Fairgrounds shooter sentenced after pleading guilty

MOSES LAKE – A 15-year-old has been sentenced for a shooting incident at the Grant County Fairgrounds last August, according to Grant County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin McCrae.

Local law enforcement responds to shooting at Hiawatha homeless camp

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department responded to a call for gunshots fired, just past noon Friday at the Hiawatha Lake homeless camp, near the 1000 block of North Frontage Road East in unincorporated Moses Lake.

Moses Lake man arrested in connection with March 8 shooting

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested Friday in connection with a March 8 shooting on Stratford Road in Moses Lake. Luis Medina, 27, was arrested in Moses Lake and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault and drive-by shooting, said Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely in a press release.

Not-so-smooth road ahead: Report says WA's highways among the worst in the nation

(The Center Square) – Washington state has some of the worst-performing, least cost-effective roads and bridges in the nation, according to Reason Foundation’s “28th Annual Highway Report," released Thursday. The Los Angeles-based libertarian think tank gave the Evergreen State an overall ranking of 47 out of 50 states.

Law enforcement logs for March 14, 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.

DV suspect arrested near Grand Coulee Wednesday

GRAND COULEE – On Wednesday, Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call on State Route 174 East regarding a domestic violence incident. “Deputies answer many domestic violence-related calls daily,” GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said. “This one escalated to a high level and required several deputies and other officers to help capture this suspect.”

Eagles clinch first conference win over Vikings

CHENEY - The Eagles came out with something to prove, and played some confident tennis. EWU surged to a 6-1 victory over Portland State, winning the doubles point and five out of six singles dual-matches. Eastern moves to 4-10 overall and 1-1 in conference, while Portland State falls to 4-8 and 1-3 in conference play.

Legals for March, 14 2025

More than just birds

The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival has something for everyone

OTHELLO — The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival is about much more than just the majestic birds it’s named for. Since the first festival 27 years ago, the Sandhill Crane Festival has ballooned to include tours and lectures to appeal to a wide range of enthusiasts. This year’s lineup includes lectures by experts in photography, geology, botany and more.

Legals for March, 13 2025

NEWS BITES: March 12, 2025

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District has requested the community’s input in a community survey regarding the district’s planned bond package. The survey provides an opportunity for the community to give feedback on the needs of the district. Take the survey before it closes soon at Surveys.critical-data.com/ephrata.

State Senate Bill has proposed restrictions on weapons in public spaces

OLYMPIA — A bill to increase restrictions on firearms in public places has passed in the Washington State Senate.

Meeting with Blitz leads to new kicks for kids in Othello

OTHELLO — Shawn Christopherson, mascot coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, said he understood why Othello Police Officer Tyson Cox decided to investigate those guys parked along an Othello street one day last summer. “A bird on a scooter with four influencers following him draws some attention,” Christopherson said. “Officer Cox kind of pulled over just to check out what was going on.” Well, of course a bird wasn’t actually driving the scooter – it was Blitz, the Seahawks mascot.

Grant PUD appoints John Mertlich as new general manager and CEO

EPHRATA – John Mertlich is the new general manager and chief executive officer of the Grant County Public Utility District, PUD commissioners announced Tuesday. The decision was announced during the Commission's meeting Tuesday. Mertlich's official start date is today. He succeeds Rich Wallen, who is leaving to take a position with Oglethorpe Power in Georgia.

Vehicle hits cyclist in Soap Lake

GCFD7 recommends cyclists wear gear to increase visibility

SOAP LAKE – Friday at around 8:15 p.m., Grant County Fire District 7 was dispatched to a vehicle vs. bicyclist collision on Highway 28 near Franklin Street in Soap Lake.

Stratford drive-by injures one

MOSES LAKE — One person was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries following a shooting on Stratford Road.

STUDIO BASIN: Drug abuse prevention and state basketball 2025

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller sits down with representatives of the Moses Lake Community Coalition to examine ways to discuss drug abuse prevention with children. In the long run, setting expectations is the key, they said.

Grossman named Freshman of the Year, Howard earns Honorable Mention

CHENEY – Eastern Washington University’s Kourtney Grossman has been named Big Sky Freshman of the Year. The Big Sky Conference announced its postseason awards Friday prior to the beginning of the 2025 Big Sky Tournament. Grossman also earned All-Conference Honorable Mention alongside the Eagles’ Peyton Howard.

Columbia MS has peaceful Friday after reported threat

MOSES LAKE – On Wednesday the Moses Lake School District was made aware of a potential threat related to Columbia Middle School for Friday, according to MLSD Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon.

Balanced effort leads Cougs past Seattle U in home opener

PULLMAN – Seven Washington State players collected hits and starting pitcher Griffin Smith worked six innings in the 6-4 home-opening win over Seattle U at Bailey-Brayton Field Friday evening.