Collision kills driver near Quincy
QUINCY — Adams Road near Quincy was closed for about three and a half hours Wednesday afternoon due to a collision between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle. The car’s driver was killed in the crash. The collision occurred at about 12:45 p.m., according to a release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, between Road 5 Northwest and Road 6 Northwest. The driver’s name was withheld pending notification of family members, said Kyle Foreman, GCSO public information officer. The case is still under investigation.
Othello man arrested after gunfire at local business
OTHELLO — An Othello man was placed under arrest on suspicion of attempted first-degree assault after a dispute at an Othello-area business escalated to gunfire.
Moses Lake man arrested, confesses to killing roommate
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was booked into the Grant County Jail Tuesday after he told police he had killed his roommate about a week earlier.
Precautionary transports after collision near Othello
OTHELLO — Two people were transported for examination as a precautionary measure after one driver allegedly ran a stop sign and hit the other car near Othello Sunday night.
Senior Events for March 2025
COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is getting nicer and there’s no shortage of things for seniors to do in the Basin. Here are a few ideas:
Othello resident booked after hiding in field from ACSO
OTHELLO – Monday afternoon at around 3 p.m., the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received a call saying two suspicious males were near the reporting party’s residence in the 800 block of S. Taylor Road in Othello. The deputies arrived on scene and made contact with a vehicle. While deputies were attempting contact with the two men, one of them took off running to a nearby field.
Othello PD to hold recruitment event
OTHELLO — People interested in a law enforcement career are being invited to a two-day recruitment event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Othello Police Department, 500 E. Main St. Participants will meet in the OPD conference room.
ECBID to begin irrigation season March 20
COLUMBIA BASIN – The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District announced it will begin to fill the East Low Canal for the 2025 irrigation season on March 20. The East Low Canal serves Moses Lake, Warden, Othello and Connell. Deliveries from the East Low Canal will begin to be available on March 25. However, deliveries to the East District’s Block 49 from the Potholes East Canal will begin earlier on March 17. Irrigation deliveries will be dependent on the demand for individual lateral systems. Pump plants will also be started when orders are sufficient for start-up of the plants. According to ECBID, water users should contact their respective Watermaster Headquarters in Moses Lake or Othello or contact their ditch rider to receive current information and schedules.
A princess looking for her castle
SOAP LAKE – Princess Ebby, a 2–year–old mixed breed pup, is looking for a loving and playful home. Ebby came to the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry with a shattered back left leg above the growth plate at the hip. The vet determined she was either stepped on or kicked by an adult human which caused the break. Ebby received corrective orthopedic surgery, and now one leg may be shorter than the others, but she doesn’t let that slow her down. Ebby is friendly and wins the heart of everyone she meets. She is a very smart pup who picks up new things quickly. Her favorite activity though is a good cuddle with many belly rubs. Ebby is spayed, up to date on vaccinations and microchipped. For those interested in taking home the sweet girl, visit RockBottomRocker.org to learn more. For those unable to adopt but who would like to support the shelter, consider donating by clicking the “donate” button at the top of the website.
CWU honor rolls include 101 Basin students
ELLENSBURG — More than 100 Central Washington University Wildcats from the Columbia Basin were named to the honor roll for fall quarter 2024, according to an announcement from the university. To qualify, a student must complete a minimum of 12 credits with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
STUDIO BASIN: Immigration concerns, levies and girls wrestling
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discusses local immigration concerns and the response from law enforcement and school districts from across the Basin, the upcoming levies in the Ephrata, Moses Lake and Wahluke school districts and the City of Quincy preparing to break gound on its new aquatic center.
8 Basin students honored at Gonzaga
SPOKANE — Gonzaga University has released its President’s List and Dean’s List for fall quarter 2024, including eight students from Grant and Adams counties, according to the announcement.
Basin students make WSU President's List
PULLMAN — Washington State University has released its President’s List for fall quarter 2024, which includes 117 students from the Columbia Basin, according to the announcement. A student qualifies for the President’s list if they maintain a grade point average of 3.75 or higher while enrolled in at least nine graded credits, or a GPA of 3.5 for at least 15 cumulative credits if the semester GPA is a 3.0 or better, according to the university.
