NEWS BITES: Sept. 3, 2024

EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office put out a notice that Ventura Estrada Angulo’s family has been found and he can be put to rest now. Angulo, 35 died Aug. 21 due to a traffic collision, according to another GCSO press release. GCSO would like to thank those who helped get the word out to find his family.

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Fire District 5 issued a statement reminding residents to be respectful of others’ privacy, especially at accident scenes. The statement says to respect both patients and staff by not taking photos or recording them. Along with there being a privacy factor, there is also a safety factor involved in not taking videos or images of a scene of an accident while driving. There have been incidents where drivers have caused additional accidents while attempting to film due to inattentive driving, further complicating the existing accident scene.

MOSES LAKE – Grant County’s Sheriff’s Office Lt. Ric Char provided active shooter response training to the staff of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin. Staff from Moses Lake, Cle Elum and Kittitas attended the Aug. 28 event. The training taught staff how to protect themselves and students in their care.

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department released a statement saying to not speed in school zones and that patrols in school zones would be increased as the school year moves forward. MLPD says tickets in school zones are expensive, so the statement is a fair warning. MLPD will be working alongside the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol.

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Creative District released a statement saying the deadline to enter the 69th annual Central Washington Artists’ Exhibition is Sept. 20. Artists can submit between one and four pieces of work in the following mediums: acrylic, ceramic, drawing, fiber, glass, metal, mixed media, oil, pastel, print, watercolor, wood, photography and non-traditional materials. The exhibition will present at least $3,000 in cash and purchase awards. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/4e7Pgct 

OTHELLO – Adams County Pet Rescue is holding a canine spay and neuter event at the Othello Fairgrounds where 120 people have already signed up. The event will be Sept. 20 and 21. Applications are now open at AdamsCountyPetRescue.com. It is $55 per pet, with a limit of two pets per household, which includes vaccines, microchips and the spraying or neutering. Bring a kennel or crate to receive $10 back. The ACPR said that they have a lot of male dog spots open, however female dog spots are becoming limited. The requirements must meet HUD low-income limits, the dog must be between four months and eight years, the dog must be over four pounds, and aggressive dogs are not allowed. All requirements must be met or they will be denied entry without a refund.  

OTHELLO – The Othello Police Department will be hosting a citizen's academy this fall according to the department’s press release. The academy is a forum provided by members of the OPD where citizens are provided information and opportunities to ask questions on topics. The academy will be on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. starting Oct. 15 until Nov. 22. Due to the sensitive nature of some topics, applicants must be 18 years or older. Topics will include dispatch, hiring process, state accreditation, patrol procedures, code enforcement, use of force, gangs, human sex trafficking and school resource officer program. Applications can be found on the city’s website at OthelloWA.gov. Email applications to emiron@othello.gov or drop it off to OPD.

SCHWANA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office put out a notice that there was a drive by shooting in Schwana with no injuries on Thursday around 1:30 a.m. near the 18000 block of First Avenue. Deputies found the home with several bullet holes, with some entering the interior of the home. Deputies gathered evidence for analysis. The incident was likely gang-related according to the press release.  

    A graphic of when to stop for a school bus in Washington. With schools starting back up, multiple police departments have put out notices to be mindful of students on buses and walking home.