Studio Basin

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Ephrata Ridge Elementary School's Ridge Robotics team members Mille Scheelke and Lindsay Leenhouts sit down with reporter Nance Beston to discuss their season, robot and their upcoming FIRST LEGO League. The team won a trophy for Engineering Excellence at state which qualified them for a "lottery." The team, one of ten, was then randomly chosen to participate in the national competition taking place in New Jersey. Tune in to hear from the students themselves, along with Ridge Robotics Coaches Alicia Keegan and Julie Kessel. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Ephrata Mayor Steve Oliver sits down with reporter Nance Beston to discuss how is first months in office - the transition from the campaign trail to the day-to-day realities of governing, the surprises, the learning curves and the opportunities ahead for Ephrata.We begin with Oliver's adjustment into the mayor's seat: what the shift from campaigning to governing has really looked like, the moments that made the role feel real and the rewards and challenges of stepping into city leadership. He shares an inside look at how expectations have matched (or sometimes differed from) the reality of running a city. We also explore his leadership style and approach to collaboration - from building relationships with councilmembers and city staff to staying visible and accessible to the community. Oliver discusses what he has learned about the city and himself during these early months and outlines new ways he hopes to involve residents in conversations. Oliver also reflected on the tone of the campaign season and steps he took early on in his term to address concerns and clear the air with staff and council. He talks about what he has learned from that period and what he wants residents to understand about how he has moved forward.To close, Oliver shares what he is most excited about in the months ahead: the work behind the scenes, the direction he hopes the city is heading a year from now, and the message he wants to send to the people of Ephrata as he continues settling into the role. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Columbia Basin Foundation Executive Director Corinne Isaak stopped by to chat with Managing Editor R. Hans “Rob” Miller about a fundraiser for one of CBF’s community partners, His Helping Hands. The nonprofit recently took over a portion of the former Grant County Journal office and is providing services to those in need at the site. Some of the remodeling still needs to be completed and Isaak and her team at CBF are trying to raise the last $28,000 needed during the 28 days of February.  

