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2023 Vikings
MOSES LAKE - Big Bend Community College's Class of 2023 walked on Friday to get their degrees. These Viking alum not move on to push their academic or professional careers forward.
BBCC holds nurse pinning ceremony
MOSES LAKE - Big Bend Community College held its graduation festivities Friday, starting with a nurse's pinning ceremony. Above, 17 newly-graduated nurses pose for a photo during the ceremony.
STUDIO BASIN: Fire and water, football and diamond action
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller and senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss water conservation across the Basin, fires and fire season as well as recap graduation and Quincy's 100% graduation rate. Next, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona recaps the Pete Doumit Memorial Tournament, a football scrimmage held in Royal City and other sporting goodness in the Basin. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/446s0GA.
Summer meals for kids offered in Mattawa
MATTAWA — Breakfast and lunch will be served free of charge to qualifying children over the summer through the Summer Food Service Program sponsored by the Wahluke School District...
A BIT OF QUINCY HISTORY
QUINCY – This mural-bedecked building at the intersection of F Street SE and Road Q NW in Quincy is currently for sale, according to signage at the property. Anyone with information regarding the building’s history is asked to email information to Columbia Basin Herald Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer at [email protected] for use in an upcoming feature.
Family options
A high-level look at listings in the Basin
EPHRATA – If you’re looking for a larger, but not too large, home with four or more bedrooms and 2,000 to 3,000 square feet to live in, the Columbia Basin has options right now...
BBCC dean retires
Big Bend Community College’s Dean of Arts and Sciences, Kathleen Duvall, is retiring after 29 years at Big Bend Community College. Above, she holds a jarred brain and is seen posing Biology Professor Theresa Calip.
News Bites for June 16
EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is asking for concertgoers to be careful at the Gorge Amphitheater this summer. They recommend taking the following steps to be safe...
Juneteenth commemoration Saturday
MOSES LAKE — A program to commemorate the day the last slaves in the United States learned they were free men and women is scheduled for 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the McCosh Park Amphitheater in Moses Lake...
Moses Lake student inducted into Phi Kappa Phi
BATON ROUGE, La. — Eastern Oregon University student and Moses Lake resident Simeon Hickman was recently inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest all-discipline college honor society, according to a society press release...
Quincy FFA announces officers
QUINCY – The Quincy Future Farmers of America announced its 2023-24 officers on May 23. The officer team was installed during the coinciding Parent-Member Banquet...
Othello man sentenced in child’s death
SPOKANE — An Othello man has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after an incident that left his 4-year-old child dead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Spokane...
WDFW eyes 3-year hunting season plans
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking for the public’s feedback as it begins its latest three-year season-setting efforts, according to a WDFW press release...
Law enforcement records for June 15, 2023
The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
WSP to conduct motorcycle emphasis patrol
MOSES LAKE — Washington State Patrol troopers will be conducting additional patrols along Interstate 90 June 23-25 to teach bikers and drivers about motorcycle safety. The patrols will span I-90 from Snoqualmie Pass to Spokane, according to a press release from the Grant County Health District...
Basin community calendar for June 17-21
Basin community calendar for June 17-21
News Bites for June 14
MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Police Department officers arrested Byron Combs, 30, of Moses Lake on Monday after receiving a call that took them to the 800 block of Loop Drive, according to an MLPD statement. Contractors working nearby had overheard a man and woman arguing and believed the woman was being assaulted. The workers wenter to intervene when Combs reportedly pulled a firearm, pointed it at the workers and threatened to kill them...
Moses Lake to host walkability workshop
MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will host a one-day workshop on Thursday, June 22, to discuss future possibilities for creating and improving walkability in Moses Lake, according to a city press release.
Coulee City chiropractor’s license suspended
COULEE CITY — A Coulee City man’s chiropractic license has been suspended following his arrest on suspicion of child rape and unlawful imprisonment...
News Bites for June 13, 2023
SOAP LAKE — Two fire districts were brought in for a rescue at Lake Lenore Caves Sunday, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 7.
Caps and gowns
COLUMBIA BASIN – Graduations continued over the weekend with students walking stages across the Columbia Basin the last few days. Below are some photo highlights of those graduations. Full coverage of area graduations will be printed in a keepsake edition of the paper this Wednesday so area students can have something with themselves and their friends from throughout the region in one place. The staff at the Columbia Basin Herald congratulate this year’s graduates and wish them the best of luck in their futures.
News Bites for June 12, 2023
EPHRATA — An Ephrata man reported as missing Wednesday was found safe and sound Thursday, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...
Weather for Monday, June 12, 2023
Weather for the week of June 12.
STUDIO BASIN: Adkinsons and the week in sports
On this week’s Basin Studio podcast, Senior Reporter Charles H. Featherstone talks with outgoing Ephrata Interim city administrator, former Ephrata police chief and 25-year veteran of the Washington State Patrol Kurt Adkinson about his time in the WSP and what he learned as a police officer...
UW tour to pass through Basin
The University of Washington is hitting the road again...
BBCC celebrates 2023 Outstanding Student Award winners
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College has released its list of 2023 Outstanding Student Award winners, according to an announcement from the college. BBCC faculty recognized their top students from the 2022-23 academic year during a ceremony Thursday evening...
Events calendar for June 13-18
COLUMBIA BASIN – There’s plenty to do in Grant and Adams counties over the next week. Take a look:
Adams County Pet of the Week: Meet Welder
Welder has decided he already loves you and would like to come help you make sure all the crumbs on your floor don’t go to waste. He’s a Husky or Husky mix and his blue eyes put Frank Sinatra’s to shame – Just don’t tell Frank we said so. Welder is currently hanging out with his friends at Adams County Pet Rescue located at 1961 W. Bench Road just outside of Othello. Like all of his foster-family at ACPR, he is microchipped, fully vaccinated and neutered. Welder is good with other dogs, but is unsure about cats. He’s a larger furry friend, so will need room to play and will need regular grooming. For more information, contact the shelter at 509-488-5514.
Grant County Pet of the Week: Meet Teddy
Teddy might be a little older, but she’s got plenty of love to share with a forever home. An 11-year-old German Shepard mix, she came to the shelter with her son Bear, who she is bonded to and should be adopted with. She enjoys being outside doing her own thing, but wants to be able to be close to Bear, otherwise she gets anxious. She is great with most dogs, people and children, but she’s afraid of cats. To adopt Teddy, contact Grant County Animal Outreach at 509-762-9616. The shelter is located at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake and is open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and closed Sundays. Additional pets can be viewed at www.grantcountyanimaloutreach.org.
News Bites for June 8, 2023
EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office will be closed today from noon to 3 p.m. for staff to participate in the Chief for a Day event. The event, as stated in yesterday’s news bites, honors Grant Co. youths impacted by long-term or life-threatening medical conditions...
Law enforcement records for June 8, 2023
COLUMBIA BASIN - The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...
News Bites for June 7, 2023
EPHRATA — Some special kids will get a chance to wear the chief’s hat Thursday...
Shooting suspect sought in Adams Co.
RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect in a drive-by shooting, according to a statement from the ACSO...
Varner named CEO of Washington STEM
SEATTLE — Washington STEM recently tapped Lynne K. Varner to be its new CEO, according to a release from the organization...
Birth announcements for June 7, 2023
The Columbia Basin welcomed several new residents over the last few weeks.
News bites for June 6, 2023
SOAP LAKE — A hike took a frightening turn when a hiker fell at the Lenore Caves Friday afternoon. At about 2 p.m., responders from Grant County Fire District 17 were called to the scene about half a mile from the parking lot of the popular hiking area north of Soap Lake. There they found a middle-aged woman who had fallen and injured her leg and hip, according to a statement from the fire district. The victim was unable to walk, the statement said...
GALLERY: Saturday graduations
COLUMBIA BASIN – Graduations continued over the weekend with students walking stages across the Columbia Basin on Saturday at Wilson Creek, Lind-Ritzville and Covenant Christian School. Below are some photo highlights of those graduations. Full coverage of area graduations will be printed in a keepsake edition of the paper on June 14 so that area students can have something with themselves and their friends from throughout the region in one collective regional “yearbook” of sorts. The staff at the Columbia Basin Herald applaud this year’s graduates and wish them the best of luck in their academic and professional lives as they move forward.
Weather for Monday, June 5, 2023
Weather report from the National Weather Service.
Grant Co. pet of the week: Meet Chancho
Hi, my name is Chancho I am a 6-year-old neutered male pitbull mix. While I am good with some people, I have a mild case of stranger danger which makes me nervous around new people. I cannot be in a home with other animals or young kids, but I am extremely smart, I love to play, I listen well (I know how to sit, stay and shake), and I am very motivated to learn -- especially if you have treats. If you are interested in me please contact Shae at 509-762-9616 or email [email protected]
GRAD GALLERY: Celebrating the class(es) of 2023
COLUMBIA BASIN – Celebrations aplenty occurred throughout Grant and Adams counties over the weekend as about two weeks of graduations at area high schools began. Below are some photo highlights of the festivities. The Columbia Basin Herald will have full coverage of the graduation ceremonies in a special keepsake edition of the paper on June 12 so that area students can have something with themselves and their friends from across the region in one place. We congratulate the class of 2023 and we wish them nothing but success as they venture onto the next stages of their lives.
