News Bites for March 4, 2024
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 8 months AGO
Authorities are warning Grant County residents not to fall for calls demanding money to pay fines related to missed jury duty summonses. Such issues are not handled through outbound calls.
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EPHRATA — A scammer or scammers are calling area residents saying they missed jury duty and owe money for subsequent fines. Law enforcement offices do not contact people in that manner to collect fines and residents are advised not to give in to callers’ demands, according to a notice from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. If you have any concerns about a call you receive from someone claiming to be an officer or court employee, residents are encouraged to end the call and contact the law enforcement office at the nonemergency number noted on that department’s particular website.
MATTAWA — Three people were killed, one seriously injured and a fourth sustained minor injuries when a Ford F-150 ran a stop sign at the intersection of Road 25 SW and Road R SW Thursday morning just after 6 a.m., according to a notice from GCSO.
Those who were killed were passengers in the F-150 and their identities have not yet been released because their family or families have not been informed. The Grant County Coroner’s Office will conduct autopsies and is working with Bolivian authorities to notify next of kin.
The driver of the F-150 reportedly suffered serious injuries and was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland for treatment.
The second vehicle was a garbage truck driven by George R. Prebicin, Jr., 50, of Warden. He sustained minor injuries in the incident.
MACC 911, Grant County Fire District 8, Hanford Fire Department and the Royal City Police Department also aided in responding to the accident.
QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department is recommending that owners of 2011-2022 Kia and Hyundai vehicles begin using antitheft devices such as “The Club,” alarms or other security devices. Likewise, parking in a garage, locking vehicle doors, and keeping a watchful eye on vehicles is recommended. Anyone seeing suspicious activity in the Quincy area is encouraged to contact law enforcement at 509-787-2222.
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.