STAFF REPORT

October 2022 birth records

The Columbia Basin had several new residents show up in October. Congratulations to the new parents and thank yo uto Samaritan Hospital for sharing the good news with the Herald and the community. ...

Judge fines company for fraudulent business letters

SEATTLE — A King County Superior Court ordered two companies and their owners on Tuesday to pay $24.8 million in penalties after sending over 230,000 deceptive letters to small business owners in violation of the state’s Consumer Protection Act, according to a press release from Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. According to the press release, Florida-based Certificate Service and Labor Poster Compliance sent 232,091 letters — which were designed to look like they were from government agencies — to business owners across the state demanding payment for state-required posters and certificates...

GET Prepaid Tuition Program open for new enrollment

WASHINGTON - Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition program is open for new enrollments, providing families an opportunity to start saving for future college and career training costs while their children are young. “This year, savers can literally buy tomorrow’s education at today’s price, whether they plan to use those funds five, 10, or even 18 years from now,” said Washington College Savings Plans director, Luke Minor in a release by WA529...

WSU researchers develop test for toxic produce residues

PULLMAN — A team of researchers from Washington State University have developed a test for the residue of toxic herbicides in fruit and vegetables using relatively simple nanoparticles, according to a WSU press release...

Othello seeks applicants for open council seat

OTHELLO — Othello city officials are accepting applications through 5 p.m. Friday from residents interested in filling an open position on the Othello City Council. Council member Maria Quezada announced her resignation effective Oct. 24. “Though I pictured being able to serve my community in this position for a longer amount of time, I have to recognize that my career has taken a much bigger role in my life over the last year,” Quezada wrote in her resignation letter. She had served on the council for four years.

Annual Mid-Columbia Libraries used book sale announced

KENNEWICK — The Friends of the Mid-Columbia Libraries will hold the group’s annual used book sale beginning Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the MCL Kennewick branch, 1620 S. Union St., Kennewick. The sale runs from Nov. 4 to 13, according to an MCL press release. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5, 6, 12 and 13, and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7-10. The library will be closed for Veteran’s Day. Debit and credit cards will be accepted. Customers are encouraged to bring their own box or bag, the press release said.

Mavs swim to success

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks swam away with a win in the Columbia Basin Big 9 girls’ swim and dive district meet this weekend, scoring a combined 529 points. With the win, the Mavs advance to the 2022 state meet in Federal Way on Nov. 10-12. The Mavs had first-place finishes in the 50-yard, 100-yard, 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle events and the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays. Moses Lake also earned a first-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke event...

Washington state of emergency ends today

OLYMPIA — The state of emergency declared by Gov. Jay Inslee to fight the COVID–19 pandemic ends today at midnight. Inslee imposed the state of emergency in March 2020. A Washington Department of Health order mandating masks in healthcare and long-term care facilities will remain in effect, according to a press release from the governor’s office. The mask order also applies in some correctional facilities in communities with high levels of coronavirus transmission, the order said. Some rules governing workplace safety also will remain in effect. “Ending this order does not mean we take the pandemic less seriously or will lose focus on how the virus has changed the way we live,” Inslee wrote in the press release. “We will continue our commitment to (public health), but simply through different tools that are now more appropriate for the era we’ve entered.”

One killed in Moses Lake home fire Sunday morning

MOSES LAKE - A fire Sunday morning left one person dead at Harvest Manor Mobile Home Park in Moses Lake. A report by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office stated that the fire was called in to MACC Dispatch about 8 a.m. to Harvest Manor Mobile Home Park, located at 4815 Airway Drive Northeast...

USDA recalls almost 150,000 pounds of chicken patties

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Saturday announced the recall of roughly 148,000 pounds of fully Foster Farms fully cooked and frozen chicken breast patties that may be contaminated with pieces of hard plastic, according to a USDA press release issued on Saturday. The contaminated breast patties were distributed to Costco distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah and Washington, and may have been further distributed to Costco retail locations, the press release said...

