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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.
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.