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STAFF REPORT

Staff Report

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MLHS senior honored for academic excellence
October 7, 2023 2:04 a.m.

MLHS senior honored for academic excellence

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District announced Sept. 28 that Damien Paluch has been recognized as a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program...

STUDIO BASIN: Education, opportunity, candy and solid sports performance
October 7, 2023 12:39 a.m.

STUDIO BASIN: Education, opportunity, candy and solid sports performance

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Ephrata School District Superintendent Tim Payne stops by to talk about accomplishments at the district and how the district is working to ensure students and parents are successful. Payne and Managing Editor Rob Miller also discuss opportunities to build community and the economy in Ephrata and upcoming opportunities for parents and educators to learn better communication skills with youth...

October 4, 2023 6:30 p.m.

State awarded federal grant for re-entry and employment services

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Employment Security Department and the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County will receive more than $6.2 million from a four-year federal grant called Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development, according to an ESD announcement Wednesday...

GCSO seeks evading driver
October 4, 2023 6:24 p.m.

GCSO seeks evading driver

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a Moses Lake man who led deputies on a chase Monday evening...

Arson burns home in Moses Lake
October 4, 2023 1:20 a.m.

Arson burns home in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Authorities are seeking information about a residential fire in Moses Lake Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the city of Moses Lake.

October 3, 2023 6:32 p.m.

Frito-Lay opens Community Builders Scholarship

PLANO, Texas – Frito-Lay announced Tuesday applications are open for the Frito-Lay Community Builders Scholarship, which will award four students $25,000 each to help further their higher education goals. The application submission deadline is Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. PST...

Semi burns at Moses Lake truck stop
October 3, 2023 6:30 p.m.

Semi burns at Moses Lake truck stop

MOSES LAKE — A semi-truck was destroyed by fire Tuesday afternoon in Moses Lake, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Fire Department...

October 3, 2023 6:28 p.m.

ECBID rep speaks at Water Law conference

OTHELLO – The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District Development Coordinator Jon Erickson gave a presentation during the sixth annual Water Law in Central Washington conference Sept. 21 to 22 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, according to an announcement from ECBID...

October 3, 2023 6:06 p.m.

Man arrested in Mattawa shooting

MATTAWA — A 33-year-old man was arrested and booked on suspicion of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon following a shooting on Boundary Road in Mattawa the morning of Sept. 25...

Vocal quartet coming to Moses Lake
October 3, 2023 1:52 p.m.

Vocal quartet coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Out in the music world, there are many – oh, so many – “boy bands,” groups of three or four or five impossibly good-looking young men who sing shallow lyrics and perform complicated dance moves while mugging for the camera.

Mennonite Country Auction coming Saturday
October 3, 2023 1:20 a.m.

Mennonite Country Auction coming Saturday

RITZVILLE — The quilts will be hung, the hymns will be sung and the cider will be pressed this weekend when Menno Mennonite Church holds its annual Mennonite Country Auction.This is the 45th year the church has held its traditional fall auction, according to the church’s website.

News bites for Oct. 3, 2023
October 3, 2023 1 a.m.

News bites for Oct. 3, 2023

EPHRATA — A Quincy man died Sunday evening in a motorcycle collision northwest of Ephrata, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Columbia Basin Community Calendar for October 2023
September 29, 2023 1:30 a.m.

Columbia Basin Community Calendar for October 2023

COLUMBIA BASIN - As the holidays approach, there’s plenty to do in the Columbia Basin to have fun, support good causes and learn. Here are just a sample of those events. To submit your event for possible publication, please visit www.columbiabasinherald.com, click on the EVENTS tab and select Create an Event. Free and premium listings are available.

September 28, 2023 5:44 p.m.

Commerce awards $35.4M in energy infrastructure grants

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Commerce announced Wednesday it awarded $35.4 million in grants to local, state and tribal governments and non-profits to plan and install solar and battery backup power systems at community buildings ...

September 27, 2023 4:36 p.m.

State awarded grant for community colleges

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges announced Monday that it and the Washington Student Achievement Council were awarded a one-year $50,000 Accelerated Study in Associate Programs planning grant...

September 26, 2023 5:42 p.m.

Othello shooting suspect enters Alford plea, sentencing set for Nov. 13

RITZVILLE — An Othello man is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 13 in connection with a 2022 shooting that left a Quincy girl dead and an Othello girl injured...

Weather report for Monday, Sept. 25, 2023
September 25, 2023 1:30 a.m.

Weather report for Monday, Sept. 25, 2023

Weather report for Monday, Sept. 25, 2023

September 23, 2023 12:36 p.m.

Grant Co. Health District encourages vaccines as illnesses rise

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District is encouraging area residents to ensure their COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date for the 2023-24 season citing increasing cases of COVID-19 and related hospitalizations, according to a Sept. 19 press release...