Ephrata High grad honored at University of Tennessee
MARTIN, Tenn. — An Ephrata High School graduate has been honored at the University of Tennessee, Martin, according to an announcement from the university.
BBCC releases President’s List
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College has named 338 Basin students to the President’s List for fall quarter 2024, according to an announcement from the college. The designation is given to those who complete 12 or more graded credits with a GPA of 3.75 and above. Almira: Natalie Evers Beverly: Imelda Barajas, Jacob Ruiz Velasco Coulee City: Beth Okamoto Ephrata: Sienna Addink, Ashleigh Alcala, Grace Brewer, Esmeralda Fernandez, Alexa Gonzalez, Izzlee Haney, Timothy Hann, Tyler Kono, Justin Larsen, Luke Leslie, Trevor Middleton, Angelica Munguia Villanueva, Leanne Neville, Mikaela Oneel, Dallin Plaisted, Allison Razey, Allex Rogers, Wyatt Schluckebier, Fabiola Vargas-Sanchez, Leandra Wahl
More than 200 named to BBCC Vice President’s List
MOSES LAKE — Two hundred forty-four Basin students were named to the Big Bend Community College Vice-President’s List for fall quarter 2024, the college announced Tuesday. To qualify for the Vice President’s List, a student must complete 12 or more graded credits with a GPA between 3.33 and 3.74. Beverly: Juan Herrera, Amy Penaloza, Belicia Saldana-Sosa Coulee City: Dylan Jacques Electric City: David Borden
Othello man booked for drive-by shooting
OTHELLO – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a drive-by shooting at around 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the 600 block of South Kirstina Road.
Meet the new Moses Lake city manager this afternoon
MOSES LAKE – Members of the public can meet Robert Karlinsey, Moses Lake’s new city manager, tonight at the city’s civic center from 5-6:30 p.m. Karlinsey was chosen to take the reins of the city in a unanimous vote during a special meeting on Jan. 21. He is currently the city manager for Kenmore, Washington, and will be taking over in Moses Lake March 24 after settling his affairs there. City staff have said Karlinsey is excited to meet the city’s residents and is looking forward to the event.
Increase in respiratory illnesses in county, state this past week
EPHRATA – The Grant County Health District released a statement on the increase of respiratory illnesses including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 in both the county and the state for the week of Jan. 12 to Jan. 18. GCHD urges residents to take precautions to protect themselves and others, according to the statement.
STUDIO BASIN: REC Silicon closure, Moses Lake city manager and Basin basketball
MOSES LAKE – In this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss supports for workers displaced by the REC Silicon closure, and Moses Lake's incoming city manager. Miller talks a bit about multiple 2024 year in review pieces for Ephrata.
Basin Events for the week of Jan. 24-Feb. 1
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s cold outside, but fortunately most of what’s happening this week takes place indoors. Here are a few possibilities:
Grant County nurse charged with unprofessional conduct
WENATCHEE — Candace Anne Stephens, a nurse living in Grant County has been charged with unprofessional conduct after she allegedly removed drugs from her workplace but did not document what she did with them.
Nominations open for American Legion first responder awards
EPHRATA — The American Legion is looking for a few good heroes. Art Semro Post 28 in Ephrata is accepting nominations for its First Responder Recognition Award, according to an announcement from the post.
K-9 security team joins staff at Confluence
WENATCHEE — A security dog will be patrolling the halls of Central Washington Hospital, part of an expansion of the security team for Confluence Health. Atlas, a three-year-old German Shepherd, and his handler Justin Bennett will be on the hospital campus and at Confluence Health’s Mares building on Chelan Avenue in Wenatchee.
Ephrata PD releases statement on jail death investigation
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Police Department released a statement Tuesday indicating that the Central Basin Investigative Team, a joint task force made up of law enforcement agencies from around the region, is investigating the death of Richard Lambert, an inmate at the Grant County Jail.
Three booked after threatening victim, stealing his car
MOSES LAKE – Three Moses Lake men were booked into the Grant County Jail Tuesday morning for assaulting a man, threatening to kill him and stealing his car on Monday, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
REACH Museum highlights Latino migration stories
RICHLAND — The National Park Service and REACH Museum have collaborated on a new exhibit, “Migration to Community: Latinos/as at Hanford and the Tri-Cities,” according to an announcement from the museum. It will be open for viewing Feb. 4-March 22.
