STAFF REPORT

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...

Murray touts WSU Breadlab research in visit

BURLINGTON — During a visit on Wednesday to Washington State University’s Breadlab at the Port of Skagit, Sen. Patty Murray highlighted the importance of federal support for research into improvements in food processing and value-added agriculture...

Dertings named GCCA Cattlemen of the Year

EPHRATA, WASH. – Will and Nicole Derting were recognized as the 2022 Grant County Cattlemen of the Year at the Grant County Cattlemen’s Association banquet in January...

Bill supports state employees fired over vaccine mandate

OLYMPIA – House Bill 1814, if passed, would prioritize reemployment and pension service credit of public employees separated from service due to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate...

First responders urge caution

EPHRATA - Grant County Fire District 13 responded to a single-vehicle collision Monday morning near the intersection of State Routes 28 and 283, southwest of Ephrata...

State dinosaur passes House chamber

OLYMPIA – A bill, designating the Suciasaurus Rex as the official state dinosaur, passed the Washington House of Representatives Monday. “This is a DINO-mite piece of legislation,” said Representative Melanie Morgan (D-Parkland) on the House floor...

Adams County Pet of the Week for Feb. 20

Meet Fluffer!

Hi there! I’m Fluffer and I’m ready for a family to snuggle in with. Right now I’m hanging out with the folks at Adams County Pet Rescue, but I’d be happy to hang out with you too. Like all of the pets at ACPR, I am “fixed” – whatever that’s supposed to mean – and I’m up to date on all of my shots. The vet says I could use a few extra treats and a new tennis ball though – doctor’s orders. Come say hi to me and all of my friends at ACPR at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello. Call ahead at 509-488-5514 and visit the website at adamscountypetrescue.com. If you’re not able to adopt, the shelter wouldn’t mind a donation or two. Find out what they need by giving them a quick call – pretty sure doggy biscuits are a good donation. Just sayin’.

Grant County pet of the week for Feb. 20

Meet Tito

Meet Tito! Tito is a dandy of a fellow in need of an especially loving family because he has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus - also known as FIV. He is the biggest love of all time and enjoys playing with his toys and being around people. He's super affectionate. He is also up to date on vaccinations and neutered. To get more information on this little fluff ball, call 509-762-9616 or visit Grant County Animal Outreach's website at www.grantcountyanimaloutreach.org. The shelter is located at 6725 Randolph Rd NE in Moses Lake.

Weather for Monday, Feb. 20, 2023

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Southwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Monday night should be mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Breezy. Tuesday: A chance of rain and snow, mainly after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 46, and breezy. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Tuesday night is looking at a 30% chance of snow, mainly before 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Blustery. Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 26 and windy. Wednesday night is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. Blustery. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 24, while Thursday night should be partly cloudy, with a low around 10. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.

Into the Lions' Den

Moses Lake Christian Academy senior and 2022-23 Associated Student Body President McKenna Meise cuts the ribbon on the school’s new gym, The Den, in a short ceremony Friday morning surrounded by MLCA staff, other students and members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Reclamation readies for 2023 irrigation

GRAND COULEE — The Bureau of Reclamation, which oversees and operated much of the Columbia Basin Project, announced on Thursday that it will begin operation of the Potholes Reservoir and O’Sullivan Dam outlet works and Banks Lake and Dry Falls Dam outlet works on March 1, with Columbia River water set to flow into Billy Clapp Reservoir that same day in preparation for the 2023 irrigation season...

WSU develops test for canine bleeding disorder

PULLMAN — Washington State University researchers have developed a test that helps identify dogs at risk of a potentially fatal disorder that can result in excessive bleeding and bruising following canine surgery...

Help cancer patients through recycling

MOSES LAKE - Two local recycling centers are putting proceeds from donated recyclable materials toward the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation. To donate your household recyclables for the cause, drop them off at Moses Lake Iron and Metal or Consolidated Disposal Services in Ephrata. The Moses Lake facility is located at 228 W. Commerce Way. Call 509-754-2468 for information on donating at the Ephrata location.

Law enforcement logs for Feb. 16

The reports below were provided by the police department or jail indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

Moses Lake cuts ribbon on Larson Rec Center

MOSES LAKE - Carrie Hoiness, recreation superintendent, and Susan Schweisow, former parks, recreation and cultural services director, formally cut the ribbon on the City of Moses Lake's Larson Recreation Center on Tuesday surrounded by city officials, current and former members of the city council.

Othello school levy passing in preliminary results

OTHELLO — Othello School District voters are approving a three-year educational programs and operations levy by a wide margin in preliminary results from a special election Tuesday...

Book club kits available from NCW Libraries

WENATCHEE — Book clubs in the NCW Libraries system looking to mix it up, or a group looking to start a new book club, can take advantage of additional “Book Club Kits” added to the library system collection...

USDA adds $850 million in conservation funding

NEW ORLEANS — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making an additional $850 million in funding available to farmers and forest owners nationwide this year to help adopt and implement conservation programs, according to a press release from the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service...

