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News Bites for March 4, 2024
News Bites for March 4, 2024
GCSO, Royal PD welcome new K-9 officers
EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has brought on two new dogs to serve as K-9 officers, and the Royal City Police Department has brought on its first-ever K-9 officer as well, according to announcements from the two agencies.
Weather for the week of March 4, 2024
Weather for the week of March 4, 2024
Well-earned retirement
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department announced the retirement of Sgt. Brian Jones after 26 years of service to the Moses Lake community late last week. During his time on the force, Jones served on the Interagency Narcotics Team, Honor Guard and the Moses Lake Regional Response Team. he was promoted to sergeant in 2006 and was assigned as a patrol sergeant. He later moved into Investigations, grew that department, and helped form the MLPD Street Crimes Unit.
Schwab awards CWU grant for expanded financial planning programs
ELLENSBURG — Schwab Advisor Services, in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation, recently awarded Central Washington University with a multi-year grant to support program expansion for the Center for Financial Planning and Well-Being, according to a Wednesday CWU announcement.
GCSO seeking missing Pasco woman
GEORGE – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Irene Fleming, 31, of Pasco who went missing near George in the 4900 block of Road U SW.
Law enforcement logs for March 1, 2024
The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
WDFW to begin prescribed fires in March
SPOKANE – Annual prescribed fires on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife-managed lands in Eastern Washington are scheduled to start in March, as conditions allow, according to a Thursday announcement from the WDFW.
Gorge shooting court dates rescheduled
EPHRATA – Court documents associated with the trial for James Kelley, the suspect in the shooting that took the lives of two and wounded multiple other victims at the Beyond Wonderland music festival last year, indicate that court dates for the criminal proceedings against Kelley have been rescheduled.
House burns twice in same night in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — A residence in southeast Moses Lake burned twice Tuesday, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Fire Department.
‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ DLC for ‘Elden Ring’ release date set
TOKYO – Bandai Namco and FromSoftware have announced a June 21 release date for the long-anticipated “Shadow of the Erdtree” downloadable content for the “Elden Ring” video game, according to a FromSoftware press release.
Weather for the week of Feb. 26, 2024
Weather for the week of Feb. 26, 2024
March 2024 Basin Events
COLUMBIA BASIN – As always, the Columbia Basin has a lot going on next month. As spring moves a bit closer to being official, here are several opportunities to get out of the house, have some fun, and maybe support a good cause. 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.
D&M Chem joining The McGregor Company operation
COLFAX – The McGregor Company is bringing D&M Chem into their family-owned ag retail business, according to a Wednesday announcement from McGregor.
Murray visits WA to discuss lack of childcare
SNOQUALMIE – U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe Child Development Center Thursday to tour their facilities and discuss the childcare crisis Tribal and rural communities are facing, according an announcement from Murray’s office.
Law enforcement logs for Feb. 23, 2024
The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
EPA announces $113M for WA water infrastructure
SEATTLE – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday more than $113 million in federal funding for Washington drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.
Moses Lake man barricades self in home after alleged assault
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man is in jail after a standoff with police, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department.
Grant Elementary hosts talent show
EPHRATA – Grant Elementary School students turned out the red carpet for some fun last Thursday, Feb. 8 for a talent show supporting the arts on campus. Principal Shannon Dahl emceed the event with the help of Brandon Evenson, the campus's dean of students. With a silent auction included in the event, the campus raised a bit more than $1,200 to support the arts.
Ephrata Chamber to hold business after hours
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce’s monthly business after hours networking event will be held at M&H Glass located at 432 Basin Street NW in Ephrata. Admission to the 21-and-older event is $5. Proceeds go to support the chamber’s work to help local businesses grow and prosper. The event runs from 5-7 p.m. and will include beverages, snacks and an opportunity to network with chamber members and business leaders in the city.
Counseling available after Ephrata student’s passing
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District reminds students, faculty and staff that counseling is available if anyone is in need of help after the passing of Jett Johnson in a car accident Monday.
Ephrata campuses launch student assistance programs
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District has announced a new program to help students at Ephrata High and Middle schools with behavioral health management.
Minor arrested in Moses Lake on various charges
MOSES LAKE — A male 16-year-old Moses Lake resident was booked into the Chelan County Juvenile Center in Wenatchee on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle, DUI and other charges after he allegedly led officers on a chase that eventually ended in Ephrata early Saturday morning.
Information sought on Larson-area shooting
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies are asking for the public’s help following a shooting that left a 19-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds early Sunday morning.
Cougar attacks cyclist
FALL CITY, Wash. – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife received a report of an incident wherein a young male cougar weighing in at about 75 pounds attacked a female cyclist in King County. The cyclist sustained injuries to her neck and face and is reportedly in stable condition, according to a WDFW press release..
Three killed in Othello area collision
OTHELLO — Three people died Thursday morning in a head-on collision with a semi-truck, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.
Two die in home fire
EPHRATA — Two people died in a house fire late Wednesday night, according to a statement from the Ephrata Fire Department.
Man indicted in Yakima bail bond scam
YAKIMA — A federal grand jury has returned an indictment in a phony bail bond scam, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Washington.
Fish and Wildlife asking for feedback on updated fishing app
OLYMPIA — Fishing fans in Washington will get a chance to test a revised app from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife that provides the latest information on fishing regulations.
