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.
South Grant County Chamber sponsors law enforcement forum Thursday
MATTAWA — South Grant County residents are invited to ask questions and talk to law enforcement Thursday, beginning at 11 a.m. the Wanapum Heritage Center, 29086 SR 243, Mattawa. The forum is sponsored by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce.
New Umatilla youth leadership council takes oath of office
MISSION – The newest members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Senior and Junior Youth Leadership Councils took their oaths of office on Jan. 3 at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino Rivers Event Center. The swearing-in ceremony, postponed twice out of respect for community losses, coincided with the Elders Christmas Luncheon. Although some councilors were absent due to school functions, CTUIR Chief Judge William Johnson administered the oaths to those present.
Medicare out-of-pocket cap on prescriptions takes effect
WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 70,000 seniors in Washington state will save hundreds or thousands of dollars each year thanks to the new annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for folks on Medicare Part D, according to an announcement from the office of Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. The new cap is part of the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress in 2022, and it means seniors will pay significantly less for their prescription drugs this year, lowering costs for families and giving them more breathing room, according to the announcement. “Starting Jan. 1, anyone with a Medicare prescription drug plan – also known as Medicare Part D – now has their out-of-pocket drug costs capped at two thousand dollars each year,” Murray wrote in the announcement. “ … As everyone knows, high drug prices come with other painful costs – like stress over how to make ends meet, or what bills to skip in order to fill a prescription, or whether to take the risk of rationing medication. These are impossible choices that no one should ever have to make. But they’re the reality for so many people, and so many seniors especially.”
WA health officials urge caution amid avian influenza outbreaks
OLYMPIA — As the hunting season continues, health officials in Washington state are issuing a reminder regarding the ongoing threat posed by avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, according to a statement from the Washington Department of Health. This highly-contagious virus has been linked to significant illness and mortality in wild bird populations across the globe, with notable impacts in Washington.
Mammoth dig site tours open
KENNEWICK — Reservations are being accepted for tours of the Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site offered by Mid-Columbia Basin Old Natural Education Sciences, or MCBONES, according to an announcement from the organization.
Boeing International updates safety and quality plan
SEATTLE — Boeing has unveiled enhancements to its Safety & Quality Plan, which focuses on four key areas: cultivating a superior safety and quality culture, investing in workforce training, simplifying production processes and eliminating manufacturing defects, according to a statement from Boeing.
Ag parade awards announced
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Downtown Association awarded prizes Dec. 31 for the best displays in the Ag Appreciation Parade held Dec. 6, according to an announcement from DMLA.
NEWS BITES: Jan. 6, 2025
OTHELLO – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office will be available to take applications for new concealed pistol carry licenses and renewals from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the ACSO Ritzville office and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Othello office. Applicants are asked to call ahead and set up an appointment. Applicants can only make appointments through the Ritzville office, 509-659-1122; a direct call to the Othello office is temporarily unavailable.
Industrial Alliance, Grant PUD donate to Royal PDK-9 program
ROYAL CITY — The Royal City Police Department K-9 Ollie has a brand-new ballistic vest with the help of a donation from the Grant County Industrial Alliance and the Grant County Public Utility District.
STUDIO BASIN: Holiday recaps, ACPR and Basin wrestling
MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and staff discuss the new year and how their holidays went. The conversation then flows into how Adams County Pet Rescue had a successful year with more than 700 pet adoptions and how local cities have finalized their budgets.
WA DOH launches winter seasonal hazards dashboard
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health has launched a new winter seasonal hazards dashboard to help residents stay informed about public health and safety trends and better prepare for seasonal hazards, according to an announcement from the DOH.
Man arrested following altercation at Ritzville business
RITZVILLE — An Ocean Shores man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a law enforcement officer after an altercation at a Ritzville service station Monday. Kenneth Curtiss, 42, allegedly got into an altercation with Adams County Sheriff’s deputies and Washington State Patrol troopers after two reports of an unidentified man causing a disturbance, according to an ACSO statement.
