STAFF REPORT
Recent Stories
Grant Co. unemployment falls, pandemic job losses recovered
GRANT COUNTY — Unemployment in Grant County has fallen to 5.7%, the lowest level since November 2021, with non-farm industrial employment recovering all the jobs lost since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, according to a report from the Washington State Department of Employment Security. ...
ML student makes Wheaton College dean’s list
WHEATON, ILL. — Moses Lake High School graduate Zach Henninger made the Spring 2022 Wheaton College dean’s list, according to a college press release. To earn a spot on the Wheat College dean’s list, an undergraduate must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale and carry a full course load of 12 or more credit hours, the press release said.
USDA’s tips to avoid foodborne illnesses
The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a release on June 28 advising the public how to prevent foodborne illnesses. “Wherever you go this summer, don’t forget to bring your safe food handling practices along for the adventure,” said USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Sandra Eskin. “As temperatures rise, the risk for foodborne illness does too. Always remember that whether you’re grilling for the Fourth of July, camping, or boating, you should wash your hands before and during food prep.” ...
Basin students make UW dean’s list
COLUMBIA BASIN - More than 20 students from the Columbia Basin have been named to the dean's list at the University of Washington for Autumn 2021 Quarter. To qualify, a student must have completed at least 12 graded credits and have a grade point average of at least 3.5...
Fires banned at Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Hanford Reach
OTHELLO — All activities likely to start a fire have been banned on national wildlife refuges in the Mid-Columbia region, effective through Sept. 30. The region includes the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge near Othello. The order also applies to the Hanford Reach National Monument...
ACSO seeks 2 in relation to Othello-area shooting
RITZVILLE — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on the whereabouts of a pair of teenagers wanted in connection with a shooting near Othello late Sunday. In a statement, the ASCO said deputies are looking for Arturo Pineda-Feliciano, 18, and Gustavo Pineda-Feliciano, 16, for possible knowledge of or involvement in a shooting late Sunday on Charla Road, in an unincorporated neighborhood west of Othello...
Melcher appointed to Charter Commission
OLYMPIA – House Minority Leader J. T. Wilcox, R-Pierce County, recently appointed Vickey Melcher to a 4-year term on the Washington State Charter School Commission...
GESA seeks applications for local heroes grants
RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union is seeking applicants for its 2022 Local Heroes Grants Program. The program, which will award grants of up to $50,000 to community nonprofit groups and organizations that serve what the credit union calls local heroes — police, firefighters, healthcare workers, teachers and veterans — is in its second year, and is expected to offer around $250,000 in grants in communities served by Gesa, according to a press release...
VA health records bill signed into law
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray designed to improve transparency in the way the Veterans Administration handles electronic medical records. According to a press release from Murray’s office, the VA Electronic Health Record Transparency Act was passed with significant bipartisan support and would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit regular reports to Congress on the costs, performance standards and outcomes of the VA’s electronic health record system.
Wash. AG announces retail crime task force
OLYMPIA — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the creation of a statewide Organized Retail Crime theft Task Force Thursday to improve collaboration and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to address organized retail theft responsible for an estimated $2.7 billion in losses statewide in 2021. “Coordination is key to combating this growing, and sometimes dangerous problem,” Ferguson said in the press release. “These organized crimes cross jurisdictions and cause significant economic harm. I’m committed to working together with law enforcement and retail partners to help combat this significant and growing problem.” ...
WSDA offers more grants for Farm to School program
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture announced on Thursday it is now accepting grant applications from local districts to buy locally grown farm commodities for breakfast and lunch...
Deception Pass celebrates a century
OAK HARBOR - Deception Pass State Park turns 100 this year and in celebration, Washington State Parks will be holding free concerts and community events throughout the summer. “In honor of this momentous birthday, the Deception Pass Park Foundation is hosting several events across the summer culminating in the revival of a lost tradition older than the park itself: a free community picnic at East Cranberry Lake!” a statement from WSP said...
Ham radio event scheduled for this weekend
Ham radio operators from the Central Washington Amateur Radio Club in Grant County will be participating in a national amateur radio exercise from noon on Saturday until noon on Sunday, June 25-26 at the White Trail Grange, located at 3392 Road 5 NW...
