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.
Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust
EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to submit their primary ballots, three candidates are vying for the posit…
Surf ‘n Slide water park won’t be open for July 4
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials announced Wednesday that the Surf ‘n Slide water park won’t open in time for the July 4 holiday weekend.
School districts adjust to McCleary Fix
SOUTH COUNTY — State legislators passed the McCleary Fix last February, a bill that limits the amount of money school districts can ask for at levy time.
Othello baker has big dreams
OTHELLO — You wouldn’t expect to find a crowd of people gathered around a small stand at the end of a dusty lane south of Othello aptly named Dessert Road.
Elected county figures support law enforcement
EPHRATA — The Grant County commissioners and prosecutor issued a press release Wednesday supporting local and national law enforcement and rejecting a notion i…
Face coverings required in Grant County facilities
EPHRATA — Face masks will be required for all people entering a Grant County facility. County commissioners announced Tuesday that members of the public will b…
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,