STAFF REPORT
Recent Stories
Ephrata man killed in SR 28 crash
SOAP LAKE — Jesse Perez, 36, of Ephrata was killed Wednesday night when he lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and crashed. He was lying in the road and was discovered an undetermined amount of time later, when a second car struck him.
Wenatchee Valley College receives $130,000 for workforce development
WENATCHEE – Wenatchee Valley College has secured $130,000 in workforce development funds from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. The funding, going to just 12 colleges, is part of a broader initiative to bolster local economic growth and meet industry demands, according to WVC. In its recent announcement, the SBCTC emphasized the importance of these funds, stating they are designed "to help industry thrive and expand in Washington state while continuing to support the development of a skilled workforce." The funds are aimed at projects that adapt to the evolving needs of both industry and prospective students as well as to strengthen local workforce development efforts.
Ephrata man killed in SR 28 crash
SOAP LAKE — An Ephrata man was killed Wednesday night when he lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and crashed. He was lying in the road and was discovered an undetermined amount of time later, when a second car struck him.
Classical singer, pianist to perform Saturday in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — The public is invited to a collaborative recital Saturday by pianist Oksana Ejokina and singer Misha Myznikov, according to an announcement from the Moses Lake – Central Basin Music Teachers Chapter of the Washington State Music Teachers Association, which is sponsoring the concert.
Shots fired on West Broadway Avenue
MOSES LAKE – On Saturday at around 9 p.m. there was a report made of shots fired at 1842 West Broadway Avenue, according to Moses Lake Police Department. Upon police arrival, officers determined a physical altercation had occurred. During the fight, one of the individuals involved produced a firearm and discharged several rounds.
Moses Lake residents invited to Comprehensive Plan forum
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials are inviting residents to learn about the city’s comprehensive plan and the process of updating it at a community forum at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Moses Lake Civic Center, 401 S. Balsam St.
Minor injuries when driver of stolen car attempts to flee police
MOSES LAKE — The driver of a stolen car received minor injuries when the unidentified driver lost control of the car while attempting to flee from law enforcement.
Dance club offers squares and rounds
MOSES LAKE – The 4x8’s dance club, a local nonprofit group with more than 70 years in Moses Lake, will host a series of lessons starting Monday. The group dances to a variety of genres, according to a statement from the group, and offers a chance to socialize and have fun.
Gesa helping to fight food insecurity
RICHLAND — September is Hunger Action Month, and Gesa Credit Union is partnering with Food Lifeline and Second Harvest to fight food insecurity, according to an announcement from Gesa.
Libraries to host Hispanic trivia events
WENATCHEE — NCW Libraries will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of trivia events at three branch libraries in Grant County, according to an announcement from the library system.
Moses Lake couple injured in car crash
ELLENSBURG — A Moses Lake woman was transported to Harborview Medical Center after the car she was driving hit an embankment and rolled Aug. 29.
EWU to offer law enforcement leadership program
CHENEY — Eastern Washington University plans to launch a Law Enforcement Leadership & Practice program in the fall of 2026 to help working police officers build practical skills, advance in their careers, and meet the evolving challenges of modern policing, according to an announcement from the university.
Glen Williams water access to be closed for improvements
MARDON – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will temporarily close the Glen Williams Water Access Area on Potholes Reservoir beginning Sept. 8 to allow for planned improvements. The closure is expected to last through Oct. 23.
Wenatchee Valley Symphony unveils 2025-26 season schedule
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra’s 2025-2026 season will be entitled “Season of Hope,” according to an announcement from the orchestra. Under the leadership of Music Director Nikolas Caoile, the season will offer a dynamic mix of timeless masterpieces and bold contemporary works, showcasing the talent and versatility of the orchestra, the WVSO announcement said.
Quincy man injured in tractor-pickup collision
QUINCY — A Quincy man was airlifted to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane after the tractor he was driving, allegedly without lights, was hit by a car about five miles south of Quincy early Thursday morning. Miguel Contreras, 34, was driving south on State Route 281 on a tractor at about 4 a.m. Thursday, allegedly without the lights on, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol. Contreras was rear-ended by a pickup driven by Isael Solano, 45, Quincy, the WSP memo said. The impact knocked both vehicles into the ditch, it said. The collision closed SR 281 for about four hours. Solano was not injured. Charges of driving a vehicle without legal lighting are pending against Contreras, the WSP memo said.
