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Two injured in crash near Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — A two-vehicle collision sent both drivers to the hospital Wednesday near Soap Lake, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. A little before 4 p.m., Jose F. Machado Ayala, 42, of Soap Lake, was driving a 2008 Nissan Versa westbound on state Route 28 near the intersection with Road A Northwest when he left the roadway to the right, according to the statement. Machado Ayala overcorrected and entered the eastbound lane, where he collided with a 2016 Dodge Dart driven by Ginger L. Calderon-Goodman, 18, also of Soap Lake.
135 Basin students make EWU Dean’s List
CHENEY — Eastern Washington University has released its Dean’s List for fall quarter 2025, with 135 Columbia Basin students receiving honors. To qualify for the Dean’s List, an undergraduate student must earn 12 quality hours and receive a grade point average of 3.5.
Collision closes SR28/Road A NW
EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office released a statement announcing that SR28 and Road A NW between Soap Lake and Ephrata has been closed temporarily due to an injury collision.
MLFD tackles structure fire on Rose Ave.
MOSES LAKE — At approximately 2 p.m. Thursday, the Moses Lake Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in the 1000 block of Rose Avenue. Upon arrival, crews observed light smoke coming from a detached garage on the property.
Dent adjusts legislative schedule after family emergency
MOSES LAKE — State Rep. Tom Dent, R‑Moses Lake, is cutting back his in‑person participation in the 2026 legislative session after his wife, Dayna, had a medical emergency.
Othello man sentenced for sexual contact with a minor
OTHELLO — An Othello man was sentenced to about five years in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to having sexual contact with a minor.
Moses Lake sisters spend week as legislative pages
OLYMPIA — Twin sisters from Moses Lake served as Washington legislative pages, one in the state Senate and one in the state House of Representatives, for a week in January. Abigail Shearer worked as a page for 13th District Representative Tom Dent, while her sister Elisabeth was a page for 13th District Senator Judy Warnick.
Mattawa man arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault
DESERT AIRE — A Mattawa man was arrested and booked on suspicion of vehicular assault after he allegedly drove his car into a crowd of people outside a house in Desert Aire late Saturday night.
Othello PD arrests DOSA fugitive
OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department announced the arrest of Gregorio Orozco Jr. for an outstanding warrant out of Benton County for violating the conditions of his alternative drug offender sentencing, under the Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative program.
Othello man sentenced in child porn case
OTHELLO — An Othello man was sentenced to more than three years in prison Monday after pleading guilty to two counts of dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexual conduct.
Woman suffers burns after collision, vehicle fire
SOAP LAKE — On Sunday evening, a vehicle collision and fire near Soap Lake injured an unidentified woman. First responders answered a call reporting a car fire and person trapped at around 7 p.m. near the 1000 block of Thomas Drive Northeast, in unincorporated Soap Lake, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office statement. The vehicle had collided with a utility pole and then caught fire. The victim suffered burn injuries and was transported by air ambulance to a regional hospital. Additional information may be added as it becomes available. The cooperating agencies included the Multi-Agency Communications Center – 911, Grant County Fire District 7, Lifeline Ambulance, Soap Lake Police Department, Grant County Public Utility District and GCSO.
Ephrata man killed in SR 283 collision
GEORGE — An Ephrata man was killed, and a Quincy man was charged with vehicular homicide following a two-car collision about seven miles northeast of George Sunday afternoon.
Governor appoints McDonnell to BBCC board
MOSES LAKE — Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has confirmed that Sarah McDonnell has been appointed to the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees. She replaces former Trustee Anna Franz who served on the board since 2012.
Suspect sought in Ephrata-area shooting
EPHRATA — No suspect was located after law enforcement officers searched a residence and outbuildings near Ephrata following a shooting.
Othello man killed in Frenchman Hills crash
GEORGE — An Othello man was killed Monday when the car he was driving ran off the road about 11 miles south of George. A passenger in the car was injured.
Kennewick boy injured in Othello area crash
OTHELLO — A 17-year-old Kennewick boy was airlifted to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland early Saturday morning after he was injured in a rollover crash about seven miles southeast of Othello.
