Saturday, April 11, 2026
44.0°F

Two injured in traffic collision, suspected DUI

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 months AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | April 15, 2025 1:20 AM

GEORGE — Two George men were injured early Sunday due to a one-vehicle collision southwest of George.  


Leovigildo Riano Vesca, 28, of George was driving west on Beverly Burke Road Southwest when he lost control in the 2000 block and the vehicle rolled.  


Riano and his passenger, Carlos Rodriguez Vasquez, 33, of George, were not wearing seat belts during the time of the crash. Both were ejected from the vehicle. 


Riano sustained life-threatening injuries and was flown by air ambulance to a Richland hospital. 


Rodriguez sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Quincy Valley Medical Center.  


“The motor traffic unit is investigating the collision,” GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said. “They say that there is clear evidence that alcohol played a role. We remind everyone to please be safe and not to not drive under the influence.” 


The responding agencies were Grant County Fire District 3, Columbia EMS and GCSO.  


“It’s a sad reminder that drinking and driving can seriously injure people and it’s important for people to always wear their seatbelts,” Foreman said.  


ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms
April 10, 2026 12:13 p.m.

1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin
April 9, 2026 5:32 p.m.

4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin

EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”

Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing
April 9, 2026 3:15 a.m.

Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing

MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sleep Diagnostic Center announced it will be closing its doors effective April 30. This includes locations in Moses Lake, Spokane Valley, Brewster and Wenatchee. The announcement follows the March 25 guilty plea from Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, 57, in United States District Court to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”