STAFF REPORT

Two suspected DUI drivers total cars

OTHELLO – On Friday night, Adams County Sheriff’s deputies responded to two suspected DUI crashes.

Discover hidden treasures at the Moses Lake museum event

MOSES LAKE – The City of Moses Lake Museum & Art Center has announced a special presentation by Humanities Washington speaker Harriet Baskas, scheduled for October 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Civic Center Auditorium, located at 401 S. Balsam St.

Three men arrested, drugs confiscated Wednesday

One dead in collision near George

GEORGE — A South Dakota man is dead following a collision two miles north of George Tuesday afternoon, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.

Basin students benefit from Innovia Foundation scholarships

SPOKANE — The Innovia Foundation recently awarded $436,089 in scholarships to students throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho for the 2025-2026 school year, including seven Adams County students, according to an announcement from Innovia. Innovia manages over 30 scholarship programs on behalf of donors who have established funds to help students achieve their career and post-high school education goals.

Two health care workers lose licenses

OLYMPIA – Two health care providers in Grant and Adams counties have lost licenses in the past couple of months, according to statements from the Washington Department of Health.

WDFW looking for public input on hunting season planning

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is encouraging public involvement as it embarks on a three-year planning process for hunting seasons from 2027 to 2029. The department has opened a scoping period, inviting feedback on potential changes to hunting regulations that will help inform future proposals.

Truck crash slowing traffic near Ritzville

RITZVILLE — Drivers should plan for slowdowns on Highway 395 south of Ritzville Wednesday morning while crews remove a partially blocking semi, according to information from the Washington State Patrol.

Moses Lake man arrested after Coulee City standoff

COULEE CITY — A Moses Lake man was arrested and booked in the Grant County Jail Monday on a felony warrant from Pasco. Kelly Joe Blackburn, 42, was found hiding at a house in Coulee City and refused to come out. Grant County Sheriff’s deputies found Blackburn at a residence in the 100 block of First Street in Coulee City, according to a GCSO media release. The Pasco Police Department had issued an arrest warrant on suspicion of rape. “A tip on Monday afternoon led deputies to the home,” the GCSO release said. Deputies acted on the tip at about 2 pm. Monday, but Blackburn refused to come out of the house. Deputies eventually found him at about 5 p.m., hiding in a pile of clothes in an upstairs bedroom, the release said.

Ephrata man injured in SR 17 collision

EPHRATA — The Washington State Patrol is investigating a collision at the intersection of state Route 17 and state Route 28 Monday that sent an Ephrata man to Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Danny Rhoads, 43, was driving east on SR 28 at about 4 p.m. Monday when a motorhome driven by Cody Johnson, 71, Soap Lake, failed to stop at the stop sign, according to WSP press memo. Johnson pulled in front of Rhoads’ vehicle, the memo said, and Rhoads ran into the motorhome. Johnson and a passenger in Rhoads’ vehicle, a 17-year-old boy, were not injured.

One injured in Mattawa shooting

MATTAWA – The Mattawa Police Department is asking for the public’s help in the investigation of an incident that left an unidentified victim wounded.

Museum booth at UMANI Festival part of global day of play

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center announced their participation in the Our World: Worldwide Day of Play event this Saturday as part of the activities at its booth at the UMANI Festival. The festivities are set to run from noon to 6 p.m.

Man wanted on Idaho charges arrested near Othello

OTHELLO — A man wanted on grand theft charges in Idaho was arrested Friday afternoon near Othello.

Ritzville man convicted of assault

RITZVILLE — Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 6 in the case of a Ritzville man convicted of second-degree assault Sept. 17.

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.