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter and Producer Nance Beston sat down with Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray to discuss the Feb. 2026 bond proposal. The $75 million bond measure would replace Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate and begin renovations on Ephrata High School. Murray shared the work that went into the proposal and the reasons why the bond was brought to voters - including a lack of space, aging buildings and building new tends to be cheaper than renovation. Ballots for the election are due by 8 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 10. Ballots must be post-stamped on or before Feb. 10 to be counted. It is recommended voters visit a local post office to get a postmark or dropping them off in a ballot drop box. Further information about the measure can be found at TigersVote.org or by calling the district at 509-754-2474. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter and Producer Nance Beston sat down with Moses Lake School Board President Kirryn Jensen, Vice-President Paul Hill, and MLSD Director of Communications Ryan Shannon. The group discussed how a school board operates, common misconceptions in the community, and the challenges and successes they’ve experienced while serving. They also shared advice for those interested in pursuing a school board role. All three emphasized the importance of community involvement, encouraging residents to attend school board meetings and participate in local events.The MLSD Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. in the School Board Room at 940 E. Yonezawa Blvd, Moses Lake, WA 98837.Next Week: The STUDIO BASIN Podcast will feature Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray, who will discuss the district’s proposed $75 million, 25-year school construction bond.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer sits down with Moses Lake Mayor Dustin Swartz to discuss ongoing city projects, current goals, and local water rights issues. Swartz begins by outlining the structure of Moses Lake’s city government and clarifying the responsibilities of the mayor’s position. He then provides a brief update on the Hansen Road Overpass closure before diving into a detailed discussion on water rights in Mae Valley and the greater Moses Lake area. The conversation also highlights collaboration efforts with the Moses Lake School District and other public entities. The episode wraps up with a look at future development plans and infrastructure improvements.Next Week: The STUDIO BASIN Podcast will feature Moses Lake School District Board President Kirryn Jensen and Vice-President Paul Hill. They’ll discuss the role of a school board, its responsibilities, and how the district works through challenges.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans Miller, along with reporters Nance Beston, Mike Maynard and Caleb Perez discussed New Year's plans and traditions. Miller is taking it easy with plans to fish and spend time with his wife. Maynard shares a story about scaring the demons away into the new year. Beston talks about passing grapes under the table. Perez plans to spend time with his nephews to ring in the new year. Spoiler Warning: Stranger Things season 5 spoilers included, as three of four journalists plan on watching the season finale on New Year's Eve. The STUDIO BASIN Podcast wants to thank all of the listeners in the year 2025. We will be back next year with more news, sports and everything Columbia Basin. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Nance Beston and Editor R. Hans Miller discussed the conflicts at the Moses Lake School District, including the budget shortfall, recent teacher contract and financial plans for the future. The two discussed what led up to the teachers strike, the strike itself and the new three-year teacher contract.Sports reporter Mike Maynard gave updates on Royals' State Football Championship, Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School basketball and Quincy Jacks basketball. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Nance Beston invited Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis onto the podcast to discuss promises the district has made to the community in regards to finances and levy spending. This is a follow-up to the Columbia Basin Herald article titled: "MLSD's Lewis addresses levy promises, elementary start time," which can be read at: bit.ly/1025MLSDBeston and Lewis discuss the history of mistrust surrounding the MLSD and what the district is doing to rebuild that trust. Lewis discusses the ongoing conflict regarding elementary start times. The elementary schools are starting at 9:30 a.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. because of the budget shortfall and double levy failure that happened in the 2023-24 school year. The district had to take cost-cutting measures to pass a balanced budget, with plans of reinstating the start time by the 2026-27 school year.To learn more about what MLSD is planning for the future of the district, from a leader of the district, listen to this week's episode. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer opens the episode talking about Sila's new facility in Moses Lake. Then reporter Nance Beston talks about the ongoing lawsuit with Fowler Construction and Moses Lake School District, along with how repairs at Groff Elementary are coming along. To conclude the news section, Schweizer talked about the new roundabout coming to Ephrata in the coming years. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer talks about the construction updates at the new Samaritan Hospital. The hospital is on schedule and on budget. Then reporter Nance Beston talked about the conversations that have happened between Moses Lake Educators Association and the district at the last board meeting. Educators brought up concerns around reduced educational time of 30 minutes daily and reduced activity time including library, music and physical education. The district said these are working on being reinstated, however, financial stipulations are restricting the district until the 2026-27 school year. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer runs through the results of the primary election. General election season is coming soon, with ballots due Nov. 4. Then reporter Nance Beston talked about allegations made by a former Grant County Jail inmate about the quality of medical care at the facility and claiming several deaths had occurred within the jail during his stay. However, after reviewing jail records and talking with officials, it turns out that there has only been one death in the jail. Then, according to Chief Deputy of Corrections Phillip Coats, the care exceeds federal standards, even without around clock care. The jail is working on establishing a medical company in the new jail, where 24/7 care would be accessible. To conclude the news section, Schweizer talked about the Adams County Jail and how they are looking to reopen the facility.Reporter Caleb Perez led the sports section today and although it's a slow season for sports, he said he and Mike Maynard are working on finding local stories. This week Perez talked about the upgrades to the Ephrata Baseball Field, the opening of Sun City Cycle and Alli Kay Tatum competing in the BMX Racing World Championships.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Editor R. Hans Miller discusses the upcoming Columbia Basin Hospital bond for the primary election in Ephrata. Miller talks about history of upgrades the hospital has had, planned upgrades with the bond package and what that will cost voters. Then reporter Caleb Perez talks about how Grant County hired a new prosecuting attorney last week. Miller than threw reporter Nance Beston into the hot seat asking them what they have learned during their first year as a reporter. Tune into this episode of the Studio Basin podcast to learn more. For the sports segment, Perez talked about the upgrades the BMX scene will be getting. He and Miller also gave previews for the upcoming rodeo and fair season in Grant County. Tune into the Basin Box Score for more information on sporting events in the area. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discusses the potential of the Columbia Basin Railroad being sold. The railroad runs from Connell to Ephrata, going through Warden and Moses Lake. Then Schweizer talked about REC Silicon and what the company may be doing with the Moses Lake building. Next, Reporter Nance Beston talked about Moses Lake School District preliminary finances for the 2025-26 school year. The district has concerns about  federal funding, but overall, the superintendent and business manager are feeling confident going into next year. Schweizer ended the news section with an update on the QPlex, the field house in Lauzier Park. The Quincy Valley Parks and Recreation commissioners have reconsidered the design and have decided to pause designing until further research comes in. For the sports segment, both CBH sports reporters, Caleb Perez and Mike Maynard, joined the podcast today. Maynard began by talking about Othello Baseball Alum reflecting on his high school career. Then, he recapped Freewind Martial Arts seminars that happened last week. Before passing it over to Perez, he gave a brief recap on Central Washington Sixers Baseball. Perez discussed Almira/Coulee-Hartline American Legion 18 U entering playoffs. Then, he ended the episode with the Moses Lake Softball championships. 