STUDIO BASIN: Wilbur-Ellis fire, increased pay and district tournaments

On this week’s episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporters Charles H. Featherstone and Cheryl Schweizer discuss the Wilbur-Ellis fertilizer plant fire, Samaritan Healthcare increasing wages, the Moses Lake City Council voting to acquire a new irrigation water right and area tech facilities receiving federal grants. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona discusses recent news in both local and professional sports, including the Seattle Seahawks’ surprise start, the Seattle Kraken beginning their season, local district tournaments, a preview on Moses Lake’s football matchup against Eastmont and more. Listeners can find the Studio Basin podcast on their favorite podcast app, or can download the episode directly at https://bit.ly/3zsIMmB.

Othello man sought in assault case

OTHELLO — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is looking for an Othello man who allegedly threatened a woman with a firearm during a domestic assault, according to an ACSO statement. Deputies are looking for Nicholas Romero-Rivera, 34, of Othello, following a report on Friday from the 300 block of Reynolds Road of two men with a shotgun and a handgun threatening a woman, the statement said...

Boeing donates $5M to WSU for student success center

PULLMAN - Washington State University announced a $5 million investment from The Boeing Company to establish a new student success center in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture on WSU’s Pullman campus. “The impact of this generous commitment from Boeing is incalculable, accelerating the Voiland College’s ambitious plan to modernize its facilities to meet the current and future needs of WSU’s engineering and design students,” said WSU system president Kirk Schulz in the release. “We are grateful for Boeing’s remarkable investment and look forward to the Boeing Center for Student Success having a lasting impact on the academic experience and careers for generations of Voiland College students.” ...

Soap Lake food bank holds Thanksgiving food drive

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Food Bank is holding a food drive for items it can use to provide a Thanksgiving meal to those it serves. According to a statement from the food bank, it serves on average 200 clients every week. The food bank’s service area includes Soap Lake, Marlin, Wilson Creek and Coulee City. The food bank is asking specifically for donations of instant potatoes, yams, beets, stuffing mix, cranberries, turkey or chicken broth, crispy fried onions, olives, pie filling, cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soups and evaporated milk. Items are needed by Nov. 22 and can be dropped off at the Soap Lake Food Bank, located at 325 Main Ave. E. The food bank is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and can also be reached at 509-246-0164 for any questions.

Police Logs for Oct. 27

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

MLPD seeks aid in identifying reckless cyclist

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Police Department is seeking assistance in identifying the suspect in this photo. MLPD reports that the motorcyclist has been seen multiple times attempting to bait officers into chasing them while riding an dirt bike with distinctive white handles. Due to state law, officers have been unable to pursue the suspect who they say is driving in a reckless manner. A similar situation earlier this year ended in the death of another rider who was riding recklessly in a nearby jurisdiction. Evading officers is a felony offense. Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to call MLPD at 509-764-3887 and reference case 22ML16491.

Wahluke SD works to plug gaps with ‘Warrior Friday’

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District officials are using four days throughout the school year dedicated to classes, activities and games to help students fill some of the gaps left by the Covid-19 pandemic. The first “Warrior Friday” for the 2022-23 school year was held last week. District Superintendent Andy Harlow said it’s voluntary for children and staff members. It attracted a significant number of students and staff, he said. “Our students had activities like math Fear Factor, where they practiced solving math problems and had to look for the answers in mystery boxes,” wrote Lucy Tapia, district communications director. “(Other activities included) camp counseling, where students practiced reading with their counselors, math races, knowledge escape rooms, and more.” Elementary and junior high students did math and science through cooking lessons and ran obstacle courses in the gym. Wahluke High School students spent some time on special projects. Three additional Warrior Fridays are planned in January, March and May, Tapia wrote.

One dies in Moses Lake fire

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison has identified Rosalind Dickinson, 53, of Moses Lake as the victim of a house fire at 8927 Craw Lane in the Larson community, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. “Dickinson’s remains will undergo an autopsy, which is a normal procedure. Her next of kin has been notified,” the statement read...

