Ellington

GALLERY: GCAO pets looking for homes

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Animal Outreach is over capacity and asking for the community to consider adoption or fostering to help out. The shelter has a capacity of 47 dogs, but many animals are paired up in kennels where possible to accommodate the roughly 150 animals they’re currently caring for.

CWU online Master’s of Education program now offers special education endorsement

ELLENSBURG – Ever since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – also known as IDEA – became law, K-12 schools have been required to offer special education services to students with unique needs, to ensure equitable access to education for all. However, teachers certified to provide these services are in short supply, partially due to a lack of flexible options for getting those certifications.

Knights defeat Meridian in state tourney

ROYAL CITY – The No. 3 seed Knights opened the 1A Boys State Soccer Tournament with a win over No. 19 Meridian on Friday, defeating the Trojans 1-0 to advance to Saturday’s quarterfinal round.

Wahluke falls to Seton Catholic in state playoffs

ROYAL CITY – Wahluke’s season came to a close on Friday night, after the No. 6 seed Warriors fell to No. 11 Seton Catholic in the second round of the 1A Boys State Soccer Playoffs in Royal City. Seton Catholic scored two goals in the first half, eventually winning the match 3-0.

Legals for May, 20 2024

Grant Co. first responders recover remains near Crescent Bar

CRESCENT BAR – Grant County first responders have recovered a body from a vehicle near Ancient Lakes Road, Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said Saturday shortly before 8 p.m.

STUDIO BASIN: Grant Co. Commissioner Rob Jones and state playoffs

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Commissioner Rob Jones joined Managing Editor R Hans "Rob" Miller for the news segment of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast this week. The pair discussed the process and cost of filing for office - Jones is running for reelection - as well as a variety of projects going on in the county. Jones also discussed how inflation has impacted the various businesses he owns and operates. In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer break down several of last week's district playoff games, including Moses Lake baseball, Royal and Wahluke boys soccer, Ephrata and Othello softball and Soap Lake tennis. The STUDIO BASIN podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/4blqNzr.

Box score roundup for May 17

MOSES LAKE – Box scores for softball, baseball and boys soccer games from May 17.

Wenatchee School Board closes elementary, cuts 63 staff

(The Center Square) – Wenatchee School District is closing the doors to Columbia Elementary following a unanimous School Board decision on Tuesday to "ensure the long-term sustainability" of the district. Enrollment has been declining throughout the district since 2015, with around 916 students having left since then. That loss of students is paired with a loss of funding, as the state sees the two factors as intertwined, according to WSD's website.

Opponents of three fall ballot initiatives come out swinging

(The Center Square) – Efforts to convince Washington state voters to reject three initiatives on the ballot this fall are in full swing. Initiative 2117 would repeal the state’s Climate Commitment Act, Initiative 2109 would repeal the state’s capital gains tax and Initiative 2124 would allow Washingtonians to opt out of the state’s mandatory long-term care benefit program.

FIRE REPORT: State mobilizes for Tidyman Road, other fires burn around WA

KLICKITAT COUNTY — State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Tidyman Road Fire located in Klickitat County across the Columbia River from The Dalles, according to a statement from the state fire marshal’s office Friday.

Janea Pixton

Janea Pixton, 70, died May 14, 2024, in Hayden, Idaho. Janea was born July 10, 1953, in Sandpoint, Idaho. A full obituary will appear in a later edition. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of arrangements.

Judy Lozar

December 2, 1942 – May 14, 2024

Judy Lozar, 81, of Moses Lake, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 14, 2024. She was born on Dec. 2, 1942, in Potlach, Idaho. She was married to Tim Lozar for 37 years before his passing in 1999. Judy enjoyed bingo and doing crossword puzzles.

Blake Chandler Marcusen

April 18, 1997 – May 12, 2024

Blake Chandler Marcusen, 27, of George, passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake due to complications with pneumonia. Blake was born on April 18, 1997, to Allan and Linda Marcusen and spent his early years playing on the family farm with his two older brothers. He participated in 4-H and enjoyed sports, especially football. He had a love for fast cars and was always thrilled to drive his mother's Hellcat. He attended Royal High School. Blake was devout in his faith and passed away while serving the Lord as a service missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He thoroughly enjoyed his time and the friends he met as a missionary. Blake was loved by all who met him. He was well known for his good-natured humor and his ability to make lasting friends, of which he had many. His rib-crushing, heartfelt hugs, quickness to smile and laugh and resolute faith will be greatly missed. His absence will be deeply felt by all.

Eunice Mae Carpenter

Eunice (born Unas) Mae Carpenter, 95, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2024. She remained in her home of 65 years until the day of her death. Eunice was born in 1929 in Crystal, North Dakota. She was the firstborn of her mother Maggie and father Albert Springsted. Eunice spent her summers painting interiors and exteriors with her father in his painting business and working in the family gardens and farms. She often told the story of being on a runaway horse and buggy ride back in the North Dakota farmlands. Being almost six feet tall, she was a star basketball player throughout her youth. Paul met Eunice when he was on leave from the army and driving a potato truck through a field where she was picking potatoes in in North Dakota. She was a stunning beauty. Eunice was feisty until the end, living up to a dear neighbor friend’s nickname given her years before, Tiger. She was a caring and ever-present mother and grandmother. For many years she hosted large family holiday dinners and summer gatherings and was well known as a fabulous cook. Eunice was firm in her faith, daily praying for family and friends.

Lane closures on SR 17 this weekend, other projects continue

MOSES LAKE — Lane closures are scheduled for the State Route 17 bridge that crosses Interstate 90, starting at 8 p.m. today and lasting through Monday. Crews will be working 24 hours per day, from Friday night through 6 a.m. Monday.

Talented on the field, and in the classroom

ACH baseball and softball teams win academic state titles

COULEE CITY – The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association announced its academic state champions for the spring sports season on Tuesday, with the Almira/Coulee-Hartline baseball and softball teams both posting the highest team average GPA in each sport.

Othello board reflects on national conference

OTHELLO – Monday afternoon’s Othello School Board meeting saw a presentation from Superintendent Pete Perez and the board members on their time at the National School Board Association’s annual conference from April 6 to 8 in New Orleans.

‘Paintings of My Life’

Artist with Down syndrome opens show at the Moses Lake Museum

MOSES LAKE — Beth Anna Margolis sees a potential painting in everything. “You’ve got to get out there, out in the daylight, and see nature,” she said. “You have to see, and see, and see more.”

Grant, Adams counties need more housing, Department of Commerce says

OLYMPIA — The state of Washington will need to build more than 1 million new residences over the next 20 years to catch up to current demand and accommodate new residents, according to a report released this week by the Washington Department of Commerce. The Housing Advisory Plan was issued by the Washington State Affordable Housing Advisory Board.

A memory of the Mount St. Helens eruption 44 years later

Guillermo V. Castaneda of Granger sent this poem to the Columbia Basin Herald in commemoration of the eruption of Mount St. Helens, which took place 34 years ago Saturday. At the time of the eruption, Castaneda was the director of the Migrant Health Clinic in Wenatchee and was in the process of setting up a community medical and dental clinic for migrants in Moses Lake, he wrote.

Moses Lake, ACH baseball heads to state

COLUMBIA BASIN – After advancing through their respective district tournaments, both the Moses Lake Mavericks and Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors qualified for their respective State Baseball Tournaments. Read along for a look at upcoming matchups for both squads.

Law enforcement logs for May 17

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.

FIRE REPORT: Royal Slope Fire District puts out fire with limited water

ROYAL CITY — A small fire broke out at an orchard around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 12000 block of Road A Southeast near Royal Camp, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Because the fuel involved polyurethane netting and other combustibles, Royal Slope firefighters allowed the fire to burn under controlled conditions for a while, in order to limit water use and avoid creating contaminated runoff in irrigation waterways. The fire was out by about 4:30, the GCSO wrote.