On this special episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Editor R. Hans Miller asks both Ephrata mayoral candidates policy based questions. Incumbent Bruce Reim and candidate Steve Oliver received the questions about ten minutes prior to filming. The candidates answered six questions with a special final question from Nance Beston, producer of the Studio Basin. This issue of the Studio Basin was also live streamed to Facebook and a video will be uploaded to our YouTube channel. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Nance Beston and Caleb Perez discuss the various wildfires that occurred over Fourth of July weekend. Grant County is in an active burn ban. Then, Beston talked about Senate Bill 5583 which raises the cost of hunting and fishing licenses by nearly 38% to help raise funds for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. For the sports segment, Perez talked about the tournaments that happened over this last weekend, upcoming sports camps across the Basin and the retirement of Heather Wood, the Ephrata Softball coach. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discussed Moses Lake's plan to address homelessness post Open Doors Sleep Center closure. Reporter and producer Nance Beston, added on talking about the resource fair that happened in front of the Open Doors Sleep Center Monday last week, including information for all of the resources and contact information. The news segment concluded with the discussion of vandalism and crime at Connelly Park which has resulted in the park closing Sunday and Monday and having reduced hours throughout the week. For the sports segment, Mike Maynard and Caleb Perez discussed local baseball, charity golf and martial arts features. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Nance Beston, alongside senior reporters Cheryl Schweizer and Joel Martin discussed canal safety with the two recent drowning in Grant County and how the Moses Lake Library is as asset for drug prevention in youth, according to the Moses Lake Community Coalition. Then to close out the news segment, the group talked about the double duck rescue that led headlines last week along with events that captured people's attention over the weekend. For the sports segment, Mike Maynard, sports reporter for the Columbia Basin Herald recapped the weekend events around the basin including 3 v. 3 basketball and 18U Baseball. Then he talked about the feature on local Othello alum. Lastly, he discussed Basin Box Score, the new podcast, he and Caleb Perez have put together.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Nance Beston discussed the Chief for a Day event and the "No Kings" protest Saturday. Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer spoke about the current updates regarding homelessness in the Basin with the Open Doors Sleep Center set to close at the end of the month. The Moses Lake City Council will be meeting next Tuesday to further the discussion. For the sports segment, Mike Maynard, sports reporter for the Columbia Basin Herald recapped local sports charity events, reviewed stories about the Moses Lake School District budget shortfall and hyped up the new sports podcast "Basin Boxscore." 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Nance Beston discussed the recent fires in the Columbia Basin, along with the Grant County Burn Ban. Cheryl Schweizer discussed the recent city meeting to talk about homelessness in Grant County, including the closure of the Open Doors Sleep Center. The two also talked about graduation. Senior Reporter Joel Martin popped in for a preview up some upcoming events this weekend - including the little big show in Wilson Creek and Sage-N-Sun in Ephrata. For the sports segment, Mike Maynard, sports reporter for the Columbia Basin Herald discussed state tournament teams including Othello, Ephrata and Almira/Coulee-Hartline. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Nance Beston discussed some of the recent bills that Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law and one bill that died in the legislature. The two bills both regard animal rights and safety. House Bill 1046 which allows people to break into vehicles with pets or vulnerable person's locked in them without civil liability. House Bill 1149 which increased the penalties for cruelty to animals and animal fighting. Then Senate Bill 5098 died in the legislature. The bill would have prevented people from having firearms in public places where children could be present, including the Grant County Fairgrounds. For the sports segment, Caleb Perez, CBH sports reporter, talks about how district golf tournaments went for the Big 9 and CWAC. Moses Lake and Ephrata both have players going to state. He also gave an update on the CWAC district tennis tournament. Sports reporter Mike Maynard then spoke on district tournament play for baseball, soccer and softball. League champions have been decided for the Huskies Soccer team. The Husky Baseball team and the Tigers Softball team are each in crossover games where if they win they get to go to state but if they lose, they go home. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer, and reporter Nance Beston discussed the closure of Moses Lakes Open Doors Sleep Center, two criminal incidents that occurred this week and three of Rep. Tom Dent's bills that made it through the legislature.For the sports segment, Caleb Perez, CBH's sports reporter, talks about Basin spring sports including soccer, baseball, softball and track and field. Perez gave a preview for the games coming up this weekend. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and reporter Nance Beston discussed the crimes that occurred in the month of March. Miller explained both drive-by shootings in Moses Lake, including the Loop Drive drive-by shooting which had one fatality and four injured and the Olympic Drive drive-by shooting which resulted in no injuries. Beston talked about the rest of the crimes the Columbia Basin Herald covered in March including high speed chases, running from officers and an alleged murder. For the sports segment, Caleb Perez, CBH's sports reporter, talks about Basin spring sports including soccer, baseball, softball and track and field. Perez gave a preview for the games coming up this weekend. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Cub Reporter Nance Beston and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer talk about Senate Bill 5098, a piece of proposed legislation that would ban weapons in public areas where children may be present. The bill has passed the senate and is going through the house process now. The bill's sponsor, Javier Valdez, is originally from Moses Lake and stated the shooting at the Grant County Fairgrounds last August was part of the reason he proposed the bill. The shooter shooter recently pleaded guilty. However, both Grant County Fairgrounds Manager Jim McKiernan and Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete have concerns on the implications of the bill.In the sports segment, Schweizer and Beston discuss the first week of spring sports including games from Moses Lake baseball, Ephrata baseball, Warden baseball and Quincy soccer. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller sits down with representatives of the Moses Lake Community Coalition to examine ways to discuss drug abuse prevention with children. In the long run, setting expectations is the key, they said. In the sports segment, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Cub Reporter Nance Beston discuss state basketball with three Columbia Basin boys teams made it to the state tournament including Royal City, Moses Lake Christian Academy and Almira-Coulee/Hartline boys. 

