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…
Coronavirus: 63 cases reported over the weekend
There were 63 cases of the coronavirus reported in Grant County over the weekend, according to the Grant County Health District.
MLSD makes high school classes all online
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board voted Thursday to alter its high school opening plan, with all students starting online instruction full-time when school begins on Sept. 9.
Library mail order service to resume
WENATCHEE — Patrons of the NCW Libraries system will be able to start using its mail order service Sept. 14.
Odessa Deutschesfest called off due to coronavirus
The board of directors of the Odessa Deutschesfest have announced that the festival has been canceled for this year.
Two more deaths linked to COVID-19 in Grant County announced
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Health District has reported the 14th and 15th deaths of Grant County residents associated with COVID-19.
Local leaders had various interpretations of warning from governor's office
Local elected and business leaders that spoke with the Herald had various interpretations of the sentiments being expressed by the governor’s office earlier this month.
Red Rock Elementary gets set to welcome students back
Staff at Red Rock Elementary School in Royal City worked to wrap up final preparations on Thursday before students returned today. Boxes were unpacked, soci…
Buses ready for students to return with new measures
The Royal School District Transportation Department spent Thursday deep-cleaning the buses and making sure new measures were ready to go with students beginnin…
Governor’s office: Currently no plans to push Grant County to Phase 1
MOSES LAKE — The office of the governor does not currently have plans to push Grant County back to Phase 1, external relations director Nick Streuli said in an interview Wednesday.
Parents of children with special needs work to navigate options with school returning
MOSES LAKE — Parents and families are preparing children as the school year nears. Parents of children dealing with special needs face a number of challenges a…
Coronavirus: 21 in hospital
MOSES LAKE — The total of confirmed cases in the county since the pandemic began rose to 2,146 on Wednesday. According to state officials, 117 residents have been hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19 si…
Moses Lake Mayor: State may revoke Phase 2 if numbers do not improve
MOSES LAKE — Governor Jay Inslee has indicated to local elected leaders that Grant County has one month to improve its coronavirus numbers or risk moving back from Phase 2 of the state’s four-stage reopening plan, …
MLSD urged by 23 health care providers to reconsider in-person classes
MOSES LAKE — An open letter signed by 23 local health care providers urges members of the Moses Lake School Board to reconsider its decision to move forward with an in-person education option despite public health …
Some local museums to open, others to stay closed
QUINCY — The Quincy Valley Historical Society & Museum will open to the public Friday, following an announcement from Gov. Jay Inslee on Aug. 20 that museums c…
Free Wi-Fi hot spots set up ahead of school year
MOSES LAKE — Eighteen free Wi-Fi hot spots have been established in areas throughout the Moses Lake community through a partnership between Moses Lake School District and Grant County Public Utility District.