Grant Co. COVID-19 outbreak ends

MOSES LAKE — The COVID-19 outbreak that sickened 47 people and claimed at least two lives at a local long-term care facility is over, according to Grant County Health District Communication Coordinator Lexi Smith. The facility, which was not identified, has gone 14 days without an additional case, Smith wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. A third death was not immediately attributed to COVID-19 but was under investigation. “Long-term care facilities … house at-risk individuals, and that makes them an area where COVID can circulate in dining rooms and community areas,” Smith said in an interview Thursday. This is the eighth outbreak in a long-term care facility since October 2024, Smith wrote. By comparison, the period from October 2023 to October 2024 saw 19 outbreaks in care facilities and one in a school.

Stolen forklift leads to Soap Lake power outage

SOAP LAKE — A Soap Lake man was arrested for DUI and theft of a motor vehicle after he allegedly stole a forklift from the Soap Lake School District and broke off a power pole. The man, who was not identified, also was charged with first-degree malicious mischief, according to a statement from Soap Lake Police Chief Patrick Canaday. The incident was reported at about 3:15 a.m. “The suspect drove the forklift off the school property after taking out several sections of fence from the football field. The suspect drove across Second Avenue Southwest on to Dogwood Street Southwest and struck the asphalt with (the) front forks, damaging a large portion of the asphalt,” Canaday said. “The suspect continued driving northbound on Dogwood, striking five parked vehicles on both sides (of the street). (He) drove the forklift eastbound on Main Avenue West with the telescoping fork rail extended.”

Harvest Fest

Wilson Creek tradition to make a return

WILSON CREEK — The Wilson Creek Harvest Fest will return Sept. 27, bigger and better than before. “Last year we didn't even have a Harvest Fest,” said Shirley Billings, who heads up the committee to restore the festival. “And typically in the past, it's been pretty short-lived. But we decided this year to make it a full day and something for everybody. Other than the vendors ... everything is free for kids.”

Ephrata PD logs for Aug. 28, 2025

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

Legals for August, 28 2025

COVID-19 breaks out in Grant Co. care facility

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District released a statement saying there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in a long-term care facility in Grant County. The facility was not named in the statement. “Our recent outbreak is a painful reminder that COVID-19 can still have a devastating impact, especially for older adults and people with underlying health conditions”, Grant County Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny wrote in the statement. “Our hearts are with the families and friends grieving the loss of their loved ones who passed away during this outbreak.”

SOAP LAKE MAYOR: Candidates Q&A

SOAP LAKE – There is one candidate and one write-in candidate for the Soap Lake mayoral race. Incumbent Peter Sharp is the only candidate listed on the ballot. However, Karen Woodhouse is running as a write-in candidate.

Legals for August, 27 2025

RITZVILLE CITY COUNCIL: Candidate Q&A with Michelle Plumb

RITZVILLE – The race for the Ritzville City Council consists of two candidates, Michelle Plumb and Eric Ottmar. Plumb responded to a set of five questions presented as follows.

Cal Raleigh homers again as the Mariners beat the Padres 9-6

SEATTLE (AP) — Cal Raleigh hit his major league-leading 50th homer, Jorge Polanco drove in four runs and the Seattle Mariners beat the San Diego Padres 9-6 on Monday night. J.P. Crawford had two hits and two RBIs as Seattle moved within 1 1/2 games of idle Houston for the AL West lead. Josh Naylor had two hits and scored twice.

Driver safety a focus as school begins

MOSES LAKE – As schools across the Columbia Basin reopen this week, law enforcement officials are emphasizing the importance of road safety for students, parents and motorists alike. Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman is urging everyone to remain vigilant as the school year begins.

Legals for August, 26 2025

Cougs set to start new chapter under Rogers

PULLMAN – This Saturday, the Washington State Cougars football team returns to the gridiron when they host FCS-opponent, Idaho Vandals. According to a statement by WSU athletics, Washington State is led by first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers, who coached South Dakota State the past two seasons, highlighted by an FCS National Championship in 2023.

Port of Quincy set for rail expansion with fed, state funding

QUINCY – Congressman Dan Newhouse, R-Washington, left, and Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, right, visit the Port of Quincy to tour where a new rail expansion will be placed. Newhouse helped to secure around $2.5 million in federal funds for the expansion. Ybarra, working with Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, and Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, managed to get an additional $2 million in funds for the project from the state. The total cost of the project will be around $16.5 million; however, the $4.5 million in funds secured will allow the port to begin the project, according to a statement from the Port of Quincy.

Eagles hit the pitch, fall to North Dakota on the road

CHENEY – The Eastern Washington women's soccer team couldn't find its offensive rhythm in a 4-0 loss to North Dakota, according to a statement by EWU athletics. The Eagles outshot the Fighting Hawks 19-13 and held them without a single corner kick but were unable to capitalize on their chances.

2025 Grant County Fair livestock results

2025 Grant County Fair livestock results

Ephrata schools staff ready for new year

EPHRATA – Ephrata School District held an all staff meeting at Ephrata Middle School Wednesday to prepare for students returning to school on Aug. 28. Kindergartners get to start the following week on Sept. 2. Preschool starts Sept. 22.

Mariners win weekend series 2-1 over Athletics

SEATTLE (AP) — Shea Langeliers hit a tiebreaking double with two outs in the 10th inning and the Athletics held off the Seattle Mariners 2-1 on Saturday night. The Athletics, who mustered five hits, also scored in the fourth when Darell Hernaiz drove in Jacob Wilson with a single.

GALLERY: Basin gridiron practices continue through the weekend

MOSES LAKE – Since Wednesday, local football teams have returned to the gridiron for their first practices of the 2025 season. Over the weekend, some of the teams have been able to put the pads on and get into full swing for the upcoming season. Our annual Gridiron Guide publication is right around the corner. Pick up a copy of the Columbia Basin Herald on Friday, August 29 for a look at the upcoming high school football season.

Legals for August, 25 2025