STAFF REPORT

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...

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.

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’.

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.

Safe Streets for All funds local programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Transportation has awarded a total of about $9.2 million to communities in Washington through the Safe Streets for All program. Grant County will receive a portion of those funds.

Wash. seeking proposals to help wildlife impacted by wildfires

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Conservation Commission and Washington State Department of Natural Resources are seeking project proposals to benefit wildlife affected by wildfire in eastern Washington.

UMANI Festival offers BBCC scholarships

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake’s UMANI Festival, which debuted last September, has funded a new scholarship for Big Bend Community College students, according to a statement from the festival committee...

Weather for Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Monday night is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Tuesday night will see continued partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Wednesday night should be mostly clear, with a low around 26. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Thursday night should be mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Source: National Weather Service

Harriet West honored in hall of fame

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake musician and music teacher will be inducted into the Washington State Music Teachers Hall of Fame, according to a statement from Marina Munter, president of the WSMTA’s Moses Lake chapter.

Washington state legislature, Samaritan Hospital bond, and sports on Studio Basin Podcast

On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, staff writer Rebecca Pettingill joins senior reporters Charles Featherstone and Cheryl Schweizer to discuss the state legislative session, Samaritan Healthcare asking for a $130 million construction bond authorization and more. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona joins to talk about Othello basketball, Quincy's Bring Home Da Beef girls wrestling tournament and the Moses Lake Youth Hockey Association’s Winter Classic. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcasting apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3YqcrH9.

Geologist to speak on Wenatchee Pinnacles

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Erratics, Ice Age Floods Institute will host a talk Feb. 14 on the Wenatchee Pinnacles, according to a statement from the organization...

Bill looks to encourage nuclear tech in state energy goals

OLYMPIA — House Bill 1584, which was introduced to the House on Jan. 25, would require advanced nuclear reactor technology to be considered, along with other carbon-neutral energy alternatives when developing the state's strategic energy goals. "I'm excited my bill helps expand this important energy resource," said Rep. Stephanie Barnard (R-Pasco), a primary sponsor of the bill. "Advanced nuclear reactor technology is price-competitive with other renewables. Because it's reliable and can be used on a large scale, nuclear energy can reduce our dependence on carbon-producing energy supplies." ...

Man charged with attempted murder

MOSES LAKE — A man has been booked into Grant County Jail following a domestic assault in Moses Lake, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department...

2 Moses Lake students earn honors at Utah Tech

ST. GEORGE, Utah — Two students from Moses Lake received academic honors at Utah Tech University, according to information from the university...

Moses Lake woman arrested for stealing, selling tools

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake woman was arrested Thursday and has been charged with trafficking in stolen goods after trying to sell online some tools she had stolen from a local store, according to a Moses Lake Police Department statement...

February 2023 events calendar

A listing of events in the Columbia Basin for residents and visitors to enjoy in February of 2023.

Three Grant Co. cities receive recreation grants

OLYMPIA - Three Grant County cities received grant money for recreation planning from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office...

Wash. wolf management bill introduced

OLYMPIA - A bill just put before the Washington State Legislature will flexibility for the department of fish and wildlife to collaborate with local governments in the management of gray wolves...