In Other News
HHH funding, SL open house, irrigation start
CBF FUNDING CAMPAIGN FOR HHH
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Foundation’s countdown continues for its “$28K in 28 Days” fundraising campaign to benefit His Helping Hands’ resource center.
The foundation is seeking $28,000 in donations during the month of February to help fund construction of a new kitchen and gathering room at the HHH center, where volunteers provide services to low-income and homeless persons during winter months.
Located at 29 Alder St. S.W., the center is housed in the former Grant County Journal newspaper building. Over the past two years, CBF and generous donors have been instrumental in raising $750,000 to transform and modernize the facility, which now features a walk-in shower, laundry facilities, industrial water heater, HVAC system, and modified office space.
Adding the kitchen and dining/gathering space will help complete the improvements.
To donate, or for more information about the project, visit www.cbfcommunity.org.
SL COMMUNITY CENTER OPEN HOUSE
SOAP LAKE — Area residents are invited to a public open house at the Soap Lake Community and Senior Center on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Regular members and all current or prospective future volunteers are welcome to attend.
“We'd simply like to give folks who might consider volunteering an opportunity to see the center up close and ask whatever questions they may have,” SLCSC secretary Leanna Hayes said in a community announcement.
Located at 121 Second Ave. S.E., the center is a non-profit, charitable organization that has been in service since 1969.
QCBID ANNOUNCES 2026 IRRIGATION START
QUINCY – Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District will begin filling the West Canal on Wednesday, March 18, marking the start of the 2026 irrigation season.
Priming will continue on smaller canals and laterals through the first week in April depending on weather, completion of repair work projects, and demand for water deliveries, QCBID secretary-manager Roger Sonnichsen said in a press release.
Telephone recorders will be available beginning March 25 in all district watermaster offices for water orders. The service will be available on Saturdays and up to 11:30 a.m. on Sundays for Monday water orders throughout the season.
After March 25, water users should contact their respective watermaster headquarters for updated information and schedules.
