NEWS BITES: Feb. 14, 2025

EAST WENATCHEE– The Chelan-Douglas Health District released a warning Feb. 10 to residents about the presence of fentanyl in the local methamphetamine supply. Recent reports from healthcare partners indicated methamphetamine being laced with fentanyl, a highly potent opioid. Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and can cause fatal overdoses, even in small amounts. Individuals using methamphetamine have no way of knowing if fentanyl has been mixed in their dosage. The Grant County Health District reposted the statement.  

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Animal Outreach is holding a microchipping and adoption event Saturday at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The event starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m. at the 4-H building. Microchips are $25 and animal adoptions vary depending on the age of the animal. Visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org to learn more.  

MOSES LAKE - The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is $560 away from its $5,600 fundraising goal for BlueBridge Alliance. The BlueBridge Alliance is a 503(c) (3) non-profit that provides law enforcement agencies with debit cards to address the immediate needs of individuals and families in crisis. The includes providing food, shelter, clothing, fuel, auto repairs, or any other assistance that could help with a pressing situation. For those interested in donating visit bit.ly/GCSOBlueBridge.  

MOSES LAKE – The Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation will be having its monthly support group meeting 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 19 at the CBCF office. The group will have guest Stephanie Maiers coming in to talk about bone broth. She is a professional chef and crafts nearly all the bone broth available in the cancer foundation’s office. To RSVP call Amanda at 509-764-4644 or email her at amanda@columbiabasincancerfoundation.org.  

OLYMPIA – The Department of Justice is having its National Missing Children’s Day Poster contest. Every year, one fifth grader’s poster submission is picked and presented as the national symbol for the next Missing Children’s Day Ceremony and associated activities. For more information about the contest, rules, judging criteria and where to mail the poster visit bit.ly/4fqpL6k.  

OTHELLO – On Feb. 11 at around 4:30 p.m., Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted a traffic stop on a BMW for a violation near South Drury Lane and West SR 26 in Othello, according to a statement from ACSO. The driver had failed to yield, turning north onto South Taylor Road and fleeing at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour in a 35-mph zone. The pursuit continued onto West Cunningham Road, where the suspect lost control and crashed into a field in the 2100 block of West Cunningham Road. The driver was identified as Noel Martinez Mata, 33, from Othello. Mata fled on foot after crashing. Deputies established containment in the area and took him into custody. A search of Mata and the surrounding area led to the discovery of around 200 suspected fentanyl pills, suspected methamphetamine, suspected cocaine/fentanyl mixture, packaging materials commonly used for street-level narcotics. Mata was booked on the suspicion of attempting to elude law enforcement, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, resisting arrest and third-degree driving with license suspended.  

OTHELLO – The Othello Police Department released a statement for residents regarding the recent snowfall. OPD wants to remind people to slow down, make sure to wipe off all your windows and lights and stay home if you don’t have to travel in this weather. The department asks people to be responsible and careful on these icy and snowy roads.  

QUINCY – Wednesday night, several Grant County Fire District 3 team members were acknowledged for their dedication and professionalism during a specific call Jan. 30. The five recognized were firefighter Ross Massey, firefighter Jonathan Morrision, resident firefighter Lucas Aiken, residential firefighter Kade Hilderbrand and residential firefighter Carson Ormsby. GCFD3 and Columbia EMS were dispatched to a call for pregnancy on Jan. 30. While on the scene, GCFD3 helped Columbia EMS with patient care and loading the patient for transport. However, things escalated quickly and before the ambulance could depart, GCFD3’s crew worked alongside Columbia EMS to safely deliver the baby right there in the ambulance.  

SOAP LAKE – The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry in Soap Lake is having 50% off adoption fees on Valentines Day. Pets are normally $350 but will be $175 this weekend. For those interested contact Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry at 509-237-5722. The shelter is one of several trying to address the large number of strays throughout the Columbia Basin. 

WARDEN – The Warden School District is offering free classes for parents to master the basics of technology. One class is basic computer operations including turning on, navigating and file management. Another class is about internet basics including browsing, email and online safety. The third class is about software applications including the Microsoft Office suite. There will be opportunities to ask other questions and build other skills as well. For those interested visit Forms.Office.com/r/VkmSVy5FMU.

WARDEN – The Warden School District is now offering “Math Nation” to all of its students for free. The interactive math resource is available for free thanks to funding from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The resource helps sixth through eighth grade math, algebra 1, geometry and algebra 2. There are specialized tools and 24/7 tutoring options available. For more information visit AccelerateLearning.com/contact or call 888-608-6284. 

    The Moses Lake School District Early Learning Preschool had students showcase their art at the Moses Lake Museum and Art Center this past weekend. The artwork will be on display until March 15.