Shots fired in Washtucna, one arrested

WASHTUCNA — In the early morning of Nov. 16, according to Adams County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 100 block of North Main Street in Washtucna after multiple gunshots were reported in a residential area.

No injuries in Larson community attic fire

MOSES LAKE — Nobody was hurt in a fire Thursday afternoon in the Larson community, according to Grant County Fire District 5 Battalion Chief Travis Svilar. “There was one occupant in the house at the time of the fire,” Svilar said. “She was able to escape without injury.”

Moses Lake Police Department logs as of Nov. 20, 2025

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

Crash near Washtucna claims 1, closes road

WASHTUCNA — A collision on state Route 26 just west of Washtucna claimed a life Thursday morning, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. At a little after 11 a.m., a Ford pickup was traveling southbound on Marcellus Road about six miles west of Washtucna and failed to stop at the stop sign on SR 26, said WSP Public Information Officer Sgt. Greg Riddell. The pickup was struck by a semi-truck traveling westbound on SR 26 and came to rest on the westbound shoulder of the highway. The semi came to rest on the eastbound shoulder.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Focusing on civic literacy...

Over the course of the last year, we’ve published several stories and opinion pieces related to civic discussions and literacy. There’s a reason for that.

New Ephrata tower full, final testing underway

EPHRATA — The long-awaited completion of Ephrata's new water tower is in its final stages, as city officials report that the structure is expected to significantly enhance water pressure and volume throughout the community. Public Works Director Rob Harris confirmed that the new reservoir, which can hold approximately 3.8 million gallons of water, has been fully filled and final tests underway, with hopes of becoming fully operational by the end of the month.

Fire department, animal shelter funding allocated in Othello budget

OTHELLO — The city of Othello will keep funding in its 2026 budget for a separate city fire department and increase the funding for the city’s animal shelter facility. The 2026 budget will be considered by Othello City Council members by mid-December. Funding for the fire department and the animal shelter were among the items on a list of potential expenditures.

Grant County Jail logs as of Nov. 19, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

GCSO unveils 2025-27 strategic plan

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has launched a strategic plan for 2025-2027, focusing on employee engagement, community outreach, maintaining accreditation and transitioning operations to a new jail complex. Sheriff Joey Kriete outlined priorities during a Tuesday interview, emphasizing the importance of enhancing public safety and operational effectiveness.

Quincy Police Department logs: Nov. 8-13

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

WA resident first to test positive for new type of bird flu

GRAYS HARBOR — The Washington Department of Health confirmed that one Grays Harbor resident has tested positive for H5, a type of avian influenza. Further testing shows the virus to be H5N5, a type of avian influenza that has previously been reported in animals but never before in humans, according to DOH.

Warden resident arrested Sunday for alleged assault, rape

WARDEN – On Sunday morning, the Warden Police Department was notified of a female being treated for injuries at the hospital in Othello. The female reported that the injuries occurred when she was assaulted physically and sexually by a prior domestic partner at their residence in Warden.

Lutacaga Elementary fifth graders graduate from D.A.R.E. program

OTHELLO —The Othello Police Department celebrated the graduation of fifth graders from Lutacaga Elementary School Monday, marking a significant milestone in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. The graduation highlighted the diligence and leadership shown by students throughout the ten-week program, according to OPD Chief Dave Rehaume.

Amber Alert issued for two WA girls

Update: The Amber Alert has been canceled per the Washington State Patrol. MOSES LAKE — An Amber Alert has been issued for 12-year-old Vanessa Gleave and 8-year-old Audrey Gleave, who were last seen at about 6 p.m. Tuesday in Montesano, in Grays Harbor County in southwestern Washington. The girls are believed to be with Carolyn J. Gleave, 40, traveling in a 2014 black Subaru Forester with Washington license plate No. AZB4600, according to the Washington State Patrol alert. They may be heading toward Deer Park north of Spokane, according to the Washington State Patrol, which issued the alert on behalf of the Odessa Police Department. Carolyn Gleave is described as 5 feet 8 inches and 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, according to the alert. Vanessa is 5 feet 4 inches and 90 pounds, with blond hair and hazel/brown eyes, and Audrey is 4 feet 6 inches with brown hair and blue eyes, according to the WSP.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office Log as of Nov. 13, 2025

Adams County Jail roster for Nov. 18, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Paws on the ground

Grant County Animal Outreach breaks ground on new shelter

MOSES LAKE – Cars lined Randolph Road Northeast as a crowd of people and pups gathered Monday afternoon for a milestone in local animal welfare. Grant County Animal Outreach officially broke ground on its new shelter facility located on Randolph Road Northeast just a short distance from the shelter’s current location.

REC Silicon sales decrease in third quarter

MOSES LAKE — REC Silicon has received another short-term loan from its largest shareholder for $13 million. According to REC’s third quarter report, released Nov. 4, company revenues were about $3 million less than the second quarter of the year.

One shot in Cascade Valley, suspect not in custody yet

MOSES LAKE – One person was taken to Samaritan Hospital after suffering a gunshot wound in an incident in the 7900 block of Dick Road in Cascade Valley Sunday evening. The suspect is not in custody as of 12 p.m. Monday, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. However, detectives are still investigating.

New Royal City mayor focused on proactive management

ROYAL CITY — New Royal City mayor Ryan Piercy said the city has benefited from good leadership for the last couple of decades.