STUDIO BASIN: Ending Alzheimer’s and Basin football
September 23, 2023 11:41 a.m.

STUDIO BASIN: Ending Alzheimer’s and Basin football

MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Karisti Cox with Summer Wood Alzheimer's Special Care Center stops into the STUDIO BASIN studio to talk about the recent Walk to End Alzheimer's with Managing Editor Rob Miller. While she's with us, she also talks about hope on the horizon for treatment of the disease and offers a few tips on how to help those facing Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia live better lives. Next, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer go over football games at Warden, MLCA/CCS and ACH, as well as the Soap Lake volleyball team's win over Cascade Christian. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3rfIVsM.

WSU announces Murrow News Fellowship program manager
September 21, 2023 1:20 a.m.

WSU announces Murrow News Fellowship program manager

PULLMAN – The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication announced Monday the appointment of Jody Brannon as program manager for the new Murrow News Fellowship at Washington State Universit

September 20, 2023 1:35 a.m.

Apprenticeship program gathering to be held Sept. 27

MOSES LAKE — Interested high school students and their families from throughout Grant County and North Central Washington are invited to learn about a new apprenticeship program at a Moses Lake business through a Youth Apprenticeship Information Night set for Sept. 27...

One arrested after alleged theft of WashDOT vehicle
September 19, 2023 5:19 p.m.

One arrested after alleged theft of WashDOT vehicle

RITZVILLE – The Adams County Sheriff’s Department announced that ACSO deputies had taken a male subject into custody after a lengthy highway pursuit...

September 19, 2023 5:05 p.m.

New DOH dashboard tracks respiratory illness

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Health has announced the debut of a new data dashboard tracking respiratory illnesses statewide. The new dashboard will include COVID-19 activity, and the old site that tracked only coronavirus data has been retired...

September 18, 2023 5:25 p.m.

Exhibitors sought for NCESD college and career expos

WENATCHEE — Businesses in Grant, Okanogan, Douglas and Chelan counties are being encouraged to exhibit at a series of college and career fairs planned for the four counties in October and November...

Weather for Monday, Sept. 18, 2023
September 18, 2023 1:30 a.m.

Weather for Monday, Sept. 18, 2023

Weather for Monday, Sept. 18, 2023

September 15, 2023 1:35 a.m.

Quincy town hall Monday to discuss regional parks district proposal

QUINCY — Quincy and George-area residents are invited to a town hall from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept 18 to ask questions and talk about the plans for the proposed Quincy Valley Regional Parks District. An open house to discuss the project is scheduled right before the town hall, from 5:30 to 6 p.m., both at Quincy City Hall, 104 B St. SW...

September 14, 2023 3:30 p.m.

Community Foundation of NCW awards $1.3 million in scholarships

WENATCHEE — The Community Foundation of North Central Washington announced Monday it had awarded $1.3 million in scholarships to 214 students across North Central Washington, the largest amount awarded to date, according to the announcement...

September 14, 2023 3:15 p.m.

Lodge Tax Advisory Committee grant applications due soon

GRANT COUNTY – The Grant County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee announced in a Tuesday press release the final date for grant applicants for qualifying tourism promotion for 2024 campaigns is nearing. ..

Community worship event set for Friday
September 14, 2023 2:58 p.m.

Community worship event set for Friday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Ministerial Association will offer a united community worship Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Restore City Church, 2227 W Peninsula Drive, according to an announcement from the MLMA. Members of all churches are invited to lift up the name of Jesus, the announcement said. The goal is to unite the body of Christ through praise, worship and prayer. The event is hosted by Restore City Church, but organized by pastors and worship leaders from all over Grant County. Everyone is welcome regardless of what denomination or church they belong to. More information can be found by calling Davie Sawyer at 509-431-1947.

Housing Finance Commission names new chair
September 13, 2023 3:27 p.m.

Housing Finance Commission names new chair

SEATTLE —Real estate and banking leader Nicole Bascomb-Green was recently appointed by Governor Jay Inslee as the new chair of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, according to an announcement from the WSHFC...

King Gizzard to perform at the Gorge Amphitheatre
September 13, 2023 2:18 p.m.

King Gizzard to perform at the Gorge Amphitheatre

QUINCY – Rock band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard will be performing at the Gorge Amphitheatre Sept. 14, 2024, according to a press release from the band...

News Bites for Sept. 13, 2023
September 13, 2023 1:30 a.m.

News Bites for Sept. 13, 2023

CLE ELUM — Two pedestrians died after being struck by four vehicles on I-90 Sunday night, including a Washington State Patrol trooper, according to a statement from the WSP...

September 12, 2023 5:33 p.m.

