STAFF REPORT
Recent Stories
Rough morning
QUINCY - The Grant County Sheriffs Office responded to an accident near the intersection of Adams Road North and Road 9 NW Monday morning. The driver had fled the scene of the accident wherein the pictured vehicle hit a power pole, causing an unspecified number of Grant PUD customers to go without power for a time. The investigating deputy later made contact with the driver, who was not arrested. The unnamed driver told GCSO he’d fallen asleep behind the wheel on his way home from working a night shift. GCSO officials said no decision had yet been made on whether to file charges against the driver.
Chapman serves as page for Ybarra
OLYMPIA – Jacob Chapman, 15, a Selah homeschool student, recently traveled to Olympia to serve as a page in the state House of Representatives by sponsorship from District 13 Representative Alex Ybarra. "It was a pleasure sponsoring Jacob," said Ybarra (R-Quincy), in a release by his office. "I hope he enjoyed his week at the state Capitol making new friends and learning the ropes at the Legislature. I know he represented the 13th District well." ...
Pet of the Week: Mack
My name is Mack and I'm a little over 1 ½ years old and came to Grant County Animal Outreach as a stray. I'm about 45-55 pounds and am a very excitable young dog! I am learning how to play with other dogs and slowly learning how to respect their boundaries, but I don't think I can handle being around a cat. I tend to be pretty shy and leery of strangers but am very affectionate with people I know and am ALWAYS ready to chase a ball! I'm ready for a patient home willing to give me a second chance at a happy life. Call (509) 762-9616 if you have any more questions!
Two men arrested in connection with stolen lawnmower
SOAP LAKE — Two Moses Lake men were arrested on suspicion of second-degree vehicle prowling, second-degree theft and second-degree criminal trespassing after allegedly stealing equipment from a property near Soap Lake. Troy Hughes, 43, and Gabriel Gonzalez, 43, were arrested Thursday afternoon, according to a release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred in the 2000 block of Road 20 NE.
The economics of labor and the week in sports on the Basin Studio Podcast
On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporter Charles Featherstone sits down with Don Meseck, a regional labor economist with the Washington State Department of Employment Security, The two discuss the labor force in Grant and Adams Counties. Next, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer and sports reporter Ian Bivona discuss this past week's sports action, as well as take a look at the Columbia Basin Herald's upcoming spring sports preview. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3yTrVbD.
Search leads to catalytic converter seizure
KENNEWICK — Hundreds of catalytic converters were seized from a Kennewick business a day after the search of a Moses Lake business and home by officers with the Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement officers served a search warrant at PDX Scrap Metal Wednesday afternoon, according to a GCSO press release. They seized 533 catalytic converters, the press release said, as well as raw materials from catalytic converter cores and equipment used to extract precious metals from catalytic converters.
Grant County tax statements mailed
EPHRATA — Grant County property owners who have not received tax statements by today should contact the Grant County Treasurer’s Office, according to a press release from the GCTO. Grant County Treasurer Darryl Pheasant wrote that tax statements have been mailed, including statements to landowners with delinquent taxes and assessments. Treasurer’s office employees are working on amended statements for property owners who made changes after the original statements were written, he wrote.
State wealth tax bill garners support in WA Senate hearing
OLYMPIA – A bill currently before the Washington State Senate would levy a special wealth tax on financial assets with an assessed value of more than $250 million. “We have an upside-down tax code that’s deeply in need of reform, and we continue to have massive needs for investments in education, housing, services for those with disabilities, and so much more,” said Senator Noel Frame, sponsor of Senate Bill 5486...
WA Senate passes bill to create battery recycling program
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Legislature is looking at a measure that legislators hope will increase battery recycling in the state. “We know that the use of batteries will continue to increase and it’s urgent we take action to ensure these products containing hazardous materials don’t continue to pile up in our landfills or other places they can cause health and safety concerns,” Sen. Derek Stanford, D-Bothell, sponsor of Senate Bill 5144, said in a press release...
Royal City man arrested on cocaine charges
ROYAL CITY — A Royal City man was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute following a search of his home Wednesday.
Irrigation water to flow next week
MOSES LAKE —The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District will begin filling the East Low Canal for the 2023 irrigation season on March 22, according to a statement from the ECBID. The East Low Canal serves the Moses Lake, Warden, and Othello areas of the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District and the Connell (Block 18) area of the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District.
Gorge Amphitheater shows for 2023 - so far
GEORGE - The following shows are currently scheduled at The Gorge Amphitheatre located at 754 Silica Road NW in Geirge. Prices are subject to change at the discretion of the host and do not include booking fees and other incidental charges. Some ticket prices are only valid if purchased in pairs or greater amounts. Camping is also available for some shows at an additional cost. For more information, visit www.gorgeamphitheatre.com.
