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STAFF REPORT

Staff Report

Recent Stories

December 28, 2023 4:05 p.m.

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
December 27, 2023 1:37 a.m.

News Bites for Dec. 27, 2023

News Bites for Dec. 27, 2023

Apprenticeship program announces new class
December 22, 2023 4:31 p.m.

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
December 21, 2023 6:13 p.m.

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
December 21, 2023 1:30 a.m.

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
December 20, 2023 6:15 p.m.

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
December 20, 2023 4:59 p.m.

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
December 18, 2023 4:39 p.m.

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
December 18, 2023 3:50 p.m.

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
December 18, 2023 1:25 a.m.

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
December 16, 2023 12:26 p.m.

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.

December 14, 2023 5:39 p.m.

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
December 14, 2023 5:26 p.m.

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
December 14, 2023 1:35 a.m.

News Bites for Dec. 14, 2023

News Bites for Dec. 14, 2023

Washington patrols to increase through holidays
December 13, 2023 5:32 p.m.

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
December 12, 2023 6:08 p.m.

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
December 11, 2023 3:17 p.m.

Ephrata schools celebrating holiday season this week

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District is celebrating the holidays with their traditional lineup of winter performances.

News Bites for Dec. 11, 2023
December 11, 2023 1:30 a.m.

News Bites for Dec. 11, 2023

News Bites for Dec. 11, 2023

Weather for the week of Dec. 11, 2023
December 11, 2023 1:30 a.m.

Weather for the week of Dec. 11, 2023

Weather for the week of Dec. 11, 2023

STUDIO BASIN: Holiday celebrations, state titles and Quincy football coach Russ Elliott
December 9, 2023 11:32 a.m.

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
December 9, 2023 11:23 a.m.

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
December 8, 2023 1:30 a.m.

News Bites for Dec. 8, 2023

News briefs from around the Columbia Basin.

December 7, 2023 6:19 p.m.

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
December 7, 2023 5:45 p.m.

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...

ACSO busts burglary near Ritzville
December 7, 2023 5:40 p.m.

ACSO busts burglary near Ritzville

RITZVILLE — An apparent burglary was foiled between Ritzville and Moses Lake Wednesday, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

News Bites for Dec. 6, 2023
December 6, 2023 1:35 a.m.

News Bites for Dec. 6, 2023

A selection of news briefs from the Columbia Basin.

December 4, 2023 4:16 p.m.

Senior events for December 2023

Senior events for December 2023

Weather for the week of Dec. 4, 2023
December 4, 2023 1:30 a.m.

Weather for the week of Dec. 4, 2023

Weather for the week of Dec. 4, 2023

Celtic Christmas concert coming to Moses Lake
November 30, 2023 1:30 a.m.

Celtic Christmas concert coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Geoffrey Castle will bring his Celtic Christmas show to Moses Lake Dec. 10, according to an announcement from the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Bells on Basin to bring holiday cheer to Ephrata
November 29, 2023 7:19 p.m.

Bells on Basin to bring holiday cheer to Ephrata

EPHRATA — A parade to light up the town, breakfast with Santa, popcorn and live music at the community Christmas tree. There’s a lot going on in Ephrata December 9 as the community celebrates “Bells on Basin.”

Ephrata schools receive grants
November 29, 2023 5:27 p.m.

Ephrata schools receive grants

EPHRATA – Local schools have earned multiple grants for equipment that will help ensure students have access to skills training and academic success programs, according to an Ephrata School District press release.

Ephrata board honors outgoing director
November 29, 2023 5:22 p.m.

Ephrata board honors outgoing director

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District Board of Directors honored longtime board member Bill Correll at Monday’s regular district meeting, according to information provided by the district.

A brush of color
November 29, 2023 11:25 a.m.

A brush of color

This photo was found in our archives and appears to be from the early 1900s based on colorization techniques, clothing and hairstyles. The color in the photo highlights the cheeks and lips of both people and adds blue to the man’s eyes. No dates or other markings are on the photo which likely would have come to us either to accompany a feature or an obituary. If anyone knows who this photo should be returned to, email us at [email protected].

International aviation conference sets 5% carbon reduction goal
November 28, 2023 5:35 p.m.

International aviation conference sets 5% carbon reduction goal

MONTREAL, Canada – Governments attending the Third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) from Nov. 20-24 in Dubai, set a goal that aviation fuel in 2030 be 5% less carbon intensive than current fuels by 2030, according to a Monday announcement from Airports Council International.

USDA report says Washington ag has switched from harvest to maintenance
November 28, 2023 4:45 p.m.

USDA report says Washington ag has switched from harvest to maintenance

OLYMPIA – The US Department of Agriculture has released information regarding the status of agriculture for the state of Washington for the week of Nov. 20.

News Bites for Nov. 28, 2023
November 28, 2023 1:30 a.m.

News Bites for Nov. 28, 2023

OTHELLO — A semi rollover north of Othello spilled more than 10,000 gallons of fuel on SR 17 and closed the highway for almost 13 hours, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.

GCSO warns residents to be wary of scams
November 27, 2023 3:38 p.m.

GCSO warns residents to be wary of scams

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to beware of phone and online scams. With the holidays approaching, scammers usually increase their efforts to defraud the public.

Weather for the week of Nov. 27, 2023
November 27, 2023 1:30 a.m.

Weather for the week of Nov. 27, 2023

Weather for the week of Nov. 27, 2023

November 21, 2023 1:57 p.m.

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
November 21, 2023 1:30 a.m.

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.

November 20, 2023 5:33 p.m.

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.

November 20, 2023 5:23 p.m.

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
November 20, 2023 5:21 p.m.

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
November 20, 2023 1:30 a.m.

Weather for Monday, Nov. 20, 2023

Weather for Monday, Nov. 20, 2023

MLPD announces arrests in investigation of Nov. 12 homicide
November 18, 2023 3:22 p.m.

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
November 18, 2023 1:43 p.m.

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
November 18, 2023 1:32 p.m.

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
November 17, 2023 1:37 p.m.

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
November 17, 2023 1:30 a.m.

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.

November 16, 2023 5:47 p.m.

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.