JOEL MARTIN
Joel Martin has been with the Columbia Basin Herald for more than 25 years in a variety of roles and is the most-tenured employee in the building. Martin is a married father of eight and enjoys spending time with his children and his wife, Christina. He is passionate about the paper’s mission of informing the people of the Columbia Basin because he knows it is important to record the history of the communities the publication serves.
Recent Stories
'Such a fabulous night'
Country Sweethearts banquest breaks records for attendenace and fundraising in support of local cancer patients
MOSES LAKE — Saturday night’s Country Sweethearts banquet and auction was the biggest it’s ever been, seating 540 people and raising just over $318,000 for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation, according to CBCF Director Angel Ledesma. “It was such a fabulous night,” Ledesma said.
Fighting sadness
Do More Feel More takes a proactive approach to seniors and depression
COLUMBIA BASIN — A new program to identify and cope with depression in seniors is expanding to the Columbia Basin. It’s called “Do More Feel Better,” and it will be offered free in both English and Spanish.
30 buzzing years
The Hive in Moses Lake celebrates three decades of buzzing tattoo guns
MOSES LAKE — The Hive was … well, buzzing Friday afternoon as Moses Lake’s first tattoo parlor turned 30.
Gesa extends scholarship deadline
RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union has extended its deadline for scholarship applications, according to an announcement from Gesa.
The Hive to mark 30 years of ink Friday
MOSES LAKE — The Hive will celebrate its 30th birthday from noon to 7 p.m. Friday with a throwback to its origins.
MLPD responding proactively to violent crime, chief says
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake has its share of issues with violent crime, but it’s dealing with those issues surprisingly well, Moses Lake Police Chief Dave Sands told the Moses Lake City Council last week in a special study session before the council’s regular meeting.
Local Cougs recognized for academic achievement
PULLMAN — Washington State University has named 101 Basin students to the President’s List for fall quarter 2023, according to an announcement from the university.
GCFD 7 sees improvements in equipment, volunteerism
SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 responded to more incidents in less time in 2023 compared to the year before, according to the district’s annual report. GCFD 7 also made strides in equipment and volunteer staffing, according to the district’s annual report, released this month. GCFD 7 covers Soap Lake, Coulee City, the area along SR 17 between between the two towns and the High Hill area east of the coulee, according to county records.
Stars on stage
Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars brings a touch of local glamor
MOSES LAKE — The light fantastic was well and truly tripped Friday night at the Wallenstien Theater, as local residents showed their best dance moves at Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars.
Open for therapy
MOSES LAKE - Physical Therapist Steve Roylance cuts the ribbon at Columbia Physical Therapy’s new location, surrounded by staff and Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce members. Staff, from left: Lead Aide Emily Pruneda, Office Assistant Yaslyn Gonzales (partially obscured behind Pruneda), Office Manager Lindsey Anderson, Physical Therapist Assistant Christena Reed, Roylance, Physical Therapist David Jensen, Office Aide Crystal Egia and Clinic Aide Jazlyn Wortham (behind Egia). Columbia Physical Therapy will hold its grand opening and open house Friday from 3 to 7 p.m.
Sanctus Real to perform at Moses Lake church
MOSES LAKE — The Christian rock band Sanctus Real will perform at Moses Lake Presbyterian Basin Community Church Feb. 8. Sanctus Real was a staple of the Christian music scene in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Moses Lake Presbyterian Church Worship Pastor Jon White said.
Overcoming barriers
Regulation is slowing home construction, raising costs, expert says
MOSES LAKE — Overregulation is standing in the way of building more housing nationwide, a speaker told local housing professionals last week, but it’s not necessarily coming from state governments.
News bites for Jan. 19
OTHELLO — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a burglary suspect, according to a statement from the ACSO.
‘A joyful noise’
MLCA polishes up its first band
MOSES LAKE — When the psalmist wrote “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord,” he may not have been referring to a school band. But he would probably approve of the sounds coming from the Moses Lake Christian Academy band. Beginning, but joyful. “We've had choir before, but this is our first year with an actual band,” said MLCA Marketing Director Janeil Koethke. “We’re just building the foundation,” said band director and music teacher Ruth Weger. “I think we've done a lot more this year so far than was even expected.”
Trump ballot challenge goes to WA court
OLYMPIA — A Washington court will hear arguments today regarding whether former President Donald Trump will be on the primary ballot, according to an announcement from the Washington Secretary of State.
