BASIN EVENTS: Dec. 19-27
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months AGO
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. | December 19, 2025 3:00 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and a lot of people will be spending time at home with their families or at the church of their choice. Still, there are a few things happening around the Basin. Here are some ideas:
Dec. 19
Christmas Ornament Night
Children, tweens, and teens are invited to make their own ornament, enjoy some hot chocolate, watch a movie and create memories. 3:30-5:50 p.m. at Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-765-3489.
Doug Coutts
Enjoy new variations on jazz standards and more recent music from local saxophonist Doug Coutts. Wine, craft beer and hard cider available, as well as Cornfusion gourmet popcorn and local meats. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Camas Cove Cellars, 911 Camas Place, Moses Lake. Info: 509-750-4193.
Dec. 19-20
Christmas Tree Sale and Toy Store
Pick up your Christmas tree and visit the Christmas rummage sale for clothing, toys, stuffed animals and decorations, including a dedicated area where children can purchase affordable new and gently used gifts for their families. 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at Generations Church, 431 E. Brown Ave., Moses Lake. Info: gcmoseslake.org.
Dec. 1-23
Light Up Columbia Basin
Vote for the best Christmas display on a home or business in the Basin, and support the Columbia Basin Herald’s Newspapers in Education program. Visit http://bit.ly/2025LightUpCB to vote at no charge.
Dec. 20
Darnell Scott
Live music from the artist sometimes called Eastern Washington’s best-kept secret. 4 p.m. at Millie’s Wine Bar, 114 First Ave. NW, Ephrata. Info: 509-449-3988.
Dec. 21
Toy Swap
Do you have toys and books taking up space at your house, or need gifts for children because money is tight? Volunteers from Moses Lake Nazarene Church will get them set up and ready for families to “shop” for the perfect gift for their children at no cost. Gifts should be in ready-to-use condition. Church members will supply cocoa, cookies and some gift-wrapping supplies. Toys can be dropped off 2-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday at Moses Lake Nazarene Church, 422 S. Balsam St., until the day of the swap. 3-6 p.m. at U Rock Ranch, 465 Road T NE, Warden. Info: 509-765-4343.
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party + Tamales
Complimentary tamales, beans, rice and chips while supplies last, and feel free to bring something to share. Wear an ugly sweater to be entered into raffles. 2-7 p.m. at Moses Lake Taproom, 530 W. Valley Road. Info: 509-707-0052.
Dec. 23
Winter Drop-In Crafting
Take a cozy, creative break to enjoy seasonal crafts, explore new materials and techniques and sip complimentary hot chocolate as you create. Come solo or with loved ones. All ages welcome. No charge. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830 or moseslakemuseum.com.
Dec. 26
Crafts of Questionable Quality
Family-friendly craft for children, plus a story to accompany the fun. 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-765-3489.
Dec. 27
Kitchen Sink Science – Bounceology
Make your own bouncy balls in this fun science class, where you will learn new things and investigate the science around you. All materials provided. Cost $11. Ages 6-12. 10:30 a.m. at Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830 or moseslakemuseum.com.
This weekend at the movies:
Fairchild Cinemas: Avatar: Fire and Ash (PG-13, 2D and 3D); David (PG): Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (PG-13); Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants (PG); The Housemaid (R); Wicked: For Good (PG); Zootopia 2 (PG). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for show times.
The Showhouse: The Housemaid (R); Avatar: Fire and Ash (PG-13); Young David (PG). See showhouse3.wordpress.com for show times.
Ritz Theater: Regretting You (PG). 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
Man arrested in Thursday morning hit-and-run
MOSES LAKE — A suspect was taken into custody Thursday afternoon in the hit-and-run of a county road worker early Thursday morning, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. Trino Mendez, 36, was booked into Grant County Jail on suspicion of hit-and-run attended complicity and vehicular assault, according to the Grant County Jail roster. No bail had been set as of Friday morning. The incident happened around 5:10 a.m. on North Frontage Road about a mile east of Dodson Road, according to the GCSO. Road crews were preparing the road for chip sealing when the worker was struck.
Alleged assault on officer, paramedic lands man in jail
MOSES LAKE — A man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly assaulted a paramedic and a Moses Lake Police Officer, according to a statement from the MLPD. Jared Blake Hunter, 34, was booked into Grant County Jail on charges of third-degree assault – law enforcement officer, according to Grant County Jail records.
Home sales up as summer moving season begins
MOSES LAKE — More homes hit the market in June as summer home sales gained momentum, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 27 of Washington’s 39 counties. Active listings increased 16.4 percent statewide in June 2026 compared to June 2025, according to the NWMLS data and 8 percent compared to May 2026. Grant County listings followed a similar pattern, increasing 14.56 percent year-over-year and 9.18 percent over May 2026. Active listings were down 15.87 percent in Adams County from June 2025, but up 3.92 percent from a month earlier.