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Applications open for Compost Reimbursement Program
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture is launching its second year of the Compost Reimbursement Program to continue to encourage on-farm compost use, according to an announcement from WSDA.
Black pickup owner suspected of local crimes
EPHRATA – On Monday, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a 21-year-old man. The newly-formed crime reduction team apprehended Oscar E. Ruiz Ramos, 21, of Quincy, Saturday while he was driving a pickup suspected of involvement in area fuel thefts and casing local homes, according to the GCSO statement.
2024 Military Family Summit set for Aug. 14
SPOKANE – The 2024 Military Family Summit will be August 14 at Fairchild Air Force Base, according to a press release from Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R--Washington. She is set to co-chair the event.
Federal funds set to revive PNW salmon, steelhead populations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tribes in the Pacific Northwest are set to receive $240 million in funding to enhance hatchery infrastructure projects aimed at boosting Pacific salmon and steelhead populations in the region.
NEWS BITES: July 29, 2024
NEWS BITES: July 29, 2024
Tricia Lubach named WSSDA director
OLYMPIA — Quincy School Board Member Tricia Lubach was offered the position of executive director of the Washington State School Directors’ Association July 23, following a unanimous vote by the WSSDA Board of Directors, according to an announcement from the WSSDA. “We’re thrilled to be hiring one of our own,” WSSDA President Sandy Hayes, of the Northshore School District, wrote in the announcement. “Tricia comes to us with decades of experience as a school board member and a WSSDA staff member. Because of her background, she is well equipped to take the position and hit the ground running.” Over 30 people applied for WSSDA’s executive director position, according to the announcement. The executive search firm KEES assisted the WSSDA Board with arriving at four finalists. Of those, two were offered an in-person interview at the WSSDA office with the board and WSSDA staff. The next day, the board delivered its decision.
Gray wolves to remain on state endangered list after 5-4 vote
OLYMPIA – Gray wolves will remain on the endangered species list in Washington after a close 5-4 vote by the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission, according to a Washington Policy Center press release. Over the past 15 years, the gray wolf population has grown significantly, with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife counting at least 260 wolves in 42 packs.
Wenatchee River salmon season will not open in 2024
OLYMPIA – According to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the current and projected hatchery production of Chinook Salmon falls below the necessary levels for meeting minimum spawning escapement and broodstock objectives for the Wenatchee River. The affected area spans from the mouth of the Wenatchee River to the Icicle Road Bridge crossing. These measures will be in effect from August 1 through September 30.
STUDIO BASIN: Wildfires, Grant Co. Community Court and Big Sky Media Day
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans Miller takes a look at ongoing wildfires in the Columbia Basin, including the Swawilla Fire located east of Grand Coulee. Miller also recaps news out of the Grant County Community Court and upcoming events in the Basin. In the sports segment, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona recounts his experience at Big Sky Media Days in Spokane, talking to EWU receiver Nolan Ulm, defensive end Brock Harrison and Head Coach Aaron Best. Later in the sports segment is a breakdown of local teams in the American Legion Baseball playoffs. The STUDIO BASIN podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3WEXfI0.
Columbia Basin events calendar for July 26- Aug. 1
MOSES LAKE – As the month comes to an end and the temps are up, there are still plenty of cool things to do in the Basin. Here are a few things to consider if you’re needing a break from the house.
Joint investigation results in four arrests, others detained
MOSES LAKE — Four people were booked into the Grant County Jail on outstanding warrants following a cooperative investigation between the Moses Lake Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Office into possible criminal activity in Civic Park in Moses Lake.
Woman arrested in death of Moses Lake man
MOSES LAKE — A Selah woman has been booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of a controlled substance homicide in connection with the death of a Moses Lake man.
Fuzzy friends seek friendly homes
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Animal Outreach is looking for a few awesome humans to adopt a bunch of equally awesome dogs. The shelter is located at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake and may be reached at 509-762-9616 or by email at [email protected]. The facility is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. and Friday from noon to 6 p.m. All GCAO animals available for adoption are fully vaccinated and have been spayed or neutered.
Backpack giveaway Sunday in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake TCC store will give away backpacks again this year on Sunday, according to an announcement from Round Room, Inc., the parent company of TCC. The giveaway will begin at 1 p.m. at the Verizon TCC store at 221 S. Pioneer Way, according to the announcement. This is the 12th year Round Room has held the “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway.”
NEWS BITES: July 25, 2024
NEWS BITES: July 25, 2024
Ries named to Dean’s List at Linfield
MCMINNVILLE, Ore. — Sydney Ries, a junior at Linfield University's McMinnville campus, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean's List, according to an announcement from the university. Ries, a 2021 graduate of Moses Lake High School, is majoring in philosophy.
Applications open for Future Innovators Scholarship
MOSES LAKE — Applications are being accepted for the Future Innovators Scholarship Competition, according to an announcement from 509Fiber, which sponsors the scholarship.