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Reporter Nance Beston discuss recent levies in the Moses Lake, Ephrata and Wahluke school districts. Beston also goes over the firing of Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox, which occured on Thursday. In Sports, Sports Editor Ian Bivona recaps the EWAC Boys League tournament, MLCA/CCS winning the Central Washington B league title, Moses Lake boys swimming advancing to state and Royal defeating Wahluke in the 1A District 5 boys basketball tournament.

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discusses local immigration concerns and the response from law enforcement and school districts from across the Basin, the upcoming levies in the Ephrata, Moses Lake and Wahluke school districts and the City of Quincy preparing to break gound on its new aquatic center. In sports, Sports Editor Ian Bivona recaps recent headlines in girls wrestling, including Othello and Quincy hosting tournaments and Royal winning the SCAC Girls League Championship. Bivona also breaks down recent basketball games for Almira/Coulee-Hartline, Royal and Wahluke. 

MOSES LAKE - In this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss supports for workers displaced by the REC Silicon closure, and Moses Lake's incoming city manager. Miller talks a bit about multiple 2024 year in review pieces for Ephrata. Sports Editor Ian Bivona later discusses Royal's boys basketball team suffering its first loss of the season, as well as where several local teams are in their respective league standings. Bivona also discusses Othello's boys wrestling team picking up its sixth dual win of the season. 

MOSES LAKE - In this - slightly delayed - episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Sports Editor Ian Bivona visit about recent news and sports action. Miller was able to sit down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete last week as Kriete reached the halfway point in his first term heading up the Grant County Sheriff's Office. Miller reviewed what the sheriff said were the accomplishments of his first term and what he sees on the horizon for GCSO. Miller and Bivona also talked about happenings in Soap Lake like the city considering how water in the lake may be used and why the Soap Lake Police Chief is on administrative leave.In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona breaks down Moses Lake's boys and girls wrestling teams defeating Wenatchee in duals last week, as well as ACH's boys and girls basketball teams taking on Valley Christian and Soap Lake's boys basketball team winning four of its last five games.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer breaks down upcoming levies for the Ephrata, Moses Lake and Wahluke school districts, including their longevity and costs for voters. Schweizer also discusses the passing of Penny Archer, the operations manager of the Moses Lake Food Bank.In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona recaps Royal's 10-0 start to the boys basketball season, ACH winning the Banks Lake Brawl and the all-state football lists being released by the Washington State Football Coaches Association.

On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and staff discuss the new year and how their holidays went. The conversation then flows into how Adams County Pet Rescue had a successful year with more than 700 pet adoptions and how local cities have finalized their budgets.In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona breaks down the Royal Christmas Tournament, a boys wrestling tournament that saw the Knights lead local finishes with second place.

