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Weather for the week of Jan. 22, 2024
Weather for the week of Jan. 22, 2024
News Bites for Jan. 22, 2024
News Bites for Jan. 22, 2024
STUDIO BASIN: Honoring Mattawa PD Chief Robert Salinas, MACC upgrades and Basin basketball
MOSES LAKE — The Jan. 19 Studio Basin podcast opens on a somber note, reporting the death of Mattawa Police Department Chief Robert Salinas. Salinas passed away unexpectedly Jan. 16; he was remembered as “Chief Bob” by Mattawa residents.
Pro-life rally coming to Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — A Pro-Life Rally has been organized to take place in Moses Lake Feb. 4, according to an announcement from the Knights of Columbus, which sponsors the event.
Frontier gym serves as temporary warming center during frigid weekend
MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake and the Moses Lake School District joined forces over the weekend to protect unhoused people from the bitter cold, by opening the Frontier Middle School gym as a temporary warming center, according to a statement from the city.
Ephrata schools offering Child Find screenings
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District announced on January 9 that screenings for developmental disabilities for youth up to the age of 21 are available through the Child Find program. Children can be screened to determine if an evaluation is necessary to identify any disabilities or developmental delays and if the child is eligible for special education services. Referrals may be made by sources within or outside of the school district and the service is free of cost. Anyone wanting a child to be screened should call the Child Find program at 509-754-3538 to make an appointment.
Eleven Ephrata High staff recognized for life-saving actions
EPHRATA – Eleven Ephrata High School staff were recognized in early January for their response to a life-threatening medical event suffered by a fellow staff member who was not named by the district. Officials credited EHS nurse Pam Cleveringa with training staff with the skills that saved the staff member’s life.
Othello second grader recognized for food drive efforts
OTHELLO — A Wahitis Elementary second grader received an Othello School District challenge coin for his efforts to collect food for the annual Othello Christmas Basket project.
WSU to co-host SoilCon24 in February
PULLMAN – Washington State University will be assisting in hosting SoilCon this year, a free resource for agricultural professionals to learn science-based soil health information.
NEWS BITES for January 16, 2024
NEWS BITES for January 16, 2024
Weather for the week of Jan. 15, 2024
Weather for the week of Jan. 15, 2024
News Bites for Jan. 15, 2024
News Bites for Jan. 15, 2024
STUDIO BASIN: Soap Lake School District with Superintendent Chavez and Basin wrestling
MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is joined by Aaron Chavez, the superintendent of the Soap Lake School District, who has been on the job since July 2023. He discusses his impressions of the school district, challenges and opportunities in Soap Lake, and the Soap Lake educational programs and operations levy that will be on the Feb. 13 ballot.
Basin events for Jan. 13-19
It’s cold, but that doesn’t mean there’s no options for a bit of fun in the Columbia Basin.
Othello drug dealer sentenced
SPOKANE – Jaime Alberta Garza, 52, of Othello has been sentenced after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distributed fentanyl. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 78 months – about six and a half years – in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, according to a press release from the office of Vanessa Waldref, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Othello drug dealer sentenced to more than six years
SPOKANE – Jaime Alberta Garza, 52, of Othello has been sentenced after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distributed fentanyl. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 78 months – about six and a half years – in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, according to a press release from the office of Vanessa Waldref, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Four WA schools earn distinguished designation
OLYMPIA — Four schools in Washington have earned the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished Schools Award, according to an announcement from the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
STUDIO BASIN: Grant County crime in 2023 with Kyle Foreman and local hoops
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Grant County Sheriff's Office public information officer Kyle Foreman joins Managing Editor Rob Miller to discuss the county's crime in review for 2023.
Teen airlifted with life-threatening injuries after crash
MATTAWA — A single-vehicle collision near Mattawa left the driver in the hospital early Friday morning, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
County seeks tourism commissioner
EPHRATA — The Grant County Board of Commissioners is looking for an interested citizen to serve on the Grant County Tourism Commission, according to an announcement from the commissioners.
News Bites for Jan. 2
RITZVILLE — Ritzville Police have made an arrest in a two-week-long investigation, according to a statement from the RPD.
Weather forecast for Jan. 2-4
Weather forecast for Jan. 2-4
WA Legislature takes aim at highway graffiti
OLYMPIA — A bill in the Washington State Legislature takes aim at graffiti, according to an announcement from Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia.
Local students make dean’s list
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – Carlie Gregg and Hunter White, both from Moses Lake, made the dean’s list at the University of Saint Mary, according to a press release from the university. Students ending the fall semester at the university with a 3.5 grade point average or higher are enrolled into the dean’s list.
More than 1,700 acres added to conservation lands inventory
OLYMPIA – Washington added 1,726 acres of land for conservation through ten land acquisitions in 2023, according to an announcement from the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
GCSO urges caution while celebrating at bars
EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement warning area residents to be cautious when out at bars regarding Rohypnol, also known as roofies, and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, also known as GHB or liquid ecstasy. Both are date rape drugs and can take away the ability to fight back or remember what happened while under their effects. Mixing these substances with alcohol can also be fatal.
