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Pole fires cause morning outages
EPHRATA — Pole fires are causing outages across Grant County, according to a statement from the Grant PUD. Crews are working to replace the poles and restore power, the PUD wrote. Anyone who sees damaged equipment is encouraged to report it at 800-216-5226. If you see a downed line, call 911 and stay at least 30 feet away from it. More information about outages is available at www.grantpud.org/outages.
Adams County passes accountability audit
RITZVILLE — Adams County received a clean bill of health in its latest accountability audit, with state auditors reporting no findings and concluding the county complied with laws, safeguarded public resources and maintained adequate internal controls during 2024.
3 hurt in collision south of Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — A two-vehicle collision south of Moses Lake sent three people to the hospital Tuesday morning, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol.
CWU releases winter 2026 honor roll
ELLENSBURG — One hundred eleven students from the Columbia Basin were named to Central Washington University’s Honor Roll for winter quarter 2026, according to an announcement from the university. To be eligible, a student must complete a minimum of 12 graded credits in the quarter earned with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
Authorities await identity confirmation for body found along Crab Creek
BEVERLY — Investigators made a possible match Monday evening in confirming the identity of the man who was found along Crab Creek, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. “Coroner’s investigators believe they have found the family of the man who was recovered from Crab Creek on Sunday,” Kyle Foreman wrote in the statement. The coroner’s staff has not yet released the man’s name because they are awaiting a familial DNA test to verify the identity, according to the statement. There is no current timeline for those results to return.
Candidate filing period May 4-8 for Adams County offices
RITZVILLE — One Adams County Commission position and a number of county offices, including sheriff and prosecutor, will be on the ballot in the 2026 general election. Adams County Auditor Heidi Hunt announced Tuesday that the filling period will be May 4-8. “Candidates are encouraged to file for office online,” Hunt wrote in a press release. “Candidate filings are accepted online at www.co.adams.wa.gov beginning at 8:00 a.m. on May 4 and will remain open continuously until 5:00 p.m. on May 8.” People also can file in person at the Adams County Election Office, 106 W. Main St., from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday of the filing week.
Roadwork, intersection upgrades coming in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — It being spring and all, roadwork is starting up not only on state and county highways, but also in municipalities around town. A couple of projects are scheduled for Moses Lake before the end of April.
One arrested for drive-by shooting in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — A drive-by shooting was reported to the Moses Lake Police Department Thursday morning at around 12:30 a.m. at West Gary Street and North Buell Street.
AC Sheriff Wagner to run for reelection
RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner will run for reelection this year, he announced earlier this week. “Serving as sheriff since 2015 has been the greatest honor of my life,” Wagner wrote in the announcement. “Leading the dedicated men and women of our sheriff’s office means a great deal to our community, and to me, because a strong, professional, and committed team directly impacts the safety and well-being of every citizen.” Wagner, a veteran of the ACSO with more than 28 years of experience, was elected sheriff in 2015 after working as a deputy, then as a detective, a sergeant and eventually as undersheriff, according to the announcement. He cited the ACSO’s work to upgrade the jail, update equipment and training and work with youth among his successes.
Traffic delayed on SR 283 near George
GEORGE — Drivers on State Route 283 south of Adams Road will be experiencing a delay while crews respond to an herbicide spill caused by a two-vehicle collision.