STAFF REPORT

Level 2 evacuations called near Mattawa, clear as of 9 p.m. Monday

MATTAWA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has called a level two fire evacuation (Get Set) in Mattawa near the area of Road U Southwest and Road 24.7 Southwest Monday at 6:30 p.m. Radio traffic reported the fire to be around 2 to 3 acres. The evacuation was removed at 8:40 p.m. after the fire was contained, according to GCSO.

People asked to avoid area of Clink Road Northeast in Cascade Valley

CASCADE VALLEY — People are being asked to avoid the area at the intersection of West Valley Road and Clink Road Northeast due to substantial police activity, according to an announcement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Auditions open in July for Masquers’ ‘Anastasia the Musical’

SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater will hold auditions for “Anastasia: the Musical” next month. Auditions will take place at 6 p.m. July 17 and 2 p.m. July 18, according to an announcement from the Masquers Theater. Children 7 and older and adults of all experience levels are encouraged to audition. All roles are available, according to the announcement. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing songs listed in the audition material packet – ideally one associated with the role they are pursuing – and will also participate in a cold reading. Auditions will be recorded as part of the casting process.

Othello man arrested on suspicion of burglary, assault

OTHELLO — An Othello man was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary and fourth-degree assault Saturday after he allegedly got in an altercation at a residence about a mile west of Othello.

Mesa man arrested near Othello for alleged stolen firearm

OTHELLO — A Mesa man was booked on suspicion of possessing a stolen firearm following a traffic stop near Othello by Adams County Sheriff’s deputies Friday.

Woman arrested for DUI in collision with 2 streetlights and trash can downtown Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – On June 10 at about 2:30 p.m., Moses Lake Officers responded to a traffic accident in the 200 block of West Broadway at the corner of Beech Street. Officers found that a pink 2000 Volkswagen had left the roadway and struck two streetlights and a trash can at the corner There were no injuries, and the driver, 53-year-old Tanya Robinson from Wenatchee, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI and possession of methamphetamine). Robinson was released pending lab results from the Washington State Toxicology Lab.

Three hurt in dump truck collision near Quincy on Monday

QUINCY — Three people were injured when a dump truck struck a car east of Quincy Monday, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.

Evacuation notice cancelled for Wildfire Alert Soap Lake

firefighters mopping up the area

The Grant County Sherriff's office cancelled an evacuation notice for a wildfire alert on Rd 18.8 NE and Division 0.5 NE, near Soap Lake as firefighters were on site to mop up the area, the office reported at 3:46 p.m., Saturday.

Woman arrested after alleged assault, robbery

MOSES LAKE — A woman was arrested Thursday night after she allegedly attempted to steal items from a Moses Lake business and used force against an employee who tried to stop her, according to a press release from the Moses Lake Police Department.

Applications open for Confluence Health, WVMG grant program

WENATCHEE — Applications are being accepted for a grant to help community-based initiatives that promote better health and better access to healthcare in North Central Washington.

Man killed in skydiving collision near Ritzville

RITZVILLE — A Kennewick man was killed while skydiving during a scheduled group jump May 24. Randy Hubbs was one of 11 people participating in the jump, according to a release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

One dies in skydiving accident near Ritzville

RITZVILLE — One person was killed and another injured after a mid-air collision while skydiving about three miles north of Ritzville Sunday, according to a release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

Small fire in Ephrata Friday afternoon

EPHRATA — On Friday, a small fire started near Nat Washington Way in Ephrata, according to Grant County Fire District 13.

Shots fired during graffiti incident in Quincy, QPD looking for assistance

QUINCY — Quincy Police responded to shots fired at around 3:20 a.m. Thursday morning in the area of 6th Ave. NE and H.5 St. NE. They are asking for the community's assistance in identifying the suspect.

GCSO asks help finding missing man

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s help finding Anthony James Mann of Moses Lake, according to a statement from GCSO. Mann, 38, is described as five feet, nine inches tall and weighing 185 pounds. He may be wearing dark jeans, a dark shirt and a zip-up sweatshirt, the GCSO wrote. Man was last seen about 6:30 a.m. Friday in Moses Lake, GCSO wrote. His vehicle was found unoccupied about 6 p.m. Monday near Trail Lake off Pinto Ridge Road south of Coulee City. Mann may be at risk due to a medical condition and may not be able to return safely without assistance, the GCSO wrote. Deputies were searching the Trail Lake area Tuesday morning. Anyone who has information about Mann’s whereabouts is asked to call 509-762-1160 and reference Case No. 26GC05468.

Desert Aire man arrested for vehicular assault after crash

OTHELLO — A Desert Aire man was booked on suspicion of vehicular assault and DUI after he allegedly hit a car he was attempting to pass, according to a release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

Lind man arrested for second-degree assault in DV incident

LIND — A Lind man was booked on suspicion of second-degree assault, domestic violence, Monday after he allegedly broke windows on a victim’s car and prevented the person from leaving, according to release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

Updated NCW Libraries bookmobile schedule announced

WENATCHEE — The NCW Libraries will be taking its books on the road again this summer with an updated schedule for the system’s bookmobile in Grant, Douglas and Chelan counties.

