News Bites for Nov. 21, 2023
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 11 months AGO
MOSES LAKE — With the holiday season rapidly approaching, it’s important for people who decorate to do it safely, according to an announcement from the Moses Lake Fire Department.
About half of all house fires, or approximately 47,000 per year, are caused by electrical failures, the MLFD wrote in its announcement. People should avoid overloading electrical outlets and if extension cords are used, it should be on a strictly temporary basis. Appliances that generate heat or use a lot of power, like refrigerators, washers, dryers and so on, should always be plugged directly into wall sockets.
More information about home fire safety is available at usfa.fema.gov.
OTHELLO — Nobody was hurt Monday morning in a collision between a car and a school bus in Othello, according to a statement from the Othello School District.
At about 7 a.m., a school bus on Bench Road was transporting about 36 students to Othello High School when it was struck by a vehicle driven by another Othello High School student, according to the OSD statement. Emergency response teams got the driver out of the car safely and ensured that all students on the bus were safe. The students on the bus continued to the school and the school day continued as usual.
“This is a great reminder that with winter roads here and driving conditions constantly changing, it’s important to take the extra time to slow down, be aware of the road conditions, and exhibit extra caution at all times,” the OSD wrote in the statement.
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.