LAW ENFORCEMENT LOGS: May 9, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for May, 9 2025

Defensive driving key for vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders

MOSES LAKE — Spring is here, summer is coming and among other things that means motorcycles returning to the road. That means vehicle drivers may need to readjust their thinking, and motorcycle riders may need to reacquaint themselves with the bike.

Busy hands: Small core of volunteers keeps Gritman Senior Center serving Ritzville

RITZVILLE — A senior center is sort of like a grocery store or a bank: every town should have one. Big cities have extensive ones, and little towns like Ritzville, well, they plug along through lots of work from volunteers.

West hired as Moses Lake School District administrator

MOSES LAKE — Scott West said he thinks his new job is the right fit for him and for the Moses Lake School District. West was hired as executive director of safety and wellbeing last week.

Utilities required to strengthen fire mitigation plans under WA law

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has unanimously passed House Bill 1522, a measure designed to bolster the wildfire mitigation strategies of investor-owned electric utilities. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law on April 24 with it to go into effect on July 27, 2025. “This bill builds on what we’ve already been doing,” said Tom Dent, R-Moses Lakes. “A few years back, we passed a bill that allowed utilities to put together wildfire mitigation plans—to clear brush, cut down hazard trees, and reduce fuel loads. And that’s been working. But now we’re taking it a step further.”

MLPD uncovers large rooster fighting operation during drug search

MOSES LAKE – On May 1, the Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Moses Lake Tactical Response Team, executed a search warrant at 10032 Rd N.4 NE in Moses Lake. The operation, initially focused on methamphetamine sales and illegal firearm possession, unearthed an extensive illegal rooster fighting operation on the premises, according to MLPD.

Legals for May, 5 2025

Narcan vending machine has long path to installation, cancellation

MOSES LAKE – North Central Washington Libraries staff said they were surprised by Moses Lake City Council’s actions requiring the removal of the Narcan vending machine from the Moses Lake Public Library in late March. NCW Deputy Director for Public Services Kim Neher said the machine being installed wasn’t an initiative spearheaded by the library district, but rather something the city had approached them about.

Kicking off: Futsal mini-pitches open in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — An enthusiastic Boom Boom Clap spread across Harrison K. Dano Park in Moses Lake Tuesday. “Who here knows what Boom Boom Clap is?” Seattle Sounders Communications Manager Gisselle Pichardo asked the crowd, which included youth soccer players, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin students and city officials. “It’s a special cheer that we do every time the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign play at home at Lumen Field.”

BASIN EVENTS: May 2-10

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is lovely and the Basin is teeming with ways to get out and enjoy it. Here are a few:

Law enforcement logs for May 2, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for May, 2 2025

Strong women center stage

‘Steel Magnolias’ showcases women in leading roles, challenging situations

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School senior Llayleni Fuentes has dreamed of staging “Steel Magnolias,” and now she has her chance. “I've been wanting to do the show for the last two years,” Fuentes said. “I asked (MLHS drama teacher Sharon Winningham), what's a really good play for all girls? Because what I've noticed is, there's a lot of men-heavy plays.”

Ephrata High enhances security with new video intercom system

EPHRATA — Ephrata High School recently completed the installation of a new video intercom system as part of an initiative to bolster safety measures for students, staff and visitors. This new security upgrade, which was finalized over spring break, adds a layer of protection for the school, allowing for more controlled access to the premises during school hours.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Educate, don’t regulate when it comes to guns

November of next year will see gun owners having to go through a few extra hoops to own firearms in Washington. As much as I’m for public safety and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and punishing those who are irresponsible with firearms, I find the new law to be an overreach.

LETTER: A homegrown approach to drugs, crime and homelessness in Moses Lake

You deserve a clean, safe city where you and your loved ones feel at ease wherever you may go around town. We know there are plenty of good things happening in Moses Lake, and we're grateful for the wonderful people, local businesses, and natural beauty that make our town so special. We all want Moses Lake to continue to be a city where you are proud to have your friends and family come visit and spend some time.

WA Legislature passes Rainier School closure bill that includes new transition plans

(The Center Square) – Outside of budget negotiations, one of the bills that dominated Washington state lawmakers' attention during the 2025 legislative session was a proposal to close a state-operated school for people with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities.

One dead, another injured in one-vehicle crash

MARLIN – A 33-year-old man from Moses Lake, Don “Chris” Terrell, was killed in a one-vehicle accident early Friday morning near Marlin, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Law Enforcement Logs for April 25, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.