NEWS BITES: Jan. 15, 2025

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department warned the public Monday regarding fake Facebook posts. EPD said to be wary of profiles with profile pictures that are unrealistic, low friend counts, exaggerated claims, poor grammar and spelling, copied-and-pasted content and the ability to comment is turned off on all posts. The department asks that people not reshare posts that look suspicious and report it to Facebook.

BASIN WRESTLING REPORT: Jeremiah Schmunk Invitational results

WARDEN – A busy weekend for the Warden boys wrestling team concluded with Saturday’s Jeremiah Schmunk Invitational, which followed duals against Okanogan and Tonasket on Thursday and Friday.

Rent control takes center stage on first day of 2025 WA legislative session

(The Center Square) – Monday marked the beginning of the 105-day legislative session in Washington state. During this session, lawmakers will address a variety of challenges and issues, including a projected operating budget gap, public safety, housing, and homelessness. More than 30 newly seated members were sworn in. Some are brand new to the Washington State Legislature, while others moved from positions in the House to the Senate.

Public being surveyed on Hanford cleanup

HANFORD – The Washington Department of Ecology, U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is conducting a public involvement survey to collect the community's feedback on the Hanford Site cleanup.

Two GCSO deputies on admin leave following death of inmate

EPHRATA – Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete issued a statement Monday regarding the status of the investigation into the death of Grant County Jail inmate Richard Lambert while he was in custody on Dec. 31, 2024.

Three-point shooting carries Eagles to first Big Sky win

CHENEY — Home court was just what Eastern Washington needed to get back on track in the Big Sky.

Dent outlines his priorities for WA’s 2025 session

'I am cautiously optimistic'

OLYMPIA – As Washington State begins its 2025 legislative session today, Rep. Tom Dent, the 13th District's legislative representative, prepares to tackle a myriad of pressing issues while navigating the complexities of a newly transitioned administration.

Second suspect arrested in Adams County burglary

RITZVILLE — A second suspect has been arrested in connection with an early-morning burglary Dec. 9 north of Ritzville.

STUDIO BASIN: Upcoming levies and all-state football

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer breaks down upcoming levies for the Ephrata, Moses Lake and Wahluke school districts, including their longevity and costs for voters.

Washington Democrats resurrect rent control proposal

(The Center Square) – Democrats in the Washington State Legislature are taking another run at rent control with pre-filed legislation to that effect for the 105-day session that starts Monday. Rep. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle, pre-filed House Bill 2117 this week. “It caps rent increases at 7% annually, but it lets landlords set the rent however they like at the start of the tenancy,” Alvarado explained at a Friday morning press conference announcing the legislation. The lawmaker said she’s constantly hearing from renters in her district about out-of-control rent increases.

Elderberry juice shows benefits for weight management, metabolic health

SPOKANE, Wash.—Elderberry juice may be a potent tool for weight management and enhancing metabolic health, according to a recent Washington State University-led study. A clinical trial published in the journal Nutrients found that drinking 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily for a week causes positive changes in the gut microbiome and improves glucose tolerance and fat oxidation. Elderberry, a small dark purple berry found on elder trees native to Europe, is commonly used as a medicinal plant and supplement to promote immune function. Its other potential health benefits are poorly understood, however.

Challenge, innovation, appreciation at law enforcement luncheon

MATTAWA — Staffing, recruitment and innovation were among the subjects discussed by Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete and Yakima County Sheriff Robert Udell during a luncheon in Mattawa Thursday recognizing law enforcement contributions.

Law Enforcement logs for Jan. 10, 2025

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

39-year-old booked on warrant and controlled substance possession

EAST WENATCHEE — The East Wenatchee Police Department conducted a traffic stop Jan. 6 in the 700 block of Third Street Southeast. Sergeant Tye Sheats recognized the driver of the vehicle and was aware of his outstanding felony arrest warrant in Santa Barbara, California.

Grant Co. upgrades law enforcement software

MOSES LAKE – Grant County, with the assistance of the Multi-Agency Communications Center – 911, switched its law enforcement reporting software at the beginning of 2025. The new software is a cloud-based platform with more assets and less crashes than the previous program which the county has been using since 1996, according to Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely.

Hands-on aerospace events for students coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The Apple STEM Network, in collaboration with a team of elementary educators in Moses Lake, will host three Family STEM Nights this spring, according to an announcement from the organization. These events, sponsored by the Boeing Company, aim to ignite curiosity and foster an understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, among students and their families, with a special focus on sustainable aviation fuel and the future of aerospace.

Lind woman arrested in alleged burglary

RITZVILLE — An early morning arrest ended with a Lind woman in jail Thursday, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s office.

Moses Lake School District EP&O levy on February ballot

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District will submit an educational programs and operations levy to district voters on the Feb. 11 ballot. The levy, using local taxes, provides funding for programs and services beyond the state’s basic education requirements.

Concerns remain over data collection for AGO police use of force database

(The Center Square) – Ongoing concerns remain among 911 dispatch centers in the state over the use of certain data by a police use of force database project headed by Washington State University under the guidance of the State Attorney General’s Office. In 2023, WSU received a contract from the AGO following a request for proposal to create a police use of force database that would collect certain information from law enforcement agencies regarding use of force incidents. That information would then be available for anyone to view and download from the website. However, the project has experienced numerous setbacks due to a variety of factors, including stipulations with vendors that they hand over their intellectual property.

‘Interweavings’ exhibit opens Jan. 16 at CWU

ELLENSBURG — Beginning next week, the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at Central Washington University will host an exhibition titled “Interweavings: Photography and Sculpture” by Jeanne K. Simmons. The opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, from 5-7 p.m. in Randall Hall, room 141.