Ferguson sues to block grocery merger
SEATTLE — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has filed a lawsuit to block the merger of the two largest supermarket corporations in the state, according to an announcement from Ferguson’s office.
Moses Lake considers large development near Lowe’s after swearing-in ceremony
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council swore in one new member and two returning ones at its meeting Tuesday and passed the mayoral baton. Once that formality was taken care of, they addressed multiple issues regarding development.
Leading ladies: Moses Lake Museum exhibit celebrates the Washington women who led the way
MOSES LAKE — Washington, and the women who blazed its trails, will go on display Friday at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center.
Royal City considering police dog
ROYAL CITY — The Royal City Police Department could increase its officer ranks by one, and the number of feet on the ground by four.
Sweetheart deal
Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation auction is Feb. 3
MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation’s Country Sweethearts dinner and auction has leveled up this year. In years past the benefit was held in the Commercial Building at the Grant County Fairgrounds, but this year it will occupy both that building and the 4-H Building next door, said CBCF Executive Director Angel Ledesma. Last year’s event drew 520 guests, which made things a little tight with all the auction items as well. “I take this as a compliment,” Ledesma said. “(Some guests have said) ‘Could you please make more room for the tables?’ So this year, we added the 4-H Building. All the raffle items will be in the 4-H Building, so that leaves us room for all tables and all guests in the main room.”
State sues company for deceptive poster sales
SEATTLE — A Michigan business has been sued for hundreds of thousands of Consumer Protection Act violations, according to a statement from Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson.
Ephrata swears in council members, looks at wastewater costs
EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council swore in three members, two of them new, at its regular meeting Wednesday.
Royal City City Council swears in members, discusses water line replacement
ROYAL CITY — The Royal City City Council swore in three council members at its meeting Tuesday evening, all returning after the November elections. Hector Rodriguez, who holds Position 3, Perla Garcia, who was reelected to Position 2, and Ryan Piercy, who retained the Position 4 seat in the November election by a single vote, all raised their right hands and swore to uphold the Constitution and carry out the duties of their office. Deputy City Clerk Sherrie Rodriguez administered the oaths. The water main replacement project is moving along slowly but surely, Public Works Director John Lasen told the council. The upgrades are underway on the west end of town, Lasen said, starting with Hemlock, Grape and Calla streets and moving on to Calla Loop, Balsam Street and Royal Avenue.
Higher interest rates free up housing, make financing difficult
MOSES LAKE — The good news is, the housing shortage that made finding a home so difficult a couple of years ago appears to have passed. The bad news is, it’s getting harder to buy the homes that are on the market.
RIS bazaar showcases crafts from students and others
ROYAL CITY — Earrings, slime, T-shirts and tamales were just a few of the things on offer at the holiday bazaar at Royal Intermediate School Wednesday.
Royal music students strike holiday note
ROYAL CITY — Holiday music both traditional and contemporary was in the air as the Royal Middle School and Royal High School bands and choir performed Wednesday evening in the Royal High School gym.
WA home prices up over all, lower in Adams, steady in Grant
MOSES LAKE — Home prices are up slightly and inventory is down across the state compared to a year ago, but numbers in the Basin tell a slightly different story, according to data released Wednesday by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Washington had 10,177 active listings in November 2023 compared to 12,245 in November 2022, according to the NMLS figures, a 20% decrease. Adams County listings went from 58 in 2022 to 45 in 2023, a drop of 29%, but Grant County barely shifted, going from 224 active listings a year ago to 226.
State paying out $40 million plus to families after price-fixing lawsuit
OLYMPIA — Thousands of Washington households will receive a little extra money this month, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Wednesday morning. The payouts are the result of price-fixing lawsuits by the state against major producers of chicken and tuna. “My legal team took on two large corporate price-fixing conspiracies that increased the cost for groceries for Washington families,” Ferguson said. “We've prevailed and as a result, we are sending checks to over 400,000 Washington households. To be specific, we are sending checks to 402,200 Washington families and providing a total of $40.6 million to the individuals and families who are least able to afford the impacts of this illegal price-fixing.”