Fireworks reminder
EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office issued a reminder regarding rules associated with fireworks in the unincorporated area of Grant County. Fireworks may be discharged from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 1 a.m. New Year’s Day, generally. However, at no time are fireworks allowed at Marine View, Marine View Heights, Crescent Bar, Desert Aire outside of Desert Aire Park, The Gorge or the campground at The Gorge. Those seeking further information or clarifications may contact GCSO at 509-754-2011.
News Bites for Dec. 27, 2023
News Bites for Dec. 27, 2023
Apprenticeship program announces new class
MOSES LAKE — Six youths will receive training and eventual industry certification with the help of a program put together in partnership between Genie Industries, AJAC Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships, SkillSource and North Central Education Service District 171.
STUDIO BASIN: 2024 WA legislative session with Tom Dent and Mavs football with Brett and Brady Jay
MOSES LAKE - On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, State Representative Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake) stops in to discuss his priorities for the 2024 Washington Legislative Session. Before getting into the meat of the session, he discusses how he started raising bison on his Moses Lake ranch. Then he discusses his passion for childcare concerns, a bill to help firefighting agencies work better together and bipartisan efforts and the importance of relationship building in the state legislature.
News Bites for Dec. 21, 2023
EPHRATA — An Ephrata man was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of DUI and other charges after he allegedly led law enforcement officers on a chase south of Ephrata Tuesday. MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake woman was arrested Tuesday after she allegedly violated a no-contact order and failed to come out of a house when law enforcement officers asked her to.
Wreaths Across America brings out community to honor late service members
EPHRATA – Hundreds of wreaths were laid at the headstones of veterans interred at the Ephrata Cemetery Saturday with community members coming out to honor the community’s veterans despite the drizzly, cold weather.
Ephrata schools approve defeasement
EPHRATA – According to an announcement from the Ephrata School District, the Ephrata School Board unanimously approved alterations to the district’s 2018 school bond resolution, and swore in newly elected board directors during Monday’s regular meeting.
NCW Libraries addresses library funding, maintenance concerns
WENATCHEE – In response to recent coverage of Mattawa City Council, North Central Washington Libraries is seeking to clarify misunderstandings regarding how the library system operates and receives funding. “NCW Libraries is committed to good financial stewardship and to providing robust library services to rural communities across our (five)-county district. As a public organization, transparency is critical to building trust with our community leaders and taxpayers,” said NCW Libraries Communications Manager Amanda Brack in a letter to the Columbia Basin Herald.
WDFW opens public comment on draft Conservation Policy
OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is opening a public comment period through Jan. 12. on its updated draft Conservation Policy, according to a Monday announcement from the commission.
Weather for the week of Dec. 18, 2023
Weather for the week of Dec. 18, 2023
STUDIO BASIN: Adams County Pet Rescue, Moses Lake news and Basin wrestling
MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Sports Reporter Ian Bivona recap last week's headlines, including the Adams County Pet Rescue negotiating for additional funds with the City of Othello, Moses Lake City Manager Kevin Fuhr receiving the Person of the Year award by the Moses Lake Community Coalition and discuss news with the PUD rates.
Hanford board position open
EPHRATA — The Grant County Commissioners are looking for an interested county resident to serve on the Hanford Advisory Board.
Salvation Army donations down for year, help needed
MOSES LAKE — The Salvation Army is soliciting donations for its annual Christmas drive, citing a drop in donations both in Moses Lake and statewide.
News Bites for Dec. 14, 2023
News Bites for Dec. 14, 2023
Washington patrols to increase through holidays
OLYMPIA — According to a Wednesday announcement from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, law enforcement agencies across the state will have an increased presence on roads from Dec. 13 to Jan. 1 to help remind everyone to drive safely.
Suspect sought in Moses Lake armed robbery
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department is looking for a man who committed an armed robbery at a Moses Lake business early Tuesday morning.
Ephrata schools celebrating holiday season this week
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District is celebrating the holidays with their traditional lineup of winter performances.
Weather for the week of Dec. 11, 2023
Weather for the week of Dec. 11, 2023
News Bites for Dec. 11, 2023
News Bites for Dec. 11, 2023
STUDIO BASIN: Holiday celebrations, state titles and Quincy football coach Russ Elliott
MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Sports Reporter Ian Bivona recap some of last week's headlines, including Othello passing its 2024 budget, Quincy designing its fieldhouse and aquatic center, holiday celebrations and Royal's state title win...
Local firefighters bring holiday warmth to Moses Lake children
MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Firefighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1258 got together to make sure some local students were warm as fall turns into winter in the Columbia Basin.
News Bites for Dec. 8, 2023
News briefs from around the Columbia Basin.
Festival of Trees through Dec. 12 in Ephrata
EPHRATA — The trees to be raffled in the first Festival of Trees in Ephrata will be on display through Dec. 12 at the Columbia Basin Foundation office, 101 Basin St. SW. The trees are on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 12, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, during the Bells on Basin town celebration.
BIG SKY NOW: Two Big Sky teams advance, two fall in FCS Playoffs
MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the Big Sky Now podcast, Josh Dugan and Fritz Neighbor of the Daily Inter Lake, Mark Nelke of the Coeur d’Alene Press and Ian Bivona of the Columbia Basin Herald break down last weekend’s second-round matchups in the FCS Playoffs...