STUDIO BASIN: Scam avoidance and running the distance...

For this week’s Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller, Senior Reporter Charles Featherstone and Sports Reporter Ian Bivona are joined by Logan Hickle, communications manager for the non-profit private organization, the Better Business Bureau, to talk about the BBB’s Scam Tracker report and website (www.bbb.org/scamtracker/) and the bureau’s upcoming online scam report. Hickle talked about the history of the BBB, that the organization was created to promote ethical business practices and help businesses meet the BBB’s eight standards of trust. He also said consumers who are concerned they might be scammed either online by a physical business can both look up scam efforts, report scams to the bureau — which works with law enforcement agencies — and always take time and do some research before responding to so-called urgent solicitations...

Moses Lake man sentenced for drug, weapons charges

SPOKANE — A Moses Lake man was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to sell. Guillermo Valdez, 34, was sentenced Tuesday, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. On April 20 he pled guilty to two counts of possession of more than 500 grams of methamphetamines with intent to sell and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm...

Police logs for Oct. 20

The entries below were submitted by the indicated law enforcement agency. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

Care Fair scheduled for Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — People will be able to learn about the services offered through a number of local nonprofit agencies at the Care Fair, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at Youth Dynamics, 106 E. 3rd Ave., Moses Lake. Organizer Michele Boetger, director of Care Moses Lake, wrote in a press release that the event is designed to make connections. “Care Fair is bringing together local non-profits and service organizations so they can share their message with the community,” Boetger wrote. “Attendees can learn more about them and how they can show their support.”

Moses Lake Cross Country hosts Big 9

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake High School Cross Country team hosted the Big 9 at Blue Heron Park Tuesday for their last league meet before districts. The MLHS boys team took second in the meet to West Valley, while the MLHS girls team took third, behind West Valley and first place Wenatchee. Districts are set for Oct. 27 at Franklin Park in Yakima...

The Spooky Season Cometh

Halloween happenings around the region

GRANT COUNTY — With Halloween just around the corner, there are tons of Halloween events for the whole family to enjoy throughout Grant County, including trunk or treat gatherings, Moses Lake’s Downtown Harvest Festival and a big celebration of Dia de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead. Here are some of the events: • Becerra Gardens in Quincy is hosting a straw maze and hayride every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 11235 Road 9 NW. • The Othello Straw Maze, every Friday and Saturday beginning on Oct. 7 and ending on Halloween, Oct. 31, at the Othello Rodeo Grounds, with the no-scare maze at 6-7 p.m. and the haunted maze 7-10 p.m. • The Moravida Festival, Oct. 29 at noon to 1 a.m. Oct 30, at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The festival commemorates Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, and includes a costume contest, traditional Mexican dancing, a screening of the movie Coco, a beer garden and live music from Banda Troyana. • The Downtown Harvest Festival in downtown Moses Lake, Oct. 29 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (the first hour is set aside for children with special needs and sensory issues) • Downtown Ephrata Trick or Treating, Oct. 31 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on C Street in front of the Grant County Courthouse • Grant County Sheriff’s Office Larson Community Trunk or Treat, Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m., 1274 Lowry Drive • Soap Lake Police Department Trunk and Treat, Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Soap Lake Police Department and City Hall, 223 2nd Ave. SE • Halloween Trick or Treat, Oct. 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. at La Auto Rack Outlet Moses Lake (415 S Pioneer Way) • Quincy Downtown Trick or Treat, Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. from Central Avenue to B Street SE • 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat, Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Moses Lake Sportsman’s Warehouse, 1020 N. Stratford Road, Ste, D • Trunk or Treat, Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church parking lot 200 N. Dale Road, Moses Lake • Trunk and Treat, Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Moses Lake Alliance Church, 1100 N. Grape Drive

Property tax reminder for Grant Co.

