BASIN EVENTS: Jan. 23-31, 2026
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 2 weeks 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. | January 23, 2026 3:05 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather might be chilly and gray, but there are still things to do to break up the winter doldrums. Here are a few ideas for this week.
Jan. 23
Family Movie Day: ‘Elio’
Free showing of Pixar animated film “Elio.” Elio is a space fanatic with a vivid imagination and a love for all things alien. When he’s unexpectedly beamed up to the Communiverse – an intergalactic organization with representatives from across the cosmos – he must build friendships with eccentric alien lifeforms, face challenges of cosmic proportions and discover where he truly belongs. Attendees are free to bring snacks, just clean up afterward. Rated PG. 1 p.m. at Quincy Public Library, 208 Central Ave. S. Info: 509-787-2359.
Jan. 23-24
‘Cafe Murder!’
Dinner theater production by Columbia Basin Allied Arts and Sunshine Theater. Rosemary has a flair for the dramatic, a few quirky beliefs and a talent for stirring up excitement wherever she goes. Over dessert, guests will be drawn into a playful mystery involving Rosemary and her lively circle – a fun, theatrical twist that invites everyone to enjoy the evening’s surprises together. Tickets are $80, which includes pasta dinner, soft drinks and desserts. A no-host bar will also be available. Proceeds support arts and entertainment in the Basin. 6-9 p.m. at Best Western Lake Front Hotel, 3000 W. Marina Drive, Moses Lake. Tickets and info: www.cba-arts.org.
Jan. 24
Friends of the Moses Lake Library Book Sale
Peruse through gently used books and take home a new treasure for your home library. Proceeds go to fund library programs. 2-6 p.m. at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-771-7634.
Bagpipe Bash
Celebrate in the spirited style of a traditional Scottish Burns Night. Three-course dinner, live and silent auctions and music and entertainment. Hosted by Quincy Booster Club. Proceeds support Quincy school choirs. Tickets $50 at https://bit.ly/BagpipeBash26. 6 p.m. at Quincy Valley Historical Society, 415 F St. SW, Quincy.
Jan. 29
Chess Tournament Preparation Class
Tournament preparation class for the upcoming Waypoint Chess Tournament. Topics include basic chess rules, pairing, notation, and more. Classes are not required to participate in the tournament. No charge. 6 p.m. at Parkway Intermediate School, 1011 Parkway Blvd., Ephrata. Info: waypointfoundation.org.
‘Red 2’
Screening of the film starring Bruce Willis and John Malkovich. Retired CIA agent Frank Moses reunites his unlikely team of elite operatives for a global quest to track down a missing portable nuclear device. 2 p.m. at the Ephrata Senior Center, 124 C St. NW. Info: www.ephrataseniorcenter.org.
Jan. 30
Winter Scene in Charcoal
Learn the techniques of working with charcoal while bringing a snowy winter landscape to life. Class is for ages 14 and older. $21 per person. 2-3:30 p.m. at Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830.
Jan. 31
Sweethearts Market
Shop for sweets and Valentine’s gifts. Presented by the Moses Lake Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-237-2100.
This weekend at the movies:
Fairchild Cinemas: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (R); Anaconda (PG-13); Avatar: Fire and Ash (PG-13); David (PG); Greenland 2: Hamnet (PG); Mercy (PG-13); Primate (R); The Housemaid (R); Zootopia 2 (PG). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for show times.
The Showhouse: Mercy (PG-13); The Testament of Ann Lee (R); 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (R). See showhouse3.wordpress.com for show times.
Ritz Theater: Ella McKay (PG-13). 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
The animated film “Elio” will be shown for free at the Quincy Library Friday.ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
MLHS softball has the numbers and the drive to win
MOSES LAKE — The field outside Moses Lake High School was teeming with softball players March 3. “Our numbers are huge,” said Head Coach Mike Hofheins. “We’ve got a ton of girls out, like 55 girls. We have a huge senior class, (so) we have a lot of veterans. Our expectations are high.” The Mavericks graduated some standout pitchers last year, which means the next crop of pitchers is rushing to build up their skills.
Maverick boys work on basics, teamwork
MOSES LAKE — How’s Moses Lake High School’s baseball team looking this year? “Young. Really young,” said Head Coach Donnie Lindgren. “Inexperienced, but ready to work.” The baseball team graduated nine seniors last year, Lindgren said. The incoming team has boys who have played before in youth baseball and for a club team at The Six, Lindgren said, but not as a unit. Some of the newcomers have played for Moses Lake in football and basketball as well, he said.
Gentlemen’s Quartet set to make sophistication fun March 24
MOSES LAKE — The Gentlemen’s Quartet – plus a lady – will take the stage March 24 at the Wallenstien Theater. The concert is sponsored by the Central Basin Community Concert Association.