News Bites for Dec. 3, 2024

EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying that thousands of people die annually from impaired driving, making it one of the top preventable deaths on U.S. roadways. Driving under the influence includes alcohol, marijuana, illicit drugs – heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine — and certain over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. During this holiday season, the sheriff’s office asks that residents make a plan for a safe ride home prior to celebrating – designate a sober, well-rested driver to get people home safely or use a ride-sharing service.  

MOSES LAKE – In the 1000 block of Lowry, Sunday afternoon, a suspect was assumed to be barricaded in his residence, according to a press release from Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The police attempted to negotiate with the subject prior to realizing he had left his residence before police arrival. The officials left the scene without the suspect in custody. Nobody was injured.  

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department will be collecting new and unwrapped toys to distribute to local children Saturday, Dec. 7, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Moses Lake Walmart. The department said if people cannot make the scheduled time, toys can be donated directly to the Moses Lake Food Bank located at 9299 Beacon Road Northeast. All of the toys collected will go directly to the food bank. For families needing assistance this holiday season, reach out to the Moses Lake Food Bank by Dec. 14 regarding the toy distribution to receive more information at 509-765-8101. 

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Farmers Market will be holding its second off-season market Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The December market consists of holiday gifts, decor, little treats, bakers and farmers selling locally produced goods. Santa is making a guest appearance and will be taking photos with folks.  

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Animal Outreach will be hosting a “Paws and Claus” event Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1331 East Nelson Road. The event will feature $25 microchips and opportunities for furry friends to meet Santa and get some paw-some photos.  

MOSES LAKE – There is a nationwide recall of SunFed Produce cucumbers sold between Oct. 12 and Nov. 26 due to potential salmonella contamination. There has been a multi-state outbreak according to Grant County Health District with no known cases in Grant County.  

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Patrol released a statement regarding the number of tickets, accidents and other incidents that have occurred thus far in 2024. There have been 10,264 impaired driver arrests and 29,155 seatbelt violations. There have been 29,283 distracted drivers and 105,582 aggressive drivers. There have been 291,272 speeding drivers documented. There have been 30,793 collisions investigated and 241 of those were fatal collisions. WSP wants people to be mindful, sober and without distractions while on roads – especially with the holiday season and worsened road conditions around the corner.  

OTHELLO – Last week, Othello Police Department celebrated 10 years with Officer Claudio Garza III. The department released a statement thanking Garza for his commitment to serve and protect the Othello community.  

QUINCY – The Quincy Public Market will be holding its annual Christmas Market on Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1004 F Street Southwest in Quincy. There will be live music and plenty of vendors. For those interested in more information, reach out to Siria at 509-794-3445.  

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 2024 Winterfest on Dec. 7 in downtown Soap Lake. The Holiday Bazaar will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the community center. There will also be a library book sale and activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 32 Main Avenue East. Turkey Bingo starts at noon at the Del-Red Pub. There will be a holiday play starting at 2 p.m. at the Masquers Theatre. Hot coffee and cocoa will start at 3 p.m. at the Lakeside Bistro. Carolers will start at 4 p.m. at the Lakeside Bistro. The Soap Lake school performance begins at 3:30 p.m. at 310 Main Ave. East. Then Santa will arrive at 4 p.m. at Marina Drive and Main Street. For more information visit SoapLakeCOC.org. 

MATTAWA – The Grant Public Utility District released a statement regarding the relationship the PUD and the Wanapum have, to protect, preserve and perpetuate the natural and cultural resources of the area. The PUD encourages residents to visit the Wanapum Heritage Center located near the Priest Rapids Dam. Visit wanapum.org for hours of operation and up-to-date information for visits.  

WILSON CREEK – Six students from Wilson Creek School District worked together to raise more than $2,000 for Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation at their pink night in October, according to a statement from CBCF. 

    Grant County Animal Outreach has a bunch of cute pets up for adoption – including Franklyn who is featured in the photo. GCAO administrators are asking people who might be interested in a cat or dog to email them at theGCAO@gmail.com, call 509-761-9616 or stop by at 6725 Randolph Road Northeast to meet furry friends looking for their fur-ever home.