Two dead in early morning Moses Lake house fire
MOSES LAKE — Identification is pending for two people killed in an early-morning fire Wednesday in Moses Lake.
ACSO seeking controlled substance homicide suspect
RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance locating subject Brittney Marie Jones, 35.
ACSO seeking assistance for wanted subject out of Othello
OTHELLO — On Sunday, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a sex offense in the 800 block of South Steele Road in Othello, according to a statement from ACSO. Through investigation, deputies established probable cause to arrest Ismael Milan-Basurto, 20, on suspicion of second-degree rape, first-degree incest, second-degree rape of a child and second-degree child molestation. Milan-Basurto fled the area before deputies could make contact with him, according to the statement. ACSO is asking the public for assistance in finding the subject. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Milan-Basurto is asked to contact ACSO at 509-659-1122. ACSO said callers may remain anonymous.
Adams Co. nursing assistant loses credentials
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Health announced that it has indefinitely suspended Lisa Ann Adams’ certified nursing assistant credential. Her license was suspended in November, but it was announced in mid-December.
Three Moses Lake residents killed in SR 12 crash
WALLA WALLA — Three Moses Lake residents were killed when the car they were in was hit by an oncoming car about 22 miles west of Walla Walla on Christmas Day.
Boys and Girls Club logo allegedly used in Moses Lake scam
MOSES LAKE — Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin officials are warning people that scammers apparently are using the club’s logo and claiming to be affiliated with the organization. The scammers allegedly were soliciting money door to door along Third Avenue early Tuesday afternoon.
Man arrested in Cascade Valley shooting
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested Tuesday in connection with a Nov. 16 shooting in Cascade Valley that left a man with non-life-threatening injuries.
Grant County announces snow removal and sanding guidelines
MOSES LAKE – Grant County Public Works has announced its snow plowing and sanding protocols in preparation for the winter season through a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Operation Human Freight leads to multiple arrests in Fife
FIFE — In an action aimed at combating human trafficking and prostitution, the Washington State Patrol has arrested nearly a dozen individuals in an overnight operation dubbed “Operation Human Freight.” The operation, which took place on November 25, 2025, was orchestrated by the WSP’s Commercial Vehicle Division in response to reported suspicious activities near truck stops in Pierce, King and Snohomish Counties.
Section of Blewett Pass closed Thursday
LEAVENWORTH — Travelers between Ellensburg and Wenatchee are advised to look for a different route Thursday due to the daylong closure of U.S. Highway 97 over Blewett Pass. Crews will be cleaning up debris from September’s Labor Mountain Fire from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to a press release from the Washington Department of Transportation. “Crews with the U.S. Forest Service and WSDOT have identified multiple sites to remove trees that could be a hazard and debris north of the summit,” the WSDOT release said. “The full closure of the road allows crews to work at several locations on the pass at once and expedite the work without pausing to allow traffic through the work zone.”
We are Ephrata Town Hall set for Dec. 10
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Herald and the Ephrata School District will once again host the “We are Ephrata” Town Hall on Dec. 10 at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center.
Commerce Department names Economic Development and Competitiveness czar
OLYMPIA — Andrea Chartock has been tapped to lead the state’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness, according to an announcement from the Washington State Deparetment of Commerce, which administers that office. Chartock was previously with the international development company DAI and has more than 25 years of experience in global economic development, spanning more than 30 countries.
One arrested for domestic assault near Ritzville
RITZVILLE — On Tuesday, Adams County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the westbound Schrag rest area for a reported domestic assault.
Scam resurfaces in Grant County
EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced that a scam has resurfaced with callers pretending to represent local law enforcement agencies or court personnel and asking for money.
3 area teachers honored by Granco FCU
MOSES LAKE – Granco Federal Credit Union announced its 2025 Teacher of the Year winners.
Ephrata School Board meeting changed to 5:30 p.m. Monday
EPHRATA — The Ephrata regular school board meeting Monday will begin at 5:30 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. with a presentation with Ephrata School District’s Lego robotics teams.
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.
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.
