JOEL MARTIN

Regional fire report for July 27

PULLMAN — The Wawawai fire, about five miles west of Pullman, had burned 526 acres Wednesday, according to a statement from the Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team. The fire, which was discovered Monday evening, is located about two miles from Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River and about a mile and a half from Wawawai County Park. Level 1 evacuation notices (“Be ready”) have been issued for a small area between the river and Wawawai-Pullman Road, according to the NWIIMT. 170 personnel are on site, the statement added...

News Bites for July 26, 2023

A selection of news bits from first responder agencies around the Basin.

Washington fire update for July 26

VANTAGE — I-90 was open both directions Tuesday morning following a fire that closed the freeway between the Ryegrass summit and the Vantage Bridge Monday. A semi had caught fire and ignited the dry brush alongside the road, according to Washington State Patrol Trooper Jeremy Weber. The fire had grown to 150 acres and was 0% contained as of Tuesday morning...

Royal schools passes ‘23-24 budget

ROYAL CITY — The Royal School Board approved the district’s 2023-24 budget at its monthly meeting Monday. “We typically start a budget process in February, when we start talking about enrollment,” said RSD Business Manager Greg Pike. “And then here we are in late July, where we're adopting a budget, and then the final step is to submit the final resolution adopted budget by Aug. 1 to (the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction).” ...

I-90 closes for vehicle fire

VANTAGE — A vehicle fire closed down I-90 just west of Vantage Monday, according to the Washington State Patrol. A semi traveling westbound near the Ryegrass summit caught fire a little after 1 p.m., according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The cause of the fire may have been electrical, said Trooper Jeremy Weber, spokesman for the Washington State Patrol, but the cause hasn’t yet been ascertained. The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, was able to get out safely, Weber added.

Science and myth

Moses Lake author’s novels explore the question of Sasquatch

MOSES LAKE — They’re all real. That’s the premise of a series of novels by Moses Lake writer Tony Dean Yetter, whose works serve a dual purpose: to tell a good story and to promote discussion of Sasquatch. “I listened to 400 hours of testimonies from police officers to game wardens to this and that,” Yetter said of his research into the subject. “A lot of you take it with a grain of salt, you know, but when there's someone that is a 25-year veteran of the state police, you listen to him.” Yetter’s first book, “The Apeling,” tells the story of a 5-year-old boy who survives a plane crash in a remote part of the Rocky Mountains and is taken in and raised by a clan of Sasquatch. The subsequent books recount the boy’s assimilation with his adopted species. Yetter, a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world building, has constructed a Sasquatch culture and language that he believes might not be far from the reality.

Fire updates for July 21, 2023

MARYSVILLE — The Mountain Loop fire in Snohomish County was up to 14 acres Thursday, but it’s completely lined and fire crews are taking advantage of lower temperatures and higher humidity to keep the blaze from growing, according to a statement from Snohomish County Fire District 22. These wildfires were also burning in Washington as of Thursday afternoon, according to the National Interagency Fire Center: • Tallman Road, about 19 miles northeast of Spokane: 3.3 acres. Fire discovered July 19. Containment and cost information not available. • Consalus, about 20 miles north of Newport: 461 acres. Fire discovered June 30. 10% contained. Costs estimated at $10,000,000.

Othello fire deemed arson, other fires continue statewide

OTHELLO — A fire in Othello was deliberately set Tuesday, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office...

Ephrata car show winners announced

EPHRATA — Dennis Crossley has been awarded Best in Show at the 2023 Anything with Wheels Car Show and Shine, according to an announcement from the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce. Crossley won with his 2021 Corvette, sponsored by Pro Auto Repair. Crossley’s ’Vette also win the Kids Choice Award, sponsored by Summit Racing.

