Wednesday, July 16, 2025
57.0°F

NEWS BITES: New officers, lassos and driving safe

STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year AGO
by STAFF REPORT
| June 20, 2024 1:30 AM

EPHRATA — Grant County Fire District 13 responded to a freightliner with an end dump trailer that had rolled on its side at the 2900 block of Road 7 NW on Tuesday. The driver required extrication to receive medical attention. Firefighters were able to extract the driver in about 12 minutes by removing the roof of the truck. Lifeline Ambulance Services then rendered aid to the driver. 

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Patrol issued a statement reminding Washington drivers that June, July and August have the highest consecutive 90-day span for traffic fatalities within the state. According to data provided to WSP from Target Zero, a group that tracks traffic fatalities, troopers have responded to an average of 67 fatal crashes during each of those months since 2018. WSP asks that the public drive sober, follow the speed limit and operate their vehicles distraction-free.

OTHELLO — After receiving a report of a trailer and ladders being stolen from the 2200 block of W. Bench Road, Adams County Sheriff’s Office investigators are asking for the public’s help in tracking down a trailer and ladders valued at about $10,000. Investigators suspect those responsible for the theft may try to sell the ladders to other orchards in the area. Reports may be made to ACSO via their nonemergency line at 509-659-1122 and tipsters may remain anonymous. 

RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies participated in training Wednesday to help them better handle cattle, according to an ACSO announcement. 

In the announcement, ACSO said its deputies had assisted with 126 calls since January that required moving livestock or other animals. The training, conducted by Jorge Anguiano and Baldy Horta from the Rafter 19 ranch taught deputies to use a lasso, when to use a lasso and other approaches for handling cattle safely. 

“This training session was not only educational but also a great team-building experience. We had a practical and fun time learning from experts who deal with these challenges daily,” the statement said. 

RITZVILLE — ACSO announced Tuesday that three deputies have completed the 10-week course to be corrections deputies. Deputies Cole O’Brien, Gustavo Vasquez and Joseph Mack. Sheriff Dale Wagner congratulated the new graduates on their accomplishments and said he looks forward to their return to Adams County to contribute to the department’s operations. ACSO is still hiring corrections officers and invites all serious applicants to apply.

MORE STORIES

NEWS BITES: April 29, 2024
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 1 year, 2 months ago
News bites for Feb. 6, 2024
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 1 year, 5 months ago
News Bites for Dec. 27, 2023
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 1 year, 6 months ago

ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT

Fire burns about 100 acres near Mattawa
July 15, 2025 5:25 p.m.

Fire burns about 100 acres near Mattawa

MATTAWA — A wildland fire scorched about 100 acres about two miles west of Mattawa Tuesday afternoon. Grant County Fire District 8 Chief Matt Hyndman said the fire was reported at about 4:45 p.m.

Temporary repairs completed on damaged Moses Lake wastewater pipe
July 14, 2025 6:31 p.m.

Temporary repairs completed on damaged Moses Lake wastewater pipe

MOSES LAKE — The first phase of repairs has been completed on a broken wastewater line keeping people and pets out of Moses Lake near Montlake Park. People are still being advised to stay out of the lake next to the park until further notice. Chris Campbell, the city’s wastewater manager, said in a city press release that he appreciated the patience of the residents near the worksite. “We put in some very long hours last week, and I am more than certain we disrupted your peace, quiet and sense of smell,” Campbell said. “There will be no more late nights unless absolutely necessary.” The partially broken line was discovered July 6; it connects to the city’s Dunes wastewater treatment facility. Temporary repairs were completed in less than a week, with the damaged line going back into use at 1 a.m. July 12.

Royal City man dies in rollover near Othello
July 14, 2025 7:22 a.m.

Royal City man dies in rollover near Othello

OTHELLO — A Royal City man was killed when he was ejected from the pickup he was driving about four miles west of Othello Saturday evening.