On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray stops by to talk about his first semester in the superintendent's seat and the upcoming Ephrata School District operations levy replacement. In Sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona breaks down how the Royal Knights won their fifth consecutive state championship, and delves into local wrestling results from the first week of the season.

In this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller sits down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete to discuss how the holidays impact law enforcement. The pair talk about avoiding holiday scams, foiling porch pirates and why Shop with a Cop is the best part of the GCSO year.In the sports segment, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer break down Friday's 1A State Football Tournament championship game between Royal and Seton Catholic.

On this week's STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Senior Reporter Joel Martin discuss the results of the initiative ballot measure to repeal a ban on natural gas in new construction in Washington and lessons from how coverage of that issue can be used to improve media literacy. Readers are encouraged to think about where news outlets may be trying to lead them rather than allowing them to decide for themselves as they should. In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona breaks down Royal's run to the 1A Girls State Soccer Tournament and ACH and Royal advancing on in their respective state football tournaments.

Seth Miner, the owner of a local fabrication and welding company Miner Services LLC, the STUDIO BASIN podcast to discuss his journey from couch-hopping, to starting in the welding field, to eventually owning and operating his own welding business. Miner tells his story about how he forged a path to success with the help of his community, wife and his own ambition. For those interested in hiring Miner for a job visit his website at MinerServicesLLC.com or call him at 509-750-1406. In sports, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Sports Reporter Ian Bivona break down state and district crossover games for football teams from ACH, Moses Lake, Othello, Royal and Warden, as well as Soap Lake and Warden both competing in their respective state volleyball tournaments.

On this spisode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Staff Writer Nance Beston discuss the Moses Lake School District naming Carol Lewis its superintendent, Boeing's machinists strike ending and the results of Tuesday's local elections in Grant and Adams counties.In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona breaks down Week 10 football crossover games including ACH, Moses Lake, Othello, Royal and Warden, as well as the upcoming state cross country meet.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller and Reporter Nance Beston discussed the Boeing strike, the impacts of the strike and the new contract union members are voting on Monday. The two also discussed another important vote with a discussion about the presidential campaign, the Fourth Congressional district seat and other local elections on the ballot this year. The Studio Basin wants to remind people to turn in their ballots at either a ballot drop box or go to a post office to get their ballot post marked before mailing it to ensure it is counted. The Studio Basin does not promote any candidate or party, but does promote using your constitutional right and responsibility to vote.In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona recaps Moses Lake taking fourth at the 4A State Slowpitch Tournament, ACH falling to Wilbur-Creston-Keller in football and Royal defeating Kiona-Benton in soccer.

On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Reporter Nance Beston speak with Moses Lake School District Interim Superintendent Carol Lewis regarding the district's efforts to face financial challenges and regain the community's trust. Lewis explains how the district ended up with a $20 million shortfall and what the administration have done to course correct and get the district back in the black.In the sports segment, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona breaks down Moses Lake defeating Eastmont in both football and slowpitch softball, LRS volleyball taking on Manson and the Big Bend men's basketball team preparing for the 2024-25 season.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans Miller discusses recent news regarding elections at the state and local levels and provides updates on the Boeing labor disputes. In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona recaps recent football games between Lind-Ritzville/Sprague and Warden as well as Othello and Ephrata, Almira/Coulee-Hartline football's 5-1 start to the season and the Moses Lake slowpitch softball team hosting its district championship game.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Moses Lake Design Engineer Levi Bisnett joins the show to talk about an upcoming charrette regarding possible changes to the State Route 17 and Stratford Road interchange in Moses Lake. The goal is to bring in members of the community to discuss what improvements could be made to the area.In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona recaps recent football action on the gridiron including Royal and Othello beginning the year 4-0, the Royal girls soccer team defeating College Place and Warden volleyball leading the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference.

Joe Kunkel, project director for the ongoing construction of Samaritan Hospital and the Quincy Valley Medical Center, is the guest on the Studio Basin podcast this week.  Kunkel said both projects are staying within the projected budget and on the projected timeline. Construction on QVMC is scheduled for completion in spring 2025 – but there’s still preparation required before the doors can open for patients, Kunkel said. Patients should start being treated at the new facility in summer 2025. Samaritan hospital construction should be completed by late 2025, with the goal to admit patients by spring 2026, Kunkel said. It’s been a long road for the Samaritan project, but windows are going in, the exterior is close to being finished and interior framing has begun. In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer break down recent football, girls soccer and volleyball action involving Lind-Ritzville/Sprague, Othello, Quincy and Wahluke.