Quincy looks to rebuild parts of 8th Ave.
QUINCY — Quincy city officials will advertise for bids on a project to rebuild a section of Eighth Avenue SE, also known as Bob Jacques Way. Quincy City Council members approved a request to advertise for bids at the council’s regular meeting Tuesday. No price estimate was attached to the request...
McDonald’s seeking Washington Workers
OLYMPIA — McDonald’s is looking for a few good workers to staff its restaurants in Washington. In fact, in a press release, the company said it is inviting 4,300 job seekers looking for summer work to apply for part-time and full-time jobs at restaurants across the state...
Local students make George Fox University dean’s list
NEWBERG, ORE. - Three local students were among those who earned Dean's List recognition at George Fox University for the spring 2022 semester. In order to earn a spot on the Dean’s List at George Fox, students must earn a 3.5 grade point average or above on 12 or more hours of graded work...
Man found dead in car in Othello-area drainage canal
OTHELLO — An autopsy is pending in the case of a man found dead in his car in an irrigation drainage canal about four miles north of Othello. Steven Ray Priddy, 55, was dead at the scene; the car was in the canal in the 1900 block of West Foley Road, according to a social media announcement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Local farmers working in the area found Priddy’s body, the announcement said. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, it said.
Warden SD to offer free meals
WARDEN — The Warden School District announced on Tuesday that it will serve free meals to all children 18 and younger from the end of June through early August. In an announcement, the WSD said two meals each day will be served in the district’s cafeteria at 101 W. Beck Way in Warden on weekdays beginning Tuesday, June 28 through Thursday, Aug. 4, with breakfast served at 7:50-8:20 a.m. and lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Funding for the summertime meal program is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the National School Lunch Program. For more information, contact WSD Food Service Director Paulie Wixom at 509-349-2366, ext. 1450.
Fiber installation prompts Warden-area traffic restrictions
WARDEN — Drivers can expect delays along the first two miles of State Route 170 near Warden this week as crews install fiber optic cable. A press release from the Washington Department of Transportation said contractors working for the Grant County PUD will be installing cable along the road from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Thursday. Drivers can expect closures of the road shoulder and intermittent flagger-controlled traffic with some delays, the press release said...
Local residents make Gonzaga Dean’s and President’s lists
SPOKANE - Nine local residents have been named to the Gonzaga University President’s and Dean’s lists for spring semester 2022.
Meals on Wheels holds fan drive
SPOKANE - Meals on Wheels Spokane said they are holding their annual fan drive to help keep seniors cool this summer, according to a press release.
Car stolen in Seattle recovered in Grant Co.
MOSES LAKE - The Grant County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on June 17 that a stolen car out of Seattle had been recovered in Grant County and resulted in the arrest of two individuals. The release stated that on June 14, Moses Lake Police Department had received a call that a stolen Audi out of Seattle was being tracked by GPS to a location in Moses Lake...
Fire Marshal encourages boating fire safety
OLYMPIA – According to a release by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, there are several ways to be responsible and safe while boating this summer. The release states the best defense against fire is prevention because fires that occur on boats can spread quickly and present unique response challenges due to hazardous conditions and limited access...
MLSD selects new elementary principals
MOSES LAKE — Two principals have been hired for elementary schools in the Moses Lake School District according to press releases from the district. “I have already worked alongside many of the Sage Point staff,” newly-selected Sage Point Elementary Principal Robin Kimbro wrote in the press release. “These teachers and support staff do the best work for our students.” ...
New MLHS principal selected
MOSES LAKE — Sheila Kries has been selected as the new principal at Moses Lake High School. Currently, Kries is an MLHS assistant principal. “I look forward to commencing with the 2022-23 school year, welcoming new and returning ‘Mavericks’ to the high school,” Kries wrote in the press release...
Police records for June 15, 2022
Ephrata Police Department May 27 Report of attempted theft of a catalytic converter on C Street Southeast. Report of a galvanized steel shelf stolen in the 200 block of G Street Northeast...
