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
Hot competition
Chili chefs vie for bragging rights at Greenpoint cook-off
MOSES LAKE — A good pot of chili is its own reward. Still, a little recognition and maybe some cash never hurts.
BBCC Job Fair connects people, employers
MOSES LAKE — Thursday’s may have been the biggest job fair Big Bend Community College has held. “About 700 job seekers came through here today, maybe more,” organizer Michelle Arceo said about halfway through the four-hour event.
‘Midnight in Soap Lake’
Mystery novel explores life – and death – in a small desert town
SOAP LAKE — Murder, family secrets, mysterious water and a terrifying urban legend. It’s all lurking behind the small-town innocence of Soap Lake in a novel released Tuesday.
MLHS Class of 1995 reunion April 25-27
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School Class of 1995 will hold its 30-year class reunion the weekend of April 25-27, according to an announcement from the reunion committee.
‘The Revlon Girl’
Masquers play delves into themes of womanhood and loss
SOAP LAKE — If you’re going to the Masquers Theater’s new play, the cast has a recommendation. “Bring your hankies, because you’re going to need them,” said Tanya Sheelke, who plays the title character in “The Revlon Girl,” at rehearsal April 10.
Talent on Main Street
Coulee City Art Walk highlights local artists
COULEE CITY — Seven local businesses played host to artists from the Basin at the third annual Coulee City Art Walk Friday. The walk brought a pretty good-sized turnout to the town of about 600, said Don Nutt, owner of Cariboo Trail Studio and the organizer of the event, “It’s kind of been in waves,” Nutt said. “I stepped out just for a second, and all the parking spaces were pretty much filled on Main Street. And the next time I looked, there weren’t very many there, so I think it’s just going to be a lot of people filtering in here and there.”
Documentary of JFK in Moses Lake to premiere Thursday
MOSES LAKE — On Sept. 26, 1963, President John F. Kennedy stepped off Air Force One onto the tarmac at Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake. Instead of getting straight on another plane as scheduled, Kennedy stopped for a few minutes, shook hands and chatted with locals at the base. A documentary premiering Thursday at the Moses Lake Civic Center will offer a glimpse into that day. “Imagine spending five minutes somewhere and making an impression on the people you meet for the rest of their lives,” says narrator Shane Humphrey in the 12-minute film “JFK in Moses Lake, Washington.” The film, made by filmmaker Lee O’Connor, features archive footage of Kennedy’s stopover and interviews with people who were present on that day. The screening is hosted by the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center.
Families, agencies join together at Child Abuse Prevention Month event
MOSES LAKE — Law enforcement, the Boys and Girls Club, Renew, firefighters and more joined Kids Hope at the Grant County Fairgrounds Wednesday to raise awareness of child abuse. “April is Child Abuse Prevention Month,” said Elisa Adolphsen, children’s advocacy coordinator for Kids Hope, who was handing out paper masks at the front door for children to wear. “For the past several years (we) have held an event for the community. We make it free so families can come and gain information about child safety. Every booth has something to do with child safety or child abuse prevention.”
Bikers to raise funds for scholarship in Peny Archer’s name
MOSES LAKE — Two local motorcycle clubs will hold events next weekend in honor of Moses Lake Food Bank Director Peny Archer, who passed away in January. Road Brother will be at the Ross Dress for Less parking lot April 19 in Moses Lake from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., said Road Brother member Thomas Johnson. Then from 4 to 6 p.m. the Unchained Brotherhood will hold a spaghetti feed at the Moses Lake Food Bank. The suggested donation at the spaghetti feed is $10.
Support in difficult times
Crossroads offers information, help with unplanned pregnancy
MOSES LAKE — An unplanned pregnancy can be a very scary thing. It brings big decisions to make, and no matter what course of action an expectant mother chooses, the outcome is life-changing. Crossroads Resource Center’s goal is to get her the information she needs to make those choices, its operators said, and then support her afterward.
Home prices and active listings both up in Grant County
MOSES LAKE — Active listings are considerably up in Washington compared to a year ago, and a Washington city showed the highest growth in homeownership in the U.S. over a 12-year period, but rising prices are still making the dream of owning a home difficult to fulfill.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to hold annual banquet
MOSES LAKE — The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will hold its annual banquet and auction Saturday in Moses Lake.
