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
Hanging it up
MOSES LAKE — After 34 years, Steve Gjefle has hung up his last classroom ceiling tile. “It’s a good time (to retire),” Gjefle said. “At 66, it’s time to go, let somebody else take the reins and start driving the wagon down the road.” Gjefle spent yesterday, his last day …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
Two youths stabbed in altercation Saturday
MOSES LAKE — A fight between juveniles at an event venue Saturday left two hospitalized with knife wounds, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. At about 8 p.m., first responders were called to a location in the area of Road N and 8 Northeast outside Moses …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 HOURS, 27 MINUTES AGO
Help on wheels
OTHELLO — Sometimes help comes in the strangest of ways. For some homeowners in need of repairs, it can come wearing an orange T-shirt and riding a bicycle.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 9 HOURS AGO
BASIN EVENTS: June 12-20
COLUMBIA BASIN — The kids are out of school and the summer awaits. Here are some things happening in the Basin this week.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 9 HOURS AGO
Housing inventory up, sales down in Washington
MOSES LAKE — Housing inventory continued to increase in Washington state in May, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 27 Washington counties.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 10 HOURS AGO
Elbow room
MOSES LAKE — Quilting and sewing enthusiasts can look forward to working in a little more open space at Country Fabrics’ new location on East Third Avenue.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 11 HOURS AGO
Growing together
RITZVILLE — The Lind-Ritzville High School Class of 2026 had a lot of shared history. “Our classes had a unique journey,” said Salutatorian Lilly Fannin. “Before we were one graduating class, we were two separate classes from different schools. When we came together in middle school, none of us knew …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 19 HOURS AGO
Sage-N-Sun to feature patriotic theme, drone show
EPHRATA — Sage-N-Sun will fill downtown Ephrata this weekend with music, parades, sunshine, fun and a semiquincentennial celebration. “Everything is patriotic-themed,” said Britney MacLeod, director of the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the event. “From our bands to the decoration of the town and the parade, the festival (will …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 4 DAYS, 9 HOURS AGO
Royal High School sends graduates into the world
ROYAL CITY — Royal High School’s graduation Friday was a little bittersweet, said Principal Courtney McCoy. “I will miss you more than you know,” McCoy said, opening the 2026 commencement ceremony. “You have left a lasting impression, not only in the halls of Royal High School, but in the hearts …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 8 HOURS AGO
‘So much hope’
MOSES LAKE — New Hope has a new leader. “I am so excited for Kim (Pope) to take the reins and add some fresh breath into the work,” said former New Hope/Kids Hope director Suzi Fode, who retired May 15 after 20 years at the helm. “I am excited to …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 9 HOURS AGO
Basin students selected state Future Farmers of America officers
MOSES LAKE — Arielle Montoya of Moses Lake and Tessa Hauskin of Ephrata will serve as Future Farmers of America officers next year for Washington state. Montoya was named state treasurer and Hauskin state reporter. “It’s a big deal,” said Ephrata High School FFA advisor Landra Kosa. “It’s a pretty …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 9 HOURS AGO
Walk of pride
MOSES LAKE — Some seniors getting ready to graduate from Moses Lake returned to their elementary school one last time before heading out into the world.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 8 HOURS AGO
Senior Picnic gathers senior resources in one place
MOSES LAKE — The Senior Picnic is more than just a luncheon
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS AGO
Creative district conference coming to Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake will host the ArtsWA Creative District Conference June 11-12, bringing in administrators from creative districts all over Washington.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS AGO