On this week's edition of the Studio Basin Podcast, we have a bit of a longer episode packed with plenty of content. Starting out, we have Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray and new Ephrata High School Principal Ashlie Miller in the studio to talk about how they got to where they are and what they want to do to move the district and high school forward to support students. In our lifestyle segment, Moses Lake Public Library Supervising Librarian Austin Foglesong is in to talk about programs at the library, and exciting changes coming up as the facility itself is upgraded. To wrap up, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona breaks down the Columbia Basin Herald's Gridiron Guide and Fall Sports Preview, taking a look at local fall sports teams from around the area.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller is joined by Regan Shannon, a sophomore at Ephrata High School and freelance writer who wrote a story on summer programs at the Ephrata Public Library. Miller also recaps the Moses Lake School Board passing its budget for the upcoming school year.Sports Reporter Ian Bivona recounts the Moses Lake Roundup, which brought in new highs in contestants and spectators alike, as well as the Eastern Washington Race for Life Series, which raised more than $16,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society last weekend. Bivona also previews the Columbia Basin Herald's Gridiron Guide, an annual football season preview for high school football teams across Grant and Adams counties.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller and Seniors Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss the various ongoings at the Grant County Fair and the change of command at the Ephrata Armory. In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona recaps recent stories on Quincy High School moving to the WIAA's 2A classification, a Special Olympics team beginning in Quincy, the USA BMX Race for Life and Moses Lake naming a new boys basketball coach.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller sits down with Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete to discuss a recent marijuana bust in the Ephrata area, National Night Out and safety for the upcoming Grant County Fair. Next, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer recap recent sports news in the Basin, including the Moses Lake wrestling program hosting its Chasing Gold camp, the Larson BMX Track adding lights and Moses Lake's Hunter Blackman being named an All-American at the National Junior Olympics.

MOSES LAKE – In this week’s edition of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, NCW Tech Alliance CEO Sue Kane joins Managing Editor R. Hans “Rob” Miller to talk about technology and how it is important to the economic growth of Central Washington. The discussion covers a bit of background on NCW Tech Alliance, the programs it offers and the balance that will need to be reached to make AI a tool to improve people’s lives rather than something that harms people. Sports reporter Ian Bivona and senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss the end of the summer baseball season in the sports segment. The seasons for the Columbia Basin Sixers and the ACH Legion team from Almira Coulee Hartline ended at state tournaments this past week with generally successful records for the season.  

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans Miller takes a look at ongoing wildfires in the Columbia Basin, including the Swawilla Fire located east of Grand Coulee. Miller also recaps news out of the Grant County Community Court and upcoming events in the Basin. In the sports segment, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona recounts his experience at Big Sky Media Days in Spokane, talking to EWU receiver Nolan Ulm, defensive end Brock Harrison and Head Coach Aaron Best. Later in the sports segment is a breakdown of local teams in the American Legion Baseball playoffs.

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Joel Martin discuss recent headlines in the Basin, including high temperatures, ballots being sent in the mail and the new superintendent at the Ephrata School District.In sports, the trio recap recent baseball news including the 18U AAA Columbia Basin River Dogs winning their home tournament, the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Legion baseball team winning their division and the 14U Columbia Basin River Dogs winning the 14U Babe Ruth North Washington State Tournament.

On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete and Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller sit down for our monthly segment with the Grant County Sheriff's Office. This week the pair discussed water and heat safety and Kriete provided an update on staffing at GCSO and touched on how the new Grant County Jail's construction is going.In Sports, sports reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer recap baseball and softball games with the Columbia Basin River Dogs, Othello Red Raiders and Washington Rage, as well as two Moses Lake Wrestling Club wrestlers competing in a national duals tournament in Indiana last month.

MOSES LAKE - On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller reviews leadership changes happening around the Columbia Basin. That includes changes for the Moses Lake, Soap Lake and Royal school districts as well as the city of Moses Lake.In sports, Royal softball Head Coach Lisa Lawrence joins the show to break down the Knight’s run in the 1A State Softball Tournament this past May, resulting in Royal winning its first fastpitch softball state championship. Lawrence also discusses preparing for the season, winning 12 of their final 13 games and takeaways heading into the 2025 season.