Fire update for July 19

FISHTRAP — The Snider Road fire, on Interstate 90 about 10 miles northeast of Sprague, was discovered about 2 p.m. Monday and had burned 520 acres by 4:30, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Level 3 evacuation notices were issued about 4 p.m., but had dropped to level 1 by 8:30 p.m. Tuesday morning the fire was mostly in the mopping-up stages, according to DNR spokesman Thomas Kyle. These wildfires were also burning in Washington as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the NIFC:

Regional fire report for July 18

SHELTON — The McEwan fire northwest of Shelton, in Mason County, is in the mopping-up phase, according to a statement from Central Mason Fire and EMS. The fire, which has been burning since July 4, consumed 250 acres and has cost an estimated $1.8 million or more so far, according to the National Interagency Fire Center...

Hayden Homes donating new park to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake will gain another park this week. Maple Grove Park, in the new Maple Grove housing subdivision on Grape Drive north of SR 17, will be donated to the city of Moses Lake Thursday at 11:30 a.m., according to an announcement from Hayden Homes, the developer of Maple Grove...

Baird Springs fire costs $1.5m, new fires in Pierce, Klickitat counties

QUINCY — The Baird Springs fire is estimated to have cost $1.5 million to extinguish, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The blaze, which sprang up quickly the afternoon of July 10, triggered evacuations in the Crescent Bar and Trinidad communities. There were no injuries and no reported structure damages, but 2,400 acres of grassland were scorched before fire crews pulled out Thursday. These wildfires were also burning in Washington as of Friday afternoon, according to the NIFC:

Ephrata company offers free roof for a veteran

EPHRATA — Heavenly Roofing in Ephrata is accepting nominations for a veteran who could use a new roof. It’s a way for the business to give back to the community, Marketing Specialist Oscar Romero said...

Baird Springs fire in mop up, other fires continue to cause problems in WA

QUINCY — The Baird Springs fire is nearly out, according to the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office. Several additional fires were burning across Washington as of early Thursday afternoon.

Health District outlines new plan for blue-green algae

MOSES LAKE — A new system for monitoring blue-green algae in Moses Lake will be rolled out this year, according to a press release from the Grant County Health District...

'Fingers are flying'

Old Time Fiddlers hold week-long fiddle camp in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — There’s a different sound coming out of the classrooms at Moses Lake Christian Academy this week, where the Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association is holding its annual fiddle camp. “So we have (classes for) all the way from beginner, like you've never picked up a fiddle, a guitar or a mandolin,” said Corinne Agnew, co-chair of the fiddle camp committee, “and then we've got all the way up to the Hot Shots fiddle class, and their fingers are flying.” ...

Baird Springs fire calming, others burn statewide

CRESCENT BAR — Evacuation warnings were downgraded Wednesday morning to Level 1 for the Crescent Bar and Trinidad communities just north of Quincy, according to a statement from Southeast Washington Incident Management Team 1, which is in charge of firefighting efforts...

Summerfest success

Changes in annual celebration build up local tradition

ROYAL CITY — Between 1,500 and 2,000 people braved the hot weather in Royal City Friday and Saturday for Summerfest 2023, according to Summerfest Committee Chairman Jonathan Cox. “There was a good amount of people there throughout the whole event,” Coix said. “I think there was a little bit for everybody, meaning we get a different crowd out multiple times. Different people come to different events.” ...

FIRE UPDATE: Baird Springs fire near Crescent Bar prompts evacuation

QUINCY — The Baird Springs fire north of Crescent Bar continues to blaze away, but it’s not spreading, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kyle Foreman. He said a proactive evacuation was implemented in the area to protect residents. “We were erring on the side of safety,” he said. “It was going to be safer for them and safer for firefighters if we could evacuate Crescent Bar. We proactively evacuated them rather than wait for conditions to worsen, since there's only one road out of Crescent Bar.” ...

