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Nationwide home sales decline
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Existing-home sales dropped in October, according to an announcement by the National Association of Realtors. Among the four major U.S. regions, sales slid in the Northeast, South and West but were unchanged in the Midwest. All four regions experienced year-over-year sales declines
News Bites for Nov. 21, 2023
MOSES LAKE — With the holiday season rapidly approaching, it’s important for people who decorate to do it safely, according to an announcement from the Moses Lake Fire Department. OTHELLO — Nobody was hurt Monday morning in a collision between a car and a school bus in Othello, according to a statement from the Othello School District.
State looks for feedback on ‘24-’27 transpo plans
OLYMPIA – The 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program is now ready for public review and comment through Dec. 19, according to a Monday announcement from the Washington Department of Transportation, which produces the STIP.
Smokey Bear could grace next custom Washington license plate
TACOMA — Washingtonians will be able to show their appreciation for forests – and the people who protect them – if a new custom license plate is approved, according to an announcement from state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.
Hanford agencies to hold cleanup meeting
KENNEWICK – The public is invited to ask questions and learn about Hanford Site cleanup during an in-person meeting at the ballroom of the Red Lion Hotel Kennewick Columbia Center on Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 6-8 p.m., according to a Department of Ecology announcement Monday.
Weather for Monday, Nov. 20, 2023
Weather for Monday, Nov. 20, 2023
MLPD announces arrests in investigation of Nov. 12 homicide
MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Police Chief Dave Sands issued a statement Friday indicating that multiple arrests had been made in the investigation of a November 12 drive-by shooting that led to the death of one man and multiple others being injured.
Samaritan, Premera reach one-year agreement
MOSES LAKE — Negotiations between Samaritan Healthcare and Premera Blue Cross have resulted in a one-year contract, in effect through Dec. 31, 2024. People who have health insurance through Premera won’t have any lapses in their coverage for services at Samaritan Hospital or the Samaritan clinics.
STUDIO BASIN: An elf, some directors, and Mavs volleyball Head Coach Krystal Trammell
MOSES LAKE – A happy elf and his directors from The Masquers stop by the studie to discuss “Elf: The Musical” which is coming up at the Soap Lake theater. Managing Editor R. Hans “Rob” Miller and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer talk to co-directors Clifford and Stacey Bresee and the star of the show, Clark Dalton...
Family photos
More photos from those found in storage at the Columbia Basin Herald. If any reader knows whom we should return these photographs, please email us their contact information at [email protected] or provide that email address to the family of those pictured.
News Bites for Nov. 17, 2023
EPHRATA – Grant County’s Interagency Narcotics Enforcement team conducted a drug bust Wednesday morning near Royal City and discovered an animal fighting operation, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office statement.
Inslee issues executive order requiring plain language
OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee signed an executive order Wednesday that requires state agencies to create and adopt a plain language policy, according to a Wednesday announcement from Inslee’s office.
Bird likely cause of Moses Lake outage
MOSES LAKE — A bird that got too close to electrical wires apparently triggered a power outage in the Wheeler Road area that lasted about two hours Thursday morning. “A bird touched an energized component in the (Wheeler substation) while also in contact with a grounded component. This caused a distribution fault and the protective relay system operated to interrupt and clear the fault,” wrote Christine Pratt, PUD public information officer, in reply to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald. The outage occurred about 8:30 a.m., and electricity was restored about 10 a.m.
The fuzzy faces of GCAO
MOSES LAKE – Both the city of Moses Lake and Grant County have agreed to fund up to $1 million each for a new animal shelter for Grant County Animal Outreach. While planning is underway for the new facility which will be located near the Grant County Fairgrounds, the current shelter is currently above capacity. The pets shown here were listed as being up for adoption and available as of November 16. Animal lovers in a position to adopt may want to consider these animals or others currently in the care of the shelter. Additionally, the shelter is in need of volunteers and other resources. To volunteer, including possibly fostering a dog or cat, contact the shelter by visiting their website at grantcountyanimaloutreach.org or by phone at 509-762-9616.