Music students perform at animal-themed recital
MOSES LAKE — Seventy-seven local music students from 5 to 17 years old performed at the ninth annual Celebrate Music Festival Saturday, according to an announcement from music teacher Marina Munter.
Woman threatens parents, drives away with infant
MOSES LAKE — Kelsey Galvan, 20, of Moses Lake was arrested Sunday after reportedly threatening her parents with a knife and driving away intoxicated with her child unsecured in the vehicle.
Marysville man dies in accident near George
GEORGE — An unidentified Marysville man was killed when the car he was driving ran off the road and rolled about two miles east of George Sunday evening.
Two hospitalized after collision near East Wenatchee
MOSES LAKE — An investigation is pending in the case of a Moses Lake man who allegedly crossed the center line, hit another car and triggered a four-car collision about six miles southwest of East Wenatchee Saturday afternoon.
Evergreen State residents spending more green on gas
MOSES LAKE — Prices for gasoline, both in Washington and nationwide, crept up over the last week, according to the latest survey from GasBuddy, released Monday. The average price for a gallon of gas in Washington was $3.84, compared to a national average price of $3.09. That was an increase of 3.4 cents per gallon in Washington, the survey said.
STUDIO BASIN: Halfway point of Kriete's term and Maverick wrestling
MOSES LAKE - In this - slightly delayed - episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Sports Editor Ian Bivona visit about recent news and sports action. Miller was able to sit down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete last week as Kriete reached the halfway point in his first term heading up the Grant County Sheriff's Office. Miller reviewed what the sheriff said were the accomplishments of his first term and what he sees on the horizon for GCSO. Miller and Bivona also talked about happenings in Soap Lake like the city considering how water in the lake may be used and why the Soap Lake Police Chief is on administrative leave.
Basin officers participate in immobilization safety training
RITZVILLE — Law enforcement officers in Adams County got some training in restraining Thursday, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
NEWS BITES: Jan. 20, 2025
EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District released a statement indicating how much the district would receive in funds if the Feb. 11 levy passes. According to the district, the state will match $1.14 for every $1 the school district raises locally. This adds up to around $13 million in state funds in the life of the levy. For more information on the Ephrata School District Levy visit TigersVote.org.
Fire destroys motorhome in Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — A fire started in Soap Lake Wednesday night involving a motor home in the 100 block of Fern Street North, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 7. Explosions were reported at the scene, prompting a quick response from GCFD 7 at 10:35 p.m.
USPS unveils stamp for the Year of the Snake
BOSTON —The U.S. Postal Service unveiled its Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake stamp Tuesday, according to an announcement from the USPS. The Postal Service printed 21 million stamps that are now on sale at post offices and usps.com.
CTUIR, Corps of Engineers sign pact to improve Mill Creek fish passage
WALLA WALLA — Officials from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a signing Jan. 10 at the Corps’ Walla Walla District headquarters to honor a joint project to improve fish passage on Mill Creek, according to an announcement from the CTUIR.
MLSD Community Engagement Board seeking applicants
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District is looking for community members to join the Community Engagement Board – a volunteer group created to allow community collaboration on district issues such as school attendance and engagement.
Two men die at Sprague Lake
RITZVILLE — Two men who had gone duck hunting on Sprague Lake were found dead late Saturday night, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
Adams County EMT’s license suspended
OLYMPIA — An Adams County emergency medical technician has had her license suspended for unprofessional conduct following her failure to enroll in a monitoring program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
WIC mobile app now available in 22 languages
OLYMPIA – WICShopper, the free smartphone application for families in the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program, is now available in 22 languages for Washington state participants, according to an announcement from the Washington State Department of Health.
Some papers delayed by National Day of Mourning
Because the post office is closed Thursday, Jan. 9, to observe a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, all Columbia Basin Herald subscribers who receive their paper through the mail will have their Thursday paper delivered along with the Friday, Jan. 10 paper. Subscribers who receive their papers through home delivery will still receive a paper on schedule.
Charlie Clark re-tapped to head DFI
OLYMPIA – Charlie Clark has been reappointed director of the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, according to a Monday announcement from Governor-elect Bob Ferguson. Clark’s reappointment was announced with that of another agency head.