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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...
Birth Announcements for Feb. 1, 2023
The information below was provided by Othello Community Hospital.
Feb. 2023 senior events schedule:
There’s plenty to do in and around the Columbia Basin for seniors...
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...
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.
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...
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.
Warden collision sends four to hospital
WARDEN — Four people were injured when a driver allegedly ran the stop sign at the intersection of SR 170 and SR 17 about three miles west of Warden Sunday afternoon. A press memo from the Washington State Patrol said drugs or alcohol were involved, and charges are pending against one of the drivers...
Hunt serves as page at the Senate
OLYMPIA - As part of the Senate Page Program, which has not been operational the past two years due to the pandemic, Noah Hunt, a sophomore from Coulee Dam, was one of 10 pages for the Washington State Senate in Olympia during the opening week of the 2023 legislative session...
Weather for Monday, January 23, 2023.
Weather report for Monday, January 23, 2023.
Fentanyl, catalytic converters and a league title
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporters Charles Featherstone and Cheryl Schweizer discuss local crime throughout the Basin, including recent fentanyl seizures, catalytic converter thefts and more. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona recaps the past week in local sports, including the Moses Lake girls wrestling team capturing a league title with a win over Davis. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3knbkJk.
Washington students invited to National Civics Bee
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Young people in Washington will have a chance to show off their knowledge of government on a national stage this year, according to a statement from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation...
Rukke named acting pipeline safety director
LACEY, Wash. — The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission has named Scott Rukke acting director of the commission’s pipeline safety division, according to a commission press release...
USDA published final organic enforcement rule
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday published the final revision of its updated rules for the production, sale and certification of organic farm and food products, according to a USDA press release issued Wednesday...
Affordable housing legislation introduced in Olympia
OLYMPIA - Two new pieces of legislation, House Bill 1401 and House Bill 1402, will allow the development of affordable housing to be more accessible for cities and counties around Washington...
Agriculture bills being considered by WA Legislature
OLYMPIA — Several agriculture-related bills have been introduced in the 2023 session of the Washington Legislature, which started last week. Topics include fur farming, alternative energy resource impacts and pesticides...
Bill to pay incarcerated workers passes House Committee
OLYMPIA - The House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee voted 6-3 in favor of passing HB 1024, an act that would ensure incarcerated workers are paid state minimum wage, among other things...
Bill proposed to create Boys and Men Commission
OLYMPIA — A statement by Rep. Mary Dye (R-Pomeroy) on Wednesday announced the introduction of a bill that would create a new Washington State Commission on Boys and Men. "There are many issues that impact men and boys. Yet, there is no unified voice that would tackle these issues at the state level," wrote Dye, in the statement. "If adopted, this legislation would create the first-of-its-kind boys and men's commission in the nation right here in Washington state." ...
Physician assistant joins Samaritan Clinic on Pioneer
MOSES LAKE — Physician assistant Diane Savarese has joined the staff of the walk-in department at the Samaritan Clinic on Pioneer, 1550 S. Pioneer Way. Savarese is a board-certified PA who will work in the “Care Today” clinic, according to a Samaritan press release. The clinic provides walk-in care for non-life-threatening conditions, such as minor injuries and illnesses, sprains, cuts, fevers and earaches, among others. Savarese will provide treatment and will coordinate with the primary care professionals for further treatment that might be needed...
Grant Co. unemployment up for November
ELLENSBURG — Unemployment in Grant County in November 2022 rose for the second straight month to 6.5% from 4.5% in October 2022 and 5.6% in November 2021, according to a report published by the Washington State Employment Security Department...
Adams Co. unemployment rises in November
ELLENSBURG — Unemployment in Adams County rose slightly in November 2022 to 5.1%, a significant increase from 3.3% in October and 4.6% in November 2021, according to data published by the Employment Security Department...