Spring art show coming to Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE – Mihail Kivachitsky will be holding a spring reception and art talk at the end of this month featuring new work created for the Soap Lake gallery...
Am. Legion announces oratorical scholarship finalists
EPHRATA – The American Legion held its Washington semi-finals and finals of its Constitution Speech Contest at Big Bend Community College on March 11...
Quincy man arrested for alleged gasoline theft
QUINCY — A Quincy man was arrested on suspicion of theft and trespassing after he allegedly broke into the gas pump at an orchard near Quincy to fill his car...
Catalytic converter theft bill gets hearing
OLYMPIA — A bill to combat catalytic converter theft in Washington moves forward today with a hearing in the Senate Law and Justice Committee, according to a statement from Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview...
GCSO welcomes new deputy
EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete, left, administered the oath of office to Deputy Sheriff Eli Verduzco on Monday. Verduzco comes from the Lower Yakima Valley and will be going to the Basic Law Enforcement Academy in the near future, a release by the Sheriff’s Office stated.
Moses Lake temple visitation day announced
MOSES LAKE – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has announced the opening of its new temple in Moses Lake to the public for tours...
Wenatchee-produced film to premiere March 30
WENATCHEE — The documentary “We’re Not Lost: The Last Ride of the Show Ponies,” produced by North Forty Productions of Wenatchee, will premiere this month in Wenatchee, according to a statement from North Forty. The film chronicles the American indie-grass band The Show Ponies on their final tour in 2018, bidding farewell to their fans, each other and their dreams of success in the music industry, according to the statement. The band’s tour stops included Wenatchee and Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Along the way, they examine their success, failures, and the toll it takes to keep a dream alive and a touring band on the road, the statement said. The premiere will be at 7 p.m. on March 30 at the Numerica Performing Arts Center in Wenatchee. Screenings will follow in Seattle, Prosser and Los Angeles at dates to be determined, the statement said.
CWU musicians to perform at international conference
ELLENSBURG — A group of musicians from Central Washington University will perform at an international music conference next year, according to a statement from the university...
Weather for Monday, Mar. 13, 2023
Monday: Rain likely, mainly after 10 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Breezy, with a south wind of 14 to 21 mph and gusts possibly as high as 31 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Monday night should see a chance of rain before 1 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low of about 33. Breezy. The chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected. Tuesday: A chance of rain and snow before 7 a.m., then a chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 50, and the chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected. Tuesday night should see a slight chance of rain before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 31 and a chance of precipitation around 20%. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 52. Wednesday night should be mostly clear, with a low around 28. Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 54, while Thursday night is expected to be partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Source: National Weather Service
Royal City, engineering firm to offer scholarship
ROYAL CITY — Engineering firm Anderson Perry & Associates announced it has created a scholarship it will award on behalf of the City of Royal City, according to a letter sent by the company to the city. The scholarship is for $1,000 and is available to Royal High School students, according to the letter. Anderson Perry & Associates will coordinate the selection of the winner, with input from representatives of the city, the letter said.
Ephrata students involved in I-90 rollover accident
No serious injuries reported
COLUMBIA BASIN – Six Ephrata High School students and one staff member were involved in a roll-over crash early Friday morning. A release by the district stated that shortly after 8 a.m. an Ephrata School District vehicle was involved in a single vehicle roll-over crash just east of Moses Lake on I-90 between the Moses Lake SR 17 exit and the Schrag Rest Area.
Test flight, a new elementary school for Moses Lake, and a basketball recap on Studio Basin Podcast
On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporters Charles Featherstone and Cheryl Schweizer discuss recent electric engine test flights at the Grant County International Airport, a new school in the Moses Lake School District and more. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona recaps the state basketball tournaments in Yakima and Spokane, where three local teams took home hardware. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3T4dDOR.
Ready for a Space Burger?
Lioness Club of Moses Lake looks to serve tastiness in late March.
MOSES LAKE — Space Burgers are coming back.
Bill to protect retired public employees’ health insurance passes WA Senate
OLYMPIA — A bill to protect retired public employees’ access to health insurance unanimously passed the Washington State Senate Wednesday...
Boots and Bling set for Saturday
EPHRATA — The Soap Lake Parents for Kids Boots and Bling Auction will be held Saturday at the American Legion Art Semro Post 28, located at 276 8th Ave NW in Ephrata...
One arrested in Othello on outstanding warrants
Firearms charges sought by Adams County DA
OTHELLO — An Othello man was arrested March 7 on outstanding felony warrants after refusing to surrender for about 40 minutes...
