NEWS BITES: July 29, 2024

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s office put out a notice advising area residents to stay out of the irrigation canals. The notice said that almost every year, at least one person drowns while swimming or jumping into a Grant County irrigation canal. They warned that the current can be faster than one would think and oftentimes people become entangled with debris at the bottom of the canal.

MARLIN — On Friday, a 22-year-old Marlin man died in the early afternoon due to injuries sustained in a one-vehicle collision just south of Marlin according to the Grant County’s Sheriff’s Office.

James Friend was driving a pickup north on Road W around 12:40 p.m. when his truck drifted off the road to the east and onto the soft shoulder. Friend then overcorrected, causing the truck to cross the west shoulder and strike the embankment. The truck rolled and Friend was ejected from his vehicle. First responders tried life-saving measures but Friend’s injuries were too severe and he died at the scene. Friend’s body is in the care of Coroner Craig Morrison whose staff will conduct an autopsy. Friend’s family has been notified.

QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department announced the hiring of a new officer, Diego Hernadez. Hernandez has lived in the area his entire life. He enjoys spending time with his family, hunting and fishing.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to work for the Quincy Police Department and I look forward to serving the community I live in,” Hernandez said in a bio provided by QPD.