STAFF REPORT

SLPD issues warning regarding catalytic converter thefts

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Police Department issued a warning to the public that catalytic converter thefts in the area have been increasing and recommended that residents be extra vigilant. The SLPD advised the public that if they see a parked car that they don’t recognize late at night, they should call police. The thieves may also be on foot with backpacks and/or tools in hand. The release stated that the uptick in the thefts has happened in both Soap Lake and Ephrata.

Dept. of Education extends student loan pause

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education has issued a 60-day extension of the pause on student loan repayments as officials in the administration of President Joe Biden consider how to respond to recent judicial rulings blocking the administration’s attempt to forgive a portion of student loans nationwide. According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Education, the current suspension of student loan payments is set to end on June 30, 2023. However, if current litigation challenging the president’s ability to forgive loans is resolved by that date, student loan payments will resume 60 days after that, the press release said...

New to the force

RITZVILLE - The Adams County Sheriff's Office welcomed four new staff last week. Pictured from left to right are Corrections Deputy Mason Boyes, Dispatcher meghan Allen, Corrections Deputy William Jawili and Corrections Deputy Cathrine Jawili.

Training day

EPHRATA - Grant County Sheriff's Office staff participated in training Tuesday that provided officers with updates on state laws and use of force when interacting with suspects.

Drought aid deadline approaching

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The deadline to apply for aid from the Small Business Administration in Adams, Lincoln, Grant, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman counties is set for Dec. 19 for small nonfarm businesses who depend on agriculture-based communities for their livelihood, according to an SBA press release. “SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” SBA Director Tany N. Garfield said in the release...

CenturyLink penalized for rate increases

LACEY – The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has upheld a $226,000 penalty assessed against CenturyLink and its five subsidiaries for raising rates without informing the UTC, according to a UTC press release...

NCW Libraries kick off winter reading program

CENTRAL WASHINGTON - With the weather getting colder, it’s a good time to curl up in front of the fire with a good book, and North Central Washington Libraries has just the thing. The library district’s annual all-ages Winter Reading Program kicks off Dec. 1 with a goal of collectively reading 1,000 books across North Central Washington through the end of January, according to a statement from NCW Libraries. The winter program is designed to motivate people to read by setting goals, logging their completed books or minutes read, and getting ideas from library staff and other library patrons, the statement said...

Weather Report for Monday, Nov. 21

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 35 and calm wind. Monday night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 21 and continued calm wind. Tuesday: A slight chance of rain and snow between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., then a slight chance of rain after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 34. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Mostly cloudy in the evening with a low around 22. Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Wednesday evening is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Thanksgiving Day Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. The evening is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 42. SOURCE: National Weather Service

BPA to hold line on 2024-25 power rates

PORTLAND — The Bonneville Power Administration, which markets and sells electricity generated by 31 federally owned and operated dams in the Pacific Northwest, is not going to increase power rates in 2024 and 2025, according to a BPA press release. According to the press release, the BPA does not need to raise rates for the next two years because of the organization’s strong financial performance in fiscal year 2022, which ended on Sept. 30. “This is one of those bountiful years where all the elements and timing came together is such a manner that we can consider staving off inflation for another two years by keeping rates flat for our power and transmission customers,” said BPA Administrator John Hairston in the press release. The BPA provides wholesale electricity to utilities in Washington, Idaho and Oregon as well as parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. The agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Energy, is a nonprofit entity and is allowed to charge rates that cover power generation, maintenance and upkeep, the press release said. The agency sets power rates for commercial customers in two-year increments, with the current rate cycle scheduled to last through fiscal year 2023, which ends on Sept. 30, 2023.

Nothing disturbed after break in at Adams County Auditor’s Office

RITZVILLE — County officials said nothing was missing or disturbed following an apparent attempt to break into the Adams County Auditor’s Office Nov. 11. Auditor Heidi Hunt wrote in a press release that the county’s elections administrator was summoned to the office at about 3:15 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. The Adams County Courthouse was closed on Veterans Day. “The Ritzville Police Department was already on the scene, as they had responded to an active intruder alarm,” Hunt wrote. “Nothing was found to be missing or disturbed. Because of the security system in place, all ballots remained secure at all times.” The case is still under investigation, Hunt wrote.

Suspect in custody in Othello shooting

OTHELLO — A juvenile suspect was taken into custody in the Tri-Cities Wednesday in connection with an early-morning shooting in Othello that left a Coulee Dam man with life-threatening injuries. The shooting occurred at about 12:43 a.m. at the Pik-a-Pop convenience store, 1235 S. 1st Ave. in Othello, according to a release from the Othello Police Department. David Rehaume, OPD assistant chief, said the motive for the shooting is still unclear. “That has yet to be determined,” he said. Neither the victim nor the suspect are from Othello, he said. According to the evidence available so far, the two did not not have a physical altercation. “There was some sort of conversation between the 25-year-old and the juvenile,” Rehaume said. The victim was transported by a private vehicle to Othello Community Hospital, and later transported to an outside medical facility in critical condition, the release said. The suspect was located later Wednesday morning in Tri-Cities and is being returned to Adams County, Rehaume said. The case is still under investigation.

STUDIO BASIN: Planning a new Samaritan and sports recap

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare Commissioner Alan White and Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan joined the Studio Basin podcast to discuss the status of the project to build a new Samaritan Hospital ansome of the financial challenges the hospital has faced since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In sports, reporter Ian Bivona discusses recent matchups in the sports world, both local and national. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at http://bit.ly/3GfiEzT.

