Sunday, February 16, 2025
14.0°F
Home market moving, but affordability still iffy
February 14, 2025 3 a.m.

Home market moving, but affordability still iffy

MOSES LAKE — The housing market is moving faster than a year ago in Washington, but affordability is still up in the air, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service for January. Active listings increased 44.6% between January 2024 and January 2025 in the 26 Washington counties covered by the NWMLS data. Grant County had one of the largest rates of increase in the state at 48.8%, but Adams County, with its much smaller population, dipped very slightly.

Moore Brewing to go full funny Friday
February 11, 2025 3 a.m.

Moore Brewing to go full funny Friday

MOSES LAKE — A good laugh can be found in the strangest of places. And like a dog sniffing out a dropped piece of steak, Michael Glatzmaier knows exactly where to look. “Right before the show, people get to write suggestions on a piece of paper,” said Glatzmaier, who will perform twice Friday at Moore Brewing Company in Moses Lake. “Then throughout the show I pull those slips of paper out of a bucket – I don’t know what’s on them – and then I have to try to create an improvised comedy song on the spot based off those suggestions.”

GALLERY: A day at the Spokane Ag Show
February 10, 2025 3:15 a.m.

GALLERY: A day at the Spokane Ag Show

SPOKANE – Thursday was FFA Day at the Spokane Ag Show, and students from all over Eastern Washington came to check out the exhibits, attend a career expo and hear a presentation by podcaster and TV personality Rob Sharkey, better known as the Sharkfarmer.

Basin Events for the week of Feb. 7-14, 2025
February 7, 2025 3:35 a.m.

Basin Events for the week of Feb. 7-14, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — In this weather it might seem like the only thing do is to hunker down under a heap of blankets, but for those willing to bundle up and brave the wind there’s a whole world of fun out there. Here are a few suggestions:

Plant early with milk-jug mini-greenhouses
February 7, 2025 1 a.m.

Plant early with milk-jug mini-greenhouses

MOSES LAKE — Some plants are meant to be left in the ground through the winter, and now that it’s February and the ground outside is as hard as week-old peanut brittle, it’s a little late to be planting. Fortunately, there are ways to use milk jugs and even ice cube trays to get planting underway. “Some seeds need to be frozen in order to split their outer shell,” said Valerie Parrott, president of the Columbia Basin Garden Club. “Things like carnations, they really need to be cold. So, you just fill your ice cube tray (with water), dump a few seeds in one, freeze them for two weeks, then you can go outside and plant them, and that will act the same as a cold stratification ... as if they had gone through a lot of hard freeze cycles.”

Bill to protect seniors’ roommate options considered in Olympia
February 7, 2025 1 a.m.

Bill to protect seniors’ roommate options considered in Olympia

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature took a step last week toward making senior housing costs more stable. House Bill 1204, which passed the House Housing Committee Jan. 30, would allow residents of senior mobile and manufactured home communities to have at least one roommate, as long as that roommate also meets the age requirements of the park. “It’s a national problem with mobile homes, especially senior mobile home communities, that the properties are being purchased, and in some instances, there has been a lack of maintenance and upgrades in the communities,” said State Rep. Carolyn Eslick, R-Sultan, who introduced the bill. “And that new person or corporation starts doing all the work, and then they start increasing the land leases.”

‘Comfort through chaos’
February 6, 2025 3 a.m.

‘Comfort through chaos’

CB Cancer Foundation auction raises money for cancer patients

MOSES LAKE — The worst part of some people’s lives will be their fight with cancer, but the crowd at the Grant County Fairgrounds Saturday night was ready and able to help them through it. The Country Sweethearts benefit banquet and auction brought in more than $300,000 to support cancer patients and their families, according to Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation Executive Director Angel Ledesma. This is the 16th year for the event and the 25th anniversary of the CBCF’s founding, Ledesma said.

FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: Married firefighters save lives together
February 6, 2025 3 a.m.

FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: Married firefighters save lives together

SOAP LAKE — Lots of couples have a special activity that they share. Some garden together, some do home improvement projects, some do charity or church work. And some, like CW and Emily Forrest, save lives together. “There'll be times at night where she'll have to take off and go to the call and I'll stay with the kids,” said CW Forrest, a firefighter with Grant County Fire District 7. “Or Grandma. My … mom lives with us, so sometimes we'll both be able to go on calls.”

'I learned to fly before I learned to drive'
February 5, 2025 3:30 a.m.

'I learned to fly before I learned to drive'

Moses Lake's Betty Warnick stays busy at 100

MOSES LAKE — Betty Warnick, who turned 100 in January, has never been one to sit still, whether it was taking off cross-country for a new job or taking a plane up in the air. “I learned to fly before I learned to drive,” she said.

Music, magic and slippers
February 5, 2025 3 a.m.

Music, magic and slippers

Quincy High School prepares to present ‘Cinderella’

QUINCY — One of the most iconic stories of our culture will take the stage Feb. 28, as Quincy High School theater group presents “Cinderella.” It’s the classic tale of a girl who languishes under the cruel eye of her stepmother, bullied by her stepsisters, until her fairy godmother comes along and outfits her for the prince’s ball.

Mary Poppins to host children’s tea party
February 4, 2025 1:20 a.m.

Mary Poppins to host children’s tea party

MOSES LAKE — She’s practically perfect in every way, and next month, some children will get to enjoy her magic in person.

Signing off
February 4, 2025 1:15 a.m.

Signing off

Moses Lake Fire Chief Brett Bastian retires after 33 years

MOSES LAKE — A 33-year era ended as Moses Lake Fire Chief Brett Bastian retired Friday. His tenure as firefighter and then chief was celebrated at a small party at the Moses Lake Civic Center. “Chief’s first day of work was April 20, 1992,” said MLFD CARES Coordinator Heather Kok. “The population of Moses Lake at that time was about 12,000 people. Today we're at 25,000, roughly. The jurisdiction for the Moses Lake Fire Department was nine square miles. Today it is 23-ish square miles … They had 14 career firefighters, which is roughly the amount of firefighters that we have on an average day today. The number of apparatus that they had at the time was one engine, one wildland truck (and) a command vehicle that was shared ... Today we have five engines, two ladders, three wildland vehicles, two tenders and a handful of special technology vehicles. And a lot of that has been done in the last five years. So congratulations, Chief. That’s a huge win for our crew.”

Moses Lake museum to showcase preschool artists
February 3, 2025 3:30 a.m.

Moses Lake museum to showcase preschool artists

MOSES LAKE — The 200-plus artists whose work will go up this week at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center draw their inspiration from many giants in the field: Picasso, Mondrian, Kahlo. What they have in common is that they’re all 3-5 years old.

Home and Garden Show a great place to gear up for spring projects
January 31, 2025 3:10 a.m.

Home and Garden Show a great place to gear up for spring projects

MOSES LAKE — It’s getting close to the time when people start to come out of their winter hibernation and get serious about the projects they’ve been waiting to tackle. The Columbia Basin Home and Garden Show, coming to Moses Lake Feb. 28 and March 1, could be an excellent place to start.

Cupid’s Market coming Feb. 8
January 31, 2025 3 a.m.

Cupid’s Market coming Feb. 8

MOSES LAKE — Love, as well as a whole lot of crafts and food, will be in the air Feb. 8 at the Moses Lake Farmers Market’s Cupid’s Market. “I have 68 stalls and they’re full, with two vendors outside,” said Market Manager Chris Haguewood.

Under the sea
January 30, 2025 1 a.m.

Under the sea

Royal Middle School robotics team clinches championship with plastic-eating worms

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Middle School Oceanic Outlaws robotics team is headed to Nationals. The eight seventh- and eighth-grade students took home the Champion Finalist award at the FIRST LEGO League state competition in Spokane Jan. 18, according to their coach, RMS science teacher Theresa Piper. “We started robotics back in September, and they've been working really hard on investigating a problem and then developing an innovative solution based on this year's theme for research,” Piper said. “The theme was ocean exploration, and they've been talking to experts all over the world and developing different solutions, testing out and deciding which was the best.”

