EVENTS: Oct. 23-31
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 22 hours, 49 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. | October 23, 2026 3:00 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — We’ll have a full list of Halloween events next week, but here are some non-spooky things to enjoy in the meantime.
Oct. 23-Nov. 8
‘Anastasia: The Musical’
"Anastasia: The Musical" transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family. 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Masquers Theater, 322 Main Ave. E., Soap Lake. Info and tickets: www.masquers.com.
Oct. 24
Family History Fair
Learn to explore your family roots. Free classes and expert advice to build your family history skills, plus booths and activities. Bring your laptop or tablet if you have one. Lunch will be served. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ephrata Stake Center, 1301 Division Ave. E. Info: 509-237-6748.
Gouache and Watercolor: An Intro to Eco-friendly Art Mediums
Gouache and watercolor are considered top eco-friendly painting mediums because they use natural binders like gum arabic, offer easy, low-waste cleanup with water and can be easily reactivated even when dry. Learn all about techniques that make gouache and watercolor fun and inexpensive mediums for hobby or professional painting. For ages 16 and older. Cost is $16 per person. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info and registration: moseslakemuseum.com.
Oct. 26
Coffee and Support
Grab your favorite coffee and start your Monday out with a good cup of joe and support from those who are on the autism journey with you. Sponsored by the Autism Support Group of Grant County. 9-11 a.m. at Cup of Joy Cafe, 430 E. Division St., Ephrata. Info: grantcountyautism.org.
Oct. 29
‘Piano Men: Generations’
Two men, two pianos and one incredible band. “Piano Men: Generations” delivers an emotional and electrifying ride through the greatest hits of Elton John and Billy Joel. Presented by Central Basin Community Concert Association. 7 p.m. at Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Pkwy. NE in Moses Lake. Info: communityconcertsml.org.
Oct. 30
Mystery Dinner and Escape Challenge
Get ready for a night of mystery, dinner, and problem-solving at the Toxic Lab Mystery Dinner and Escape Challenge. Gather your team to solve the clues, crack the codes, and contain the goo during this tabletop escape challenge while supporting the Youth Fair. For ages 14 and up. Tickets $45 or $230 for a table of six. 6 p.m. at Wheat Land Fairgrounds, 811 E Main Ave, Ritzville. Info: www.ritzvillechamber.com.
Oct. 31
Moravida Festival
Moravida Festival is a vibrant celebration of life inspired by the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos. There will be family-friendly activities, live entertainment, engaging children’s crafts, diverse food vendors, and much more. This event is open to all and free to attend. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: www.gcfairgrounds.com.
This weekend at the movies:
Fairchild Cinemas: Clayface (R); Forgotten Island (PG); Heart of the Beast (PG-13); Other Mommy (R); Resident Evil (R); Sense and Sensibility (PG); Street Fighter (PG-13); Verity (R); Whalefall (PG-13); Wildwood (PG-13). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for showtimes.
The Showhouse: Halloween (R). Oct. 27 only. See othelloshowhouse.com for showtimes.
Ritz Theater: Heart of the Beast (PG-13). 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
“Piano Men: Generations” will feature two back-to-back pianos and the music of Elton John and Billy Joel Oct. 29.ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
SR 24 closed after bus-semi collision
MATTAWA — A collision between a semi and a passenger bus sent at least 11 people to the hospital and has closed state Route 24 about 13 miles east of Mattawa, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. The bus was transporting workers and was not a school bus, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The collision occurred a little before 7 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of SR 24 and Road 24 Southwest, according to the WSP. The exact number of injured and the extent of their injuries was not immediately available. The injured parties were taken to different local hospitals, according to the GCSO.
High interest rates slow home sales
MOSES LAKE — Housing inventory reached a 12-year high in September in Washington, according to data from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 27 of Washington’s 39 counties. There were 24,955 listings in the NWMLS service area, the most for any month since September 2014, and a 24.5% increase from September 2025. In Grant County, the jump from a year ago wasn’t as sharp, only 12.18% over last year, and Adams County barely shifted, from 53 a year ago to 55 in September 2026. (For NWMLS statistical purposes, the Othello area is grouped with Grant County; Adams County figures are exclusive of Othello.)
Moses Lake Chamber honors community leaders, passes the gavel at annual meeting
MOSES LAKE — Kent Karstetter was elected to Ag Hall of Fame, much to Kent's surprise, and retiring State Senator Judy Warnick received a special award in honor of her service to the community at the 85th annual Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce banquet Tuesday. Chamber Director Debbie Doran-Martinez introduced Warnick for the award. Warnick was the Chamber’s first female chair in 1990. “Sen. Warnick has always been a strong supporter of the Chamber, of our agricultural roots and our expanding industries,” Doran-Martinez said. “Tonight, we thank you for all you have done to cultivate and grow our community, our economy and our quality of life that we enjoy.”