STAFF REPORT
Recent Stories
Increase in respiratory illnesses in county, state this past week
EPHRATA – The Grant County Health District released a statement on the increase of respiratory illnesses including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 in both the county and the state for the week of Jan. 12 to Jan. 18. GCHD urges residents to take precautions to protect themselves and others, according to the statement.
STUDIO BASIN: REC Silicon closure, Moses Lake city manager and Basin basketball
MOSES LAKE – In this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss supports for workers displaced by the REC Silicon closure, and Moses Lake's incoming city manager. Miller talks a bit about multiple 2024 year in review pieces for Ephrata.
Basin Events for the week of Jan. 24-Feb. 1
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s cold outside, but fortunately most of what’s happening this week takes place indoors. Here are a few possibilities:
Grant County nurse charged with unprofessional conduct
WENATCHEE — Candace Anne Stephens, a nurse living in Grant County has been charged with unprofessional conduct after she allegedly removed drugs from her workplace but did not document what she did with them.
Nominations open for American Legion first responder awards
EPHRATA — The American Legion is looking for a few good heroes. Art Semro Post 28 in Ephrata is accepting nominations for its First Responder Recognition Award, according to an announcement from the post.
K-9 security team joins staff at Confluence
WENATCHEE — A security dog will be patrolling the halls of Central Washington Hospital, part of an expansion of the security team for Confluence Health. Atlas, a three-year-old German Shepherd, and his handler Justin Bennett will be on the hospital campus and at Confluence Health’s Mares building on Chelan Avenue in Wenatchee.
Ephrata PD releases statement on jail death investigation
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Police Department released a statement Tuesday indicating that the Central Basin Investigative Team, a joint task force made up of law enforcement agencies from around the region, is investigating the death of Richard Lambert, an inmate at the Grant County Jail.
Three booked after threatening victim, stealing his car
MOSES LAKE – Three Moses Lake men were booked into the Grant County Jail Tuesday morning for assaulting a man, threatening to kill him and stealing his car on Monday, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
REACH Museum highlights Latino migration stories
RICHLAND — The National Park Service and REACH Museum have collaborated on a new exhibit, “Migration to Community: Latinos/as at Hanford and the Tri-Cities,” according to an announcement from the museum. It will be open for viewing Feb. 4-March 22.
Music students perform at animal-themed recital
MOSES LAKE — Seventy-seven local music students from 5 to 17 years old performed at the ninth annual Celebrate Music Festival Saturday, according to an announcement from music teacher Marina Munter.
Woman threatens parents, drives away with infant
MOSES LAKE — Kelsey Galvan, 20, of Moses Lake was arrested Sunday after reportedly threatening her parents with a knife and driving away intoxicated with her child unsecured in the vehicle.
Marysville man dies in accident near George
GEORGE — An unidentified Marysville man was killed when the car he was driving ran off the road and rolled about two miles east of George Sunday evening.
Two hospitalized after collision near East Wenatchee
MOSES LAKE — An investigation is pending in the case of a Moses Lake man who allegedly crossed the center line, hit another car and triggered a four-car collision about six miles southwest of East Wenatchee Saturday afternoon.
Evergreen State residents spending more green on gas
MOSES LAKE — Prices for gasoline, both in Washington and nationwide, crept up over the last week, according to the latest survey from GasBuddy, released Monday. The average price for a gallon of gas in Washington was $3.84, compared to a national average price of $3.09. That was an increase of 3.4 cents per gallon in Washington, the survey said.
STUDIO BASIN: Halfway point of Kriete's term and Maverick wrestling
MOSES LAKE - In this - slightly delayed - episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Sports Editor Ian Bivona visit about recent news and sports action. Miller was able to sit down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete last week as Kriete reached the halfway point in his first term heading up the Grant County Sheriff's Office. Miller reviewed what the sheriff said were the accomplishments of his first term and what he sees on the horizon for GCSO. Miller and Bivona also talked about happenings in Soap Lake like the city considering how water in the lake may be used and why the Soap Lake Police Chief is on administrative leave.
Basin officers participate in immobilization safety training
RITZVILLE — Law enforcement officers in Adams County got some training in restraining Thursday, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
NEWS BITES: Jan. 20, 2025
EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District released a statement indicating how much the district would receive in funds if the Feb. 11 levy passes. According to the district, the state will match $1.14 for every $1 the school district raises locally. This adds up to around $13 million in state funds in the life of the levy. For more information on the Ephrata School District Levy visit TigersVote.org.
