STAFF REPORT
Recent Stories
Invasive beetles continue to spread in WA
RICHLAND — The Japanese beetle infestation continues to spread following the discovery of more of the invasive pests in Richland. According to a press release from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, department officials confirmed the discovery of a single beetle in a trap in Richland, about 35 miles east of Grandview, the epicenter of the Japanese beetle infestation. Earlier last week, WSDA officials announced the discovery of Japanese beetles in Wapato, roughly 30 miles west of Grandview. As of Friday, WSDA said officials have set more traps in Richland in the hunt for additional beetles.
Columbia Basin Herald launches Studio Basin podcast
The Columbia Basin Herald is happy to announce the launch of the Studio Basin podcast. Hosted by managing editor R. Hans Miller, the podcast will include guests from the Columbia Basin, recaps of the week’s news, discussions about challenges and opportunities in Columbia Basin Communities and other information on what’s happening in Grant and Adams counties as well as issues that impact Washington state. To listen to the podcast, visit the Studio Basin site at: https://bit.ly/STUDIOBASIN. The podcast will also be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Alexa, Overcast, PocketCasts, Castro, Castbox and Podchaser. At about 4 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on July 30.
Law enforcement logs for July 29, 2022
The items below are consolidated reports from Columbia Basin law enforcement agencies. All those named as defendants or suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Japanese beetles spreading in WA
WAPATO — Officials with the Washington State Department of Agriculture announced this week that Japanese beetles have been found in Wapato, nearly 30 miles away from the current infestation in Grandview, according to a WSDA press release.
Pandemic hog payments to increase
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week it is increasing the amount of money in the department’s Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program and expects to make a total of $62.8 million in COVID-19-related pandemic assistance payments to U.S. hog farmers beginning this week, according to a USDA press release.
'Beautiful Wounds' highlighted at next Wenatchee Valley Erratics meeting
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Erratics chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute will host its next program on Aug. 9...
NCW Libraries open for those trying to stay cool
COLUMBIA BASIN - The Grant County Health District issued a release regarding cooling centers in the area for those trying to stay cool in the heat. The release stated that with temperatures expected to be 100 degrees and over this week, all North Central Washington Libraries are open as cooling centers. ...
Quincy fire damages apartment building, displaces dozens
QUINCY — About 30 people were displaced from their apartments in the 430 block of Quincy’s East Street NE, following a late-afternoon fire Monday that destroyed four of the units and heavily damaged the others. No one was injured...
Ephrata Schools looking for new board member
EPHRATA - In a press release on July 26, the Ephrata School District announced that they were seeking candidates for an open position on the Ephrata School Board.
Mega Millions jackpot at $810 million
OLYMPIA - A press release on July 25 states that the Mega Millions lottery jackpot had grown to $810 million after its most recent drawing yielded no top-tier winners...
Audition dates announced for Masquers fall musical
'Once on this Island' coming to Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — Auditions are scheduled for Aug. 14 and 15 for the fall musical presented by the Masquers Theater company. Auditions for “Once on this Island” will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 14 and 6 p.m. Aug. 15 at the theater, 322 East Main St., Soap Lake.
Basin students make EWU Dean’s List
CHENEY - Eastern Washington University released its dean’s list for the spring quarter 2022. Nearly a hundred Basin students made the list. EWU policies require an undergraduate student who earns 12 quality hours and receives a GPA of 3.5 or better to be placed on the Dean's List.
Fire ban issued for Eastern Washington counties
The Bureau of Land Management Spokane District has issued a fire restrictions order for BLM and Bureau of Reclamation lands. The ban took effect July 22 in the following counties: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman and Yakima...
Reykdal announces plan to reallocate timber revenue funding
OLYMPIA - On July 19, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal unveiled his plan to reallocate funding from the K-12 Common School Trust to projects in rural communities and have the state legislature fund the K-12 School Construction Assistance Program through other revenue sources than timber harvesting on state trust lands. “Rural communities in Washington have long generated this revenue through timber harvests and other trust land activities, but are not often the beneficiaries of it,” Reykdal said in the release. “We should be investing this revenue within the communities where it’s generated and using a portion of the dollars to support forest health and preservation.” ...
