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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...
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.
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
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...
Police logs for Jan. 24-29
The reports below were provided by the police departments and sheriff’s offices indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...
Feb. 2023 senior events schedule:
There’s plenty to do in and around the Columbia Basin for seniors...
Birth Announcements for Feb. 1, 2023
The information below was provided by Othello Community Hospital.
Environmental bills being considered by WA House
OLYMPIA — Several environmental bills have been introduced in the 2023 session of the Washington House of Representatives. Topics include labor reporting, solid waste management and resident energy options....
Grand Coulee Fire Station progressing
GRAND COULEE — The Grand Coulee Dam Fire Station project is coming along, according to a press release from the Bureau of Reclamation...
Arrests made over alleged social media threats
OTHELLO — An unidentified man and two juveniles were arrested on suspicion of second-degree possession of firearms on Jan. 27 following an alleged threat against Adams County Juvenile Services personnel...
Music festival showcases students’ talents
MOSES LAKE — Seventy Moses Lake students took part Saturday in the seventh annual Moses Lake-Central Basin Chapter of Washington State Music Teachers Association Music Festival, according to a statement from chapter President Marina Munter. The festival was held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Moses Lake...
Moses Lake man arrested for reported domestic violence at BBCC
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man is in jail following an alleged domestic assault at Big Bend Community College, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...
Washington bridal show schedule 2023
Below is a noncomprehensive list of bridal expos in Washington, organized from closest to furthest from the center of Grant County. The Columbia Basin Herald congratulates the brides and grooms in our area on their upcoming celebrations and we wish you a happy and joyous life together...
Students First Program legislation introduced in WA House
OLYMPIA — State Rep. Carolyn Eslick (R-Sultan) introduced a bill on Thursday that would allow parents to use their share of state education funds for private or home-based education, according to a statement from Eslick’s office...
Bluegrass band coming to George
GEORGE — The Badger Mountain Dry Band will perform Feb. 18 at the George Community Hall, according to an announcement from the hall’s management...
Potato Day coming in February
MOSES LAKE - Staff from the Washington State Potato Commission will celebrate Potato Day in Olympia on Feb. 21. “The most viable voice in Olympia is a farmer,” said Chris Voigt, Executive Director at the Washington State Potato Commission...
Grant Co. awarded traffic safety grant
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Grant County will be one of 16 municipalities in Washington to receive federal money aimed at reducing traffic accident fatalities, according to a statement from Sen. Maria Cantwell’s office...
Grant County pet of the week: Sophie
Sophie is a 10-month-old domestic shorthair mix with a cute face you can’t help but love. She came to the Grant County Animal Outreach shelter in May of 2022 and still hasn’t found her forever home. Her shots are up to date and she has been microchipped. She just needs a family she can claim as her own. If you’re interested in being Sophie’s new family, call the shelter at 509-762-9616 or reach out by email at [email protected]. The shelter is located at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake and is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
Kennewick man gets 42 months for insurance fraud scheme
SPOKANE — A Kennewick man has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison for his role in a complex scheme involving staging fake automobile accidents to defraud insurance companies, making false statements to federal law enforcement and attempting to obstruct a federal investigation, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Friday. Ali Abed Nasser, 52, pleaded guilty to the charges in 2022. In addition to the prison time, Nasser also agreed to three years of court-ordered supervision following the completion of his sentence, forfeiture of nearly $20,000 and financial restitution of roughly $127,000, the press release noted. In addition, Nasser attempted to bribe someone he suspected was a federal informant in order to stop the investigation and make the case go away, the press release said. “Staged accidents make our streets dangerous and distract police from responding to legitimate distress calls,” wrote Vanessa Waldorf, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, in a press release. “Moreover, efforts to hinder federal criminal proceedings will not be tolerated.” “We will continue to work closely with our federal and state law enforcement, and private industry, partners to investigate fraud schemes,” Waldorf added.