Ephrata Forward releases survey to community
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Forward - Council of Governments has put out a survey to community members to provide a venue to discuss strengths, thoughts and ideas for improvement. The summarized answers from the survey will be made available to the public and all responses are anonymous.
Moses Lake man arrested for DUI after being tased
MOSES LAKE – Abel Valdez, 32, of Moses Lake was arrested Friday evening after he reportedly caused damage to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle, according to a GCSO statement.
Shooting causes shelter in place for Moses Lake neighborhood
MOSES LAKE – Residents of the Harvest Manor Estates mobile home park in Moses Lake were asked to shelter in place Friday evening at about 9:45 p.m. after a shooting was reported. Nobody was hurt in the incident, though one mobile home was struck, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office statement.
Adams County Fire District 5 receives clean audit
OLYMPIA — The Office of the Washington State Auditor has released its audit findings for the Adams County Fire Protection District No. 5, covering the period from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2023. The audit concluded that the district operated in compliance with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies, effectively safeguarding public resources from fraud, loss, and abuse. Key areas examined included the accuracy of annual report filings, general disbursements, payroll processes, compliance with open public meeting laws, and the overall financial condition of the district.
Audit finds MLIRD in compliance
MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Auditor's recent independent accountability audit of the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District revealed that the district's operations substantially complied with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2023. The audit concluded that the district maintained adequate controls for safeguarding public resources against fraud, loss or abuse. The examination focused on high-risk areas, including accounts payable, financial condition, and compliance with open public meeting requirements. The audit did not cover every aspect of district operations but provided an overview of the areas deemed most vulnerable to potential discrepancies.
Alleged drug dealer arrested in Civic Park
MOSES LAKE — An alleged drug dealer was arrested Saturday in Civic Park, according to a Monday statement from the Moses Lake Police Department.
Moses Lake man booked after child abuse investigation
MOSES LAKE – Maxwell S. Homer was arrested by Grant County Sheriff’s Office Motor Crimes Detectives Dec. 19 after a 10-month-long Internet Crimes Against Children investigation. A search warrant was then served at his home in the 3000 block of Road F-Northeast.
Drive safely over the holidays, WSP urges
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Patrol and Washington Traffic Safety Commission want to remind everyone using the roadways this holiday season that safe roads come down to good decisions, the WSP wrote in an advisory Tuesday. Impaired driving, driving too fast, driving distracted, and not wearing your seatbelts are bad decisions that cost lives every year.
Ag announces loan assistance program to help farmers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The US Department of Agriculture has announced a final phase of loan assistance for distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers through the Inflation Reduction Act. About $300 million is available nationwide.
Sculptures to get a bit of TLC
MOSES LAKE — So – where did everybody go? The surfer, the softball and soccer players that have been in place for years along West Third Avenue in Moses Lake – where did they go? Did they have a game? Go for a run? Where are they?
Soap Lake resident booked for alleged theft of Public Works tractor
QUINCY – On Thursday morning, a 47-year-old Soap Lake resident, was booked into Grant County Jail for investigation of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of motor vehicle theft tools and second-degree attempted vehicle prowl.
Holiday school closures start Monday in most local districts
COLUMBIA BASIN — The holiday season is upon us, and that means – among many other things – winter vacation at local schools. With Christmas 2024 next Wednesday, local school districts have gone the easy route with one exception.
WDFW police seek assistance in Columbia River shooting incident
GEORGE – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police are requesting the public's assistance in identifying individuals involved in the shooting of a common loon and over 20 coots on the Columbia River near Sunland Estates.
Mattawa PD searching for shooting suspect
MATTAWA — The Mattawa Police Department released a statement regarding a weapons call Saturday afternoon in the 100 block of Columbia Avenue.
GCSO joins BlueBridge Alliance to help those in need
EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff's Office has joined the BlueBridge Alliance, a nonprofit with the goal of allowing law enforcement officers more options for helping those in a tight spot, according to a GCSO statement.