CWU women’s rugby team earns six All-American selections

ELLENSBURG – Six Central Washington University women's rugby players earned Division 1 Elite All-American honors this season, as announced last week by the College Association of America. Team captain Tessa Hann was named to the first team for a third consecutive year, while teammates Jessica Postle, Lauren DiPasquale, Shaylee Coulter-Fa'amafu, Winnie Namosimalua, and Lilly Thomas were named to the second team.

Quincy, Royal and Wahluke soccer begin state playoffs

COLUMBIA BASIN – Three Basin soccer teams will hit the field for the state tournament, all of which are 1A squads; Royal, Wahluke and Quincy.

Cougs qualify 22 individuals, two relay teams for NCAA West First Round

PULLMAN — Washington State men's and women's track and field will send a combined 27 student-athletes — 13 men and 14 women — to compete at the 2024 NCAA Division I West First Round, May 22-25, in Fayetteville, Ark. The Cougars' women's 4X100-meter relay team along with the men's 4x400 relay squad will also compete at next week's opening round of the 2024 NCAA Track and Field Championships, hosted by the University of Arkansas at John McDonnell Field.

Lind facing unbudgeted expenses, errors and $1.7 million loan

LIND – The Lind Town Council dealt with several issues during Tuesday’s regular meeting, including about $40,000 in unbudgeted expenses due to clerical errors dating back to 2008, other staff errors and a $1.7 million loan offered by the Department of Health.

Legals for May, 17 2024

Uzbek delegation visits Big Bend

MOSES LAKE — Interest in a longtime Big Bend Community College educational exchange program brought a delegation of business owners and university professors from the central Asian nation of Uzbekistan to campus Tuesday.

Honor Flight fundraiser set for Saturday

EPHRATA – A nacho and taco feed and dessert auction will be held on May 18 – also known as Armed Forces Day – by the Ephrata American Legion and Auxilliary. Proceeds from the event will help veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the War on Terror go to see memorials in Washington D.C. that were built in their honor.

Sprucing up downtown

Work of Moses Lake students yields colorful results downtown

MOSES LAKE — Samatha Underwood said one lesson she’s learned in three years of planting the flower boxes in downtown Moses Lake is that people really are paying attention. “People actually do appreciate this,” she said. “We actually had somebody in a truck roll down the window and yell, ‘Thank you.’”

Shoppers hunt for the good stuff at museum yard sale

MOSES LAKE — The appeal of a yard sale is that hunt for treasure. Maybe the treasure is a 1930s radio in a handsome wood cabinet. Maybe it’s jewelry or artwork, maybe a vintage baseball mitt or even a 1970s sewing pattern catalog. The thrill of the hunt attracted shoppers to the Rusty Mammoth sale Friday night and Saturday at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center.

Huskies defeat Tigers for CWAC title

SELAH – A five-run bottom of the fifth inning helped surge No. 1 seed Othello past No. 3 Ephrata in Tuesday’s Central Washington Athletic Conference district championship game, as the Huskies moved on to the 2A State Softball Tournament with a 12-5 win over the Tigers.

Lind council rescinds vote to vacate Mayor’s position

LIND – The Lind Town Council voted 4-0 Tuesday to approve motions by council member Robert Dew to rescind the council’s April 23 votes to vacate Mayor Paula Bell’s position and appoint council member Jamie Schmunk as temporary mayor. Council member Mike Wold was absent. Dew said that he had previously believed the votes to be legal, but has since heard conflicting opinions on the subject.

Aerobatics coming to Ephrata this weekend

EPHRATA – The International Aerobatic Club Washington Chapter No. 67 begins their slate of activities at the Port of Ephrata this weekend with an aerobatic camp set to begin Saturday and run through the following Saturday.

Five MLPD officers promoted, civilian honored

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department swore in a new generation of leaders at the Moses Lake City Council Tuesday, according to an announcement from MLPD Chief David Sands, and also awarded the Citizen Service Award. The officers who were promoted following a rigorous and stressful training process, according to Sands, were:

Annual Chamber Golf Tournament celebrates 24

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce held a luau-themed golf tournament at the Links at Moses Pointe on Friday to help raise money for the chamber. This was the 24th year of the chamber golf tournament which saw a record number of participants as they had to increase the number of teams from 32 to 36 making the total number of golfers 144 for the day. All 18 holes were sponsored with most having games for golfers to play to win prizes as they made their way through the course, said Debbie Martinez President of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Former customs officer found guilty in Othello child sex case

SPOKANE. — Koby Don Williams, 49, has been found guilty of one count of Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor, according to a May 15 press release from Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

Ephrata School District hires two new campus leaders

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District officials have announced the selection of Ashlie Miller as the new principal at Ephrata High School. Levi Spencer has been hired as the new assistant principal at Ephrata Middle School.

Community clean-up day Saturday

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce will host a community clean-up day on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Icicle River open to spring Chinook sport fishing

LEAVENWORTH — The Icicle River near Leavenworth will be open for spring Chinook hatchery salmon fishing through June 30. The river opened for spring Chinook hatchery fishing today.

Four Mavs sign to play college softball

MOSES LAKE – Four Maverick softball players signed on to continue both their athletica and education careers at the collegiate level on Monday, and were celebrated by friends, family, coaches and teammates. Moses Lake seniors Trinity Nations, Emmie Olsen, Morgan Ross and Mikayla Schwartz were celebrated at the softball field at Moses Lake High School Monday afternoon...

Acting super issues letter to MLSD families:

Moses Lake School District Acting Superintendent Carol Lewis released the letter below to families of students in the district Wednesday afternoon. The letter is printed in full without any editing from Columbia Basin Herald Staff:

Edward Harry Dawson

Edward Harry Dawson, 92 of Soap Lake, Wash., passed away at McKay Healthcare on Sunday, May 12, 2024. No service is scheduled at this time. Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home in Ephrata, WA.

A dash of caffeine

MOSES LAKE – Desert Coffee owners Shannon Paine, left, in pink, and Kimberly Berry cut the ribbon on their new location at 5219 Patton Blvd. in Moses Lake Tuesday, surrounded by Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce members. Paine and Berry have been selling coffee drinks from a mobile trailer, they said, and recently had the opportunity to add the stand.

Are home sellers on strike in Washington? Realtors speculate on the market

(The Center Square) – Springtime typically sees increased buyer and seller activity when it comes to houses. But in Washington state, “Sellers are on strike,” according to Jeff Smart, president of Washington Realtors.

Othello seeks contract mediation with ACFD 5

OTHELLO – The city of Othello is seeking third-party mediation for contract negotiations with Adams County Fire District 5 after giving two-year notice on May 8 that the city will be terminating its current contract due to increasing costs. Othello Mayor Shawn Logan said in the May 8 announcement that ACFD 5 has been unwilling to negotiate with the city. He said the mediation process is written into the city’s contract with the fire district, a five-year contract was implemented in Feb. 2018.

Four Mavs sign to play college football

MOSES LAKE – The gymnasium at Moses Lake High School was crowded on Monday afternoon, as numerous fellow players, coaches, friends and family gathered to watch Maverick seniors Caleb Jones, Hayden Throneberry, Joel Middleton and Kyson Thomas sign on to play college football. “It’s like a dream come true,” Thomas said.

Garden Party highlights new things coming for CBAA

MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin Allied Arts Garden Party brought folks together from all over the Basin to further the local arts scene Saturday. The amount of money raised was not available before press time. “We don't have to leave our area for amazing arts and culture,” Cardwell told the crowd. We are the arts and culture here. You are the arts and culture here.”

Eagle boys tennis wins league title

SOAP LAKE – In just the fourth season since returning to the courts, the Soap Lake boys tennis team came out on top of last week’s Central Washington B league tournament, headlined by Xavier Gonzales-Robinson reaching the finals in singles and Francisco Ortega and Logan Northup making the doubles finals.

