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…
State Republicans say they've been iced out of decision making, call for special session
Following announced restrictions Sunday morning for restaurants and other businesses by Gov. Jay Inslee, Washington Republican legislators quickly issued statements reiterating requests for the governor to involve …
Déjà vu: Panic buying, not supply chain disruption, wiping out some store shelves
Eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic, grocery store toilet paper shelves are looking a lot like they did in April, for largely the same reasons: supply chai…
"It's a nightmare": Some wonder if their businesses will survive renewed shutdown
“It will be very, very challenging to make the business profitable,” said Emmy Winzler, manager at Evolve Fitness in Moses Lake.
Inslee asks residents to skip family gatherings
OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee is asking Washington residents to forgo family gatherings this Thanksgiving and Christmas, as it is not safe to gather inside now due…
State to set up COVID-19 testing sites throughout Grant County, Othello
COVID-19 testing sites throughout Grant County and in Othello next week focused on agricultural workers, but will be open to the general public.
State DOH updates residents on COVID-19 vaccine
State officials on Thursday advised residents to continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing, as a COVID-19 vaccine hadn’t been approved -- even though one had been expected to be ready this month.
Grant PUD campground use rises dramatically
Grant County PUD’s 2020 recreation season not only was busy, it was busier than 2019 even though recreation sites were closed for 45 days.
Idaho's coronavirus surge overwhelms primary care clinics
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's unchecked spread of the coronavirus has become so overwhelming in some areas that medical care providers are struggling to even answer all the phone calls from would-be patients, a healt…
Some familiar routines, some new requirements as Othello students went back to campus
OTHELLO — Kids were greeted with a red carpet, music and a dancing star, representing the school’s mascot, when they returned to Scootney Springs Elementary la…
Wahluke students will return to school next month
MATTAWA — In a decision announced Tuesday during the regular Wahluke School Board meeting, officials announced students would return to school in December.
Grants to Adams County businesses announced
RITZVILLE — The Adams County Development Council recently announced recipients in the second round of the county’s Working Washington Small Business Grant program.
Moses Lake council votes to pay for 2021 Freedom Festival fireworks, entertainment
There will be fireworks for next year’s Fourth of July Freedom Fest in Moses Lake despite initial funding concerns, after the Moses Lake city council voted unanimously Tuesday to add $50,000 to the 2021 budget in o…
26th and 27th deaths linked to COVID-19 reported
Two Moses Lake women infected with the coronavirus have died, marking the 26th and 27th confirmed COVID-19-related deaths of Grant County residents since the pandemic began, the Grant County Health District reporte…
Eyes on the road: Moses Lake driving school brings vital service in trying time
For Kenn Bishop, whose family owns and operates Cruisers Driving Academy, the handful of hours that his students spend in his classroom or behind the wheel of …
Movie fans glad theater reopens, though with limited capacity
“I’m so glad to see you guys are open,” Dino Gonzales exclaimed Sunday evening as he walked through the door of Fairchild Cinemas in Moses Lake.