Taking to the streets
January 29, 2025 3 a.m.

Taking to the streets

Expanded Brews & Tunes coming to Moses Lake on March 15

MOSES LAKE — It may feel like spring is a long, long way off, but Moses Lake is gearing up to welcome it back March 15. “Brews & Tunes is St. Paddy’s Day weekend,” said Downtown Moses Lake Association Director Mallory Miller. “It’s the first event that happens after wintertime and people are ready to get out of the house. Last year it was 75 degrees somehow, so cross your fingers for that this year.”

Moses Lake meets new city manager
January 29, 2025 1:10 a.m.

Moses Lake meets new city manager

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake’s incoming city manager paid a visit to the Civic Center Tuesday evening to meet city employees and community members. Robert Karlinsey, who accepted the position Jan. 21, is currently the city manager in Kenmore, Washington, a city of about 24,000 at the north end of Lake Washington in King County. He takes the reins in Moses Lake March 24, but he’ll be coming over to Moses Lake occasionally in the meantime to prepare, he said.

Playing with the future...
January 28, 2025 3 a.m.

Playing with the future...

STEM event gets children excited about science and technology

MOSES LAKE — The Apple STEM event at Garden Heights Elementary School Thursday was a little more popular than expected. “We haven’t officially counted yet, but we got over 600 parents and students,” said David Estrada, STEM programs manager for the North Central Washington Tech Alliance, which put on the event. The organizers only anticipated about 300, he added.

Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars brings in more than $14,000
January 28, 2025 2:45 a.m.

Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars brings in more than $14,000

MOSES LAKE — The Central Basin Community Concert Association’s second annual Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars event raised more than $14,000, according to an announcement from the CBCCA.

BBCC Cellarbration! coming March 15
January 27, 2025 3 a.m.

BBCC Cellarbration! coming March 15

Annual event looks to support local students in their academic pursuits

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Foundation will give a lot of students a hand up through the 24th annual Cellarbration! March 15. Tickets are still available, said Executive Director Leanne Parton. “It’s going to be a fabulous event,” Parton said. “Our numbers, as far as students, were ahead of pre-pandemic (enrollment). So, the need is even more because we’ve got more students.”

FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: Lanny Abundiz
January 24, 2025 3 a.m.

FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: Lanny Abundiz

GCSO crisis responder brings mental health help into the field

EPHRATA — The phrase “first responder” often conjures up a mental image of a heavily-armed person with a badge and a Taser, or a firefighter emerging from the flames covered in soot and carrying a rescued child. An unflappably calm woman with a gentle, serene voice doesn’t necessarily spring to mind. But that’s what the Grant County Sheriff’s Office has in Lanny Abundiz.

Home prices up, interest rates all over in 2024
January 24, 2025 1 a.m.

Home prices up, interest rates all over in 2024

KIRKLAND — Home prices and sales rose steadily in Washington in 2024 even as mortgage interest rates bounced up and down, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service Jan. 17. The NWMLS tracks real estate trends in 26 of Washington’s 39 counties. The average 30-year home mortgage began the year at 6.62%, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, commonly called Freddie Mac. The rate went to 7.44% in early May, dropped to 6.08% in September and finished the year at 6.85%. As of Jan. 18, 2025, the rate was 7.04%. Those rates are comparatively recent, according to Freddie Mac’s data, stemming from a drastic jump in 2022 when the rate went from 3.45% in January to 7.08% in September. Interest rates have hovered in the 6-8% range since, frustrating buyers, sellers and real estate agents.

Chess tournament sharpens wits in Ephrata
January 22, 2025 3 a.m.

Chess tournament sharpens wits in Ephrata

Annual strategic competition set for February 1

EPHRATA — A hundred young players will go head-to-head – and brain-to-brain – at the Waypoint Foundation Scholastic Chess Tournament in Ephrata Feb. 1. This is the 18th year the tournament has been held at Parkway Elementary School. said Troy Pugh, who created and manages the tournament with his brother Roger Pugh. This year, Pugh said, the foundation has added online registration for the first time. There were 89 players registered Tuesday morning, he said, which is the fastest it’s ever filled up. “Usually, we don’t get to 89 until the week of the event,” he said.

