Grant PUD general manager announces resignation
EPHRATA — Grant County PUD General Manager Rich Wallen has announced his resignation, effective June 14. Wallen will become the chief operating officer of the Chelan County PUD. Wallen’s resignation was submitted May 7. It was announced in a press release, and Public Information Officer Christine Pratt said the PUD would not have any further comment. Wallen has worked for the PUD for seven years; he was appointed as general manager in February 2022. He started as managing director of power production in 2017 and was named chief operating officer in 2019.
Five local law enforcement officers honored
MOSES LAKE — Four Moses Lake Police officers received the Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Friday, according to an announcement from the MLPD. A Grant County Sheriff’s deputy was also honored, the GCSO announced.
Confluence physician wins state award
WENATCHEE — Confluence Health pediatrician Doug Eisert was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Leah Layne Memorial Health Leadership award from the Washington Rural Health Association.
WDFW extends special hunt deadline
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has extended the special hunt permit application deadline one week, until midnight May 22, according to a Monday WDFW announcement.
Weather for the week of May 6, 2024
Weather for the week of May 6, 2024
STUDIO BASIN: Sheriff Joey Kriete and Basin playoffs
MOSES LAKE – Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller sits down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete to discuss a recent fundraiser for the Columbia Basin Canines group, which works to support area K9 officers and their handlers. The pair also discusses increasing domestic violence in Grant County, the factors that can lead to domestic violence and some of the organizations in the area that work to help families struggling with the issue.
May 2024 Basin Events
COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s no excuse for being bored in the Columbia Basin this month. This listing is noncomprehensive and event details may change or events may be canceled at the organizers’ discretion. Readers are encouraged to call ahead or verify the information below online prior to the event.
WDFW seeks public comment on proposed cougar season rules
OLYMPIA — The public comment period on proposed changes to cougar hunting seasons will be open through June 21, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Washington Trust to cut ribbon on new location
EPHRATA — Washington Trust Bank will celebrate the opening of its new Ephrata location with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. May 23 at the new branch, 261 Basin St. SW.
Ephrata Chamber to host community clean-up day
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce will be conducting a community clean-up and beautification event on May 18 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
NEWS BITES: April 29, 2024
RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff’s Deputies are seeking a man who left the courtroom during his trial and did not return, according to a statement from the ACSO. MOSES LAKE — Two 15-year-old boys were arrested Thursday after one of them allegedly pistol-whipped a person in the Larson Community earlier last week, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. OTHELLO — Two male subjects were arrested Wednesday in Othello for gang-related graffiti at Kiwanis Park, according to a statement from the Othello Police Department.
Gesa Credit Union raises funds to plant trees
RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, raised more than $66,000, which will help plant more than 31,000 trees across the Pacific Northwest, according to an announcement from GESA.
STUDIO BASIN: Well 20, MLSD levy and Basin track and field
MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Staff Writer Joel Martin break down last week's headlines in the Columbia Basin Herald, Well 20 in Moses Lake, leadership in the Grant County Republican Party, the MLSD's levy being voted down and the Othello Community Pool being closed over safety concerns.
Chamber golf tourney set for May 10
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 24th Annual Golf Scramble Friday, May 10 at the Links at Moses Pointe with a shotgun start at 10:00 a.m. This year’s theme is “luau” with the hope that attendees dress Hawaiian spirit to add to the fun, said Lori Robbins, marketing director for the chamber.
News Bites for April 23, 2024
News Bites for April 23, 2024
Warden man killed on SR 170
WARDEN – A Warden man was killed and a Moses Lake man was injured in a traffic incident Sunday morning in Grant County, just west of Warden on State Route 170, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.
Greenpoint announces new jet interior completion at Moses Lake facility
MOSES LAKE – According to a Monday statement, business jet interior completion center Greenpoint Technologies has announced the induction of a Boeing Business Jet 787-9 for a full VVIP interior completion at its Moses Lake hangar facility.
STUDIO BASIN: Opioids in Grant County, teff and Basin sports action
Recap of news and sports for the week of April 15.
Applications sought for Grant Tourism Commission
EPHRATA — The Grant County Tourism Commission is looking for a volunteer to serve a three-year term representing the northern part of the county.
Gwen Jenson of Othello makes the honor roll at SFCC
SPOKANE – Gwen Jenson, of Othello, Washington, has earned a place on the Spokane Falls Community College honor roll for Winter quarter 2024, according to an announcement from SFCC. According to the statement, students must earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be on the honor roll. Community Colleges of Spokane is a 12,300-square-mile state community college district that includes Spokane Community College, Spokane Falls Community College and six rural education sites, serving residents in Pend Oreille, Stevens, Whitman, Ferry and parts of Lincoln counties, the statement said. According to the announcement, CCS offers academic transfer, career-technical and eLearning degree and certificate programs, business and community training and adult literacy programs throughout northeastern Washington, enrolling approximately 34,000 students a year.
Big Bend instructors win state awards
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College math/science division chair Tyler Wallace and Basic Education for Adults Director Jody Bortz will be recognized for their work by Washington Association of College Trustees.
WDFW releases new hunting season and regulation information
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Monday the latest big game hunting season and regulation information, 2024-2026 hunting season rule changes and the opening of special hunt applications for the 2024 seasons.
State Veterans Cemetery to hold Forgotten Heroes interment
MEDICAL LAKE – The State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake has announced that it will hold a Forgotten Heroes interment ceremony April 29 at 2 p.m. to put to rest the remains of veterans not claimed by family members.