Pet of the Week: Ghost Train
Ghost Train is a big Shepherd mix male that came to Adams County Pet Rescue as a stray. He has quite a personality and loves to go for walks with his people. He's athletic and would make a great outdoor active companion. Ghost Train is a 2-year-old male and can be paired with other dogs. 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. Ghost Train and other pets may be found at our shelter located at 1961 W. Bench Road in Othello.
Grants created to get youth outside
OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office will begin accepting applications Aug. 10 for grants to provide outdoor education and recreation programs for children and to build and maintain trails, boating facilities, and firearm and archery ranges...
19 Basin students make Spokane CC honor roll
SPOKANE - Spokane Community College released its honor roll list for the 2022 spring quarter, which ended in June. Nineteen Basin students made the list...
Othello man arrested for assault
OTHELLO - An Othello man was booked into the Adams County Jail Tuesday on suspicion of first-degree assault following an incident in the 2100 block of West Moon Street south of Othello Monday night...
Othello pair suspected in robbery, assault case
OTHELLO — An Othello-area man is being sought in connection with an assault and robbery early Monday morning near Othello. An Othello woman was booked into the Adams County Jail on charges connected to the same case...
Othello PD identifies graffiti suspect
OTHELLO - In a July 18 press release, the Othello Police Department announced they had arrested an individual involved in vandalism.
Othello man injured in Mesa collision
MESA — Charges of DUI are pending against an Othello man after he rolled his car about 10 miles north of Mesa on Sunday afternoon. Narciso Gomez Sanchez, 53, was driving south on State Route 17 at about 4 p.m. Sunday when his car went off the road and rolled. A press memo from the Washington State Patrol said alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash. Gomez Sanchez was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Kennewick, the press memo said. He was wearing a seatbelt.
Kovalenko named new Midway Elementary principal
MOSES LAKE — Russell Kovalenko has been selected as the new principal at Midway Elementary in Moses Lake.
Three-digit national suicide prevention number established
OLYMPIA — A new nationwide three-digit number has been established for those needing assistance with a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Health.
City to close streets along W. Valley Road Monday and Tuesday
MOSES LAKE — The City of Moses Lake will close several streets along W. Valley Road on Monday and Tuesday as part of the reconstruction and repaving work being done on that road this summer.
July 25 is National Pet Fire Safety Day
Today is National Pet Fire Safety Day, which can serve as a reminder to pet owners that it’s crucial to be prepared in case of an emergency. The Best Friends Animal Society recommends pet-proofing your home by keeping electrical equipment out of reach, keeping tags and microchips up to date and putting a sticker on your home to let first responders know there are critters inside who may need rescuing. For more pet safety tips, visit bestfriends.org.
WA farmers plant fewer acres of spring wheat in 2022
OLYMPIA — Despite a cooler and wetter spring and early summer, farmers across Eastern Washington have planted fewer acres of Spring Wheat in 2022 when compared with 2021, according to a report issued at the end of June by the Northwest Regional Field of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service...
Murray legislation fails to get unanimous Senate approval
WASHINGTON, DC — A speech by an Oklahoma senator stopped an attempt by Washington Senator Patty Murray and co-sponsors to get unanimous consent to pass a bill related to women traveling for abortion services...
Law enforcement logs: July 15, 2022
COLUMBIA BASIN - The information below was provided by the respective law enforcement agencies, as noted. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
‘American Pickers’ coming to Washington
MOSES LAKE — The TV show “American Pickers” will film episodes in Washington state in October, according to a press release from Cineflix Productions, which produces the show...
Grant Co. seeks Board of Equalization candidates
EPHRATA — The Grant County Board of Equalization is in need of two more members, the county commissioners announced recently in a press release. The successful candidates will serve a three-year term as alternate members...
Meek hired as Othello High assistant principal
OTHELLO — Former Moses Lake School District superintendent Josh Meek has been hired as the assistant principal at Othello High School. Meek was included on a list of new hires approved by the Othello School Board during its July 11 meeting...
Murray introduces bill to protect abortion travel
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a press release on July 12, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) said they had filed a bill entitled Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act of 2022...
Youth use ‘seed bombs’ to heal wildfire-damaged lands
PULLMAN - Youth of the Colville Reservation have partnered with Washington State University Extension to create seed bombs: clay balls of soil and seeds dispersed to start new generations of native plants.