Basin sports schedule May 15-21

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s sports schedule, featuring local baseball, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and track and field events. This schedule will be updated at columbiabasinherald.com as teams progress through their respective district and state tournament brackets.

‘Guaranteed maximum price’ accepted for jail construction

EPHRATA — The maximum cost for building the Grant County Jail and Grant County Sheriff’s Office - just for construction, not equipping it or paying construction fees - will be $131.56 million. The Grant County Commissioners approved an agreement for the “guaranteed maximum price” for construction Tuesday. That’s about $3 million less than the estimated cost for construction made in April, which was about $134.21 million. Grant County Central Services Director Tom Gaines said in a separate interview that reflects changes in the construction market.

Wahluke superintendent addresses audit findings

MATTAWA – The Washington State Auditor’s Office released Thursday its audit report on Wahluke’s financial statements and federal awards from Sep. 2022 through August 2023, which included findings for some of the district’s federal award procedures.

Quincy tennis finishes season

QUINCY — The Quincy High School tennis team ended its season Saturday at the boys Caribou Trail League championships and the girls District 6 championships in Quincy. Both were qualifiers to advance in state competition, and the Jacks failed to send any players to the next round.

Legals for May, 15 2024

Moses Lake superintendent placed on admin leave

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board voted in a special meeting Tuesday to place Superintendent Monty Sabin on administrative leave. Assistant Superintendent Carol Lewis was named acting superintendent at the same meeting.

Four arrested in burglary case

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s deputies arrested four people Monday suspected of a Friday robbery near Moses Lake, according to a statement from the GCSO.

Small fire scorches land near Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — A small fire broke out Monday near Soap Lake, but was quickly extinguished, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 7, which serves the Soap Lake and Coulee City area.

The other Bob Fergusons withdraw from governor’s race

(The Center Square) – Two Bob Fergusons have withdrawn their short-lived candidacy for governor after state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, also a candidate for governor, threatened the other guys with legal action.

FRESH NEWS: Largemouth fishing looking good at Potholes

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,045.9 feet, dropping 0.45 feet this past week. The water temperature on the main lake is right around 64 degrees. The sand dunes are in the mid- to upper 60s. Potholes Reservoir did make it to full pool this year – to 0.05 feet above normal full pool. It is dropping now with the temperatures and irrigation demand. The largemouth bass fishing continues to be very good. Fish back in the sand dunes. Throw 1/2-ounce black-and-blue jigs, swim jigs, jerkbaits, chatter baits, Senkos, spinnerbaits, frogs and Texas-rigged plastics. Fish are in 1-12 feet of water. The largemouth are on beds. The smallmouth are spawning. Fish 5-20 feet using Ned rigs, Senkos, spinner baits, drop shot rigs, blade baits, crankbaits and tubes. Fish the rock piles around Goose Island and along the face of the dam and up Lind Coulee.

LETTER: Vacation rentals in the R-1 zone

Dear Editor, Vacation rentals in the R-1 single-family zone are parasites. They lower property values of adjacent homes, infringe on multiple neighbors’ rights to peacefully enjoy their homes, are vacant months at a time, and use limited residential parking and other infrastructure for commercial purposes – infrastructure paid for by neighborhoods. They are a source of friction and hard feelings. There is no value added living near a vacation rental.

Desert Aire hosts fire preparedness informational event

DESERT AIRE – Representatives from the Desert Aire Owners Association, the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Grant County PUD, as well as Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, and community members from Desert Aire met Wednesday for a fire readiness informational event at the DAOA building.

Knights defeat Wahluke in SCAC district final

TOPPENISH – The second half of Saturday’s South Central Athletic Conference district championship game came to a wild finish, as the Royal Knights overcame a late game-tying goal by Wahluke to defeat the Warriors 3-2 in Toppenish. “This is an every year back-and-forth, back-and-forth with these guys, and to lose twice to them in the season by one goal, you feel a little like you deserve to get a win here,” Royal Head Coach Jens Jensen said. “To get it, that’s special. We’re jacked up and looking forward now, but we’re going to enjoy this for a few days.”

FIRE REPORT: 2 fires hit Grant Co. Monday

COLUMBIA BASIN — The warm weather has arrived and with it the fire season, as Grant County faced two wildfires Monday. At about 1 p.m. a report came in of a blaze about a mile south of Wanapum Village in southwestern Grant County, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The fire grew to 100 acres and caused SR 243 to close briefly due to smoke across the roadway before it was knocked down, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The fire was human-caused, the NIFC wrote.

Mavs softball team wins Big 9 title

Split doubleheader with Eastmont not enough to keep Moses Lake from trophy

MOSES LAKE – Splitting Friday’s road doubleheader against Eastmont was enough for the Moses Lake softball team to lock up the Columbia Basin Big 9 league title, winning the first game 2-1 before falling 15-4 in the nightcap. “After our previous three tough games – against West Valley and Othello – where we played pretty well in all three, I think we had a lot of confidence going in,” Moses Lake Head Coach Mike Hofheins said. “We were playing sharp, we were playing clean. The girls were mentally and physically ready to go.”

Huskies reach CWAC district title game with win over Selah

OTHELLO – The No. 1 seed Huskies defeated No. 4 Selah 13-0 in Saturday’s Central Washington Athletic Conference district semifinals, advancing to the district championship in Selah on Tuesday. “With Selah, you never really know (what to expect),” Othello Head Coach Alyssa Martinez said. “They can say ‘We’re not our best,’ but you can never count Selah out because they’re always a great competitor. Having all week to prepare for our opponent has been great.”

Study shows how night shift work can raise risk of diabetes, obesity

SPOKANE — Just a few days on a night shift schedule throws off protein rhythms related to blood glucose regulation, energy metabolism and inflammation, processes that can influence the development of chronic metabolic conditions. The finding, from a study led by scientists at Washington State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, provides new clues as to why night shift workers are more prone to diabetes, obesity and other metabolic disorders. “There are processes tied to the master biological clock in our brain that are saying that day is day and night is night and other processes that follow rhythms set elsewhere in the body that say night is day and day is night,” said senior study author Hans Van Dongen, a professor in the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. “When internal rhythms are dysregulated, you have this enduring stress in your system that we believe has long-term health consequences.”

WSU student turns textile scraps into wearable art

PULLMAN — When Kiah Conway first walked into a Washington State University storage room filled with hundreds of pounds of fabrics, remnants, and scraps, a sense of overwhelming possibility hit her hard. That hasn’t changed, even nearly a year later. “Every time I go into that room, I see why some of it has sat there so long,” said Conway, a junior double majoring in apparel design and merchandising. “But sometimes I find something that’s so gorgeous, I’m shocked to see it. The more you dig, the better it gets. It feels like scavenging, but you can find gold in there.” Conway recently created two garments, a dress and a jacket, using almost nothing but leftover material from the storage closet. The closet is full of donated fabrics and remnants, sewing supplies, and scrap materials from different student design projects in WSU’s Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles. The materials are kept so they don’t go into landfills.

Bob Ferguson threatens legal action against other Bob Fergusons on ballot

(The Center Square) – Washington State Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Bob Ferguson has threatened legal action against two other candidates running for governor who share the same name as him.

Four Vikings represent Big Bend in All-Washington Academic Team

MOSES LAKE — Four Big Bend Community College students were recently selected to the All-Washington Academic Team, an honor that recognizes academic achievement, leadership accomplishments and community involvement. Adalee Bauer, Alejandra Cerna, Leslie Estrada Vera and Yuridia Juarez were honored during a ceremony at South Puget Sound Community College last week, where they heard from Gov. Jay Inslee and other speakers. Ninety-one students, representing the state’s 34 community and technical colleges, were named to the 2024 All-Washington Academic Team. The program is in its 28th year.

