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Ephrata Parks & Rec seeks summer movie sponsors
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Parks and Recreation Department is looking for sponsors to help cover the costs of presenting its series of outdoor “movies under the stars” this summer. According to a letter from Parks and Recreation Director Traci Bennett, the department is planning on showing four movies this summer — one as a “dive in” feature at Splash Zone, the city’s water park, and three in Patrick Park — as part of a nice night out for families.
CWU receives $130m for new construction, salaries, expanded programs
ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University has secured roughly $130 million over the next two years to begin construction on two major university projects as well as increase staff salaries, expand its College in the High School program, and improve teacher preparedness, according to a CWU press release.
Masquers season finale opens June 2
SOAP LAKE — A pair of comedy shorts on wages of deceit will be the season finale for the Masquers Theater troupe for 2022-23. “White Liars” and “The Black Comedy” open June 2 at the theater, 322 E. Main Ave., Soap Lake. The shows will be on stage for three consecutive weekends. Tickets can be purchased online at the Masquers website, www.masquers.com.
Weather for Monday, May 22
Monday: The workweek will begin sunny with a high around 73 and a 13-15 mph west wind with gusts of 23 mph. Cooling to around 46 in the evening and breezy...
News Bites for May 22
The news bites below were provided in statements by the associated law enforcement agencies. Any suspects mentioned are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Grant Co. Pet of the Week: Meet Chewbacca
Hey there. I’m Chewbacca, and just like my namesake, I’m fuzzy and loveable. The folks at Grant County Animal Outreach say I’m a Terrier and American Pit Bull mix, but I think I’m just a really suave pupper. I’m a bit larger than some of the pets at GCAO, so I’d like a home with a bit of extra room. I’m about 6 and a half years old and I’d love to have a home with someone who appreciates my energy and having my head on their lap. Like all of my furry friends at GCAO, I am up to date on vaccinations and have been neutered and microchipped. Come see me at the shelter at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake. The shelter is open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 6 p.m. each Friday and Saturday. Call ahead at 509-762-9616.
Othello's Mayor Shawn Logan on the Studio Basin Podcast
MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer talks with Othello Mayor Shawn Logan about some of the challenges and opportunities facing the city. Logan discusses some of the things city officials are doing to attract new business, and how the city plans to accommodate growth when it comes. Logan also talks about some of the challenges the city faces, such as making sure there’s adequate housing and water for current and future residents. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona recaps last week's district playoff games and previews upcoming state tournaments. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3OprrTK.
News Bites for May 19
The information for the news briefs below were gathered from statements made by the agencies indicated.
Entertainment to help you close out May
The local events listed below may help you close out May with a bit of fun.
Making connections
OTHELLO - Othello Police Department SRO Sgt. Aaron Garza speaks with kindergarten students at Lutacaga Dual Language Elementary in Othello about law enforcement.
WSDOT ends 511 traffic info service
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Transportation announced on Thursday that it is shutting the statewide automated 511 traffic information phone number, citing declining call volumes, the cost of maintaining the system and new technologies which give drivers other choices, according to a WSDOT press release...
Temple progress
MOSES LAKE - Construction and beautification efforts at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have come a long way since the temple was first announced. The 20,000-square-foot Moses Lake Temple is built on 17 acres located on Yonezawa Boulevard, between Division Street and Road K NE. Behind the temple, from the point of view shown in this photo, is a new 17,000-square-foot meeting house. The gathering place for members of the Church was first announced in April 2019 and an open house at the temple will run from Aug. 4 through Aug. 19 with the exceptions of Aug. 6 and 13. The Church will dedicate the temple on Sept. 17 during two different sessions.
Law enforcement logs for May 18
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...
Coulee City student named to college honor society
COULEE CITY — Central Washing University student and Coulee City native Ruth Bresee has been initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest all-discipline college honor society, according to a society press release...
