STAFF REPORT

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...

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.

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.

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.

March 2023 events calendar

March 3 First Friday Jam Anyone with an instrument can come and play; anyone with ears can come and listen. Potluck at 6 p.m., jam 7-9 p.m. at George Community Hall, 403 W. Montmorency Blvd. Info: www.georgecommunityhall.com. Preschool story time Kids will read books, do finger plays and action rhymes, sing songs, and explore with other activities.10:30-11 a.m. every Friday at the Warden Library, 305 S Main Ave. Info: 509-349-2226. Family Free Saturday Get creative and make a card for someone that you love. Continues until supplies have been exhausted. Adults must accompany children during activity (no drop-offs).12-2 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam. Info: 509-764-3830. March 7

Twins arrested in catalytic converter theft

MOSES LAKE — A pair of twin brothers are in the Grant County Jail after being spotted stealing a catalytic converter, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. Nicholas Andrew Anardi and Trevor Mason Anardi, both 32, of Moses Lake were arrested Sunday afternoon on charges of second-degree malicious mischief and second-degree theft, according to the post...

GCFD7 hires new chief

SOAP LAKE – Grant County Fire District 7 has announced the hiring of a new chief, nearly six months after previous Chief Kirk Sheppard retired in September. “Chief Chris Baker started on Feb. 13 and has hit the ground running,” a release by the district stated...

Author to speak at CWU

ELLENSBURG — Author and environmentalist Taylor Brorby will visit Central Washington University on March 5, according to a statement from the university...

Alumni Association tops $230,000 in scholarships

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Alumni Association has awarded more than $231,000 in scholarships in its 16-year history, according to a statement from the association, and is accepting applications for 2023.

Weather for Monday, Feb. 27

Monday: A chance of snow before 4 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Southeast wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible. Monday night, a slight chance of rain and snow before 7 p.m., then a slight chance of snow between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Tuesday night should be mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 38, while Wednesday night should be mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Thursday: A slight chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Thursday Night is expected to be partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Friday: Sunny, with a high near 43. Source: National Weather Service

Tow truck operator safety bill passes Senate chamber

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate on Wednesday approved a measure designed to improve safety for tow-truck operators. “Passage of this bill in the Senate today sends a strong message that safety on our roadways is a priority for Olympia, and that we need to respect the ‘everyday heroes’ who work within inches of speeding traffic,” said Senator Jeff Wilson (R-Longview), primary sponsor of the bill. “These first responders risk their lives every day.”

Confluence Health announces update to vaccination policy

WENATCHEE — Confluence Health employees who had been prohibited from working onsite if they had not received the initial COVID-19 vaccination for religious or medical reasons will be allowed back onsite, beginning March 1. Employees will have to meet certain requirements, according to a Confluence Health press release. The organization has clinics in Moses Lake, Royal City and Ephrata.

Economic development, rail in the Columbia Basin and the Mat Classic on the Studio Basin Podcast

On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporter Charles Featherstone sits down with Pat Boss, the director of government affairs and public relations at Columbia Basin Railroad, to discuss economic development and more with the Columbia Basin Railroad. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona and managing editor Rob Miller talk about the Mat Classic and Boys State Swimming and Diving Championships hosted last weekend, and preview the upcoming boys and girls basketball regional matchups. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3Y2vg2p.

Cannabis pre-employment testing bill passes Senate

OLYMPIA – Senate Bill 5123 passed the Senate Wednesday and would ban pre-employment cannabis tests if signed into law. “It comes down to discriminating against people who use cannabis,” said Senator Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines), sponsor of the bill and chair of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee. “For people using a legal substance, having a pre-employment test like this is just plain unfair, and we should stop it.” ...

Work zone cameras bill passes WA Senate

OLYMPIA – A bill to authorize the use of speed safety cameras in state highway work zones passed the Washington Senate Wednesday. “Folks working on our state highways deserve to do so with the peace of mind that they will end their shift by going home to their families and loved ones,” said Senator Marko Liias (D-Everett), sponsor of the bill. “These workers are acting every day to ensure our highways are safe for commuters, and we have a duty to keep them safe as well.” ...

WSU researchers develop corn-based air filter

PULLMAN — A new type of air filter made of corn protein instead of petroleum plastic appears to be better able of filtering out small pollutant particles as well as toxic chemicals like formaldehyde than current air filters, according to a press release from Washington State University...

WSU names new Lind Dryfarm director

PULLMAN — Washington State University announced on Thursday that agronomist and soil scientist Surendra Singh has been selected to head the university’s Lind Dryland Research Station, according to a WSU press release. “Dryland wheat production in Washington is not only important from an economic standpoint, but also for global food security,” Singh said in the press release. “As rainfall patterns change, cost of fertilizers and other inputs rise, and weed and pest pressures increase, research at Lind and WSU keeps us ahead and ready.” ...

Milky Way celebrates 75 years of dairy trucking

SEATTLE — Milk hauler Milky Way — whose trucks are seen frequently on the roads of parts of Grant and Adams counties — is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023, according to a press release from Milky Way parent company Lynden. Founded in 1948, Milky Way is one of the largest milk haulers from dairy farms to dairies in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, the press release said...