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First responder news bites
The news bites below are based upon statement from area first response organizations.
Spokane Community College announces Basin honors students
SPOKANE — Sixteen students from the Columbia Basin were named to the honor roll at Spokane Community College for winter quarter 2023, which ended in March, according to a statement from the college. The honor roll lists those students who achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or above.Those listed below were recognized for meeting that academic standard.
Law enforcement records for May 11, 2023
COLUMBIA BASIN – 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...
Letter carriers to collect food donations on Saturday
MOSES LAKE — This Saturday, May 13, letter carrier and U.S. Postal Service employees will be collecting cans and boxes of food as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive...
Hike 22 set for May 20
MOSES LAKE — The public is invited to join in the annual Hike 22 event on May 20, according to a press release from Renew...
Spokane Falls Community College announces Basin scholars
SPOKANE — Seven Basin students have been named to the winter quarter 2023 honor roll at Spokane Falls Community College, according to a statement from the school. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or above to be listed on the honor roll...
Fire damages RV near Ephrata
EPHRATA — A recreational vehicle behind a residence suffered damage but was not destroyed in a Monday evening fire on Dodson Road near Ephrata...
Adams County pet of the week: Data
Data is a little guy waiting for an adoptive family at Adams County Pet Rescue. Like his namesake from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” he’s got a lovable demeanor and lots of curiosity. He and his fellow pets at ACPR are all up to date on their vaccines and they’ve all been spayed or neutered. For more information on adopting Data or his fuzzy friends, contact ACPR at 509-488-5514 or by visiting adamscountypetrescue.com. The shelter is located at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello. Information can be gotten via email at [email protected].
Target date announced for new Ephrata MLCHC dental clinic opening
EPHRATA — Moses Lake Community Health Center officials expect to open the clinic’s new dental office in Ephrata by Nov. 3. Community Health officials announced earlier this yea that they purchased and will be remodeling a building at 457 First Ave. NW into a new dental clinic. The work will begin in June, according to a MLCHC press release.
Grant County pet of the week: Dak
Dak is a German Shepherd mix and is about two years old. Right now, he’s hanging out with his friends at Grant County Animal Outreach, but would love to havea forever home. Like all of his neighbors at GCAO he’s fully vaccinated and chipped and just needs a two-legged friend to come take him away like a bottle of Calgon. To visit Dak, stop by the shelter at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake. Information on the adoption process can be found at grantcountyanimaloutreach.org or by calling 509-762-9616. The shelter is open Monday-Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
CBAA announces Civic Series
COLUMBIA BASIN — Columbia Basin Allied Arts will be stepping outside the theater this year with its new Civic Series, the organization announced Friday. The series will include live music from local performers at the Moses Lake Farmers Market every second and fourth Saturday this summer, according to the announcement. CBAA will also sponsor music for after-parties in Lind following the Combine Demo Derby June 9-10 and will have a booth at the Moses Lake Red, White and Boom event on July 1 with crafts for kids, CBAA wrote.
Weather for Monday, May 8, 2023
Monday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning. The chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts should be less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Monday night should see a 40% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 44. Tuesday: A 30% chance of showers, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Tuesday should be partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72, while Wednesday night is expected to be mostly clear, with a low around 46. Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Thursday night should be mostly clear, with a low around 50. Friday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Source: National Weather Service
Photography contest focuses on mid-century modern Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Submissions will be accepted through June 2 for a contest highlighting the architecture of Moses Lake’s boom period. The “Mid-Century Modern of Moses Lake” contest is sponsored by the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center.
Photography contest focuses on mid-century modern Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Submissions will be accepted through June 2 for a contest highlighting the architecture of Moses Lake’s boom period. The “Mid-Century Modern of Moses Lake” contest is sponsored by the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center...
Elderly Wenatchee couple protected from scam attempt
SPOKANE — U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa Waldref announced Thursday that the U.S. Secret Service has seized over $290,000 as part of an alleged fraud scam that targeted an elderly Wenatchee couple...
Adams Co. Pet of the Week: Meet Riker
Hello there, I’m Riker, and just like my Star Trek namesake, I’m good with everyone. Dogs, cats, children…I just want to spend time with loving people that make life an adventure. Like my foster brothers and sisters at Adams County Pet Rescue, I am vaccinated, neutered/spayed and am just looking for a forever home. You can find more information about me by calling Adams County Pet Rescue at 509-488-5514. The shelter is located at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello and you can see more pets like me at www.adamscountypetrescue.com. [email protected].