Royal Council awards scholarship, approves parade

ROYAL CITY — A Royal City student received a boost to her education at the July 5 Royal City City Council meeting. Rayne Sheriff, a 2023 graduate of Royal High School, was the winner of a $1,000 scholarship from the engineering firm Anderson Perry. Anderson Perry, based in La Grande, Oregon and Walla Walla, offers scholarships to students every year in the various communities in Eastern Washington and Oregon that it serves, said Anderson Perry Vice President Jake Hollopeter. Hollopeter came in person to present the scholarship because the program is near and dear to his heart, he said. “I think now we've donated and given back just over $150,000 in scholarships to communities,” he told the council. “This year, we selected about 14 different communities, and Royal City was one of them. This year we had three outstanding candidates … The city reviewed all of the applicants and selected a very highly qualified young lady this year.”

Fire report for July 11, 2023

MOSES LAKE — Basin fire crews were kept busy over the weekend, with a couple of sizable brush fires that fortunately involved no injuries or structure damage, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kyle Foreman.

Key honor

Moses Lake music teacher named to hall of fame

MOSES LAKE — Longtime Moses Lake music teacher Harriet West was caught by surprise when she was inducted into the Washington State Music Teachers Association Hall of Fame, she said. “All of this was done behind my back,” she said. “I had no clue that this was going on.” The WSMTA has been bestowing that honor on its best and brightest since 2002, according to its website. The purpose of the hall of fame is “to recognize teachers’ exceptional support, inspiration and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of music and music education, both public and private, in the state of Washington,” the website says.

Brookdale Hearthstone builds 20-foot sundae

MOSES LAKE — The residents and staff at Brookdale Hearthstone got to take part in a sweet, if somewhat obscure, tradition Friday, celebrating National Strawberry Sundae Day on a big scale. “We decided what better way to celebrate than to have a 20-foot strawberry sundae,” said Kar Vanerstrom, sales manager at Brookdale Hearthstone. “So that’s what we’re building.” ...

Fire report for July 10, 2023

MOSES LAKE — The Tunnel 5 fire burning in the Columbia Gorge about four miles west of White Salmon has grown to 556 acres and is 20% contained, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday morning that the evacuation notice for the area had been lowered to Level 2, which means residents should either leave now or be prepared to leave on a moment’s notice...

Settling out

Supply chain disruptions are mostly over, but their effects are still felt

COLUMBIA BASIN — The great furniture crunch is mostly over, according to experts. “It was pretty bogged down there,” said Matt Moore, owner of Moore Furniture in Ephrata. “It took a long time for the industry, in general, to get back up to normal production.” COVID-19 affected the production and shipping of just about everything, from computer chips to lumber to plastics. Between factory shutdowns with their subsequent labor shortages and strikes at ports and transportation companies, anything that had to be imported or shipped from one place to another was liable to be either delayed or just plain unavailable. A survey published in August 2022 by the Association of Washington Business showed that 73% of businesses in the state were finding the inability to get materials either a challenge or a major disruption. Furniture and appliances were among the markets affected.

Celebrating Independence from Hunger

Moses Lake Grocery Outlet owners Kris Emerson, second from left, and Paul Emerson, second from right, and members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce and Care Moses Lake look on as Michaelle Boetger cuts the ribbon on the Independence from Hunger campaign. Independence from Hunger is a joint venture between the store and Care Moses Lake to raise funds for local people in need. Care Moses Lake members are, from left, Carol Bridges, Randy Zielke Jeremy Boetger, Michelle Boetger and Sarah Bullinger.

Soap Lake fire causes evacuation notice

SOAP LAKE — A level 3 evacuation notice was issued for the 3000-4000 block of Road 20 Northeast near Soap Lake Wednesday evening, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 13. A level 3 evacuation means “Leave now,” the statement added...

