News Staff PATEROS – A big wildcat was reportedly caught on camera early Wednesday as it roamed the city of Pateros. Okanogan County Emergency management says the feral feline was spotted on Riverside Drive near Peninsula Park, prompting warnings to residents to be cautious and aware of their surroundings while outside, and to keep a close eye … Read more
SEATTLE (AP) – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee rolled back some restrictions for police chases. The new law, a partial reversal of a controversial pursuit policy implemented during racial injustice protests following George Floyd’s murder, police only need reasonable suspicion to pursue someone they suspect might be involved in a crime. -0-
QUINCY – One person was hospitalized after a three-vehicle wreck Wednesday morning near Quincy in an area apparently notorious for vehicular collisions. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office reported the crash that occurred on Road K NE west of Road 7 NE and said the victim was taken to Samaritan Hospital for treatment of what were … Read more
ELLENSBURG – An Ellensburg funeral home is getting props from local firefighters after donating a set of high-quality coolers to Kittitas County Fire District 1 on Tuesday. Johnson & Williams Funeral Home saw the fire department’s post on social media about the need for help in outfitting their brush trucks with coolers ahead of this … Read more
OLYMPIA – On Tuesday, Governor Jay Inslee announced plans to call a special legislative session that would address the state’s Blake law to allow the statue criminalizing simple drug possession in Washington state to expire on July 1. The special session will begin May 16 and will likely last as long as it takes to … Read more
OKANOGAN – Melting mountain snow is wreaking havoc for drivers in Okanogan County. Meteorologists say the weather in north central Washington has been exceptionally warm for this time of year creating significant washouts reported Tuesday, and making several area roads impassable. Okanogan County Emergency Management says no structures have been damaged by the flooding and … Read more
Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties are expected to have a busier-than-normal fire season. The NIFC released its four-month wildfire outlook Monday [May 1] showing above-normal wildfire activity will start in July, lasting through August, with the worst of the wildfire season spanning through the Tri-Cities area and into north central Washington. -0-
EPHRATA – A discarded cigarette is being blamed for a fire outside the Grant County justice building on Monday. Staff found a garbage can completely melted and still burning near the justice center’s entrance. They quickly extinguished the flames, and after further investigation, Ephrata Police say it’s believed that the still burning cigarette caught the … Read more
BASIN CITY – The Tri-City Herald reports that Basin City-based Easterday Farms is in the ‘hot seat’ again over questionable agricultural practices at their Lost Valley Farms property. Investigators found that Easterday Farms applied 40,000 pounds of fertilizer instead of the 500 pounds required by the state. -0-
EAST WENATCHEE – A family of four is lucky to be alive after getting trapped by fire in their East Wenatchee home Sunday. Authorities say a trailer in Clements Circle went up in flames and the family had to break a window and climb out to safety. In total, two adults and two children living … Read more