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Masquers to audition for ‘Little Shop of Horrors’
SOAP LAKE — Auditions for the Masquers Theater production of “Little Shop of Horrors” will take place Aug. 16-17, according to an announcement from the theater troupe. All roles are for adults and are available, according to the announcement. Auditioners will be asked to sing a verse or chorus from the play, preferably one specific to the character for which they’re auditioning, and do a cold read of lines from the script. Auditions will be recorded for the final selection process. An audition form is available at the Masquers website and should be submitted along with a headshot. Resumes are optional.
WSDOT adjusts ramp closures near Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Department of Transportation issued updated schedules Tuesday for the paving work being done on Interstate 90 near Moses Lake. The closures will begin with the eastbound onramp closure at Exit 174 scheduled for July 30 and 31 from 7 a.m.-noon and the eastbound offramp closure is now scheduled for July 31 from 7 a.m.-noon, according to the WSDOT announcement.
Port of Moses Lake passes reporting audit
MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake recently passed an audit of the municipality’s financial reporting for the 2023 calendar year, according to a report from the Washington State Auditor’s Office.
Othello man convicted of sexually abusing child
RITZVILLE — A sentencing date will be announced in August in the case of an Othello man convicted Thursday of sexual assault of a child.
Fire burns about 100 acres near Mattawa
MATTAWA — A wildland fire scorched about 100 acres about two miles west of Mattawa Tuesday afternoon. Grant County Fire District 8 Chief Matt Hyndman said the fire was reported at about 4:45 p.m.
Temporary repairs completed on damaged Moses Lake wastewater pipe
MOSES LAKE — The first phase of repairs has been completed on a broken wastewater line keeping people and pets out of Moses Lake near Montlake Park. People are still being advised to stay out of the lake next to the park until further notice. Chris Campbell, the city’s wastewater manager, said in a city press release that he appreciated the patience of the residents near the worksite. “We put in some very long hours last week, and I am more than certain we disrupted your peace, quiet and sense of smell,” Campbell said. “There will be no more late nights unless absolutely necessary.” The partially broken line was discovered July 6; it connects to the city’s Dunes wastewater treatment facility. Temporary repairs were completed in less than a week, with the damaged line going back into use at 1 a.m. July 12.
Royal City man dies in rollover near Othello
OTHELLO — A Royal City man was killed when he was ejected from the pickup he was driving about four miles west of Othello Saturday evening.
MLPD conducts operation near Samaritan Hospital
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Tactical Response team is conducting an operation near Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake close to the intersection of E. Wheeler Road and S. Buchanan Street. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
One dies in canal accident near Ephrata
EPHRATA – Kevin Kershaw, 55, of Yakima was attempting to drive his 2025 GMC Sierra on the canal road when he attempted to turn around and lost control of the vehicle Thursday. The vehicle slid into the canal and Kershaw was found deceased downstream from the vehicle.
Mattawa crash injures one
MATTAWA — A Renton man was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center Wednesday after he drove off the road and rolled his semitruck. Kibret Ghulbet, 39, was driving south on State Route 234 about 13 miles south of Mattawa Wednesday when he ran off the road, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol. Ghulbet overcorrected and rolled his truck. The crash closed SR 243 for about four hours.
Soap Lake to celebrate Suds ‘N Sun on Saturday
SOAP LAKE — Suds ‘N Sun, Soap Lake’s big summer celebration, will be Saturday, according to an announcement from the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Two firefighters dead, one hospitalized after Canfield Mountain shooting near Coeur d'Alene
Emergency responders from North Idaho and Spokane rushed to Canfield Mountain on Sunday afternoon following reports of a possible ambush attack on firefighters responding to a brush fire on the mountain in Coeur d'Alene.
Free Care-A-Van vaccine clinic in Warden today
WARDEN – The Warden School District and Washington State Department of Health are partnering to host a free community clinic offering vaccinations and health screenings to local residents today, Friday June 27.
CWU honors 94 Basin students
ELLENSBURG — Ninety-four students from Grant and Adams counties were named to Central Washington University’s Honor Roll for spring quarter 2025, according to an announcement from the university
Seattle man injured in Saturday morning crash
MOSES LAKE — A Seattle man was transported to Samaritan Hospital after he drifted off the road while driving about one mile east of Moses Lake late Saturday morning.
Port of Mattawa to implement new procedures for expenses
MATTAWA — The Port of Mattawa will update its policies for expenditures following recommendations from the Washington State Auditor’s Office. Auditors found that port policies left it vulnerable to possible misuse of its funds.
Canal break closes road near Quincy Saturday
WINCHESTER — A break in the wall of an irrigation canal closed a road for a few hours about four miles south of Winchester Saturday morning.