Groundbreaking celebrates new Coulee City clinic, library

COULEE CITY — Construction could begin this year on the first phase of a project to build a new medical clinic and library in Coulee City. Local officials held a groundbreaking for the project May 10. Officials from the Town of Coulee City and the Port of Coulee City have been working on obtaining funding to build new facilities for the library and clinic, an effort that dates back to 2015, according to a press release from the port.

Legals for May, 14 2024

Stratford Road shooting leaves one injured

MOSES LAKE — One person was injured and a suspect was detained after a shooting on Stratford Road about 16 miles north of Moses Lake Monday evening.

Inslee makes case for voters to preserve Climate Commitment Act

(The Center Square) – At a Monday morning press conference regarding the results of the state’s Climate Commitment Act, Gov. Jay Inslee sought to make a thinly veiled case for why voters should reject an initiative on the November ballot that would repeal the revenue-generating program.

MLSD to cut about 100 teachers; further cuts coming

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District will start the next school year with about 100 fewer teachers, according to an MLSD press release. Non-renewal notices are expected to be issued to about 100 provisional teachers, according to the release. A provisional teacher is one who is either in their first three years of teaching in Washington or who has received a low evaluation and meets certain other criteria, according to RCW 28A.405.210.

Quincy takes next step toward water, sewer upgrades

QUINCY — Design work is beginning on a project to upgrade sewer systems in the city of Quincy. The city’s water system will be getting some upgrades too, among them a new water tower.

WDFW announces Snake River spring Chinook salmon fishing closure

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Monday spring Chinook salmon fishing on the Snake River is immediately closed until further notice.

Warden School District state audit reports no findings

WARDEN – The Washington State Auditor’s Office audit on Warden School District for the period of Sep. 1, 2022 through Aug. 31, 2023, released Thursday, reported no findings of noncompliance, significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the district’s financial statements and federal award uses.

Box score roundup for May 11

MOSES LAKE – Box scores for baseball, softball and soccer games from May 11.

Tennis season ends for Quincy Jacks

QUINCY — Quincy’s Victor Torres lines up the shot during a consolation round doubles match at the District 6/Caribou Trail League tennis championships Saturday in Quincy. Both the boys and girls teams ended the season at the tournament. A review of the Jacks’ tennis season will be in the Wednesday edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.

WA gubernatorial candidates spar over public safety plans

(The Center Square) – Gubernatorial candidate and Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson is not impressed with Republican candidate Dave Reichert’s newly released public safety plan. "Dave Reichert must really like Bob's public safety plan, because he copied much of it,” Ferguson’s campaign told The Center Square in an email.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Trust must be earned and the clock is ticking

Last week, I penned a column focused on the Moses Lake School District levy election. My primary point with that column was that voter turnout countywide was abysmal, leading to a small minority of voters deciding on vital issues in the community and to illustrate that there are consequences when we don’t vote in larger numbers.

Jose 'Joe' Betes

Dec. 21, 1943 — May 7, 2024

Jose (Joe) Antonio Betes, 80, of Moses Lake, WA passed away on May 7,2024. Joe was born on December 21, 1943, to Edwardo and Auncia Betes in Undues Pintano, Spain. He was one of 9 children, Alfredo, Filo, Angel, Sebastian, Juaquin, Jesus, Maria and Miguel.

Evald Leaf

1922 — 2024

MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin Allied Arts Garden Party brought folks together from all over the Basin to further the local arts scene Saturday. The amount of money raised was not available before press time. “We don't have to leave our area for amazing arts and culture,” Cardwell told the crowd. We are the arts and culture here. You are the arts and culture here.”

Basin races have mix of challengers, unopposed incumbents

MOSES LAKE — The filing period for the 2024 election closed Friday with a mixed grouping of candidates at the county and state levels. Some will run against multiple challengers while a few incumbents have exclusive spots on the ballot.

Weather report for the week of May 13, 2024

Weather report for the week of May 13, 2024

Warden High School blood drive sees one of its largest turnouts

WARDEN – Warden High School hosted a Vitalant blood drive April 30 in the blood donation organization’s mobile bus center. Warden District Nurse Janna Benzel said the drive was possibly the district’s biggest yet. “We actually had one of our best turnouts for our blood drive and we ended up with a backup list as well,” Benzel said. “So (Vitalant was) considering coming back and doing another one soon. We don't know if that'll happen yet, before the end of the school year. We had about 10 or 11 students on a backup list … I believe what we totaled up for the end of the day was we had 26 donors.”

CWU artist unravels a distorted familial past to celebrate the beauty of the present

ELLENSBURG - McKenzee Guzman, a Central Washington University art student, presents her BFA senior exhibition, “Lest We Suffer.” The exhibition opens today in Gallery 231 in Randall Hall on the CWU campus.

Legals for May, 13 2024

MLSD board approves layoffs after levy failure, accounting issues

Notices will be provided to employees in the coming weeks, program cuts expected as well.

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District Board of Directors voted in a special meeting Saturday to move forward with a resolution to authorize needed budget cuts after the district’s maintenance and operations levy failed on the ballot for the second time this year. More than 100 staff, including teachers and staff, are expected to lose their jobs after the levy failure.

STUDIO BASIN: Moses Lake School Board, swatting incident and district playoffs

MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Sports Reporter Ian Bivona break down recent headlines in the Columbia Basin Herald, including recent Moses Lake School Board meetings, an officer-involved shooting in Moses Lake, a swatting incident in Ephrata and Boeing firefighters picketing at the Moses Lake facility.

Camp Zanika Lache registration slots still open

WENATCHEE – Slots are still available at Wenatchee’s Camp Zanika Lache, a co-ed overnight summer camp for youth and teens ages six to 17.

Tigers open postseason with win over Prosser

EPHRATA – The No. 3 seed Tigers dominated in Thursday’s Central Washington Athletic Conference district tournament game, defeating No. 6 Prosser 14-0 in five innings. “We have a problem with us getting ahead of ourselves and thinking past the certain game that we’re playing, so we were really (focusing) in against Prosser so we can be prepared against East Valley this weekend,” Ephrata junior Jaemyson Durfee said.

Box score roundup for May 9-10

MOSES LAKE – Box scores for baseball and softball games from May 9-10

Mavs win Big 9 baseball title, punch ticket to state with win over Eastmont

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks are once again moving on to the 4A State Baseball Tournament, having defeated Eastmont 8-2 in Friday’s Columbia Basin Big 9 district championship game in Moses Lake.

Maverick softball wins league title

Moses Lake fastpitch splits doubleheader with Eastmont

EAST WENATCHEE – Moses Lake clinched the Columbia Basin Big 9 softball league title with Friday’s 2-1 road win over Eastmont, locking up home-field advantage in next weekend’s Big 9 district tournament.

Florence "Sue" Bunch

Florence “Sue” Bunch passed away December 16, 2023. A memorial service is set for May 19, 2024, at noon at Pilgrim Lutheran Church at 640 E. Elm Street in Othello. Interment will follow on May 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens, 1915 W. Cemetery Road in Othello.

Video of MLPD officer-involved shooting released

MOSES LAKE — Video from a body camera worn by a Moses Lake Police sergeant filmed during an officer-involved shooting incident at Motel 6 in Moses Lake May 4 has been released.

Othello to terminate contract with ACFD 5

OTHELLO – The city of Othello announced Wednesday that they have provided a two-year notice of termination of its agreement with Adams County Fire District 5 due to a significant increase in the contract’s cost over the last year.

'The Hunt for Yarely' to take the stage at Vanguard on May 18

MOSES LAKE — The play “The Hunt for Yarely” will be performed at Vanguard Academy at 1 p.m. Saturday, according to an announcement from the Columbia Basin Conservation District.

