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Open house set for Reclamation fire station
GRAND COULEE – Construction work at the Bureau of Reclamation fire station is near completion near the west gate to the Grand Coulee Power Office near the intersection of Highway 155 and B Street.
Wet week helps crops
OLYMPIA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service’s weekly report for Washington indicates that the week ending May 26 was wetter than average which is anticipated to be good for crops across the state.
Box score roundup for May 24, 2024
COLUMBIA BASIN – Box scores for baseball, boys soccer and softball games from May 24. Box scores for weekend games will be compiled and published in the Wednesday, May 29 edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.
Electric City audit report released
ELECTRIC CITY – The Washington State Auditor’s Office released Monday its report and summary of the office’s audit of Electric City’s financial statements from January 2021 through December 2022. The summary reported no findings of material weaknesses or non-compliance.
Sign-up for MCBONES Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site tours starts June 1
KENNEWICK – According to a May 17 announcement from the MCBONES Research Center Foundation, sign-ups for public and group tours at the Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site, a dig site in Kennewick, begin June 1. Reservations can be made for June through October.
Pear Bureau receives $4M global marketing grant
MILWAUKIE, OREGON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a $4.025 million grant under the Regional Agriculture Promotion Program to build demand for American pears in global markets with a high potential according to a Pear Bureau Northwest press release.
Olympic National Park ranks fourth in KURU Footwear top ten hiking list
MOSES LAKE – According to a May 22 statement from KURU Footwear, the organization conducted an analysis of all 63 U.S. National Parks to identify the top ten for hiking based on factors such as number of trails, trail length, average trail rating and park crowd levels.
State Fire Marshal releases Memorial Day safety tips
OLYMPIA – According to a Wednesday statement from the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office, during Memorial Day weekend in 2023 there were 10,658 incidents in Washington State requiring Fire or EMS response. These incidents resulted in $3,489,572 in property loss. “Please keep fire safety in mind as we honor those that have fallen,” the statement said. The statement urged members of the public to follow these tips to stay safe during this year’s Memorial Day:
Columbia Basin Herald closed Monday for Memorial Day
MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin Herald will not publish an edition Monday in recognition of the Memorial Day holiday. The office will be closed. Publication will resume Tuesday.
Chamber seeking volunteers for Sage-N-Sun
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers for this year's Sage -N-Sun Festival set for June 7-8. Takedown and cleanup volunteers are needed for Saturday, June 8 starting at about 10 p.m. the Saturday of the event. The chamber is also looking for two additional judges for the Grand Parade and someone to supervise the cornhole activities at the festival. That attraction will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and sifts are set for two-hour increments. The festival is also looking for a face-painting vendor for the event To volunteer, contact the chamber at 509-754-4656 or email the chamber at [email protected]. More information on the event is available at ephratachamber.org.
Memorial Day remembrance events scheduled
MOSES LAKE — Veterans, especially those who died in service to their country, will be remembered with Memorial Day ceremonies in communities around the Columbia Basin.
Grant County PUD manager to stay on the job
EPHRATA — Grant County PUD General Manager Rich Wallen will continue in that job. Utility district commissioners made the announcement during a workshop Tuesday morning, followed by a statement from Commissioner Terry Pyle warning against listening to rumors. Commission Chair Tom Flint said commissioners wanted to make it clear where they stood. “As you know, there has been a quite a bit of rumor and misinformation floating around the district,” Flint said. “The commission would like to clarify some of that. The commission has never asked Rich Wallen to resign.” All five commissioners supported, and still support, Wallen, Flint said.
Man sentenced for sexually abusing children in Othello
PORTLAND, Ore. — An Oregon man who was convicted of sexually abusing two girls in Othello was sentenced Thursday to more than 12 years in prison, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern Oregon.
Grant County physician surrenders license
OLYMPIA – The Washington Medical Commission has accepted the permanent surrender of the license to practice medicine of Grant County oral surgeon Thomas J. Laney, according to an announcement from the WMC
Seat belt emphasis patrols statewide through June 2
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Patrol is conducting emphasis patrols for seat belt use through June 2. It’s part of the annual seat belt enforcement campaign sponsored by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
Royal City teacher nominated for National History Day Teacher of the Year award
ROYAL CITY – Royal Middle School Social Studies Teacher Emily Ovenell was nominated in the middle school division of National History Day’s 2024 Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award according to a May 13 announcement from NHD
Identification pending on crash victim
CRESCENT BAR – Identification is pending on a man found dead in a car near Ancient Lakes Road near Crescent Bar late Saturday afternoon.