Fire destroys motorhome in Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — A fire started in Soap Lake Wednesday night involving a motor home in the 100 block of Fern Street North, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 7. Explosions were reported at the scene, prompting a quick response from GCFD 7 at 10:35 p.m.
USPS unveils stamp for the Year of the Snake
BOSTON —The U.S. Postal Service unveiled its Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake stamp Tuesday, according to an announcement from the USPS. The Postal Service printed 21 million stamps that are now on sale at post offices and usps.com.
CTUIR, Corps of Engineers sign pact to improve Mill Creek fish passage
WALLA WALLA — Officials from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a signing Jan. 10 at the Corps’ Walla Walla District headquarters to honor a joint project to improve fish passage on Mill Creek, according to an announcement from the CTUIR.
MLSD Community Engagement Board seeking applicants
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District is looking for community members to join the Community Engagement Board – a volunteer group created to allow community collaboration on district issues such as school attendance and engagement.
Two men die at Sprague Lake
RITZVILLE — Two men who had gone duck hunting on Sprague Lake were found dead late Saturday night, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
Adams County EMT’s license suspended
OLYMPIA — An Adams County emergency medical technician has had her license suspended for unprofessional conduct following her failure to enroll in a monitoring program.
NEWS BITES: Jan. 15, 2025
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department warned the public Monday regarding fake Facebook posts. EPD said to be wary of profiles with profile pictures that are unrealistic, low friend counts, exaggerated claims, poor grammar and spelling, copied-and-pasted content and the ability to comment is turned off on all posts. The department asks that people not reshare posts that look suspicious and report it to Facebook.
Public being surveyed on Hanford cleanup
HANFORD – The Washington Department of Ecology, U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is conducting a public involvement survey to collect the community's feedback on the Hanford Site cleanup.
Second suspect arrested in Adams County burglary
RITZVILLE — A second suspect has been arrested in connection with an early-morning burglary Dec. 9 north of Ritzville.
STUDIO BASIN: Upcoming levies and all-state football
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer breaks down upcoming levies for the Ephrata, Moses Lake and Wahluke school districts, including their longevity and costs for voters.
39-year-old booked on warrant and controlled substance possession
EAST WENATCHEE — The East Wenatchee Police Department conducted a traffic stop Jan. 6 in the 700 block of Third Street Southeast. Sergeant Tye Sheats recognized the driver of the vehicle and was aware of his outstanding felony arrest warrant in Santa Barbara, California.
Hands-on aerospace events for students coming to Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — The Apple STEM Network, in collaboration with a team of elementary educators in Moses Lake, will host three Family STEM Nights this spring, according to an announcement from the organization. These events, sponsored by the Boeing Company, aim to ignite curiosity and foster an understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, among students and their families, with a special focus on sustainable aviation fuel and the future of aerospace.
WIC mobile app now available in 22 languages
OLYMPIA – WICShopper, the free smartphone application for families in the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program, is now available in 22 languages for Washington state participants, according to an announcement from the Washington State Department of Health.
Some papers delayed by National Day of Mourning
Because the post office is closed Thursday, Jan. 9, to observe a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, all Columbia Basin Herald subscribers who receive their paper through the mail will have their Thursday paper delivered along with the Friday, Jan. 10 paper. Subscribers who receive their papers through home delivery will still receive a paper on schedule.
Charlie Clark re-tapped to head DFI
OLYMPIA – Charlie Clark has been reappointed director of the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, according to a Monday announcement from Governor-elect Bob Ferguson. Clark’s reappointment was announced with that of another agency head.
South Grant County Chamber sponsors law enforcement forum Thursday
MATTAWA — South Grant County residents are invited to ask questions and talk to law enforcement Thursday, beginning at 11 a.m. the Wanapum Heritage Center, 29086 SR 243, Mattawa. The forum is sponsored by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce.
New Umatilla youth leadership council takes oath of office
MISSION – The newest members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Senior and Junior Youth Leadership Councils took their oaths of office on Jan. 3 at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino Rivers Event Center. The swearing-in ceremony, postponed twice out of respect for community losses, coincided with the Elders Christmas Luncheon. Although some councilors were absent due to school functions, CTUIR Chief Judge William Johnson administered the oaths to those present.
Medicare out-of-pocket cap on prescriptions takes effect
WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 70,000 seniors in Washington state will save hundreds or thousands of dollars each year thanks to the new annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for folks on Medicare Part D, according to an announcement from the office of Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. The new cap is part of the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress in 2022, and it means seniors will pay significantly less for their prescription drugs this year, lowering costs for families and giving them more breathing room, according to the announcement. “Starting Jan. 1, anyone with a Medicare prescription drug plan – also known as Medicare Part D – now has their out-of-pocket drug costs capped at two thousand dollars each year,” Murray wrote in the announcement. “ … As everyone knows, high drug prices come with other painful costs – like stress over how to make ends meet, or what bills to skip in order to fill a prescription, or whether to take the risk of rationing medication. These are impossible choices that no one should ever have to make. But they’re the reality for so many people, and so many seniors especially.”