Road work season in full swing

MOSES LAKE — Road construction throughout the Columbia Basin is chugging along as several area projects move forward as spring progresses into summer. Resurfacing of State Route 17 through Moses Lake has moved on to the resurfacing part of the project. Crews started working on the project in April, with the first phase being the replacement of ADA-accessible sidewalk ramps at intersections throughout the project area. The second phase of the project will involve resurfacing about seven miles of SR 17 where it runs through Moses Lake. Work on that began May 8.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Your vote matters, and here's why

I recently met with a Moses Lake School District official who made a good point. If all of the employees with MLSD had voted in favor of the maintenance and operations levy, the levy would have passed with ease.

Mavs boys win Big 9 track title, girls finish second in league

MOSES LAKE – The 2024 regular season was a successful one for the Moses Lake boys track and field team, as the Mavericks clinched their first Columbia Basin Big 9 team title with last week’s win over Eisenhower.

Home sales up despite higher interest rates

KIRKLAND — Activity in the housing market increased in April in spite of rising interest rates, according to data from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which compiles statistics from 26 of Washington’s 39 counties. Interest rates have increased by 0.38 percentage points over the past month to 7.17%, continuing to constrain prospective buyers’ purchasing power and prospective sellers’ willingness to give up low-interest-rate mortgages, according to the NWMLS.

BASIN SOCCER ROUNDUP: Three teams clinch state bids

COLUMBIA BASIN – Three Basin squads have qualified for their respective boys state soccer tournaments, as district tournaments wind down to a close.

Reading riders: Moses Lake school bus driver collects books for kids

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake school bus driver has found a way to encourage students to love the written word. Tony Lavalle, known to his young passengers as Mr. Tony, has begun distributing books to the students who ride his bus to and from Groff Elementary School. “This year, I started Read a Book Monday,” Lavalle said. “The student comes on board and they read a book, and that usually keeps them quiet, and it keeps them in their seat. This is a really effective tool for me to help manage the kids to ride safe and ride respectfully.”

Basin events for May 11-19

COLUMBIA BASIN — Here are a few things to do in the Basin this week. This listing is noncomprehensive and event details may change or events may be canceled at the organizers’ discretion. Readers are encouraged to call ahead or verify the information below online prior to the event.

Law enforcement logs for May 10

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.

Othello’s Eldred, Haro sign with Wenatchee Valley

OTHELLO – Othello seniors Don Eldred and Felipe Haro signed their national letters of intent to play college soccer at Wenatchee Valley College Wednesday evening at Othello High School. According to Head Coach Bernie Garza, Eldred and Haro chose where to do the signing, which was located in the OHS Cafeteria.

Basin student named one of 2024 Presidential Scholars

ODESSA – Odessa High School student Jacob Scrupps was one of 161 high school seniors named 2024 United States Presidential Scholars and one of five Washington students who received the honor, according to a Thursday announcement from the U.S. Department of Education.

Next salvo fired in WA Supreme Court in high-cap mag ban case

(The Center Square) – The public could learn within a few months or sooner if the Washington Supreme Court will take up the Gator’s Custom Guns case related to the state's ban on the buying or selling of high-capacity magazines. That’s the assessment of Pete Serrano with The Silent Majority Foundation, representing the Kelso gun retailer. Serrano is also running for state Attorney General.

Legals for May, 10 2024

Budget, CBTECH director hot topics at MLSD board meeting

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board conference room was filled to capacity Thursday evening as community members came to hear about the district’s financial prospects and to speak about alleged disciplinary action taken against a school administrator.

Two arrested in pistol-whipping incident in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Two men were arrested Tuesday morning in a domestic incident at an apartment in downtown Moses Lake, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department.

Mohammad Said

I still remember when my Dad told me not to fight. As the only Arab and Muslim family in Ephrata, we dealt with discrimination every day. One day I asked my Dad what to do as I'd been getting in fights at school. "Forgive them," he said. "They don't know any better. You must be an example to them."

Joe Lewis Whitver

Feb. 23, 1936 – April 26, 2024

Joe Whitver of Ephrata, Washington died Friday, April 26, 2024, at McKay Rehab and Health Care in Soap Lake, Washington. Joe was born February 23, 1936, to Ray and Opal Whitver in Amboy, Illinois.

Washington AGO sues Catholic Church for documents in child abuse investigation

(The Center Square) – Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson is asking a court to enforce a subpoena against the Catholic Church’s Seattle Archdiocese in an effort to obtain documents related to a child abuse investigation.

New name, new owners, same family

Third generation of Harrisons to run jewelry store in Ephrata

EPHRATA - The jewelry store voted Best of the Basin for 2022 and 2023 is back, but it might look a little different. Located in the same spot in Ephrata, 4 Basin St NW, Harrison’s Jewelry Co. will have the same great service, quality jewelry and even jeweler as Harrison’s Diamonds and Designs, just under a new name and new ownership.

Grant Co. generating interest as solar farm location

EPHRATA — With solar power touted as an important part of meeting future energy needs, Grant County is getting increasing interest from companies proposing to build solar generating facilities. Grant County Deputy Development Director Jim Anderson-Cook said that currently county officials are working on eight proposed projects. All of them are between Royal City and Coulee City, most in the Quincy-Ephrata area. “We are getting a lot of attention,” Anderson-Cook said. “The Columbia Plateau in general is getting a lot of attention.”

Stamp Out Hunger coming Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Mail carriers will be picking up more than the mail this Saturday, as part of the U.S. Postal Service Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger food drive.

A good start: First-ever Othello Cinco de Mayo brings together community despite weather

OTHELLO – Othello’s first-ever Cinco de Mayo celebration took place all day Saturday in Lions Park, bringing community members together to celebrate the holiday’s cultural heritage with a range of activities and events.

BBCC hosts health careers workshop for high school students

MOSES LAKE — On May 3, Big Bend Community College hosted Grant County Scrubs Camp — a one-day workshop for high school students to explore healthcare careers.

Royal Intermediate School welcomes new principal

ROYAL CITY — Royal Intermediate School will have a new principal next year, according to an announcement from the Royal School District. Karl Edie will take over the reins at RIS in the fall, the RSD wrote.

Opening WA Trust

Washington Trust Bank’s new location on Basin Street in Ephrata will have its official grand opening May 23 at 11 a.m. A ribbon cutting will be held by the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce and the public is welcome to stop by and see the new branch.

Compression brake use limited in Ephrata

EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council has approved an ordinance restricting the use of non-muffled compression brakes within city limits. The move comes after a resident expressed concerns about noise associated with compression brakes.

Ephrata Sports Complex building burns, likely arson

EPHRATA – The concessions building at the Ephrata Sports Complex located behind the Ephrata Fire Department on A Street SE is a total loss after a Tuesday evening fire that started in a port-a-potty located next to the building. Authorities say the cause is likely arson.

ACSO holds community connection night in Lind

LIND — Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner, Undersheriff Adolfo Coronado and new Jail Commander Kelly Watkins came down to Lind Community Church Tuesday evening to give an update on the department and allow the community to ask questions.

Wahluke advances to district final, state with win over Toppenish

MATTAWA – It took a penalty shootout to determine the winner of Tuesday’s South Central Athletic Conference district tournament semifinal, where Wahluke outscored Toppenish 4-2 in penalty kicks to defeat the Wildcats 3-2. Wahluke surrendered two second-half goals that sent the match into overtime.

Diamond box score roundup for May 6-7

MOSES LAKE – Box scores for baseball and softball games from May 6-7.

Wade Allen Pugh

Wade Allen Pugh passed away March 4, 2024. A memorial service will be held June 8, 2024, at 1 p.m. at 8960 Broad Street NE, Moses Lake, Wash. All who knew and loved Wade are welcome to join us and share their memories.