Overdose resources available to area residents
According to a statement from Kayla Isaacson, Community Coalition Specialist for the Soap Lake Prevention Coalition, overdose prevention and response resources are available to community members. The resources according to the email include: Statewide Naloxone Mail Order Program - A statewide mail order Naloxone (Narcan) program, facilitated by the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance (PHRA) People’s Harm Reduction Alliance (PHRA) allows any Washington state resident that has a mailing address outside of King County to request up to two free nasal naloxone kits on an as-needed basis. The statement indicates that Naloxone is given when an opioid overdose happens or has possibly happened. It can reverse an overdose and provide crucial time for emergency medical responders to arrive and provide further support. More information is available on the PHRA website at phra.org including training, FAQs, and how to order. Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI) provides a website on responding to and preventing opioid overdose at StopOverdose.org. Stopoverdose.org provides resources, education, training videos, and technical assistance for individuals, professionals, and communities in WA State who want to learn how to prevent and respond to overdose, and improve the health of people who use substances.
Moses Lake's Boyd named to BSC President's Honor Roll
BISMARCK, N.D. - Shannon Boyd of Moses Lake has been named to the President's Honor Roll for the Spring 2022 semester at Bismarck State College according to a release by the college....
Washington No. 1 in catalytic converter theft
OLYMPIA – Washington state is number one in the nation in catalytic converter theft, according to a new report on national crime statistics, and Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, says the Legislature must continue the crackdown in the next legislative session. “The statistics we just got from BeenVerified ought to shock all of us,” said Wilson in a release. “A 10,000 percent increase? Holy cow. That’s too big to ignore.” ...
REC, Ferroglobe announce supply chain partnership
MOSES LAKE — REC Silicon announced on Monday that it has reached an agreement with UK-based Ferroglobe, which provides metals and materials for high-tech electronics, to create a U.S. solar supply chain. “It is imperative that the solar manufacturing industry grows and diversifies,” said James A. May II, CEO of REC Silicon, in the press release.
Quincy motorcyclist killed in weekend accident
QUINCY — A Quincy motorcyclist was killed Saturday when his motorbike clipped the rear of a truck, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. Eduardo Acevedo, 24, was riding a 2007 Honda CBR600 eastbound on S.R. 28 not far from the juncture with Road U NW when he attempted to pass a vehicle in front of him. He reportedly clipped the end of a 1997 Dodge Dakota pickup truck driven by Cameron Nelson, 37, of Ellensburg. Acevedo, who was wearing a helmet, and his bike came to a rest in the ditch paralleling the westbound side of the road. Acevedo was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the WSP, and there were no other injuries reported.
Ellensburg man sentenced for child sex trafficking
YAKIMA — A Yakima County Superior Court Judge has sentenced an Ellenburg man netted in a nationwide child sex trafficking sting to nearly six years in prison, according to an announcement from Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson...
Avian Flu continues to spread across state
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health on Friday announced that it has confirmed two cases of avian influenza in two backyard flocks in Yakima County, bringing to 10 the number of counties in Washington where the highly contagious disease has been found. “The virus continues to be present in all corners of our state,” said Washington State Veterinarian Amber Itle in a press release. “It’s so important we remain vigilant.” ...
State regulators charge PacifiCorp with failure to plan
LACEY — The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, the body that regulates the state’s utilities, has filed a complaint against Oregon-based utility PacifiCorp for failing to consider the social cost of greenhouse gas emissions as it crafted its clean energy implementation plan, according to a commission press release.
GCPUD performing maintenance near Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — Contractors hired by the Grant County PUD will be testing power poles and performing preventive maintenance from Soap Lake north to the Grant County line. The work started June 6 and will continue through the end of 2022...
Home health care worker charged with unprofessional conduct
MOSES LAKE — A Grant County home health care aide has been charged with unprofessional conduct by the Washington Department of Health. Alison Sedlacek allegedly took a hydrocodone pill from the facility where she worked, according to a DOH statement of charges. Sedlacek was employed at Penny’s Adult Family Home in Moses Lake in 2021. She is accused of taking the medication from a resident in March 2021. Operators of the facility conducted an investigation and Sedlacek admitted taking the medication, according to the statement of charges. Sedlacek did not respond to a DOH request for information by the Sept. 16, 2021, deadline.