Moses Lake fire victim identified
MOSES LAKE — A 43-year-old Moses Lake man has been identified as the victim found dead in a house damaged by fire Dec. 13.
2 booked on child endangerment charges
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department released a statement regarding the arrest of two for child endangerment after a search warrant was executed.
Steelhead released in Banks Lake
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has released almost 100,000 steelhead in Banks Lake, according to an announcement Thursday from WDFW. As part of modifications to Mitchell Act and SAFE hatchery programs, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is discontinuing the Skamania Hatchery winter steelhead program on the Washougal River, according to the announcement.
Port of Moses Lake honored
MOSES LAKE – The Washington Public Ports Association recognized the Port of Moses Lake as the 2024 Port of the Year during the WPPA’s annual meeting in Bellevue, Washington Thursday, according to a release from the port.
STUDIO BASIN: Ephrata Superintendent Ken Murray and Royal's championship
On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray stops by to talk about his first semester in the superintendent's seat and the upcoming Ephrata School District operations levy replacement.
Data breaches in WA at all-time high
OLYMPIA – Attorney General Bob Ferguson released his annual data breach report Nov. 26 which was at an all-time high at 11.6 million data breach notices being to Washingtonians this year compared to 4.8 million last year. This year is the first time that individual notices sent exceeded the state’s population.
Scam alert: GCHD impersonators
EPHRATA – The Grant County Health District released a statement about an unknown suspect impersonating the health district. The release says this person is contacting local businesses and is trying to investigate complaints.
Letters headed to some WA homeowners following $2M settlement
OLYMPIA — More than 1,500 Washingtonians will receive letters in the mail to claim their share of more than $2 million, according to a statement issued Wednesday by the office of Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the Washington State Department of Financial Institution.
Opera star to perform with Moses Lake students
MOSES LAKE — An acclaimed opera singer will perform with Moses Lake music teacher Marina Munter’s students Saturday in Moses Lake, according to an announcement from Munter.
GALLERY: A look at Christmases past
COLUMBIA BASIN – Grant and Adams counties often show their best off when the holidays roll around each year. Local law enforcement agencies collect money for children to go shopping with officers. Churches hold large gatherings and offer a variety of small and large celebrations and city streets are lit up with twinkling lights and smiling locals out shopping for loved ones.
One dead, one injured after three-vehicle collision
QUINCY – A 58-year-old Quincy man died, and one other person was injured during a three-vehicle collision that occurred at about 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Ephrata School Board looking for applicants
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District is still looking for applicants for the open school board position. Director Anita Waller stepped down from her position Nov. 25.
Celtic Extravaganza to fill Wallenstien Theater with holiday music
MOSES LAKE – Christmas in Washington will hold a Celtic Extravaganza at the Wallenstien Theater this Friday with traditional Celtic music from violinist Geoffrey Castle and the Seattle Irish Dance Company’s Celtic Dancers.
ACSO announces award winners for 2024
RITZVILLE – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office released a statement about the annual staff award winners. The 2024 honorees were Magaret Kuen for dispatcher of the year, Commander Kelly Watkins for corrections officer of the year, Sergeant Darryl Barnes for supervisor of the year, Deputy Jesus Montes for deputy of the year and Corporal Cale Yount for an honorable mention.
Mattawa PD reports gang-related shooting
MATTAWA – The Mattawa Police Department released a report regarding a shooting that occurred Saturday night in the 100 block of second street. Officers from MPD and Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the scene and recovered evidence.
AFA offers scholarships for those affected by Alzheimer’s
NEW YORK – The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is offering scholarships of up to $5,000 for college-bound high school seniors who are affected by Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related illnesses.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin celebrate rewarding year
MOSES LAKE – The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin has received several awards this year, recognizing exceptional leadership, advocacy and service to youth across the region. These accolades reflect the organization's commitment to transforming the lives of young people and building a stronger community through partnerships, advocacy and high-impact programs.
MLPD Cops for Tots event deemed a success
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department expressed appreciation for the Moses Lake Walmart and community members for a successful Cops for Tots event Sunday afternoon.