Royal party

Summerfest returns with a few changes

ROYAL CITY — Royal City will turn out at Lions Park this weekend for the city’s annual Summerfest, with a few changes from past years. “There's going to be vendors in the park Friday night and Saturday,” said Jonathan Cox, chairman of the Summerfest committee. “In addition, Friday night we're going to be doing mutton busting, we're going to have our big car show, we're going to have fireworks. On Saturday, it's going to be similar to what we always do, we have the parade starting at 10 a.m. right down the main street, then after that, there's going to be the same vendors in the park. So people have the opportunity to get food both days." As before, there will be an array of inflatables and bouncy houses in the park, Cox said, and a mechanical bull. There will also be a Touch-a-Truck, where kids – and adults, for that matter – can check out fire engines and other big equipment.

Washington fire update for July 6

OTHELLO — An Othello-area home was completely destroyed by fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning, according to a statement from Adams County Fire District 5. Two vehicles were also destroyed, but all occupants got out of the house safely. The investigation determined that the cause of the fire was fireworks that had been collected and placed in a trash can...

‘Red, white and sparkle’

George celebrates America with parade, politics and pie

GEORGE — Perhaps no town does up the Fourth of July with more vigor than George. “I love it when we all get dressed up in our country's colors,” said state Sen. Judy Warnick. “There's one little girl that had ‘Red, White and Sparkle’ on her shirt. And I think that's what George is doing right now. We're celebrating our independence with red, white and sparkle.” ...

Fire report for July 3, 2023

EPHRATA — A fire northwest of Ephrata required three fire departments to put out Thursday night, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 13...

Lunch crowd

Senior Picnic fills venue nearly to capacity

MOSES LAKE — The Commercial Building at the Grant County Fairgrounds has a maximum capacity of 770 people, and the crowd at the Senior Picnic Wednesday came mighty close to meeting that. “We had 612 meals served to seniors,” said Debbie Doran-Martinez, executive director of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. “We had 34 vendors, and most vendors, there were two people there. I don't have an exact headcount. There's a few that had three and four, but most of them had two.” Add to that 24 volunteers from the community and 34 from the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center, and that’s a whole lot of people.

Cherry harvest looking good for 2023

WENATCHEE — The cherry harvest is coming in full this year, according to the Washington State Tree Fruit Association. The weather conditions that have played havoc with some other Washington crops, like hay, have been a real boon for cherry growers, according to Tim Kovis, WSTFA's director of communications...

Fire season outlook grim

Residents urged to use caution when recreating, working outdoors

OLYMPIA — This year’s fire season is upon us, according to Washington State Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz. “Fire activity has increased considerably from earlier spring months,” Franz said in a press conference Friday. “We've seen about 600 fires burn roughly 17,000 acres statewide so far. On lands under Department of Natural Resources protection, we have had more than 330 fires burn just over 1,200 acres. And these numbers obviously are going to increase as the season goes forward. But it's clear that fire season has arrived and we're in it.”...

Wildfire update for June 30, 2023

MOSES LAKE — The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties, according to an announcement from the NWS. The warning is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening...

Dual purpose

Couple runs two home improvement businesses together

OTHELLO — What do garage doors and blinds have in common? They both open, they both close, and Kip and Ilene Burns can sell you both. The Burnses and their partner John Overton own both B and B Doors and Blinds For Any Budget. The two businesses are mobile, operating out of a trailer and a van, respectively. They actually came about as a sort of retirement project for the Burnses, who moved to the MarDon area from Kelso. “Four years ago, my wife and I were building our custom home,” Kip Burns said. “And our builder – who's a good friend of ours, CAD Homes – did a fabulous job on our house, but they were having trouble getting doors. And we're entrepreneurs. We actually just retired two weeks ago from our corporate jobs, but we started (B and B Doors) three years ago, because there was a demand.”

Water rules tightening in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake city Council voted to make some changes to the city’s water conservation ordinance at its Tuesday meeting...

B and B door cuts the ribbon

MOSES LAKE – Kip and Ilene Burns, flanked by their partner John Overton, left, and their granddaughter Saylor Blodgett, cut the ribbon in front of the B and B Doors trailer and the Blinds for any Budget van at the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce office Wednesday. The Burnses and Overton own both businesses. Look for more about B and B Doors and Blinds for Any Budget in Friday’s Homes section.

Fire report for June 28, 2023

WENATCHEE — State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Methow Fire just outside Wenatchee, according to a statement from the State Fire Marshal’s Office...

Celebrating safely

Fireworks restrictions vary across county, but safe mindset it key.

COLUMBIA BASIN — Independence Day is next Tuesday and residents can expect a lot of booms, bangs and whistles, but in a dry climate like this, fireworks get out of hand easily and set off wildfires, said Grant County Fire District 7 Chief Chris Baker. “We have warmer, drier conditions that are going to be affecting the area,” Baker said. “In our jurisdiction, especially the north portion, we haven't had a whole lot of fires in recent years, so we have a lot of light, flashy fuels that are of concern. And of course, the increase in vacationers in the area means that there's a potential for even more issues. If we do have a fire that means evacuations, potential for people to get trapped, things like that.” ...

News bites for June 27, 2023

EPHRATA — Nicole Shenefelt, 25, is being held at the Grant County Jail after reportedly setting a fire in Ephrata, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. OTHELLO — An investigation is underway into an officer-involved shooting near Othello Sunday.

Lower Crab Creek fire out, others still burning

BEVERLY — A wildfire that blazed up east of Beverly over the weekend is out, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kyle Foreman. The fire consumed about 65 acres, according to Neil Vargas, assistant chief for Grant County Fire District 10, which responded to the blaze. There were no injuries, Vargas added. No further information was available Monday afternoon, as Bureau of Land Management personnel were on the scene and no report had been made yet...

Judge lets weapon ban stand

OLYMPIA — Washington state’s ban on certain types of gun will stay in place, a Thurston County Superior Court ruled Friday. “It’s another setback, but we’re gonna keep pushing forward,” said Guardian Arms owner Bruce Davis. “That’s all we can do.” ...

George council OKs chickens, tables park district

GEORGE — Pavement, parks and poultry were among the topics of discussion at the George City Council meeting Tuesday. The first order of business was bids for street improvements to North Washington Way and East Montmorency Boulevard. The low bidder was Wheeler Excavation, which City Attorney Chuck Zimmerman pointed out had performed street improvements on South Washington Way. The council voted to award the contract to Wheeler for just less than $1.2 million...

Spend a day at the museum

COLUMBIA BASIN — We often think of museums as something you find in big cities, but there are lots of them just a short drive away here in the Basin. Here are some places to enjoy art or learn about the area. Note: Many museums are staffed by volunteers and funded by donations, which means that hours and days of operation can change without warning. Visitors are advised to call ahead.

Grace named George clerk-treasurer

GEORGE — There’s a new clerk-treasurer in George, and she has a new assistant. Former Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Amy Grace, who has holding down the fort since the last clerk-treasurer left in March, was officially appointed to the position at Tuesday night’s city council meeting. SA temporary worker the city contracted to help Grace, Tonya Nelson, was appointed the new deputy clerk-treasurer at the same meeting. The city will pay more than $8,000 to the agency Nelson currently works for to allow her to work for the city immediately...

Weather impacts hay quality

COLUMBIA BASIN — The first cutting is in for alfalfa hay in the Basin, and it’s not all it should be, according to Mark Anderson of Anderson Hay & Grain. “We were hoping to get a lot more high-test supreme and premium alfalfa for dairies,” Anderson said. “We struggled a little bit with weather that interrupted the perfect harvest window. So there's there's been a fair amount of inventory that's just under that supreme and premium testing.” ...

Prowler caught following assault

MOSES LAKE — A suspected vehicle prowler who allegedly punched his victim and fled was caught in Moses Lake Wednesday...

Forest Service waives fees for Juneteenth

PORTLAND, Ore. — The USDA Forest Service is waiving recreation fees for day-use sites in Washington and Oregon on Monday, June 19, in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday, according to an announcement from the Forest Service...