EVENTS: July 17-25, 2026
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 hour, 34 minutes 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. | July 17, 2026 3:00 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — We’re near the halfway point of the summer, and there’s still no shortage of things to do this year. Here are some ways to get out and about.
July 18
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 help fund library programs. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-771-7634.
Ram and Ewe Sale
Buy or sell a wide variety of breeds from some of the top producers in the Northwest. Hosted by Washington State Sheep Producers. 1:30 p.m. at Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Dr NE, Moses Lake. Info: www.wssp.org.
Live music by Yotes
Yotes combines his rich baritone vocals with an energetic delivery, playing a mix of songs from 1950s country, 1980s neo-rockabilly, modern Americana and many genres and eras in between. Old favorites are interspersed with some of his favorite songs by friends and up-and-coming artists he’s met through the years. 6 p.m. at Moses Lake Taproom, 530 W. Valley Road. Info: 509-707-0052.
July 21
Candidate forum
Meet the people running for public office in your community this year. All contested candidates with three or more in their race have been invited to attend. Sponsored by Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Basin Herald. 6 p.m. at Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center, 900 E. Yonezawa Blvd., Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-4561.
July 22
Kids’ Karaoke
Calling all young singers! Here’s your chance to enjoy music, build confidence, and create superstar moments. No experience needed for kids to take the stage in the Civic Center Auditorium and sing their favorite hits, from Disney classics to today’s pop favorites. Every participant will be given a chance to sing, and we recommend coming with a few song selections already in mind. 4 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830.
July 23
Caring for Family Photographs
Join Museum Curator Ann Schempp to learn how to care for your photographs with proper storage and marking methods to make these memories last for generations. 6 p.m. at Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830.
July 25
Christmas in July at the Market
Who says you have to wait until December for holiday cheer? Stroll through decorated vendor booths, shop amazing local makers and growers, enjoy holiday-themed fun, festive music, sweet treats, and surprises for the whole family. Wear your favorite Christmas shirt, Santa hat, or holiday outfit. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Moses Lake Farmers Market, McCosh Park, 401 W. Fourth Avenue. Info: www.farmersmarketml.com.
Fairgrounds Community Cleanup Day
Help prep the fairgrounds for the 2026 Grant County Fair. Painting, landscaping, cleaning, organizing and more. Projects for all skill levels. The fairgrounds will host lunch for all volunteers. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-3581.
Autism Swims
Come enjoy an evening of swimming, fun, and connection in a welcoming and supportive environment. This special event gives autism families the opportunity to enjoy the water together with less crowding and a more comfortable atmosphere. Hosted by Autism Support Group of Grant County. Bring your swimsuits, towels, and smiles. 6-8 p.m. at Splash Zone, 780 A St./ SE, Ephrata. Info: grantcountyautism.org.
Comedy on the Columbia with Sam Miller
From Olympia, Sam is 6-foot-6, and 360 pounds with two kids, one of them on purpose. He’s been married for 10 years, and has been clean and sober for 15 years. Sam likes to make jokes about what it’s like to be a sober parent and what jail is like in Yakima. 8 p.m. at Tower Pizza and Sunworks at Crescent Bar, 8995 Crescent Bar Road NW, Quincy.
This weekend at the movies:
Fairchild Cinemas: Evil Dead Burn (R); Minions and Monsters (PG); Moana (PG); Obsession (R); The Odyssey (R); Supergirl (PG-13); Toy Story 5 (PG); Young Washington (PG-13). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for show times.
The Showhouse: Hop (PG). Free movie, July 21 only. See othelloshowhouse.com for details.
Ritz Theater: Disclosure Day (PG-13) 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will host a class on how to preserve family photos July 23.ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
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.
Renovated low-income housing unveiled in Grant County communities
QUINCY — A new-and-improved Quincy Manor apartment complex was unveiled at a ceremony Tuesday. “Today is not only about buildings preserved or units counted,” said Catholic Charities Housing Services Director of Housing Services Bryan Ketcham. “It's about families having a place to begin again, children having a stable home from which to learn and grow, and communities becoming stronger because people are rooted, supported and seen.” Quincy Manor, with 20 units, is one of three low-income apartment complexes operated by Catholic Charities Housing Services that received a complete makeover, according to Ketcham. La Amistad in Warden, with 30 units, and the 45-unit Villa Santa Maria in Mattawa were also renovated. The apartments in all three complexes were refurbished with new roof systems, interior and exterior paint, upgraded cabinets and countertops and updated community spaces, according to CCHS.