NEWS BITES: Nov. 19, 2024

EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office released a statement regarding International Fraud Awareness Week which is observed Nov. 17-23. The statement specifically regards workplace fraud and embezzling funds from a business or organization. GCSO says to watch out for employees living beyond their means, suffering from financial difficulties, control issues or an unwillingness to share duties and those who are irritable, suspicious or defensive. The agency says to contact local law enforcement if there is suspicion of fraud.  

EPHRATA – GCSO released a statement regarding the traffic emphasis patrols the department will be conducting until Jan. 1, 2025. The patrols will target impaired, speeding and distracted drivers. GCSO said it hopes to decrease traffic injuries and fatalities with the patrols. In 2023 there were 23 traffic fatalities in Grant County.  

EPHRATA – GCSO Lieutenant Josh Erickson and Chief Deputy Phil Coats graduated from the 51st class of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy Friday. The program’s goal is to develop leadership knowledge, skills and abilities towards effective succession preparation.  

HARTLINE – Grant County Fire District 6 hosted roof ventilation training for Grand Coulee and Coulee City Fire with roof props provided by the Washington State Patrol. The crews learned and practiced cutting ventilation holes in a roof for venting a structure fire. 

KAHLOTUS – The Franklin County Sheriff's Office released a statement regarding an assault involving a firearm. After FCSO established probable cause for second-degree assault, the residence was secured and contained. FCSO received help from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office to bring the suspect into custody. FCSO released a thank you to ASCO for its assistance in bringing the case to a swift and peaceful resolution. 

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District released a statement saying that the lockbox event was a success with 100 lockboxes and trigger locks given out to residents for free. People lined up early and the items were gone in less than 45 minutes. The event was made possible by a $2,500 donation from Safe Kids Worldwide to increase safety for children and the community. Safe Kids Worldwide is a global program to keep children safe and prevent accidents. 

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Patrol released a road report statement for 2024 Friday. There have been 9,851 impaired driver arrests, 28,404 seat belt violations, 28,333 distracted drivers and 102,245 aggressive drivers. There have been a total of 29,357 collisions investigated, 281,588 speeding drivers and 231 fatal collisions. WSP wants to remind drivers and passengers to buckle up and educate themselves on the life-saving value of a seat belt. 

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation released a statement regarding scammers impersonating Good To Go! and WSDOT. The statement says that the department will not make specific payments in text messages and only through the MyGoodToGo.com website. The department warns residents not to click links from unknown numbers claiming to be the department. Instead, they recommend logging into the website directly and checking that way. The department asks that if you receive a fraudulent text message to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

OTHELLO – The Othello Police Department announced the department will be hosting a “shop with a cop” event again this year. The department paired with Blue Bridge Alliance to raise funds to buy the gifts. The department is currently asking for donations. Those interested in donating should visit: givebutter.com/2G5FWi. 

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake School District is holding a fall sports awards banquet at the Soap Lake High School for football, cheer, volleyball and cross country. The event will be Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria.  

    Deputy Mark Cameron and retired Officer Tom Gracie presented newly-retired Chief Dave McCormick with retirement gifts at his going-away shindig Friday. McCormic was with Ritzville PD for 32 years.