Royal City honors retiring public works director
January 22, 2025 3 a.m.

Royal City honors retiring public works director

ROYAL CITY — The City of Royal City said goodbye to longtime Public Works Director John Lasen with a small retirement party Friday at City Hall. “For years and years, it seemed like Royal City was the same forever and ever,” Royal City Mayor Michael Christensen said at the celebration. “But in these last 10 years in particular, we've seen some considerable change, and John has been a significant part of that, helping see the vision and oversee some of the big projects that we've done.”

Royal Middle schooler honored for saving classmate
January 21, 2025 3 a.m.

Royal Middle schooler honored for saving classmate

ROYAL CITY — A quick-thinking student saved a choking classmate’s life at Royal Middle School Jan. 9. Seventh-grader Alangel Baeza was honored at a school assembly Friday morning with a plaque and congratulations from his teachers, fellow students and Royal City police and firefighters.

Lavender donation honors late food bank director
January 21, 2025 2:05 a.m.

Lavender donation honors late food bank director

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Food Bank received a different kind of donation Thursday. Joe Downs, owner of Lavender Ranch near Quincy, donated 70 bundles of lavender to Community Services of Moses Lake in memory of Peny Archer, the food bank’s director who passed away earlier this month. Each bundle has a photo of Archer on it.

All things agriculture
January 20, 2025 3 a.m.

All things agriculture

Spokane Ag Show has something for everyone

SPOKANE — All things agricultural will be on display the first week of February at the 48th annual Spokane Ag Show at the Spokane Convention Center. The Spokane Ag Show is one of the largest ag expos in the region, said Show Director Melisa Paul.

Trade school scholarship auction coming Feb. 15 in Mattawa
January 17, 2025 3:30 a.m.

Trade school scholarship auction coming Feb. 15 in Mattawa

MATTAWA — The Sven Legacy Foundation will hold a fundraiser silent auction Feb. 15 near Mattawa, complete with food, drinks, music and lots to bid on. The foundation was formed in November in memory of its namesake, Sven Leland, a Mattawa farmer who passed away last year. The purpose is to help students who aren’t planning to go to college have career options.

Home solar can trim bills, but research before installing
January 17, 2025 2:20 a.m.

Home solar can trim bills, but research before installing

EPHRATA — With the cost of everything going up, some homeowners want to embrace self-sufficiency in energy by mounting solar panels on their roofs to generate power. And considering the Basin’s abundant sunshine, that seems like a great solution for this area. “We do encourage customers to go into their solar investment fully educated with clear expectations,” said Chris Buchmann, energy programs supervisor for the Grant Public Utility District.

Queen Kaylee
January 16, 2025 3 a.m.

Queen Kaylee

Ephrata graduate named Moses Lake Rodeo Queen

EPHRATA — There’s a new queen in Moses Lake, and she’s got Ephrata roots. Kaylee Stump, 20, of Ephrata was named the 2025 Miss Moses Lake Roundup in November. Stump, the daughter of Mike and Miranda Stump, is a 2022 graduate of Ephrata High School. Her coronation will be March 29, said Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo Board Member Amanda Miller.

Showing the moves
January 15, 2025 3 a.m.

Showing the moves

Local hoofers show their moves at Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars

MOSES LAKE — The Wallenstien Theater was almost full Saturday night for the second annual Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars. “It was exciting to see (so many) young people,” said Judy Twigg, vice president of the Central Basin Community Concert Association, which hosted the event. “It shows that if you get the right entertainment in Moses Lake, it draws people.”

New Elks Lodge hosts youth hoop shoot
January 15, 2025 2:25 a.m.

New Elks Lodge hosts youth hoop shoot

MOSES LAKE — Four Moses Lake youths will advance in the Elks Hoop Shoot thanks to their free throw skills. Fabian Vargas, Preston Groth, Linden Wiltbank and Brinly Wiltbank emerged the champions in their divisions in the competition held Saturday at Frontier Middle School, according to an email from Debbie Doran-Martinez, a member of the new Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge that formed in November in Moses Lake.

