NEWS BITES for Aug. 13, 2024
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 months AGO
GEORGE — A man allegedly pointed a handgun at three people in the town of George on Saturday, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff's Office. The suspect left with another man in a blue Ford Explorer on Road 1 Southwest. A vehicle matching the suspect’s vehicle description was found near South Frontage Road West and Road 1 Southwest. When the deputies arrived, the suspect was inside the vehicle but refused to exit or obey commands. After ignoring commands from deputies, two flash grenades were discharged outside the vehicle and deterrent aerosol projectiles were introduced inside the vehicle. Fredesvindo Alvarado Martinez, 25, George, was in custody at 6:55 p.m. on Sunday and lodged at Grant County Jail. He is being treated for exposure to a deployed pepper ball. The other man was released after questioning.
ELLENSBURG — According to the Washington State Patrol, there was a two-vehicle collision on Interstate 82, eastbound at Milepost 6, six miles south of Ellensburg. A 2004 Chevrolet Suburban driven by John A. Yenogoyan, 21, of Camano Island struck a 2018 Freightliner semi truck from behind. Both vehicles then came to rest and blocked the right lane. Yenogoyan was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The driver of the Freightliner, Geoffreey M. Kitheka, 38, of Tarzana, Calif., was not injured. Both parties were wearing seatbelts, and it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were a factor.
MOSES LAKE — Former Grant County Sheriff’s Deputy Greg Hutchison has returned for a new role as the emergency management specialist, according to a statement from the GCSO. Sheriff Joe Kriete administered the oath of office in the presence of Hutchison’s friends and colleagues.
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Thurston Wolfe Winery expands staff
PROSSER — Collin Meharg has joined the staff of Thurston Wolfe Winery as assistant winemaker. Meharg joins co-owner and winemaker Wade Wolfe and assistant winemaker Chris Wright. Meharg, a graduate of Central Washington University, said he got interested in winemaking because of his interest in chemistry. “I was a teaching assistant in the lab at CWU for two years and that piqued my interest,” he said in a press release announcing his hiring. He likes almost any kind of wine, he said, but has a preference for wine that’s more acidic.

WSU selects Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Cantwell as new president of university
PULLMAN — Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell has been appointed as the 12th president of Washington State University, following a comprehensive nationwide search that identified over 260 candidates, according to a statement from the university. Cantwell is set to officially assume her role on April 1, succeeding Kirk Schulz, who has served as president since 2016 and who will continue as a senior advisor during the transition until June 2025. The WSU Board of Regents unanimously selected Cantwell during their recent meeting.