Blue-Green Algae In ML

The Grant County health District is investigating reports blue-green algae blooms in Moses Lake over the last 2 days. Sampling is to be done on Monday but officials say that based on sampling in previous years, it is likely toxins are present. Be cautious while around the lake and keep pets out of the water. … Read more

Ritzville Senator Calls For Special Session

A state senator from Ritzville says the legislature needs to convene in special session to deal with the more than $9 billion loss the state is facing due to the coronavirus outbreak. 9th District Senator Mark Schoesler says there are big holes in the state financial picture and while the legislature has the ultimate control … Read more

Fireworks Regulations For Unincorporated Grant County

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public about the fireworks regulations for unincorporated areas of the county. Those are locations outside of city limits. Fireworks are allowed in those unincorporated areas are allowed for sale and discharging between June 28 and July 5 between the hours of noon and 11:00 p.m. Incorporated cities have … Read more

Operation Dry Water Set For Independence Day

Grant County Sheriff’s Office marine deputies will be out July 3-5 looking for impaired boaters as part of “Operation Dry Water” to raise awareness that boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous. Those found to be boating under the influence can expect severe penalties and if a boat operator is intoxicated, the … Read more

GC Man Sentenced In Drug Trafficking Case

A man from Grand Coulee taking a plea deal to federal drug distribution charges will be in jail for 10 years. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office Randall Curtis Gross pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and heroin. Gross will be on five years of court supervision once his … Read more

Local Coronavirus Update

The Grant County Health District reports 20 more confirmed coronavirus cases with the total at 367. Wednesday’s cases include residents in Mattawa, Moses Lake, rural Othello and Quincy. Known exposure settings include same employer, social gathering, household contact, and one case from community spread. In Adams County there were 5 new cases reported on Wednesday … Read more

CBF Passes $10M In Assets

Microsoft awarded the Columbia Basin Foundation a half-million dollar contribution which moved the charity’s assets past the $10 million mark. CBF Executive Director Corinne Isaak says they now have over 115 different charitable funds that range from being designated to supporting those affected by COVID-19 to offering scholastic support to those wanting to go to … Read more

Quincy Farmer Consumer Awareness Day Cancelled

The Quincy Farmer Consumer Awareness Day Board of Directors decides to cancel this year’s event that waas slated for the second Saturday in September. Organizers say the decision was made due to COVID-19 and health department advisement. Past events have included a car show, live entertainment, exhibits, produce sale and the Grand Parade through downtown. … Read more

Ban Proposed On Using Credit Scores For Inssurance Premiums

State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is proposing a ban on insurance companies using credit scores to set premiums. Insurance companies say that how an individual manages credit can be a factor on how they manage other life matters so the credit score has been used for more than two decades. Kriedler says to contact his … Read more

State Freezing Wages, Implementing Furloughs

Gov. Jay Inslee cancels a pay hike for senior state workers and is implementing furloughs as ways to close budget deficits brought on by the coronavirus. The 3% pay hikes were to kick in July 1 and affect around 5,600 workers. More than 40,000 workers are required to take one furlough day per week starting … Read more