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…
MLIRD wary of potential revenue decline
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District is going to put all its upcoming projects on hold as directors wait and see what effect the COVID-19 shutdown will have on property tax payments, w…
Coronavirus: Ten new cases over the weekend, outpaced by 24 recoveries
Ten new cases have been reported in Grant County since Friday, six of which were from Moses Lake.
Businesses apply in droves for emergency loans; funds run out
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The federal government’s two top emergency loan programs for small businesses — the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program — have run out of money.
More locals wear masks in public, though not mandated in Washington
MOSES LAKE — As closures and social distancing measures carry on into another week, face masks are being seen on more people in grocery stores and other places…
State to ease processing of unemployment insurance claims
OLYMPIA — The state Employment Security Department will expedite the unemployment insurance claims application process and expand benefits and eligibility for unemployed workers who were previously deemed ineligibl…
Quincy extends renewal date for business licenses
QUINCY — At the request of the Washington State Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service, Quincy Mayor Paul Worley and the Quincy City Council extended the date for all expiring business licenses to May 31,…
Moses Lake pharmacy to offer COVID-19 antibody testing
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake pharmacy is working with an East Wenatchee clinic to offer tests that determine if people have antibodies to the COVID-19 virus, which would indicate exposure to the virus.
Potholes Bass Club donates $8,000 to local food banks
MOSES LAKE — The Potholes Bass Club, or PBC, decided to make an $8,000 donation to food banks around the Basin in an attempt to help during the COVID-19 outbre…
Application process for expanded unemployment benefits available Saturday
Those who had their employment interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to start applying for expanded unemployment benefits on April 18, according to information provided by the state Employment Secur…
Adams County property taxes still due April 30
RITZVILLE — Adams County residents are still required to pay their property taxes by April 30. The treasurer’s office will provide what Treasurer Kayla Meise called “measured relief” to property owners who have bee…
Coronavirus: Four new cases confirmed in Grant County Thursday
133 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Grant County as of Thursday evening, with three new cases reported in the Mattawa area and one new case reporte…
Inslee says Washington cannot abandon social distancing yet
OLYMPIA — Though Gov. Jay Inslee offered a glimpse of a possible transition plan away from his shelter-at-home order, he warned Washingtonians during a Wednesday press conference that there is no clear end in sight.
A month later, Samaritan’s RVEC sees progress
MOSES LAKE — Though Samaritan’s Respiratory Virus Evaluation Center, set up in mid-March to help isolate potential COVID-19 patients, is still seeing a signifi…
Guest column: Inslee could ease restrictions during pandemic, explain decisions
Grant County property taxes still due April 30
EPHRATA — Grant County property taxes are still due by April 30, but Grant County Treasurer Darryl Pheasant said his office is setting up options for property owners who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.