Adams County ballot features competitive federal, state and local races

RITZVILLE — Filing week has closed in Adams County, and voters will see a crowded and competitive ballot in the 2026 election cycle, with numerous contested races at the federal, state, and local levels. At the federal level, both U.S. Congressional Districts 4 and 5 will be on the ballot. Congressional District 4 has drawn significant interest, with 11 candidates filing after incumbent Dan Newhouse announced he will not seek re‑election. Congressional District 5 has 13 candidates filed, including incumbent Michael Baumgartner. One candidate withdrew from the race earlier this week and is not reflected on official candidate graphics.

Four cars damaged in Moses Lake collision

MOSES LAKE — An early-morning collision damaged four cars parked outside a residence and led to a DUI arrest in Moses Lake Tuesday, according to a release from the Moses Lake Police Department. Nelson Burley, 23, was booked into the Grant County jail on suspicion of DUI, first-degree malicious mischief and four counts of hit and run, unattended, according to a press release from the Moses Lake Police Department. Burley was driving in the vicinity of North Clark Road and West Meridian Avenue at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, the release said. “Officers determined the causing vehicle, a 2006 Chevy Silverado, failed to negotiate the turn, losing control and striking two parked cars. One of the parked cars was pushed into another, when was then pushed into the garage, striking a fourth vehicle. The driver fled the scene on foot but was later returned by a family member,” the MLPD wrote in the release.

Several contested races on the primary ballot in Grant County

EPHRATA — Filing week for the August primary election closed Friday, leaving several contested races on the ballot across Grant County.

Today is the final day to file in Grant County

EPHRATA — Grant County’s candidate filing week is underway, with several candidates submitting paperwork for local offices. Filing closes at 5 p.m. Friday for the upcoming general election. Several races currently remain uncontested as of 12 p.m. Thursday.

Adams County Election filing closes today

RITZVILLE — Adams County’s candidate filing week is ongoing, with multiple candidates filing for local offices. The deadline to file for the upcoming general election is 5 p.m. Friday, and several races remain uncontested as of 12 p.m. Thursday.

Changes in financial procedures recommended for Lind after state audit

LIND — The town of Lind lost a substantial amount of its financial transaction records for 2022-25, a situation the Washington State Auditor’s Office attributed to a computer failure. However, the WSAO also recommended that town officials revise some of its financial transaction processes.

Grant Co. candidates that have filed so far

EPHRATA — Election filing week is underway in Grant County and there are several key races on the ballot. Candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday to file for candidacy for any of the general election races. These candidates have filed for their respective races as of 12 p.m. May 5.

House fire closes section of Daisy Street North in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — Drivers should avoid the area of Daisy Street North and First Avenue Northeast in Soap Lake due to a fire that caused heavy damage to a residence late Saturday morning.

Ephrata Parks Commission seeking to fill two open seats

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Parks Commission, which serves as an advisory group to the Ephrata City Council, has two vacant board seats.

Soap Lake: lake-focused groups not connected to city

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake city officials issued a clarification Monday to ensure people know that three lake‑focused advocacy groups are not connected to the city's municipal government. In a statement, the city said the Soap Lake Conservancy, the Lake Liaison Committee and Save Soap Lake operate entirely independently and “are not affiliates, agencies, departments, or representative bodies of the City of Soap Lake in any capacity.” Both the Soap Lake Conservancy and the Lake Liaison Committee are non-profit organizations. All three groups focus on the health and preservation of Soap Lake, but the city said they have “no formal legal, organizational, or operational connection” to elected officials or city staff.

6 Basin students named to EOU Dean’s List

LAGRANDE, Ore — Six Columbia Basin students have been named to the Eastern Oregon University Dean’s List for winter 2026, according to an announcement from the university. Qualifying students 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, Kali Kast, Kaydence Martinez, Madison Olson Othello: Maggie Smith Royal City: Jose Medina

Gonzaga releases honor rolls for winter 2026

SPOKANE — Eight students from Grant and Adams counties were honored at Gonzaga University for winter quarter 2026, according to an announcement from the university. Students named to the President’s List are enrolled in 12 or more academic credits and have a semester grade point average (GPA) between 3.85 and 4.00. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must have a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 and less than 3.85. President’s List: Moses Lake: Llayleni Fuentes Quincy: Grace Odegard Royal City: Jace Allred, Genesis Castro Dean’s List: Moses Lake: Arely Farias, Javier Gonzalez, Daissy Quevedo Garduño Ritzville: Blake Earle

Fatal collision south of Othello Sunday, Othello man arrested for vehicular homicide

An Othello man has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of vehicular homicide in connection with a collision south of Othello Sunday afternoon.

MLSD hosting town hall on new elementary school tonight

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District is hosting a community forum tonight to discuss plans for its new elementary school.