NEWS BITES for July 22, 2024
NEWS BITES for July 22, 2024
Treehouse seeks support for foster youth going back to school
MOSES LAKE — Treehouse, a Washington state nonprofit dedicated to supporting the educational and other essential needs of youth in foster care, is launching its annual back-to-school campaign to collect school supplies and items by the end of summer, according to an announcement from the organization. Treehouse is calling on community members, businesses and organizations to support youth in foster care during the back-to-school season by hosting donation drives and/or organizing fundraisers now. This initiative aims to ensure that every child in foster care has the necessary resources to succeed academically and beyond.
STUDIO BASIN: High temps, primary elections and Legion playoffs
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Joel Martin discuss recent headlines in the Basin, including high temperatures, ballots being sent in the mail and the new superintendent at the Ephrata School District.
Moses Lake man sentenced in vehicle arson case
SPOKANE — David Alexander Maybee, 25, of Moses Lake was sentenced after pleading guilty to Malicious Destruction of Property by Fire. U.S. District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice handed down a sentence of 60 months imprisonment with an additional three years of supervised release.
Basin events calendar for July 19-28
COLUMBIA BASIN – This week, the Basin has plenty of fun ahead with comedy, shiny cars, live music and a chance to support local athletes.
Nominations open for Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards
OLYMPIA — Nominations are being accepted for Washington state’s Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards, according to an announcement from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. The award honors volunteers, service officers, community members, Tribal veterans, National Guard members, or others who day in and day out go above and beyond the call of duty making sure veterans and their family members are cared for, according to the announcement. Whether they submit claims for benefits, arrange funeral honors for grieving families, coordinate events or donate countless hours in veteran’s hospitals or nursing homes, this is an opportunity to nominate them for one of seven Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards. This awards program is sponsored by the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, the announcement said. Award winners are invited to participate in the Auburn Veteran's Day Parade, followed by recognition at a special luncheon.
Ephrata School’s budget meeting set
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School Board is holding a public meeting to discuss the district’s budget on Monday, July 29. The meeting will be at 6:00 a.m. in the Ephrata School District Boardroom at 111 4th Ave NW.
WSU releases spring 2024 honor roll
PULLMAN — One hundred nine Basin students were named to the Washington State University honor roll for spring quarter 2024, according to an announcement from the university. A student can be named to the honor roll either by achieving a grade point of 3.75 while enrolled in at least nine graded credits in a single semester provided that the cumulative GPA is 2.0 or better, or by achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 based on at least 15 cumulative credits of graded work at Washington State University, provided that the semester GPA is 3.0 or better. These Columbia Basin students were named to the honor roll:
Kids with disabilities make memories at Merwin Day of Fishing
WOODLAND — More than 200 children with disabilities enjoyed a unique opportunity to experience the joy of fishing in a supportive and inclusive environment Saturday at the 24th annual Merwin Day of Fishing, according to an announcement from Pacific Power, which hosted the event in conjunction with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The event was held at the hatchery near Merwin Dam in southwestern Washington. Throughout the day, children caught fish specially raised for the event, with many experiencing the excitement of fishing for the first time, according to the announcement. When the kids arrived at the hatchery, they were given T-shirts, fishing rods, tackle and other items. Then volunteer coaches helped them catch up to five fish, which were cleaned and put on ice while families enjoyed a barbecue. The event not only provided a fun recreational activity, but also fostered connections among participants and volunteers. Volunteers from Pacific Power, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and several recreational fishing organizations generously contributed their time and expertise to ensure each child had a fulfilling experience, the announcement said. Corporate sponsors also played a crucial role in supporting the event, providing necessary equipment and resources.
NEWS BITES: DUI collision, a rough landing and an arrest
NEWS BITES: DUI accident, a rough landing and an arrest
Basin students make EWU Dean's List
CHENEY — Eastern Washington University has released its Dean’s List for spring quarter 2024. To qualify for the Dean’s List, an undergraduate student must earn 12 quality hours and receive a GPA of 3.5 or better. The following Basin students were named to the Dean’s List:
Study: WA fuel prices plunge at the third-fastest rate
MOSES LAKE — Washington's gas prices fell at the third-fastest rate in the past year in the United States, according to a recent study announced Thursday.
498 Vikings named to honor rolls
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College has released its President’s and Vice President’s lists for spring quarter 2024.
Shruumz recalled products cause illness in Grant Co.
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District is urging people to avoid eating, serving or selling Diamond Shruumz products. “(The health district) is responding to a report of serious intoxication and hospitalization of a Grant County resident linked to consumption of these products,” according to a GCHD press release.
STUDIO BASIN: Hot weather, GCSO staffing and Basin sports action
EPHRATA – On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete and Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller sit down for our monthly segment with the Grant County Sheriff's Office. This week the pair discussed water and heat safety and Kriete provided an update on staffing at GCSO and touched on how the new Grant County Jail's construction is going. In Sports, sports reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer recap baseball and softball games with the Columbia Basin River Dogs, Othello Red Raiders and Washington Rage, as well as two Moses Lake Wrestling Club wrestlers competing in a national duals tournament in Indiana last month. The STUDIO BASIN podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3VZ0pot.
