NEWS BITES for July 31, 2024

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department put out a statement about scam and fraudulent calls and what to be aware of. The statement said scammers are getting more sophisticated every day and residents should look for four key things.

First, scammers pretend to be from an organization, usually the phone number says they are from a local business or government entity. Next, scammers will say there is a problem or a prize. According to the department, they may say that your loved one has been arrested and needs money. Following this, the scammers will pressure their intended victims to act immediately. The statement said the caller might say the victim will be arrested or face other consequences if they don’t act immediately. Finally, scammers will tell you to pay in a specific way. The statement says that scammers may encourage you to go to a grocery store or drug store and purchase gift cards or money cards.

The Ephrata Police Department encourages people to hang up if they are unsure if the call is legitimate and call the Ephrata Police Department with any questions at 509-754-2491. The department also encourages people to reach out if they have been a victim of a scam.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has issued similar warnings recently. GCSO staff said law enforcement officers will not call asking for payment over the phone for any fine or warrant but would arrive in person to discuss any important issue. Additionally, if someone is unaware of having broken any laws, they should assume such contacts are scams. 

EPHRATA — Sheriff’s Deputies were training with tasers on Monday according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Tasers are a less lethal weapon that uses electrical shocks to disrupt the target’s nervous system. GCSO said that it fires two small darts connected to the main unit by copper wire and the shocks allow deputies to gain control of the target person.  

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Firefighters issued a statement on Monday about how to protect yourself after a wildfire. The statement says to pay attention to when evacuation orders are lifted, and residents can return to their properties.  

When returning to their property, residents should be mindful of hidden hazards. The statement says to watch out for power poles that may be unstable due to the fire. If a resident does see an unstable or down powerline, they should report them to 911 or the power company’s emergency line. The statement also says to watch for hazards located on the ground. There could be ash pits, charred trees, smoldering debris and live embers. It is recommended that residents mark them for safety. Lastly, the statement says to check the roof and gutters of the residence and if possible, to wet them down to put out any smoldering sparks or embers.  

When returning to your place of residence, the statement says that oftentimes firefighters are still working the fires, which means drivers should slow down and move over when emergency services are working on the roadside.  

OLYMPIA — On July 18, the Washington State Patrol put out a road report statement. So far in 2024, the Washington State Patrol has arrested 6,192 impaired drivers and issued tickets or warnings for 18,068 seat belt violations. Troopers have also encountered 18,112 distracted drivers and dealt with 66,109 aggressive drivers. The WSP has investigated 17,643 collisions with 125 of those being fatal. The statement asks drivers to reduce collisions and other accidents by driving sober, driving distraction-free, buckling up, following the posted speed limit and being on alert for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists.