Wednesday, November 11, 2026
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STAFF REPORT

Staff Report

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Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
November 11, 2026 11:04 a.m.

Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash

CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.

Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
November 11, 2026 9:36 a.m.

Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision

UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Minor injuries, mobile home destroyed in Moses Lake fire Sunday
November 8, 2026 11:21 a.m.

Minor injuries, mobile home destroyed in Moses Lake fire Sunday

MOSES LAKE — One person sustained minor injuries when a mobile home was destroyed by fire in Cascade Valley early Sunday morning.

November 3, 2026 2 a.m.

Othello man taken into custody in connection with Connell assault

OTHELLO — An Othello man was taken into custody Sunday morning following an alleged assault in Connell.

November 3, 2026 12:15 a.m.

Othello man injured in crash that kills one, possible charges pending

WALLA WALLA — Possible charges are pending against an Othello man in connection with a crash early Sunday morning that killed a Umatilla, Oregon woman.

Westbound Winchester rest area closed until further notice
October 23, 2026 3:02 p.m.

Westbound Winchester rest area closed until further notice

MOSES LAKE — The Winchester rest area west of Moses Lake will be closed for an undetermined length of time as Washington Department of Transportation crews drill a new well. The westbound rest stop was closed in mid-September, according to a WSDOT press release. "Crews identified significant issues with the facility's well system," the press release said. "Further evaluation determined that a full well replacement would be needed to restore reliable water service to the rest area." The replacement is expected to take at least until mid-December, the WSDOT release said. "The process requires funding, permitting and hiring a contractor," it said. The eastbound rest area will still be open, and has the nearest RV dump, the release said. The nearest westbound rest areas are at Schrag, 22 miles west of Ritzville, and Ryegrass, 25 miles west of George.

Soap Lake to hold cleanup day
October 21, 2026 6:02 p.m.

Soap Lake to hold cleanup day

SOAP LAKE — Residents of Soap Lake can dispose of household refuse at the city’s Free Fall Cleanup Friday through Sunday, according to a statement from the city. The cleanup is for Soap Lake residents only, the city wrote, and either a photo ID or a current utility bill will be required as proof of residency. Certain items may not be dropped off, including liquids, animal carcasses, car parts, appliances, oil and hazardous materials, according to the statement. The city may limit the number of loads per household if it becomes excessive. Materials may be brought to the Cardboard Recycling Center on Second Avenue Southwest, according to the statement.

Household hazardous materials disposal Friday in Mattawa
October 21, 2026 1:25 a.m.

Household hazardous materials disposal Friday in Mattawa

MATTAWA — People who want to dispose of those mostly empty paint cans and bottles of weed spray, or those burned-out fluorescent tubes, among many other things, will have the opportunity at a household hazardous waste event from noon to 3 p.m. Friday.

Collision reported between truck and train in Bruce
October 20, 2026 12:12 p.m.

Collision reported between truck and train in Bruce

BRUCE — Emergency crews are on the scene of an injury collision between a truck and a train near the intersection of West Lee Road and South Booker Road.

Masquers production postponed
October 15, 2026 5:42 p.m.

Masquers production postponed

SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater performances of “Anastasia: The Musical” that were scheduled for this weekend have been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, according to an announcement from the Masquers.

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