News Bites for June 12, 2023

EPHRATA — An Ephrata man reported as missing Wednesday was found safe and sound Thursday, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

HATTON — Two people were seriously injured in a collision on SR 26 Thursday, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.

At a little after midnight, Perejitei E. Bekewe, 26, was driving a 2022 Dodge Ram pickup north on Johnson Road about 3/12 miles west of Hatton, while a Mack dump truck driven by Anthony J. Williamson was headed west on SR 26, according to the WSP. Bekewe’s truck struck the dump truck in the westbound lanes of SR 26 and came to rest on the south side of the highway. The dump truck came to rest on its driver’s side 50 feet off the roadway.

Bekewe was transported to Kadlec Medical Center in Kennewick, while Williamson was transported to Othello Community Hospital. The nature of their injuries was not given. Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and it was not known whether drugs or alcohol were involved. The cause of the collision was given as failure to yield, and charges are pending against Bekewe.

RITZVILLE – Adams County experienced downed 911 and nonemergency service Saturday. Phones were back up and running by 11:13 a.m. and Sheriff Dale Wagner encourages residents to call 509-488-2061 with nonememrgency issues and 911 in life-threatening situations. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office now has an app that is available on iOS and Android devices.