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Basin Community Theater stages ‘Mary Poppins’
MOSES LAKE — It won’t be the “Mary Poppins” everybody knows. But the Basin Community Theatre production opening Thursday promises to be at least supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. And if everything goes right; it might even be practically perfect.
George Library resource fair successful
GEORGE — The first Resource Fair held at the George Library was a success, said Librarian Jeana Rushton.
New Moses Lake shop offers electronics and service
MOSES LAKE — For almost a century, Radio Shack was the electronics geek’s mecca, with parts and components for any project as well as cutting-edge toys and kits. Then the company ran into financial trouble in the 2010s and closed more than 8,000 franchise stores, including the one in Moses Lake. Now its products are making a little bit of a comeback.
10 years of fine cuts
Pure Country Harvest brings local meat to local tables
MOSES LAKE — With grilling season beginning, it’s time to start thinking about the meat you’re fixing to cook. Did it come from across the country, or across town? “There are a lot of small (meat) producers in Washington that produce a quality product, but don't have a place to take it to be processed,” said Andy Huff, plant manager at Pure Country Harvest in Moses Lake. “That's what we're here to do, is not only provide high quality protein for the local community, but also to provide a service for the small producers, so that they can get their products out.”
Teens discuss Constitution in American Legion event
EPHRATA — Sixteen Washington students demonstrated their speaking skills March 29, according to an announcement from American Legion Art Semro Post 28 in Ephrata.
George Library to host resource fair
GEORGE — The George Library will host a resource fair Monday, where residents of the area can get help with a variety of needs.
Skyview Dental Clinic breaks ground on new building
MOSES LAKE — “It’s important to make a living, but it’s more important to make a difference.” That’s the advice Dr. Calvin Despain said his mentor gave him years ago. Despain is the owner of Skyview Dental Clinic in Moses Lake, having taken over Dr. Brent Jones’ practice about four years ago when Jones retired. The clinic is tucked away on Hunter Place just off South Pioneer Way, but it will be moving this year into a brand-new, larger facility on Yonezawa Boulevard next to Lowe’s.
Rent stabilization bill makes progress in Olympia
OLYMPIA — A Washington bill to limit residential rate increases may have a shot at passing this year, according to its primary sponsor, state Sen. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle. “I am very hopeful, and I think there is momentum,” Alvarado said. “I think the bill, where it’s gotten to at this point, is a compromise. I think it’s a balanced approach.”
‘Wherever there’s need’
Moses Lake Christian Academy students get an education outside the classroom
MOSES LAKE — Some Moses Lake Christian Academy students are getting a little different education this week. “We’re on our Extended Learning Week, where we send out groups of students to get experiences outside the classroom,” said MLCA teacher Tyler Tadema.
‘A great place at a great time’
Wampum auction raises money for Wheat Land Communities Fair
RITZVILLE — The Wampum fundraiser auction to support the Wheat Land Communities Fair in Ritzville was a small, home-grown affair, much like the fair itself.
Quincy Senior Center offers good food, good fun
QUINCY — It’s 12:30 p.m. and Chef Travis Wells is hand-rolling dough for homemade buns to go with French dip sandwiches while the beef waits to be roasted. No, it’s not a high-end restaurant; the sandwiches will be served at the Quincy Senior Center and dinner will be less than $15 per person.
Grand finale: CBCCA ends 70th concert season with classical showcase
MOSES LAKE — The Central Basin Community Concert Association is finishing up its 70th season in a big way. “(We’re bringing) somewhere between 65 and 70 orchestra members,” said Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra Director Kevin Hekmatpanah. That may be the largest number of performers ever to take the stage at the Wallenstien Theater, CBCCA Vice President Carla McKean said.
Working connections
BBCC Job Fair to bring job seekers together with employers April 17
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College will play matchmaker between businesses and the people they’re looking for at the BBCC Job Fair April 17. This is the 32nd year Big Bend has held the fair, said coordinator Michelle Arceo. Last year it attracted about 1,000 job seekers, she said. The fair will include Big Bend students, but anyone who’s interested in starting or furthering a career is invited. There’s no charge to attend.
