Firefighters battling Second Creek Fire near Leavenworth

LEAVENWORTH — Firefighters are currently battling the Second Creek Fire, which began on Monday and has scorched an estimated 64.1 acres, according to a report from the Southeast Washington Type-3 Incident Management Team.

Mattawa man killed when car rolls

OTHELLO — A Mattawa man was killed when he was ejected from his car when it drifted off the roadway and rolled early Tuesday morning. Sergio Corrales, 52, was driving south on state Route 243 about 10 miles west of Mattawa when his car drifted off the road, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. Corrales overcorrected and drove back across the road. His car rolled, coming to rest on its top. The incident occurred about 3:45 a.m. Corrales was not wearing a seatbelt, the WSP statement said. His passenger, Sonia Corrales, 53, also was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected. She was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.

Drills help people prepare for WA wildfire season

(The Center Square) – When the only way out of a heavily treed neighborhood on a normal weekday is called “Malfunction Junction,” wildfire preparedness is essential. A fire evacuation drill on Saturday morning, May 3, put the intersection of 14th and Lindeke Street in Spokane through a test of emergency systems.

High gas, food prices didn't alter Memorial Day plans for millions of Americans

(The Center Square) - On this Memorial Day 2025, America honors and remembers the men and women who have died serving their country. The holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer with backyard cookouts and road trips.

New WA law granting unemployment benefits to striking workers draws praise, concern

(The Center Square) – Depending on who you ask, Engrossed Senate Bill 5041 – signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson earlier this week – is either a much-needed social safety net for workers and their families or something that will incentivize and prolong strikes and imperil Washington state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. ESB 5041 extends unemployment insurance benefits to striking or locked-out workers in Washington. Depending on the strike date, benefits would start 15 to 21 days after the strike begins. If the contract is resolved before that time, no benefits would be issued. Per the bill, striking workers would be able to access unemployment benefits for up to six weeks. Sen. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, is the sponsor of the bill.

Applications sought for Grant County Prosecutor

EPHRATA — Applications are being accepted through June 13 from qualified attorneys for the job of Grant County Prosecutor. Incumbent Kevin McCrae announced his resignation effective Aug. 3.

GALLERY: Memorial Day memories

COLUMBIA BASIN — On the last Monday of May, Americans across the nation, and across the Basin, come together to honor those who have fallen in their country’s service. The Columbia Basin Herald will have coverage of this year’s solemnities in tomorrow’s edition; meanwhile, here are some scenes from Memorial Days past.

Two Washington veterans cemeteries named among top 10 list

RENO, Nev. — Two Washington cemeteries were among the most beloved in America, according to a survey by Choice Mutual.

Law enforcement logs for May 23, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Traffic restricted on Vantage Bridge throughout June

Other Basin and regional road construction projects planned or underway.

VANTAGE — It turns out the Vantage Bridge will be reduced to one lane on weekdays in June after all.

Moses Lake Spring Fest schedule

MOSES LAKE — This weekend is Moses Lake’s biggest blowout of the year, Spring Fest. Here’s where and when it’s all happening. All events are at McCosh Park unless otherwise noted.

Legals for May, 23 2025

Juvenile shot, suffers non-life-threatening injuries

MOSES LAKE — On Tuesday at around 6:30 p.m. the Moses Lake Police Department received a call of shots fired in the 500 block of Central Drive, according to a statement from the MLPD. When officers arrived, they located a 17-year-old male with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound in his leg. The victim was transported to Samaritan Hospital for treatment. MLPD Capt. Jeff Sursely said there have been no updates on how the victim is recovering.

Quincy homicide victim identified

QUINCY — The identity of a Quincy man killed in a shooting May 15 has been released by the Grant County Coroner. The body of Joshua Avalos, 33, was found at a residence in Quincy about 7 a.m. May 15; a release from the Quincy Police Department said it was likely he was killed sometime between 12:30 and 2 a.m. Tim Catlin, an investigator with the coroner’s office, said Avalos died of multiple gunshot wounds. “During the investigation, detectives discovered several spent (shell) casings,” the QPD release said. A person was arrested in the 8000 block of state Route 281 May 16 in connection with the murder, according to a release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Quincy police have not released any further information about the arrest or its connection with homicide.

Moses Lake SD business manager candidate forum tonight

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District patrons are being invited to talk to – and give their opinions about – finalists for the job of MLSD business manager tonight at 4 p.m. at the district’s transportation office, 940 E. Yonezawa Blvd. Candidates will introduce themselves and answer questions submitted by district patrons; people are encouraged to submit questions via QR code that will be available at the meeting. People will be asked to submit their impressions of the candidates after each person finishes.

New Washington law directs $100M in grants toward hiring police, improving public safety

OLYMPIA — On his first day, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson angered many Democratic lawmakers by demanding the Legislature put $100 million in the next state budget to help local police departments hire police officers. “That idea was a cornerstone of my campaign for Governor. Any budget I sign must include this funding,” he said in his Jan. 15 inaugural address. On Monday, there were clear signs of a rapprochement as Ferguson signed House Bill 2015 that embeds a $100 million grant program in a broad policy bill designed to let local and tribal governments decide how best to use those dollars – even if that means not hiring a single new cop. “It’s a wonderful bill,

Permit-to-purchase gun bill signed into law by Gov. Ferguson

(The Center Square) – Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday signed into law a controversial bill requiring Washingtonians to apply for a permit – and pay for it – before purchasing a firearm. Under House Bill 1163, which goes into effect in May 2027, any state resident wishing to purchase a gun must first apply for a permit, then pay a fee, and show documentation of completing a safety training program – including live-fire shooting – within five years. Per the bill, potential gun buyers will have to obtain a five-year permit through the Washington State Patrol. At the point of purchase, buyers will undergo another background check and wait 10 days before taking possession of the firearm.

Mattawa Council approves proposed contract with police union

MATTAWA — After a negotiation process that went to mediation, the Mattawa City Council voted May 15 to approve a new three-year contract with the union representing Mattawa Police Department officers. The vote was 4-2, with council members Tony Acosta and Fabiola Hernandez voting no. City Attorney Kathryn Kenison said it was a challenging process. “We didn’t think we were going to get there, but we asked the mediator to work with us a little longer and this is what the parties compromised on,” Kenison said. “The open items were mostly the financials.”

Washington will pay unemployment benefits to striking workers

OLYMPIA — Labor advocates scored a win on Monday after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a new law to extend unemployment benefits to striking workers in Washington. The governor’s conference room was packed with advocates and lawmakers who gathered to see Ferguson sign the law with his blue felt tip pen. “Allowing striking workers to access unemployment insurance benefits creates a more level playing field for workers to have the resources they need to effectively bargain for better working conditions,” Ferguson said before putting his signature on Senate Bill 5041.

Report: Pacific Northwest states some of the worst for military retirees

(The Center Square) – The Pacific Northwest is home to the worst states for military retirees, with Washington state coming in No. 50 and Oregon ranking No. 51, according to a new study by WalletHub, a personal finance platform and app. WalletHub compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across three broad categories: economic environment, quality of life, and health care in its “2025’s Best & Worst States for Military Retirees.” Rankings were also based on several subcategories, including retirement-friendliness toward veterans, job opportunities for veterans, and housing affordability.