Adams Co. police logs for May 3
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.
Birth announcements for May 3
Othello Community Hospital welcomed the following new Columbia Basin community members to the world in April.
Othello PD chief announces retirement
OTHELLO — A reception is scheduled for 3 to 6 p.m. May 30 to recognize Othello Police Department Chief Phil Schenck, who announced his retirement Tuesday. Scheck has been OPD chief for nine years, working for the Sunnyside Police Department prior to that. He’s been in law enforcement for 34 years. The reception will be at the OPD office in Othello City Hall, 500 W. Main St.
Lind fire injures one
LIND — A Lind man was transported to East Adams Rural Healthcare and treated for smoke inhalation after a fire damaged a residence in Lind early last Wednesday morning.
DNR offers wildfire readiness tools
OLYMPIA – As the temperatures heat up outside, the Washington Department of Natural Resources is working to raise awareness of wildfire risks across the Evergreen State. “At DNR, we often say that no one is immune from the effects of wildfires,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “But even the simplest measures – such as cleaning up pine needles and dry leaves, or moving firewood 30 feet away from your home – can make your home more resilient to the growing threat of wildfire.” ...
Insurance commissioner to exit office
OLYMPIA - Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler announced Monday that he will not be seeking reelection, ending a more than two-decade-long tenure in office.
Quincy man arrested after alleged vehicular incident
QUINCY – Brian Reyes Beltran, 21, of Quincy was arrested after surrendering himself at the Quincy Police Department, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office statement. His is facing charges of first degree assault-domestic violence...
Senior events for May 2023
COLUMBIA BASIN – This month offers a variety of events for seniors and their families in the Columbia Basin, including live music, a farmers market at the park and meals with friends.
Ephrata paraeducator recognized for saving student's life
EPHRATA – Grant Elementary Paraeducator Lee Er Phua-Sharp saved a student’s life with CPR when she found him unresponsive on the playground, according to an Ephrata School District press release. “(Phua-Sharp)was in the right place, at the right time and had the right skills for the situation,” said Grant Elementary School Principal, Shannon Dahl. “She did an amazing job caring for our student and remaining calm and collected despite the noise and activity of the playground.” ...
Weather for Monday, May 1, 2023
Monday: A 30% ance of showers before 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind around 6 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Monday night should see a 20% chance of showers after 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83, while Tuesday night should be partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Wednesday night is forecast a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 56. The chance of precipitation is 20%. Thursday: A 20% chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 78, while Thursday night should see a 40% chance of showers and mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Friday: A 30% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.
Hospital update, MLHS girls wrestling coach David Peralez on Studio Basin Podcast
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer and staff writer Rebecca Pettingill discuss this week's headlines, including the Blake Fix and an update on the Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona sits down with David Peralez, the head coach of the girls wrestling team at Moses Lake, to talk about the team's 3A/4A state title, being nationally recognized and more. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcasting apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3Hpfo4C.
Grant Co. Pet of the Week: Meet Mack
Mack is a Terrier, Pit Bull mix and is a little over a year and a half old. He weighs in at about 50 pounds and has a great deal of energy. He’s learning how to play with other dogs and respect their bounbdaries, but is not a fan of cats. He’s shy with strangers but is very affectionate once he gets to know someone. He’s always ready to chase a ball and is looking forward to having a forever home with a patient family who will support his happy spirit. For more information about Mack or other animals at Grant County Animal Outreach, which spays/neuters and vaccinates all of the pets it hosts, call 509-762-9616. The shelter is located at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake. [email protected]. www.grantcountyanimaloutreach.org.
Public invited to ad hoc homeless committee meeting Tuesday
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake city’s Ad Hoc Homeless Committee will hold a public meeting to solicit input on the future site of the city’s proposed homeless RV parking site in the city council chambers on Tuesday, May 2, at 6 p.m.
Two arrested in Soap Lake burglary
SOAP LAKE — Two Soap Lake men have been booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of residential burglary and malicious mischief after they allegedly broke into a Soap Lake residence late Wednesday afternoon...
Steele elected House Republicans deputy leader
OLYMPIA – During a recent reorganizational meeting, Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, was elected Deputy Leader of the Washington State House Republicans...
