STAFF REPORT

I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass to be diverted for repaving

HYAK – The Washington State Department of Transportation issued a release stating that a section of Interstate 90, 10 miles east of Snoqualmie Pass will be diverted for repaving on Sept. 27. The release states DOT maintenance crews need to repave the asphalt directly under the Cabin Creek interchange on Interstate 90 at exit 63. For the safety of crews, because the section is so narrow, both lanes of westbound I-90 at exit 63 will be diverted over the off- and on-ramps. The diversion will start at 3 a.m. on Sept. 27 and work is scheduled to be complete before 1 p.m. Travelers will need to plan for added travel time but cross-bridge traffic will be prohibited to improve traffic flow from I-90. Loads over 12 feet will also be prohibited. The speed limit will be reduced and enforced by Washington State Patrol who will be onsite during the work.

One killed in collision north of Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — One person was killed and another was seriously injured when two vehicles collided Monday in the 6700 block of Randolph Road NE at the Port of Moses Lake, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

After delay, Lower Cascade River fall fishing season opener set

MILL CREEK — Fishing will open Saturday on the lower Cascade River in Skagit County, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The opening affects angling from the mouth of the Cascade upstream to the bridge on Rockport-Cascade Road. The rules for the fishery are the same as those in the 2022/23 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, except that no bait is allowed. Fishing will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays only. Night closure and anti-snagging rules are in effect. Coho daily limit during this time is four fish with a minimum size of 12 inches, the release said. Anglers must release all other salmon. Sundays through Tuesdays are closed to all sport fishing to prevent gear conflicts with tribal fisheries, the release added. For more information, call the WDFW Mill Creek Regional Office at 425-775-1311.

Moses Lake man pleads guilty to PPP fraud

SPOKANE – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced on Sept. 21 that Dondre Charles Jackson, 29, Moses Lake, pled guilty to fraudulently obtaining nearly $50,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The release states that Jackson fraudulently obtained two Paycheck Protection Program loans for his purported catering and food service business, and submitted fraudulent tax documentation in support of his application. Jackson’s business was fictitious, the documentation he provided was false and fraudulent, and he was therefore not eligible for any PPP funding, the release states. District Judge Thomas Rice accepted Jackson’s guilty plea, and set sentencing for January 5, 2023 at 10 a.m. in Spokane.

Soap Lake Senior Center to hold fundraiser

SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake Community and Senior Center is holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser this Saturday. The dinner will feature Spaghetti with meatballs, salad, garlic bread, dessert and coffee, tea and juice to drink. The dinner will be from 5 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 24 at the Soap Lake Community and Senior Center, located at 121 2nd Ave SE. The cost will be $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10 years old.

State kicks in $26.6 million for housing

OLYMPIA — Twenty-two affordable housing projects in Washington, including two in Central Washington, will be getting an extra boost thanks to supplemental funding by the state Department of Commerce, according to a press release from the department. The $26.6 million investment comes from the state Housing Trust Fund and will bridge the gap created by steep increases in construction costs and help support developers in maintaining a needed pipeline of affordable housing units, the release said. The projects in Central Washington that will benefit are Yakima Housing, which will receive $119,000 for 54 Fruitvale Housing units in Yakima, and Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation in White Salmon, which will receive $1.4 million for 9 White Salmon Assisted Living units...

The Everly Set to perform in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The sounds of the classic 1950s and 1960s duo the Everly Brothers will be featured at 7 p.m. Saturday when the Everly Set takes the stage at the Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Parkway NE, Moses Lake. .

Bonneville Power names new VP

PORTLAND — The Bonneville Power Administration has named Bill Leady as the agency’s new vice president of Power Services Generation Asset Management, overseeing the BPA’s power marketing and sales operations and helping the BPA plan its future business development, according to a BPA press release. Leady joined the BPA in 2015 as an asset policy advisor overseeing the administration’s joint effort with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation to develop a long-term strategic plan for U.S. government operations on the entire Columbia River system. Federal agencies operate 31 hydroelectric dams in the Pacific Northwest, the press release said. According to the release, Leady is a U.S. Military Academy West Point graduate with a Masters of Science in engineering from Purdue University in Indiana and a U.S. Army veteran who has been deployed overseas on numerous occasions, including to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and Haiti.