New emergency powers reform bill introduced
OLYMPIA — House Bill 1535, co-sponsored by Rep. Peter Abbarno, (R-Centralia) and Rep. Chris Corry (R-Yakima), seeks to rein in the governor's emergency powers. "No one person should wield vast powers without checks and balances or a clear expiration date, even during an emergency," said Abbarno. "Living under an emergency declaration for nearly three years exposed a serious loophole in our laws governing emergency powers, and it's incumbent on the Legislature, as the law-making body, to fix it." According to a release by Corry’s office, HB 1535 is identical to House Bill 1772, Corry's bipartisan bill from the 2022 legislative session. Washington is one of only four states that hands over unilateral authority to the governor to declare and maintain a state of emergency, the release states. During a prolonged SOE, the legislative branch, which represents the people, has an extremely limited role in determining the policies set forth by the executive branch in Washington state. House Bill 1535 focuses on emergencies that last longer than 60 days to ensure the public – and the lawmakers that represent them – have a voice. "There must be limits. The framers of our state constitution never intended for the governor to wield the kind of power he maintained for nearly three years. Clearly, when quick action is needed, the executive branch must be able to respond. But when a state of emergency lasts for months or even years, it's difficult to justify prolonged unilateral – nearly autocratic – authority by the executive branch," said Corry. "The public must have a voice in how to move forward. That's the job of the Legislature."
Sabin contract extended by Moses Lake School Board
MOSES LAKE — The contract of Moses Lake School District superintendent Monty Sabin has been extended for an additional year. Moses Lake School Board members approved the extension on a unanimous vote after a special meeting to evaluate Sabin’s job performance Thursday. The extension was approved without discussion. With the extension, Sabin’s contract will run through August 2026. Sabin was hired in April 2022, replacing former superintendent Josh Meek, who left the district in 2021. Prior to being hired in Moses Lake Sabin was the assistant superintendent for the North Thurston School District.
Othello man arrested in connection with house fire
OTHELLO — An Othello man was arrested on suspicion of arson Wednesday following a Tuesday afternoon fire that destroyed a trailer about one mile west of Othello. No one was injured. Petronilo Osorio-Mendoza, 35,was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson, burning a dwelling, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. The fire was reported at about 3:15 p.m. in the 600 block of Danielle Road. Law enforcement and firefighters arrived to find the home fully engulfed in flames. Adams County Fire District 5 Chief Gary Lebacken said 10 firefighters responded. Fire crews were on scene for about three hours, he added. “The responding fire units extinguished the burning structure and limited damage to adjoining properties,” the ACSO statement said. Osorio-Mendoza also was charged with third-degree assault in connection with an incident while he was in a temporary holding area of the sheriff’s office, the post said.
Upcoming criminal trials and the potato conference on the Studio Basin Podcast
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, managing editor Rob Miller and senior reporter Charles Featherstone recap this week's Washington-Oregon Potato Conference, followed by discussing the murders of Yanira Cedillos and Theresa Bergman as trials approach in the near future. To close the episode, sports reporter Ian Bivona recaps the previous week in Basin sports action as regular seasons begin to come to a close. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3WHuYgQ.
GCSO honors Foreman
EHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Emergency Management Specialist Kyle Foreman, center, was honored as the department’s employee of the month for November 2022. The announcement was a bit delayed due to the busy time the department had through the holidays. Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations Josh Sainsbury, right, nominated Foreman for his assistance in helping the Ephrata School District be prepared in the instance an active shooter situation might occur. Sheriff Joe Kriete, left, has expressed appreciation for Foreman’s aid in communicating with the public.
January 27 is Holocaust Remembrance Day
In light of the observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day, which seeks to ensure the world never forgets the atrocities associated with World War II and the Nazi regime, below are facts to provide perspective on the severity of the events of that time.
Confluence names new chief of nursing, vice president,
WENATCHEE — Kelly Allen has been named as the chief nursing officer for the Confluence Health system. She has been working as the assistant to the CNO for about a year, according to a statement from Confluence...
Graham proposes bill to recognize parental rights
OLYMPIA - Representative Jenny Graham (R-Spokane) proposed legislation in the Washington House this week that lists a specific set of rights that parents should have as they relate to the care, well-being, education, and upbringing of their children. “It's time for the state to officially recognize the rights of parents,” said Graham in a release by her office...