‘Hello, Dolly!’
January 14, 2025 3:35 a.m.

‘Hello, Dolly!’

Matchmaking, mayhem and a little and manipulation light up QVAA musical

QUINCY — Audiences can put on their Sunday clothes and cast themselves back to the Gay Nineties this month as Quincy Valley Allied Arts brings “Hello, Dolly!” to the stage.

Country Sweethearts to benefit cancer patients, families
January 13, 2025 3:20 a.m.

Country Sweethearts to benefit cancer patients, families

MOSES LAKE — The 16th annual Country Sweethearts benefit auction is coming up Feb. 1 and it’s going to be a doozy, according to Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation Executive Director Angel Ledesma.

A career of grace
January 10, 2025 1:20 a.m.

A career of grace

Pastor Walter Klockers prepares to retire

MOSES LAKE — Pastor Walter Klockers has a guiding principle: “This is Christ's Church, and I know my place.” It’s a part of the creed he maintains for his ministry, he said; he regularly reminds himself that he is an imperfect person who is called to proclaim a perfect Gospel and to serve others rather than feed his own ego. “That, I review, because I fail so many times,” he added.

ENZO opens event room, expands kitchen
January 10, 2025 1 a.m.

ENZO opens event room, expands kitchen

MOSES LAKE — ENZO owners and staff cut the ribbon on the restaurant’s newest facility, called the Riviera Room, Wednesday. ENZO already had a smaller banquet facility, called the Amalfi Room, owner Rhonda Cacchiotti explained, but it’s also used for everyday dining and even when it’s booked for private functions it can only accommodate 25-30 people. “This (Riviera) room has capacity for 60-80 people.” Cacchiotti said. “It has a private entrance. It has AV equipment (with) a drop-down screen. We have speakers, we have microphones. We have a podium that can be used. We have room to push tables into different configurations, where we can have a small dance floor. We have a full banquet buffet menu that we can also customize.”

Interest rates continue to drag down housing market in Washington
January 10, 2025 1 a.m.

Interest rates continue to drag down housing market in Washington

KIRKLAND — 2024 ended with a disappointing housing market statewide, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate across 26 of Washington’s 39 counties. Interest rates were responsible for much of the gloom, according to the NWMLS. While potential home buyers and sellers had hoped for a reprieve, the Federal Reserve’s three interest rate cuts in 2024 failed to produce a significant increase in the market. Rather, in early January the average 30-year mortgage rate was 6.91%, the highest it’s been since last July. Median home prices went up statewide by 4.3% between December 2023 and December 2024. In Grant County, however, the median price dropped very slightly from $360,950 to $356,582 over the last year, and in Adams County the median price dropped 10.3% from $322,500 to $292,300, the second-lowest median home price of any county.

Open Mic brings out the talent in Soap Lake
January 9, 2025 3:10 a.m.

Open Mic brings out the talent in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — It’s 5:30 p.m, and 11-year-old Jimmy Ocampo is singing “Die with a Smile” in front of an audience of about 25 people. He’s the fourth performer to take the stage in the last half hour, and there’s a long waiting list after him. It’s Open Mic Night, and the sky’s the limit.

Curiosity keeps centenarian young
January 8, 2025 3 a.m.

Curiosity keeps centenarian young

MOSES LAKE — It could be that the secret to living a long time is just not to get old.

Beta Lambda brightens Christmas for farm worker families
January 8, 2025 1 a.m.

Beta Lambda brightens Christmas for farm worker families

OTHELLO — Sixty Othello children had a better Christmas this year, thanks to the ladies of Beta Lambda. Members of the women’s service organization took gifts to families at Guadalupe Haven, the low-income housing complex owned by Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington. This is the third year the organization has brought gifts to Guadalupe Haven, Beta Lambda member Trudy Doolittle wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. Guadalupe Haven manager Maria Guzman said a representative of Catholic Charities put her in touch with Beta Lambda.