Stolen forklift leads to Soap Lake power outage
SOAP LAKE — A Soap Lake man was arrested for DUI and theft of a motor vehicle after he allegedly stole a forklift from the Soap Lake School District and broke off a power pole. The man, who was not identified, also was charged with first-degree malicious mischief, according to a statement from Soap Lake Police Chief Patrick Canaday. The incident was reported at about 3:15 a.m. “The suspect drove the forklift off the school property after taking out several sections of fence from the football field. The suspect drove across Second Avenue Southwest on to Dogwood Street Southwest and struck the asphalt with (the) front forks, damaging a large portion of the asphalt,” Canaday said. “The suspect continued driving northbound on Dogwood, striking five parked vehicles on both sides (of the street). (He) drove the forklift eastbound on Main Avenue West with the telescoping fork rail extended.”
WDFW seeks comment on landowner hunting permits in Grant Co.
WILSON CREEK — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking for public comments on proposed updates to landowner hunting permits following recent changes in property ownership and management in Grant and Spokane counties.
2025 Grant County Fair livestock results
2025 Grant County Fair livestock results
Four Basin students earn honors at Eastern Oregon U.
LA GRANDE, Ore. — Eastern Oregon University named 611 students to the Dean’s List for the 2025 spring term, four of them from the Columbia Basin, according to an announcement from the university. Qualifying students achieve and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale while completing a minimum of 12 hours of graded coursework for the term.
Wenatchee Valley College honors 35 Basin students
WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College has released its Dean’s List and President’s List for spring quarter 2025. To qualify for the President’s List, a student must maintain a grade point average of 4.0 while taking at least 12 college-level credits. A student who maintains a GPA of 3.5 or higher while taking 12 or more credits qualifies for the Dean’s List
Repaving near Moses Lake switching to nighttime
MOSES LAKE — Repaving work on a section of Interstate 90 near Moses Lake has switched to nights at least through this week.
EWU Dean’s List includes more than 100 Basin students
CHENEY — One hundred seven students from Grant and Adams counties were named to the Dean’s List at Eastern Washington University for spring quarter 2025, according to an announcement from the university.
One killed in Mattawa shooting
MATTAWA – At around 10 p.m. Sunday, officers from the Mattawa Police Department responded to a shooting near Hund Memorial Park, according to a Mattawa PD media release. Upon arrival, officers located an individual with apparent gunshot wounds. Medical personnel were immediately requested, and the victim was transported to a regional hospital for treatment, it said.
Traffic collision sends at least one to hospital Friday
MOSES LAKE — A traffic jam has been cleared at the intersection of Walmart Road and North Stratford Road following a collision. At least one person was transported for medical care.
City of Moses Lake announces new fire chief
MOSES LAKE — Arthur Perillo III has been hired as the new chief of the Moses Lake Fire Department. “I was initially drawn to the Moses Lake fire chief position because of the area’s abundance of sunshine, the wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities and the energy of a growing community,” Perillo wrote in a statement from the city of Moses Lake. “What truly solidified my interest was learning more about the professional and dedicated men and women who work for the city and the Moses Lake Fire Department. Perillo will take over the job Sept. 22. He replaces Brett Bastian, who retired in February. Currently Perillo is the assistant chief of emergency medical services for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue.
19 plants added to WA quarantine list
OLYMPIA – Following extensive public outreach and community petitions, the Washington State Department of Agriculture has amended its Noxious Weed Seed and Plant Quarantine list, adding several new plant species. The updated rule will take effect on August 9, 2025.
Two local health licenses suspended
MOSES LAKE – The Department of Health has suspended or restricted two licenses of healthcare providers in Grant and Adams counties.
FIRE REPORT: AUG. 12, 2025
MOSES LAKE – The fires below were burning and causing smoke and air quality concerns regionally as of Tuesday afternoon.
New Mattawa business to start construction this fall
MATTAWA — A new convenience store is scheduled to open in spring 2026 at the west side of the intersection of Government Road and State Route 243 in Mattawa. Owner Hardeep Singh and Port of Mattawa officials recognized the start of the project with a groundbreaking July 30.
Grant County coroner asks for public assistance
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Coroner’s Office is asking for the public’s help finding the family of Deivis Alexander Torres Hernandez.
MLSD welcomes two assistant principals
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District has announced the appointment of two new assistant principals for the upcoming 2025–26 school year. Annie Hindman has been named assistant principal at Columbia Middle School, while Teri Clark will take on the same role at Frontier Middle School.
Moses Lake man dies in collision near Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — A Moses Lake man was killed Saturday morning in a collision just outside Soap Lake, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. The man was identified as Ricardo Alcantar Mesina, 39, according to the statement.
Two injured in collision near Ephrata
EPHRATA — An East Wenatchee woman was airlifted to Confluence Health-Central Washington Hospital after she ran a stop sign and hit another car about five miles south of Ephrata Monday morning.
Lightning causes fire at Moses Lake cold storage facility
MOSES LAKE – A structure fire at a Moses Lake cold storage warehouse in the 3200 block of Road N Northeast Thursday afternoon appears to have been caused by a lightning strike, according to a City of Moses Lake press release.
