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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. ...
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.