Ephrata man arrested in apparent road rage incident
EPHRATA — A man was arrested Friday evening for pulling a gun on a motorist in Ephrata, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Weather for the week of April 15, 2024
Weather for the week of April 15, 2024
STUDIO BASIN: Grant County Jail, PUD rates and Basin soccer
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Sports Reporter Ian Bivona break down the estimated cost of the Grant County Jail, the new director of the Port of Moses Lake and upcoming public meetings regarding the rates of the Grant County PUD.
Building permits for April 12, 2024
Building permits for March and April of 2024 issued by Grant County and the city of Moses Lake. Items already reported on April 5 are not included in this listing.
Ephrata Middle School ribbon cutting set for Monday
EPHRATA – A ribbon cutting ceremony is set for this coming Monday at 6 p.m. at Ephrata Middle School to celebrate the school’s recent remodel. Changes made at the school include a new security vestibule, upgraded gym and cafeteria. Those attending the ribbon cutting will have an opportunity to hear from school leadership and tour the campus to see what changes have been made to public areas. Additional improvements include changes to the school’s HVAC system which make it easier and more affordable to maintain over time. The campus is located at 384 A Street SE in Ephrata.
Benton Sheriff asks for help identifying victims in sex assault case
KENNEWICK – In a Tuesday announcement, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying additional victims of Jose Marcelo Bustos, 37, who was arrested March 18 for second-degree rape and first-degree kidnapping with aggravating circumstance, with an allegation of sexual motivation.
BIAW sees a mixed bag of industry successes, frustrations from WA Legislative Session
TUMWATER – While Washington’s housing crisis continues to linger, the Washington Legislative Session for 2024 session brought mixed results for housing costs in Washington, according to a press release from the Building Industry Association of Washington.
Big Bend co-op's Caring Neighbors donates $10K to local organizations
RITZVILLE – According to an April 3 announcement, nonprofit organization Caring Neighbors, a five-member volunteer board established by Big Bend Electric Co-op, recently donated more than $10,000 to eight local non-profit organizations.
News Bites for April 9, 2024
EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office issued a reminder Sunday for residents not to swim or play in irrigation canals, which have begun to fill up for the year.
STUDIO BASIN: Fentanyl challenges and sports successes
MOSES LAKE – In this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans “Rob” Miller sits down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete to discuss the issues the county is facing with Fentanyl. The pair discuss what the challenges are for law enforcement as officers work to stem the tide of the dangerous drug in the county and review statistics for Washington and the county in relation to fentanyl overdoses.
Weather for the week of April 8, 2024
Weather for the week of April 8, 2024
Single-vehicle collision closes SR 262
MARDON — A fiery collision left a man in the hospital and closed state Route 262 Friday morning, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.
Basin box score roundup for April 5, 2024
MOSES LAKE – Most of the student athletes in the Basin are on Spring Break this week, but there have been a few games for Moses Lake and Othello teams, both of which performed well in their respective sports.
WSDA local food chain grant application opens
OLYMPIA – According to a recent announcement, the Washington State Department of Agriculture is offering $2 million in grants to support local food supply chains and market access for farms, ranches, food processors and food distributors.
Disclosure commission welcomes new leader
OLYMPIA — Jim Oswald was named to the Public Disclosure Commission by Gov. Jay Inslee April 1, according to an announcement from the PDC.
Ephrata Chamber events scheduled
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce has dates set for its annual events for 2024. More information regarding these events may be found at EphrataChamber.org.
Distracted driving emphasis patrols continuing through April 8
OLYMPIA — Law enforcement agencies across the state will be conducting emphasis patrols focusing on distracted driving through April 8, according to a press release from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
Commerce invests nearly $20M into affordable housing
OLYMPIA — The Department of Commerce this week announced $19.8 million in awards to 31 applicants to preserve 873 affordable housing units through the Housing Preservation Program. These projects provide critically needed housing to some of Washington’s most vulnerable populations, according to the announcement.
Wreaths Across America partners with Military Order of the World Wars
COLUMBIA FALLS, Me., and ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Wreaths Across America announced Tuesday the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Military Order of the World Wars, solidifying a partnership aimed at bolstering support for veterans and their families across the nation.
Late-inning slip forces BBCC split with CBC
MOSES LAKE — Coming off of a rough conference home opener, the Big Bend Community College Vikings traveled to Pasco Saturday to finish out the four-game set, according to an announcement from BBCC.
Applicants sought for Solid Waste Advisory Commission
EPHRATA — The Grant County Commission is looking for a volunteer to fill an open position on the county’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The position is open to applicants from southern Grant County, District 3, which includes Mattawa.
State begins annual beetle treatments
OLYMPIA – Annual treatments against invasive Japanese beetles began Monday in South Central Washington, according to an announcement from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. WSDA is conducting treatments in Grandview, Sunnyside, Mabton, Prosser, Wapato and Pasco as part of a multi-year eradication effort.
Grant PUD to start sending text alerts
EPHRATA — The Grant County PUD has started a system to alert customers to electrical or fiber outages in their areas via text message.
Roellich recognized as Banner Bank’s Best
MOSES LAKE — Kellan Roellich, a credit analyst for Banner Bank’s Moses Lake branch, has been selected for the Banner’s Best award, according to an announcement from Banner Bank.
Abell announces candidacy for Washington House
INCHELIUM — Hunter Abell, of Inchelium, has announced his candidacy for the state House of Representatives, according to an announcement from Abell Thursday.
New WA law caps cost of inhalers, EpiPens
OLYMPIA — A bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee Monday will limit the cost of some lifesaving medicines, according to an announcement from Rep. Dave Zpaul, D-Oak Harbor, the bill’s sponsor.
Two arrested, two sought in Adams County crime spree
RITZVILLE - Adams County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested two people and are searching for two more in connection with a series of crimes, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.