Sage-N-Sun 2024 registration now open
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce has announced the dates for this year’s Sage-N-Sun festival in downtown Ephrata. The annual event which includes a parade, a children’s parade, vendor booths, live music and other attractions will be held June 7 and June 8. Registration for food and market vendors is now open. To register to sell food, crafts or other items, visit ephratachamber.org/sage-n-sun-registration.
Readers celebrate Valentine's Day
COLUMBIA BASIN – Valentine’s Day swings by once a year, but the people by us each day is what the holiday is about. The Columbia Basin Herald congratulates all the lovebirds out there on the joy they celebrate with their special someone. Each year, we’ll allow readers to send a message in for their special person with a photo. This year may be only four photos, but we’ll build upon it in the years to come. Have a wonderful holiday.
Dent, Ybarra, Warnick to hold virtual town hall
OLYMPIA — Lawmakers from the 13th District, which includes the southern half of Grant County, will hold a virtual town hall starting at 6 p.m. Feb. 21, according to a joint announcement from the legislators’ offices.
Suicide victim found on I-90 bridge in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — The body of a 36-year-old man was found at the I-90 bridge in Moses Lake Monday morning, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Speed camera bill passes state House
OLYMPIA — The Washington State House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to decrease traffic fatalities, according to an announcement from the bill’s primary sponsor Rep. Brandy Donaghy, D-Mill Creek.
Wahluke shows appreciation for bus wreck response
MATTAWA — First responders, Wahluke School District personnel and children involved in a bus collision Jan. 22 were recognized for their response to the incident during halftime of the Wahluke-La Salle boys basketball game Feb. 8.
News Bites for Feb. 13, 2024
News Bites for Feb. 13, 2024
Public comment sought on proposed gray wolf change
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will accept comments through May 6 on a proposal to change the state’s classification of gray wolf populations from endangered to sensitive. A briefing and public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for the March 15-16 meeting of the WDFW commission, according to a WDFW press release.
CWU to hold public quarterly meeting Thursday and Friday
ELLENSBURG — The Central Washington University Board of Trustees will hold its quarterly two-day meeting beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Wellington Event Center on the CWU campus, according to a Feb. 8 CWU announcement. The meeting is open to the public.
Basin weather for Feb. 12, 2024
Basin weather for Feb. 12, 2024
STUDIO BASIN: GCSO update, basketball action and swim & dive
EPHRATA – In this week’s episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans “Rob” Miller speaks with Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete regarding GCSO’s goals for the year. Highlights include recruitment efforts, two new K9 officers, an update to the development of the county jail and Kriete’s kudos to his staff. Next, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer break down basketball action at Ephrata, Royal and Almira/Coulee-Hartline, recap the district wrestling tournaments around the east side and discuss Moses Lake boys swim and dive team’s district title win.
Quincy man arrested for wire theft
MOSES LAKE — A Quincy man was arrested Thursday night for stealing wire from an irrigation circle, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Law enforcement logs for Feb. 9, 2024
The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
McMorris Rodgers will not run for reelection
WASHINGTON D.C. – Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, announced Wednesday that she will not be running for reelection when her current term ends in early 2025. She said she feels grateful to serve the people of Eastern Washington during her time in office in a formal statement to the press.
Collision injures 1 near Mattawa
OTHELLO — A collision near Mattawa sent one driver to the hospital Thursday, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.
Legislative education
OLYMPIA – Ephrata School Board Student Representative Charles Flynn, left, State Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, and Ephrata School Board Student Representative Kadie McMullen stop for a photo at the capitol in Olympia in late January. The two student board members joined various officials from the Ephrata School District in visiting the state capitol to discuss education priorities with Dent, Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, and Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake.
Ephrata School District forms committee to consider future bond options
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District has announced the formation of a committee tasked with establishing a recommendation on the timing of the next Ephrata School District Bond, according to a Feb. 1 ESD announcement.
Honoring Indigenous
A year ago, the Wahluke School District announced that it would be allowed to keep the Warrior as its mascot after working with Wanapum leaders. Washington law required school districts to reach out to nearby tribes to obtain permission to keep Indigenous icons as mascots. The Wanapum found that the Warrior represents the entire community, not just the school district. Wahluke schools and the Wanapum have a longstanding relationship that fosters and appreciation for Native American culture and Wanapum artifacts are displayed in Wahluke campuses for educational purposes.
Ephrata’s Malone takes top honor in chess tourney
EPHRATA – For the third consecutive year, Hayden Malone, an Ephrata High School senior took home the top prize in the Waypoint Foundation Scholastic Chess Tournament, according to a statement from the Waypoint Foundation. The competition was held Saturday at Parkway Intermediate School in Ephrata.
Splash from the past
Scuttle (Emily Duvall), left; Flounder (Isaac Winter), center back; and Sebastian (Clark Dalton), right, do what they can to help bring Prince Eric (Taggart Hodges), left front and Ariel (Abigail Martinez), right front, find true love in the Quincy Valley Allied Arts production of “The Little Mermaid,” which was featured in the Columbia Basin Herald on Feb. 7, 2023.
Othello High temporarily locked down after social media threat, all safe
OTHELLO — A social media post prompted a lockdown at Othello High School Tuesday afternoon.