News bites for May 21, 2024
EPHRATA — An Ephrata man was arrested on suspicion of fourth-degree assault – domestic violence and making a bomb threat after portions of the neighborhood around the 10 block of K Street Northeast were evacuated Sunday night. Nicholas Svetich, 49, was arrested Monday morning, according to a release from the Ephrata Police Department. “Due to threats made by the suspect, neighbors were evacuated as a precaution,” the release said. “Neighbors were notified they could return to their homes (Monday morning).” OTHELLO — A former law enforcement agent who thought he was meeting an underage girl in Othello and instead found police officers waiting for him has been convicted of attempted online enticement of a minor, according to a statement from the Othello Police Department.
Weather for the week of May 20, 2024
Weather for the week of May 20, 2024
GALLERY: GCAO pets looking for homes
MOSES LAKE – Grant County Animal Outreach is over capacity and asking for the community to consider adoption or fostering to help out. The shelter has a capacity of 47 dogs, but many animals are paired up in kennels where possible to accommodate the roughly 150 animals they’re currently caring for.
STUDIO BASIN: Grant Co. Commissioner Rob Jones and state playoffs
MOSES LAKE – Grant County Commissioner Rob Jones joined Managing Editor R Hans "Rob" Miller for the news segment of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast this week. The pair discussed the process and cost of filing for office - Jones is running for reelection - as well as a variety of projects going on in the county. Jones also discussed how inflation has impacted the various businesses he owns and operates. In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer break down several of last week's district playoff games, including Moses Lake baseball, Royal and Wahluke boys soccer, Ephrata and Othello softball and Soap Lake tennis. The STUDIO BASIN podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/4blqNzr.
A memory of the Mount St. Helens eruption 44 years later
Guillermo V. Castaneda of Granger sent this poem to the Columbia Basin Herald in commemoration of the eruption of Mount St. Helens, which took place 34 years ago Saturday. At the time of the eruption, Castaneda was the director of the Migrant Health Clinic in Wenatchee and was in the process of setting up a community medical and dental clinic for migrants in Moses Lake, he wrote.
Uzbek delegation visits Big Bend
MOSES LAKE — Interest in a longtime Big Bend Community College educational exchange program brought a delegation of business owners and university professors from the central Asian nation of Uzbekistan to campus Tuesday.
Honor Flight fundraiser set for Saturday
EPHRATA – A nacho and taco feed and dessert auction will be held on May 18 – also known as Armed Forces Day – by the Ephrata American Legion and Auxilliary. Proceeds from the event will help veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the War on Terror go to see memorials in Washington D.C. that were built in their honor.
Aerobatics coming to Ephrata this weekend
EPHRATA – The International Aerobatic Club Washington Chapter No. 67 begins their slate of activities at the Port of Ephrata this weekend with an aerobatic camp set to begin Saturday and run through the following Saturday.
Five MLPD officers promoted, civilian honored
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department swore in a new generation of leaders at the Moses Lake City Council Tuesday, according to an announcement from MLPD Chief David Sands, and also awarded the Citizen Service Award. The officers who were promoted following a rigorous and stressful training process, according to Sands, were:
Former customs officer found guilty in Othello child sex case
SPOKANE. — Koby Don Williams, 49, has been found guilty of one count of Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor, according to a May 15 press release from Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Community clean-up day Saturday
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce will host a community clean-up day on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Icicle River open to spring Chinook sport fishing
LEAVENWORTH — The Icicle River near Leavenworth will be open for spring Chinook hatchery salmon fishing through June 30. The river opened for spring Chinook hatchery fishing today.
WDFW announces Snake River spring Chinook salmon fishing closure
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Monday spring Chinook salmon fishing on the Snake River is immediately closed until further notice.
Warden School District state audit reports no findings
WARDEN – The Washington State Auditor’s Office audit on Warden School District for the period of Sep. 1, 2022 through Aug. 31, 2023, released Thursday, reported no findings of noncompliance, significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the district’s financial statements and federal award uses.