Suspect arrested in Moses Lake homicide case
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police officers made an arrest Tuesday afternoon in the shooting near Montlake Park that left one victim dead and two others wounded Sunday, according to a statement from the MLPD.
Newhouse to host telephone town halls
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Washington) will host two town hall sessions by telephone for constituents of the Fourth Congressional District this week, according to an announcement from Newhouse’s office.
Ephrata man burns apartment, holes up in bathroom
EPHRATA — A man was arrested Sunday after setting an apartment on fire and then barricading himself in the bathroom, according to a statement from the Ephrata Police Department.
Gesa grant allows GCFD 13 to buy extrication tool
EPHRATA — A $25,000 grant from Gesa Credit Union allowed Grant County Fire District 13 to add a new extrication tool to its new rescue vehicle.
Shooting claims one in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — A shooting Sunday afternoon left one person dead and two more hospitalized, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department.
A piece of the past ...
While organizing some old boxes of files, Columbia Basin Herald staff came across this and several other photos in a loose stack. If you are able to identify the people in the photo and the photo is one submitted to the paper by your family, please contact us at [email protected] with the information for the photo and feel free to stop by the office to pick up the original for your family records. Prior to the internet, families would often drop off photos such as this one for wedding announcements, obituaries or to accompany news articles. The only identifying marks on the back of this image are a note from the photographer that says, “For your convenience, the negative of this photograph will be kept on file. When reordering, be sure to mention the letter and number that appear above (2S 19012) – Photography studio of Frederick A. Nelson. Seattle, Wash.”
Weather for Monday, Nov. 13, 2023
Weather for Monday, Nov. 13, 2023
STUDIO BASIN: Basin elections, pet progress and state playoffs
MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller goes over highlights of local results from last week's election, as well as an update to animal rescue facilities in Grant and Adams counties. Next, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona previews state football matchups and recaps performances at the 1B and 2B State Volleyball Tournaments. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/49xeteF.
Othello man arrested in child porn bust
OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department made an arrest in a child pornography investigation Thursday, according to a statement from the OPD.
NCESD elects three new board members
WENATCHEE — The North Central Educational Service District Board of Directors welcomed three new members, according to an announcement from the NCESD.
Basin ready to celebrate Veterans Day
EPHRATA – Two Veterans Day celebrations are planned in the area for Saturday. Ephrata’s American Legion post and Quincy’s Veterans Operation Creation both have events going on.
Washington sees first substantial decline in Japanese beetles
YAKIMA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture Pest Program saw its first substantial decline in Japanese beetle numbers after trapping more than 19,000 beetles this summer in Yakima, Benton and Franklin counties, according to a WSDA announcement.
ED announces $115 million in grants for school districts.
MOSES LAKE – The U.S. Department of Education announced Oct. 25 new awards totaling about $115 million to support 29 Teacher and School Leader incentive projects across the country, according to an announcement from the ED.
MLFD: Boy saves family home from fire
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake boy’s quick thinking prevented a possible tragedy Monday, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Fire Department.
Weather for Monday, Nov. 6, 2023
Weather for Monday, Nov. 6, 2023
STUDIO BASIN: Volunteering and league titles
MOSES LAKE — Peny Archer of Community Services of Moses Lake is the guest on this week’s edition of the STUDIO BASIN podcast. Archer talks about operations of the Moses Lake Food Bank, the level of need for its services in the community, and how people can support it. Archer also talks about how she became involved at the food bank, where she started as a volunteer about 23 years ago. Next, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer go over last week’s action on the gridiron, as well as some district soccer and swim and dive.
Basin Public Meetings Schedule: Nov. 2023
This schedule includes regularly scheduled meetings, which may be changed or canceled. Agendas may be found on each municipality’s website one to two business days prior to the meeting. All meetings must be run in accordance with state law and generally allow one or more agenda items for public comment on issues facing the government body.
