NEWS BITES for July 22, 2024

EPHRATA — On July 18, Ephrata Police Department released a statement that officers are attempting to identify two individuals who reportedly stole more than $5,000 worth of alcohol from the Ephrata Safeway. The department is asking anyone who knows the men to call the Ephrata Police Department at 509-754-2491.

EPHRATA — On July 19, Ephrata Police Department announced that officers had found a duck by the baseball game at Bambino Park. The department believes the duck is someone’s pet. A citizen has taken it home until its owner is found. The department requests that if the “cute little guy is yours” to contact them at 509-754-2491.

EPHRATA — On July 16, Your Ephrata Firefights announced Ben Belino’s GoFundMe for his prosthetic leg. According to the GoFundMe on Saturday they have raised $4,890 of the $20,000 goal. Belino is a recent Ephrata High School grad who was in an accident on his way home from firefighter training in Quincy. He sustained injuries to his head, internal organs and several broken bones. During his recovery, an infection developed in his lower leg which required amputation above the knee. Belino still wants to become a firefighter.

“In order to work as a firefighter Ben needs a specialized leg that is able to withstand the conditions encountered while fighting structure fires. We are starting this campaign in the hopes of helping the Belino family purchase the prosthetic leg and other specialized equipment Ben will need to be prepared for his future and continue to fulfill his dreams of serving others,” reads the GoFundMe. To help, visit https://bit.ly/BENFIRE. 

EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete presented the Columbia Basin Foundation’s Executive Director Corinne Isaak with a donation of $3,000 for the John Bernard Memorial Scholarship. 

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office released a statement regarding two deputy-involved collisions. The December 2023 collision involved two deputies and the January 2024 collision involved one. After investigations by the Moses Lake Police Department, the Washington State Patrol and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office the involved deputies received their disciplines and corrective actions – one deputy received a traffic infraction, two deputies received written reprimands, one deputy received a suspension from work and all three deputies received remedial driver training from the country's risk management pool. All three deputies have completed their discipline and remedial training and have returned to regular duty.

GRAND COULEE — The Grant County Health District is having a community listening session Wednesday at the Grand Coulee Council Chambers. GCHD representatives will discuss key community health assessment findings and ask participants to identify issues and share feedback regarding the assessment. The public is invited to RSVP at https://bit.ly/GCHLTHSSN. 

GRAND COULEE — The Grand Coulee Volunteer Fire Department responded to a small fire around 6 a.m. Saturday. The fire was just past the Northrup Canyon boat launch. Electric City fire crews also helped and firefighters were able to get the fire out by 6:30 a.m..

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department is holding an event on August 6 at Mccosh Park at 401 W. Fourth Ave. in Moses Lake for National Night Out. The event is celebrating safe neighborhoods with the partners. The event will include snow cones, free hot dogs, vehicle displays, giveaways, a live DJ and a booth where attendees can dunk the police chief and sheriff. 

Various other law enforcement agencies will be hosting National Night Out events throughout the Columbia Basin and the Columbia Basin Herald will be putting together a preview of those events.

QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department took a report of a possible scam in the southwest part of Quincy Wednesday. It was reported that two men were canvassing the area to offer roofing and window services. One of the men was confrontational when he was told his services weren’t needed. They appeared to be driving a personal vehicle, not a labeled business vehicle. Quincy Police Department says this is only informational at this time but if any suspicious activity occurs report it to dispatch at 509-787-2222. Readers are encouraged to vet all contractors for home repairs or improvements through the Better Business Bureau and the Washington State Department of Licensing.