New watermaster selected for ECBID Othello district

OTHELLO — Kyle Carlson has been selected as the Othello watermaster for the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District. Carlson will replace current watermaster Rod Barker, who is retiring March 31. “I’d like to thank Rod for his years of service to the district and wish him well,” wrote Craig Simpson, ECBID secretary-manager, in a press release. “We’re thrilled to promote Kyle Carlson to the Othello watermaster position.” District officials also announced that Joel De La Torre has been hired as the ditchrider for Othello 523, and Wyatt Ivey has been hired for the ditchrider’s job in Othello 522. Jonathan Quezada has been hired as a district construction worker. “Our team has continued to grow and evolve as we remain focused on providing reliable and sustainable irrigation water for our landowners,” Simpson wrote. “I am confident that these new team members will enhance our ability to do so.”

Moses Lake to host water seminar

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Municipal Services Director Kirk Holmes will be speaking on the subject of water at the Moses Lake Museum and Art Center on Thursday, March 9, at 6 p.m., according to a city press release...

CWU Recognized for Fulbright achievement

ELLENSBURG – Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing institution for the 2022-23 school year, according to a CWU press release. “Our faculty is among the best in the world, and this honor only further validates what we already know about their commitment to excellence,” CWU President Jim Wohlpart said. “The entire CWU community is already extremely proud of the work our esteemed faculty does every day. But for Central to be included in this elite class of higher education institutions gives us even more of a reason to keep improving.” ...

ACSO personnel recognized for outstanding service

RITZVILLE — Deputies and staff at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office recognized their fellow employees for outstanding effort in 2022 at the ACSO awards dinner last week...

Newhouse named wine caucus co-chair

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Yakima, was named co-chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus in the 118th Congress, a job he will share with Rep. Mike Thompson, D-California, according to a statement from Newhouse’s office.s “As a proud grape grower, I know firsthand the strong economic contributions made by the grape and wine producers and the issues our industry faces,” Newhouse said in the statement. “I am honored to represent the flourishing, high-quality wine region of Central Washington. I look forward to working with Thompson to ensure the nation’s wine industry – from grape growers to winemakers and sellers –can continue to thrive and grow.”

Cannabis-related bills work through Wash. legislature

OLYMPIA — Monday was a big day for cannabis-related bills working their way through the Washington House and Senate. Several bills had public hearings and executive sessions which could determine if a bill will continue through committee, or die...

Wash. commerce director to step down

OLYMPIA — Lisa Brown, director of the Washington State Department of Commerce, will step down effective March 3, according to a statement from the department...

Fire near Moses Lake destroys home

MOSES LAKE – A family home in the 6000 block of Road N NE burned to the ground Sunday morning, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office statement...

One convicted in sex abuse case

EPHRATA — Michael Gene Rice, 48, of Ephrata was convicted last week of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. He goes back to court March 15 for sentencing...

Juvenile arrested with K-9, public assistance

OTHELLO — A juvenile suspect was taken into custody after an alleged car theft required a search involving one of the Adams County Sheriff’s K-9 units Sunday.

Weather for Monday, Feb. 13

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 46. Breezy, with a west wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Monday night is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Tuesday night is expected to be mostly clear, with a low around 22. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 41, while Wednesday night is expected to be partly cloudy, with a low around 24. Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 42. Thursday night should be mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Source: National Weather Service

Moses Lake School Superintendent Monty Sabin and the week in sports on the Basin Studio Podcast

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer sits down with Moses Lake School District Superintendent Monty Sabin to discuss how he got involved in the education field, how the district has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and more. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona joins to preview this weekend's regional wrestling competitions and district basketball games. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3jLtvsg.

Ephrata man rescued from Billy Clapp Lake

STRATFORD - A 70-year-old Ephrata man was rescued by bystanders Wednesday after falling through the ice at Billy Clapp Lake. A release by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office states first responders were called around 3:30 p.m. when a man fell through the ice attempting to rescue his dog who had fallen through the ice shortly before. Bystanders used a canoe to access the man and bring him to shore, the release states. He was treated by Grant County Fire District 12 EMTs and AMR and then flown to Confluence Health-Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee for treatment of hypothermia. The man's dog was able to self-rescue and is safe.

Police logs for Feb. 9, 2023

The reports below were provided by the police department or facility indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

DCYF Receives $4M grant to support early learning

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families has received a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support early learning across the state...

Spud sales volume down but values up in 2022

DENVER — While the overall volume of U.S. potato sales fell slightly in 2022 when compared with 2021, the value of those same sales rose 14.4% to $15.5 billion, according to data published by Colorado-based PotatoesUSA, a marketing organization of U.S. potato growers...

Back when...

A look at Washington's past

WASHINGTON D.C. - While many industries and organizations are looking to the future, sometimes it is important to look to the past to see how much has changed. Below are a series of black and white photographs taken in the early to mid 1900s across Washington State available through the Library of Congress. Most captions are provided by the Library of Congress record with slight editing for clarity...

One dies in Quincy accident

QUINCY - Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a one-vehicle accident in the 10000 block of Winchester Road NW near Quincy at about 11:20 p.m. Friday evening after a nearby homeowner called 911 after hearing a crash...

GCSO mourns passing of K-9 Grizzly

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office announced the passing of retired K-9 officer Grizzly late last week.