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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.
Moses Lake Pharmacy owner arrested in Walla Walla
WALLA WALLA — Shawn William Needham, owner of Moses Lake Pharmacy, was arrested by the Walla Walla Police Department Feb. 14. According to the Walla Walla Inmate Roster, Needham was booked for second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, fourth-degree assault – domestic violence and second-degree robbery. His bond was set at $25,000. He was released from jail on Feb. 18 after he posted bond.
Two injured in crash near Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — A two-vehicle collision sent both drivers to the hospital Wednesday near Soap Lake, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. A little before 4 p.m., Jose F. Machado Ayala, 42, of Soap Lake, was driving a 2008 Nissan Versa westbound on state Route 28 near the intersection with Road A Northwest when he left the roadway to the right, according to the statement. Machado Ayala overcorrected and entered the eastbound lane, where he collided with a 2016 Dodge Dart driven by Ginger L. Calderon-Goodman, 18, also of Soap Lake.
135 Basin students make EWU Dean’s List
CHENEY — Eastern Washington University has released its Dean’s List for fall quarter 2025, with 135 Columbia Basin 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.
Collision closes SR28/Road A NW
EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office released a statement announcing that SR28 and Road A NW between Soap Lake and Ephrata has been closed temporarily due to an injury collision.
MLFD tackles structure fire on Rose Ave.
MOSES LAKE — At approximately 2 p.m. Thursday, the Moses Lake Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in the 1000 block of Rose Avenue. Upon arrival, crews observed light smoke coming from a detached garage on the property.
Dent adjusts legislative schedule after family emergency
MOSES LAKE — State Rep. Tom Dent, R‑Moses Lake, is cutting back his in‑person participation in the 2026 legislative session after his wife, Dayna, had a medical emergency.
Othello man sentenced for sexual contact with a minor
OTHELLO — An Othello man was sentenced to about five years in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to having sexual contact with a minor.
Moses Lake sisters spend week as legislative pages
OLYMPIA — Twin sisters from Moses Lake served as Washington legislative pages, one in the state Senate and one in the state House of Representatives, for a week in January. Abigail Shearer worked as a page for 13th District Representative Tom Dent, while her sister Elisabeth was a page for 13th District Senator Judy Warnick.
Mattawa man arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault
DESERT AIRE — A Mattawa man was arrested and booked on suspicion of vehicular assault after he allegedly drove his car into a crowd of people outside a house in Desert Aire late Saturday night.
Othello PD arrests DOSA fugitive
OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department announced the arrest of Gregorio Orozco Jr. for an outstanding warrant out of Benton County for violating the conditions of his alternative drug offender sentencing, under the Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative program.
Othello man sentenced in child porn case
OTHELLO — An Othello man was sentenced to more than three years in prison Monday after pleading guilty to two counts of dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexual conduct.
Woman suffers burns after collision, vehicle fire
SOAP LAKE — On Sunday evening, a vehicle collision and fire near Soap Lake injured an unidentified woman. First responders answered a call reporting a car fire and person trapped at around 7 p.m. near the 1000 block of Thomas Drive Northeast, in unincorporated Soap Lake, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office statement. The vehicle had collided with a utility pole and then caught fire. The victim suffered burn injuries and was transported by air ambulance to a regional hospital. Additional information may be added as it becomes available. The cooperating agencies included the Multi-Agency Communications Center – 911, Grant County Fire District 7, Lifeline Ambulance, Soap Lake Police Department, Grant County Public Utility District and GCSO.
Ephrata man killed in SR 283 collision
GEORGE — An Ephrata man was killed, and a Quincy man was charged with vehicular homicide following a two-car collision about seven miles northeast of George Sunday afternoon.
Governor appoints McDonnell to BBCC board
MOSES LAKE — Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has confirmed that Sarah McDonnell has been appointed to the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees. She replaces former Trustee Anna Franz who served on the board since 2012.
Suspect sought in Ephrata-area shooting
EPHRATA — No suspect was located after law enforcement officers searched a residence and outbuildings near Ephrata following a shooting.
Othello man killed in Frenchman Hills crash
GEORGE — An Othello man was killed Monday when the car he was driving ran off the road about 11 miles south of George. A passenger in the car was injured.
Kennewick boy injured in Othello area crash
OTHELLO — A 17-year-old Kennewick boy was airlifted to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland early Saturday morning after he was injured in a rollover crash about seven miles southeast of Othello.
Two dead in early morning Moses Lake house fire
MOSES LAKE — Identification is pending for two people killed in an early-morning fire Wednesday in Moses Lake.
ACSO seeking controlled substance homicide suspect
RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance locating subject Brittney Marie Jones, 35.
ACSO seeking assistance for wanted subject out of Othello
OTHELLO — On Sunday, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a sex offense in the 800 block of South Steele Road in Othello, according to a statement from ACSO. Through investigation, deputies established probable cause to arrest Ismael Milan-Basurto, 20, on suspicion of second-degree rape, first-degree incest, second-degree rape of a child and second-degree child molestation. Milan-Basurto fled the area before deputies could make contact with him, according to the statement. ACSO is asking the public for assistance in finding the subject. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Milan-Basurto is asked to contact ACSO at 509-659-1122. ACSO said callers may remain anonymous.
Adams Co. nursing assistant loses credentials
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Health announced that it has indefinitely suspended Lisa Ann Adams’ certified nursing assistant credential. Her license was suspended in November, but it was announced in mid-December.
Three Moses Lake residents killed in SR 12 crash
WALLA WALLA — Three Moses Lake residents were killed when the car they were in was hit by an oncoming car about 22 miles west of Walla Walla on Christmas Day.
Boys and Girls Club logo allegedly used in Moses Lake scam
MOSES LAKE — Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin officials are warning people that scammers apparently are using the club’s logo and claiming to be affiliated with the organization. The scammers allegedly were soliciting money door to door along Third Avenue early Tuesday afternoon.
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.