Quincy Middle School schedules presentations for parents

QUINCY — Quincy Middle School officials will sponsor a presentation to help parents and guardians supervise their children’s online activities Sept. 28. A separate presentation to help parents respond to a violent incident at school is scheduled for Oct. 12. . .

Pet of the week: Jurni

Jurni is a fun loving Pit Bull that came to Adams County Pet Rescue. Adams County Pet Rescue raised money for his hind leg amputation, however, being a tripod isn't slowing this boy down at all. He tries to jump up to get treats and his balance is getting better and better. We don't encourage the jumping and it will be something that his new people will need to work on. Jurni is very people oriented and enjoys getting out and walking. He also wants to play with other dogs but can be a little overbearing. Like all of our pets available for adoption, he has been neutered, microchipped and is up to date on vaccinations. For more information, call Adam’s County Pet Rescue at 509-488-5544 or by visiting us on the web at adamscountypetrescue.com. Jurni and other pets may be found at our shelter located at 1961 W. Bench Road in Othello.

Bilingual story brings awareness to youth of Hanford Nuclear Site

A press release by Columbia Riverkeeper on Sept. 14 announces the launch of the Spanish version of “Water’s Walk Through Hanford”, an interactive story about the Hanford Nuclear Site's history. “Hanford is a multigenerational cleanup, and Latinx youth and family involvement is critical to decision-making,” said Lisa Muñoz, Outreach Coordinator for Columbia Riverkeeper in the release. “Hanford reading materials are often incredibly complex and intimidating to understand, which deters youth participation.” ...

Fire ban lifted at Mt. Rainier National Park

ASHFORD – Mount Rainier National Park has lifted the parkwide fire ban according to a release on Sept. 16. Campfires will be permitted at the park’s three campgrounds, the release said, the Ohanapecosh Campground, the Cougar Rock Campground and the White River Campground. The release states the ban was put in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire during critical weather conditions, ongoing unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke and increased concerns related to nearby wildfire activity...

DOH brings COVID vaccines to college campuses

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health issued a press release on Sept. 14 announcing that the DOH’s Care-A-Van program, in partnership with the Power of Providers Initiative, will be hosting a series of COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics at several college campuses across Washington state. “College students tend to find themselves in close proximity with others, in places like dorms and classrooms,” said POP member Ajay Mendoza, ANRP in the release. “That’s why COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are such a vital part of showing up as our healthiest and best selves on campus this year. Being vaccinated will lead to less severe illness from the virus, which will ensure students aren’t distracted from their academic work or social lives while at school and will help them stay healthier in the event that they still become infected.”

Help available to low-income residents for phone, internet

LACEY — The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission wants to remind Washington residents that help is available for low-income families with their phone and internet bills. Under the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program, eligible participants can receive a $9.25-per-month discount on broadband, up to $5.25 per month to help pay phone bills, and additional $25 per month for residents on tribal lands, according to a commission press release.

Monkeypox case confirmed in Grant County

EPHRATA — A case of monkeypox has been discovered in Grant County, the first confirmed case in the county, according to a press release from the Grant County Health District. The patient is in good health and quarantining at home, the release said. The CHD is now looking to identify others who may have been exposed to the virus. So far, nobody who was exposed is considered a possible positive case, the release added. MPV is rarely fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Symptoms may include fever; headache; muscle aches; respiratory symptoms; swollen lymph nodes; chills; exhaustion; and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth and on other body parts.

Ephrata asks residents to keep vegetation tidy

EPHRATA - The City of Ephrata is asking residents to prepare for fall and winter by keeping trees and vegetation tidy. A release from the City of Ephrata on Monday states that trees and vegetation should be at least seven feet over sidewalks and 12 feet over streets for safety. The release also notes that if residents live on a corner, they should pay attention to the “clear-view triangle” so drivers can see. The release states that if residents have questions, they can call the Ephrata City Shop at 754-4601 ext. 300 and a crew will come out and help assess the property.

