Local News
Need more information regarding today's local news? Here, we'll keep you up to date on everything happening in the Columbia Basin today.
4th District candidates talk affordability, ag and healthcare
RICHLAND — Rising costs, agricultural challenges and concerns about the future of rural healthcare dominated discu…
Ephrata closes city hall for next two weeks
EPHRATA — Joining the list of Columbia Basin cities curtailing operations as the COVID-19 pandemic widens, Ephrata announced Tuesday that all city offices will close to the public beginning Wednesday, March 18, and…
Cities shut down nonessential services
GRANT COUNTY — Following restrictions by Gov. Jay Inslee on gatherings of over 50 people and guidance from local and state health officials, many cities across the county are cutting back nonessential services thro…
After delays, local small businesses soon eligible for disaster loans
After initially not qualifying due to a mistake made on forms by the county commission, Grant County will soon be in the pool of Washington counties eligible for loans for small businesses impacted by the coronavir…
City officials discourage cash for paying utility bills
MOSES LAKE — On the day after Grant County PUD announced it was closing its facilities to public access, an elderly woman stood on the sidewalk outside the Mos…
Adams County declares state of emergency
ADAMS COUNTY — Adams County is under a state of emergency, according to a press release from the office of the Adams County commissioners.
Othello Spring Clean up dates set
OTHELLO — The City of Othello will be holding its annual spring cleaning Monday, April 6 through Saturday, April 11, according to a press release issued by the city on Monday, March 16.
Sex ed legislation prompts local school districts to write governor
GRANT AND ADAMS COUNTIES — Last week, three local school districts discussed the sexual education legislation that passed the Washington state legislature and …
Third Grant County COVID-19 case identified
GRANT COUNTY — As of Monday, March 16, there were seven cases of COVID-19 identified in Grant County and none in Adams County.
Preliminary plans for closure given to Othello School Board
OTHELLO — Othello School District officials haven’t announced yet how they plan to conduct school during an emergency shutdown ordered by Gov. Jay Inslee, but it won’t be online.
Preschools to remain open during K-12 school closures
OLYMPIA — While parents are scrambling to make child care arrangements for their school-age children for the next six weeks, day care and preschool parents may be able to keep their current child care situation.
Wahluke robotics team qualifies for world competition
MATTAWA — A robotics team from Wahluke High School has qualified for the world robotics competition in Louisville, Kentucky, that was originally set for the en…
WSU bee center in Othello opens
OTHELLO — Eventually at this former Monsanto lab east of Othello, there will be bees — lots of them.
Coronavirus impacts local libraries
WENATCHEE — Grant County libraries closed for at least six weeks on Monday evening.
COVID-19 cancels Sandhill Crane Festival
By RACHAL PINKERTON
Food donations desperately needed at local animal shelter
Adams County Pet Rescue seems to suddenly be overrun with new puppies. Just two weekends ago, they took in 17 of the little ones, most of which are still being…