Open for wellness
MOSES LAKE - From left: Shyanna Stanford, Toni Stanford, Kris Kehler and Taylor Willard, surrounded by Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce members, prepare to cut the ribbon at The Well, located at 414 S Beech St. in Moses Lake, on Tuesday. The Well offers various kinds of preventive, supportive and restorative care including red light therapy, cryotherapy, medical aesthetics and weight loss programs, said owner Toni Stanford.
Firefighters for Kids gets boost from Boeing
MOSES LAKE — Some families in the Columbia Basin will have a merrier Christmas, courtesy of The Association of Washington Business, Boeing and local firefighters. Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce directors dropped by Moses Lake Fire Station 1 on Thursday to present Moses Lake Firefighter Mike Miner, president and founder of Firefighters for Kids, with a “Santa Box” that included a $5,000 donation. The goodies came through a donation by the Boeing Company to the AWB’s Holiday Kids’ Tree Project, which raises money for families in rural communities, said Chamber Director Debbie Doran-Martinez. Boeing specified that its contribution be used in the Columbia Basin because of its close ties to the Moses Lake community, she added.
Ag appreciation: Annual parade lights up snow-covered Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE – There was snow on the ground, but spirits were high at the annual Ag Appreciation Parade and Street Party in downtown Moses Lake Friday. The party started at 5 p.m., with the parade at 7 p.m. The weather was chilly, at about 24 degrees, but downright balmy compared to the 2022 parade’s temperatures in the teens.
Moses Lake chamber talks water, education with governor
MOSES LAKE — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee had an opportunity to hear about the challenges facing Moses Lake at a round table discussion at the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Wednesday. Besides Chamber President Debbie Doran-Martinez and Marketing Director Lori Robins, the governor met with Moses Lake Mayor Don Myers, City Administrator Kevin Fuhr, Grant County Economic Development Council Executive Director Brant Mayo, Port of Moses Lake Director of Business Development Richard Hanover, Big Bend Community College President Sara Thompson Tweedy and Group14 CEO Rick Luebbe. Accompanying Inslee was Washington Department of Commerce Engagement and Outreach Specialist Soo Ing-Moody. “First of all, Governor, we want to thank you for the $36 million that went into the budget to help us with water, more specifically getting surface water to do more irrigation,” Doran-Martinez told Inslee. “Also there was $4 million that was in the transportation budget that helped with bridges. So we were able to widen some bridges, put some bigger culverts in to deliver more water into the Columbia Basin Project. And then we've leveraged that and got more federal dollars as well for that project. We still don't have enough money to get it over the finish line, but every little bit helps.”
'12 years in the making' — Sila officially constructing Moses Lake battery plant
MOSES LAKE — Sila Nanotechnologies officially opened its Moses Lake plant Wednesday with a crowd that included employees, community members, state Reps. Tom Dent and Alex Ybarra and Gov. Jay Inslee. An aide to Sen. Patty Murray read a message from the senator, and Sen. Maria Cantwell congratulated Sila by video. “This moment has been 12 years in the making,” said Gene Berdichevsky, co-founder and CEO of Sila.
Governor seeks input from local Habitat for Humanity chapter
MOSES LAKE — Construction costs and energy efficiency were among the topics of a round table discussion between Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and representatives of Habitat for Humanity in Moses Lake Wednesday.
Royal levy to appear on February ballot
ROYAL CITY — The Royal School Board voted to put a $1.825 million Educational Programs & Operations levy on the ballot in February 2024 at its meeting Monday.
Sonny’s is back: Landmark Washtucna tavern back in action
WASHTUCNA — Sonny’s Tavern and Grill is back. The long-established gathering place in Washtucna, which has struggled to keep going in recent years, reopened Oct. 26. “It's been closed more than it's been open in the last about six years,” said Bridget Coon, who owns and operates Sonny’s with her husband Paul. “The previous owners had it in 2016 and by 2018, they had some kind of a fire around the water heater and it caused a lot of smoke damage. So it was closed (in) 2018, 2019 to basically gut and remodel it. They reopened in 2020, which was a hard time. I recall their first weekend open was the weekend that indoor dining was shut down (for the COVID-19 pandemic).” The owners were able to keep Sonny’s going for a while with takeout, Coon said, but then moved away from the area, leaving the establishment to sit on the market until the Coons took ownership in August.
Grant County Fairgrounds sees increasing equestrian events
MOSES LAKE — There’s a lot going on at the Grant County Fairgrounds. There’s the annual fair, of course, and assorted festivals, trade shows, fundraisers and private parties, just like any fairgrounds hosts. But in recent years the fairgrounds in Moses Lake have stood out front and center as the most popular venue for equine events in the state.
