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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.
Greater Health Now launches new podcast: Care & Consequence
KENNEWICK– Greater Health Now, a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing population health, has officially launched its monthly podcast, “Care & Consequence: Perspectives on a Social Care Network,” aimed at dissecting the complexities surrounding health care.
Two injured Sunday in Mattawa collision
MATTAWA — A Mattawa woman was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland Sunday afternoon after the car she was driving was hit by another car about five miles south of Mattawa.
Witnesses sought in fatal Moses Lake crash
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police Department officers are looking for the occupants of a red or maroon Dodge pickup, possibly 2010-18 model years, that may have information concerning a fatal crash Oct. 20 at about 7:30 a.m. near Broadway and Division.
Health care provider's license suspended in Grant Co.
MOSES LAKE — The Washington Department of Health released information on health care providers who have revoked or suspended licenses, certificates or registrations on Thursday.
Rocket test causes boom near Moses Lake, no danger reported
MOSES LAKE — An explosion north of Moses Lake Tuesday night turned out to be harmless. “At approximately 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, Stoke Space conducted a planned structural test at our Moses Lake facility as part of our Nova rocket’s qualification program,” Stoke Space Technologies Spokesman John Taylor wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “The purpose of the test was to pressurize a propellant tank to its structural margins, eventually reaching its designed failure point – a standard engineering procedure during qualification testing.” The Moses Lake Stoke Space Technologies facility is used to test reusable second-stage rockets to deliver materials into orbit economically, according to Columbia Basin Herald archives.
Solarity celebrates grand opening of Moses Lake branch
MOSES LAKE – Solarity Credit Union announced the grand opening of its newest branch in Moses Lake at 411 East 5th Ave. Solarity said in a press release that the new branch offers digital services and a local team ready to help members achieve their financial goals.
Moses Lake Harvest Festival coming Saturday
MOSES LAKE — The Downtown Moses Lake Association will host its annual Harvest Festival Saturday, with music, games and food and craft vendors, according to the DMLA’s website.
DAR calls for stories, memories from farmers
MOSES LAKE — Local residents are invited to share their memories through a program by sponsored by the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, according to an announcement from the DAR. In preparation of the USA’s 250th anniversary celebration, the DAR Karneetsa Chapter is looking for farmers throughout Grant, Adams, and Kittitas counties to share their memories and knowledge of the years 1970-1990, particularly about the impact of the eruption of Mount St. Helens on the agricultural community, according to the announcement. The chapter will arrange interview times with individuals between now and Nov. 15 to record their stories, according to the announcement. The interview should not take more than 20 minutes; an interview prep sheet will be sent prior to the scheduled recording. Once a day and time has been scheduled, the recorded interview will take place at the Quincy Museum. In partnership with America 250, participants will be encouraged to share their story about history, hopes and dreams for the future.
Two suspected DUI drivers total cars
OTHELLO – On Friday night, Adams County Sheriff’s deputies responded to two suspected DUI crashes.
Discover hidden treasures at the Moses Lake museum event
MOSES LAKE – The City of Moses Lake Museum & Art Center has announced a special presentation by Humanities Washington speaker Harriet Baskas, scheduled for October 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Civic Center Auditorium, located at 401 S. Balsam St.
Three men arrested, drugs confiscated Wednesday
One dead in collision near George
GEORGE — A South Dakota man is dead following a collision two miles north of George Tuesday afternoon, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.
Basin students benefit from Innovia Foundation scholarships
SPOKANE — The Innovia Foundation recently awarded $436,089 in scholarships to students throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho for the 2025-2026 school year, including seven Adams County students, according to an announcement from Innovia. Innovia manages over 30 scholarship programs on behalf of donors who have established funds to help students achieve their career and post-high school education goals.
Two health care workers lose licenses
OLYMPIA – Two health care providers in Grant and Adams counties have lost licenses in the past couple of months, according to statements from the Washington Department of Health.
WDFW looking for public input on hunting season planning
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is encouraging public involvement as it embarks on a three-year planning process for hunting seasons from 2027 to 2029. The department has opened a scoping period, inviting feedback on potential changes to hunting regulations that will help inform future proposals.
Truck crash slowing traffic near Ritzville
RITZVILLE — Drivers should plan for slowdowns on Highway 395 south of Ritzville Wednesday morning while crews remove a partially blocking semi, according to information from the Washington State Patrol.
Moses Lake man arrested after Coulee City standoff
COULEE CITY — A Moses Lake man was arrested and booked in the Grant County Jail Monday on a felony warrant from Pasco. Kelly Joe Blackburn, 42, was found hiding at a house in Coulee City and refused to come out. Grant County Sheriff’s deputies found Blackburn at a residence in the 100 block of First Street in Coulee City, according to a GCSO media release. The Pasco Police Department had issued an arrest warrant on suspicion of rape. “A tip on Monday afternoon led deputies to the home,” the GCSO release said. Deputies acted on the tip at about 2 pm. Monday, but Blackburn refused to come out of the house. Deputies eventually found him at about 5 p.m., hiding in a pile of clothes in an upstairs bedroom, the release said.
Ephrata man injured in SR 17 collision
EPHRATA — The Washington State Patrol is investigating a collision at the intersection of state Route 17 and state Route 28 Monday that sent an Ephrata man to Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Danny Rhoads, 43, was driving east on SR 28 at about 4 p.m. Monday when a motorhome driven by Cody Johnson, 71, Soap Lake, failed to stop at the stop sign, according to WSP press memo. Johnson pulled in front of Rhoads’ vehicle, the memo said, and Rhoads ran into the motorhome. Johnson and a passenger in Rhoads’ vehicle, a 17-year-old boy, were not injured.
One injured in Mattawa shooting
MATTAWA – The Mattawa Police Department is asking for the public’s help in the investigation of an incident that left an unidentified victim wounded.
Museum booth at UMANI Festival part of global day of play
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center announced their participation in the Our World: Worldwide Day of Play event this Saturday as part of the activities at its booth at the UMANI Festival. The festivities are set to run from noon to 6 p.m.
Man wanted on Idaho charges arrested near Othello
OTHELLO — A man wanted on grand theft charges in Idaho was arrested Friday afternoon near Othello.
Ritzville man convicted of assault
RITZVILLE — Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 6 in the case of a Ritzville man convicted of second-degree assault Sept. 17.