Building permits for April 6-May 3, 2024

Building permits for April 6-May 3, 2024

Grant PUD general manager announces resignation

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD General Manager Rich Wallen has announced his resignation, effective June 14. Wallen will become the chief operating officer of the Chelan County PUD. Wallen’s resignation was submitted May 7. It was announced in a press release, and Public Information Officer Christine Pratt said the PUD would not have any further comment. Wallen has worked for the PUD for seven years; he was appointed as general manager in February 2022. He started as managing director of power production in 2017 and was named chief operating officer in 2019.

Swatting incident caused by false active shooter report in Ephrata

EPHRATA – A report of an active shooter at the Ephrata Walmart was false according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and was the result of swatting – a practice of reporting a fake emergency to authorities to get a reaction, often to harass those at the location the false incident was reported to have occurred.

CWU MFA thesis exhibit opening May 14

ELLENSBURG — Starting next week, the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at Central Washington University will host Anemoia, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) thesis exhibition by Matthew Potter and Charlie Tadlock.

Faith and perseverance at the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

MOSES LAKE — “God’s not done with you yet.” That was the theme of this year’s Moses Lake Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Tuesday morning at Pillar Rock Grill in Moses Lake.

Basin sports schedule May 8-14

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s sports schedule, featuring local baseball, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and track and field events. This schedule will be updated at columbiabasinherald.com as teams progress through their respective district tournament brackets.

Five local law enforcement officers honored

MOSES LAKE — Four Moses Lake Police officers received the Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Friday, according to an announcement from the MLPD. A Grant County Sheriff’s deputy was also honored, the GCSO announced.

Mavs sweep West Valley, split Big 9 title with Eastmont

MOSES LAKE – Friday’s sweep of West Valley (Yakima) locked up a share of the Columbia Basin Big 9 title for Moses Lake, defeating the Rams 5-2 and 5-3 on the road.

Carp Classic coming May 18

Annual tournament looks to put a dent in nuisance fish population

MOSES LAKE — Bowfishers in the Basin will get a chance to show their skills and help clean up the lake at the Moses Lake Carp Classic Saturday morning. This is the fifth year the tournament has been held at Moses Lake, organizer Ty Swartout said. The purpose is both to remove an invasive species from the water and to educate the public about the damage carp do in the lake by furthering the spread of blue-green algae, he said. Blue-green algae can be dangerous to humans, and parts of the lake are periodically closed to swimming and boating because of it.

Legals for May, 8 2024

Mavericks defeat Huskies 5-1 in non-league battle

OTHELLO – A three-run home run from sophomore Emmie Olsen gave Moses Lake the lead for good in Monday’s non-league matchup with the Othello Huskies, eventually taking down the Huskies 5-1 on the road. “We pitched phenomenally, we executed some small ball really well and played a full, complete team seven-inning win,” Hofheins said. “To put up five against (Othello senior Amarie Guzman) is outstanding because she’s as tough as they come.”

Adams Co. receives funding for bridge rebuilds

RITZVILLE — Adams County officials are scheduled to start work this fall on the first of six bridges that will be rebuilt to accommodate the widening of the East Low Canal.

Lack of firefighting resources sparks potential building moratorium near Spokane

(The Center Square) – When a building moratorium that prevented development in Latah Valley ended last year, real estate sprung up while firefighting resources idled; now Spokane is considering its return.

Othello council approves new summer youth recreation program

OTHELLO – The Othello City Council unanimously approved Monday the Parks and Recreation Department to implement a three-week summer youth recreation program in June and July for children ages four to 12 with a fee of $45 per child.

Immigration, workforce integration addressed at economic conference

ELLENSBURG — The pattern followed by current immigrants to the United States is similar to earlier periods of higher immigration. Both workers and employers must adjust when integrating immigrants into the workplace. Those were among the conclusions from speakers discussing immigration and its impact on the workplace in Washington at the annual Economic Outlook Conference Monday at Central Washington University in Ellensburg.

FRESH NEWS: Crappie make first appearance on Potholes

MARDON — The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,046.35 feet, coming up 0.15 feet this past week. We are currently 0.15 feet below full pool. The water temperature on the main lake is right around 50 degrees. The sand dunes are staying in the mid- to upper 50s. The largemouth bass fishing continues to be very good. Fish back in the sand dunes. Throw 1/2-ounce black-and-blue jigs, swim jigs, jerkbaits, chatter baits, Senkos, spinnerbaits, frogs and Texas-rigged plastics. Fish are in 1-12 feet of water. The largemouth are on beds. The smallmouth are spawning. Fish 5-20 feet using Ned rigs, Senkos, spinnerbaits, drop shot rigs, blade baits, crankbaits and tubes. Fish the rock piles around Goose Island and along the face of the dam and up Lind Coulee.

Washington’s increasing gray wolf population moving further west

(The Center Square) – Hikers have more to watch out for than bears this summer. Washington state's gray wolf population has increased over the last 15 years, said Julie Smith, endangered species recovery section manager for the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, during Wednesday’s episode of "The Impact" on TVW.

Confluence physician wins state award

WENATCHEE — Confluence Health pediatrician Doug Eisert was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Leah Layne Memorial Health Leadership award from the Washington Rural Health Association.

Virginia Lee Conway

Celebration of Life for Virginia Conway will be held May 11th at the Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m.

Marvin W. Brooks

May 17, 1956 – Feb. 9, 2024

Marvin W. Brooks passed away on February 9, 2024, around 10 a.m. due to cancer. He was born on May 17, 1956, in Colville, Washington to Robert and Louise Brooks.

Prayer space: Moses Lake’s first mosque moves into renovated church building

MOSES LAKE — The former church building at Third Avenue and Elm Street is once again a house of worship, as the Moses Lake Islamic Center. “In central Washington state there (were) only three mosques, in Yakima, Tri-Cities and Spokane,” said Abdelnasir Elmalik, one of the regular congregants at the Islamic Center. “But now we have two (more), in Wenatchee and Moses Lake.”

Legals for May, 7 2024

Jacks defeat Manson in postseason opening round

QUINCY – The Jacks opened the postseason with a 1-0 win over Manson in the 1A District 6 tournament, surviving a late Trojan comeback bid. Down 1-0 in second-half stoppage time, the Trojans had a run on the Quincy net, later leading to a penalty attempt. The shot missed, firing over the net.

Local Boeing firefighters continue to picket during lockout

MOSES LAKE — Staffing, safety and pay scales are at the root of a contract impasse that’s had Boeing firefighters locked out of the company’s Moses Lake facility since Saturday. “Currently, there is no fire protection here at Grant County other than one manager that's been here since Friday,” said Daryl Gummere, business agent for IAFF Local I-66, the union representing Boeing firefighters. “They're trying to protect the plant with just one person.”

Huskies win over East Valley

Othello baseball headed to CWAC title game after successful Saturday outing

OTHELLO – A three-run bottom of the second inning helped push Othello over East Valley (Yakima) in Saturday’s Central Washington Athletic Conference district semifinal, with the Huskies defeating the Red Devils 4-2. “We were excited and confident,” Othello junior Sonny Salazar said. “We worked all year for this – all summer, the winter – we were ready and prepared.”

Box score roundup for May 4

MOSES LAKE – Box scores for baseball and softball games from May 4

SR 17 paving to begin May 8 near I-90

MOSES LAKE — The second phase of repaving of the section of State Route 17 that runs through Moses Lake will begin Wednesday. The second phase is paving, and so drivers should plan for a little slower traffic through the work zones, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Transportation.

WDFW extends special hunt deadline

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has extended the special hunt permit application deadline one week, until midnight May 22, according to a Monday WDFW announcement.

Mattawa working to upgrade, restart Well 2, implement park improvements

MATTAWA – Mattawa Public Works Director Juan Ledezma and Gray & Osborne Civil Engineer Jamin Ankney provided an update to the Mattawa City Council on ongoing Well 2 re-equipping design and construction and park improvements at Hund Memorial Park during Thursday’s regular meeting.