AG Ferguson says sorority must refund UW housing fees
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced on July 6 that Alpha Omicron Pi, a national sorority, must refund or waive the housing fees it unlawfully charged dozens of University of Washington students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Insurance commissioner extends COVID-19 order
OLYMPIA — Insurance carriers will be required to provide reimbursement to physicians for counseling they give to patients on the COVID-19 vaccines until Aug. 5.
Harbor Freight names three Washington teachers in top 50 finalists
LOS ANGELES - Fifty public high school skilled trades teachers were named as finalists July 2 for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.
USDA partners with Washington State to purchase and distribute local food
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service announced on July 6, that it has signed a cooperative agreement with Washington State under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program.
Environment group seeks state carbon rule comments
OLYMPIA — The Seattle-based Washington Environmental Council is encouraging state residents to submit comments to the Department of Ecology as the agency writes the rules that will enforce the state’s Climate Commitment Act...
Rectenwald sworn in as interim Grant Co. sheriff
EPHRATA - Now former undersheriff Ryan Rectenwald was sworn in as interim sheriff for Grant County July 5 by Judge Tyson Hill. Rectenwald takes over the department pending the election of a permanent sheriff this fall after former Sheriff Tom Jones retired earlier this month.
Ephrata woman injured in Quincy-area collision
QUINCY — An Ephrata woman was airlifted to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane after the car in which she was a passenger ran into the back of a semi-truck about five miles west of Quincy about 4 p.m. Tuesday. Jolene Terry, 36, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Victor Flores Meza, 54, Quincy, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol. Flores Meza was driving west on State Route 28 when his car struck the back of a semi-truck driven by Ruben Lerena, 52, Quincy. Lerena had stopped for a car that was waiting to make a left turn, the WSP memo said. Flores Meza also was injured and was transported to Quincy Valley Medical Center, the press release said. A charge of following too close is pending against Flores Meza, the WSP release said.
Bureau says more than enough Yakima Project water in July
YAKIMA — The Bureau of Reclamation announced an updated water supply forecast for irrigators within the Yakima Project, reiterating previous forecasts that there is enough water to supply all users within the project...
MLSD names new assistant superintendent
MOSES LAKE — Carol Lewis, an administrator with the Cheney School District, has been named as the new assistant superintendent for the Moses Lake School District...
Woman injured in Othello-area collision
OTHELLO — A 31-year-old woman was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland after she was injured in a collision about 15 miles west of Othello Monday morning...
Sockeye fishing expands on Columbia River
OLYMPIA – Sockeye fishing will open from the Astoria-Megler Bridge on the lower river to the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco, and daily limits increase from there to Chief Joseph Dam near Bridgeport on the upper river, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife...
Christensen buys United Oil
RICHLAND — Christensen, a leading distributor of refined petroleum products across the Pacific Northwest, announced on Tuesday it has purchased Boise-based United Oil...
Seniors schedule for Jiuly
COLUMBIA BASIN – The Columbia Basin has several senior centers scattered around its various cities. Below are events hosted by three of those senior centers. For more information such as any associated costs, menus and time changes, please reach out to the senior center hosting the event. This listing is noncomprehensive and additional senior centers will be added each month....
MLFD saves pets from Marina Dr. fire
MOSES LAKE — Firefighters responding to a fire at a trailer house on Marina Drive last Thursday rescued and resuscitated some pets that had been trapped in the burning house, according to a press release from the Moses Lake Fire Department.
CBH closed on July 4
The Columbia Basin Herald will be closed on Monday, July 4 and no Monday edition will be issued so that our staff may spend the holiday with their loved ones. News tips may be submitted to [email protected] and voicemails left at 509-765-4561 will be responded to as soon as possible Tuesday. We hope you and yours have an amazing holiday weekend.
Washington population continues to grow
OLYMPIA — There are 7,864,400 people living in Washington as of April 1, 2022 — an increase of more than 158,000 since the 2020 census, according to estimates compiled and published by the Washington State Office of Financial Management...
WSP seeks witnesses to Mattawa hit and run
GRANT COUNTY — The Washington State Patrol is seeking witnesses or anyone who might have information about a hit and run accident south of Mattawa early Wednesday. ...