STAFF REPORT
Recent Stories
Moses Lake Food Bank to move to new location
MOSES LAKE — Moving Day has arrived for the Moses Lake Food Bank, and as a result it will be closed for the week of Dec. 26. Food Bank Operations Manager Peny Archer said distribution this week will include enough food to cover two weeks. The food bank will reopen Jan. 3 in its new location at the intersection of Grape Drive and State Route 17.
Dent serving on Ag committee
OLYMPIA — State Rep. Tom Dent (R– Moses Lake) will have a new committee leadership role when the 2023 legislative session convenes next month, according to a statement from Dent’s office. He’ll be the ranking Republican member on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, the statement said. "I have been very involved in many of the issues before this committee and I have a good relationship with the chair, so this is a good opportunity for me to step in and officially be the lead voice of the caucus on the committee," Dent wrote in the statement. "There may be some high-profile issues before the committee in the upcoming session including riparian buffers, water rights and storage, wildfires and forest management." ...
REC Silicon targeted by ransomware attack
LYSAKER, NORWAY - According to a press release Monday from REC Silicon ASA, the company’s virtual server environment suffered a ransomware attack that caused business systems to stop functioning for a brief period of time. The release also stated that all systems of the company have been successfully restored with only minor data loss of a limited amount that does not appear to include any significant intellectual property. REC has implemented increased security and is taking additional steps to ensure the protection of its information and server environment from any future incidents, the release states.
Grant PUD commissioners vote to increase rates
EPHRATA — Grant County PUD customers will see an increase in their electrical rates, effective April 1, 2023. Utility district commissioners approved a 3% overall rate increase at the regular meeting Tuesday.
Weather for Monday, Dec. 19, 2022
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 15 and north winds of around 8 miles per hour. Monday night is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 3. Tuesday: A 20% chance of snow and mostly cloudy, with a high near 15. Tuesday night is expected to stay mostly cloudy with a low of -1. Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 13. Wednesday night should see a 20% chance of snow after 10 p.m. with mostly skies and a low around 0. Thursday: A 40% chance of snow and mostly cloudy, with a high near 16. Thursday night should see a continued 40% chance of snow with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 9. Friday: A 20% chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22.
Adams County Pet of the Week: Lemon
Meet Lemon. Lemon came to Adams County Pet Rescue with his brother, Lime, who has since been adopted. Lemon is a male Terrier mix and is about a year old. He’s a little guy at just a hair over 10 pounds. Like all animals available for adoption at ACPR, he is neutered and up to date on all of his vaccinations. He’s a feisty little guy that loves toys and people – and playing in the snow. Visit www.adamscountypetrescue.com to find more information about Lemon or his fellow Othello pups (and cats) or call 509-488-5514 to schedule a time to come in and visit Lemon and the other pets available at ACPR. The shelter is located at 1961 W. Bench Road in Othello.
Grant County Pet of the Week: Dak
Meet Dak. He is about a year and a half old and has been at the shelter since April. Dak is very energetic and would love to go on hikes, walks or just hang out. Dak gets along with some dogs and is ok with cats. He likes to run and play so if a cat is running Dak wants to run and play. Dak was adopted and then returned, but for no reason of his own. Animals from the shelter really need time to decompress and get used to their new homes and families. That process can typically take about three months. Call Grant County Animal Outreach at 509-762-9616 to schedule a meet and greet with Dak or any of his fellow pets at GCAO. Visit the shelter online at www.grantcountyanimaloutreach.org or in person at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake.
WA November unemployment rises slightly
OLYMPIA — Washington employers added 13,100 jobs in November, though the state’s unemployment rate also posted a slight increase to 4% from 3.8% in October, according to data published last week by the Washington State Employment Security Department. “Despite the uptick in the unemployment rate, unemployment is low by historic standards,” ESD State Economist Paul Turek said in the press release. “And while companies may be taking a more cautious approach to hiring, the number of jobs added in November indicates that we are still in a favorable environment for job seekers.” ...
