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Man arrested for damaging, stealing canal liners
MOSES LAKE – A 57-year-old Moses Lake resident, Ivan Puyu, was arrested Aug. 17 after allegedly damaging and stealing two canal liners near the recent irrigation canal breach site according to a press release from Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Irrigation canal liners are typically large tarps.
Gesa teams with charities for Hunger Action Month
RICHLAND ‒ Gesa Credit Union is teaming up with longtime partners Second Harvest and Food Lifeline to address food insecurity in the Northwest this Hunger Action Month, according to an announcement from Gesa. Throughout September, the three organizations will work together to mobilize the community to take action against the devastating impact hunger has locally. As the presenting sponsor for this year’s Hunger Action Month, Gesa will match up to $25,000 each in total donations to both Second Harvest and Food Lifeline, according to the announcement. The credit union will also collect monetary donations and host food drives for non-perishable food items at its branches throughout the month. All three organizations encourage the community to donate if they are able or volunteer their time at several opportunities across Washington on Hunger Action Day, which falls on Sept. 10.
Law enforcement on alert for Labor Day
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Patrol put out a notice for Labor Day weekend, reminding people to be cautious on roads and make it to their destination safely. Troopers and olaw enforcement will conducte
GCSO in search of next of kin
DESERT AIRE – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help finding the family of Ventura Estrada Angulo who died Aug. 21 due to a traffic collision, according to GCSO press release.
Masquers announce ‘Annie” cast, 2024-25 lineup
SOAP LAKE — Masquers Theater in Soap Lake has cast its production of “Annie,” according to an announcement from the troupe, and also revealed its 2024-2025 schedule.
Diamond Shruumz continue to present health risks
MOSES LAKE – Diamond Shruumz products have been officially recalled by the FDA; however, people are still obtaining them resulting in illness, hospitalization, and two potential deaths, according to Grant County Health District. The GCHD put out a statement saying that there have been 145 illnesses, two of which have been in Washington and one in Grant County.
WDFW seeks input on fishing rule changes in Chelan, Grant counties
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife invites the public to participate in an upcoming public meeting regarding two proposed changes to fishing regulations in Chelan and Grant counties, according to an announcement from WDFW.
Silver alert released for 78-year-old Richland man
Silver alert released for 78-year-old Richland man
Emergency rules implemented to combat Chronic Wasting Disease in WA
OLYMPIA – In response to a confirmed case of chronic wasting disease in Spokane County this past July, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has enacted several emergency regulations aimed at curbing the disease's spread according to a WDFW Aug. 23 press release
Stolen forklift found; two suspects booked
OTHELLO – The Adam’s County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen Genie Telehandler Forklift Aug. 19 in the 1900 block of West Hatton Road, according to an ACSO press release.
Scam caller impersonates Quincy PD sergeant
QUINCY – According to the Quincy Police Department, a citizen received a phone call from a QPD phone number Thursday morning claiming to be a QPD Sergeant.
Tigers head back to class
EPHRATA – Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray welcomed staff back to campuses last Tuesday as they went back into classrooms to finish preparations for the upcoming school year.
Whooping cough infections rise in Grant Co.
GRANT COUNTY – The Grant County Health District is responding to a concerning spike in whooping cough, also known as pertussis, cases, with 28 infections confirmed since June, according to an Aug. 21 press release. This outbreak, largely linked to several Slavic churches in Moses Lake and Soap Lake, raises alarm as 22 of the identified cases were traced to these communities.
Almira grain elevator catches fire
ALMIRA – Grant County fire District 6 and Lincoln County Fire District 8 responded to a fire at the grain elevator in Almira shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to a news brief released by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Recount required in Commissioner of Public Lands race
OLYMPIA – The Office of the Secretary of State has mandated a manual recount for the Commissioner of Public Lands election across all Washington State counties, according to a statement from the Benton County Auditor’s Office. Each county will conduct the recount independently, according to the statement. According to state administrative rules, all counties will certify their recount results on Sept. 3. The Secretary of State's office will then certify the statewide results on Sept. 4.
Nine minor party or independent candidates qualify for WA presidential ballot
OLYMPIA — Nine minor party and independent presidential nominations have qualified for inclusion on Washington’s General Election ballot scheduled for Nov. 5, according to a statement from the Office of the Secretary of State.
GALLERY: A week at the fair
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fair left vivid images for all of us. Here are a few our reporters picked up over the five days of the annual community celebration.
Adams County Pet Rescue to sponsor spay, neuter clinic
OTHELLO – The Adams County Pet Rescue will sponsor a low-cost Fall Fix Fest on Sept. 20 and 21 at Othello Fairgrounds.
Aug. 21 News Bites
GRAND COULEE – The Grand Coulee Volunteer Fire Department trained on Friday night with attack hose lines and different types of nozzles according to a department press release. “Great time training and learning hoses and nozzles,” the statement reads.
Applications open for tourism promotion grants
EPHRATA — Applications will be open through Sept. 27 for 2025 tourism promotion campaign grants from the Grant County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.