STUDIO BASIN: Looking for young leaders and recognizing young athletes
MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the Studio Basin podcast, General Manager Bob Richardson joins to preview the Basin Business Journal's 40 under 40 program, highlighting upcoming leaders in business around Eastern Washington. To submit someone for recognition, visit https://bit.ly/BBJ-40u40-2023. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona recaps last weekend's results in state softball tournaments, state track and field meets and state tennis matches. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcasting apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3qqpsop.
News Bites for June 2, 2023
The Quincy Police Department participated in the Fire on Top-Cop on Top fundraiser last Friday, teaming up with other first responder agencies to raise money for Special Olympics, according to an announcement from the department. Officers and firefighters were taken up in a scissor lift for a squirt gun battle with local youth, according to the announcement....
Ephrata schools to offer free summer meals to children
EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District will provide free meals to children 18 and younger this summer beginning on Wednesday, June 14, and lasting through Thursday, July 27, according to a press release from the Ephrata School District...
June 2023 Community Calendar
June 2 First Friday Jam Anyone with an instrument can come and play; anyone with ears can come and listen. Potluck at 6 p.m., jam 7-9 p.m. at George Community Hall, 403 W. Montmorency Blvd. Info: www.georgecommunityhall.com. Preschool story time Kids will read books, do fingerplays and action rhymes, sing songs, and explore with other activities. 10:30-11 a.m. every Friday at the Warden Library, 305 S Main Ave. Info: 509-349-2226. June 3 Dru Gimlin 3-on-3 basketball tournament This will be the 20th anniversary for the tournament. The tournament features an adult division ages 18 and older, youths in fifth grade through high school and boys and girls divisions. Proceeds go to the Dru Gimlin Foundation, named for the QHS student who died in a traffic accident. The foundation works to ensure children in Quincy can participate in athletics. First game starts at 9 a.m. on Central Avenue South in downtown Quincy. CBBRE Spring Classic Barrel racing. Begins at 7 a.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds, Moses Lake. Moses Lake Farmers Market Every Saturday until the end of October. Fresh produce, crafts and more. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at McCosh Park, Moses Lake. Info: moseslakefarmersmarket.com. Family Free Saturday Twirling ladybug or bee. Continues until supplies have been exhausted. Adult must accompany child during activity (no drop-offs). 12-2 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam. Info: 509-764-3830.
News Bites for June 1
QUINCY — Saturday’s sudden rainstorm triggered a flash flood at Adams Road and Road 13 Northwest, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Mud, rocks and debris were scattered across the roads, the GSCO wrote. Grant County Road District 3 responded to the area and cleaned the road up, and the GCSO statement did not indicate any injuries or property damage. Here’s what else happened over the weekend in the Columbia Basin:
Law enforcement logs for June 1
The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Local schools represented among FFA district officers
MOSES LAKE — Future Farmers of America members from Quincy, Moses Lake, Ephrata and Lind-Ritzville were named District Nine officers for 2023-24 at the district meeting at Moses Lake High School May 24...
Graduations in the Basin coming soon
COLUMBIA BASIN – Area high schools will be celebrating graduation the first two weeks of June. The Columbia Basin Herald will be attending each of the ceremonies listed below and will provide coverage in a keepsake edition of the paper on June 12 so that graduates can have one issue that brings all of their graduation celebrations together with their friends at nearby schools. Additionally, look in tomorrow’s edition for a commemorative insert with photos of this year’s grads...
Adams Co. Pet of the Week: Meet Seaton
So, I’m Seaton and, as you can see, I’m quite adorable. I’m a younger dog and I’m not really sure what all my ancestors looked like, but somehow I won the gene pool lotto with these good looks. I enjoy walks and have a decent amount of energy, but after a long day, I do like a cuddle once I get to know my people. I’d love for you to be my people if you want to come meet me. I’ll even help you make sure you don’t get overstocked on treats. Come visit me at Adams County Pet Rescue at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello. You can also see more adorable pets like me at adamscountypetrescue.com. The shelter’s number is 509-488-5514 and it is open from noon to 6 p.m. each day except for Mondays and Thursdays.
WA building code update implementation delayed
OLYMPIA — The Washington Building Code Council voted this week to delay the implementation of the state’s 2021 building code to Oct. 29 as the council considers possible revisions for portions of the code, according to an announcement on the council’s website...