STUDIO BASIN: Funding the future, getting artsy, hoops and mats
COLUMBIA BASIN – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss recent traffic accidents, funding for Moses Lake's new police station and the possibility of a hospital construction bond. Next, Shawn Cardwell, director of the Columbia Basin Allied Arts, joins the show to discuss local arts in the Basin. Lastly, sports reporter Ian Bivona recaps local sporting events over the past week including Moses Lake basketball and Othello wrestling...
State examining youth attitudes on tobacco, vaping
WASHINGTON - The Washington State Department of Health is looking for young people aged 13 to 17 to participate in an online discussion board to explore knowledge and attitudes toward tobacco and vaping to test creative concepts for a statewide tobacco and vaping prevention campaign. The discussion board will be open from Dec. 1 to Jan. 15...
The Lights of Christmas brightens Quincy area
QUINCY - Folks around the Columbia Basin are excited to celebrate the holiday season with hot cocoa, decorated trees and plenty of Christmas lights and ornaments. That includes the people around Quincy that put on The Lights of Christmas, a display of spirit near Quincy...
Weekend events for Dec. 16-18
COLUMBIA BASIN - The events below offer local entertainment in the Basin to those who are getting a little cabin-feverish. Events are subject to change at the organizers' discretion...
Police records for Dec. 16
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.
Warming centers open
GRANT COUNTY - With cold and frigid temperatures on their way, there are warming locations around the Columbia Basin available to help keep people safe from the elements. All 30 NCW Libraries locations serve as warming centers during their regular open hours. NCW Libraries’ 10 Grant County locations include Coulee City, Ephrata, George, Grand Coulee, Mattawa, Moses Lake, Quincy, Royal City, Soap Lake, and Warden. Visit ncwlibraries.org/locations for more information. The Open Doors Sleep Center at the intersection of East Broadway Avenue and SR 17 in Moses Lake will be open as well. More Information at https://hopesource.us/moses-lake-1.
Caution encouraged
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office warned on Thursday that roads were icy all over the county and asked that drivers slow down, in a brief statement. The release said only minor injuries resulted from this single vehicle rollover crash at Road 3-NE near Road Q-NE, seven miles east of Moses Lake, Thursday.
SR 17 collision closes highway Wednesday
MOSES LAKE - A collision on SR 17, between Stratford Road and East Broadway Ave, led to the highway being closed for over an hour. Just before 9 a.m. Wednesday a southbound vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes and collided head-on with a northbound vehicle, according to a release by the Moses Lake Police Department. Another northbound vehicle was unable to avoid the collision and struck one of the vehicles as well...
Masquers to hold auditions for ‘Almost, Maine’
SOAP LAKE - Masquers Theater is calling for auditioners for their upcoming show “Almost, Maine.” “Almost, Maine” is set in a remote, mythical Maine town. As the play unfolds, the residents of the town find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways, according to a Masquers press release...
Berry elected as House Labor and Workplace Standards chair
OLYMPIA — Rep. Liz Berry, D-Seattle, has been elected to chair the Washington State House of Representatives Labor & Workplace Standards Committed for the 2023-2024 legislative sessions, according to a press release from the Washington House Democrats on Tuesday...
Kennewick man injured in Othello-area wreck
OTHELLO — A Kennewick man was transported to Othello Community Hospital after his car was hit by another car that crossed the centerline near Othello early Saturday morning. Stanislav Semenyuk, 53, was driving south on State Route 17 about one mile east of Othello when he was hit by a car driven by Santos Sontay Hernandez, 21, Othello. The collision occurred at about 2:40 a.m., according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol issued Monday. Sontay Hernandez crossed the centerline, the WSP release said. Semenyuk’s vehicle came to rest on the northbound shoulder, while Sontay Hernandez’s car stopped on the southbound shoulder. Sontay Hernandez was not injured. The collision is still under investigation.
Ziply Fiber announces purchase of iFiber
EPHRATA — Local internet provider iFiber has been sold to Kirkland-based Ziply Fiber. The sale was announced Dec. 12 via a Ziply Fiber press release. “Today’s agreement with IFiber not only expedites our ability to bring fiber internet to more customers but also supports our belief in building effective public-private partnerships,” wrote Ziply Fiber Chief Executive Officer Harold Zeitz...