Four Seasons Farm Service
January 6, 2025 3 a.m.

Four Seasons Farm Service

Serving the community year-round with practicality and a smile

EPHRATA — J.J. Heston, owner of Four Seasons Farm Service, was already familiar with the store long before he owned it. “All through high school and my young adult years, I’d say ‘Hey, Dad, what do I spray on this weed?’ ‘Go see (then-owner Bernie Martin),’” he said. “‘Hey Dad, where do you get fertilizer?’ ‘Go see Bernie.’ So I just kind of bypassed Dad and came to talk to Bernie.”

Moses Lake Museum exhibit explores humanity
January 3, 2025 3:10 a.m.

Moses Lake Museum exhibit explores humanity

MOSES LAKE — An exhibit opening next week at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will take a closer look at what it means to be human. “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?” will open Jan. 10, according to Gallery Director Veronica Talbot. It’s a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution, she said.

Fixing the damage
January 3, 2025 1 a.m.

Fixing the damage

It’s wise to have a pro on your side when filing a claim

MOSES LAKE — It was, as they say, a dark and stormy night. Now it’s the next morning, and you’re looking with dismay at the tree that the wind sent crashing into your roof. You’ve got homeowners insurance, of course, but where do you go from there? “I hope you have an agent, as opposed to an 800 number,” said Chris Arnberg, an American Family Insurance agent in Moses Lake. “If you just have an 800 number, a company … where you don't have an actual person whose job it is to provide individual service, if you call to ask about opening a claim, they're going to open a claim.”

MLK Jr. program to take place Jan. 20
January 2, 2025 3:15 a.m.

MLK Jr. program to take place Jan. 20

MOSES LAKE — The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program will take place Jan. 20, according to committee President Miranda Bridges, celebrating the life and legacy of the civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968. “It's a chance for the community to come together and be supportive to one another, recognize Dr. King’s life and his dream and his vision for all of us,” Bridges said.

Bill headed to WA Legislature would allow private family cemeteries
January 2, 2025 2:35 a.m.

Bill headed to WA Legislature would allow private family cemeteries

OLYMPIA — Washington could allow family burial plots on private property, according to a statement from the office of Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, who prefiled the bill Dec. 13. House Bill 1065 would amend state law to allow burials on private land if other conditions are met, according to the statement. The legislation addresses ambiguity in state law, protects property rights, and honors cultural traditions, Walsh wrote.

Carniceria La Nueva
December 30, 2024 3 a.m.

Carniceria La Nueva

Mexican store with drive-thru to open on Third Avenue in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — There’s a new Mexican store coming to town, and it’s got a twist: drive-thru service. Construction has been underway since August on a building at 914 W. Third Ave., which will be Carniceria La Nueva, according to owner Miguel Alanis.

Holiday tour
December 25, 2024 3:55 a.m.

Holiday tour

MOSES LAKE - Six-year-old Ellyas DeLaRosa introduces his Elf on the Shelf to the Christmas tree at Sinkiuse Square Tuesday. Because it was Christmas Eve, his mom Velma DeLaRosa explained, Ellyas was finally allowed to touch the elf, and so he was taking the elf on a tour of places he likes around Moses Lake.

'More than a statistic’
December 24, 2024 3:30 a.m.

'More than a statistic’

Civil Air Patrol, American Legion team up for Wreaths Across America

EPHRATA — More than 1,000 Grant County veterans were remembered Dec. 13 when the Civil Air Patrol, American Legion Post 28, Ephrata, and other community members laid wreaths on their graves.

Long journey: WSU scientists travel from India to Adams County
December 24, 2024 2:25 a.m.

Long journey: WSU scientists travel from India to Adams County

LIND — As the crow flies, the state of Rajasthan in Northwestern India is a long way from the state of Washington. But in some ways, they’re very similar. “A mountain range goes through the middle of the state (of Rajasthan),” said Dr. Surendra Singh, director of the Washington State University Lind Dryland Research Station. “The other side gets all the rain and we don't. And after 10 years, I ended up again on the drier side of the mountains.”