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Ephrata schools still accepting board applications
EPHRATA – Today is the final day interested applicants can file applications for a position on the Ephrata School board. The opening comes after Ephrata School Board Director Anita Waller announced that she will step down from the board at the end of the year.
WA elk hunters asked to keep an eye out for CWD
OLYMPIA – Elk hunters in Washington are gearing up for another season, as the general hunting season for Eastern Washington elk opened last Saturday, October 26, followed by the western Washington elk season beginning November 2.
25-year-old arrested after alleged vehicle theft, crossing county lines
PASCO – Dispatch reported a pursuit with a dark-colored BMW conducted by Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies heading towards Adams County. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office released a statement regarding the incident.
Shelter-in-place safety meeting held Tuesday
MOSES LAKE – Members of public safety, industry and healthcare groups in the area held a tabletop exercise hosted by Grant County Local Emergency Planning Committee Tuesday. The group addressed shelter-in-place situations and communication from a simulated hazardous materials incident in Moses Lake, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Othello Fall Clean Up coming Saturday
OTHELLO — Just in time for leaf-raking season, Othello residents will have a place to dispose of yard debris during the city’s annual fall cleanup from 8 a.m. to about 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
High-speed chase ends in truck rolling
RITZVILLE – Friday evening, the Washington State Patrol initiated a pursuit with a red Toyota Tacoma. The vehicle was traveling southbound on Highway 395 near Ritzville at high speeds. WSP called off the pursuit but notified Adam’s County Sheriff’s Office that the vehicle was last seen driving westbound on Highway 26, according to ASCO’s release.
Mattawa woman dead after two-vehicle collision
MATTAWA – A 33-year-old Mattawa woman died Friday and three other people were injured from a two-vehicle collision near Mattawa Friday, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Two teens hit by suspected drunk driver
QUINCY – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office responded to a collision in the 8500 block of Road T-Northwest Monday night, according to a release from GCSO.
SkillSource open house set for Wednesday
OTHELLO – SkillSource is hosting an open house Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at its Othello location at 165 N. First Street, according to a press release from the agency.
STUDIO BASIN: MLSD Interim Superintendent discusses finances, Basin teams rocking the gridiron
MOSES LAKE -- On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Reporter Nance Beston speak with Moses Lake School District Interim Superintendent Carol Lewis regarding the district's efforts to face financial challenges and regain the community's trust. Lewis explains how the district ended up with a $20 million shortfall and what the administration have done to course correct and get the district back in the black. In the sports segment, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona breaks down Moses Lake defeating Eastmont in both football and slowpitch softball, LRS volleyball taking on Manson and the Big Bend men's basketball team preparing for the 2024-25 season. The STUDIO BASIN podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3YO9fIt.
Columbia Basin Railroad receives federal grant
MOSES LAKE — A regional railroad has received an $11.55 million federal grant to rehabilitate a section of its line. Washington Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray announced the award Thursday.
Royal City man booked for first-degree rape of a child
ROYAL CITY – Sergio Leal Barragan was arrested by Grant County Detectives Tuesday in relation to the sexual assault of two juveniles over a prolonged period. The 54-year-old Royal City man had his first court appearance Wednesday.
Basin events for Oct. 25-Nov. 1
COLUMBIA BASIN — There's plenty happening in the Basin this week. Here are a few things to mark on the calendar.
Halloween events for Oct. 25-31
COLUMBIA BASIN — Ghosties and ghoulies and things that go bump in the night will be out and about the Basin. Here are a few family-friendly ways to get your scare on.
State Auditor’s report shows shortcomings in cannabis industry
OLYMPIA – A recent performance audit by the Office of the Washington State Auditor has unveiled shortcomings in the state’s oversight of its cannabis industry, nearly twelve years after its legalization for recreational use. The report, led by State Auditor Pat McCarthy, serves as a follow-up to a 2018 audit, revealing persistent issues that have impacted effective regulation and data management.