Police Reports for Sept. 15, 2022

Ephrata Police Department Sept. 7 Multiple reports of graffiti on Basin Street. Report of a vehicle prowl in the 1800 block of Basin Street Southwest. Unknown subject smashed the rear driver side window and took a bag full of items. Report of graffiti at Lions Park. Report of a two-vehicle non-injury collision at Second Avenue and K Street Northeast. Report of attempted shoplifting at a business in the 1300 block of Nat Washington Way. Suspect abandoned the stolen merchandise when confronted and fled. Sept. 8

NCW Libraries Launches Fall Virtual Author Program

In a release NCW Libraries announced they will host award winning graphic novelist Malaka Gharib, for a virtual author program on Sept. 15 as part of NCW Virtual Reads. “While we are thrilled to resume in person programming, we are also excited to continue offering a number of virtual programs for adults. Virtual programming offers a way for us to uniquely fulfill our mission and connect the people of NCW to programs, services, and each other,” said Alicia O'Dell, Adult Services Manager, NCW Libraries in the release. “We are honored to host Malaka Gharib and look forward to hearing her share about her writing and experience.”

Dispute over bike ends in gunfire

MOSES LAKE — A man is in custody after allegedly shooting another man in a dispute over a bicycle, Moses Lake Police said in a social media post. Shortly before 9 p.m. Monday, police received a report of gunfire in the field in the homeless camp behind Safeway. When officers arrived, they learned that the 36-year-old victim had gone to the camp to confront Eric Walters, 30, about a bicycle that Walters had allegedly stolen from the victim’s friend, according to the post. In the course of the discussion. Walters reportedly pulled a gun on the suspect, and a fight broke out between the men. Walters shot the victim in the abdomen, the post said. Walters then took the victim’s backpack and fled into the brush to hide. The post also added that the gun was stolen.

Basin football teams bring home victories

The Sept. 9 sports shakedown on the Studio Basin podcast looked at Basin football and other Washington sports last week. In high school football the Moses Lake Mavericks beat the Ephrata Tigers 21-14, Almira/Coulee-Hartline shut out Columbia 40-0, Royal beat Toppenish 30-46, Wahluke edged out Grandview 21-19 and Othello thumped Connell 55-0. In baseball, the Mariners played their last games against teams with winning records last week, and head into series against the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres, both of which will be played at home. In WNBA action the Seattle Storm were bounced out of the WNBA playoffs last week, in a series that culminated in an overtime game against the Las Vegas Aces. To listen to the Studio Basin podcast, simply click the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2017652

Two indicted for pandemic relief fraud

RICHLAND — A federal grand jury has indicted two West Richland business owners for making fraudulent claims for $800,000 in COVID-19 relief under the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. The press release stated the grand jury indicted Jimia Rae Cain, 52, of seven counts of fraud in connection with Paycheck Protection Program loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans, alleging Cain used false statements to obtain roughly $330,000 in loans in 2020. Separately, the grand jury also indicted Andrei Borgheriu, 45, with three counts of fraud in connection with $500,000 in EIDL loans that Borgheriu used to purchase a house, the press release said.

Pet of the Week: Revel

Revel is a beautiful girl that will make a great family dog. She’s super sweet and likes going for walks. Revel is house trained, good on a leash and is so excited to see people. She is a German Shepherd about 5 years of age and up-to-date on vaccines, microchipped and spayed. Contact Adams County Pet Rescue at 509-488-5514 for more information about Revel, or stop by at 1961 W Bench Road in Othello. Additional information is available online at adamscountypetrescue.com.

MLHS class of 1962 reunion

Moses Lake High School class of 1962, 60th reunion Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Moses Lake Civic Center, 401 South Balsam St. Coralee Gill, one of the organizers, said drop-ins, from 1962 or any other class, are welcome. More information: Coralee Gill, 509-760-7161.

Burn ban issued on Yakama Reservation

SEATTLE — The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a ban on open burning on the Yakama Reservation, according to a press release from the EPA. An air quality advisory is also in effect. The burn ban beganFriday at 8 a.m. and is in effect until further notice, the release said. The ban was triggered by elevated pollution levels caused by fires in the region. The burn ban applies to all outdoor burning – including agricultural, camping and recreational fires – in all areas within external reservation boundaries regardless of ownership or tribal membership. Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the burn ban. Local conditions may be found at  https://fire.airnow.gov.