PNW may become 'hydrogen hub'

SEATTLE — The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association — a coalition of companies, local and tribal governments, labor unions and environmental organizations — has asked the U.S. Department of Energy to consider the possibility of funding a hydrogen hub in the Pacific Northwest. The request is being made as part of the Energy Department’s $8 billion program to promote the use of hydrogen as a fuel under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in November 2021, according to a press release from the Washington State Department of Commerce...

Soap Lake honors vets

A display at the Soap Lake library honoring Veterans Day. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Nov. 11 was originally known as Armistice Day to celebrate the end of World War I and was first recognized in 1918. In 1947, Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran and resident of Birmingham, Ala., organized what he called “National Veterans Day.” In 1954, U.S. Rep. Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day in honor of all veterans. Weeks was presented the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Ronald Reagan in November of 1982. Today, the holiday recognizes all veterans for their service to the nation. Memorial Day is a separate holiday which honors servicemen and women who died in service to the nation.

National forest fees waived on Veterans Day

PORTLAND, Ore. — National forests and grasslands will be open free of charge for everyone Friday, according to a statement from the U.S. Forest Service. In observance of Veterans Day, the Forest Service is waiving standard amenity fees for all visitors to national forest and grassland day-use areas. “Many veterans spend time with their families and connect with nature while hiking, hunting, boating, and exploring the range of outdoor recreation opportunities national forests and grasslands have to offer,” Tracy Calizon, regional assistant director of recreation for the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest, said in the statement. In addition, the statement said, public lands access passes are available year-round at no cost for service members, veterans, and Gold Star families. On fee-free days, standard amenity fees normally charged for day use sites, such as picnic areas, developed trailheads and destination visitor centers, are waived, the statement said. The waiver does not apply to special recreation permits, cabin rentals, or campground reservations, nor does it include expanded amenity fees charged for certain highly-developed sites, service charges, or fees assessed by independent concessionaires operating on national forest land. More information can be found at www.fs.usda.gov.

Veteran services in the Basin

The resources below are available in the Columbia Basin to assist veterans and their families with services and opportunities to connect with other veterans...

Police logs for Nov. 10, 2022

The reports below were provided by the agencies indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Ephrata PD Nov. 1 Reports of vehicles egged in the neighborhood of Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth avenues between Hilltop Drive and F Street Southeast. One victim captured a suspect on video; the suspect was contacted by law enforcement and admitted to the eggings. Report of graffiti in an alleyway in the 600 block of Sixth Avenue Northwest. Nov. 2 Report of storage units broken into in the 300 block of Basin Street Northwest...

Grant and Adams county tentative election results for Nov. 2022

The results below are not official until confirmed. Only opposed races are indicated. Additional election results will be provided as they are available. Counts below are as of 8:12 p.m. from the Washington Secretary of State’s office. Additional ballots may be outstanding and counted provided they were postmarked by Nov. 8, 2022...

Moses Lake woman arrested for possession of stolen car

OTHELLO — A Moses Lake woman was booked into the Adams County Jail on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle after an Adams County Sheriff’s deputy stopped the car she was driving Monday morning...

Fatal medical emergency causes Othello-area crash

OTHELLO — A Benton City man’s car crashed after the man suffered a fatal medical emergency Monday morning. Troy Wilson, 61, was driving north on State Route 17 about one mile northeast of Othello when he suffered an unknown medical emergency, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol. The incident occurred at about 6:47 a.m. Wilson’s car ran off the road to the right, coming to rest in the northbound ditch, the press release said. He was transported to Othello Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Dept. of Ecology to host water webinars

SOAP LAKE - According to a city of Soap Lake press release, the Department of Ecology is inviting the public to two upcoming webinars about rulemaking and to consider designating Soap Lake and three rivers as an outstanding resource water. An outstanding resource water is a subset of high quality waters under Environmental Protection Agency guidelines...

CWU honoring veterans this week

ELLENSBURG - The Central Washington University Veterans Center is hosting a series of events all week in honor of Veterans Day. “It’s a great chance for our servicemen and women to get out there and feel recognized,” said Veterans Center Director Ruben Cardenas in a CWU press release. “That’s what RED Week is all about.” ...

Weather Forecast for Monday, Nov. 7

Monday: A chance of rain and snow before 8 a.m., then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Northeast wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible. By Monday night, A 20% chance of snow before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31, while Tuesday night is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 31. By Wednesday night, it is expected to be partly cloudy, with a low around 12. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30. By Thursday night, it is forecast to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Friday, Veterans Day: Partly sunny, with a high near 33. Source: National Weather Service

WSU develops new biogas process

RICHLAND — A Washington State University research team has developed a new method to treat sewage sludge and turn it into biogas – methane – that could help reduce the cost of waste treatment and help the environment, according to a WSU press release. The process involves adding oxygen-rich, high-pressure steam to help break down and convert as much as 85% of the sludge to biogas, which can be burned in the same way natural gas is burned, to generate heat and electricity, the press release said. Most wastewater treatment plants in the United States utilize an anaerobic digestion process in which bacteria, with no oxygen present, break down sewage waste. However, according to the press release, the process is inefficient and creates a fair amount of sludge, much of which is dried and carted to landfills. The high-pressure steam is added before anaerobic digestion, the press said, allowing oxygen to act as a catalyst in breaking down complex molecules. “This is not a very high-tech solution,” said Birgitte Ahring, an engineering professor at WSU. “It’s actually a solution that can be useful even at small scale. The efficiency has to be high or else you cannot warrant adding the extra costs to the process.” WSU is working with Richland-area clean-tech startup Clean-Vantage to help further develop and commercialize the technology, which was funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

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...