Gesa Credit Union collects gift donations
MOSES LAKE — Gesa Credit Union will partner with local organizations to collect and distribute Christmas gifts through its annual Stock-the-Sock Holiday Drive, according to an announcement from Gesa.
Small Business Saturday keeps shopping local
MOSES LAKE — With Thanksgiving in the rear-view mirror, Christmas shopping is looming large. Everybody knows about Black Friday, when big retailers are deluged with early shoppers looking for deals. But the day after is Small Business Saturday, and that’s a time for supporting local entrepreneurs.
Ephrata to light Christmas tree Friday
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce will kindle a new tradition Friday, with the first official Downtown Tree Lighting. “We decided we wanted to get the town lit up ahead of time and Thanksgiving weekend is an awesome weekend to do it,” said Chamber Executive Director Rita Witte.
Holiday cheer around the Basin
MOSES LAKE — Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down just about every main drag in the Columbia Basin. Many local communities will hold holiday celebrations over the next couple of weekends. Here are some places to load up on Christmas joy:
Proposed bill would expand gun ban in domestic abuse cases
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bill introduced in Congress is intended to protect domestic abuse victims from gun violence, according to an announcement by U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington.
Veggie tech: Kennewick conference highlights advances in agriculture
KENNEWICK — Veggies have gotten very high-tech, based on presentations by the exhibitors at the 2023 Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association conference and trade show.
Crime, drugs take center stage at Moses Lake council meeting
MOSES LAKE — Crime and drugs were a hot topic at Tuesday evening’s Moses Lake City Council meeting, as two citizens made emotional appeals to the council to take action. However, city officials said the issue is as much with Olympia as Moses Lake. “We are not sitting here on our hands,” Deputy Mayor Deanna Martinez said. “We would do more if the state allowed us to do more. And so my recommendation would be that you also contact the legislators, and not just our legislators here in the 13th district … I suggest that you reach across to the other side, the majority, and start hammering them with what you have to say and start telling them about those patients that you've seen in the ER.”
State grant to fund Stratford overpass safety study
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council voted Tuesday to accept a Washington State Department of Transportation grant to study ways to make the overpass at Stratford Road and SR 17 safer to cros on foot.. The grant, a little over $685,000, will go to design a solution to improve bicyclist and pedestrian crossing on the bridge, according to the WSDOT’s project summary. Moses Lake City Engineer Richard Law told the council that the sidewalk, which is less than three feet wide, is dangerous for pedestrians moving back and forth between the neighborhoods north of the highway and the shopping areas to the south.
Fuhr, Sands sworn in at Moses Lake council meeting
MOSES LAKE — A couple of torches were passed Tuesday, as Moses Lake swore in a new city manager and police chief. Former Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr took the oath of office as the new city manager and former Moses Lake Police Department Capt. Dave Sands was sworn in as the new chief. The council had approved both appointments at its Oct. 12 meeting.
Cold incoming: Prepping homes for the Columbia Basin’s cold winters
MOSES LAKE — In case anyone hasn’t noticed, it’s getting chilly out there. Even though the National Weather Service is predicting a fairly mild winter for the Columbia Basin, it’s still a good time to get homes ready for the colder weather. The first place to look is the pipes. There’s one big mistake that homeowners make, said Steve West, owner of Top Plumbing in Moses Lake.
Ephrata turns out to honor veterans
EPHRATA — There was a pretty good turnout Saturday for the annual Veterans Day Parade in Ephrata, organizers said. “We probably had about 100 people in the parade,” said Mike Montaney, who added he’s been the parade chairman for 25 years. “We only had about half a dozen veterans actually marching in the parade as a group of veterans. We had (about) 30 Civil Air Patrol and some Scouts and a (veterans motorcycle club).”
Tree lighting kicks off holiday season in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — The holiday season began Friday in Moses Lake, with the annual Downtown Moses Lake Tree Lighting ceremony at Sinkiuse Square.
Students go for Baroque at music festival
MOSES LAKE — Forty-two local piano students from Moses Lake, Ephrata, Soap Lake and Lind performed in the eighth annual Moses Lake-Central Basin Chapter of Washington State Music Teachers Association Music Festival, according to an announcement from Chapter President Marina Munter.