EHS gets first athletic trainer

EPHRATA - On Sept. 9, Ephrata School District announced the hiring of Marissa Cox who will be the district’s first certified athletic trainer and will also teach sports medicine at the high school. “We are extremely excited to welcome Marissa to our team,” wrote Bryan Johnson, Ephrata High School Athletic Director, in the release. “Pairing her skills as a certified athletic trainer with hands-on learning provides a huge benefit for our students, our student-athletes and our school district.” ...

ACSO seeks help in Othello hit-and-run death

OTHELLO - The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding the car and driver involved in a hit-and-run collision that killed an Othello man riding his bicycle Friday evening near Othello. Artemio Cortez Cortez, 59, was riding north on his bike on the eastern edge of South Taylor Road when he was struck from behind, according to a release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. The impact threw Cortez Cortez off the bike and he died at the scene, the release said. An autopsy is pending. ACSO Is asking anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact them, and people with information may remain anonymous.

Davenport-area fire partially contained

DAVENPORT — A Davenport-area wildfire was about 40% contained as of Friday morning. The Seven Bays Fire started Sunday about 15 miles northwest of Davenport, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Natural Resources. As of Friday the fire had burned about 1,175 acres, the press release said. The fire is burning in a mix of rangeland, stubble and scattered forest. No evacuations had been issued and no roads were closed. “(During Thursday) firefighters worked on mopup along a 75-foot perimeter around the fire edge,” the press release said. “This increased fire containment to 40%.” Some fire crews may begin demobilizing Friday, the press release said. Firefighters continued working the fire perimeter and repairing interior bulldozer lines, it said. As of Friday there were 169 people fighting the fire, with 21 fire engines, three water tenders, five hand crews and one bulldozer. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Adams Co. Fire District 5 keeps busy

Three Wednesday fires keep first responders moving in Adams County

OTHELLO — Adams County Fire District 5 crews responded to two house fires, one of which destroyed the house, and a brush fire in the space of about 12 hours Wednesday. Strong winds rekindled the brush fire briefly Thursday morning. . .

ACSO to take concealed carry applications at fair

RITZVILLE — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office will be accepting applications for concealed pistol permits at the Othello Fair next week, according to a social media post by the ACSO. Applicants can stop by the Sheriff’s Office booth at the fair with a completed, unsigned application, a state-issued photo ID and the appropriate fee, the post said. Fingerprints will be taken on-site. The fee is $49.25 for a new paper permit and $59.25 for a hard card, according to the post. Only Adams County residents are eligible, the post added. Residents of other counties must apply in their own jurisdiction. The Washington CPL application can be found at https://bit.ly/WACPL.

Birth records for Sept. 8

Samaritan Hospital provided the following birth announcement information to the Columbia Basin Herald...

Ephrata Tigers Sports Schedules 2022

Sports schedules for Ephrata Tigers for fall 2022.

ACH Warriors Sports Schedule 2022

Football and volleyball schedules for the ACH Warriors.

Accident causes manure spill, minor injuries

SOAP LAKE - A smelly situation occurred Tuesday afternoon when a semi-truck carrying manure tipped over, spilling the manure into a ditch. Just two miles east of Soap Lake a single vehicle, minor injury collision occurred when a semi-truck carrying manure swerved to miss a couple of dogs on the road. The driver of the semi was traveling on State Route 28 when he swerved right to avoid the dogs and then rode the ditch before the truck tipped on its side, spilling the dung beside the roadway.. Soap Lake Police Department assisted Washington State Patrol on the scene. SR 28 was closed for a short time to remove the semi and clean up the spill. Rebecca Pettingill may be reached at [email protected].

Seven Bays Fire 0% contained, evacuations issued

DAVENPORT - A press release on Sept. 6 by the Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team brought an update on the Seven Bays Fire just north of Davenport. The Seven Bays Fire, started on Sept. 4, is located approximately 15 miles northwest of Davenport and has burned approximately 1,000 acres of rangeland, stubble and scattered forest lands, the release said...