Law enforcement logs for March 9
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...
Man sought in Okanogan couple’s deaths
SPOKANE — The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man in connection with the murder of a couple in Okanogan County in February 2022...
St Patrick’s Day dinner and Auction set for March 18
EPHRATA – Annual St Patrick’s Day Girls State and Boys State Dinner and Auction is coming up soon...
Othello Community Hospital announces births
OTHELLO – The births below were reported by the Othello Community Hospital. The Columbia Basin Herald congratulates the parents on their new arrivals.
Sun Tribune events calendar
The public events below are coming up in the southern portion of Grant County or in Adams County in the near future.
Tenant protection bill passes WA House
OLYMPIA — The Washington House of Representatives last week passed a bill to protect tenants from unreasonable damage claims, according to a statement from Rep. My-Linh Thai’s (D-Bellevue) office...
Burglary suspect nabbed via footprints in snow
SOAP LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a man Monday morning for a burglary near Soap Lake...
Banks Lake drawdown brings warnings to stay away
COULEE CITY — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is warning people to stay off Banks Lake, according to a GCSO statement...
Sackmann named to American Angus Association
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The American Angus Association announced last week that Nia Sackmann of Warden has been named as a new junior member of the association, according to a press release...
Malnutrition bill passes WA House
OLYMPIA – House Bill 1274, a bill to help prevent child malnutrition, passed the Washington House unanimously Saturday. “While a child malnutrition field guide seems like a small step, it's a step we can take right now to ensure that when these state agent visits happen, they can take immediate action. No longer can anyone have the excuse that they didn't know what child malnutrition looks like,” said Representative Travis Couture (R-Allyn), in a release by his office...
Weather for Monday, Mar. 6
Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Monday night is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Tuesday night should be partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 46. Wednesday night should be partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Thursday: A 10% chance of rain and partly sunny, with a high near 44. Thursday night will see a slight chance of rain and snow. Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. The likelihood of precipitation is 20%. Friday: A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. The possibility of precipitation is 30%. Source: National Weather Service
Applications being accepted for Quincy Police Officer Association scholarship
QUINCY — Applications are due Mar. 30 for a scholarship to be awarded by the Quincy Police Officers Association to a graduating senior enrolled in the Quincy School District.
State healthcare mask mandate to end April 3
OLYMPIA — The mandate requiring masks in health care facilities, extended-care facilities and adult correctional institutions will end April 3. The end of universal masking in those facilities was announced in a Friday press release from the Washington Department of Health.
Regional apprenticeship bill passes WA House
OLYMPIA – House Bill 1013 passed the Washington State House of Representatives on Thursday and, if enacted, would create regional apprenticeship programs for high school students. "My bill is an effort to provide an education for the future and help ensure the success of our students, while making the most of their high school education. There's no reason a high school diploma can't lead into successful career opportunities," said Representative Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic, prime sponsor of the bill. "We need to encourage them to explore new opportunities and expose them to trades and careers they may have never thought of before."
Bill to create crisis relief centers passes WA Senate Wednesday
OLYMPIA – SB 5120 passed the Washington Senate unanimously Wednesday, which would direct the Department of Health to license or certify crisis relief centers. “Our state’s new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national model,” said Senator Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), sponsor of the bill and chair of the Law and Justice Committee. “But with that model, we have to step up and deliver the services it promises to people in a mental health or substance use crisis.”
WA House passes legislation to increase housing options
OLYMPIA – A bill that seeks to increase housing options through lot splitting passed the state House of Representatives on Wednesday. "We need more options to tackle our housing supply problem,” said Representative Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia), sponsor of the bill.
Search warrant served, Othello man, woman arrested
OTHELLO — An Othello man was arrested for burglary and theft, and an Othello woman was arrested on outstanding warrants, following the search of a home on Barbara Road west of Othello on Tuesday night.
Law enforcement logs for March 2
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.
Soap Lake schedules condo hearing
SOAP LAKE - The City of Soap Lake will be holding a public meeting on Friday to consider an application for a condominium development.
Columbia Basin senior calendar for March 2023
Calendar for senior citizens in the Columbia Basin.
Irrigation district election bill passes WA Senate
OLYMPIA – On Monday the Washington Senate passed a bill permitting mail-in ballots for irrigation-district elections...
Home & Garden Show comes to fairgrounds Saturday
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fairgrounds will host the Columbia Basin Home & Garden Show this weekend, according to the fairgrounds’ website. The show will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and will feature more than 50 businesses. It’s sponsored by Seed Cupboard Nursery in Royal City, according to the nursery’s website. Admission is free. More information can be found by calling 509-989-0428.