NEWS BITES: Nov. 5, 2024

EPHRATA — Grant County Fire District 13 released a statement reminding people to change smoke detector batteries when they change their clocks back an hour.  

“They go together like peanut butter and jelly,” the statement said.  

EPHRATA — Grant County Fire District 13 rescued a hiker on Beezley Hill on Oct. 26, according to a statement from the district. Responders used a one-wheeled Stokes rescue basket to move the injured hiker uphill about 100 yards through rough terrain before a Life Flight Network helicopter responded to complete the removal of the injured person. 

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Animal Outreach is asking for donations to be made directly to Pioneer Veterinary Clinic, according to an announcement from the organization. GCAO’s bill is over $25,000, which has maxed out the animal rescue’s credit at the clinic. GCAO said it has to take all of its animals out of town to be spayed and neutered and pays for all of the surgeries. GCAO is asking that donations of any amount be made directly to Pioneer Veterinary Clinic via mail or phone call, according to the announcement. The outreach wants to remind people that all donations are tax-deductible. Donations may be mailed to Pioneer Veterinary Clinic at 827 Sharon Ave., Moses Lake, WA 98837, or call in at 509-765-6794. 

MOSES LAKE — According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, it is time for the annual migration of waterfowl and birds. With the migration season in effect, residents could potentially see some cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza coming with it, the agency wrote. The department has already confirmed cases of HPAI in domestic fowl in central Washington this fall. The WDFW is currently waiting on results from several wild birds suspected of having the disease. The department asks that if you see dead or sick wild birds, do not touch them but instead report them to WDFW. While HPAI doesn’t transfer easily to humans, the department says it is better to be safe than sorry. For more information call the Sick Bird Hotline 1-800-606-3056 or visit the WDFW online reporting tool at bit.ly/sickwildbirds.  

QUINCY — Grant County Fire District 3 was recently awarded a $15,000 grant for Local Heroes from Gesa Credit Union, according to an announcement from GCFD 3. This funding will go toward new compliant dual station duty and wildland boots for the fire department, the district wrote.