Grant County Pet of the Week: Sammi
Sammi’s been at the Grant County Animal Outreach shelter for nearly a year now and is about four years old. He gets along with some dogs but should probably meet any potential sibling canines ahead of time. He’s good with cats and absolutely adores most people. Sammi has a history of being abused. He does have a fear of men with beards and hats and would be best off in a home without small children. Sammi and his fellow four-legged friends are looking for homes and waiting at GCAO’s shelter located at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake. For more information on adoptions call the shelter at 509-762-9616 or visit them online at www.grantcountyanimaloutreach.org.
Adams County Pet of the Week: Andorian
Meet Andorian. Andorian came in with ringworm but is on the mend now and done with his medications. He’s got a bit of a bald spot as a result but he’s completely healthy and ready for a chance to find a home with a loving family or go on adventures with a single pup-parent. He’s about four months old and a little on the shy side for now. For more information about Andorian or his kennel pals at Adams County Pet Rescue, call 509-488-5514 or visit the shelter online at www.adamscountypetrescue.com. The shelter is located at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello.
Weather forecast for Dec. 12, 2022
Weather for Dec. 12, 2022
Crash near Royal City claims one
ROYAL CITY — One person is dead following a collision near Royal City Thursday, according to the Washington State Patrol. According to WSP Trooper Collin Cumaravel, the deceased driver was westbound on SR 26 about nine miles east of Royal City, lost control and struck the other vehicle head-on. The driver of the vehicle that was struck was transported to Othello with minor injuries, Cumaravel said. SR 26 was closed briefly but was reopened by 4:15 p.m. No further information was immeidately available, Cumaravel said. The identities of the drivers involved were withheld pending notification of family.
STUDIO BASIN: Cop tipping, gas guzzling and gridiron glory
MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the Studio Basin podcast, managing editor Rob Miller and senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer were on the show to discuss local law enforcement’s charitable programs during the holiday season and fuel prices. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona recaps Royal’s 35-20 win over Mount Baker in the 1A state football championship as well as a full week of winter sports action. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3UKm8xN.
Prescott on the mat
Reese Prescott (black) of Moses Lake works to turn Jocelyn Herrera of Sunnyside in Moses Lake’s dual meet with Sunnyside Wednesday.
Semi blocks road near Mattawa
MATTAWA — A jackknifed semi and trailer blocked State Route 243 for a time about 12 miles south of Mattawa Friday night. The incident occurred about 9:15 p.m., according to information from the Washington State Patrol. No one was injured. The semi fully blocked all lanes. The WSP did not respond to an inquiry asking when the road was reopened.
Wash. Dept. of Commerce seeks resident help to preserve broadband funding
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Commerce is asking state residents to help check the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission’s new National Broadband Map, which notes which parts of the country have and do not have access to broadband internet service. According to a press release issued Thursday by the Washington State Department of Commerce, at stake is the state’s share of $900 million in federal funding to help expand broadband service...
Dent tours Ephrata schools renovation projects
EPHRATA - Washington State Representative Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake) received a tour of the construction projects underway at Ephrata Schools with Ephrata School District administration, school board members and the district's construction teams. The group toured progress being made on the revitalization of Ephrata Middle School and Columbia Ridge Elementary. These two projects are part of nearly $90 million in capital improvements in progress or planned throughout the school district. Though the projects will cost almost $90 million to complete, only about one-third or $27.89 million will come from local bond dollars. The remainder will be paid in matching funds from the State of Washington. For more information about the projects, visit www.EphrataSchools.org.
Law enforcement logs for Dec. 8
The reports below were provided by the agencies indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law....
Hanford national park site gets new superintendent
DENVER — The National Park Service has appointed Wendy Berhman the new superintendent for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, which includes the Hanford site, according to a statement from the NPS. “Wendy has vast experience working with both long-range and strategic planning,” said Acting Regional Director Kate Hammond in the statement. “Her commitment to stakeholder and employee engagement and partnerships, her expertise in visitor use management and tourism, and her passion for the Manhattan Project story will be excellent assets in the park’s next chapter.” ...