One lane closed on SR 17 north of Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — The northbound lane of State Route 17 one mile north of Soap Lake will be closed to allow workers to remove rocks from the cliff above the road.

Pole fires lead to multiple power outages

EPHRATA — Early morning rains led to multiple electrical outages throughout Grant County as electrical poles caught fire, according to a release from the Grant County PUD.

Pole fires cause morning outages

EPHRATA — Pole fires are causing outages across Grant County, according to a statement from the Grant PUD. Crews are working to replace the poles and restore power, the PUD wrote. Anyone who sees damaged equipment is encouraged to report it at 800-216-5226. If you see a downed line, call 911 and stay at least 30 feet away from it. More information about outages is available at www.grantpud.org/outages.

Adams County passes accountability audit

RITZVILLE — Adams County received a clean bill of health in its latest accountability audit, with state auditors reporting no findings and concluding the county complied with laws, safeguarded public resources and maintained adequate internal controls during 2024.

3 hurt in collision south of Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A two-vehicle collision south of Moses Lake sent three people to the hospital Tuesday morning, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol.

CWU releases winter 2026 honor roll

ELLENSBURG — One hundred eleven 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.

Authorities await identity confirmation for body found along Crab Creek

BEVERLY — Investigators made a possible match Monday evening in confirming the identity of the man who was found along Crab Creek, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. “Coroner’s investigators believe they have found the family of the man who was recovered from Crab Creek on Sunday,” Kyle Foreman wrote in the statement. The coroner’s staff has not yet released the man’s name because they are awaiting a familial DNA test to verify the identity, according to the statement. There is no current timeline for those results to return.

Candidate filing period May 4-8 for Adams County offices

RITZVILLE — One Adams County Commission position and a number of county offices, including sheriff and prosecutor, will be on the ballot in the 2026 general election. Adams County Auditor Heidi Hunt announced Tuesday that the filling period will be May 4-8. “Candidates are encouraged to file for office online,” Hunt wrote in a press release. “Candidate filings are accepted online at www.co.adams.wa.gov beginning at 8:00 a.m. on May 4 and will remain open continuously until 5:00 p.m. on May 8.” People also can file in person at the Adams County Election Office, 106 W. Main St., from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday of the filing week.

Roadwork, intersection upgrades coming in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — It being spring and all, roadwork is starting up not only on state and county highways, but also in municipalities around town. A couple of projects are scheduled for Moses Lake before the end of April.

One arrested for drive-by shooting in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A drive-by shooting was reported to the Moses Lake Police Department Thursday morning at around 12:30 a.m. at West Gary Street and North Buell Street.

AC Sheriff Wagner to run for reelection

RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner will run for reelection this year, he announced earlier this week. “Serving as sheriff since 2015 has been the greatest honor of my life,” Wagner wrote in the announcement. “Leading the dedicated men and women of our sheriff’s office means a great deal to our community, and to me, because a strong, professional, and committed team directly impacts the safety and well-being of every citizen.” Wagner, a veteran of the ACSO with more than 28 years of experience, was elected sheriff in 2015 after working as a deputy, then as a detective, a sergeant and eventually as undersheriff, according to the announcement. He cited the ACSO’s work to upgrade the jail, update equipment and training and work with youth among his successes.

Traffic delayed on SR 283 near George

GEORGE — Drivers on State Route 283 south of Adams Road will be experiencing a delay while crews respond to an herbicide spill caused by a two-vehicle collision.

Licensing locations

COLUMBIA BASIN — There are three ways to buy a fishing license in Washington. Anglers can visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and order online, or they can call 360-902-2464 to order one. Online and phone orders may take seven to 10 days before you receive your license, according to the WDFW website, so the fastest way is to visit a licensed dealer. Here are the dealers in Grant and Adams counties:

Moses Lake man arrested after pursuit

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested March 5 after leading officers on a short pursuit and breaking into a house.

Warden collision leads to minor injuries

WARDEN — Warden city officials are reminding residents that motorcycle use is restricted within city limits after a 10-year-old sustained minor injuries in a crash Saturday morning.

Stoke to conduct test firing Wednesday

MOSES LAKE — Stoke Space has announced through the Grant County Sheriff’s Office that the company will be test firing rockets between 2 and 9 p.m. Wednesday. During the test firing, Road G NE will be closed between State Route 17 and Road 10 NE. Travelers are advised to find alternate routes.

MLPD, ATF carry out raid in Knolls Vista neighborhood

MOSES LAKE — A police action Thursday led to multiple arrests, as well as a substantial seizure of drugs and weapons, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. Multiple search warrants were served across Central Washington, according to the statement, including the Knolls Vista neighborhood of Moses Lake, according to the statement. The action was part of a joint investigation conducted by the Moses Lake Police Department Street Crimes Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team and ATF Special Response Team assisted with warrant service and suspect apprehension.

Crash near Quincy claims one

QUINCY — A George woman died in a three-vehicle collision on state Route 281 south of Quincy Saturday, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.