Law enforcement focused on impaired drivers

Drunk or high driving will be the focus for police in Grant County through Sept. 1

MOSES LAKE — Grant County law enforcement agencies are participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” emphasis patrols through Sept. 1. The campaign started Aug. 13.

Property purchased for new Grant County Morgue

MOSES LAKE — Construction on a new Grant County morgue is scheduled to start this fall. County officials interviewed possible contractors Aug. 14, with the selection announced in late August or early September. “We would expect to make a decision on a general contractor pretty rapidly,” said Tom Gaines, Grant County Central Services director.

Traffic collision sends at least one to hospital Friday

MOSES LAKE — A traffic jam has been cleared at the intersection of Walmart Road and North Stratford Road following a collision. At least one person was transported for medical care.

Nonprofits the heart of community life

Celebrating the organizations that uplift the Columbia Basin on National Nonprofit Day

MOSES LAKE — It takes a lot of people, many of them working for nothing, to make a great community. This weekend will be a chance to honor those folks. Aug. 17 is National Nonprofit Day, a day set aside to recognize those organizations that serve their communities, from the big nationwide charities and advocacy groups to the small local service club. The one thing they all have in common is their impact on the communities they serve.

Legals for August, 15 2025

City of Moses Lake announces new fire chief

MOSES LAKE — Arthur Perillo III has been hired as the new chief of the Moses Lake Fire Department. “I was initially drawn to the Moses Lake fire chief position because of the area’s abundance of sunshine, the wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities and the energy of a growing community,” Perillo wrote in a statement from the city of Moses Lake. “What truly solidified my interest was learning more about the professional and dedicated men and women who work for the city and the Moses Lake Fire Department. Perillo will take over the job Sept. 22. He replaces Brett Bastian, who retired in February. Currently Perillo is the assistant chief of emergency medical services for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue.

Wildcats football returns to the field

ELLENSBURG – The seventh season of Wildcat Football under the tutelage of Head Coach Chris Fisk is officially underway, CWU Athletics said in a statement. 111 Wildcats reported for camp to officially begin the 2025 campaign. "We are very excited for the opportunity to build up the 2025 Wildcats through fall camp," CWU Head Football Coach Chris Fisk said. "We got off to a good start last week and are looking forward to seeing this practice pay off when we open our season at home in Tomlinson Stadium for the Rodeo Bowl."

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Living in one desert is enough...

A healthy chunk of the Columbia Basin’s population likes living in a desert. The sagebrush calls out. The tumbleweeds meander through town and the sunshine is warm without the gross need to use the word “muggy.”

Ephrata PD logs for Aug. 14, 2025

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

19 plants added to WA quarantine list

OLYMPIA – Following extensive public outreach and community petitions, the Washington State Department of Agriculture has amended its Noxious Weed Seed and Plant Quarantine list, adding several new plant species. The updated rule will take effect on August 9, 2025.

Ephrata approves grant programs

EPHRATA – During the August 6 regular Ephrata City Council meeting, the city approved six resolutions addressing a variety of issues including contracts, street maintenance, transportation and communication. Two of those involved grants that would make improving transportation and managing growth easier.

Warden moves several projects forward

WARDEN – The Warden City Council met for its regular meeting and continued a port annexation process, discussed an update to weed policies and police chief hiring, accepted an application for a Transportation Improvement Board grant and selected a person to serve on the Grant County Homeless Housing Task Force.

Two local health licenses suspended

MOSES LAKE – The Department of Health has suspended or restricted two licenses of healthcare providers in Grant and Adams counties.

STUDIO BASIN: Primary election results, jails and BMX

On this week’s episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer runs through the results of the primary election. General election season is coming soon, with ballots due Nov. 4.

Law enforcement has fun, makes connections in Mattawa

MATTAWA — Mattawa Police Chief Alex Zesati said National Night Out is one of the Mattawa Police Department’s best nights of the year. “I would say National Night Out is one of our favorite times of the year,” Zesati said. “It’s basically because of the connection we get with the public.”

Adams County Sheriff’s Jail roster for Aug. 13, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This is the active list of inmates for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office listed in order of the date of arrest. The Adams County Jail is closed, so inmates are housed in other jurisdictions.

FIRE REPORT: AUG. 12, 2025

MOSES LAKE – The fires below were burning and causing smoke and air quality concerns regionally as of Tuesday afternoon.

Fire burns about 3 acres along Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A fire blackened about three acres and required a return visit from Moses Lake Fire Department crews Sunday afternoon. A press release from the city said the fire apparently was caused by an illegal campfire. No one was injured, and no homes were threatened.

Invasive animals pose risks to the Basin

MOSES LAKE – The Washington Invasive Species Council has 29 animals and insects listed on their site as priority invasive species that have either found themselves at home in the state or are of concern around the country. The Columbia Basin has become home to a number of these species.

Grant Co. Sheriff’s Office logs for Aug. 12, 2025

Grant Co. Sheriff’s Office logs for Aug. 12, 2025