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Soap Lake to hold cleanup day
SOAP LAKE — Residents of Soap Lake can dispose of household refuse at the city’s Free Fall Cleanup Friday through Sunday, according to a statement from the city. The cleanup is for Soap Lake residents only, the city wrote, and either a photo ID or a current utility bill will be required as proof of residency. Certain items may not be dropped off, including liquids, animal carcasses, car parts, appliances, oil and hazardous materials, according to the statement. The city may limit the number of loads per household if it becomes excessive. Materials may be brought to the Cardboard Recycling Center on Second Avenue Southwest, according to the statement.
Household hazardous materials disposal Friday in Mattawa
MATTAWA — People who want to dispose of those mostly empty paint cans and bottles of weed spray, or those burned-out fluorescent tubes, among many other things, will have the opportunity at a household hazardous waste event from noon to 3 p.m. Friday.
Collision reported between truck and train in Bruce
BRUCE — Emergency crews are on the scene of an injury collision between a truck and a train near the intersection of West Lee Road and South Booker Road.
Masquers production postponed
SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater performances of “Anastasia: The Musical” that were scheduled for this weekend have been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, according to an announcement from the Masquers.
Othello man arrested in Warden domestic violence incident
WARDEN — An Othello man was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of residential burglary and fourth-degree assault Monday after he allegedly broke into the house of a former romantic partner in Warden. Andres Torres Garcia, 39, was booked on suspicion of residential burglary, domestic violence; third-degree malicious mischief, domestic violence and fourth-degree assault, domestic violence, according to a press release from the Warden Police Department. The incident was reported at about 9 p.m., the press release said.
Masquers to audition for ‘A Snow White Christmas’
SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater will hold auditions next week for its winter play, “A Snow White Christmas,” according to an announcement from Masquers. Auditions will be held at 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 19 and 20, at the theater, according to the announcement. The play will open Dec. 4.
Moses Lake man arrested after firing gun in car
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested Friday after allegedly firing a gun inside his car, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Kyle Steinke, 33, was arrested Friday afternoon after a 911 caller said Steinke had driven to their home, displayed a gun, and accidentally fired the pistol while seated inside his car, according to the statement. Steinke then drove about one block home, where deputies arrested him without further incident a few minutes later. Nobody was injured.
Othello man arrested on suspicion of DUI after vehicle chase
OTHELLO — An Othello man was booked for possible DUI after he led Adams County Sheriff’s deputies on a chase down West Bench Road and SR 26 Oct 7.
Drug, weapons investigation underway in Moses Lake Wednesday
MOSES LAKE — An elevated law enforcement presence in Moses Lake Wednesday is the result of a multi-agency investigation into narcotics and illegal firearms trafficking, according to a media release from the Moses Lake Police Department, Local and federal agencies are involved in the investigation, which began at about 6 a.m. Wednesday, said Captain Mike Williams, MLPD public relations officer, in the press release.
BBCC nursing program passes review with no issues
MOSES LAKE — The nursing program at Big Bend Community College has had its national accreditation renewed, according to an announcement from the college. Evaluators found no issues in the program during the review process by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, according to the announcement. “This is an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects years of dedication, continuous improvement, and commitment to student success,” BBCC Dean of Academic Transfer and Allied Health Dr. Jeannie Hunt wrote in the announcement. “Receiving continuing accreditation with no findings demonstrates the exceptional quality of our program and the outstanding work of our faculty and staff.”
Driver not injured when truck loses load of apples
MATTAWA — An Othello man was not injured, but his truck lost its load of apples, after he failed to negotiate a curve about four miles north of Mattawa Monday afternoon. Robert Smith, 66, was driving south on SR 243 about 3:30 p.m. Monday, driving through a left-hand curve, when the load of full apple bins on his trailer shifted and came loose, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol. Smith’s truck came to a stop on the southbound shoulder. The apple bins hit the guardrail, dumping part apples and bins into the road and into the Columbia River. Smith was cited for driving too fast for conditions, the WSP memo said.
Basin students honored at CWU
ELLENSBURG — Eleven students from the Columbia Basin were named to Central Washington University’s Honor Roll for summer 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.
Legion to host blood drive Oct. 14 in Ephrata
EPHRATA — The American Legion and Auxiliary of Art Semro Post and Unit 28 will host a blood drive at the Ephrata Recreation Center Oct. 14, according to an announcement from the post. “Did you know the American Red Cross is the main source of blood for our military?” organizers wrote in the announcement. “Think of donating as your way to help a servicemember.” Because the drive is in October, the Legion and Auxiliary volunteers will dress in costume, including, appropriately, vampires, the organizers wrote. There will be sandwiches and cookies for donors.
Moses Lake Firefighters rescue pets in Sunset Drive house fire
MOSES LAKE — Firefighters rescued several animals from a house fire Saturday night in the 1400 block of Sunset Drive, according to the Moses Lake Fire Department.
Kennewick woman killed in Othello-area collision
OTHELLO — A Kennewick woman was killed when she ran into a semitruck at the intersection of SR 26 and South Booker Road early Thursday morning.
State Route 26 closed due to fatality collision
OTHELLO — State Route 26 is closed due to a fatality collision between a car and a semitruck near South Booker Road about four miles east of Othello, according to information from the Washington State Patrol and the Washington Department of Transportation. The road was closed about 6:30 a.m., according to the WSDOT. This is a developing story and more information will be added as it becomes available.
Royal City man killed in plane crash
ROYAL CITY — A Royal City man was killed when his plane crashed Wednesday afternoon about seven miles northwest of Royal City.
Moses Lake man arrested in stabbing incident
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault – domestic violence after he allegedly stabbed another man early Wednesday morning.
Section of Moses Lake's West Broadway closed due to crash
UPDATE: West Broadway was reopened as of 8 p.m. Monday. More information will be available Tuesday from the Columbia Basin Herald. MOSES LAKE — Drivers are being asked to avoid a section of West Broadway Avenue in Moses Lake due to a motor vehicle crash.
WDFW seeks public input on proposed Babcock Bench camping closure
QUINCY — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on a proposal that would close camping on a portion of Babcock Bench in the Ancient Lakes area of the Quincy Lakes Wildlife Area Unit.
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.
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:
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.
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.