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Moses Lake man booked after child abuse investigation
MOSES LAKE – Maxwell S. Homer was arrested by Grant County Sheriff’s Office Motor Crimes Detectives Dec. 19 after a 10-month-long Internet Crimes Against Children investigation. A search warrant was then served at his home in the 3000 block of Road F-Northeast.
Drive safely over the holidays, WSP urges
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Patrol and Washington Traffic Safety Commission want to remind everyone using the roadways this holiday season that safe roads come down to good decisions, the WSP wrote in an advisory Tuesday. Impaired driving, driving too fast, driving distracted, and not wearing your seatbelts are bad decisions that cost lives every year.
Ag announces loan assistance program to help farmers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The US Department of Agriculture has announced a final phase of loan assistance for distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers through the Inflation Reduction Act. About $300 million is available nationwide.
Sculptures to get a bit of TLC
MOSES LAKE — So – where did everybody go? The surfer, the softball and soccer players that have been in place for years along West Third Avenue in Moses Lake – where did they go? Did they have a game? Go for a run? Where are they?
Soap Lake resident booked for alleged theft of Public Works tractor
QUINCY – On Thursday morning, a 47-year-old Soap Lake resident, was booked into Grant County Jail for investigation of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of motor vehicle theft tools and second-degree attempted vehicle prowl.
Holiday school closures start Monday in most local districts
COLUMBIA BASIN — The holiday season is upon us, and that means – among many other things – winter vacation at local schools. With Christmas 2024 next Wednesday, local school districts have gone the easy route with one exception.
WDFW police seek assistance in Columbia River shooting incident
GEORGE – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police are requesting the public's assistance in identifying individuals involved in the shooting of a common loon and over 20 coots on the Columbia River near Sunland Estates.
Mattawa PD searching for shooting suspect
MATTAWA — The Mattawa Police Department released a statement regarding a weapons call Saturday afternoon in the 100 block of Columbia Avenue.
GCSO joins BlueBridge Alliance to help those in need
EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff's Office has joined the BlueBridge Alliance, a nonprofit with the goal of allowing law enforcement officers more options for helping those in a tight spot, according to a GCSO statement.
Moses Lake fire victim identified
MOSES LAKE — A 43-year-old Moses Lake man has been identified as the victim found dead in a house damaged by fire Dec. 13.
2 booked on child endangerment charges
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department released a statement regarding the arrest of two for child endangerment after a search warrant was executed.
Steelhead released in Banks Lake
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has released almost 100,000 steelhead in Banks Lake, according to an announcement Thursday from WDFW. As part of modifications to Mitchell Act and SAFE hatchery programs, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is discontinuing the Skamania Hatchery winter steelhead program on the Washougal River, according to the announcement.
Port of Moses Lake honored
MOSES LAKE – The Washington Public Ports Association recognized the Port of Moses Lake as the 2024 Port of the Year during the WPPA’s annual meeting in Bellevue, Washington Thursday, according to a release from the port.
STUDIO BASIN: Ephrata Superintendent Ken Murray and Royal's championship
On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray stops by to talk about his first semester in the superintendent's seat and the upcoming Ephrata School District operations levy replacement.
Data breaches in WA at all-time high
OLYMPIA – Attorney General Bob Ferguson released his annual data breach report Nov. 26 which was at an all-time high at 11.6 million data breach notices being to Washingtonians this year compared to 4.8 million last year. This year is the first time that individual notices sent exceeded the state’s population.
Scam alert: GCHD impersonators
EPHRATA – The Grant County Health District released a statement about an unknown suspect impersonating the health district. The release says this person is contacting local businesses and is trying to investigate complaints.
Letters headed to some WA homeowners following $2M settlement
OLYMPIA — More than 1,500 Washingtonians will receive letters in the mail to claim their share of more than $2 million, according to a statement issued Wednesday by the office of Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the Washington State Department of Financial Institution.
Opera star to perform with Moses Lake students
MOSES LAKE — An acclaimed opera singer will perform with Moses Lake music teacher Marina Munter’s students Saturday in Moses Lake, according to an announcement from Munter.
GALLERY: A look at Christmases past
COLUMBIA BASIN – Grant and Adams counties often show their best off when the holidays roll around each year. Local law enforcement agencies collect money for children to go shopping with officers. Churches hold large gatherings and offer a variety of small and large celebrations and city streets are lit up with twinkling lights and smiling locals out shopping for loved ones.
One dead, one injured after three-vehicle collision
QUINCY – A 58-year-old Quincy man died, and one other person was injured during a three-vehicle collision that occurred at about 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Ephrata School Board looking for applicants
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District is still looking for applicants for the open school board position. Director Anita Waller stepped down from her position Nov. 25.
Celtic Extravaganza to fill Wallenstien Theater with holiday music
MOSES LAKE – Christmas in Washington will hold a Celtic Extravaganza at the Wallenstien Theater this Friday with traditional Celtic music from violinist Geoffrey Castle and the Seattle Irish Dance Company’s Celtic Dancers.
ACSO announces award winners for 2024
RITZVILLE – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office released a statement about the annual staff award winners. The 2024 honorees were Magaret Kuen for dispatcher of the year, Commander Kelly Watkins for corrections officer of the year, Sergeant Darryl Barnes for supervisor of the year, Deputy Jesus Montes for deputy of the year and Corporal Cale Yount for an honorable mention.
Mattawa PD reports gang-related shooting
MATTAWA – The Mattawa Police Department released a report regarding a shooting that occurred Saturday night in the 100 block of second street. Officers from MPD and Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the scene and recovered evidence.
