Telehandler accident near Royal City sends 1 to hospital

ROYAL CITY — One subject was injured when the telehandler he was driving lost its brakes and crashed at a moderate speed into an apple orchard in rural Royal City, according to a statement made by Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Man arrested after pursuit in Othello for vehicle theft

OTHELLO — At around 11:30 p.m. Monday, Othello Police Department units pursued a stolen vehicle. Officers had attempted a traffic stop, but the driver failed to yield, prompting the pursuit, said Detective Sergeant Brent McFarlane.

Crash near Washtucna claims 1, closes road

WASHTUCNA — A collision on state Route 26 just west of Washtucna claimed a life Thursday morning, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. At a little after 11 a.m., a Ford pickup was traveling southbound on Marcellus Road about six miles west of Washtucna and failed to stop at the stop sign on SR 26, said WSP Public Information Officer Sgt. Greg Riddell. The pickup was struck by a semi-truck traveling westbound on SR 26 and came to rest on the westbound shoulder of the highway. The semi came to rest on the eastbound shoulder.

Othello man injured in Dodson Road crash

EPHRATA — An Othello man was injured when he failed to negotiate a curve and rolled his semi-truck and trailer Friday morning at the intersection of Dodson Road and Interstate 90.

Ephrata prepares for winter weather

EPHRATA — As colder temperatures and the promise of snow settle over Ephrata, city officials urge residents to familiarize themselves with local snow removal policies and the critical role they play in ensuring safe roadways. Ray Towry, the City Administrator, emphasized the city’s commitment to effective snow management, developed collaboratively with input from community stakeholders including the Chamber of Commerce, City Council, local businesses and the Ephrata School District. Once snowfall reaches at least two inches, the city’s four-person Street Department will initiate plowing operations. Crews typically begin work before 4:00 AM, often enduring shifts lasting 16 to 18 hours during significant weather events. “We strive to balance safety with the efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” Towry said. “Plowing happens mostly overnight, and it’s crucial we handle this as effectively as possible.”

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Nov. 13, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Ephrata PD achieves full staffing on paper, officers still being trained

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department Chief Erik Koch announced that the department is officially recognized as fully staffed, although he emphasized that this achievement comes with a caveat.

One shot in Cascade Valley, suspect not in custody yet

MOSES LAKE – One person was taken to Samaritan Hospital after suffering a gunshot wound in an incident in the 7900 block of Dick Road in Cascade Valley Sunday evening. The suspect is not in custody as of 12 p.m. Monday, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. However, detectives are still investigating.

Controversy arises over oath for incoming Lind council members

LIND — Administering the oath of office to new members of the Lind Town Council dissolved into controversy during the Nov. 25 council meeting and led Adams County Auditor Heidi Hunt to say her staff will not return to Lind. “I was super disgusted at the disrespect shown by the Lind Town Council,” Hunt said. Three seats on the council were up for election in 2025. The terms of two of the three included the period of time between election certification and year’s end as well as their full elected term, according to the Washington Secretary of State’s office. Because the third contested seat was empty before the election, the term for that seat will begin in January. In that case, the candidates who won those seats would be sworn in after the election was certified. Certification occurred Nov. 25.

ACSO recovers stolen farm equipment

NINE MILE FALLS — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant with the assistance of Stevens County Sheriff’s Office in connection with an ongoing burglary investigation from 2024.

Ban on police face coverings pitched ahead of WA’s 2026 legislative session

California in September became the first state to ban law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings, in response to immigration raids where federal agents wore masks. The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state over the prohibition last month. Democratic lawmakers here in Washington are now planning similar legislation. Washington’s proposal, spearheaded by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, and Rep. Julio Cortes, D-Everett, resembles California’s law. The Trump administration says the California policy jeopardizes the safety of federal officers, including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and is unconstitutional because it tries to regulate federal activities.

Scam resurfaces in Grant County

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced that a scam has resurfaced with callers pretending to represent local law enforcement agencies or court personnel and asking for money.

GCSO Sgt. McDonnell helps empower rural resident

SOAP LAKE — After a postal worker discovered a note asking for help inside a rural Soap Lake mailbox Wednesday, the worker called the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Jason McDonnell answered the call and checked on the person who lived at the home, according to GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

Moses Lake Police logs as of Dec. 3, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Awareness helps prevent porch pirates’ success

EPHRATA — At least 58 million packages were stolen in the U.S. last year, with about 25% of Americans being the victims of theft, according to the United States Parcel Service. At the local level, there are thefts occurring regularly as well, but that doesn’t mean that you’re stuck being the victim, authorities say. “The experience of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office is that package theft happens regularly,” said GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. “It is a crime of opportunity. When someone’s out looking to try and make a quick buck, they may drive through a neighborhood looking for unattended packages on the front porch.”

Warden swears in council member and updates 2025 budget

WARDEN — The Warden City Council completed one oath of office, discussed voter turnout and updated its 2025 budget at its regular council meeting Tuesday. The council decided to cancel the next meeting, which would be on Dec. 23. The council will return for its regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 6, 2026.

Legals for November, 19 2025

'South hill rapist' Kevin Coe dies in Federal Way

(The Center Square) – Kevin Coe, the infamous “South Hill rapist,” died Wednesday at an adult family home in Federal Way. He was 78. The Federal Way Mayor’s Office and the Federal Way Police Department confirmed he was reported dead of natural causes. As reported by The Center Square, Coe was recently released from the civil commitment center at McNeil Island after doctors and staff members there determined he was no longer a threat to the public because of his advanced age and declining health.

Warden resident arrested Sunday for alleged assault, rape

WARDEN – On Sunday morning, the Warden Police Department was notified of a female being treated for injuries at the hospital in Othello. The female reported that the injuries occurred when she was assaulted physically and sexually by a prior domestic partner at their residence in Warden.

GCSO recovers $20K tool for GCFD 5

MOSES LAKE — In August, Grant County Fire District 5’s fire station on Mae Valley Road was burglarized, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.