Two audits, no significant findings
OLYMPIA – The Washtucna School District, in Adams County had no significant findings in their Sept. 2022 to Aug. 2023 audit conducted by the Office of the Washington State Auditor. The district has around 81 students in one school building that serves kindergarten through twelfth grade. The audit focused on ensuring the district was in compliance with state laws, regulations, their district’s policies and safeguarding of public resources.
More than 8,000 Grant Co. residents receive bill help
EPHRATA – Grant Public Utility District released a statement regarding the Washington Families Clean Energy Credit Program. The program facilitates one-time $200 electric bill credits for 8,579 qualifying Grant County customers.
NEWS BITES: Oct. 23, 2024
NEWS BITES: Oct. 23, 2024
Runaway DUI suspect treed
EPHRATA – A 36-year-old Ephrata man, Miguel A. Lopez Montes Jr, fled early Saturday around 2 a.m. at a traffic stop, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. A deputy pulled over Lopez Montes for speeding and suspicion of DUI in the 9500 block of Adams Road Northwest. Lopez Montes then sped away as the deputy was approaching the window.
WA risky driving behaviors analyzed
OLYMPIA — The Washington Traffic Safety Commission has announced a partnership with Cambridge Mobile Telematics and Michelin Mobility Intelligence to utilize large-scale telematics data aimed at assessing and improving roadway safety across the state. This collaboration employs data collected via mobile phone applications and vehicle equipment to analyze risky driving behaviors without identifying individual drivers.
Othello, Moses Lake men arrested on drug, weapons charges
OTHELLO — Two men were booked on drug and weapons charges following a traffic stop.
Confluence announces telehealth services expansion
WENATCHEE — Confluence Health patients will have access to additional telehealth services beginning today.
One injured in Adams Co. collision
OTHELLO – One man was injured after a collision along State Route 26 near milepost 33 Monday afternoon.
Moses Lake man sentenced in child rape case
MOSES LAKE – Dale Bruce Lewis, Moses Lake, 63, was found guilty in August of a second-degree rape of a child. Lewis was sentenced Wednesday to 95 months to life in prison.
Parents arrested for child endangerment, possession of controlled substance
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department Street Crimes Unit received a search warrant for a residence on West Ridge Road in Moses Lake, Oct. 17. The investigation was in regard to a narcotics investigation into Curtis Terry, 38, Moses Lake, according to an MLPD press release.
Two programs to assist with clean energy projects
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Commerce announced two new programs Oct. 17 that will connect Washington entities with federal clean energy and climate funding opportunities, according to a release from the WSDC. The two new programs are the Federal Clean Energy Tax Credit Assistance Program and the Federal Funds Grant Writing Assistance Program.
Quincy, Moses Lake traffic light maintenance this week
MOSES LAKE — Drivers should plan for some lane closures and flagger-controlled traffic this week at intersections in Moses Lake and Quincy. Contractors for the Washington Department of Transportation will be working on traffic lights at intersections in those cities, both during the day and at night.
STUDIO BASIN: Elections, Boeing labor dispute and Basin football
MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans Miller discusses recent news regarding elections at the state and local levels and provides updates on the Boeing labor disputes.
HopeSource selects affordable housing director
ELLENSBURG — HopeSource has hired longtime Kittitas County leader Bill Hinkle as the organization’s director of affordable housing, according to an announcement from the organization.
Dry clothes safely, fire marshal says
OLYMPIA — It’s important to use clothes dryers safely, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office reminded Washingtonians in an announcement Tuesday.
Basin events for Oct. 18-26
COLUMBIA BASIN – As always, there is plenty of activity set for the Columbia Basin this week. Check out these events and remember that it’s never a bad idea to have a little fun.
11M+ pounds of potentially contaminated meat recalled
MOSES LAKE – BrucePac is recalling approximately 11,765,285 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service reported Oct. 9.
Millions to participate in earthquake drill
MOSES LAKE – Residents, businesses and students across Washington will participate in the Great Washington ShakeOut on October 17 at 10:17 a.m. The event aims to promote earthquake preparedness through a drill that encourages participants to "drop, cover, and hold on" in response to simulated seismic activity.
Pedestrian safety reminders from WSP
OLYMPIA – With October being National Pedestrian Safety Month, the Washington State Patrol is reminding people that pedestrian safety is a responsibility of all, including drivers and those walking. In Washington there were 733 fatal pedestrian collisions in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, resulting in 1.62 fatalities per 100,000 people in Washington.
First snowfall of the season coming to Cascades passes
SPOKANE — The cold weather is coming to our region, and some areas could see snow this week, according to a statement from the National Weather Service in Spokane.
Fire Safety Day celebrated at Lind Elementary
LIND — Kindergarten students at Lind Elementary School Friday celebrated Fire Safety Day, a day dedicated to learning essential fire safety practices, according to a release from Lind Elementary School.
Citizen panel recommends Washington lawmakers get 14% pay hike to $71K by 2026
(The Center Square) – The Washington Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials has recommended state lawmakers be given a 14% pay boost over the next two years.
BPA proposes 13 projects, two in WA
PORTLAND, Ore. — A new effort by the Bonneville Power Administration will increase power availability in the region, according to an announcement from the BPA.
News bites for Oct. 15, 2024
News bites for Oct. 15, 2024
WSP welcomes 12 new commercial vehicle enforcement officers
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Patrol has welcomed 12 new Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers who graduated this week, ready to enhance the safety of commercial motor vehicle operations across the state, according to a statement from WSP Director of Communications Chris Loftis. Following 24 weeks of rigorous training –14 weeks at the WSP Academy in Shelton and an additional 10 weeks of field training – these officers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to enforce regulations governing commercial vehicle safety, according to Loftis.
American Legion to host candidates forum
EPHRATA — The American Legion Art Semro Post 28 will be sponsoring a candidate forum Oct. 23, according to an announcement from the post.
Two arrested for possession of narcotics
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department Street Crimes Unit obtained a search warrant for a residence on Road H for narcotics trafficking Wednesday after several complaints were received from residents in the area.
MLSD, SLSD out Friday
MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake School District and Soap Lake School District will not have school Friday to give teachers a professional learning day.
Four sworn in at GCSO
EPHRATA – Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete delivered oaths of office to four people Monday including Sheriff’s Deputies Justin Rowland and Ryan Borden, Corrections Deputy Matthew Soukup and Administrative Assistant Sheena Ohl.
Moses Lake man missing at O’Sullivan Reservoir
MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and Grant County Fire District #5 began looking for a 54-year-old Moses Lake man Oct. 6, according to a GCSO release. Richard Smith left to go fishing Oct. 3 at O’Sullivan Reservoir in Grant County. His girlfriend has not heard from him since.
GCHD trained on CPR, AED and Narcan use
MOSES LAKE – Last week, the Grant County Health District staff participated in a CPR, automated external defibrillator and Narcan training.
Columbia Basin Herald staff earn statewide recognition
OLYMPIA – The Columbia Basin Herald received several recognitions for coverage of Grant and Adams Counties Sunday at the Washinton Newspaper Publishers Association’s awards banquet. This was the 137th time the awards were held and the staff at paper earned more than 20 awards for excellence in advertising and journalism.
Grant Health urges COVID-19 vigilance
EPHRATA — As we transition from the summer wave of COVID-19 into the colder months, the Grant County Health District (GCHD) is reminding residents that COVID-19 is not a seasonal disease.
Suspect who fled from Ritzville PD caught in Spokane
RITZVILLE — One man is in custody after a potential domestic violence situation led to his flight from law enforcement over the weekend. Saturday the Ritzville Police Department was dispatched to a domestic dispute where it was reported that a male suspect was hitting a woman near Lewis Street, according to an Adams County Sheriff’s Office statement.
Orchard shooting results in no injuries, one arrest
MATTAWA – Last Wednesday, Grant County Sheriff’s office answered a shooting call in the 15000 block of Road 25-SW.