Quincy man killed in Monday collision identified

QUINCY — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has identified a Quincy man who died when the car he was driving ran off the road and hit a utility pole Monday. Eduardo Diaz Magana, 38, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which was reported at about 3:30 p.m. Monday in the 20500 block of Road 6 NW, according to a GCSO statement. Diaz Magana was driving east when he apparently lost control, skidded off the road and hit the utility pole. His car then hit a car parked in front of a residence, rolled and came to rest on its top against a commercial flatbed trailer...

Two killed in I-90 accident on Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Two people were killed in a head-on collision on I-90 late Saturday when a vehicle going the wrong way in the eastbound lanes slammed into an eastbound car just before 8 p.m., according to the Washington State Patrol. In a press release issued late Saturday, the WSP said Duane Lamotte, 54, of Spokane, was driving a 2014 Dodge Ram pickup westbound in one of the eastbound lanes of I-90 when he collided head-on with a semi driven by Hoa Duong, 54, of Medical Lake. According to the WSP, Huong changed lanes in an attempt to avoid a collision but failed to avoid being struck...

Upcoming election dates of note

Grant County Sheriff candidates Joe Harris, left, and Joey Kriete addressed a meeting of the Moses Lake-Othello Association of Realtors on Sept. 1. The candidates spoke on subjects including drugs and theft problems, logistical ways to make the Grant County Sheriff’s Office operate more effectively and the need for more deputies.

Cattlemen's Association convention announced

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association will hold its annual meeting and Cattle Producer’s Forum in Nashville this year on Dec. 8-10, according to a press release from the organization. The annual meeting is the association’s 15th, and gives ranchers from across the opportunity to review the past year and set the association’s agenda for the upcoming year as well, particularly with legislation reforming U.S. cattle markets currently making its way slowly through Congress, the press release said...

Lands commissioner calls for fire caution during Labor Day weekend

OLYMPIA – Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz is asking members of the public to help prevent wildfires during Labor Day weekend. “Fire season is not over. Over the 2020 Labor Day weekend, more than 500,000 acres of land burned in just 36 hours,” Franz said in the release. “We’ve seen firsthand that a single spark, in the right conditions, can make or break an entire fire season. Let’s all make sure we’re not that spark this holiday weekend.” The release said there have been 445 Department of Natural Resources fires across Washington so far this season – the lowest number of ignitions in the last decade – burning approximately 40,000 acres. However, hot and dry conditions are projected east of the Cascades and parts of the western side of the state over the weekend. “Thanks to a wet spring, and the hard work of our firefighters and aviation crews, we’ve largely been fortunate so far this fire season,” Franz said in the release. “But we’re not out of the woods yet. Washingtonians must continue to be vigilant and responsible.”

Grant Co. looking for Tourism Commission volunteer

EPHRATA – The Grant County Board of Commissioners announced on Aug. 31 that they are looking for citizens to serve on the Grant County Tourism Commission. The announcement stated that the selected applicants will act as a member of the commission that will plan, organize and implement the tourism marketing and promotion plan for Grant County Tourism for a three-year term...

Masquers Theater gala to kick off 2022-23 season

SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater troupe will announce the plays for the 2022-23 season and present the annual Masquers awards at its membership gala, scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 10 at the theater, 322 E. Main St., Soap Lake. Admission is free. “A Nautical Night Out” is the gala theme for 2023. Attendees are encouraged to wear their most sea-worthy costumes, according to a Masquers press release. The program will be preceded by a social hour. The program includes a preview of the 2022 musical, “Once on this Island,” a review of the 2021-22 season, recognition of Masquers members and a panel of directors for the 2022-23 productions.

Grant Co. Democrats announce contest winners

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Democrats have announced the winners in their second annual Candy Count game. The game took place at the Democrats’ booth at the Grant County Fair. Contestants were invited to guess the number of candies in a jar. The container held 297 candies, according to an email from Grant County Democrats Vice Chair Jill Springer Forrest. Leo Dabalos guessed the closest at 296. Dabalos won the jar of candy as well as a four-pack of Super Soaker water guns. Second place went to Clorissa, whose last name was not given. Third place winner was Logan Myers, fourth was Analia Valdez and fifth was Angelo Adams. The contest garnered hundreds of entries and was a huge success, Forrest wrote.

