A memory of the Mount St. Helens eruption 44 years later
Guillermo V. Castaneda of Granger sent this poem to the Columbia Basin Herald in commemoration of the eruption of Mount St. Helens, which took place 34 years ago Saturday. At the time of the eruption, Castaneda was the director of the Migrant Health Clinic in Wenatchee and was in the process of setting up a community medical and dental clinic for migrants in Moses Lake, he wrote.
Uzbek delegation visits Big Bend
MOSES LAKE — Interest in a longtime Big Bend Community College educational exchange program brought a delegation of business owners and university professors from the central Asian nation of Uzbekistan to campus Tuesday.
Honor Flight fundraiser set for Saturday
EPHRATA – A nacho and taco feed and dessert auction will be held on May 18 – also known as Armed Forces Day – by the Ephrata American Legion and Auxilliary. Proceeds from the event will help veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the War on Terror go to see memorials in Washington D.C. that were built in their honor.
Aerobatics coming to Ephrata this weekend
EPHRATA – The International Aerobatic Club Washington Chapter No. 67 begins their slate of activities at the Port of Ephrata this weekend with an aerobatic camp set to begin Saturday and run through the following Saturday.
Five MLPD officers promoted, civilian honored
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department swore in a new generation of leaders at the Moses Lake City Council Tuesday, according to an announcement from MLPD Chief David Sands, and also awarded the Citizen Service Award. The officers who were promoted following a rigorous and stressful training process, according to Sands, were:
Former customs officer found guilty in Othello child sex case
SPOKANE. — Koby Don Williams, 49, has been found guilty of one count of Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor, according to a May 15 press release from Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Community clean-up day Saturday
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce will host a community clean-up day on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Icicle River open to spring Chinook sport fishing
LEAVENWORTH — The Icicle River near Leavenworth will be open for spring Chinook hatchery salmon fishing through June 30. The river opened for spring Chinook hatchery fishing today.
WDFW announces Snake River spring Chinook salmon fishing closure
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Monday spring Chinook salmon fishing on the Snake River is immediately closed until further notice.
Warden School District state audit reports no findings
WARDEN – The Washington State Auditor’s Office audit on Warden School District for the period of Sep. 1, 2022 through Aug. 31, 2023, released Thursday, reported no findings of noncompliance, significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the district’s financial statements and federal award uses.
Weather report for the week of May 13, 2024
Weather report for the week of May 13, 2024
STUDIO BASIN: Moses Lake School Board, swatting incident and district playoffs
MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Sports Reporter Ian Bivona break down recent headlines in the Columbia Basin Herald, including recent Moses Lake School Board meetings, an officer-involved shooting in Moses Lake, a swatting incident in Ephrata and Boeing firefighters picketing at the Moses Lake facility.
Camp Zanika Lache registration slots still open
WENATCHEE – Slots are still available at Wenatchee’s Camp Zanika Lache, a co-ed overnight summer camp for youth and teens ages six to 17.
Video of MLPD officer-involved shooting released
MOSES LAKE — Video from a body camera worn by a Moses Lake Police sergeant filmed during an officer-involved shooting incident at Motel 6 in Moses Lake May 4 has been released.
'The Hunt for Yarely' to take the stage at Vanguard on May 18
MOSES LAKE — The play “The Hunt for Yarely” will be performed at Vanguard Academy at 1 p.m. Saturday, according to an announcement from the Columbia Basin Conservation District.
Basin events for May 11-19
COLUMBIA BASIN — Here are a few things to do in the Basin this week. This listing is noncomprehensive and event details may change or events may be canceled at the organizers’ discretion. Readers are encouraged to call ahead or verify the information below online prior to the event.
Basin student named one of 2024 Presidential Scholars
ODESSA – Odessa High School student Jacob Scrupps was one of 161 high school seniors named 2024 United States Presidential Scholars and one of five Washington students who received the honor, according to a Thursday announcement from the U.S. Department of Education.
