NEWS BITES: Drowning update, wire thefts, road work and crime
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 3 months AGO
The city of Ephrata has put out a notice that portions of Dodson Road will be closed due to water system work through Friday.
SOURCE: CITY OF EPHRATA
COULEE CITY — The search for the body of a man believed drowned in Banks Lake near Coulee City continued through the weekend, per the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The man’s remains had still not been found as of press time Monday.
EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is warning farmers to keep an eye on the center pivots of their irrigation circles. During a recent incident, a suspect damaged the crop of wheat as he drove from one pivot to another to steal wire from the farm
EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata has put out a notice of a road closure through July 12. Dodson Road NW to Neva Lake Road NW will be closed due to maintenance on water and sewer lines for the new jail. This will impact local neighborhoods.
Alternate routes include Road 14 NW for those at or north of Road 12.9 NW and Neva Lake Road NW for those south of Cross B Estates. The city may be reached at 509-754-6082 if any questions arise.
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Firefighters announced Sunday that the Moses Lake Fire Department’s B shift had responded to 28 medical calls in the prior 24 hours and seven were back-to-back. They also responded to a multi-vehicle accident, a possible structure fire and a vehicle fire over the weekend.
OTHELLO — The Quincy Police Department has advised that Serenity Ayala, 15, of Othello, who had been missing since June 30, has been located. Ayala was reported found July 3 and is now home with her family.
OTHELLO — Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a weapons offense call at about 9 p.m. in the 800 block of S. Schaake Road. Witnesses said Juan Gutierrez, 26, of Othello was threatening his mother and sister and was armed with a rifle. Deputies located and apprehended Gutierrez without incident. One person at the scene was treated for a panic attack on-site. Gutierrez faces charges of assault in the first degree — domestic violence, and malicious mischief in the third degree — domestic violence.
Anyone facing domestic violence or who knows of someone who is should call 800-799-7233 to reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Locally, New Hope operates a hotline at 888-560-6027. Both are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Okanagan Specialty Fruits names new head of enterprise strategy
SUMMERLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Okanagan Specialty Fruits has appointed Paul Carter as head of enterprise strategy, according to an announcement from OSF. In the new role, Paul Carter will work across OSF on enterprise strategy, investment decisions, long-range planning and major cross-functional initiatives, according to the announcement. The move follows OSF founder Neal Carter’s return to ownership of the company in June. Based in Summerland, British Columbia, Okanagan Specialty Fruits operates a packaging plant in Moses Lake and an orchard in the Frenchman Hills near Othello. “Paul brings a valuable combination of agricultural experience, strategic thinking and more than a decade helping organizations improve complex investment and resource-allocation decisions,” Neal Carter wrote in the announcement. “I’m very pleased to have him bring that experience to OSF as we build the next phase of the company.”
Westbound Winchester rest area closed until further notice
MOSES LAKE — The Winchester rest area west of Moses Lake will be closed for an undetermined length of time as Washington Department of Transportation crews drill a new well. The westbound rest stop was closed in mid-September, according to a WSDOT press release. "Crews identified significant issues with the facility's well system," the press release said. "Further evaluation determined that a full well replacement would be needed to restore reliable water service to the rest area." The replacement is expected to take at least until mid-December, the WSDOT release said. "The process requires funding, permitting and hiring a contractor," it said. The eastbound rest area will still be open, and has the nearest RV dump, the release said. The nearest westbound rest areas are at Schrag, 22 miles west of Ritzville, and Ryegrass, 25 miles west of George.
Soap Lake to hold cleanup day
SOAP LAKE — Residents of Soap Lake can dispose of household refuse at the city’s Free Fall Cleanup Friday through Sunday, according to a statement from the city. The cleanup is for Soap Lake residents only, the city wrote, and either a photo ID or a current utility bill will be required as proof of residency. Certain items may not be dropped off, including liquids, animal carcasses, car parts, appliances, oil and hazardous materials, according to the statement. The city may limit the number of loads per household if it becomes excessive. Materials may be brought to the Cardboard Recycling Center on Second Avenue Southwest, according to the statement.