JOEL MARTIN
Joel Martin has been with the Columbia Basin Herald for more than 25 years in a variety of roles and is the most-tenured employee in the building. Martin is a married father of eight and enjoys spending time with his children and his wife, Christina. He is passionate about the paper’s mission of informing the people of the Columbia Basin because he knows it is important to record the history of the communities the publication serves.
Recent Stories
Decoraciones Hermosillo opens location in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Decoraciones Hermosillo has found a home, and it’s packed with decorations for all kinds of events. “We are an event and quinceañera rental company,” owner Guillermo Hermosillo said. “We help design everything from beginning all the way to the end. If that’s coordinating hosting events, we can do that as well. We have a huge list of inventory like linens, centerpieces (and) florals, and we’re super excited to bring something different to the Moses Lake area.” Hermosillo cut the ribbon on Decoraciones Hermosillo’s new location at 610 E. Broadway Ave. on Tuesday, along with some of his staff and members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.
BASIN EVENTS: April 3-11, 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s finally spring, and fun things to do are popping up all over the Basin. Here are a few options.
After the disaster
Restoring a home after a fire or flood
MOSES LAKE — When a disaster strikes your home, the worst part may be the aftermath. Restoring a damaged home is a job for professionals.
Extended Learning Week
MLCA students volunteer in community
MOSES LAKE — The high school students at Moses Lake Christian Academy took time off this week from classroom studies for some hands-on, real-world learning volunteering in the community.
Wahluke showcases AVID program successes
MATTAWA — Wahluke High School hosted the district’s first-ever Advancement Via Individual Education, or AVID, showcase March 19, inviting the community and neighboring school districts to see the difference the program has made.
Basin Easter Events 2026
SENIOR EVENTS: April 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s spring in the Basin at last. Swing a golf club to support St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, plant some marigolds with the grandchildren, learn to line dance at the Moses lake Senior Center or check out any of the other events in store for this month.
Vietnam vets honored Sunday
MOSES LAKE — The American Legion and the Karneetsa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held a commemoration Sunday for veterans of the Vietnam War. March 29, the date the last U.S. service members left Vietnam in 1973, was designated National Vietnam War Veterans Day in 2008.
Family Resource Home Care matches caregivers with the people who need it
MOSES LAKE — Some folks, when they get a little older, just need a little help. “The basis of in-home caregiving is to keep the clients in their home for as long as possible, instead of having them go to a nursing home or assisted living,” said Family Resource Home Care Branch Manager Marisa Martinez.
Homegrown: Dr. Firouzi gives back to his community
MOSES LAKE — A lot of young people, when they go off to college from a small town, never return. But some do. Dr. Kameron Firouzi is one of them. “When I was figuring out my passions in terms of what I wanted to do career-wise, I always wanted to come back and give back,” Firouzi said. “There were (times) throughout my life with my mom when I felt like the community rallied around me and my family, so I always felt a little bit of a tie.”