One fire blazing in WA
ENTIAT — The Pomas Fire, reported on June 13, has rapidly grown to 910 acres in size as of Thursday. The fire is situated 36 miles northwest of Entiat, within the rugged Glacier Peak Wilderness, according to a report on Inciweb. There are no updates on containment as of Thursday. “This is an extreme(ly) tough piece of ground with all the dead and down timber from the 2015 Wolverine Fire and 10 years’ worth of thick regeneration,” said Holly Krake in a statement from Entiat-Chelan District Ranger for the Forest Service. “The smokejumpers and pilots are doing everything they safely can to keep fire from becoming established on the east side of the Entiat River and down in Snowbrushy Creek.”
Public’s help sought in finding missing Spokane girl
SPOKANE — The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is asking for the public’s help in finding a Spokane girl missing since June 13.
Quincy man killed in collision identified
QUINCY — A Quincy man killed in a vehicle collision June 7 has been identified.
Quincy man arrested for attempted theft
EPHRATA — An unidentified man was taken into custody Saturday evening after being sought as a suspect in a theft near Ephrata.
GALLERY: Looking back at May 2025
COLUMBIA BASIN – May was a busy month in Grant and Adams counties with the end of spring sports, a variety of community events and community members coming together for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few glimpses of what May held for the Basin.
Carjacking near I-90
MOSES LAKE – On Thursday around 2 p.m., two women were assaulted and had their vehicle stolen by two white males, according to Grant County Sherrif’s Office. The incident happened along I-90 at Road U-Southeast about 10 miles East of Moses Lake. GCSO reported that the victims have non-life-threatening injuries. They said the suspects are believed to be headed to Spokane via I-90. The detail of the vehicle is a Gray 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche, Washington license D54618D. Updates on the situation will be made available on the GCSO Facebook page.
No injuries in Moses Lake outdoor grill fire
MOSES LAKE — An outdoor grill prompted a response from the Moses Lake Fire Department Wednesday afternoon. No injuries were reported.
Teen survives high-speed chase Othello vehicle theft
OTHELLO – A 14-year-old boy was involved in a high-speed pursuit Sunday, following the theft of a vehicle in Othello, according to a statement from the Othello Police Department.
Wildfire near Quincy, evacuations in place
QUINCY – A fire started around 3 a.m. Thursday near Road 13 Northwest east of Adams Road, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. According to Watch Duty, the fire was under control at around 126 acres as of 5 p.m. There were no injuries or damaged structures, according to the GCSO. “Current conditions present a specific and immediate threat to life and safety of persons in this area,” the GCSO wrote in a statement. There are level two fire evacuations in place for the area near the fire. Level 1 means "Be Ready," Level 2 means "Be Set," and Level 3 means "Go Now." Updates will come as more information becomes available.
Roadwork to delay traffic near Wenatchee
WENATCHEE — Travelers in the Wenatchee area should be prepared for delays on Highway 97A between Wenatchee and Entiat and on Highway 2 near Leavenworth.
Mattawa man killed when car rolls
OTHELLO — A Mattawa man was killed when he was ejected from his car when it drifted off the roadway and rolled early Tuesday morning. Sergio Corrales, 52, was driving south on state Route 243 about 10 miles west of Mattawa when his car drifted off the road, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. Corrales overcorrected and drove back across the road. His car rolled, coming to rest on its top. The incident occurred about 3:45 a.m. Corrales was not wearing a seatbelt, the WSP statement said. His passenger, Sonia Corrales, 53, also was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected. She was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.
GALLERY: Memorial Day memories
COLUMBIA BASIN — On the last Monday of May, Americans across the nation, and across the Basin, come together to honor those who have fallen in their country’s service. The Columbia Basin Herald will have coverage of this year’s solemnities in tomorrow’s edition; meanwhile, here are some scenes from Memorial Days past.
Two Washington veterans cemeteries named among top 10 list
RENO, Nev. — Two Washington cemeteries were among the most beloved in America, according to a survey by Choice Mutual.
Moses Lake Spring Fest schedule
MOSES LAKE — This weekend is Moses Lake’s biggest blowout of the year, Spring Fest. Here’s where and when it’s all happening. All events are at McCosh Park unless otherwise noted.
Moses Lake SD business manager candidate forum tonight
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District patrons are being invited to talk to – and give their opinions about – finalists for the job of MLSD business manager tonight at 4 p.m. at the district’s transportation office, 940 E. Yonezawa Blvd. Candidates will introduce themselves and answer questions submitted by district patrons; people are encouraged to submit questions via QR code that will be available at the meeting. People will be asked to submit their impressions of the candidates after each person finishes.
BBCC celebrates Outstanding Student Award winners
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College faculty recognized their top students from the 2024-25 academic year during a ceremony May 6.