Building permits for Nov. 3, 2023
EPHRATA -- The below building permits were filed in unincorporated Grant County during the timeframes shown below.
Police Logs for Nov. 3, 2023
MOSES LAKE – 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.
Newsroom fun
MOSES LAKE – The Columbia Basin Herald team had a Halloween celebration of our own on Wednesday. Along with a potluck and dad jokes galore, the paper’s staff had costume and pumpkin decorating contests. With a variety of entries on both fronts, the two photos above show who came home with the blue ribbon in each category.
STCU opens Othello drive-through branch
OTHELLO – Credit union STCU opened its new location in Othello Tuesday, a drive-through-only branch located at 1335 E. Main St., according to an announcement from the credit union.
Commerce designates 3 Pacific Northwest tech hubs
MOSES LAKE – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration announced Oct. 23 the designation of 31 Tech Hubs across the country, including two in Washington, the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub in the Spokane Valley and the Pacific Northwest Mass Timber Tech Hub.
Weather for Monday, Oct. 30
Weather for Monday, Oct. 30
Santa art and journals coming to Moses Lake Museum & Art Center
MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake resident Joshua Larson’s Santas will be open for viewing in the Ramon Cerna Community Gallery at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center from Nov. 4 through Dec. 30, according to a museum press release.
STUDIO BASIN: Photography and Spooky Behavior with Kelsey Gribble and sports wrap-up
MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller is joined by Kelsey Gribble, the owner of Sole Performance in Ephrata and a local artist, to discuss Gribble's photography, her brand Spooky Behavior and a bit about Sole Performance.
Coulee Dam fined for EPA violations
SEATTLE – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that the Town of Coulee Dam, Washington will pay nearly $71,000 for violations of Section 402 of the Clean Water Act at the town’s wastewater treatment plant, according to a press release from the EPA.
Corrections officer sentenced to 60 months for drug charges
RICHLAND – United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Leticia Rodriguez, 44, to 60 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine, according to a Monday announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
OSPI, RCO award outdoor learning grants
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office in cooperation with the Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction announced $3.7 million in grants to support outdoor learning experiences, including projects that impact Grant and Adams counties.
Weather forecast for Monday, Oct. 23, 2023
Weather forecast for Monday, Oct. 23, 2023
STUDIO BASIN: Responsibility with pets, Moms Helping Moms, elections and playoffs
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller talks about the ongoing issues related to stray animals and overcrowded animal shelters in Grant and Adams counties...
Group14 releases third quarter review
MOSES LAKE – Group14 Technology released its third quarter review Thursday, which said that the company ramped up construction on its incoming one million-square-foot Moses Lake battery active materials factory, labeled “BAM-2.”
News bites for Oct. 19, 2023
EPHRATA — Amateur radio enthusiasts in Grant County took part in a Simulated Emergency Test Oct. 7, according to a statement from the Grant county Sheriff’s Office.
LGBTQ+ academic scholarships open
MOSES LAKE – Scholarship website Bold.org announced Monday several new academic scholarships tailored specifically for LGBTQ+ high school, undergraduate and graduate students.
South Grant Co. candidate forum coming Wednesday
MATTAWA – The community is invited to the South Grant County Candidate Forum Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Wahluke High School, according to an announcement from the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce.
Public invited to comment on EPA herbicide policy
MOSES LAKE – The Agricultural Retailer’s Association announced Wednesday it is encouraging public comment on a proposed Endangered Species Act herbicide strategy draft from the Environmental Protection Agency to bring the EPA's pesticide program into compliance with the ESA. Comments are due no later than Oct. 22.
Soap Lake residents invited to take Creative District survey
SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake residents are invited to take a survey detailing their priorities for the proposed Soap Lake Creative District, according to an announcement by the city. The results will be reviewed at meetings of the creative district planning committee.