EPHRATA — Grant County property owners have through October 31 to pay any remaining property taxes for 2022. Grant County Treasurer Darryl Pheasant said in a press release that the treasurer’s office will remain open during the noon hour from Oct. 24 through 31; normally it’s closed. A drop box for payments has been set up outside the Grant County Courthouse, 35 C St. SW. Another drop box is available inside the treasurer’s office, Pheasant wrote...

George man arrested after standoff

GEORGE - A 60-year-old George resident was arrested Sunday morning after a several-hour standoff after law enforcement attempted to arrest him for assault, according to a Grant County Sheriff's Office statement. A release by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office states responders were called around 8 p.m. Saturday to E. Montmorency Blvd. in George...

2nd suspect in custody following Thursday burglary

MOSES LAKE/EPHRATA - A second suspect is now in custody following a Thursday-morning break-in at a Moses Lake home, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. “Investigators tracked 26-year-old Carlos Silva of Moses Lake to a home in the 1200 block of Mather Drive. Silva bolted out the back door when the team of law officers arrived at the front door. K9 Edo and handler Deputy Tyson Voss were covering the back and Silva quickly surrendered as Edo rapidly approached,” the statement said.

CWU trustees to meet next week

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — The Central Washington University Board of Trustees’ quarterly meeting will take place Oct. 20-21 in Ellensburg, according to a statement from the university. The meeting is open to the public. The board will convene at 10 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Wellington Event Center. There will be time set aside for public comment. To participate in the public comment period, speakers must identify themselves and the topic to be addressed via email to [email protected] by 5 p.m. Oct. 18. Also on that day’s agenda will be discussions of brand development; enrollment marketing; diversity, equity and inclusion plans as well as a values and strategic planning workshop. The regular business meeting will convene at 9 a.m. Oct. 21, also at the Wellington Event Center. The agenda may be viewed at cwu.edu/trustees.

Driver dies in I-90 rollover

GEORGE — A 24-year-old Quincy woman died in a single-vehicle collision west of George Wednesday night. The driver, whose name was not released pending notification of family, was driving east on South Frontage Road West in a 2009 Pontiac, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The car went off the pavement and onto the soft shoulder, whereupon the driver overcorrected, causing the car to spin. The car struck a barbed wire fence, then rolled several times across the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90, coming to rest on the median cable barrier, according to the GCSO. The victim, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the car and died at the scene. The GCSO’s Motor Traffic Unit is investigating.

Law enforcement logs for Oct. 13

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

ACSO seizes thousands of fentanyl pills in Othello bust

OTHELLO - The Adams County Sheriff’s Office seized over 2,000 fentanyl pills from an Othello resident during a narcotics search warrant on Oct. 10. A release by ACSO states that at about 10 p.m. on Oct. 10, a team from ACSO served a narcotics search warrant in the 600 Block of Wagon Road in Othello...

Training for tragedy

Area first responders, medical facilities hold active shooter drill

MOSES LAKE/WENATCHEE – Passers-by may have seen a flurry of activity at the Confluence Health Moses Lake Clinic and Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee this past Saturday as first responders and medical providers held a full-scale active shooter drill, according to a joint press release from Samaritan Healthcare and Confluence Health. “While we hope the training will never need to be used in any real scenario, our job is to be prepared for whatever might occur and this exercise helps us to continue to provide the kind of excellence our communities deserve,” said Doug Jones, security and emergency preparedness director for Confluence Health...

Moses Lake resident earns scholarship for Ohio college

BEREA, OHIO - In a release by Baldwin Wallace University, Moses Lake High School graduate Stephanie Foryan earned the Norman & Edna Sartor Scholarship. Foryan is majoring in psychology and philosophy.

