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Big Changes Coming to Popular Vernita Bridge Recreation Area
The Vernita Bridge, which connects Benton and Grant County, is ten miles south of Mattawa on SR 24. Now, the popular recreation area is facing some big changes. Opened in 1956, the Vernita Bridge was one of a number of toll bridges in the state but was the only toll bridge in southeastern WA history. People would pay a toll as they drove across, it was paid off in 1977.
FIRE REPORT: Local firefighters train for the busy season
SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 volunteers and staff have been training for wildland-urban interface structure defense in preparation for wildfire season, according to an announcement from GCFD 7. Training Monday night was available remotely, but next week will include hands-on training in evaluating structures and determining escape routes, safety zones and temporary refuge areas.
Grant PUD revises non-union salary schedule
EPHRATA — Although it doesn’t change any salaries now, an updated salary scale for non-union Grant County PUD employees will increase salaries in the future. The revised schedule approved by PUD commissioners June 11 increased the schedule by 10%, a change originally approved in April. In a memo to commissioners, Human Resources Managing Director Tod Ayers said the salary schedules were last updated in September 2021.
Officials Now Say Driver in Fatal Crash Consumed Pot Prior to Crash
The driver in a fatal crash into the Marshalls building in Moses Lake had consumed marijuana prior to the crash. Man booked on multiple charges in the Grant County jail. The crash, which occurred a week ago Friday, happened early in the morning. When Police arrived around 1 AM at the building on North Stratford Road they found a white Chevy Malibu had slammed into a corner of the structure.
More wildfires burn in Washington; Beam Road Fire now contained at 8, 542 acres
EPHRATA — A Wednesday afternoon a brush fire, possibly sparked by a passing train, broke out in the area southwest of Ephrata, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 13, which is based in Ephrata. With the help of Grant County Fire District 3, out of Quincy, the fire was caught at about 2acres.
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