STAFF REPORT

Grant County communities plan 9/11 remembrance events for 25th anniversary

GRANT COUNTY — Communities across Grant County will pause Friday to remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honor the first responders who risked and gave their lives in the aftermath as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

Seattle man booked on vehicular homicide charges

EPHRATA — A Seattle man was booked into the Grant County Jail Thursday on two counts of vehicular homicide in connection with a head-on collision Aug. 8 near George, where he was allegedly driving the wrong way on Interstate 90.

Body found, believed to be missing Moses Lake man

STRATFORD — A body believed to be that of a Moses Lake man missing since Sept. 5 was found in an irrigation canal near Stratford Thursday.

Othello man killed in crash near George

GEORGE — An Othello man died when he ran a stop sign and hit an embankment at the intersection of Beverly Burke Road and Road 5 Southwest Tuesday evening.

Public's help sought in finding missing Moses Lake man

SOAP LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in finding a missing Moses Lake man who may have drowned Saturday in an irrigation canal on Pinto Ridge Road Northeast.

Two men arrested after Adams County chase

OTHELLO — Two Florida men were booked on charges relating to an alleged attempt to run from Adams County Sheriff’s deputies after a pursuit Thursday afternoon.

Stampa-Palooza at ML Museum Saturday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will host Stampa-Palooza this weekend as the September Free Family Saturday. “We will have a variety of stamps, ink pads, and cardstock available to create custom projects,” Museum Communications Coordinator Natalya Zuyeva wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “Pick out your favorite designs and stamp away.” The museum hosts the craft event on the first Saturday of the month, with all the supplies paid for through memberships and donations. Although there’s no charge, families are asked to register at the museum’s website.

Moses Lake man dies in Royal City collision

ROYAL CITY — A Moses Lake man was killed when a car crossed the centerline and hit his car near Royal City Tuesday afternoon.

Dodson Road closed due to fatal traffic collision

ROYAL CITY — A section of Dodson Road South has been closed while Grant County Sheriff’s deputies investigate a fatality traffic collision.

Woman killed in collision near Warden

WARDEN — A woman was killed when she crossed into the opposite lane and hit an oncoming car head-on about two miles south of Warden Monday evening.

Construction of Hansen Road overpass underway; expect slow traffic on I-90

MOSES LAKE — Construction on the Hansen Road overpass will cause traffic slowdowns on Interstate 90 in Moses Lake, according to an announcement from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Wenatchee man injured in collision near Warden

WARDEN — A Wenatchee man was airlifted to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland after his car crossed the centerline and hit a truck about four miles south of Warden early Sunday morning.

Roadwork throughout region will cause traffic delays

GRAND COULEE — Travelers along SR 155 in the Grand Coulee area should be prepared for nighttime road closures this week.

WSP increases enforcement as Washington State University students return for fall semester

ROYAL CITY — The Washington State Patrol will be enforcing speed limits and looking for distracted drivers along Interstate 90 and SR 26 this weekend as students return to Washington State University for the fall semester. Troopers will be conducting an emphasis patrol in that area from Friday through Sunday

Construction to slow Pioneer Way traffic

MOSES LAKE — Traffic on Pioneer Way will be slowed down for a couple of days next week, according to an announcement from the city of Moses Lake.

Mattawa man drowns in irrigation canal

MATTAWA — A Mattawa man drowned in an irrigation canal northeast of Mattawa early Sunday morning, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Johnny Sanchez Mendoza, 18, was driving a vehicle near the 7900 block of Wahluke Slope Road Southwest when the vehicle became stuck in a concrete canal chute, according to the statement. As Sanchez Mendoza and his passenger tried to push the vehicle free, Sanchez fell into the water and was swept away. His body was recovered about a half mile away. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Sanchez Mendoza’s body is in the care of Coroner Craig Morrison, whose staff will conduct an autopsy, according to the GCSO.

6 named to Eastern Oregon Dean's List

LA GRANDE, Ore. — Six students from Grant and Adams counties were among 639 named to the Dean’s List at Eastern Oregon University for spring quarter 2026, according to an announcement from the university. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must achieve and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale while completing a minimum of 12 hours of graded coursework for the term. Moses Lake: Cooper Hancock, Arts, Humanities and Soc Science, History; Joselyn Hernandez, Arts, Humanities and Soc Science, Politics/Policy & Public Admin; Kali Kast, Education, Multidisciplinary Studies; Kaydence Martinez, Business, Business Administration Othello: Maggie Smith, Business, Agriculture Entrepreneurship Royal City: Jose Medina, STM and Health Science, Health and Human Performance

Mattawa ‘summer clean up’ Aug. 14 and 15

MATTAWA — Residents of the Mattawa area can dispose of unwanted household junk during the “Summer Cleanup” sponsored by the city from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 14 and 15.