WA health officials urge caution amid avian influenza outbreaks
OLYMPIA — As the hunting season continues, health officials in Washington state are issuing a reminder regarding the ongoing threat posed by avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, according to a statement from the Washington Department of Health. This highly-contagious virus has been linked to significant illness and mortality in wild bird populations across the globe, with notable impacts in Washington.
Mammoth dig site tours open
KENNEWICK — Reservations are being accepted for tours of the Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site offered by Mid-Columbia Basin Old Natural Education Sciences, or MCBONES, according to an announcement from the organization.
Boeing International updates safety and quality plan
SEATTLE — Boeing has unveiled enhancements to its Safety & Quality Plan, which focuses on four key areas: cultivating a superior safety and quality culture, investing in workforce training, simplifying production processes and eliminating manufacturing defects, according to a statement from Boeing.
Ag parade awards announced
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Downtown Association awarded prizes Dec. 31 for the best displays in the Ag Appreciation Parade held Dec. 6, according to an announcement from DMLA.
NEWS BITES: Jan. 6, 2025
OTHELLO – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office will be available to take applications for new concealed pistol carry licenses and renewals from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the ACSO Ritzville office and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Othello office. Applicants are asked to call ahead and set up an appointment. Applicants can only make appointments through the Ritzville office, 509-659-1122; a direct call to the Othello office is temporarily unavailable.
Industrial Alliance, Grant PUD donate to Royal PDK-9 program
ROYAL CITY — The Royal City Police Department K-9 Ollie has a brand-new ballistic vest with the help of a donation from the Grant County Industrial Alliance and the Grant County Public Utility District.
STUDIO BASIN: Holiday recaps, ACPR and Basin wrestling
MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and staff discuss the new year and how their holidays went. The conversation then flows into how Adams County Pet Rescue had a successful year with more than 700 pet adoptions and how local cities have finalized their budgets.
WA DOH launches winter seasonal hazards dashboard
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health has launched a new winter seasonal hazards dashboard to help residents stay informed about public health and safety trends and better prepare for seasonal hazards, according to an announcement from the DOH.
Man arrested following altercation at Ritzville business
RITZVILLE — An Ocean Shores man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a law enforcement officer after an altercation at a Ritzville service station Monday. Kenneth Curtiss, 42, allegedly got into an altercation with Adams County Sheriff’s deputies and Washington State Patrol troopers after two reports of an unidentified man causing a disturbance, according to an ACSO statement.
Ephrata Forward releases survey to community
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Forward - Council of Governments has put out a survey to community members to provide a venue to discuss strengths, thoughts and ideas for improvement. The summarized answers from the survey will be made available to the public and all responses are anonymous.
Moses Lake man arrested for DUI after being tased
MOSES LAKE – Abel Valdez, 32, of Moses Lake was arrested Friday evening after he reportedly caused damage to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle, according to a GCSO statement.
Shooting causes shelter in place for Moses Lake neighborhood
MOSES LAKE – Residents of the Harvest Manor Estates mobile home park in Moses Lake were asked to shelter in place Friday evening at about 9:45 p.m. after a shooting was reported. Nobody was hurt in the incident, though one mobile home was struck, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office statement.
Audit finds MLIRD in compliance
MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Auditor's recent independent accountability audit of the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District revealed that the district's operations substantially complied with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2023. The audit concluded that the district maintained adequate controls for safeguarding public resources against fraud, loss or abuse. The examination focused on high-risk areas, including accounts payable, financial condition, and compliance with open public meeting requirements. The audit did not cover every aspect of district operations but provided an overview of the areas deemed most vulnerable to potential discrepancies.
Adams County Fire District 5 receives clean audit
OLYMPIA — The Office of the Washington State Auditor has released its audit findings for the Adams County Fire Protection District No. 5, covering the period from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2023. The audit concluded that the district operated in compliance with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies, effectively safeguarding public resources from fraud, loss, and abuse. Key areas examined included the accuracy of annual report filings, general disbursements, payroll processes, compliance with open public meeting laws, and the overall financial condition of the district.
Alleged drug dealer arrested in Civic Park
MOSES LAKE — An alleged drug dealer was arrested Saturday in Civic Park, according to a Monday statement from the Moses Lake Police Department.