STUDIO BASIN: Halfway point of Kriete's term and Maverick wrestling

MOSES LAKE - In this - slightly delayed - episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Sports Editor Ian Bivona visit about recent news and sports action. Miller was able to sit down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete last week as Kriete reached the halfway point in his first term heading up the Grant County Sheriff's Office. Miller reviewed what the sheriff said were the accomplishments of his first term and what he sees on the horizon for GCSO. Miller and Bivona also talked about happenings in Soap Lake like the city considering how water in the lake may be used and why the Soap Lake Police Chief is on administrative leave.

Basin officers participate in immobilization safety training

RITZVILLE — Law enforcement officers in Adams County got some training in restraining Thursday, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

NEWS BITES: Jan. 20, 2025

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District released a statement indicating how much the district would receive in funds if the Feb. 11 levy passes. According to the district, the state will match $1.14 for every $1 the school district raises locally. This adds up to around $13 million in state funds in the life of the levy. For more information on the Ephrata School District Levy visit TigersVote.org.

WA hate crime bill advances through House committee

(The Center Square) – A Washington House committee voted to advance a bill that would broaden the definition of a hate crime in the state, and remarks by a ranking committee members indicate it could include non-violent acts or speech. House Bill 1052 sponsored by Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, would expand what constitutes a hate crime to include incidents where the perpetrator did so “in part or the whole” due to a person’s perceived identity.

Soap Lake City Council considering elimination of lake water use

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council met for its first meeting of the year Wednesday. The meeting began with an executive session in regard to the performance of a public employee with no action following. Lake water usage, officer recognition and other items were addressed afterward.

Fire destroys motorhome in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — A fire started in Soap Lake Wednesday night involving a motor home in the 100 block of Fern Street North, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 7. Explosions were reported at the scene, prompting a quick response from GCFD 7 at 10:35 p.m.

Law enforcement software changes present challenges, opportunities

MOSES LAKE— The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments in Grant County switched from Spillman to 365 Labs for its law enforcement software at the beginning of 2025. Since the upgrade, departments have been learning the new software and certain functions are still being discovered, workshopped and taught to the agencies.

CA fires a good reminder for WA homeowners to check their insurance policies

(The Center Square) – Devastating fires continued to burn across Southern California Wednesday, with homes and other buildings destroyed in Los Angeles County. Five people have been confirmed dead so far, with hundreds injured as they race to flee the flames. Making matters even worse, some families who have lost their homes will not be reimbursed through homeowners insurance policies. That’s in part due to the exodus of insurance companies from California due to the rising losses from wildfires in the state. As reported by Newsweek, several private insurers cut coverage in at-risk areas in California in the last couple of years as state regulators prevented companies from raising premiums to match their growing risk.

Property tax relief bill proposed by WA lawmaker as majority considers increase

(The Center Square) – As Washington Democrats consider potential tax increases to fill a massive projected budget deficit over the next four years, some lawmakers are pitching tax-saving proposals to help struggling Washingtonians. Rep. Mike Volz, R-Spokane, has prefiled legislation to protect the most vulnerable from being taxed out of their homes. The bill he is offering would provide a property tax evaluation freeze for seniors and disabled veterans.

Legals for January, 17 2025

Ephrata Fire’s 2024 year in review

'We feel blessed by the individuals down here'

EPHRATA — As the Ephrata Fire Department begins a new year, 2024 proved to be a transformative period, according to Chief Jeremy Burns. The department saw significant achievements in operational efficiency, community engagement and volunteer involvement. Burns talked about the department's accomplishments over the past year and outlined goals for 2025.

Ephrata School District super reflects on challenges of 2024

EPHRATA — As 2025 begins, the Ephrata School District is assessing the changes and challenges it faced last year. Superintendent Ken Murray discussed several crucial accomplishments and objectives for the future and the district's continued commitment to its students and community in an interview with the Columbia Basin Herald.

USPS unveils stamp for the Year of the Snake

BOSTON —The U.S. Postal Service unveiled its Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake stamp Tuesday, according to an announcement from the USPS. The Postal Service printed 21 million stamps that are now on sale at post offices and usps.com.

Warden passes water system plan and parks and recreation developments

WARDEN — The Warden City Council convened on Jan. 14 to discuss significant developments concerning the city’s water system and its Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan. The meeting featured staff reports detailing ongoing projects and strategic planning for community enhancement, alongside formal resolutions for the future direction of local infrastructure and recreational facilities.

CTUIR, Corps of Engineers sign pact to improve Mill Creek fish passage

WALLA WALLA — Officials from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a signing Jan. 10 at the Corps’ Walla Walla District headquarters to honor a joint project to improve fish passage on Mill Creek, according to an announcement from the CTUIR.

Legals for January, 16 2025

MLSD Community Engagement Board seeking applicants

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District is looking for community members to join the Community Engagement Board – a volunteer group created to allow community collaboration on district issues such as school attendance and engagement.

Cougars open season with 7-0 victory

PULLMAN – Washington State University tennis opened its 2025 dual match season with a 7-0 victory over UC Davis Saturday at the Simmelink Tennis Courts at Hollingbery Fieldhouse. The win marked the fourth-straight season WSU opened with a victory.

Two men die at Sprague Lake

RITZVILLE — Two men who had gone duck hunting on Sprague Lake were found dead late Saturday night, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

Adams County EMT’s license suspended

OLYMPIA — An Adams County emergency medical technician has had her license suspended for unprofessional conduct following her failure to enroll in a monitoring program.