Wash. AG announces retail crime task force

OLYMPIA — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the creation of a statewide Organized Retail Crime theft Task Force Thursday to improve collaboration and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to address organized retail theft responsible for an estimated $2.7 billion in losses statewide in 2021. “Coordination is key to combating this growing, and sometimes dangerous problem,” Ferguson said in the press release. “These organized crimes cross jurisdictions and cause significant economic harm. I’m committed to working together with law enforcement and retail partners to help combat this significant and growing problem.” ...

WSDA offers more grants for Farm to School program

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture announced on Thursday it is now accepting grant applications from local districts to buy locally grown farm commodities for breakfast and lunch...

Deception Pass celebrates a century

OAK HARBOR - Deception Pass State Park turns 100 this year and in celebration, Washington State Parks will be holding free concerts and community events throughout the summer. “In honor of this momentous birthday, the Deception Pass Park Foundation is hosting several events across the summer culminating in the revival of a lost tradition older than the park itself: a free community picnic at East Cranberry Lake!” a statement from WSP said...

Ham radio event scheduled for this weekend

Ham radio operators from the Central Washington Amateur Radio Club in Grant County will be participating in a national amateur radio exercise from noon on Saturday until noon on Sunday, June 25-26 at the White Trail Grange, located at 3392 Road 5 NW...

Sports schedule June 23-28

Below is the sports schedule for the Columbia Basin.

Forecast raises state revenue $1.46 billion

OLYMPIA — A new report from the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council estimates an increase of $1.46 billion in tax collections for the state’s current two-year budget, which was passed in 2021. In a forecast released on Wednesday, the council attributed the increase in tax revenue to the continued strong housing market in Washington, low levels of unemployment, and more spending prompted by rising rates of inflation...

Quincy looks to rebuild parts of 8th Ave.

QUINCY — Quincy city officials will advertise for bids on a project to rebuild a section of Eighth Avenue SE, also known as Bob Jacques Way. Quincy City Council members approved a request to advertise for bids at the council’s regular meeting Tuesday. No price estimate was attached to the request...

McDonald’s seeking Washington Workers

OLYMPIA — McDonald’s is looking for a few good workers to staff its restaurants in Washington. In fact, in a press release, the company said it is inviting 4,300 job seekers looking for summer work to apply for part-time and full-time jobs at restaurants across the state...

Moses Lake man arrested on drug charges

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man is in custody following his arrest on Tuesday for selling drugs in the Northshore neighborhood of Moses Lake. According to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department, detectives with the MLPD’s street crimes unit arrested Eric Deane, 58, at his home in the 200 block of W. Northshore Drive following numerous complaints from neighbors of short-term traffic at the home and suspicions of criminal activity...

Booked! Schedule full for 2022 Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE — The 2022 Grant County Fair will have a lot of things for people to do. “The fair schedule is full. We are absolutely packed,” said Grant County Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan. McKiernan gave an update on fair preparations in a report to Grant County Commissioners Tuesday. The fair is scheduled for Aug. 16 through 20...

Local students make George Fox University dean’s list

NEWBERG, ORE. - Three local students were among those who earned Dean's List recognition at George Fox University for the spring 2022 semester. In order to earn a spot on the Dean’s List at George Fox, students must earn a 3.5 grade point average or above on 12 or more hours of graded work...

Man found dead in car in Othello-area drainage canal

OTHELLO — An autopsy is pending in the case of a man found dead in his car in an irrigation drainage canal about four miles north of Othello. Steven Ray Priddy, 55, was dead at the scene; the car was in the canal in the 1900 block of West Foley Road, according to a social media announcement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Local farmers working in the area found Priddy’s body, the announcement said. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, it said.

Warden SD to offer free meals

WARDEN — The Warden School District announced on Tuesday that it will serve free meals to all children 18 and younger from the end of June through early August. In an announcement, the WSD said two meals each day will be served in the district’s cafeteria at 101 W. Beck Way in Warden on weekdays beginning Tuesday, June 28 through Thursday, Aug. 4, with breakfast served at 7:50-8:20 a.m. and lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Funding for the summertime meal program is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the National School Lunch Program. For more information, contact WSD Food Service Director Paulie Wixom at 509-349-2366, ext. 1450.

Fiber installation prompts Warden-area traffic restrictions

WARDEN — Drivers can expect delays along the first two miles of State Route 170 near Warden this week as crews install fiber optic cable. A press release from the Washington Department of Transportation said contractors working for the Grant County PUD will be installing cable along the road from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Thursday. Drivers can expect closures of the road shoulder and intermittent flagger-controlled traffic with some delays, the press release said...

Local residents make Gonzaga Dean’s and President’s lists

SPOKANE - Nine local residents have been named to the Gonzaga University President’s and Dean’s lists for spring semester 2022.

Man injured in Washtucna park shooting

WASHTUCNA — A Washtucna man was booked into the Adams County Jail on suspicion of first-degree attempted murder after he allegedly shot a man in the Washtucna park early Monday morning.

Time for a summer cut? Tips for warm weather dog grooming

While people tend to dress differently depending on the season, most pets “wear” the same coat year-round. Shaving off this hair during the hot summer months may seem like a good idea to keep a dog cool, but it can actually have the opposite effect for some animals. Dr. Ashley Navarrette, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, discusses summer grooming and other techniques for helping pets beat the heat...

Meals on Wheels holds fan drive

SPOKANE - Meals on Wheels Spokane said they are holding their annual fan drive to help keep seniors cool this summer, according to a press release.

Legals for June, 20 2022

Royal SD to get first school officer

ROYAL CITY — The Royal School District will get its first school resource officer in early 2023. An agreement from January 2023 through August 2025 was approved by the Royal City City Council at its June 7 meeting; Royal School Board members approved it May 23. “The expectation would be that the SRO is on campus every day,” Royal SD Superintendent Roger Trail said via email. “They will also be involved in safety training. While the SRO’s office will be at the high school, it is a district-wide position.” ...