Ephrata Schools release new emergency resources
EPHRATA - Ephrata School District has recently created new resources for families to understand the school district’s preparedness for and responses to emergency situations. In November, Ephrata Schools worked with local first responders on a tabletop exercise to coordinate their responses to a school emergency. A release by the school district states that the district plans to be proactive in communicating with families about their emergency procedures and preparedness so the community will know what to expect from the district in emergency situations...
Washington Head Start receives national grant
VIRGINIA - A Washington Head Start program is one of only 10 recipients across the country to receive $5,000 through a grant program to get children interested in and learning about gardening. “It’s so important for children to have access to fresh foods and to get outside, and gardens provide an opportunity for both,” said Brian Herrington, president of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. “Helping kids discover the wonder of growing is incredible. We look forward to the new and updated garden experiences our grant recipients will create this year.” ...
Law enforcement logs for Jan. 25
The reports below were provided by the police departments and jails. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Tree fruit science seminars scheduled
WENATCHEE — Growers and others in the tree fruit industry can learn about new practices and new research in a series of seminars in February, March and April. The “Science in Our Valley” seminars are held at the Washington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, 1100 N. Western Ave., Wenatchee. Each seminar is at 4 p.m. Admission to all seminars is free...
Preschool art show coming to museum
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District preschoolers will be featured at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center next month...
Adams Co. Pet of the Week: Meet Brosus
Brosus is a Labrador Retriver mix and is waiting for a family to come fall in love with him. He’s a bigger dog who likes other pups. Like all animals at Adams County Pet Rescue, Brosus is up to date on all of his vaccinations and has been neutered and microchipped to make sure he’s in good health and doesn’t get lost. Anyone who would like to meet Brosus can fill out an application at www.adamscountypetrescue.com and call to schedule a time to see him by calling 509-488-5514. Brosus and many other furry friends are waiting for new homes at ACPR’s shelter at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello.
Moses Lake man arrested, charged with converter theft
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested for attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a car parked at a Moses Lake car dealership Monday night. It was the third arrest for catalytic converter theft in less than a week. Trevor Schaffer, 29, was arrested at about 9 p.m. at the dealership on South Frontage Road, according to a post from the Moses Lake Police Department. He was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of second-degree theft and second-degree malicious mischief...
BBCC trustees meet with legislators
OLYMPIA - The Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees met with legislators at the capitol Tuesday to discuss legislative priorities. The board met with Representatives Bruce Chandler (R-Granger), Bryan Sandlin (R-Zillah), Mary Dye (R-Pomeroy), Joe Schmick (R-Colfax), Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake), Alex Ybarra (R-Quincy) and Senators Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville), Nikki Torres (R-Pasco) and Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake).
Abandoned bumper leads to arrest
DESERT AIRE — A Mattawa man was arrested on suspicion of DUI and first-degree malicious mischief after he is alleged to have damaged the front entrance of a Desert Aire business with his car.
BBCC Foundation to hold financial planning event
MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Foundation will host a free financial and estate planning event, according to a statement from the foundation.
Soap Lake man arrested in connection with shooting
EPHRATA — A Soap Lake man is in custody Monday afternoon following a shooting between Ephrata and Soap Lake, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...
Bill looks to bring plea bargain transparency
OLYMPIA - A bill in the Washington State House would bring transparency to the plea negotiation process in the criminal justice system. "For the most part, the criminal justice system in our state is very transparent. The courts are open to the public during trials. We can see the jurors, judge, prosecutors and defense attorneys. We can watch people testify in court," said Rep. Gina Mosbrucker (R-Goldendale), ranking member of the House Community Safety, Justice and Reentry Committee. "However, plea negotiations in Washington state are often done behind closed doors, which many of my constituents are concerned about." ...
Knox named to dean's list
JAMESTOWN, N.D. — Laurel Knox, of Moses Lake, has been selected for the Dean’s List for fall 2022 at the University of Jamestown in Jamestown, North Dakota. Knox earned this honor by maintaining a semester GPA of 3.50 or better, according to a statement from the university. The University of Jamestown was established in 1883 and is ranked as a top-tier regional school in U.S. News and World Report and a top Midwestern school in The Princeton Review, according to the statement.