Legals for February, 27 2024

New crosswalk with lights is first 2024 road project in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — A crosswalk with flashing lights to make it a little easier to cross Daisy Street South in Soap Lake will be installed sometime this spring. Soap Lake City Council members approved a contract for about $282,620 with Ascent Foundation, Cle Elum, during the regular meeting Feb.21. Michael Woodkey of Gray and Osborne, the city’s engineers, said the city received an additional grant for about $51,200 after bids were opened to pay costs that were higher than projected. Flashing lights will be installed at the crossing, to be activated when pedestrians want to cross the street. State Route 17 is Daisy Street South where it runs through Soap Lake. Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox said the setup would be similar to crossing lights that already exist at the Grant County Courthouse and Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata.

March 2024 Basin Events

COLUMBIA BASIN – As always, the Columbia Basin has a lot going on next month. As spring moves a bit closer to being official, here are several opportunities to get out of the house, have some fun, and maybe support a good cause. This listing is noncomprehensive and event details may change or events may be canceled at the organizers’ discretion. Readers are encouraged to call ahead or verify the information below online prior to the event.

Murray visits WA to discuss lack of childcare

SNOQUALMIE – U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe Child Development Center Thursday to tour their facilities and discuss the childcare crisis Tribal and rural communities are facing, according an announcement from Murray’s office.

Levies mostly passing in Washington, bonds mostly failing

OLYMPIA – Preliminary results from the Feb. 13 Special Election show a significant majority of levies passing on local ballots across Washington state, but only a third of bond proposals passed, according to a Feb. 14 announcement from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Port of Othello continues work toward airport plan

OTHELLO – Port of Othello Executive Director Chris Faix gave an update on some of the port’s progress with its ongoing projects, mainly working with J-U-B Engineers to develop an Airport Layout Plan and entering the process of designing the incoming Bruce Water Tower.

EPA announces $113M for WA water infrastructure

SEATTLE – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday more than $113 million in federal funding for Washington drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.

Moses Lake man barricades self in home after alleged assault

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man is in jail after a standoff with police, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department.

Stanley (Stan) Earl Vangen

Oct. 21, 1940 — Feb. 14, 2024

Father and grandfather, friend and neighbor, Stanley Earl Vangen, peacefully passed away Feb. 14, 2024, at his second home in Sun Lakes, Ariz. His long-time canine companion, Candy, was by his side until the very end and made sure that he made it safely to his final destination in the skies above. Stan was 83 years old.

Minor arrested in Moses Lake on various charges

MOSES LAKE — A male 16-year-old Moses Lake resident was booked into the Chelan County Juvenile Center in Wenatchee on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle, DUI and other charges after he allegedly led officers on a chase that eventually ended in Ephrata early Saturday morning.

GCSO looks back and plans forward

EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office saw successes and challenges during Sheriff Joe Kriete’s first year in office in 2023. Kriete said he’s overall very proud of his department and has a deep appreciation for the support county residents generally show him and his officers.

Man indicted in Yakima bail bond scam

YAKIMA — A federal grand jury has returned an indictment in a phony bail bond scam, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Washington.

Speed camera bill passes state House

OLYMPIA — The Washington State House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to decrease traffic fatalities, according to an announcement from the bill’s primary sponsor Rep. Brandy Donaghy, D-Mill Creek.

Wahluke shows appreciation for bus wreck response

MATTAWA — First responders, Wahluke School District personnel and children involved in a bus collision Jan. 22 were recognized for their response to the incident during halftime of the Wahluke-La Salle boys basketball game Feb. 8.

Othello schools implement new point-of-entry security upgrades

OTHELLO – The Othello School District installed new Secure Access Keypads at all its school buildings Feb. 5. Moving forward, all visitors are required to check in through the keypad, which allows school staff to see and speak with the visitor before letting them enter.

Legislature looks at lowering blood alcohol content statute

OLYMPIA – To curb traffic fatalities, lawmakers are proposing reducing the legal limit for driving while intoxicated.

'Such a fabulous night'

Country Sweethearts banquest breaks records for attendenace and fundraising in support of local cancer patients

MOSES LAKE — Saturday night’s Country Sweethearts banquet and auction was the biggest it’s ever been, seating 540 people and raising just over $318,000 for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation, according to CBCF Director Angel Ledesma. “It was such a fabulous night,” Ledesma said.

Othello High temporarily locked down after social media threat, all safe

OTHELLO — A social media post prompted a lockdown at Othello High School Tuesday afternoon.

Senior events for February 2024

The Columbia Basin has a great deal to do regardless of age. Here are several that are senior-friendly and provide a chance to socialize with a variety of people.

Othello low-income development gets $1.5M grant

OTHELLO — The Othello Housing Authority and Adams County Building and Planning were awarded $1.5 million toward the Othello Rocky Point Development low-income housing project, according to a Tuesday announcement from the Washington Department of Commerce.