NEWS BITES: March 4, 2025

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District has launched a community survey to gather insights as they prepare for a potential bond package for the district. The survey is an opportunity for the community to ensure they are addressing the needs of both the community and its students. Take the survey at Surveys.critical-data.com/ephrata/ . The survey will remain open for a limited time, so the district recommends filling it out as soon as possible.  

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District will be hosting a town hall meeting tomorrow from noon to 1 p.m. at the Learning Services Center. The town hall meetings are open to all questions, concerns and comments the community may have. Superintendent Carol Lewis will be leading the town hall meeting. 

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Fairgrounds will be hosting a business expo March 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be over 80 local businesses showcasing their business with vendor opportunities, door prizes and networking options.  

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District released its weekly respiratory illness season update Sunday. From Feb. 16 to Feb. 22, Grant County had higher emergency department visits for Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus than the state average. However, emergency visits associated with the flu were lower than the state average. For COVID-19, Grant County saw 1.1% vs. 0.6 in the state. For the flu, Grant County saw 4.5% vs. 7.1% in the state. Then, for RSV, Grant County saw 1.2% vs. 0.6% in the state.  

OTHELLO – The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District board meeting will be March 5 at 9 a.m. in the District Board Room located at 55 N. Eighth Avenue in Othello. The meeting is open to the public.  

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Patrol wants to remind everyone that it is Vehicle Safety Recalls Week. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides a free recall look-up tool that allows for people to check for open safety recalls for vehicles, motorcycles or other automotive equipment, including car seats and tires. Go to NHTSA.gov/recalls to look up recall information. If a vehicle is impacted by a recall, contact your local dealership to schedule a recall repair as soon as possible. Every recall is fixed for free, according to WSP.   

QUINCY – In the 200 block of 6th Ave. SE in Quincy, an arrest warrant was served on Feb. 27. By 5 a.m., the suspect, Alexandra Amaya, 25, was taken into custody on a felony material witness warrant, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office.  

RITZVILLE – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged two work anniversaries, including Administrative Assistant Sandra Gomez for completing two years and Jail Commander Kelly Watkins for completing one year. Sheriff Dale Wagner would like to thank both of them for their service and work for the sheriff’s office and community.  

ROYAL CITY – There was a one-vehicle collision in the 9000 block of Road 9-Southwest in unincorporated Royal City on March 1, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Kaden D. Sargent, 25, of Royal City, was driving a Ford Ranger pickup west on the road when the pickup went off the shoulder. He overcorrected, causing the pickup to roll twice and come to rest after hitting a tree. Sergent and two children under the age of five were transported to out-of-area hospitals. Passenger Tucker J. Van Tatenhove, 29, of Royal City, and one child under the age of 5 declined medical treatment at the scene.  

SOAP LAKE – Grant County Fire District 7 had a busy month with crews responding to 59 incidents. Of those, 53 were medical emergencies, three were fire-related calls and three were traffic collisions. GCFD7 also received a new Jaws of Life extraction tool, which allows for more efficient extrications during traffic collisions.  

WARDEN – The Warden School District successfully completed its scheduled “Secure and Teach” drill at the district. The district would like to thank everyone for completing the drill swiftly and committing to the district’s safety.