WA economy slowing but in relatively good condition, state economists say

ELLENSBURG — Washington’s economy, its job market and unemployment were topics of discussion at the annual Economic Outlook Conference Monday at Central Washington University. Dave Reich, executive director of the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, said the state is still dealing with the aftereffects of 2020.

STCU coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Spokane Teachers Credit Union’s Moses Lake branch should be open by fall, according to Dan Hansen, a spokesman for the credit union.

Ag market May 6: Grains, Livestock mixed

Wheat for May was up 26.25 cents at $6.3225 a bushel; May corn rose 10 cents at $4.57 a bushel, May oats was off .75 cent at $3.9525 a bushel; while May soybeans gained 33 cents at $12.3475 a bushel. Beef mixed and pork lower on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Jun. live cattle was up .30 cent at $1.7697 a pound; May feeder cattle dropped 1.90 cents at $2.4140 a pound; while May lean hogs lost .25 cent at $.9217 a pound.

WA ranchers bearing brunt of grizzlies returning to North Cascades

(The Center Square) - After years of discussion and public meetings, the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have signed a final agreement to bring grizzly bears back to the North Cascades Mountain range. The plan calls for a “founder population” of 25 bears over the next five to 10 years, releasing the animals in remote parts of the forest.

Cybersecurity education varies widely in U.S.

PULLMAN -- Cybersecurity programs vary dramatically across the country, a review has found. The authors argue that program leaders should work with professional societies to make sure graduates are well trained to meet industry needs in a fast-changing field.

Louis Lynn Barbour

Dec. 17, 1932 – May 1, 2024

Louis Lynn Barbour was born December 17, 1932, in Johnston County, North Carolina and passed away at his home in Moses Lake on May 1, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was 91.

William Eric Galliart

Jan. 1, 1960 – April 30, 2024

William Eric Galliart, age 64, passed away unexpectedly at home in Moses Lake, Washington, on April 30, 2024, during his battle with cancer. Eric was born in Pratt, KS, on January 1, 1960 to Carol and Robert “Bob” Galliart.

Ready to pour: Moore Brewing Company opens Tuesday

MOSES LAKE — Moore Brewing Company is ready to open its doors – and its deck, and its beer taps – to the public. “Our first thing was at Brews & Tunes (in 2022. It was super fun,” said Lorie Moore, who owns the business with her husband Chris and her father-in-law Brad. Chris’ son Zach is the brewmaster. “We were still home-brewing at the time,” said Chris.

Royal students headed to National History Day contest

ROYAL CITY — Six students will represent Royal schools at the National History Day competition in Washington D.C. next month. The six were among 33 students who participated in the state competition held in Kirkland April 27, said Royal Middle School social studies teacher Emily Ovenell, who coordinated the students’ entries. The students who placed in the top two at state were eligible for nationals, she said.

Weather for the week of May 6, 2024

Weather for the week of May 6, 2024

Legals for May, 6 2024

Changes to Grant Co. marijuana regs coming in July

EPHRATA — While some licenses have been issued to multiple entities, as of April 25 the unincorporated areas of Grant County have 117 active licenses for marijuana producers and 29 for marijuana processors. There are 57 tax parcels in the unincorporated areas where people are producing or processing marijuana, according to data that Grant County Development Services personnel obtained from the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board.

UPDATED: MLPD officer, suspect injured in Motel 6 shooting

MOSES LAKE – Zachary Allen Stockton, 37 of Moses Lake was arrested after an officer involved shooting at the Motel 6 at 2822 W. Driggs Drive in Moses Lake Saturday at about 8:20 p.m.

Knights defeat Wapato in SCAC tournament

ROYAL CITY – The Knights opened the South Central Athletic Conference district tournament with a win over Wapato on Thursday, taking down the Wolves in a 2-0 victory to advance to the district semifinals. “The deliveries were better, the corners were better, the free kicks were better,” Royal Head Coach Jens Jensen said. “Some of the other guys we moved around did a good job, so I’m happy.”

Huskies take down Selah in OT, advance to CWAC final

OTHELLO – Othello reached the Central Washington Athletic Conference district final for the third consecutive season after mounting a comeback against Selah on Thursday, defeating the Vikings 3-2 in overtime. “We had a really slow start in the first 15 minutes,” Othello Head Coach Bernie Garza said. “There was no energy, but in the last 20 minutes, we were on fire. The guys were motivated, the guys were excited, firing on all cylinders. We were still down 2-1, but we found a way to get the second goal.”

Box score roundup for May 2 & 3, 2024

MOSES LAKE – Box scores for baseball and softball games from May 2-3.

Lawmaker hopes to ensure WA bridges aren't vulnerable to Baltimore bridge collapse

(The Center Square) – More than five weeks after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, the remains of a fifth construction worker were recovered on Wednesday. The victim was identified as Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, 49, of Glen Burnie, Md., state officials said in a news release. Gonzalez was one of six workers who went missing in the collapse. One additional worker remains missing.

Local Boeing firefighters locked out pending contract negotiations

MOSES LAKE – Boeing firefighters began picketing at the Moses Lake Boeing facility on Tyndall Road NE on Saturday. Their contract with the aircraft manufacturer expired at 12:01 a.m. that morning.

STUDIO BASIN: Sheriff Joey Kriete and Basin playoffs

MOSES LAKE – Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller sits down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete to discuss a recent fundraiser for the Columbia Basin Canines group, which works to support area K9 officers and their handlers. The pair also discusses increasing domestic violence in Grant County, the factors that can lead to domestic violence and some of the organizations in the area that work to help families struggling with the issue.

Pike named Columbia Middle School principal

MOSES LAKE — Ryan Pike will take the reins at Columbia Middle School next year, according to an announcement from the Moses Lake School District.

Last piece of steel framing goes into place at Samaritan Hospital

MOSES LAKE — That short piece of steel framing had been around. It was the last steel beam going into the framing at the new Samaritan Hospital. Samaritan Healthcare Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan chronicled some of its travels before it was tacked into place. The last piece of framing marks a milestone, and it’s treated accordingly.

Sheriff: Domestic violence an increasing problem in Grant Co.

EPHRATA – Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said last week that domestic violence continues to be an issue in Grant County with the number of calls year-over-year increasing for aid in domestic violence situations. He said the growth may be proportionate as the county’s population grows, but the growing numbers are still cause for concern.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Vetting national and regional news

MOSES LAKE — Today’s media landscape often looks like a big bowl of spaghetti tossed against a wall already splattered with curry, leftover taco meat and gummy worms. It ain’t pretty, and it’s not always easy to decide, especially for national and global news, where to get information.

UPDATED: Spokane SWAT, MLPD, partners conduct joint raid in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Spokane SWAT officers, Moses Lake Police Department officers and other law enforcement agencies conducted a raid on the old EconoLodge location at 316 S. Pioneer Way in Moses Lake at about 3 p.m. Friday afternoon.

Moses Lake Farmers Market kicks off Saturday

MOSES LAKE – Beginning on opening day Saturday, the Moses Lake Farmers Market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in McCosh Park, behind the Surf ‘n Slide Water Park, with local craft, produce and food vendors selling their goods. Moses Lake Farmers Market Board President Rachel Naff discussed the basics of the market.

Filling a need: New homes coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Last year, looking for a new home in Moses Lake was like a bad dream. The home construction industry was in a slump, and people who needed a place to live were out of luck. Add to that a spate of manufacturers setting up operations in town, and the crunch became even greater.

Law enforcement logs for May 3, 2024

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.

Legals for May, 3 2024

Chip sealing underway near Othello, Royal City next

ROYAL CITY — Road crews will start chip-sealing on a 30-mile section of State Route 26 in the Royal City area beginning in mid-May. Crews are scheduled to finish chip-sealing on a section of SR 26 near Othello later this week. Additional chip seal work is scheduled for US Highway 97 between Tonasket and Oroville in Okanogan County, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Transportation.