Weather report for the week of May 13, 2024
Weather report for the week of May 13, 2024
STUDIO BASIN: Moses Lake School Board, swatting incident and district playoffs
MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Sports Reporter Ian Bivona break down recent headlines in the Columbia Basin Herald, including recent Moses Lake School Board meetings, an officer-involved shooting in Moses Lake, a swatting incident in Ephrata and Boeing firefighters picketing at the Moses Lake facility.
Camp Zanika Lache registration slots still open
WENATCHEE – Slots are still available at Wenatchee’s Camp Zanika Lache, a co-ed overnight summer camp for youth and teens ages six to 17.
Video of MLPD officer-involved shooting released
MOSES LAKE — Video from a body camera worn by a Moses Lake Police sergeant filmed during an officer-involved shooting incident at Motel 6 in Moses Lake May 4 has been released.
'The Hunt for Yarely' to take the stage at Vanguard on May 18
MOSES LAKE — The play “The Hunt for Yarely” will be performed at Vanguard Academy at 1 p.m. Saturday, according to an announcement from the Columbia Basin Conservation District.
Basin events for May 11-19
COLUMBIA BASIN — Here are a few things to do in the Basin this week. This listing is noncomprehensive and event details may change or events may be canceled at the organizers’ discretion. Readers are encouraged to call ahead or verify the information below online prior to the event.
Basin student named one of 2024 Presidential Scholars
ODESSA – Odessa High School student Jacob Scrupps was one of 161 high school seniors named 2024 United States Presidential Scholars and one of five Washington students who received the honor, according to a Thursday announcement from the U.S. Department of Education.
Grant PUD general manager announces resignation
EPHRATA — Grant County PUD General Manager Rich Wallen has announced his resignation, effective June 14. Wallen will become the chief operating officer of the Chelan County PUD. Wallen’s resignation was submitted May 7. It was announced in a press release, and Public Information Officer Christine Pratt said the PUD would not have any further comment. Wallen has worked for the PUD for seven years; he was appointed as general manager in February 2022. He started as managing director of power production in 2017 and was named chief operating officer in 2019.
Five local law enforcement officers honored
MOSES LAKE — Four Moses Lake Police officers received the Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Friday, according to an announcement from the MLPD. A Grant County Sheriff’s deputy was also honored, the GCSO announced.
Confluence physician wins state award
WENATCHEE — Confluence Health pediatrician Doug Eisert was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Leah Layne Memorial Health Leadership award from the Washington Rural Health Association.
WDFW extends special hunt deadline
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has extended the special hunt permit application deadline one week, until midnight May 22, according to a Monday WDFW announcement.
Weather for the week of May 6, 2024
Weather for the week of May 6, 2024
STUDIO BASIN: Sheriff Joey Kriete and Basin playoffs
MOSES LAKE – Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller sits down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete to discuss a recent fundraiser for the Columbia Basin Canines group, which works to support area K9 officers and their handlers. The pair also discusses increasing domestic violence in Grant County, the factors that can lead to domestic violence and some of the organizations in the area that work to help families struggling with the issue.
May 2024 Basin Events
COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s no excuse for being bored in the Columbia Basin this month. This listing is noncomprehensive and event details may change or events may be canceled at the organizers’ discretion. Readers are encouraged to call ahead or verify the information below online prior to the event.
WDFW seeks public comment on proposed cougar season rules
OLYMPIA — The public comment period on proposed changes to cougar hunting seasons will be open through June 21, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Washington Trust to cut ribbon on new location
EPHRATA — Washington Trust Bank will celebrate the opening of its new Ephrata location with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. May 23 at the new branch, 261 Basin St. SW.
Ephrata Chamber to host community clean-up day
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce will be conducting a community clean-up and beautification event on May 18 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
NEWS BITES: April 29, 2024
RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff’s Deputies are seeking a man who left the courtroom during his trial and did not return, according to a statement from the ACSO. MOSES LAKE — Two 15-year-old boys were arrested Thursday after one of them allegedly pistol-whipped a person in the Larson Community earlier last week, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. OTHELLO — Two male subjects were arrested Wednesday in Othello for gang-related graffiti at Kiwanis Park, according to a statement from the Othello Police Department.
Gesa Credit Union raises funds to plant trees
RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, raised more than $66,000, which will help plant more than 31,000 trees across the Pacific Northwest, according to an announcement from GESA.