STAFF REPORT

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.

Law enforcement reports for Sept. 29

The reports below were provided by the respective law enforcement agencies as noted. Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

REC announces new CEO

OSLO — REC Silicon announced that Kurtis Levens has been named the new company’s chief executive officer. Levens, previously the company’s senior vice president and general manager of electronic grade polysilicon and silicon gasses, replaced James May II, who was named interim CEO in November following the retirement of Tore Torvund, according to an REC press release...

Moses Lake resident makes SCC honor roll

SPOKANE - Leticia Garcia of Moses Lake has earned a place on the Spokane Community College Honor Roll for Summer Quarter 2022, according to a release by the college. To make the SCC honor roll, students must earn a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Sainsbury fills Ephrata School Board position

EPHRATA - The Ephrata School Board Monday night unanimously selected Josh Sainsbury to fill the board’s vacant position. “We are happy to have Josh, employed as a public servant, be willing to do more for his community by serving on the school board,” said Anita Waller, Ephrata School Board Vice President in a release by the district. “We look forward to working with him.” The release states Sainsbury replaces Alain Black who stepped down in August to accept the varsity girls basketball head coaching position at Ephrata High School...

Washington fire update for Sept. 28

WASHINGTON STATE - There are seven large fires in Washington according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center as of Sept. 27. The site defines a large fire as any wildland fire in timber 100 acres or greater, and 300 acres or greater in grasslands/rangelands, or has an Incident Management Team assigned to it...

Hispanic Heritage Month recognized with library programs

OTHELLO — Poet – and Othello native – Robert Ruiz will read selections of his works in a presentation at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Othello Public Library, 101 E. Main St. The poetry reading is sponsored by the Mid-Columbia Libraries and is part of the library system’s observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. Ruiz will read selections of his works in English and Spanish. Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Author Silvia Moreno-Garcia will talk about her works in an appearance at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Gjerde Center at Columbia Basin College, 2600 N. 20th St., Pasco. Moreno-Garcia is the author of the 2020 novel “Mexican Gothic,” which appeared on multiple bestseller lists, as well as two short story collections.

Pedestrian killed near Royal City

ROYAL CITY — A Spokane man was struck and killed by a motorist while he was out running early Friday morning, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol. According to the release, Sean Whisenhunt, 26, was running westbound in the eastbound lane of SR-26 near the intersection with Dodson Road east of Royal City at around 6 a.m. when he was hit by a 2017 Honda driven by Jorge Guevara Reyes, 43, of Othello. Whisenhunt was pronounced dead at the scene, the WSP report said, while Reyes was transported to Othello Community Hospital with minor injuries. His vehicle was towed from the scene. The WSP said no charges have currently been filed against Reyes.

WSP seeks aid in fatal Othello hit and run investigation

OTHELLO — Washington State Patrol detectives are seeking the public’s help in finding the driver of a car that struck and killed a man Sept. 18 in Othello. The victim’s body was discovered by an Othello Police Department officer at about 12:30 a.m. Sept. 18, according to a WSP press release. “Around the male were various vehicle parts indicating the male had been struck by an unknown vehicle,” the press release said. “Surveillance video from a neighboring business shows a dark-colored SUV striking the male at approximately 11:35 p.m. and continuing westbound on State Route 24.” Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact WSP Detective Ben Borgman, [email protected].

State patrol looking for public’s help in fatal Othello hit and run

OTHELLO — Washington State Patrol detectives are seeking the public’s help in finding the driver of a car that struck and killed a man Sept. 18 in Othello. The victim’s body was discovered by an Othello Police Department officer at about 12:30 a.m. Sept. 18, according to a WSP press release. “Around the male were various vehicle parts indicating the male had been struck by an unknown vehicle,” the press release said. “Surveillance video from a neighboring business shows a dark colored SUV striking the male at approximately 11:35 p.m. and continuing westbound on State Route 24.” Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact WSP Detective Ben Borgman, [email protected].

UPDATE: U.S. Marshals arrest Moses Lake man wanted in connection with wife's death

DAVENPORT — A Moses Lake man wanted in connection with the death of his wife was arrested without incident by U.S. marshals in Pennsylvania, according to a Facebook post by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. According to the LCSO, Charles Bergman, 54, was been charged with first degree murder in the death of his wife Theresa, 53, whose body was found Thursday at a remote location in Lincoln County. Bergam was arrested without incident late Friday in New Stanton, Pennsylvania, and is awaiting extradition to Washington state, the LCSO posting said. His arrest was the result of a joint effort by the LCSO, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service to track Bergman down, the post added. “While our hearts are heavy and remain with the family, we are pleased that he was taken into custody quickly and that nobody else was hurt in the process,” the LCSO posting said. In a previous posting on Friday, the LCSO said a farmer found a body late identified as Theresa Bergma in tall grass alongside Stolp Road off Kintschi Road northwest of Sprague around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Both Bergmans were last seen very early Sunday at Spokane International Airport, and were reported missing by family members the following Monday after failing to arrive home. The body is now in the custody of the Spokane County Coroner, the posting added, and an autopsy to determine the cause of death is scheduled. Cell phone data obtained by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office said at one point the Bergmans were at a remote location in Lincoln County, according to previous reports. On Thursday, the GCSO posted a “recent” photo of Charles taken by an ATM camera. Anyone with information on Charles Bergman’s whereabouts is asked to call the LCSO at 509-725-3501, or GCSO Sgt. G. Mansford at 509-750-8805, Grant County MACC Dispatch at 509-762-1160, or email [email protected], reference case 22GS11284.

GCSO continues search for missing ML couple

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday issued a statement featuring a recent picture of Charles Bergman, who along with his wife Theresa was reported missing on Monday. The photo reportedly shows Bergman at an ATM machine, though the GCSO did not say when or where the photo was taken, noting only that it is recent. The photo was being shared so that people would know what Charles Bergman looks like now, the post added. “For investigative reasons, where and when the photo was captured are not currently being disclosed,” the post said.

Grant Co. seeks Mosquito Board members

EPHRATA — Grant County Commissioners are seeking two volunteers to sit on the board overseeing Grant County Mosquito Control District 2, which covers the northern tip of the county.

Grant Co. seeks Mosquito Board members

EPHRATA — Grant County Commissioners are seeking two volunteers to sit on the board overseeing Grant County Mosquito Control District 2, which covers the northern tip of the county.

Law enforcement records for Sept. 22

The information below was provided by the corresponding law enforcement agency. Suspects named are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Grant County Jail Sept. 11 Veronica Gomez Sandoval, 34, Royal City, booked on DUI, as well as a Grant County District Court warrant relating to counterfeiting. Ashlee Kae Schweiger, 27, Moses Lake, booked on fourth-degree assault – domestic violence. Johnny A., Leal, 42, Moses Lake, booked on fourth-degree assault – domestic violence...

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...