COVID-19 NEWS
Keep up with all the fast-moving novel coronavirus news, particularly as it impacts the Columbia Basin.
COVID-19 update
RITZVILLE — Adams County Health Department administrators have reported another death related to COVID-19, raising…
Lessons learned: Ephrata teacher picked a tough year to begin her career
When Ephrata resident Vanessa Mofford imagined starting her teaching career, she anticipated some on-the-job training.
Sandhill Crane Festival still draws birdwatchers
Othello Sandhill Crane Festival events were online this year, but that didn’t stop birdwatchers from trekking to see birds.
Medical students’ research project features Moses Lake
Local first-year medical students turned the challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity to conduct research and provide a small economic …
Royal City City Council to resume in-person meetings
The Royal City City Council plans to start in-person meetings April 6 in the council chamber at Royal City City Hall, 445 Camelia St.
Phase 3 begins: Move forward encourages local business owners
MATTAWA — The first day of the third phase of Washington’s reopening didn’t produce much additional business at Tiddaly Diddalys sandwich and pizza shop in Mat…
Mattawa City Hall reopens
Mattawa City Hall reopened to the public on Monday, after the Mattawa City Council approved it during a meeting March 18.
Ephrata businesses inch back to normal
Like many Washington businesses, those in downtown Ephrata are ready for Phase 3.
‘Roller coaster’ ride continues as reopening moves forward
The parking lot at Checo's Mexican Grill was almost full during Monday’s lunch hour.
Quincy restaurant owners hopeful about advance
It may be a slow Monday for Bluebell Cafe owner Deborah Freese, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t excited about the prospects now that Washington State is in Pha…
Grant County to reopen some offices
The Grant County Board of Commissioners announced Monday more of the county government's offices will open to the public April 5.
A quiet year for cranes: Festival goes virtual, but the birds show up
The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival, mostly Friday and Saturday, looked a bit different this year, without its guided bus, boat and hike tours, wine and food s…
A rapid COVID-19 vaccine rollout backfired in some US states
Despite the clamor to speed up the U.S. vaccination drive against COVID-19 and get the country back to normal, the first three months of the rollout suggest faster is not necessarily better.
Century-old Seattle bakery closes due to pandemic
SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle's century-old landmark Remo Borracchini's Bakery is closing, another business ravaged by the pandemic.
In-person instructions: Local school districts meet Inslee’s requirement differently
School districts in Grant County and the Othello School District (in Adams County) have one thing in common: they all meet the criteria established by Gov. Jay…
Biden says US to hit 100 million virus goal on Friday
WASHINGTON (AP) — With the U.S. closing in on President Joe Biden's goal of injecting 100 million coronavirus vaccinations weeks ahead of his target date, the White House said the nation is now in position to help …