Moses Lake man arrested for molestation

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested Friday for child molestation, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. Jaime Mendez Madrigal, 39, was booked into Grant County Jail on two counts of third-degree child molestation, according to the statement.

GALLERY: July 2026 in review

MOSES LAKE — As we wave goodbye to July, here are a few things that happened last month in the Columbia Basin.

EWU releases spring 2026 Dean’s List

CHENEY — Eastern Washington University has released its Dean’s List for spring quarter 2026, with 103 Grant and Adams County 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. These Basin students were named to the Dean’s List:

4 killed in collision near Royal City

ROYAL CITY — Four people were killed and five injured, one critically, when a passenger car collided with a truck about eight miles north of Royal City Tuesday afternoon. The collision occurred near the intersection of Dodson Road and Frenchman Hills Road Southwest, said Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, in a media release.

MLHS grad honored at NY Institute of Technology

OLD WESTBURY, NY — Krithika Suresh of Moses Lake has been named to the Presidential Honor List at New York Institute of Technology for spring quarter 2026, according to an announcement from the institute. To qualify for the Presidential Honor List, an undergraduate student must complete six or more credits with a semester grade point average of 3.7 or higher, according to the school’s website. Suresh is a 2023 graduate of Moses Lake High School, according to Columbia Basin Herald archives.

CWU releases spring 2026 honor roll

ELLENSBURG — One hundred two students from the Columbia Basin were named to Central Washington University’s Honor Roll for winter quarter 2026, according to an announcement from the university. To be eligible, a student must complete a minimum of 12 graded credits in the quarter earned with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. These Basin students were named to the Honor Roll:

Railroad Fire evacuation notices canceled

MATTAWA — All evacuation notifications for the Railroad Fire near Beverly have been canceled as of Sunday evening. All roads have reopened.

Level 3 evacuation notices issued for fire northwest of Quincy

QUINCY — A Level 3 evacuation notice has been issued for a section of Road T Northwest near Quincy due to a fast-moving wildfire.

Level 3 evacuation area extended for Railroad Fire

MATTAWA — The area of Level 3 evacuations prompted by the Railroad Fire north of Mattawa has been extended to the area of lower Crab Creek. The Grant County Sheriff's Office issued a Level 3 notice about 8 a.m. Friday for the area about seven miles from SR 243. Level 3 means people in the affected areas should leave immediately. The GCSO issued a Level 2 notice for the area from Jericho to Smyrna at about 8:40 a.m. Friday. A Level 2 notice means residents should be ready to evacuate and monitor emergency information.

‘Bridging the Digital Divide’ conference to explore digital equity

MOSES LAKE — Digital access is a gateway to health care, education and other vital services, but many people in Grant County still experience barriers to these connections, according to an announcement from the Grant County Coalition for Health Improvement Facilitator Rhyanne Berryman. Grant County CHI and NCW Tech Alliance will host a free event Tuesday at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center aimed at improving access for all.

Second suspect in Othello drive-by shooting apprehended

OTHELLO — A second man sought in connection with a drive-by shooting in Othello has been arrested.

Othello man injured in Bench Road crash

OTHELLO — An Othello man was treated for head injuries after he allegedly rolled his car Tuesday.

WSP SWAT training planned at Vanguard Academy this week

MOSES LAKE — Residents may notice an increased law enforcement presence at Vanguard Academy this week as the Washington State Patrol conducts SWAT training exercises on campus July 15 through 17.

4 hurt in collision south of Quincy Monday

QUINCY — A five-car collision south of Quincy sent four people to the hospital Monday afternoon, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. At about 5 p.m., Kary J. Eaton, 59, of Quincy, driving a 2022 Toyota Corolla, was stopped in the northbound lane of state Route 281 waiting to turn left onto Road 4 Northwest when he was struck from behind by a 2017 GMC Sierra driven by Pedro R. Olivares, 19, also of Quincy, according to the statement. Avni Malhotra, 41, of Richland, driving south in a 2025 Toyota 4Runner, struck Olivares’ vehicle, and was then struck by a 2000 Dodge Dakota driven by Enrique B. Rivera, 34, of Quincy. Vincent C. Buckham, 84, of Moses Lake, driving a 2012 Ford 150 pickup, attempted to avoid the collision but sideswiped Olivares’ vehicle. Buckham’s truck came to rest in the southbound ditch; all the other vehicles came to rest in the southbound lane.

Adams County Sherrif’s Office seeking public’s help in Othello drive-by

OTHELLO — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in its investigation of a drive-by shooting Saturday about one mile west of Othello.

Moses Lake man arrested for alleged vehicle theft

Multiple agencies and public boaters worked together for affective response to collision that injured 8 people

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested after a truck that had been stolen from Wenatchee was found on his property Wednesday night. Nathaniel Parker, 32, was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of possessing a stolen motor vehicle, according to a media release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Moses Lake man arrested for rape of a child

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested Friday following an investigation into child sexual abuse, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Dept.

