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…
Othello School District scrambles with more of staff in quarantine
In the Othello School District, the number of staffers unavailable to be at work rose last week.
Moses Lake Food Bank distributes Thanksgiving baskets
MOSES LAKE — Even in the midst of a pandemic, Thanksgiving 2020 is approaching, and some people need a little help getting a Thanksgiving dinner.
Seven COVID-19 cases linked to 300-person wedding
COLUMBIA BASIN — As of Tuesday, seven cases of the coronavirus in Adams County were linked to the Nov. 7 Ritzville-area wedding reported to have had around 300 attendees, according to health officials.
Senior project-turned-fundraiser trots into its 10th year
On a cold November morning, Kelsie Eddie stood in the parking lot of a local church wearing a splay-eyed turkey hat she bought from Amazon, jumping up to hand …
Samaritan offers drive-through coronavirus testing
MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare is offering drive-through COVID-19 tests, a service that began Monday.
Local businesses uncertain as Inslee announces more aid
When COVID-19 hit, Bruce Russell said Papa’s Casino, Ten Pin Tap House and Ten Pin Inn & Suites were having a record year.
Schools keep going despite COVID-19
With Gov. Jay Inslee imposing a wave of new restrictions on social and commercial activity statewide in response to the rapid rise in new COVID-19 cases, there is one place the governor did not include in this late…
WIAA pushes back 2020-21 season schedule again
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association executive board voted last Tuesday to alter the 2020-21 season schedule again, postponing the start of the revised Season 2 to Feb. 1. Each season will also be …
Local health care groups gather donations for local food banks
For the 20th Annual Turkey Drive hosted by local health care providers, residents hoping to help stock the local food bank’s pantry traveled to the organizatio…
Larson Heights students to spend week remote learning
Moses Lake School District announced late Friday that students at Larson Heights Elementary will spend Thanksgiving week remote learning at home.
Othello schools return to online instruction
Most Othello School District students will go back to all-online instruction, starting Monday and continuing at least through Dec. 4.
Health district reports nine deaths due to COVID-19 at care centers
Grant County Health District on Friday reported nine residents at McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Moses Lake have died and their deaths are linked to COVID-19.
Cities cope with COVID resurgence
EPHRATA — As COVID-19 cases rise across the region, cities are adjusting work schedules to ensure whole departments aren’t quarantined if an employee tests positive.
Health officials monitoring ‘Ephrata Covid Homecoming 2020’
Grant County Health District officials confirmed Thursday they are aware of an Ephrata event held at a home on Saturday, referred to by organizers as “Ephrata Covid Homecoming 2020,” which had approximately 50-100 …
Moses Lake business adapts to restrictions
A circus tent was pitched outside of the Ten Pin Tap House in Moses Lake and construction workers laid flooring Thursday in what will be that company’s largest…