Basin events for Dec. 10-15
Events Dec. 9-15
Senior calendar for Dec. 2022
Moses Lake Senior Center Monday SAIL Exercise - 9:30 a.m. Exercise - 10-11 a.m. Bridge lessons - 10-11:30 a.m. Bridge - 12:30-4:30 p.m. Dance - 7-9 p.m. Tuesday Needlecrafters - 9-11 a.m. Exercise - 10-11 a.m. Pinochle - 4:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday Exercise - 10-11 a..m Bingo - 5:15 p.n. Thursday Exercise - 10-11 a.m. Music - 11 a.m.- noon Pinochle - 12:45 p.m. Friday Breakfast - 7-8:30 a.m. Exercise - 10-11 a.m. Music - 11 a.m. Quilters - 1 p.m. Ephrata Senior Center Monday Dancing - 9:30 a.m. Exercise class - 2 p.m. Tuesday Dominoes - 12:45 p.m. Wednesday Dancing - 9:30 a.m. Exercise - 2 p.m. Quincy Senior Center Monday Coffee social - 10-11 a.m. Lunch 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday Dinner - 5:30 p.m. at Senior Center To-go dinner pickup - 5:30-6 p.m. Wednesday Lunch 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Chat & Stitch - 1-2 p.m. Thursday SAIL Exercise class - 1-2 p.m. Dinner - 5:30 p.m. at Senior Center To-go dinner pickup - 5:30-6 p.m.
GALLERY: Winter fun in the Basin
COLUMBIA BASIN – With last week’s winter snow came a whole lot of winter fun in the Columbia Basin. Children and families from throughout the area took advantage of the fresh-fallen powder to enjoy a little time outdoors throwing snowballs, creating snowmen and just having a good time in general. The photos included here are some of the highlights submitted by Columbia Basin Herald readers via social media. We appreciate readers sharing their memories with us and the rest of the Basin community.
Public’s help sought in finding stolen food bank truck
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Food Bank officials are asking for the public’s help in finding a food bank truck stolen early Saturday morning. Food bank director Peny Archer said the pickup truck was used to pick up food and make deliveries around town. The food bank’s security system caught the thief, one person working alone, stealing the truck at about 1 a.m. Saturday...
Washington lottery prizes go unclaimed
OLYMPIA — More than $2.4 million in lottery prizes is currently unclaimed and will expire soon, according to a statement from Washington’s Lottery. Currently, there are 29 unclaimed prizes in the state, the statement said, three of which were sold in eastern Washington. One prize, a $10,000 jackpot, was sold in Redmond and expires on Dec. 12...
Two injured near Soap Lake in Sunday collision
SOAP LAKE - Two people were injured in a collision Sunday afternoon at the intersection of SR 17 and SR 28 just outside Soap Lake, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol...
Pet of the Week: Doomley
Doomley came to Adams County Pet Rescue when a relative of her previous owner stepped in to prevent her and her siblings from being dumped somewhere at random. She and her two siblings were very skinny and hungry. The three thrived, gained weight and Doomley now weighs in at 35 pounds, and is about half-grown at six months old. She only weighted in at 15 pounds when she first arrived at the shelter. While interest has been expressed for Doomley, she has a lot of friends at the shelter that also need good homes. Visit adamscountypetrescue.com for more information on Doomley and her shelter friends. ACPR is located at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello. The shelter is currently in need of adult dog food, adult small breed dog food and kitten chow.
Ritzville pair arrested after alleged break-in
LIND — Two Ritzville residents were arrested on suspicion of burglary after a report of a break-in at a property near Lind Thursday afternoon. Stuart McKenney, 32, and Shaylene Stoyak, 37, were arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary, residential burglary, second-degree malicious mischief and second-degree vehicle prowling, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred at about 4 p.m. in the 1200 block of North Hoefel Road...