Teacher for life
Ephrata educator retiring after 38 years
EPHRATA — An era will end this year at Ephrata schools, as Charlotte Throgmorton retires. Throgmorton, who is finishing her career as the assistant principal at Ephrata High School, has been with the Ephrata School District for 38 years, her entire teaching career.
Homeownership in reach for Hispanic buyers
MOSES LAKE — The National Association of Realtors recently released its “2025 Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America,” and the numbers tell several different stories, particularly where Hispanic homeowners and buyers are concerned.
Boys & Girls Club earns awards for nutrition education
MOSES LAKE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin have been recognized yet again. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction recently honored the club with not one, but three awards for excellence in nutrition education, according to an announcement from the club.
Advancing Tigers
Highly Capable Program lets students enrich their education
EPHRATA — A school district has all kinds of children in it, and those children learn at different paces. Some have learning disabilities and need a little extra help, while others excel in one or more academic fields.
Moses Lake Demo Derby welcomes new sponsor
MOSES LAKE — A popular event in Moses Lake will have a new name this year: The Miner Services Demo Derby. “We’re really big on getting our name out there and being part of the community,” said Seth Miner, owner of Miner Services and the demo derby’s new sponsor. “We’re big derby-goers. We go to the derby every year.”
Elks Lodge to move into Porterhouse building
MOSES LAKE — In a time when everything seems to be changing, at least one thing will remain the same: the Porterhouse totem pole is staying put. “There's such history with that totem pole, we would like to put a plaque there that acknowledges the history and the Russell family for leaving it there for the community,” said Debbie Doran-Martinez, a trustee with Elks Lodge No. 2892.
Samaritan on-time, on budget
New hospital coming along on schedule
MOSES LAKE — The new Samaritan Hospital is coming along exactly the way projects of that magnitude almost never do. “We’re on schedule, and we’re on budget,” Joe Kunkel, project director for the hospital construction, said March 11.
Cantwell, Newhouse discuss budget impacts on Medicaid
MOSES LAKE — If Congress makes cuts to Medicaid, the results could be disastrous for Central and Eastern Washington, Sen. Maria Cantwell said at town hall meetings in Spokane and Richland last week.
Crestview, Bright Beginnings hold open house
MOSES LAKE — Crestview Christian School and Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center held an open house March 13. The public was invited to tour the classrooms and see what the schools have to offer, and there were crafts and games for the children.
News beat: Ephrata fifth graders learn the ropes of journalism
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Herald recently acquired some competition in Ephrata. We’d be more worried if the journalists were old enough to, say, drive a car.
Wampum auction to support Wheat Land Communities Fair coming
RITZVILLE — A small fair will be supported in a big way next weekend. Wampum, the annual auction for the Wheat Land Communities Fair, will take place Saturday at the Wheat Land Fairgrounds in Ritzville. The event will include a barbecue dinner and a live and silent auction.
Area experts walk potential first-time home buyers through the process
MOSES LAKE — How to facilitate a first home purchase was the topic of a seminar in Moses Lake Tuesday. The Homebuying Process Workshop, hosted by Opportunities Industrialization Center, or OIC, of Washington, featured three experts in home purchasing and a ton of advice for people new to the process.
Teen writers wanted for library fiction contest
WENATCHEE — North Central Washington Libraries is accepting submissions for the 2025 Teen Short Fiction Competition. NCW Libraries oversees the operation of libraries in and near Grant County, among others.
‘We owe it to them’
New Hope copes with rising need and falling funding
MOSES LAKE — The need for New Hope’s and Kids Hope’s services is growing, but the money to fund them isn’t, according to Director Suzi Fode. “Overall … my program is looking at a 24% cut (in funding),” said Fode.
Ritzville offers parks, museums and more
RITZVILLE — For a town of about 1,800, Ritzville has a lot to do. There are museums, golf and a water park, as well as historic walks and buildings to explore.
Respite from violence: New Hope shelter offers escape for domestic abuse victims
MOSES LAKE — More than 500 people find help at New Hope on an annual basis as they work to escape domestic violence situations and abusive relationships that can often feel like traps they’ve fallen into. Fear of the unknown, psychological challenges and fear of homelessness are all factors that can add to that feeling of being trapped.
