NEWS BITES: Aug. 19, 2024

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department put out a statement that the crime rate in the city is down 27.3% for 2023.

“I think these numbers are a testament to a couple different things,” Mayor Bruce Reim said in the press release. “First is how great of a group our law enforcement team is. From officers to the clerical and management team. They all play a really important role in keeping our community safe. I’d also say it’s a result of a diligent community proactively calling in concerns and being our eyes and ears out there, because our law enforcement can’t be everywhere. It's really got to be a partnership between the community and our law enforcement team to help each other out.” 

For more information on this read the article from the Columbia Basin Herald here: https://rb.gy/4cr7yc.

LIND — The Adam’s County Fire District 2 released a statement saying it has been a slow season for their district. However, the statement talks about recent history. The statement says in June 2021, there was a large wildfire that started south of Paha and went south to the eastern edge of town. With the help of neighboring districts, they were able to suppress and extinguish the fire.  

“Our mutual aid agreements are strong, and we are always thankful for our neighboring district’s help,” the statement from ACFD2 said. “We are always there for them if called.” 

LIND — The Adam’s County Fire District 2 released a statement saying that they have a new retro license plate frame logo available on hats, t-shirts and hoodies. For those interested visit lindfiredept.logossoftwear.com 

MOSES LAKE — The City of Moses Lake Fire Department is holding a CPR and AED training class for four hours on Aug. 20. The class is $30 a person. Those who attend will leave with a two-year certification in CPR. 

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office put out a notice that those who lost anything at the Grant County Fairgrounds can be claimed at the Sheriff’s Office in Ephrata after the fair ends. The department has found several debit cards, credit cards, drivers licenses and various other items.  

OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department participated in the 2024 Washington Law Enforcement Exploring Advisors Academy. The academy has 150 youth successfully graduating and working their way through the varying levels of the WLEEA academy. “We are so proud of them,” said the statement from the Othello Police Department.  

QUINCY — On Tuesday, Grant County Fire District 3 released a statement highlighting Gregory Berndt, a member of the GCFD3. Berndt has been with the department for six years, starting as a cadet. He has switched between various roles but for the past year and a half he has served as a volunteer lieutenant.

Bendt is originally from Quincy and according to the press release Bendt’s fascination with firefighting began when he saw the department’s green trucks.  

“I wanted to drive those trucks and be part of the action,” Bendt said in the press release. 

Bendt, when not working with GCFD3, also works for the Williamson Farms, volunteers for Royal Slope Fire Department, runs the @centralWAFirephoto instagram account and spends time outdoors.  

“Thank you, Gregory, for your exceptional service and for capturing the spirit of firefighting through your lens,” said the press release. “Your dedication and enthusiasm continue to inspire us all at the Grant County Fire District #3.”

RITZVILLE — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies received training on the collection and processing of latent fingerprints on Thursday.  

“We are grateful for this important training from our state partners, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to uphold the highest standards in law enforcement,” Sheriff Dale Wagner said in the press release. 

According to the department’s press release the training was conducted by representatives from the Washington State Patrol and Crime Lab in Cheney. Jodie Dewey, a forensic scientist 3, was the lead presenter. Dewey was accompanied by Amber Robb and Annika Redell, both trainees working towards becoming forensic scientists 3. The presentation went into best practices for collecting and processing latent prints, which according to the press release equipped the deputies with essential skills to enhance their investigative abilities. 

RITZVILLE — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office welcomes a new member to their corrections staff on Thursday according to a press release from the department. Nicole Leach was sworn in by Commander Kelly Watkins.  

“Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Nicole as she begins her journey with us,” Sheriff Dale Wagner said in the press release. “We look forward to working alongside her and seeing the positive impact she will undoubtedly make.”

SOAP LAKE — On Wednesday the Grant County Fire District 7 responded to a small vegetation fire according to their press release. The fire was located near 3rd Avenue Southeast and Daisy Street within city limits. The person responsible for the fire was issued a citation for second-degree reckless burning, a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and $5,000 in fines. According to the press release, this person did not have water available, and the fire spread to two trees before being extinguished by a neighbor.  

Grant County Fire District 7 would like to remind people that fires are not permitted within the city limits of Soap Lake, except for cooking fires and warming fires if safe practices are being adhered to.

    Nicole Leach was sworn in as a corrections officer for the Adams County Jail by Commander Kelly Watkins on Thursday. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is working toward being able to reopen the jail.