcement career

MOSES LAKE — Thirty-seven students walked out of the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center Tuesday, completing their first step for a career in law enforcement.

BASIN EVENTS: June 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — As we swing out of spring into summer, there is a host of activities in the Basin, both indoors and out. Here are a few suggestions.

Ephrata’s Desert Plains development growing slowly but steadily

EPHRATA — A neighborhood in the northeast corner of Ephrata isn’t growing fast, but it’s growing steadily.

Moses Lake takes to the streets in Spring Fest Parade

MOSES LAKE — The Little Farm Daycare float in the Spring Fest Parade carried a contingent of children, and also a kid of a different kind: an 8-month-old goat named Daisy.

Fest food

Spring Fest vendors keep the crowds fed

MOSES LAKE — You don’t need a map to find where Spring Fest is set up in McCosh Park. The aromas wafting on the breeze call out to you from a block away. “It’s a dangerous place to be,” said Karlee Marion-Swan, who was getting teriyaki ready ahead of the crowds Thursday. Nearly every kind of food and drink imaginable could be had at Spring Fest: hamburgers and hot dogs of all sizes and shapes, elephant ears, stir-fry, tacos and fries in an astonishing variety of forms. Ylse Engler, of Waterville, had her Knotty Delights gourmet soft pretzels ready and waiting. “Everybody loves a pretzel,” Engler said.

Hallowed ground

Othello VFW pays tribute to fallen comrades

OTHELLO — A hushed crowd listened, men with hats off, as Veterans of Foreign Wars Sgt. Robert F. Wiley Post Commander Joel Cantu read out the solemn words of the traditional VFW Memorial Day Ritual. “As long as two comrades survive – so long will the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States render tribute to our heroic dead,” Cantu read. “On this day forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we are assembled once again to express sincere reverence. These graves represent the resting places of many departed comrades who served in all wars. Wherever the body of a comrade lies, there the ground is hallowed.” Cantu and other members of the VFW gathered at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for their country. Cantu’s words were followed by the national anthem, sung by the quartet of Joanna Miller, Kimmy Sanders, Steve Agenbroad and Robbie Flores. Agenbroad took the microphone to lead the assembly in a prayer.

Innovation rewarded at Flywheel Investment Conference

WENATCHEE — Seattle startup Optimly swept the top awards at the 2026 Flywheel Investment Conference in Wenatchee, according to an announcement from NCW Tech Alliance, which organizes the conference every year. Optimly won the $150,000 investment award from the Flywheel Angel Network, the $50,000 relocation offer from NCW Tech Alliance, and the $5,000 Fan Favorite award following Thursday’s live Early-Stage Investment Competition, according to the announcement. Optimly helps its business clients control what AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others believe about their business and corrects misinformation before it can be passed on to potential customers, according to its website. The conference, which was held May 19-21, brought together entrepreneurs, investors, students, educators, and business leaders from across Washington to Wenatchee for three days focused on innovation, business growth, and regional opportunity.

Library activities for June 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s a lot going on at your local library. Find yours and check it out. Coulee City 218 W Main St. – 509-632-8751 June 5, 12 and 26 (Fridays): Preschool storytime | 11 a.m. Half an hour of stories, songs, rhymes, and fun. This program is designed for preschool-age children and their adult caregivers. June 11: Summer Library Program Opener | 3-5 p.m. Now that school’s out, sign up for the Summer Library Program and play a board game or two.

Making a better apple – Okanagan Specialty Fruits celebrates 30 years

MOSES LAKE — Fruit that stays fresh longer is a dream of orchardists and processors, and Thursday Okanagan Specialty Fruits celebrated 30 years of making that a reality.

Memorial Day ceremonies to remember those who gave their lives Monday

MOSES LAKE — Memorial Day weekend is here, and along with all the fun and festivities that accompany a three-day weekend, some Basin residents will be gathering on Monday for a more solemn occasion. “Memorial Day (is) not about war, it’s about people,” Jane Montaney, of the Art Semro American Legion Post 28 Auxiliary, wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “They died, most of them young, serving their fellow Americans, their country, future generations – all of us.” Art Semro Post 28, based in Ephrata, will hold ceremonies at the cemeteries in Ephrata, Soap Lake and Quincy. The Quincy ceremony will also feature a performance by the Veterans Operation Creation Choir, VOC member Tom Parrish said.