Dreaming big: Soroptimist conference encourages girls to pursue careers without fear
MOSES LAKE — Women can do any job they want to. That was the theme of Dream It Be It, the annual conference for high school girls put on by the Moses Lake chapter of Soroptimist International. About 60 girls gathered at Vanguard Academy Saturday to hear about possible career paths from women who have already followed them. The point, said Elsa Meservy, one of the organizers, is to show girls they can have more options for their future than they might think.
FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: GCSO Sgt. Gary Mansford prepares to step into new role as undersheriff
EPHRATA — If Gary Mansford wasn’t planning on a career in law enforcement, other people certainly were planning it for him. “I got pulled over by a state patrolman one day, and he said that he was told by his sergeant that if anybody's seen me, they were to pull me over and tell me that I needed to test for the State Patrol,” Mansford said. “I knew the patrolman and I knew his sergeant, so I looked into the State Patrol, and then Mike Shay and Dean Mitchell from Moses Lake (Police Department), they were both talking to me as well. So, I tested and got hired by the (Grant County) Sheriff's Office.”
Triple play
EHS Spring Showcase features series of one-act dramas
EPHRATA — Audiences at Ephrata High School’s Spring Showcase will be in for a three-fer when EHS Drama presents three one-act plays. “I had another show in mind,” Director Marla Allsopp said. “But I never quite know what I’m going to have for audition, so I always have some (other scripts) kind of in the back of my mind. I didn’t get the right combo or number of kids for the show I was thinking of, and I had these kind of sitting there. (I said), “I would really love to do these shows I’ve had for a couple of years, and I finally have the right group to do it.’” With a cast of 10, several students appear in two plays, and one, senior Monty Muir, is in all three.
Help is available for problem gambling
OLYMPIA — Some people, when they go to the store for milk and coffee, pick up a lottery ticket at the same time. Some people like to spend a day or a weekend at a tribal casino. Some people like to vacation in Las Vegas. And for most folks, that’s just fine. But for other people, any of those things is the first step into a very dark place.
Eco-gardening symposium coming April 5
MOSES LAKE — Here in the Columbia Basin, we have many things in abundance: sunshine, wide open spaces, fine wine, great tacos. What we don’t have in abundance is water. How to grow plants in spite of that lack will be one of the topics of an Eco-Gardening Symposium April 5. “One of our sessions will be on three gardeners who have taken out part or all of their yards to put in drought-tolerant plants,” said WSU Grant-Adams County Master Gardener Diane Escure, co-coordinator of the symposium. “They’re going to be saying, what’s the pros and cons? … Here are the things to be aware of, what are we looking for? What do they experience? We’ll have slides of their before and after landscapes, and what they hope to accomplish.”
CBAA to screen silent Buster Keaton classic
MOSES LAKE — On March 28, the audience at the Wallenstien Theater will be swept back to a time when girls were flappers, young men were sheiks, jazz was king and liquor was bootlegged when Columbia Basin Allied Arts screens the 1924 classic silent comedy “Sherlock Jr.”
More than just birds
The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival has something for everyone
OTHELLO — The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival is about much more than just the majestic birds it’s named for. Since the first festival 27 years ago, the Sandhill Crane Festival has ballooned to include tours and lectures to appeal to a wide range of enthusiasts. This year’s lineup includes lectures by experts in photography, geology, botany and more.
Young Cougars ready to repeat last year’s state showing
WARDEN — The Warden Cougars softball team pulled off a coup last year, taking second at state. “Nobody even thought we’d get out of districts,” said Head Coach Randy Wright. “We started the season pretty bad. But they got together and became a team and worked together and figured it out.”
MLHS softball coach excited for deep talent in 2025
MOSES LAKE — Mavericks Head Softball Coach Mike Hofheins has a problem other coaches would love to have. “We have a lot of girls that are super versatile and can play multiple positions,” Hofheins said Friday. “We're trying to figure out where the puzzle pieces fit to make our team the best, because so many girls can play two and three and four positions. (They’re) probably more versatile than I've ever had.”