Grant PUD general manager announces resignation
EPHRATA — Grant County PUD General Manager Rich Wallen has announced his resignation, effective June 14. Wallen will become the chief operating officer of the Chelan County PUD. Wallen’s resignation was submitted May 7. It was announced in a press release, and Public Information Officer Christine Pratt said the PUD would not have any further comment. Wallen has worked for the PUD for seven years; he was appointed as general manager in February 2022. He started as managing director of power production in 2017 and was named chief operating officer in 2019.
Five local law enforcement officers honored
MOSES LAKE — Four Moses Lake Police officers received the Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Friday, according to an announcement from the MLPD. A Grant County Sheriff’s deputy was also honored, the GCSO announced.
Confluence physician wins state award
WENATCHEE — Confluence Health pediatrician Doug Eisert was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Leah Layne Memorial Health Leadership award from the Washington Rural Health Association.
WDFW extends special hunt deadline
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has extended the special hunt permit application deadline one week, until midnight May 22, according to a Monday WDFW announcement.
Weather for the week of May 6, 2024
Weather for the week of May 6, 2024
STUDIO BASIN: Sheriff Joey Kriete and Basin playoffs
MOSES LAKE – Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller sits down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete to discuss a recent fundraiser for the Columbia Basin Canines group, which works to support area K9 officers and their handlers. The pair also discusses increasing domestic violence in Grant County, the factors that can lead to domestic violence and some of the organizations in the area that work to help families struggling with the issue.
May 2024 Basin Events
COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s no excuse for being bored in the Columbia Basin this month. This listing is noncomprehensive and event details may change or events may be canceled at the organizers’ discretion. Readers are encouraged to call ahead or verify the information below online prior to the event.
WDFW seeks public comment on proposed cougar season rules
OLYMPIA — The public comment period on proposed changes to cougar hunting seasons will be open through June 21, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Washington Trust to cut ribbon on new location
EPHRATA — Washington Trust Bank will celebrate the opening of its new Ephrata location with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. May 23 at the new branch, 261 Basin St. SW.
Ephrata Chamber to host community clean-up day
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce will be conducting a community clean-up and beautification event on May 18 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
NEWS BITES: April 29, 2024
RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff’s Deputies are seeking a man who left the courtroom during his trial and did not return, according to a statement from the ACSO. MOSES LAKE — Two 15-year-old boys were arrested Thursday after one of them allegedly pistol-whipped a person in the Larson Community earlier last week, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. OTHELLO — Two male subjects were arrested Wednesday in Othello for gang-related graffiti at Kiwanis Park, according to a statement from the Othello Police Department.
Gesa Credit Union raises funds to plant trees
RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, raised more than $66,000, which will help plant more than 31,000 trees across the Pacific Northwest, according to an announcement from GESA.
STUDIO BASIN: Well 20, MLSD levy and Basin track and field
MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Staff Writer Joel Martin break down last week's headlines in the Columbia Basin Herald, Well 20 in Moses Lake, leadership in the Grant County Republican Party, the MLSD's levy being voted down and the Othello Community Pool being closed over safety concerns.
Chamber golf tourney set for May 10
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 24th Annual Golf Scramble Friday, May 10 at the Links at Moses Pointe with a shotgun start at 10:00 a.m. This year’s theme is “luau” with the hope that attendees dress Hawaiian spirit to add to the fun, said Lori Robbins, marketing director for the chamber.
News Bites for April 23, 2024
News Bites for April 23, 2024
Warden man killed on SR 170
WARDEN – A Warden man was killed and a Moses Lake man was injured in a traffic incident Sunday morning in Grant County, just west of Warden on State Route 170, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.
Greenpoint announces new jet interior completion at Moses Lake facility
MOSES LAKE – According to a Monday statement, business jet interior completion center Greenpoint Technologies has announced the induction of a Boeing Business Jet 787-9 for a full VVIP interior completion at its Moses Lake hangar facility.
STUDIO BASIN: Opioids in Grant County, teff and Basin sports action
Recap of news and sports for the week of April 15.
Applications sought for Grant Tourism Commission
EPHRATA — The Grant County Tourism Commission is looking for a volunteer to serve a three-year term representing the northern part of the county.
Gwen Jenson of Othello makes the honor roll at SFCC
SPOKANE – Gwen Jenson, of Othello, Washington, has earned a place on the Spokane Falls Community College honor roll for Winter quarter 2024, according to an announcement from SFCC. According to the statement, students must earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be on the honor roll. Community Colleges of Spokane is a 12,300-square-mile state community college district that includes Spokane Community College, Spokane Falls Community College and six rural education sites, serving residents in Pend Oreille, Stevens, Whitman, Ferry and parts of Lincoln counties, the statement said. According to the announcement, CCS offers academic transfer, career-technical and eLearning degree and certificate programs, business and community training and adult literacy programs throughout northeastern Washington, enrolling approximately 34,000 students a year.
Big Bend instructors win state awards
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College math/science division chair Tyler Wallace and Basic Education for Adults Director Jody Bortz will be recognized for their work by Washington Association of College Trustees.
WDFW releases new hunting season and regulation information
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Monday the latest big game hunting season and regulation information, 2024-2026 hunting season rule changes and the opening of special hunt applications for the 2024 seasons.
State Veterans Cemetery to hold Forgotten Heroes interment
MEDICAL LAKE – The State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake has announced that it will hold a Forgotten Heroes interment ceremony April 29 at 2 p.m. to put to rest the remains of veterans not claimed by family members.
Ephrata man arrested in apparent road rage incident
EPHRATA — A man was arrested Friday evening for pulling a gun on a motorist in Ephrata, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Weather for the week of April 15, 2024
Weather for the week of April 15, 2024
STUDIO BASIN: Grant County Jail, PUD rates and Basin soccer
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Sports Reporter Ian Bivona break down the estimated cost of the Grant County Jail, the new director of the Port of Moses Lake and upcoming public meetings regarding the rates of the Grant County PUD.
Building permits for April 12, 2024
Building permits for March and April of 2024 issued by Grant County and the city of Moses Lake. Items already reported on April 5 are not included in this listing.
Ephrata Middle School ribbon cutting set for Monday
EPHRATA – A ribbon cutting ceremony is set for this coming Monday at 6 p.m. at Ephrata Middle School to celebrate the school’s recent remodel. Changes made at the school include a new security vestibule, upgraded gym and cafeteria. Those attending the ribbon cutting will have an opportunity to hear from school leadership and tour the campus to see what changes have been made to public areas. Additional improvements include changes to the school’s HVAC system which make it easier and more affordable to maintain over time. The campus is located at 384 A Street SE in Ephrata.
Benton Sheriff asks for help identifying victims in sex assault case
KENNEWICK – In a Tuesday announcement, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying additional victims of Jose Marcelo Bustos, 37, who was arrested March 18 for second-degree rape and first-degree kidnapping with aggravating circumstance, with an allegation of sexual motivation.
BIAW sees a mixed bag of industry successes, frustrations from WA Legislative Session
TUMWATER – While Washington’s housing crisis continues to linger, the Washington Legislative Session for 2024 session brought mixed results for housing costs in Washington, according to a press release from the Building Industry Association of Washington.
Big Bend co-op's Caring Neighbors donates $10K to local organizations
RITZVILLE – According to an April 3 announcement, nonprofit organization Caring Neighbors, a five-member volunteer board established by Big Bend Electric Co-op, recently donated more than $10,000 to eight local non-profit organizations.
News Bites for April 9, 2024
EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office issued a reminder Sunday for residents not to swim or play in irrigation canals, which have begun to fill up for the year.
STUDIO BASIN: Fentanyl challenges and sports successes
MOSES LAKE – In this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans “Rob” Miller sits down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete to discuss the issues the county is facing with Fentanyl. The pair discuss what the challenges are for law enforcement as officers work to stem the tide of the dangerous drug in the county and review statistics for Washington and the county in relation to fentanyl overdoses.