BASIN EVENTS: May 22-29

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s Memorial Day weekend and there will be celebrations and solemn remembrances all over the Basin. There’s also live music, art and community gatherings to enjoy. Here are a few ways to start the summer. May 22 Historic Marker Dedication A sign detailing the life of Nathaniel “Nat” Washington will be dedicated at the Nat Washington House. Sponsored by the Jonas Babcock Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, the Washington State Society Daughters of the American Colonists and the Sons of the American Revolution, Spokane Chapter No. 1. 11 a.m. at 42 C St. NW, Ephrata. Info: www.jonasbabcockdar.org.

Keep your lawn in shape this summer

MOSES LAKE — It’s getting warmer, and that means it’s time to take a good look at the lawn and get it ready to enjoy. A major consideration in the Basin will be watering. With the limited water supply, a homeowner needs to get the most out of what water is available. Overwatering causes soggy conditions that encourage weeds, starve the grass roots of oxygen and leach out plant nutrients, according to Washington State University Extension. On the other hand, watering lightly and frequently encourages shallow roots on the grass, which makes it less able to withstand sudden changes in temperature or moisture. Dig a little way into your soil and see if the top two inches are dry and crumbly. If they are, irrigate to 12 inches deep, assuming your soil is that deep.

Knowledge on display at Nova Creativity Fair

MOSES LAKE — Some of Moses Lake‘s highly capable students showed what they’re highly capable of at the Nova Creativity Fair at Knolls Vista Elementary School Monday. “For this end-of-the-year project, the kids all get to decide who they want to work with and what topic they want to research,” said Cathy Lane, who teaches the Nova program for the Moses Lake School District. “They’ve done this big research project, and then they come to present (it at) a fair. The parents and community members will come around and ask them questions about what they’ve learned.” The students had fairly free rein in their choice of topics. Lane said. There were scientific, historical and technological displays ranging from non-Newtonian fluids to the Loch Ness Monster. Each display had at least one interactive element for guests to check out, and a wall of facts, pictures and diagrams relating to the topic.

Lunch, prizes and fun coming at Senior Picnic

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Senior Picnic will be bigger this year, said Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Director Debbie Doran-Martinez. “We’re expecting 900 seniors,” Doran-Martinez said. “We’ll have the (Grant County Fairgrounds) 4-H Building full of vendors … and we’ll have some vendors outside the front door as well, because there’s not enough room in the building for everybody.” The picnic part will be held next door in the Commercial Building, with the band Cheyenne playing, Doran-Martinez said.

A wish come true

Royal City boy meets his heroes on a dream trip to Disneyland

ROYAL CITY — What’s better for a little boy than meeting one of his heroes? Meeting all of them at once at Disneyland. “We went to Disneyland to meet Dude Perfect,” said Shaina Davies, whose 6-year-old son Parker was treated to the trip by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. “(Parker) met MrBeast, he met Mark Rober, and he got to meet some of the actors from The Avengers.” Parker, who has been battling stage 4 cancer since September 2024, knew all those names from watching hours of YouTube videos at the hospital in Spokane where he was having his chemotherapy treatments. There wasn’t a TV available, Shaina said, but they had access to YouTube. A couple of Parker’s cousins had mentioned a group called Dude Perfect

Working together

Prevention advocates share ideas at Grant County Key Leader Event

ROYAL CITY — Community leaders and substance use prevention professionals gathered May 14 in Royal City for the Grant County Key Leader Event to collaborate on ways to keep youth off drugs and alcohol.

Carp Classic removes more than 3/4 ton of invasive fish from Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The weather wasn’t great on Saturday, but the Moses Lake Carp Classic brought out 55 bow fishers in 23 boats, organizer Ty Swartout wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. Fishers shot 147 carp totaling 1,587 pounds, Swartout wrote.