Chip-seal work near Brewster on Wednesday
BREWSTER — Drivers traveling between Wenatchee and Okanogan should expect delays on US 97 at the Brewster city limits Wednesday.
NEWS BITES: Aug. 20, 2024
MATTAWA — The Mattawa Police Department would like to remind citizens that there is a noise ordinance, according to a statement released Saturday. Mattawa Municipal Code Chapter 9.08 Noise Control provides a breakdown on what is and is not allowed within city limits. The statement breaks down some of the rules. “It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from the property, sound that is a public disturbance noise,” the MPD wrote. Examples given of this are motor vehicle audio systems that can be heard from at least 50 feet from the source. Any sound from audio equipment, instruments, or similar devices that can be audible from 50 feet away. Violation of the noise ordinance can result in a civil infraction with mandatory minimum penalty.
Coulee-Hartline School District receives clean audit
COULEE CITY — In the most recent assessment audit conducted by the Office of the Washington State Auditor, Coulee-Hartline School District No. 151 was found to be in substantial compliance with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies. The audit, which covered the period from Sept. 1, 2022, to Aug. 31, 2023, did not uncover any issues that would indicate a lack of controls over the safeguarding of public resources. For the 2022-2023 school year, the district operated on a general fund revenue budget of about $4.4 million.
Grant Health says no blue-green algae advisories at this time
MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District released a statement saying that there are no current blue-green algae advisories in Grant County late last week in response to rumors on social media.
STUDIO BASIN: Grant County Fair and WIAA classification changes
MOSES LAKE -- On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller and Seniors Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss the various ongoings at the Grant County Fair and the change of command at the Ephrata Armory.
Nominations open for NCW Tech Alliance Innovator Awards
WENATCHEE — Nominations are being accepted for the North Central Washington Tech Alliance’s Innovator Awards, according to an announcement from NCW Tech Alliance, which has offices around the Columbia Basin, including Moses Lake.
Fairchild AFB wing honored
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE — The 92nd Air Refueling Wing received the 2023 Omaha Trophy in the Global Operations category Aug. 7 from U.S. Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton, commander of U.S. Strategic Command during a ceremony at Fairchild Air Force Base, according to an announcement from the Air Force.
SLSD adopts alternative learning experiences program
Soap Lake School District has launched its Soap Lake Pathways Learning alternative learning experiences program and online learning option, according to an announcement from the district. The program, available for students in grades K-12, offers flexible learning opportunities for families seeking an alternative educational option within the district. The ALE program, designed for grades K-8, provides educational support in compliance with Washington state requirements through a partnership between families, students, and certificated mentor teachers, according to the announcement. Students in grades 9-12 can also participate in a more independent and self-directed learning program, with written student learning plans and regular progress reviews.
Ephrata School Board makes cell phone rules, trademarks logos
At the Ephrata School Board meeting on July 29, several important decisions were made that will impact the upcoming school year according to a release. One of the highlights from the meeting was the purchase of secure cell phone boxes for Ephrata High School and Ephrata Middle School. These boxes will be used to store students' cell phones during class to minimize distractions and improve focus on learning. The district is committed to studying the impact of this new policy in collaboration with students, families, and staff members. According to recent reports from Pew Research Center and Common Sense Media, a significant number of teens are constantly online, with many receiving numerous notifications on their phones each day. By implementing the use of secure cell phone boxes, Ephrata Schools aims to create a more conducive learning environment for students. The district has allocated approximately $5,500 to purchase these boxes for all classrooms at EHS and EMS.
NEWS BITES for Aug. 13, 2024
GEORGE — A man allegedly pointed a handgun at three people in the town of George on Saturday, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff's Office. The suspect left with another man in a blue Ford Explorer on Road 1 Southwest. A vehicle matching the suspect’s vehicle description was found near South Frontage Road West and Road 1 Southwest. When the deputies arrived, the suspect was inside the vehicle but refusing to exit or obey commands. After ignoring commands from deputies, two flash grenades were discharged outside the vehicle and several pepper ball projectiles were introduced inside the vehicle. Fredesvindo Alvarado Martinez, 25, George, was in custody at 6:55 p.m. on Sunday and lodged at Grant County Jail. He is being treated for exposure to a deployed pepper ball. The other man was released after questioning.
WA aviation projects receive $36 million for sustainability
BLAINE, Wash. – The U.S. government has awarded significant federal funding to two major sustainable aviation projects in Washington. This was announced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, in her press release on August 16.
STUDIO BASIN: Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete and an All-American athlete
MOSES LAKE -- On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller sits down with Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete to discuss a recent marijuana bust in the Ephrata area, National Night Out and safety for the upcoming Grant County Fair.