CBH receives multiple WNPA awards

BELLINGHAM - The Washington Newspaper Publishers Association 2022 Better Newspaper Contest was held over the weekend in Bellingham and had the Columbia Basin Herald honored in several categories for their work in the last year. "I am extremely proud of the work our editorial team does on a daily basis to bring local news to the Columbia Basin,” said General Manager Bob Richardson, general manager at the Herald. “Our goal is to bring quality content to our friends and neighbors. These awards exemplify our commitment to that goal.” Richardson applauded the efforts of the editorial and design teams. “Our design team had a successful year as well,” he said. “They are creative and they really put out quality work to help our businesses stand out. I couldn't be happier than I am with our team here at the Columbia Basin Herald." ...

WDFW seeks comment on sheep, goat rule

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a release inviting public comment on a proposed rule that would prohibit visitors from bringing domestic sheep or goats onto wildlife area units of 12 WDFW-managed wildlife areas. “We want to protect wild sheep while preserving opportunities for people who enjoy hiking and hunting with pack goats,” said Joel Sisolak, WDFW lands planning, recreation and outreach section manager in the release. “We are proposing a targeted approach to ensure those opportunities remain available in other parts of the state.” ...

Donations sought for coat, boot drive

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Rotary and Cobie’s Fine Dry Cleaning are collecting donations of coats and winter boots for children - which will indeed include boots this year. The annual Coats and Boots for Kids distribution will be Nov. 5 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the cafeteria at Columbia Middle School, 1111 E. Nelson Rd. There is a limit of four free coats or pairs of boots per family...

Grant Co. resident sought to serve on Hanford board

EPHRATA – The Grant County Board of Commissioners issued a press release that they are looking for one interested citizen, residing in Grant County, to serve on the Hanford Advisory Board. The release states members appointed to the HAB assist the Washington State Department of Ecology, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Department of Energy to develop consensus policy recommendations and advice in regard to the short and long-term Hanford cleanup process. ...

East Columbia Basin Irrigation District seeks director applicants

COLUMBIA BASIN - The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District announced there are two open positions in the district and they will now accept filings for those interested in being directors for the respective divisions...

Birth announcements for the month of September 2022

The Columbia Basin Herald and the hospitals listed below congratulate the families on their new arrivals. Samaritan Hospital Aug. 11 Olivia Jensen and Jared Hubbard, Ephrata, son Owen Micheal Hubbard, 6 pounds 8 ounces. Aug. 17 Jessica and Cale Russell, Moses Lake, daughter Millie Marie Russell, 6 pounds 8 ounces...

WorkSource to hold hiring event Thursday

MOSES LAKE — WorkSource will hold its annual hiring event at the WorkSource Center in Moses Lake on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to an announcement from WorkSource, this year’s event will bring together job seekers with 30 local employers looking to hire immediately. Job seekers should come prepared with their employment history and copies of their resume and wear professional attire, the announcement said. WorkSource staff are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., to help with resume writing and interview preparation and to answer questions about the upcoming event...

GCFD3 to hold open house

QUINCY - Grant County Fire District 3 will be holding a fire prevention and open house on Oct. 11. The event will feature balloons, a junior firefighter obstacle course, halloween bags, Sparky the mascot and residents can order address markers for $20. There will also be free refreshments including hot dogs, chips and cake. The event will be held in the main firehouse located at 1201 Central Ave S in Quincy from 3 to 6 p.m.

Simulated shooter drill coming to Confluence

MOSES LAKE — Confluence Health and Samaritan Healthcare will conduct a joint full-scale active shooter exercise in Moses Lake on Saturday, according to a statement from the two companies. The exercise will focus on a simulated active shooter threat at the Confluence Health clinic in Moses Lake, the statement said. Local first responders, including Moses Lake fire, police, and EMS departments, will all participate in the exercise and respond to the incident. The exercise will also involve a simulated mass casualty incident in which “patients” – volunteers playing a part – will first be taken to Samaritan Hospital to be stabilized and, if needed, transported to other regional hospitals including Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. Confluence Health will also activate its Hospital Incident Command System for the exercise to help manage the fictional incident in Moses Lake as well as coordinating with CWH to receive patients as part of their MCI plan. The exercise seeks to allow healthcare workers, first responders, and others involved in such real-life incidents to have an opportunity to practice, discover areas to improve and to better prepare to provide the best service and response possible should the need ever arise, the statement said.