Three injured in Interstate 90 hit and run
RITZVILLE — Three people were injured when an unidentified driver hit the back of their car and sent it rolling multiple times on Interstate 90 about 12 miles northeast of Ritzville Nov. 13. The driver of the second car fled on foot.
Search expands for missing Umatilla tribal member
PENDLETON — Officers with the Umatilla Tribal Police Department are asking for the public’s help in finding a 71-year-old man who disappeared on the Umatilla Indian Reservation Oct. 5.
Winchester collision results in Ephrata man's death
WINCHESTER — At around 2 p.m. Thursday, there was a two-car fatality collision on State Route 28, around seven miles east of Quincy. The road was closed for several hours while the Washington State Patrol conducted an investigation.
Moses Lake teachers vote to strike if contract not ratified
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Education Association, the teachers' union for educators in the Moses Lake School District, has voted to strike if they do not have a ratified contract by Nov. 28.
State patrol emphasis in Adams, Grant counties over Thanksgiving holiday
OTHELLO — Traffic emphasis patrols will begin Nov. 20 in Adams, Grant and Kittitas counties as Washington State University students and other drivers travel to Western Washington for the Thanksgiving holidays. The emphasis patrols will be in effect through Nov. 30. “District 6 troopers in Moses Lake and Ellensburg will be patrolling (in those counties) focusing on speeding and driving too fast for conditions, distracted (or) impaired driving and other collision-causing violations,” the Washington State Patrol wrote in a memo. Drivers will see increased WSP patrols on state routes 26 and 17 as well as Interstate 90 from the Vantage Bridge over Snoqualmie Pass, the memo said. “We encourage travelers to pay close atte
Applicants sought for Othello City Council position
OTHELLO — Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Dec. 5 for an open position on the Othello City Council. The new council member will replace Danae Valdez, who announced her resignation Oct. 27.
Multiple injury collision on I-90 Tuesday morning
RITZVILLE – On Tuesday morning before 10 a.m., one mile outside of Ritzville, there was a multiple vehicle collision on both sides of Interstate 90, according to a press release from Washington State Patrol. Both sides of East and West I-90 were blocked. Washington Department of Transportation, Washington State Patrol and fire assistance were on scene. The scene was cleared shortly after 3 p.m.
Moses Lake boy’s food drive takes off for second year
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake boy is holding his own holiday food drive in conjunction with Care Moses Lake, according to an announcement from Care Moses Lake founder Michaelle Boetger.
Potato Expo 2026 to be held in Dallas
DALLAS – Potato Expo 2026, North America's largest annual potato industry conference and trade show, is heading to Dallas Jan. 6-8 at the Gaylord Texan, according to an announcement from the National Potato Council. The event, hosted by the National Potato Council, invites U.S. and international potato supply chain partners to connect, share insights, and collaborate to kick off the new year.
Authorities identify Grant Co. Jail inmate who died
EPHRATA — A man who died while in custody at the Grant County Jail Tuesday has been identified as Ruben Trevino, 54.
Tractor-pickup collision injures Royal City man
ROYAL CITY — A Royal City man was airlifted to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland after the tractor he was driving was rear-ended about seven miles east of Royal City.
Community's help sought in finding at-risk Quincy man
QUINCY — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and Quincy Police Department are seeking the public’s help in locating a man who left the Quincy Valley Medical Center at around 5:40 p.m. Wednesday evening. The man is not wanted for any crimes, but officers are concerned he may harm himself.
Bus hit after driver fails to yield near Warden
MOSES LAKE — No one was injured when a school bus failed to yield to an oncoming vehicle about five miles south of Moses Lake Tuesday evening.
Narcotics seized, two arrested in Moses Lake traffic stop
MOSES LAKE — Two unidentified suspects were arrested and drugs and cash were seized as a result of a traffic stop and multiple search warrants served in Moses Lake Tuesday night.
School bus hits pickup truck, no one injured
MOSES LAKE — No one was injured when a school bus failed to yield to an oncoming vehicle about five miles south of Moses Lake Tuesday evening.
Arizona woman injured in Adams County collision
CONNELL — A Golden Valley, Arizona, woman was airlifted to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland after her car was hit about a mile north of Connell Monday morning.