Staff Writer

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.

ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN

10 years of fine cuts

MOSES LAKE — With grilling season beginning, it’s time to start thinking about the meat you’re fixing to cook. Did it come from across the country, or across town? “There are a lot of small (meat) producers in Washington that produce a quality product, but don't have a place to …

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO

Teens discuss Constitution in American Legion event

EPHRATA — Sixteen Washington students demonstrated their speaking skills March 29, according to an announcement from American Legion Art Semro Post 28 in Ephrata.

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George Library to host resource fair

GEORGE — The George Library will host a resource fair Monday, where residents of the area can get help with a variety of needs.

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Skyview Dental Clinic breaks ground on new building

MOSES LAKE — “It’s important to make a living, but it’s more important to make a difference.” That’s the advice Dr. Calvin Despain said his mentor gave him years ago. Despain is the owner of Skyview Dental Clinic in Moses Lake, having taken over Dr. Brent Jones’ practice about four …

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO

Rent stabilization bill makes progress in Olympia

OLYMPIA — A Washington bill to limit residential rate increases may have a shot at passing this year, according to its primary sponsor, state Sen. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle. “I am very hopeful, and I think there is momentum,” Alvarado said. “I think the bill, where it’s gotten to at this …

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 3 HOURS AGO

‘Wherever there’s need’

MOSES LAKE — Some Moses Lake Christian Academy students are getting a little different education this week. “We’re on our Extended Learning Week, where we send out groups of students to get experiences outside the classroom,” said MLCA teacher Tyler Tadema.

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 3 HOURS AGO

‘A great place at a great time’

RITZVILLE — The Wampum fundraiser auction to support the Wheat Land Communities Fair in Ritzville was a small, home-grown affair, much like the fair itself.

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 4 DAYS, 3 HOURS AGO

Quincy Senior Center offers good food, good fun

QUINCY — It’s 12:30 p.m. and Chef Travis Wells is hand-rolling dough for homemade buns to go with French dip sandwiches while the beef waits to be roasted. No, it’s not a high-end restaurant; the sandwiches will be served at the Quincy Senior Center and dinner will be less than …

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 4 DAYS, 3 HOURS AGO

Grand finale: CBCCA ends 70th concert season with classical showcase

MOSES LAKE — The Central Basin Community Concert Association is finishing up its 70th season in a big way. “(We’re bringing) somewhere between 65 and 70 orchestra members,” said Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra Director Kevin Hekmatpanah. That may be the largest number of performers ever to take the stage at the …

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 3 HOURS AGO

Working connections

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College will play matchmaker between businesses and the people they’re looking for at the BBCC Job Fair April 17. This is the 32nd year Big Bend has held the fair, said coordinator Michelle Arceo. Last year it attracted about 1,000 job seekers, she said. …

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 5 HOURS AGO

Teacher for life

EPHRATA — An era will end this year at Ephrata schools, as Charlotte Throgmorton retires. Throgmorton, who is finishing her career as the assistant principal at Ephrata High School, has been with the Ephrata School District for 38 years, her entire teaching career.

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 2 DAYS AGO

Homeownership in reach for Hispanic buyers

MOSES LAKE — The National Association of Realtors recently released its “2025 Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America,” and the numbers tell several different stories, particularly where Hispanic homeowners and buyers are concerned.

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 2 DAYS AGO

Boys & Girls Club earns awards for nutrition education

MOSES LAKE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin have been recognized yet again. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction recently honored the club with not one, but three awards for excellence in nutrition education, according to an announcement from the club.

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 2 DAYS AGO

Advancing Tigers

EPHRATA — A school district has all kinds of children in it, and those children learn at different paces. Some have learning disabilities and need a little extra help, while others excel in one or more academic fields.

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS AGO

Moses Lake Demo Derby welcomes new sponsor

MOSES LAKE — A popular event in Moses Lake will have a new name this year: The Miner Services Demo Derby. “We’re really big on getting our name out there and being part of the community,” said Seth Miner, owner of Miner Services and the demo derby’s new sponsor. “We’re …

COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS AGO