Vet’s resource and job fair set for Sept. 23

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Board of County Commissioners announced in a Tuesday press release the Grant County Veterans Advisory Board is hosting the Annual Veteran Resource & Job Fair Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for all veterans and qualified dependents...

9-11 memorial to be held in Ephrata
September 11, 2023 1:35 a.m.

9-11 memorial to be held in Ephrata

EPHRATA – The American Legion Auxilliary, Unit 28, with assistance from the Legionnaires of the post will host a service at 5:30 p.m. Monday in remembrance of the state’s fallen heroes, according to a press release from the auxiliary...

Weather for Monday, Sept. 11, 2023
September 11, 2023 1:30 a.m.

Weather for Monday, Sept. 11, 2023

Weather for Monday, Sept. 11, 2023

Eviation announces intention to lease up to 50 electric commuter aircraft
September 8, 2023 3:27 p.m.

Eviation announces intention to lease up to 50 electric commuter aircraft

ARLINGTON, Wash. – Eviation Aircraft announced Wednesday that Solyu, a leasing company based in Seoul, South Korea, has signed a letter of intent for 25 commuter Alice aircraft with options for 25 additional aircraft, according to a press release from Eviation...

News Bites for Sept. 6, 2023
September 6, 2023 1:30 a.m.

News Bites for Sept. 6, 2023

News bites for Sept. 6, 2023.

September 5, 2023 6:09 p.m.

NIAA leadership program applications and nominations open

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Institute for Animal Agriculture is now accepting nominations for the second cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders program, according to an announcement from the organization. Nominations are due Nov. 15 by 11:59 p.m...

September 5, 2023 5:59 p.m.

Second WA man sentenced for bomb construction

RICHLAND — A Washington man was sentenced to a year and a half in prison for plotting to make a bomb, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office...

September 5, 2023 5:54 p.m.

Local veterinary meds clerk charged with unprofessional conduct

GRANT COUNTY – The Veterinary Board of Governors charged registered veterinary medication clerk Chase Kirk Sidwell with unprofessional conduct in June 2023, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Health...

September 5, 2023 5:50 p.m.

Burglary suspect arrested after brief standoff

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man is in jail after a brief standoff Sunday, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

September 4, 2023 3:49 p.m.

City manager forum postponed

Moses Lake Interim City Manager and Police Chief Kevin Fuhr issued a statement Monday indicating that a forum set for Wednesday to allow the public to meet candidates for the permanent city manager position has been postponed...

STUDIO BASIN: Truckin', pedalin' and passin' the ball
September 4, 2023 3:39 p.m.

STUDIO BASIN: Truckin', pedalin' and passin' the ball

MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the Studio Basin Podcast, Sheri Call, president and CEO of the Washington Trucking Association joins Managing Editor Rob Miller to talk about the state of the trucking industry and efforts to recruit younger drivers into the field as the large Baby Boomer generation retires and Gen X and younger work to step in and fill the gap...

September 4, 2023 3:37 p.m.

Power pole inspections scheduled

EPHRATA — Inspections of wooden power poles owned by the Grant County Public Utility District will begin Sept. 12 in Moses Lake, George and Soap Lake, according to a PUD press release...

Senior calendar and center directory for Sept. 2023
September 4, 2023 12:47 p.m.

Senior calendar and center directory for Sept. 2023

Below is a partial list of events that may be of interest to seniors in the Columbia Basin. To review more events, visit www.columbiabasinherald.com and click on the EVENTS link near the top of the page...

Grant County Fair ‘23 in review
September 2, 2023 1:30 a.m.

Grant County Fair ‘23 in review

A visual look back at the annual event’s 80th year of fun.

MOSES LAKE – Another year of the Grant County fair is come and gone, with victories, memories and maybe too much junk food eaten and beverages imbibed. Here’s a visual look back at this year’s Grant County Fair...

August 31, 2023 4:40 p.m.

Stoke to test new project in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Stoke Space Technologies announced Wednesday it will begin testing its new vehicle in Moses Lake over the coming weeks...

Royal City man crashes car, drags self to get help
August 30, 2023 6:16 p.m.

Royal City man crashes car, drags self to get help

QUINCY - A Royal City man is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries following a single-car collision Tuesday morning near Quincy, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

August 30, 2023 6:13 p.m.

SR 20 reopens west of Winthrop

WINTHROP — Washington Department of Transportation officials have reopened a section of State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway, which had been closed due to fires in the vicinity. The road was closed from Newhalem to the Silver Star Campground about 22 miles west of Winthrop, according to a DOT press release. It reopened Wednesday...

August 30, 2023 6:11 p.m.

Okanogan River Bridge at Oroville to close for repairs

OROVILLE — The Highway 97 bridge across the Okanogan River south of Oroville will close for several weeks beginning Sept. 6. The bridge is located about a mile south of town...