Law enforcement records for April 27, 2023
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...
Local events for the last weekend in April
COLUMBIA BASIN – The last weekend of the month is this weekend and there’s still a little time to have some fun out and about in the Basin. Temperatures are expected to pop up into the 80s, perfect for a bit of fun in the car, a cactus tour, or for those who prefer the arts, a concert or a play.
Hazardous waste collection event set for Saturday in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE - Grant County has announced that there will be a household hazardous waste collection event near Moses Lake this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is for households only...
Caulkins Guitar Duo to perform in Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE – The Caulkins Guitar Duo will premiere a performance of Dry Falls, a brand new written work by renowned composer Martin Kennedy, this May 20 in Soap Lake. “We excitedly anticipated the premiere through the pandemic, injuries, and other challenges that now serve to sweeten the importance of the scheduled performance,” said Andy Kovach, President of Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee...
Household hazardous waste collection event to be held Saturday
MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Public Works Department announced there will be a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event near Moses Lake this Saturday, April 29. The announcement states the event is for households only, waste must be in containers that are five gallons or less and the containers will not be removed.
Robocall protection bill signed into law
OLYMPIA – Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1051, the Robocall Spam Protection Act, into law Thursday. The new law will hold accountable those who spam individuals with robocalls maliciously.
Furniture and appliance markets with Matt Moore and sports update on Studio Basin Podcast
On this week’s episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporter Charles Featherstone sits down with Matt Moore of family-owned furniture and appliance retailer Moore Furniture in Ephrata. The two discuss what’s affecting the market for furniture and appliances. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona and staff writer Rebecca Pettingill recap the previous week of sports in the Basin. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3L15Ygw.
Potential molestation victims asked to contact MLPD
MOSES LAKE – A Tacoma area motocross coach was arrested on charges relating to child pornography, and other potential victims may be located in Grant County...
Newhouse introduces measure supporting organic farming
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Washington, is sponsoring legislation intended to support research into organic agriculture and improve data collection for the country’s organic farmers, according to a press release...
Reclamation releases climate plan
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which oversees water projects across the country including the Grand Coulee Dam and the Columbia Basin Project in Eastern Washinton, announced on Thursday it released the agency’s strategy for dealing with climate change...
Bill to address health care staffing signed into law
OLYMPIA — A bill to help address the healthcare staffing shortage by mitigating unmanageable patient loads and worker burnout was signed into law Thursday. “By creating an enforcement mechanism with real penalties, we can ensure safe-staffing standards are followed rather than ignored, allowing workers to do their jobs safely and provide our loved ones the quality care they deserve,” said Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett, sponsor of the bill...
Youth and Families seeks nominees
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families is accepting nominations for the Engaging Father Award...
Adams County Pet(s) of the Week: Orb & Moony
Orb and Moony came to Adams County Pet Rescue with some other pups a while ago. Staff at the shelter were surprised that the house-trained pets were only six months old. Both are pretty sweet. Orb can get spooked easily, but has gotten better in time and no longer nips when startled. The pair were surrendered because the family they were with had too many dogs per their landlord...
Law enforcement logs for April 20
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...
Ephrata names new middle school principal
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District has named Tina Mullings the new principal of Ephrata Middle School after a decision was made Tuesday night. “Tina has a proven track record at Ephrata Middle School,” said Tim Payne, Ephrata School District Superintendent. “Students, staff and families know the enthusiasm and commitment Tina brings with her each day. Her knowledge and expertise of school culture is invaluable. We’re excited to see her grow in this new position.”...
City of Moses Lake building permits, March 2023
Timothy Molitor, 3900 block of West Peninsula Drive, shop, $350,000. Patrick Carroll, 1700 block of East Burr Avenue, garage, $24,000. Patrick Carroll, 1700 block of East Burr Avenue, garage, $24,000. Patrick Carroll, 1700 block of East Burr Avenue, garage, $24,000. Chris Nolte, 700 block of North Stratford Road, structural updates to existing building, $20,000...
Adams County law enforcement logs for April 19
The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Mattawa Drop Box to close May 15
EPHRATA — The last solid waste drop box in Grant County will close next month, according to a statement from the Grant County Commissioners...
Niebla named GCSO March Employee of the Month
EPHRATA — Deputy Sheriff Juan Niebla has been named the March 2023 Employee of the Month by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...