Red Cross blood drive comes to Ephrata

EPHRATA — The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive in Ephrata in the middle of October, hosted by the American Legion Family of Art Semro Post and Unit 28. According to a release by the Legion, the blood drive will be held Oct. 19 at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. SW, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Health insurance premium assistance program launched

OLYMPIA — Washington residents who get health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder may qualify for a subsidy to help them pay the premiums in 2023. “Cascade Care Savings” may be available to Washington residents with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level but who do not qualify for coverage through other programs like Medicaid or Washington Apple Health. People must buy a Gold or Silver insurance plan to qualify for the subsidy, according to a press release from the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. People can switch or change their plans during the open enrollment period from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. Washington residents can determine their eligibility for the program on the Washington Healthplanfinder website, www.WAHBExchange.org.

Masquers to hold auditions this weekend

SOAP LAKE — Masquers Theater will be holding auditions this weekend for their early December show “The Enchanted Bookshop.” A press release by the theater said auditions will be held on Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. and Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the theater in Soap Lake. Director Marla Allsopp will be looking for cast members ages 12 and older to play book characters that come to life.

ML to hold candidate forum

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a candidate forum and has invited all candidates running in contested local, district and statewide races, for Monday, Oct. 10, starting at 6 p.m. in the Moses Lake Civic Center. Invited to participate in the forum are: Grant County Sheriff candidates Joey Kriete and Joe Harris, Grant County Clerk candidates Kimberly Allen and Marla Rodunner, Grant County Commission candidates Jeff Foster and Cindy Carter, Superior Court Judge candidates Anna Gigliotti and Melissa Chlarson, Grant County Assessor candidates Melissa McKnight and James Liebrecht, Grant County Auditor candidates Michele Jaderlund and Richard Stevens, U.S. House of Representatives Fourth District candidates Dan Newhouse and Doug White, and U.S. Senate candidates Patty Murray and Tiffany Smiley. The forum is free and open to the public.

Grant Co. seeks tourism funding applicants

EPHRATA - The Grant County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee announced in a press release that they are seeking grant applicants for qualifying tourism-promotion campaigns for events only. The application period is open from October 3 through 21. The release states applications must be received in the County Commissioners Office no later than 5 p.m., on Oct. 21. Postmark for mailed in applications must be prior to 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 21. Late applications will not be accepted.

Fish & Wildlife plans prescribed burns for Eastern Washington

SPOKANE- Annual prescribed fires on lands managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in eastern Washington are scheduled to start in October as conditions allow, according to a department press release. “These areas slated for prescribed fire in eastern Washington include only portions of wildlife areas, leaving thousands more acres available for public access,” said Matt Eberlein, Prescribed Fire Manager at WDFW, in the release. “In the long-term, the work will preserve ecosystems and continue to provide access to public lands.”

Homeowner shot in burglary, two men sought

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s help in a Sunday morning burglary-shooting, according to a statement from the GCSO. GCSO deputies and Moses Lake Police Department officers answered a call at about 6 a.m. at a house in the 12000 block of Road 4 Northeast, according to the statement. The occupants of the home told officers that two men had entered the home, shot the homeowner and fled, taking several of the victim’s firearms with them.

Retired MLPD chief detains suspect at CB Tech

MOSES LAKE — A former Moses Lake police chief on Wednesday detained a man who made threats to students at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. Retired Police Chief Dave Ruffin, who teaches law enforcement at CB Tech, detained Leonel Balderas-Mondragon, 22, at around 2 p.m. on Wednesday after two students reported to staff they had been threatened in the school’s parking lot by a man with a gun, the MLPD statement said. As CB Tech went into lockdown, Ruffin walked into the parking lot and detained Balderas-Mondragon until MLPD officers arrived, the statement said.