‘Science in Our Valley’ seminars announced

WENATCHEE — The Apple STEM Network will sponsor a series of seminars on scientific topics of interest in Central Washington. The “Science in Our Valley” seminars are scheduled for 4 p.m. each Wednesday, beginning Sept. 28 and lasting through mid-November at the Washington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, 1100 N. Western Ave., Wenatchee. Subjects include artificial intelligence, tree fruit disease and pest management, data analysis and wildfires. The seminars are free and are targeted at an audience interested in science, according to a press release from the organization.

Weapons charges sought in Othello case

OTHELLO — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is requesting charges of unlawful possession of firearms against an Othello woman after deputies served a search warrant on a residence in the 2800 block of Bench View Lane near Othello Monday night. The ACSO is requesting possible charges for Vanessa Flores, 34, according to a release on the department’s social media. Jeremy Flores Sr., 35, was administratively booked and charged with suspicion of obstruction, the release said. He was later released...

GCSO asking for help in 1999 cold case

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s deputies are looking for the public’s help to solve the 1999 murder of a Basin City man near O’Sullivan Reservoir south of Moses Lake. The body of Jesse Loman, 45, was found May 9, 1999, in a remote area near the Seep Lakes south of O’Sullivan Reservoir, according to a release on GCSO social media Tuesday. The case has not been solved, and no suspects were ever identified...

Police records for Aug. 31, 2022

Ephrata Police Department Aug. 22 Report of a vehicle prowl on E Street Southwest. Nothing was missing, but documents had been strewn around. Report of a stolen vehicle recovered in the 700 block of Basin Street Northwest. Vehicle was not in a drivable condition. Report of a two-vehicle non-injury collision at SR-282 and Nat Washington Way. Both vehicles attempted a right turn and vehicle 1 sideswiped vehicle 2...

Household hazardous waste collection set for Sept. 17

EPHRATA — Residents of Grant County can dispose of household hazardous waste for free on Sept. 17 through an event put on by Grant County and the Department of Ecology. According to a release by Grant County Solid Waste, the event is for waste generated by households only. The release also states for participants to remain in their vehicles and all waste must be in the trunk or the bed of a pickup. Products should be brought in original labeled containers if possible and packed to prevent spills during transportation. Containers will not be returned...

New superintendents take helm at Basin districts

COLUMBIA BASIN — Four of the 13 superintendents taking over new jobs in the North Central Education Service District will be working at schools in Grant County. The NCESD has 29 schools in Grant, Okanogan, Douglas and Chelan counties. The 2022-23 school year will be the first full year for Quincy School District superintendent Nik Bergman; Bergman was hired in January as the district’s interim superintendent. He is an 18-year veteran of the district and was the assistant superintendent before taking the superintendent’s job...

Othello-area juvenile arrested

OTHELLO — An Othello-area juvenile has been booked into Martin Hall in Cheney on suspicion of possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a stolen vehicle after being arrested by Adams County Sheriff’s deputies Monday morning. The arrest followed the discovery Saturday of a stolen car, and a stolen gun in the car. An ACSO deputy spotted the car while patrolling in the area of 14th Avenue and Cypress Street in Othello, according to a release on the agency’s social media. The deputy was using a license plate reader, recently purchased by the department, that identified the car as stolen from the Moses Lake area, the release said. The deputy followed the car to investigate further; the driver turned onto Cypress Street and parked the car. When the deputy drove up, a subject later identified as the juvenile was getting out of the driver’s seat of the car and fled on foot. Deputies obtained a search warrant for the car, searched it and found the gun, which had been reported stolen from the Spokane area, the release said. Deputies found the juvenile at an Adams County residence and arrested him Monday morning. He was also charged with resisting arrest and other unspecified charges, the release said.

Royal grad heads to USU

LOGAN, Utah — A Royal High School graduate has been accepted to Utah State University, according to a press release from the university. Avery Andersen, a 2022 graduate of RHS, will begin her higher education in the fall 2022 semester, attending at the USU main campus in Logan. Since its founding in 1888, Utah State University has evolved from a small-town college tucked away in the northern Utah mountains to a thriving research university respected around the world, the release said.