Adams Co. Pet of the Week: Ammi
Hey folks, I’m Ammi. The people that run Adams County Pet Rescue say I’m an Australian Shepherd-Husky mix, but I’m not sure what they’re talkin’ about, because I think I’m 100% cute and I’ve NEVER been to Australia. Like all of my playmates here at ACPR, I have all of my shots, I’ve been “fixed” – whatever that means – and I’m ready for a forever home. I’m a little less than six months old and I’m ready to meet you. Stop by and visit me at 1961 W Bench Road in Othello or find out more info at adamscountypetrescue.com. The shelter is open from noon to 6 p.m. most days, but is closed Monday and Thursday. 509-488-5514. [email protected]
Fly-in breakfast at Desert Aire Airport next month
DESERT AIRE — Pilots and non-pilots are being invited to breakfast June 17 at the Desert Aire Airport. The annual “Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast” is scheduled for 7 to 11 a.m. at the airport, 121 Desert Aire Drive. Pilots are invited to show off their planes, said airport commission chair Karl Reese, while spectators are invited to talk to the pilots and meet their neighbors. Breakfast will be served in the big hangar next to Sagebrush Senior Center. The menu includes pancakes, eggs and sausage, juice and coffee. A suggested donation of $7 is requested. All proceeds go to airport maintenance.
Cantwell, Newhouse urge USDA push for Japan potato access
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Maria Cantwell and Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Yakima, along with 33 other members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to do more to help U.S. potato growers get final approval to ship fresh potatoes to Japan. In a joint letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, the members say the Japanese government is still delaying since the United States asked for the ability to export fresh potatoes to Japan almost 30 years ago, the press release said. The legislators say approval of fresh potato exports to Japan could provide for an additional $150 million each year in expanded exports.
Tactical response team to tour Ephrata High School
EPHRATA — The Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team will tour Ephrata High School on Wednesday afternoon beginning at 4 p.m. as part of the team’s ongoing safety and security training program, according to a press release from the Ephrata School District. The release said the team, composed of officers from various regional law enforcement agencies, will meet with district officials and walk through high school buildings and classrooms to familiarize themselves with the school.
Wahluke student arrested after alleged threats against teacher
MATTAWA — A Wahluke School District middle-schooler was taken into custody on Monday after the student allegedly posted an online threat against a teacher, according to a joint statement issued by the Wahluke School District and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. According to the GCSO portion of the statement, posted Tuesday on the WSD’s website, a 12-year-old male student allegedly posted a photo of what appeared to be a handgun along with a piece of paper covered with expletives and the teacher’s name. GCSO deputies were brought in to investigate and consulted with the Grant County Prosecutor’s office before arresting the suspect, the statement said.
News bites for May 16
Below are a collection of announcements from first responder agencies that serve the Columbia Basin. These reports are based on press releases and media statements made by those agencies.
Wildfire prevention bill signed into law
OLYMPIA — Legislation designed to help reduce the risk of wildfire from electric utility equipment was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee recently. House Bill 1032 was sponsored by 13th District Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake...
Drivers urged to plan ahead for Memorial Day travel
OLYMPIA — Washington Department of Transportation officials are suggesting that drivers plan ahead if they are thinking about traveling for Memorial Day weekend. “Memorial Day weekend is often the unofficial start of summer and means increased travel and congestion, so travelers are encouraged to pack their patience,” said a WSDOT press release...
MLIRD funding bill signed
OLYMPIA – A bill sponsored by state Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, and supported in the house by Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, and intended to establish funding for the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday...
Grant Co. Pet of the Week: Dennis
Hey there, my name’s Dennis, and as you can see – I’m a charmer. I’m a little older than some of my friends here at Grant County Animal Outreach, but I’m filled with love and ready to keep you company. I’ve got a bit of German Shepherd in my background, but I’m mostly made of love from what folks can tell. I’m neutered and have all the shots a person might need, along with a microchip in my head – Yes. That’s right. I’m a cyborg. – I’d love to meet you and your family. Come see my friends and I at GCAO at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake. You can also find more info by visiting grantcountyanimaloutreach.com or calling the shelter at 509-762-9616.
Dent bill restoring pesticide board signed into law
OLYMPIA – A bill authored by Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, which creates a Pesticide Advisory Board for Washington was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday, restoring an organization that had been in place from 1994 to 2010...
Weather for Monday, May 15.
Weather for Monday, May 15.
Macrophotography exhibit coming to ML Museum
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake minister will be featured at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, according to an announcement from the museum...
News bites for May 15
A roundup of news stories from area first response agencies.
Columbia Basin community calendar for May 12-19
COLUMBIA BASIN – A busy week is ahead for the Columbia Basin with loads of events in a wide variety. Swing a club, catch a musical, get healthy or just have fun together any way you can. Here are a few suggestions...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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.
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
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.
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.” ...