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…
Inslee defends reopening plan; Fortunato says approach is 'heavy-handed'
Gov. Jay Inslee defended his plan to phase in the opening of businesses by region Thursday, saying he knows it goes too slowly for some people.
Business owner steps into county commissioner slot
Business owner Rob Jones, of Moses Lake, took the Grant County Commissioner District 2 seat in January for four years.
Lind-Ritzville fall athletics set to kick off practice Wednesday
Lind-Ritzville High School athletics will start the fall sports schedule Wednesday as part of the Northeast Region 2B League this season.
Moses Lake community leaders provide toolkits to fight pandemic blues
Until Feb. 24, the Moses Lake Community Coalition and Larson Heights Elementary School are passing out “PAX Kits” to kids and parents to better cope with their…
Samaritan finances affected by COVID-19 outbreak
Samaritan Healthcare of Moses Lake made some money in November 2020, but the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect its finances.
Grant County Fairgrounds holds first mass vaccination event
A steady stream of cars snaked around cones throughout Saturday at the Grant County Fairgrounds, with 1,000 COVID-19 shots distributed for the first mass vacci…
CBHA hosting vaccine clinic in Royal City Wednesday
Appointments are full for the event, but people can call the CBHA at 509-488-5256 to be on the waiting list for the clinics in Othello, Connell and Mattawa.
Biden meets Republicans as Democrats push on for virus aid
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden met late Monday with a group of Republican senators who have proposed a slimmed down $618 billion coronavirus aid package — a fraction of
NCW Region game schedules mostly set for Season 1 sports
Pre-competition practices for Season 1, including traditional fall sports, open today.
Moses Lake Hockey association makes most of time on ice
The Moses Lake Youth Hockey Association has had a unique opportunity to keep practices going this season with its outdoor arena.
House approves bill on emergency waivers for high school students
In a 85-11 vote, state representatives on Wednesday approved legislation, including a bill allowing school districts to provide emergency waivers for graduation requirements.
Number of COVID-19 tests at Samaritan drops in January
The number of people taking COVID-19 tests at Samaritan Healthcare has dropped in January compared to December.
Lawmakers push competing COVID-19 packages
Relief for renters, schools, public health agencies and small businesses is rushing through the state Legislature, with the hope help can reach people by the end of February.
Seven more Grant County COVID-19 deaths reported
Seven more people died from COVID-19-associated illness, the Grant County Health District announced Wednesday evening, bringing the total county deaths to 105 since the pandemic began in 2020.
First local mass vaccination event scheduled for Saturday
The first mass COVID-19 vaccination event in Grant County is scheduled for Saturday at the Grant County Fairgrounds.