GALLERY: June 2026 in review

MOSES LAKE — The sun was bright, the weather was hot and the Columbia Basin had a lot going on in June. Here are a few looks back at the last month.

Ephrata Running Club hiring volunteer instructor

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Parks and Recreation announced in a Facebook post Monday that a position for a Volunteer Running Club instructor has opened for this fall. In the post Ephrata Parks and Recreation said the Running Club is designed to introduce kids of all experience and ability levels to the fun and rewarding sport of running. The program focuses on building confidence, encouraging personal growth and creating a positive experience where effort, attitude and teamwork are celebrated. The program is set to run from September through the middle of October, but a full schedule will be coordinated with the new instructor. Practices will include group warm-ups, stretching and running drills, interval workouts, strength and conditioning activities, running games and preparation for an end of season cross country meet.

Warden’s Clausen selected for LEAP Committee

RENTON — The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association announced the WIAA Leadership through Education Activities and Personal Development Committee Class of 2028 Monday morning. Among those selected was Warden High School’s Soren Clausen. Clausen was one of the eight incoming juniors selected for the LEAP Committee, according to the announcement. LEAP is comprised of eight juniors and eight seniors representing the WIAA’s member schools, according to the press release, and serves as a voice for the Association’s over 225,000 student participants.

Deputies searching Moses Lake for missing man

UPDATE: The missing man has been identified as Jaime Lazaro Ticorralco, 40, of Federal Way. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s deputies are continuing to search for a Federal Way man who was last seen swimming near the south end of Moses Lake Saturday afternoon. The 39-year-old man, who has not been identified, was reported missing Sunday by friends who became concerned when they couldn’t find him, according to a GCSO media release. The man was last seen swimming near the Sand Dunes at about 1 p.m. Saturday. The man’s car was found unoccupied, with his phone inside, parked nearby. Deputies used sonar to search the area where the man disappeared Saturday afternoon and are continuing the search Monday, the GCSO release said. This is a developing story and information will be updated as it becomes available.

Five injured in vehicle rollover near Ephrata

After emergency responders assisted, the couple dropped man's vehicle off at hospital

EPHRATA — A woman was airlifted to Confluence Health-North Central Washington Hospital after the car she was riding in rolled about five miles south of Ephrata Wednesday morning.

Five injured in vehicle rollover near Ephrata

EPHRATA — A woman was airlifted to Confluence Health-North Central Washington Hospital after the car she was riding in rolled about five miles south of Ephrata Wednesday morning.

Lind assault suspect arrested

LIND — A man sought in connection with a stabbing in Lind Sunday was arrested Tuesday in Spokane County, according to an Adams County Sheriff’s Office media release.

Assault suspect arrested with the help of Moses Lake PD K9

MOSES LAKE — A 15-year-old boy was booked on suspicion of first-degree assault Monday night in connection with an assault Sunday.

Moses Lake man arrested after allegedly pointing replica firearm

MOSES LAKE — A Moses lake man was booked on suspicion of first-degree assault after he allegedly pointed a replica firearm at a person near his residence.

Suspects sought in Lind assault

LIND — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a Lind man suspected of involvement in an assault Sunday afternoon in Lind.

Man arrested after driving wrong way on SR 17

MOSES LAKE — Charges are pending against a Moses Lake man after he allegedly attempted to escape from Moses Lake Police Department officers by driving in the wrong lane on state Route 17.

Man arrested after driving wrong way on SR 17

MOSES LAKE — Charges are pending against a Moses Lake man after he allegedly attempted to escape from Moses Lake Police Department officers by driving in the wrong lane on state Route 17. Erick Rocha, 46, allegedly drove off as MLPD officers attempted to stop him, according to an MLPD media release. Officers were summoned to a residence on Longview Street for a possible DUI at about 11 a.m., the MLPD release said. But the driver, later identified as Rocha, drove away as officers attempted to stop him.

Moses Lake man arrested after allegedly pointing replica firearm

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was booked on suspicion of first-degree assault after he allegedly pointed a replica firearm at a person near his residence. David Johnson, 63, was booked after he allegedly pointed the replica, which was a CO2 pistol, at a tow truck operator who was trying to jump-start a vehicle, according to a release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred at the Harvest Manor mobile home park on Airway Drive.

Suspect sought in Lind assault

LIND — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a Lind man suspected of involvement in an assault Sunday afternoon in Lind.

GCSO asks for community assistance on 1992 cold case

MATTAWA — Grant County Major Crimes detectives are renewing efforts to identify a young child whose remains were discovered more than three decades ago near Mattawa. Investigators say the remains of a toddler were uncovered in 1992 in a shallow grave in a remote, dry area between State Route 243 and the Columbia River, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The site was described as arid and largely undeveloped.