Sasquatch expert to speak at library
KENNEWICK — Mid-Columbia Libraries will host a two-day lecture series entitled “Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science” Friday and Saturday at the Kennewick Public Library, according to an announcement from the library. Dr. Jeff Meldrum, a professor of anatomy and anthropology at Idaho State University, will discuss the work of various experts on the evidence for a large, undiscovered North American primate and analyze the scientific arguments for and against its existence, according to the announcement. Meldrum delves into the creature's history and invites individuals interested in human evolution to form their own conclusions. On Friday, July 12 Meldrum will present “The Patterson-Gimlin Film 50+ Years Later” at 7 p.m., looking at the famous 1967 film footage that purported to show Bigfoot walking in northern California. The makers, Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin, always maintained that the footage was genuine, but many experts have dismissed the film as a hoax. There will be a meet-and-greet starting at 4:30 p.m. before the lecture.
Ephrata school registration open
EPHRATA – Registration is now open for the fall semester with the Ephrata School District for all campuses, according to information released by the district. The new school year is set to begin August 29 with orientation days on August 26 and 27. The information needed and the registration website may be accessed at https://bit.ly/ESDREGISTER24. The site includes school supply lists, information on bus routes and meals and other information to help parents get their children set for the return to school – after a wonderful summer, of course.
MLSD lets 55 more staff go
MOSES LAKE – Fifty-five more staff have been laid off from the Moses Lake School District, according to a Tuesday afternoon press release. The move is part of the district’s ongoing efforts to balance the budget after multiple accounting issues were discovered and two maintenance and operations levy failures earlier this year.
NEWS BITES: Drowning update, wire thefts, road work and crime
COULEE CITY – The search for the body of a man believed drowned in Banks Lake near Coulee City continued through the weekend, per the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The man’s remains had still not been found as of press time Monday.
Man missing, presumed drowned on Banks Lake
COULEE CITY – First responders searched for a man who went missing on Banks Lake near Coulee City Park Friday, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Crack sealing project on SR 26 Monday, Tuesday
OTHELLO — Road crews will be sealing cracks on a section of State Route 26 extending east from Othello Monday and Tuesday. As a result, drivers should plan for potential delays.
STUDIO BASIN: Leadership changes, and Royal softball coach Lisa Lawrence
MOSES LAKE - On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller reviews leadership changes happening around the Columbia Basin. That includes changes for the Moses Lake, Soap Lake and Royal school districts as well as the city of Moses Lake.
Seller’s market remains in Grant County
MOSES LAKE — Grant County is still leaning in favor of home sellers, according to a report from Rocket Homes reviewing home sales for the month of June. While the market price was lower in Grant County than the state average, the market still favors the seller to some extent.
Basin events for July 5-13
COLUMBIA BASIN – If you’re looking to get out and about after enjoying the Independence Day holiday, The Columbia Basin has several things going on over the next week.
Tiger leader sworn in
EPHRATA – Incoming Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray was sworn in by his predecessor, Tim Payne, on Monday July 1. Murray has said he will work to continue to build community and focus on student success.
Othello PD looking for leads in missing juvenile case
OTHELLO – The Othello Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance to locate 15-year-old Serenity Ayala who went missing on Sunday, June 30. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts should contact OPD at 509-488-3314 and reference case number 24-O02636.
Moses Lake interim city manager appointed
MOSES LAKE — Mike Jackson, a retired city manager, has been selected as the interim city manager for Moses Lake. Jackson’s appointment was announced byt the city Tuesday.
WA gas prices consistently higher most of U.S., CCA causes jump
MOSES LAKE – According to an analysis by Gas Buddy, an organization that monitors fuel prices, Washington has consistently had higher average gas prices for July 1 of each year since 2014, even before increases resulting from the Climate Commitment Act’s carbon fees came into play.
Spring Chinook season to open early on Entiat River
ENTIAT — Fishing season for Chinook salmon on the Entiat River will open a week early and the upstream boundary will be expanded, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
MLSD receives donation for Garden Heights well repairs
MOSES LAKE — A $10,000 donation from a Moses Lake couple will help pay for repairs to the well at Garden Heights Elementary. The donation made by Derick and Audra Eckenberg was announced by Moses Lake School District officials Monday.
Soap Lake man injured in gunfire exchange
SOAP LAKE — A Soap Lake man was airlifted to Confluence Health-Central Washington Hospital, Wenatchee, early Monday morning after he exchanged gunfire with people he allegedly found on his property.
Quincy students to receive summer food aid
QUINCY – The Quincy School District announced that it has been informed that the Department of State Health Services will be providing grocery benefits to help families with school-age children buy groceries during the summer break in July and August.
Grant Co. Health District concerned about chickenpox incidences
WARDEN – The Grant County Health District has issued a press release indicating that there has been an increase in the instances of chickenpox over the past few months. GCHD is investigating outbreaks in multiple locations, including a childcare center in Warden that has affected several children that were not yet eligible for the chickenpox vaccine.