News Bites for Aug. 27, 2024

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department posted an at-risk or missing person alert for Dawson LaPointe, 22. LaPointe is 5 feet 10 inches tall and 150 pounds. His hair is black and his eyes are brown. The Washington State Patrol activated this MIPA on behalf of the Tulalip Tribal Police Department. LaPointe was last seen at his Tulalip residence Aug. 22 and could possibly be in the Seattle area. He was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, gray sweatpants and white hat. If seen, call 911.

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department posted that they found a lost husky on the 100 block of H Street Southeast. If the pup is yours, call MACC dispatch at 509-762-1160. 

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office put out a reminder that school is starting soon. There is a 20 MPH speed limit in school zones when students are present. Don’t pass school buses when their red lights are flashing and watch out for children walking to school and crossing streets. 

MATTAWA — The City of Mattawa announced that the city has a new Chief of Police, Alex Zesati. Zesati was formerly the interim chief of police. The City of Mattawa said they are excited about the future and positive outcomes from the Mattawa Police Department. They also wanted to invite the Mattawa community to contribute to the Police Department’s efforts to make our community safer.  

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District is holding a community resource fair for International Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday, Aug. 31, at McCosh Park. The event will run 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The resource fair will serve as a community resource fair for all Grant County residents and a tribute to those whose lives have been affected by overdose. Families and friends can dedicate a white flag in remembrance of someone lost to overdose or a purple flag to represent a life saved by Narcan. For questions, comments or concerns contact Mariah DeLoen Munoz, Harm Reduction Coordinator at mdeleon@granthealth.org. 

MOSES LAKE — The Downtown Moses Lake Association will be having a coffee and conversation from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. Sept. 6, at Mason’s Place. Shawn Cardwell, Executive Director of Columbia Basin Allied Arts will be the guest speaker this month.

RITZVILLE — The Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce released a reminder that there is still time to register for this year’s Ritzville Community Parade. The parade will be held Aug. 31. 

RITZVILLE — The Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce released a statement asking for help at the 2024 Ice Cream Booth at the Wheat Land Communities' Fairgrounds. The Ice Cream Booth needs eight volunteers a day Aug. 29 through Aug. 31 and currently has six for each day. Every volunteer gets a free single scoop of ice cream after their two-hour shift. Sign up to volunteer here: https://bit.ly/VLSNUP

    Dawson LaPointe, 22, 5’ 10”, 150 lbs, black hair, and brown eyes was last seen Aug. 22 at his Tulalip residence. The Washington State Patrol has activated a missing person’s alert.
  

    Alex Zesati, the new Mattawa Chief of Police, is sworn in. Zesati served as the interim chief of police for Mattawa prior to being offered the position on a permanent basis.