News bites for May 3, 2024

MOSES LAKE — The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of an armed and dangerous fugitive, according to an announcement from the Moses Lake Police Department. Christopher Valle-Maciel, 18, is wanted in connection with a Nov. 12 homicide in Moses Lake, according to the statement. He is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall and 113 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault and first-degree drive-by shooting. Anyone with information regarding Valle-Maciel’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Marshals Service at 1-800-336-0102 or www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

BASIN SOCCER ROUNDUP: Six squads begin playoffs

COLUMBIA BASIN – Postseason competition on the soccer field began on Tuesday for Basin teams and continues over the next two weeks. Read along for a look at where teams stand heading into the playoffs.

DIAMOND RECAP: Welcome to the postseason

COLUMBIA BASIN – District playoffs in both baseball and softball have started across the Columbia Basin, with local squads looking to qualify for their respective state tournaments.

Columbia Basin farmers hopeful irrigation program will stretch water resources

(The Center Square) – Farmers in the central and eastern portions of Washington state are hoping recent developments related to the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program will mean the eventual completion of canal systems to supply water from the Grand Coulee Dam. In the meantime, farmers have been relying on deep wells they've been given permission to drill as a temporary measure.

Missing Colville tribal member located, reported safe

NESPELEM – Colville tribal member Amanda Pakootas, who was missing and reported by police to be held against her will, was located Monday night in Spokane and is reported to be safe, according to an announcement from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

Candidate filing opens Monday

EPHRATA — Two countywide elected positions in Grant and Adams counties, county Superior Court seats, all state Representative and some state Senate seats will be up for election in 2024. Two positions also are up for election on the Grant County PUD board. Candidate filing week is next Monday through Friday.

May 2024 Basin Events

COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s no excuse for being bored in the Columbia Basin this month. This listing is noncomprehensive and event details may change or events may be canceled at the organizers’ discretion. Readers are encouraged to call ahead or verify the information below online prior to the event.

What rescheduling marijuana means for WA cannabis industry

(The Center Square) – The Biden administration’s move to reclassify marijuana as a lower-risk substance has broad implications for the cannabis industry at large, including in Washington state, a pioneer in the legal cannabis industry. On Dec. 6, 2012, Washington became the first state in the nation to legalize recreational use of marijuana and the first to allow recreational marijuana sales, alongside Colorado. Washington had previously legalized medical marijuana in 1998.

WSU partners with community colleges to enhance urban forests

PUYALLUP — Washington State University is working with four community colleges to improve tree canopy cover in several urban areas throughout the state. The five-year project, designed to increase resilience amid a changing climate, is supported by a nearly $1.8 million Inflation Reduction Act grant from the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program. WSU researchers will collaborate with faculty and students at Spokane Community College, Highline Community College (Des Moines, Washington), Whatcom Community College (Bellingham, Washington), and Tacoma Community College to create thriving urban forests in neighborhoods near those schools.

New Ephrata Schools leaders share working vision

EPHRATA – As the 2023-24 school year winds down to a close, newly-selected Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray and his soon-to-be Assistant Superintendent Aaron Cummings said they’ll be focused on being purpose-driven and detailed in their approach to running the district together.

Big Bend's Upward Bound program inducts 35 new members

MOSES LAKE — Thirty-five high school students from Grant and Adams counties were formally welcomed into Big Bend Community College’s TRiO Upward Bound Program Tuesday night. The program aims to get more high school students into college, and by joining Upward Bound, students are pledging their commitment to pursuing a college education. That commitment is a big deal, and deserves to be recognized, said Big Bend TRiO Upward Bound Director Anita De Leon.

The Cost of farming: Irrigation expenses follow a unique set of rules

MOSES LAKE — When it comes to the cost of farming, irrigation – especially in the Columbia Basin – is a cost that has to be factored in and planned for with each acre having a place in the water-cost equation.

Legals for May, 2 2024

Hanford Site cleanup takes steps forward and backward under new agreement

(The Center Square) – Several state and federal agencies have reached an agreement modifying their approach to cleaning up the radioactive and chemical waste buried beneath Washington's Hanford Site, a decommissioned nuclear production complex

Warden School Board fills vacant seat

WARDEN – During their April 25 meeting, the Warden School Board approved the appointment of Tiffany Hymas to board position 2, which has been vacant since January after former board member Dave Whitney left the position. Hymas will serve the remainder of the term, through 2025.

Experts give Moses Lake parents a heads-up about gangs

MOSES LAKE — Be alert – that was the message from educators and police at a parent night meeting held at the Moses Lake School District Tuesday to discuss youth gangs. “Do you know where your kid’s at?” said Shelby Jensen, school safety coordinator for Educational Service District 125, based in Tri-Cities. “Do you know who they're around? Do we make sure that we’ve got frequent bedroom checks? Are we getting up in their business?”

WDFW seeks public comment on proposed cougar season rules

OLYMPIA — The public comment period on proposed changes to cougar hunting seasons will be open through June 21, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Washington Trust to cut ribbon on new location

EPHRATA — Washington Trust Bank will celebrate the opening of its new Ephrata location with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. May 23 at the new branch, 261 Basin St. SW.

Odessa groundwater area bridge rebuilds receive fed funds

WARDEN — The efforts of Washington legislators have resulted in federal funding to rebuild bridges as part of a long term project to switch irrigators to surface water in a section of the Columbia Basin Project.

Ephrata Senior Center gets new wheels

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Senior Center will ride a little better now, thanks to a grant from the Paul Lauzier Foundation that bought the center a new van. The van replaces a 14-passenger bus, said center Manager Kathy Anderson.

Ephrata Chamber to host community clean-up day

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce will be conducting a community clean-up and beautification event on May 18 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

David Mark Womack

March 5, 1956 – Nov. 6, 2023

David Mark Womack, 67, of Ephrata, Wash., passed away Nov. 6, 2023, due to cardiac arrest.

Box score roundup for April 29-30

MOSES LAKE – Box scores for baseball and softball games from April 29-30

Warden sweeps Royal in softball doubleheader

WARDEN — Warden High School softball coach Randy Wright said Tuesday’s doubleheader sweep of the Royal High School Knights was the performance he wanted to see with one week left in the regular season. Warden came from behind to take the first game 9-8 in extra innings and won the second game 7-3. “That’s the sort of thing I was looking for,” Wright said.

Mavericks open series with a win over West Valley

MOSES LAKE – A three-run bottom of the third inning was enough to send Moses Lake over West Valley (Yakima) in Tuesday’s Columbia Basin Big 9 matchup, with the Mavericks later winning the ballgame 4-1.

Hundreds attend Mattawa Children’s Day celebration

MATTAWA – Hundreds of residents in and around Mattawa headed to Hund Memorial Park Saturday to celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros, also known as Day of the Children and Day of the Book.

Metal by the lake: Springfest offers hard rock and R&B lineup and family fun in the park

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Spring Festival just keeps getting bigger and bigger. “A representative from the county called us (after last year’s Springfest) and said, ‘Hey, just so you guys know, your fest is no joke.’” said Spring Festival Committee Member Lori Valdez. “They counted 57,000 attendees from Thursday to Sunday at our festival.”

Historic view: Things have changed a lot over Lillian Tokunaga’s life

MOSES LAKE — Lillian Tokunaga was born in 1924, into a much different world. Tokunaga turned 100 last week, and has lived in Moses Lake for 76 years. (She’s always liked Moses Lake, she said.) But before moving to Moses Lake her life took her halfway around the world, into some very challenging places.

Basin sports schedule May 1-7

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s sports schedule, featuring local baseball, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and track and field events. This schedule will be updated at columbiabasinherald.com as teams progress through their respective district tournament brackets.

Legals for May, 1 2024