GALLERY: Scenes from April
COLUMBIA BASIN — There was a lot happening in the Basin last month. Here are a few highlights you might have missed:
One injured in three-vehicle collision on SR 17
MOSES LAKE – A three-vehicle collision occurred on State Route 17 about five miles north of Moses Lake at around 9 p.m. Monday, according to the Washington State Patrol.
‘The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered’ updates a beloved classic
ROCKVILLE, Md. — Bethesda Game Studios recently released “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered,” according to an announcement from the company. “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered” is the result of a collaboration between Bethesda Game Studios and their partners at Virtuos, according to the announcement. This allowed Oblivion Remastered to remain faithful to the original vision, while giving it a visual overhaul and some modern refinements.
Moses Lake man arrested after high-speed chase
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of felony eluding and other charges after allegedly leading local law enforcement and Washington State Patrol troopers on a high-speed chase Tuesday afternoon.
Four Basin students honored at EOU
LA GRANDE, Ore. — Four Basin students were among 635 named to the Eastern Oregon University Dean’s List for the 2025 winter term, according to an announcement from the university. Qualifying students achieve and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale while completing a minimum of 12 hours of graded coursework for the term. Moses Lake: Joselyn Hernandez, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, major Politics/Policy and Public Administration; Kali Kast, College of Education, major Multidisciplinary Studies Othello: Madisen Douglas, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, major Interdisciplinary Studies Warden: Kaya Enriquez, College of Education, major Elementary Education
MLSD Digital Learning Center recognized as Beacon School
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District announced that the Digital Learning Center has received an award as a 2024–2025 Imagine Learning Beacon School
'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' renewed for 3rd season
BURBANK, Calif. - “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” has been renewed for a third season, according to a press release from Disney+. The show is based on Rick Riordan’s bestselling book series of the same name.
McCosh Park site of Lions Easter egg hunt Saturday
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Lions chapter will be sponsoring its annual Easter egg hunt Saturday at noon McCosh Park. It’s for children up to 12 years of age. The park is divided into zones for different ages, from birth to 3 years of age, 4 to 6 years, 7 to 10 years and 11 and 12 years. Parents should plan to have their children there on time, according to the organizers, since the egg hunters are released promptly at noon and it doesn’t take them long to make a clean sweep of the eggs.
Suspect arrested in Soap Lake arson case
SOAP LAKE — An unidentified man was arrested on suspicion of arson Wednesday after allegedly setting fire to clothing that ignited nearby brush. The fire was reported in the 2200 block of Road 20 Northeast at about 7:45 p.m., according to a post from Grant County Fire District 7.
Respiratory illness season fades in Grant County
MOSES LAKE — With the arrival of spring the most severe phase of the 2024-25 respiratory illness has officially come to an end, according to the Grant County Health District.
CWU recognizes locals in winter quarter honor roll
ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University has released its Honor Roll for winter quarter 2025, with 104 students from Grant and Adams counties honored. To be eligible, a student must complete a minimum of 12 graded credits in the quarter earned with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
UPDATED: Water main break closes section of Mart Road
MOSES LAKE — A water main break is temporarily limiting access to businesses in the 900 block of Stratford Road. Moses Lake city officials said Monday afternoon that a section of the westbound lane of Mart Road will be closed while repairs are underway. Drivers still will have access to WinCo, Sportsman’s Warehouse and the other businesses in that block from Central Drive, said Lynne Lynch, Moses Lake communications and marketing specialist. The road will be closed until further notice.
The Shack to hold grand opening tomorrow
MOSES LAKE — The Shack will hold its grand opening tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Moses Lake. The Shack, owned by Rick Rodriguez, will carry electronic accessories similar to those carried by the now-defunct Radio Shack chain. Rodriguez previously owned the Radio Shack store in Moses Lake before the chain folded in the 2010s. The Shack is the first business to take up occupancy in the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce’s business incubator at 301 W. Broadway Ave., according to the chamber.
Collision kills driver near Quincy
QUINCY — Adams Road near Quincy was closed for about three and a half hours Wednesday afternoon due to a collision between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle. The car’s driver was killed in the crash. The collision occurred at about 12:45 p.m., according to a release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, between Road 5 Northwest and Road 6 Northwest. The driver’s name was withheld pending notification of family members, said Kyle Foreman, GCSO public information officer. The case is still under investigation.
Othello man arrested after gunfire at local business
OTHELLO — An Othello man was placed under arrest on suspicion of attempted first-degree assault after a dispute at an Othello-area business escalated to gunfire.
Moses Lake man arrested, confesses to killing roommate
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was booked into the Grant County Jail Tuesday after he told police he had killed his roommate about a week earlier.
Precautionary transports after collision near Othello
OTHELLO — Two people were transported for examination as a precautionary measure after one driver allegedly ran a stop sign and hit the other car near Othello Sunday night.