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
Purple Party to kick off Alzheimer’s fundraising July 16
MOSES LAKE — The Walk to End Alzheimer’s technically takes place in September, but in fact, it starts two months earlier at the Purple Party. “I like to call it the pre-party to the Walk,” Cox said. “It gets people energized to build their teams.” This year’s Purple Party is …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
Job fair offers opportunities for justice-impacted youth
MOSES LAKE — Some young people in Grant County took a step toward employment Wednesday at Grant County Youth Services’ first job fair. “One of the programs that we teach is on education and employment,” said Tammy Roloff, a treatment counselor with Grant County Youth Services. “We found that (when …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
Veterans, supporters to gather at GC Fairgrounds July 15
MOSES LAKE — The Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee will hold an event for veterans at the Grant County Fairgrounds July 15, according to an announcement from Washington Department of Veterans Affairs. “We do four events a year, two on the west side and two on the east side,” said Sue …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
Moses Lake Scout builds garden at fairgrounds for Eagle project
MOSES LAKE — Seventeen-year-old Carson Overfield is taking the final step to reach the pinnacle of a Boy Scout’s career, becoming an Eagle Scout, and he proved it with sweat Tuesday morning. “He started (Scouting) when he was in second grade and went all the way through,” said Carson’s mom, …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 13 HOURS AGO
Basin home prices steady; closing costs drop in WA
MOSES LAKE — Basin home prices have stayed fairly steady in the larger communities this year, varying by 5-9 percent, according to data from the real estate site Redfin. Moses Lake’s home prices averaged $369,769 from March to the end of May 2026, an increase of 8.8 percent over the …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 13 HOURS AGO
BASIN EVENTS: July 3-11
COLUMBIA BASIN – This weekend will be loaded with Fourth of July observances in most of our communities, and then there’s plenty more happening afterward. Here are some things to check out.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 13 HOURS AGO
Senior Picnic celebrates America’s 250th birthday with hot dogs, music and fun
MOSES LAKE — The 12th annual Moses Lake Senior Picnic June 10 was a star-spangled success, organizers said. “It’s amazing,” said Laurie Ahmann, executive director of Brookdale Hearthstone, one of the sponsors of the event. “There are some (people) who are first-timers this year, but there are those who say …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 4 DAYS, 13 HOURS AGO
Moses Lake pianist performs at honors recital
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake student performed last week at the Washington State Music Teachers Association Honors Recital. “She performed very musically and beautifully,” music instructor Marina Munter wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “A lot of teachers from all over Washington commented to me how …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 4 DAYS, 13 HOURS AGO
Battle of the Badges coming July 9
MOSES LAKE — First responders will be pitted against each other July 9 for the Battle of the Badges blood drive. “There’s a big rally for all blood types to come out and donate to ensure that we have a strong blood supply this summer,” said Amber Short, community partnership …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 4 DAYS, 13 HOURS AGO
SENIOR EVENTS: July 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — When all the Fourth of July celebrations have wound down, there will still be plenty of opportunities to get out of the house and into something fun. Here are a few things awaiting seniors in July.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 4 DAYS, 13 HOURS AGO
Jehovah’s Witness convention coming to Kennewick July 3-5
KENNEWICK — Jehovah’s Witnesses will hold their annual convention in Kennewick this weekend, according to an announcement from the religious organization. The theme for the three-day event is “Eternal Happiness,” according to the announcement, and participants will explore how everlasting happiness can be achieved through spirituality founded on practical Bible …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 12 HOURS AGO
Fun on wheels
MOSES LAKE — When you’re a kid, the summer is full of enjoyable things to do. And if you can’t get to them, the city of Moses Lake brings the fun to you. “Not every kid can get to the Recreation Center,” said Recreation Superintendent Carrie Hoiness. “Not every kid …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 13 HOURS AGO
STCU to open new Othello building
OTHELLO — Spokane Teachers Credit Union’s Othello branch is moving July 1, according to Vice President and Communications Strategist Dan Hansen. The new building at 1335 E. Main St., comprises 3,300 square feet with four offices, six teller stations, a large lobby and, importantly, plenty of parking. That was an …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 13 HOURS AGO
