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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...
Othello Community Hospital births
The Columbia Basin Herald congratulates the families below on their new arrivals.
Bill to support PNWU signed by governor
OLYMPIA – Senate Bill 5113 was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee Friday. The new law, sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake), removes regulatory barriers for dental schools, particularly the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima, to recruit out-of-state faculty which, as a result, will expand access to dental services.
Auditions tonight for new Masquers play
SOAP LAKE — Auditions are scheduled for 6:30 to 7 p.m. tonight for the latest Masquers Theater production, “The White Liars” and “The Black Comedy.” A Masquers press release said prospective actors who can’t make it Tuesday can submit video auditions...
Details emerge in fatal Ephrata-area collision
EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of those involved in a fatal accident west of Ephrata Saturday morning, as well as other information about the collision. The two people who died were Dejay E. Troupe, 23, of Spokane and Mya Kay Avila, 18 of Ephrata, according to a GCSO statement...
Off-ramp to close for Wenatchee roundabout construction
WENATCHEE — The off ramp at the intersection of Wenatchee’s Easy Street and Highway 2 will be closed beginning Saturday and will remain closed for about two months...
Law enforcement logs for April 13
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...
Moses Lake cleanup set for Saturday
MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake and the Downtown Moses Lake Association is looking for volunteers Saturday to help clean up downtown...
Man found dead in West Canal
EPHRATA — Marijan Bosnar, 76, was found deceased in the West Canal near Road 11.7 Northwest in the Ephrata area, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. There were no obvious signs of foul play, and an autopsy is planned. It was not clear how or why Bosnar ended up in the canal, the GCSO wrote. His family has been informed of his passing...
Huber to head marketing for WA Apple Commission
WENATCHEE — Jessica Huber has been named to the position of international marketing manager for the Washington Apple Commission. Huber will replace Rebecca Lyons, who has announced her retirement effective June 30...
Central WA receives $7M in federal grants
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two federal grants, adding up to more than $7 million, awarded by the Bureau of Reclamation aim to reduce the loss of irrigated water and improve salmon fishing opportunities in Central Washington. Through the two grants, more than $4.1 million will be allocated to reduce West Canal water seepage in Grant County and $3 million to improve fish passage at Roza Dam near Yakima. The funding is part of the more than $8 billion for water infrastructure improvements passed as part of the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law...
Pettigrew to run Lotto Commission
OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee named Eric Pettigrew to serve as director of the Washington State Lottery Commission Tuesday, according to a release by Inslee’s office. “Eric has an impressive track record of leadership, collaborating with others and success as a legislator and public servant. I know he will lead the Lottery with integrity and ensuring the trust of the people we serve,” Inslee said...
Fed grant funding to help West Canal, Yakima River
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A pair of federal grants will help save fish on a stretch of the Yakima River and allow for the replacement of a 1,500-foot-long section of the Columbia Basin Project’s West Canal, according to a press release from Sen. Maria Cantwell’s, D–Wash., office...
Pheasants Forever to host spring social
MOSES LAKE - Pheasants Forever will be holding its spring social next week in Moses Lake, according to a press release from the organization. The event is both a gathering for current members and an opportunity for potential members to become familiar with the organization...
MLHS grad makes chancellor's list
FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Moses Lake High School graduate Taylor Carpenter has been named to the fall 2022 Chancellor’s List at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, according to a university press release...
Copenhaver to take helm at RMS
ROYAL CITY — Jerred Copenhaver will be the new principal at Royal Middle School, according to a statement from the Royal School District...
Othello Community Hospital announces births for March 2023
OTHELLO – Congratulations to the families below who welcomed new members to the Columbia Basin in March at the Othello Community Hospital...
Weather for Monday, April 10, 2023
Monday: Monday will be rainy with a high near 61 and south winds around 6 mph shifting to north winds in the morning. Chance of rain is 80% with a tenth to a quarter inch possible. The evening will see a 40% chance of showers before 11 p.m. Low around 39. ...
Studio Basin: Hospital bond, chief chat and diamond action
On this week’s episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer spoke with Samaritan Healthcare's Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan, Chief Administrative Officer Alex Town, and Gretchen Youngren, chief development and communications officer, to discuss the reasons behind the hospital’s request to district voters for a construction bond and what has changed since the project was first approved. They also discussed the cost to property owners and talked about contingency plans if the bond is rejected...
Border crossing hours to change
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The hours of operation at four U.S.-Canadian border crossings, including one in eastern Washington and one in Montana, will be updated next week, according to a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection...
Moses Lake port commissioners to meet Monday
MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake will hold its regular meeting from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, according to a statement from the Port. Among the items to be discussed are leases with General Dynamics, Terex and the U.S. government, and an easement agreement with CenturyLink to provide communication utilities to the Grant County Mosquito District, according to the meeting agenda. The public is invited to attend wither in person or by phone. Phone participants should call 267-930-4000, and enter participant code 418-097-708 when prompted.
Pyper, Ehrman take new roles at Grant PUD
EPHRATA — Two longtime Grant County PUD employees have been promoted to new jobs...