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.
WEATHER: May 14-20
Thursday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 69. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 …
Coronavirus: 3 new cases; 82 percent of all cases symptomatic
GRANT COUNTY — There were three new cases of the coronavirus reported in Grant County on Tuesday — one case each in Royal City, Soap Lake and Warden — according to Grant County Health District.
Washington overtime rules change today
TUMWATER — Changes to the state’s overtime rules go into effect today, July 1.
Othello superintendent’s contract extended
OTHELLO — Othello School Board members extended the contract of superintendent Chris Hurst through 2023. The contract was approved by the board in a 5-0 vote at the June 22 board meeting.
Public health officers have broad powers under law
GRANT COUNTY — Washington state law is clear that health officers, such as Grant County’s Alexander Brzezny, have vast powers to respond to pandemics like the COVID-19 outbreak.
County allocates funds from federal relief
EPHRATA — Grant County announced it is setting aside $2.5 million for grants to small businesses across the county. The money is taken from $5.4 million in federal coronavirus relief for the county government.
Republican gubernatorial candidate to visit Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Washington state legislator and gubernatorial candidate Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, will make a campaign stop in Moses Lake on Wednesday, according to campaign staff.
Fireworks stands benefit local organizations
MOSES LAKE — Sparklers, of course. And snakes — those long strings that are lit at one end and pop, sparkle and sizzle to the other end.
Ephrata man sentenced after guilty plea
EPHRATA — A 31-year-old Ephrata man was sentenced to just over a year in prison following an incident at a Soap Lake gas station, according to court documents.
Experts warn of COVID-19 ‘caution fatigue’
MOSES LAKE — It’s been 12 weeks since Gov. Jay Inslee issued his “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, effectively shutting down Washington in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
COVID-19: Three-day total is 33 new cases
GRANT COUNTY — There were 33 new cases of the coronavirus reported in Grant County on Monday and covering the weekend: 12 cases on Saturday, 10 on Sunday and 11 on Monday,
Car theft suspects caught in irrigation ditch
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake woman, Tomie Gonzalez, 21, and a 16-year-old were apprehended early Sunday morning after a high-speed chase ended in an irrigation ditch, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Port of Moses Lake project clears hurdle
MOSES LAKE — The Federal Railroad Administration has finally approved an updated route for the long-delayed Northern Columbia Basin Railroad’s extension into t…
Port develops new industrial area to the west
MOSES LAKE — Like most of the Columbia Basin, these 2,300 acres started out as scrubland, covered almost entirely by sagebrush and dry grass.
Handy with horses: Benefits of equine massage detailed at seminar
SOAP LAKE — It’s really about learning to read an animal’s “non-verbal cues.”
Some eligible for help with bills
MOSES LAKE — Residents of Grant and Adams counties whose incomes have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak may be eligible for assistance from OIC of Washington with rent and energy bills.