New officer

Othello native Dereck Garza, right, was sworn in as an officer of the Othello Police Department by Othello Mayor Shawn Logan, left, during Monday’s regular Othello City Council meeting. According to Othello Police Chief Dave Rehaume, Garza’s hiring brings the Othello PD up to full staff.

Gas leak shuts down stores, streets in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A gas leak closed streets and caused some businesses to be evacuated Tuesday morning in Moses Lake. At just before 8 a.m., a construction crew was excavating at Penn Plaza, at North Stratford and Mart roads, when workers struck a natural gas line, according to Moses Lake Police Chief David Sands. “(It) caused a significant enough leak to spread pretty far and wide, so out of an abundance of caution we closed down the area as best we could,” Sands said.

WA law enforcement org weights in on pursuit law changes

(The Center Square) – In less than two months, law enforcement agencies across Washington state will have a less restrictive set of rules when it comes to vehicle pursuits of fleeing suspects.

Ephrata Sports Complex building burns, likely arson

EPHRATA – The concessions building at the Ephrata Sports Complex located behind the Ephrata Fire Department on A Street SE is a total loss after a Tuesday evening fire that started in a port-a-potty located next to the building. Authorities say the cause is likely arson.

Washington to fund more non-armed vehicle pursuit technology for law enforcement

(The Center Square) - As restrictions on law enforcement pursuing criminals are set to take effect on June 6 after passing in the Legislature, the state is offering police agencies a second funding opportunity to buy equipment capable of pursuing suspects without the use of firearms.

Five local law enforcement officers honored

MOSES LAKE — Four Moses Lake Police officers received the Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Friday, according to an announcement from the MLPD. A Grant County Sheriff’s deputy was also honored, the GCSO announced.

Joe Lewis Whitver

Feb. 23, 1936 – April 26, 2024

Joe Whitver of Ephrata, Washington died Friday, April 26, 2024, at McKay Rehab and Health Care in Soap Lake, Washington. Joe was born February 23, 1936, to Ray and Opal Whitver in Amboy, Illinois.

Next stage of Grant Co. Jail construction to begin in May

EPHRATA — People driving by the site of the new Grant County Jail will start seeing progress soon.

Last piece of steel framing goes into place at Samaritan Hospital

MOSES LAKE — That short piece of steel framing had been around. It was the last steel beam going into the framing at the new Samaritan Hospital. Samaritan Healthcare Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan chronicled some of its travels before it was tacked into place. The last piece of framing marks a milestone, and it’s treated accordingly.

GCFD 13 promotes three to command positions

EPHRATA – Grant County Fire District 13’s command staff looks a bit different than it did a week ago after a badge-pinning ceremony that promoted two firefighters to captains and one to battalion chief last week.

Quincy hospital bonds to be paid off sooner than projected

QUINCY — The collection rate for the bonds sold to build the new Quincy Valley Medical Center may be lower than originally anticipated. The sale of the second set of bonds, which will generate about $9 million in revenue, is set for late June.

Grant PUD general manager announces resignation

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD General Manager Rich Wallen has announced his resignation, effective June 14. Wallen will become the chief operating officer of the Chelan County PUD. Wallen’s resignation was submitted May 7. It was announced in a press release, and Public Information Officer Christine Pratt said the PUD would not have any further comment. Wallen has worked for the PUD for seven years; he was appointed as general manager in February 2022. He started as managing director of power production in 2017 and was named chief operating officer in 2019.

Missing Colville tribal member located, reported safe

NESPELEM – Colville tribal member Amanda Pakootas, who was missing and reported by police to be held against her will, was located Monday night in Spokane and is reported to be safe, according to an announcement from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

Japanese consul-general visits Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The ties between Moses Lake and Japan were highlighted Monday as Japan’s consul-general for the region paid a visit to Moses Lake.

UPDATED: Spokane SWAT, MLPD, partners conduct joint raid in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Spokane SWAT officers, Moses Lake Police Department officers and other law enforcement agencies conducted a raid on the old EconoLodge location at 316 S. Pioneer Way in Moses Lake at about 3 p.m. Friday afternoon.

MLSD levy voting closes April 23

MOSES LAKE — Ballots should be returned by Tuesday in a special election that will decide the fate of a two-year educational programs and maintenance levy proposal from the Moses Lake School District.

Wayne Marsh Tower

April 22, 1932 – March 2, 2024

Wayne Marsh Tower was born April 22, 1932, to Guy A. and Leah L. (Marsh) Tower in Helena, Mont., joining a sister, Lois.

News bites for May 3, 2024

MOSES LAKE — The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of an armed and dangerous fugitive, according to an announcement from the Moses Lake Police Department. Christopher Valle-Maciel, 18, is wanted in connection with a Nov. 12 homicide in Moses Lake, according to the statement. He is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall and 113 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault and first-degree drive-by shooting. Anyone with information regarding Valle-Maciel’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Marshals Service at 1-800-336-0102 or www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

Ephrata man arrested in apparent road rage incident

EPHRATA — A man was arrested Friday evening for pulling a gun on a motorist in Ephrata, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Two arrested in pistol-whipping incident in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Two men were arrested Tuesday morning in a domestic incident at an apartment in downtown Moses Lake, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department.