WA fire marshal offers grilling safety tips
OLYMPIA — The State Fire Marshal’s Office issued a release on Tuesday about outdoor grilling safety as the Pacific Northwest begins to warm up. “Although safe when used correctly, barbeque related fires are significant factors for both property damage and burn injuries,” the release said. It goes on to say on average 10,600 home fires are started each year and 19,700 patients are sent to hospital emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills, according to the National Fire Protection Association...
Chinook season extended in North Fork Nooksack River
NOOKSACK - A section of the North Fork Nooksack River has been opened for hatchery spring Chinook fishing and retention. The action took place yesterday, and continues to June 30, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
WA apple scholarship awardees include 33 locals
WENATCHEE — Five students from Adams County and 28 from Grant County are among the 318 recipients of scholarships awarded this year by the Washington Apple Foundation, according to a press release. According to the press release, the foundation is giving out over $1 million in new and renewed scholarships to students whose families have ties to the growing, harvesting and packing of apples, pears and cherries, with most employed in orchards and packing houses...
Moses Lake police warn of scam calls
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake police are warning residents of a scam that’s making the rounds in the area. Several local residents have reported receiving phone calls purporting to be from the city, according to a social media post from the MLPD. The caller ID shows as City of Moses Lake 509-764-3701, and the caller reportedly demands money in payment for damages done to a local business...
Forest Service offers fee-free access to day-use rec areas for National Get Outdoors Day
The U.S. Forest Service announced on Tuesday that June 11 is National Get Outdoors day and they will waive fees at designated day-use sites. The announcement states National Get Outdoors Day, or "GO Day", is an annual event that encourages healthy, active outdoor fun by introducing citizens to outdoor recreation opportunities close to home...
ML museum to host drum circle
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum and Art Center will host a drum circle Saturday, according to a press release from the museum. The drum circle will take place at Civic Center Park if the weather is good, and move to the Civic Center auditorium, 401 S. Balsam St., if it’s not....
Heavy fire season predicted for state
OLYMPIA – The upcoming wildfire season could yield higher-than-typical forest fire activity in parts of Washington state. An above-average wildfire season in eastern Washington is anticipated due in large part to drought, according to a press release from The National Interagency Fire Center...
This week's sports schedule
Despite summer break around the corner and high school sports winding down, there are still a handful of local, regional and national events going on this week including the WDFW’s Free Fishing Weekend...
Moses Lake service dog in the running for national award
MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake service dog Sherman Gepherd is one of 21 semifinalists out of more than 400 candidates across the country in the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards. According to a June 6 press release from American Humane. “The Hero Dog Awards shines a bright light on man’s best friend and celebrates the strength, hope and beauty that dogs bring to our lives,” said Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane in the announcement...
Deadline to apply for Wolf Advisory Group extended
OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has extended the deadline for members of the public interested in applying to serve on the citizen committee that advises WDFW’s Director on wolf conservation and management until June 13, according to a release by the WDFW...
Erratics to host program on kayaking the Columbia
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Erratics of the Ice Age Floods Institute will host a Zoom program June 14 at 7 p.m. entitled “Kayaking down the Columbia River: Evidence of the Missoula Flood from the Perspective of the River,” presented by Bill Burgel, according to a press release from the Erratics.
Operation Teddy Bear Lift to aid children in Ukraine
SEATTLE - Warm 106.9 and Ukraine Association of Washington State, or UAWS, have teamed up for Operation Teddy Bear Lift, a campaign to send over 10,000 teddy bears to children affected by the war in Ukraine, a release stated.
Kershaw to lay off 125 in Yakima
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Employment Security announced Monday that Kershaw Fruit and Cold Storage is laying off 125 employees at its Yakima facility beginning June 10. In a notification issued under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act - also known as WARN - ESD’s website said notification of the impending layoffs was made on Monday, and that the layoffs are permanent. Under federal law, companies are generally required to give 60 days of notice prior to mass layoffs or plant closings that will require the dismissal of more than 50 employees. However, the same law states that companies are exempt from the 60-day notice requirement if they are facing financial difficulties or dealing with a natural disaster. ESD did not provide any details on what prompted the layoffs.
Ephrata schools sponsor free meals for children
EPHRATA - In a press release on June 6, the Ephrata School District announced that they will provide free meals for children 18 and under throughout the summer...