AFA offers scholarships for those affected by Alzheimer’s
NEW YORK – The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is offering scholarships of up to $5,000 for college-bound high school seniors who are affected by Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related illnesses.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin celebrate rewarding year
MOSES LAKE – The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin has received several awards this year, recognizing exceptional leadership, advocacy and service to youth across the region. These accolades reflect the organization's commitment to transforming the lives of young people and building a stronger community through partnerships, advocacy and high-impact programs.
MLPD Cops for Tots event deemed a success
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department expressed appreciation for the Moses Lake Walmart and community members for a successful Cops for Tots event Sunday afternoon.
Ferguson opts to retain agency leaders
OLYMPIA – Governor-elect Bob Ferguson announced Friday that he will retain Commissioner Cami Feek to continue running the Employment Security Department, as well as Derek Sandison as head of the Department of Agriculture and Major General Gent Welsh as Adjutant General of the Washington Military Department.
GCSO seeks burglary suspect
MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is looking for Eric J. Fuentes, 31, of Moses Lake in connection with a burglary along Road K.5 Southeast Sunday evening at about 8 p.m.
BBCC to add second bachelor’s program
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College will offer a new bachelor’s degree program next year, according to an announcement from the college.
Teen pregnancy dropping in Grant, Adams counties
MOSES LAKE – According to a study conducted by BadCredit.org, an organization that studies issues impacting credit ratings, teen pregnancies in Grant and Adams Counties are down significantly over the past five years with Adams County seeing an 18% reduction in the number of teens getting pregnant and Grant declining 12% over that same period.
CB Foundation donates to Viking Food Pantry
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College was recently awarded a $1,000 grant to support its Viking Food Pantry, courtesy of the Columbia Basin Foundation, according to an announcement from the college.
MLFD investigating residential fire
MOSES LAKE – Tuesday at around 4 p.m. the City of Moses Lake Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on West Texas Street, according to a release from MLFD.
Bite2Go program combating child hunger in Quincy Schools
QUINCY – The reality of chronic hunger and food insecurity faces countless children across Washington, impacting their ability to learn and thrive. In response, Second Harvest has expanded its Bite2Go program to Quincy, providing vital meals to students in need.
Soap Lake Winterfest set for Saturday
SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake will usher in the holiday season with Winterfest Dec. 7, according to the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce.
West Canal maintenance funding announced
WASHINGTON D.C. – The office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., announced $57.85 million in federal funding for aging water infrastructure, fishing facilities and canal operations around Washington state. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
One arrested in connection with van theft
MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office recovered a van stolen from the El Oro Cattle Company Dec. 2 and arrested 34-year-old Tomas Diaz Layna on Dec. 3.
Grant County certified election results
MOSES LAKE – According to the Washington Secretary of State’s Office, nearly three-quarters of registered voters in Grant County participated in the Nov. 5 General Election with 36,600 of the county’s 50,488 casting ballots – or 72.55%.
Masquers to open Christmas play this weekend
SOAP LAKE — “A Good Old-Fashioned Big Family Christmas” will open tomorrow at the Masquers Theater in Soap Lake, according to an announcement from Publicity Chair Darryl Pheasant.
Two booked for controlled substance homicide
WARDEN – Monday morning the Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team served a warrant to a residence outside of Warden in the 4600 block of Road U Southeast, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department.
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week provides food for thought
MOSES LAKE — Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is Dec. 2-6, so if you are an older driver or a caregiver, it may be time to talk about driving safety, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2022, there were 7,870 traffic collisions nationwide involving a driver 65 and older resulting in 8,572 deaths, the highest figure since at least 1975.
State auditor suggests Mattawa tighten accounting controls
MATTAWA — City officials lacked sufficient oversight to ensure its 2022-23 budgets were accurate, leading to a request to revise city procedures from the Washington State Auditor’s Office.
Gesa scholarship applications open
RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union, which operates multiple branches in Eastern Washington, including one in Moses Lake, is accepting applications for college scholarships, the credit union announced Tuesday. Students who are entering college for the first time, continuing to pursue higher education, or managing student loans are encouraged to apply.
Sixkiller appointed WA director of Ecology
OLYMPIA – Governor-elect Bob Ferguson has appointed Casey Sixkiller as the 14th Director of the Washington State Department of Ecology, effective Jan. 15, 2025, according to an announcement from the governor-elect’s office.
News Bites for Dec. 3, 2024
News bites for Dec. 3, 2024
Grant PUD gets clean audit report
EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District employees adequately monitored PUD operations to protect public money, according to a report from the Washington Auditor’s Office.
Moses Lake firefighters distribute coats through Operation Warm
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Firefighters Local 1258 provided coats to students within the Moses Lake School District, ensuring they are prepared for the colder months ahead, through the union’s Operation Warm initiative according to information sent to the Columbia Basin Herald by MLFD Lt. Jason Koziol.
MLFD responds to electrical fire Tuesday
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Fire Department was dispatched Tuesday night around 7:30 p.m. to 7761 Randolph Road Northeast, by the Port of Moses Lake, according to a release by the City of Moses Lake.
MLPD asks for community aid in drive-by investigation
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department is investigating a drive-by shooting that occurred at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 on Basin Street. There were no injuries. Witnesses saw two subjects get into a white or grey sedan with loud exhaust following the incident. MLPD is asking for residents in the area to check for any surveillance footage surrounding the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Edmond Guerrero at 509-764-3887 and reference case number 24ML17518.
GCFD7 asking for junk vehicles for training
SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 purchased a brand-new set of extrication tools — which will help the firefighters to remove people from damaged cars and perform life saving rescues.