Troopers increasing patrols near Gorge this weekend
MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Patrol will ramp up enforcement this weekend around the Gorge Amphitheatre, according to an announcement from the WSP. The High-Visibility Enforcement, or HiVE, patrols are meant to reduce serious injury and fatality collisions, the WSP wrote. The WSP will partner with other law enforcement agencies in the effort.
Public’s help sought in determining identity of John Doe
QUINCY — Quincy Police Department officers are asking for the public’s help in determining whether or not a body found in Georgia in 2009 is a man who had ties to Grant County.
Masquers to audition for ‘Little Shop of Horrors’
SOAP LAKE — Auditions for the Masquers Theater production of “Little Shop of Horrors” will take place Aug. 16-17, according to an announcement from the theater troupe. All roles are for adults and are available, according to the announcement. Auditioners will be asked to sing a verse or chorus from the play, preferably one specific to the character for which they’re auditioning, and do a cold read of lines from the script. Auditions will be recorded for the final selection process. An audition form is available at the Masquers website and should be submitted along with a headshot. Resumes are optional.
WSDOT adjusts ramp closures near Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Department of Transportation issued updated schedules Tuesday for the paving work being done on Interstate 90 near Moses Lake. The closures will begin with the eastbound onramp closure at Exit 174 scheduled for July 30 and 31 from 7 a.m.-noon and the eastbound offramp closure is now scheduled for July 31 from 7 a.m.-noon, according to the WSDOT announcement.
Port of Moses Lake passes reporting audit
MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake recently passed an audit of the municipality’s financial reporting for the 2023 calendar year, according to a report from the Washington State Auditor’s Office.
Othello man convicted of sexually abusing child
RITZVILLE — A sentencing date will be announced in August in the case of an Othello man convicted Thursday of sexual assault of a child.
Fire burns about 100 acres near Mattawa
MATTAWA — A wildland fire scorched about 100 acres about two miles west of Mattawa Tuesday afternoon. Grant County Fire District 8 Chief Matt Hyndman said the fire was reported at about 4:45 p.m.
Temporary repairs completed on damaged Moses Lake wastewater pipe
MOSES LAKE — The first phase of repairs has been completed on a broken wastewater line keeping people and pets out of Moses Lake near Montlake Park. People are still being advised to stay out of the lake next to the park until further notice. Chris Campbell, the city’s wastewater manager, said in a city press release that he appreciated the patience of the residents near the worksite. “We put in some very long hours last week, and I am more than certain we disrupted your peace, quiet and sense of smell,” Campbell said. “There will be no more late nights unless absolutely necessary.” The partially broken line was discovered July 6; it connects to the city’s Dunes wastewater treatment facility. Temporary repairs were completed in less than a week, with the damaged line going back into use at 1 a.m. July 12.
Royal City man dies in rollover near Othello
OTHELLO — A Royal City man was killed when he was ejected from the pickup he was driving about four miles west of Othello Saturday evening.
MLPD conducts operation near Samaritan Hospital
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Tactical Response team is conducting an operation near Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake close to the intersection of E. Wheeler Road and S. Buchanan Street. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
One dies in canal accident near Ephrata
EPHRATA – Kevin Kershaw, 55, of Yakima was attempting to drive his 2025 GMC Sierra on the canal road when he attempted to turn around and lost control of the vehicle Thursday. The vehicle slid into the canal and Kershaw was found deceased downstream from the vehicle.
Mattawa crash injures one
MATTAWA — A Renton man was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center Wednesday after he drove off the road and rolled his semitruck. Kibret Ghulbet, 39, was driving south on State Route 234 about 13 miles south of Mattawa Wednesday when he ran off the road, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol. Ghulbet overcorrected and rolled his truck. The crash closed SR 243 for about four hours.
Soap Lake to celebrate Suds ‘N Sun on Saturday
SOAP LAKE — Suds ‘N Sun, Soap Lake’s big summer celebration, will be Saturday, according to an announcement from the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Two firefighters dead, one hospitalized after Canfield Mountain shooting near Coeur d'Alene
Emergency responders from North Idaho and Spokane rushed to Canfield Mountain on Sunday afternoon following reports of a possible ambush attack on firefighters responding to a brush fire on the mountain in Coeur d'Alene.
Free Care-A-Van vaccine clinic in Warden today
WARDEN – The Warden School District and Washington State Department of Health are partnering to host a free community clinic offering vaccinations and health screenings to local residents today, Friday June 27.
CWU honors 94 Basin students
ELLENSBURG — Ninety-four students from Grant and Adams counties were named to Central Washington University’s Honor Roll for spring quarter 2025, according to an announcement from the university