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.

Washington eyes changes to jaywalking regulations

OLYMPIA – There's a push to lighten up on jaywalking fines — a move that hits the headlines for its impact on both the homeless community and Black pedestrians.

NEWS BITES: Jan. 31, 2024

News Bites for January 31, 2024.

Senate bill proposes allowing doctors to keep names off prescription bottles

OLYMPIA – When she treated an out-of-state patient from Idaho with pulmonary hypertension. Dr. Jennifer Chin of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists knew her pregnant patient was at risk if she carried the pregnancy to term. She believes her patient could have died without the care she received in Washington.

Events for February 2024

In February, love is in the air and spring is lurking somewhere around the corner. Here are a few things that are happening around the Basin this month.

FRESH NEWS: Potholes Reservoir beginning to thaw

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,042.75 feet, coming up 0.7 feet this past week. We are 3.75 feet below full pool. While Potholes Reservoir is still frozen over, it is beginning to thaw around the edges and there may be a few open spots in the middle. This week’s forecast is looking good to continue the thaw. Highs will be in the mid- to upper 40s and lows around freezing. A good wind will help tremendously. No boat launches have open water and there are no reports of safe ice. Call the MarDon Resort tackle store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.

Diaper changing stations for dads proposed

OLYMPIA - Diaper changing stations traditionally were placed only in women's bathrooms, and Alexandra Johnson, a mother of two from Snoqualmie, thinks that should change.

McFarland staff present on new teaching programs

OTHELLO – Faculty and Staff at Othello’s McFarland Middle School attended Monday’s regular Othello School Board meeting to present on ongoing programs and changes at the school following the board’s annual McFarland site visit that morning.

Ephrata School Board accepts grant, reviews finances

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School Board had a busy evening during their regular meeting Monday night with multiple financial topics, security and the acceptance of the resignation of Superintendent Tim Payne.

Dent proposes bill to promote local, regional firefighting cooperation

OLYMPIA — Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, proposed a new legislation to establish a pilot project aimed at reducing the high number of wildfire incidents in Washington state. The project involves fostering collaborations between public-private partnerships, local agencies and farmers.

Legals for January, 19 2024

News bites for Jan. 19

OTHELLO — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a burglary suspect, according to a statement from the ACSO.

Community resources to stay warm in Ritzville, Othello

OTHELLO — With the severe weather of the last week and the next few days, those in need of shelter throughout the Columbia Basin can turn to public libraries during the day, but churches and community members generally step in where cities don’t have the resources.

FRESH NEWS: Potholes freeze puts the kibosh on fishing for a while

MARDON — The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1,042.05 feet, coming up 0.20 feet this past week. We are 4.45 feet below full pool. The reservoir completely froze over Monday night. There are no reports of any ice fishing and no reports of safe ice, either. Last week was good for walleye, largemouth and crappie. Fish were in 12-28 feet of water. Jig for the walleye and bass, slip bobber for the crappies. Call the MarDon Resort tackle store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.

WA lawmakers eye expanding foster care to 18 to 21-year olds

OLYMPIA- A legislative proposal has the potential to create a smoother transition into adulthood for teenagers and adults aging out of the foster care system.

Legals for January, 11 2024

Legals for December, 29 2023

Washington employer groups file lawsuit against EPA

OLYMPIA – According to an announcement from the Association of Washington Business, several employer groups in Washington state filed a lawsuit on Dec. 4 in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent 2022 water quality standards (WQS) for the state.

Legals for December, 21 2023