Wagner talks safety
OTHELLO - Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner stopped by Anytime Fitness to deliver a presentation on personal safety Friday evening. During the presentation, Wagner discussed the need to mitigate distractions and be more aware of what is happening around you while in public. Wagner and his team expressed their appreciation to Anytime Fitness staff for their willingness to host the safety session.
STUDIO BASIN: Quincy medicine and labor, a new sheriff in town and Knights quest for the title
MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss Joey Kriete being sworn in as Grant County’s new sheriff, Quincy’s hospital project and a new union contract in Quincy. Next, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona joins to talk about the new winter sports season as well as preview Royal’s 1A state title game on Saturday. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3Ut1T7u.
Basin events for Dec. 2-8
The events below are subject to change, postponement or cancellation at the organizers' discretion. Friday Second Annual Members Art Exhibition 4-7 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Gallery, 401 S. Balsam St. Featuring the works of museum members in nearly all art media. Info: www.moseslakemuseum,com. 27th Annual Agricultural Parade Join the Downtown Moses Lake Association and other sponsors for the annual street party and ag parade in downtown Moses Lake. Care Moses Lake will be serving up hot soup for $5 per bowl. The street party begins at 5 p.m. and the parade will roll out at 7 p.m. The street party will be centered around Sinkiuse Square and floats will line up in the Surf N’ Slide parking lot. Free admission. Info: /bit.ly/3gQUilr...
New sheriff's cabinet members sworn in as Rectenwald retires
EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete (foreground) swears in members of his administrative team Thursday at the GCSO office in Ephrata. They included (from left) Undersheriff John McMillan, Chief Deputy for Investigations Gary Mansford and Chief Deputy of Field Operations Beau Lamens.
Gesa CU to collect toy donations
RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union will collect for its seventh annual Stock-the-Sock toy drive until Dec. 19, the company announced Thursday. Gesa will partner with Local Heroes groups statewide for the drive, according to the company’s statement. Community members are encouraged to drop by the credit union to donate toys to an oversized stocking at the branch, the statement said. Locally, Gesa Credit Union is located at 712 S. Pioneer Way in Moses Lake...
Potato sales up over last year
DENVER — Potato sales rose almost 18% this year compared to last year, according to a report from advocacy organization Potatoes USA. Total sales for all forms of potatoes – fresh, frozen, canned and so forth – were nearly $4 billion in July-September 2022, an increase of 17.8% over July-September 2021. Frozen potatoes, which is where the bulk of the Basin’s potato crop goes, saw the largest leap, coming in 22.8% more than last year. Frozen potatoes constitute 15% of total dollar sales in the potato market, according to Potatoes USA. Potato chips, comprising 51% of sales, rose 19% while fresh spuds, 23% of the market, were up 19.2%...
Moses Lake man arrested, charged with weapon theft
MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake man was arrested Monday morning after allegedly threatening a person with a pistol to then stealing their rifle. Eric Applegate, 45, was arrested on armed robbery and a multitude of other charges according to a press release from the Moses Lake Police Department...
Police logs for Dec. 1, 2022
The reports below were provided by the agencies indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...
Mt. Rainier National Park changes access due to staffing
ASHFORD – Mount Rainier National Park announced updates Tuesday to winter 2022-23 recreational access due to staffing. “Mount Rainier National Park offers terrific winter recreational opportunities and making this access change will help visitors make plans knowing that weather permitting, the road to Paradise will be open on weekends when the most visitation typically occurs,” said Greg Dudgeon, park superintendent in the release. “The park did not make this decision lightly, but safety is at the forefront of everything we do. We believe these winter access changes are the safest choice for our staff and visitors during the winter season.” ...
CDC announces $60M given to Wash. agencies
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced it is awarding Washington state public health departments over $60 million in grants to strengthen the state’s public health workforce, infrastructure, and capacity. “This pandemic has made it painfully clear these are exactly the kind of investments we need to be making every year,” said U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee...
Bluegrass trio to play in George on Saturday
GEORGE — Three Northwestern bluegrass virtuosos will take the stage Saturday at the George Community Hall, according to a statement from the community center...