Historic federal awards are accelerating the I-5 bridge replacement effort
VANCOUVER, Wash. — The century-old bridge connecting Washington and Oregon over the Columbia is due for replacement, according to an announcement from Gov. Jay Inslee’s office. Washington and Oregon have committed $1 billion apiece to the $6 billion project, and the federal government is helping bridge the gap. On Thursday, leaders and lawmakers gathered to celebrate a $1.5 billion award from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Bridge Investment Program. Over 76,000 bridges across the country require replacement, but the I-5 bridge is not most bridges, according to the announcement. More than 143,000 vehicles and $132 million in goods cross daily. It’s a vital connection for the regional economy, but it’s rated as one of the worst truck bottlenecks on the West Coast. The bridge’s importance and condition earned it the largest award from the BIL Bridge Investment Program, one of the most ambitious federal infrastructure projects in history.
Mt. Rainier Nat. Park burn restrictions begin Saturday
ASHFORD — Mount Rainier National Park will implement a parkwide fire ban starting Saturday due to increased regional fire risks, according to a press release from the park.
NEWS BITES for August 8, 2024
MOSES LAKE — An irrigation canal break northeast of Moses Lake caused flooding and triggered evacuation notices Monday night, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
AI on display in Wenatchee on Aug. 21
WENATCHEE — The fourth annual Artificial Intelligence Expo will take place in Wenatchee Aug. 21, according to an announcement from the North Central Washington Tech Alliance.
Ephrata schools focus on summer repairs, obtains new special needs bus
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District’s Board of Directors approved more than $200,000 of maintenance projects for completion over the summer, as well as the purchase of a new special education bus for about $181,000, according to an ESD press release.
Officers close down two Ephrata area marijuana operations
EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that it had shut down two large illegal marijuana growing operations on Thursday. “Detectives say the sites were part of a large and organized illegal drug enterprise,” The announcement read.
STUDIO BASIN: Digital literacy, AI incoming and summer baseball wrap-up
STUDIO BASIN: Digital literacy, AI incoming and summer baseball wrap-up
116th Air Refueling Squadron to celebrate centennial Sunday
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE – One of the oldest Air National Guard units is turning 100 this year.
New Richland PNW Hydrogen Hub begins initial phase
RICHLAND -- The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub project in Richland, Washington has received a Phase 1 award from the U.S. Department of Energy, with Washington State University Tri-Cities playing a key role according to an announcement from WSU. The project aims to establish the Pacific Northwest as a national leader in green hydrogen production.
MCL to celebrate 75 years of service
KENNEWICK — Mid‐Columbia Libraries will celebrate 75 years of service in Kennewick on Aug. 3, according to an announcement from MCL. The event will take place 1-3 p.m. at the Kennewick library, located at 1620 S. Union St.
NEWS BITES for Aug. 1, 2024
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Police Department posted about a lost puppy. “Cuteness Overload! We are melting over this little lost puppy.” The department asks that if anyone recognizes the dog to contact the department at 509-754-2491.
Washingtonians can help stop greenwashing under new law
OLYMPIA — Today, buzzwords fly around us like mosquitoes on a sultry summer night – “sustainable,” “plant-based,” “eco-friendly.” More and more businesses are describing themselves, their products, and their practices using one “green” term or another. Climate change and the environmental impacts of our purchasing decisions have many of us thinking about making the most responsible choices possible. But good intentions can cause more harm than good when people are being misled, which is why it’s important to recognize greenwashing.
State fire marshal urges safety in motels, hotels
OLYMPIA -- As vacation season continues, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding travelers to prioritize fire safety during their stays in temporary lodging.
Excessive heat watch in Central WA
SPOKANE – The National Weather Service has put out an excessive heat watch for multiple counties in Washington, including Grant County for this Friday and Saturday. In Moses Lake the high for Friday is 105 degrees and Saturday is 101 degrees. The high for both Sunday and Monday is 100 degrees. The statement says to avoid outdoor activities during the heat of the day and to drink plenty of water. The statement says that the hot and dry weather will likely result in more wildfire smoke.
Chip sealing planned for Royal City streets Friday
ROYAL CITY — Drivers will be asked to avoid parking on sections of six Royal City streets Friday, and traffic will be subject to control, to allow chip-sealing in those street sections. Roadwork will start at 5 a.m. and is scheduled for completion by 5 p.m., according to a city press release.
Registration for community health meeting now open
MATTAWA – The Grant County Health Department is hosting a listening session on August 6, at Wahluke High School in Mattawa. The session from 4:30 to 6 p.m. will focus on developing the Community Health Improvement Plan for the county.
NEWS BITES for July 31, 2024
NEWS BITES for July 31, 2024
Dust storms: how to protect yourself
OLYMPIA — It’s no secret that Eastern Washington is dusty country, as we were reminded July 17 when a dust storm ripped through the region. While the impact on air quality was marginal, visibility on I-90 became dangerously poor, according to an announcement from the Washington State Department of Ecology. These storms form rapidly and with little to no warning, so it’s important to be prepared. Dust storms occur when strong winds stir up dry soil into dark, dense clouds. While storms typically last only a few minutes, they bring serious health and safety risks. From spring to fall, dust devils and small dust storms are fairly common across central and eastern Washington. The DOE reminds people to follow these steps to stay safe if they’re unexpectedly caught in one: