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BASIN EVENTS: Sept. 13 through 20
COLUMBIA BASIN — Downtown Moses Lake will host four events Saturday, while Quincy, Odessa and Hartline all have their biggest community celebrations of the year. Here’s what’s happening in the Basin this week:
Driver hits MLPD vehicle
MOSES LAKE – A suspect hit a Moses Lake Police vehicle after attempting to elude police officers Sept. 12 at around 12:49 a.m. Both MLPD and Washington State Patrol handled the situation.
Road O-NE closed Monday
MOSES LAKE – According to the Grant County Public Works Department Road O Northeast will be closed between Road 1-Northeast and Road 2-Northeast will be closed for culvert maintenance from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday.
Law Enforcement logs for Sept. 13, 2024
MLPD, EPD, GC Jail
Mid-Columbia Libraries Hosts Ice Age Flood Lecture
CONNELL — The Connell Public Library will host a lecture on the development of eastern Washington during the Ice Age, according to an announcement from Mid-Columbia Libraries. The event will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at the library, 118 N. Columbia St.
Candidate forum tonight in Mattawa
MATTAWA – Candidates for offices that represent Grant County residents will gather at the Whaluke High School theater tonight at 5 p.m. for a meet and greet with residents followed by a moderated forum at 6 p.m.
Filing period open for two Quincy irrigation district positions
QUINCY — The filing period is open for two positions on the Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District board of directors.
Bird knocks out power in S. Moses Lake Monday
MOSES LAKE – More than 900 customers lost power Monday in South Moses Lake due to a bird that damaged substation equipment, according to a Grant County Public Utility District press release. The power returned to customers at around 4:30 p.m.
Othello man indicted in odometer rollback case
OTHELLO – A federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington has indicted Reynaldo Valdez Garza Jr., 52, Othello, on five counts of odometer tampering. Garza made his initial court appearance on September 9, 2024, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Washington.
65 Years Married
Long-time Grant County residents Darwin and Linda Beehner are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary on Sept. 12. The couple was married in 1959 and remains together today.
Two booked for siphoning gas
EPHRATA – Two suspects were arrested Sunday afternoon after they were caught siphoning gas from a local farmer, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Sun Lakes proposed fishing rule change hearing tonight
EPHRATA — An online public hearing is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. today for a proposed Washington Fish and Wildlife rule change that would extend the fishing season on Blue Lake, Deep Lake and Park Lake north of Ephrata.
Part of Lakeshore Drive to close
MOSES LAKE – A section of the 4000 Western Block of Lakeshore Drive will be closed from Thursday Sept. 12 through Friday, Sept. 13. The closure will be from 4214 to 4204 West Lakeshore Drive.
Moses Lake man arrested for outstanding warrants
MOSES LAKE – At around 1:40 p.m. Friday on Pioneer Way in Moses Lake Joseph Zamora was arrested for outstanding felony arrest warrants, according to a press release from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Seventeen-time felon arrested for robbery and firearm theft
MOSES LAKE — According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, there was one arrest made for suspected robbery and firearm theft last Friday morning. The suspect is a seventeen-time felon.
ECBID to hold public meeting
MOSES LAKE – The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District Board of Directors will hold a public meeting to present recommendations for allocating the remaining acres served by the public Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program system.
Meeting set to inform public about Soap Lake Creative District
SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Creative District Planning Committee will host a public meeting Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. to share the five-year strategic plan for the creative district.
Fish and Wildlife to receive Quincy-area land in transfer
OLYMPIA — A 1,235-acre parcel near Quincy would be transferred from the Washington Department of Natural Resources to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife under the terms of a request to the Washington Legislature by the DNR board.
Rear-end collision sends three to hospital
QUINCY — Three people were injured and transported to unidentified hospitals after a Yakima woman allegedly rear-ended the vehicle in front of her and caused both to be hit by a semi-truck Thursday morning about two miles north of George.
Candidate forum set for Sept. 12
MATTAWA — Grant County residents are being invited to ask questions of candidates for state and local offices at a candidate forum Thursday and Wahluke High School, 505 N. Boundary Rd.
BASIN EVENTS: Sept. 6-13
COLUMBIA BASIN – There’s something for everyone happening in the Basin this week. Here are just a few of the possibilities:
Fluffy slime at Moses Lake Museum Saturday
MOSES LAKE — Fluffy slime will be the theme of this month’s Free Family Saturday at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, according to an announcement from the museum.
Door-to-door scammers harass area residents
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Police Department put out a statement letting residents know there is a black pickup contacting residents regarding chip sealing driveways. According to the reporting party, the suspects said they are working with the company associated with the current projects in Soap Lake. However, SLPD said this is not an affiliated company.
Scam callers asking for donations for MLFD
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Fire Department issued a statement about donation phone calls residents have been receiving.
‘Count the Candy’ winners announced
MOSES LAKE — The results are in, and the Grant County Democrats have announced the winners of the Count the Candy game at the Grant County Fair.
Town hall on lake water set for Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE -- The Moses Lake Watershed Council will be holding its third annual State of the Lake meeting Sept. 16 at 401 South Balsam Street in Moses Lake.
Newhouse to hold telephone town hall
SUNNYSIDE — U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R—Wash., will hold a town hall meeting by telephone today, according to an announcement from the congressman’s office.
Quincy burglary suspect caught Monday evening
QUINCY – A burglary occurred Monday night at around 10:20 p.m. in the 13800 block of Martin Road Northwest, near Double M Orchards, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Royal City community health listening session coming
ROYAL CITY – The Grant County Health District is holding a Community Health Improvement Plan listening session in Royal City at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Royal High School Cafeteria.
Ritzville photo wins prize
RITZVILLE — A Ritzville man was among the winners of the Innovia Foundation’s photography contest “Celebrating Community,” according to an announcement from the foundation.
Hazardous waste collections scheduled for mid-Sept.
EPHRATA – Grant County Solid Waste will be hosting two household hazardous waste events in September with support from the Washington State Department of Ecology. The events are free for all Grant County households. No business, government agency or contractor waste will be accepted.
GCFD 3's Talley retires
QUINCY – Grant County Fire District 3 put out a statement that Michele Talley, the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshall has retired. Her final day of work was Aug. 30. QUINCY – Grant County Fire District 3 put out a statement that Michele Talley, the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshall has retired. Her final day of work was Aug. 30.
Woman sought in Ulta Beauty thefts
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department issued a statement about a female stealing from Ulta Beauty on several occasions, stealing hundreds of dollars of merchandise.
OSPI calls for cell phone limits at school
OLYMPIA — To support student learning and mental health, schools across the state and nation are updating their policies to restrict cell phone use during the school day, according to an announcement from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. According to a 2022 study by the Pew Research Center, 95% of teenagers have a smartphone, compared to 73% in 2014-15, according to the announcement. Educators nationwide have called for support in limiting student access to cell phones during instructional time to reduce distractions and provide the optimal environment for student learning. In a 2024 survey, the National Education Association found that 79% of educators who teach in schools that allow cell phones find it to be very disruptive. Further, 90% of educators surveyed said they would support cell phone policies that restricted students’ use of cell phones during instructional time.
Possible blue-green algae in south Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District received a report of a suspected blue-green algae bloom in the South Moses Lake area, near the Sand Dunes. Samples will be taken next week, according to the GCHD press release.
Man arrested for damaging, stealing canal liners
MOSES LAKE – A 57-year-old Moses Lake resident, Ivan Puyu, was arrested Aug. 17 after allegedly damaging and stealing two canal liners near the recent irrigation canal breach site according to a press release from Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Irrigation canal liners are typically large tarps.
Gesa teams with charities for Hunger Action Month
RICHLAND ‒ Gesa Credit Union is teaming up with longtime partners Second Harvest and Food Lifeline to address food insecurity in the Northwest this Hunger Action Month, according to an announcement from Gesa. Throughout September, the three organizations will work together to mobilize the community to take action against the devastating impact hunger has locally. As the presenting sponsor for this year’s Hunger Action Month, Gesa will match up to $25,000 each in total donations to both Second Harvest and Food Lifeline, according to the announcement. The credit union will also collect monetary donations and host food drives for non-perishable food items at its branches throughout the month. All three organizations encourage the community to donate if they are able or volunteer their time at several opportunities across Washington on Hunger Action Day, which falls on Sept. 10.
Law enforcement on alert for Labor Day
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Patrol put out a notice for Labor Day weekend, reminding people to be cautious on roads and make it to their destination safely. Troopers and olaw enforcement will conducte
GCSO in search of next of kin
DESERT AIRE – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help finding the family of Ventura Estrada Angulo who died Aug. 21 due to a traffic collision, according to GCSO press release.
Masquers announce ‘Annie” cast, 2024-25 lineup
SOAP LAKE — Masquers Theater in Soap Lake has cast its production of “Annie,” according to an announcement from the troupe, and also revealed its 2024-2025 schedule.
Diamond Shruumz continue to present health risks
MOSES LAKE – Diamond Shruumz products have been officially recalled by the FDA; however, people are still obtaining them resulting in illness, hospitalization, and two potential deaths, according to Grant County Health District. The GCHD put out a statement saying that there have been 145 illnesses, two of which have been in Washington and one in Grant County.
WDFW seeks input on fishing rule changes in Chelan, Grant counties
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife invites the public to participate in an upcoming public meeting regarding two proposed changes to fishing regulations in Chelan and Grant counties, according to an announcement from WDFW.
Silver alert released for 78-year-old Richland man
Silver alert released for 78-year-old Richland man
Emergency rules implemented to combat Chronic Wasting Disease in WA
OLYMPIA – In response to a confirmed case of chronic wasting disease in Spokane County this past July, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has enacted several emergency regulations aimed at curbing the disease's spread according to a WDFW Aug. 23 press release
Stolen forklift found; two suspects booked
OTHELLO – The Adam’s County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen Genie Telehandler Forklift Aug. 19 in the 1900 block of West Hatton Road, according to an ACSO press release.
Scam caller impersonates Quincy PD sergeant
QUINCY – According to the Quincy Police Department, a citizen received a phone call from a QPD phone number Thursday morning claiming to be a QPD Sergeant.
Tigers head back to class
EPHRATA – Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray welcomed staff back to campuses last Tuesday as they went back into classrooms to finish preparations for the upcoming school year.
Whooping cough infections rise in Grant Co.
GRANT COUNTY – The Grant County Health District is responding to a concerning spike in whooping cough, also known as pertussis, cases, with 28 infections confirmed since June, according to an Aug. 21 press release. This outbreak, largely linked to several Slavic churches in Moses Lake and Soap Lake, raises alarm as 22 of the identified cases were traced to these communities.
Almira grain elevator catches fire
ALMIRA – Grant County fire District 6 and Lincoln County Fire District 8 responded to a fire at the grain elevator in Almira shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to a news brief released by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Recount required in Commissioner of Public Lands race
OLYMPIA – The Office of the Secretary of State has mandated a manual recount for the Commissioner of Public Lands election across all Washington State counties, according to a statement from the Benton County Auditor’s Office. Each county will conduct the recount independently, according to the statement. According to state administrative rules, all counties will certify their recount results on Sept. 3. The Secretary of State's office will then certify the statewide results on Sept. 4.