NEWS BITES: July 25, 2024

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff's Department released a statement saying that the Grant County Sheriff’s Motor Traffic unit is patrolling roadways all over the county to look for motorists not driving safely due to the county fair. The statement has tips to avoid being pulled over such as: Don’t drive under the influence, don’t speed, don’t drive aggressively, don't drive distracted, wear your seat belt and have your kiddos secured in approved car seats.

EPHRATA — Grant County Fire District No. 3 is proposing a renewal of their EMS levy and has released a fact sheet regarding the election. The Emergency Medical Service levy will be placed to voters on the ballot to renew a rate of $0.38 per $1,000 assessed property value which will be active for another six-year term. The statement says 100% of the EMS levy revenue will be used for training and provisions of emergency medical services. The funds may be used for rescue and aid vehicles, medical equipment and supplies, emergency medical personnel and rescue tools.

QUINCY — Grant County Fire District No. 3 received a $10,000 grant through House Bill 1168 from the Department of Natural Resources. The fire district said they plan on using the funding to purchase much-needed personal protective equipment for wildland fire incidents.

MATTAWA — State Route 243 was closed for a couple of hours Tuesday evening due to a serious injury collision in the S-curves about five miles away from Mattawa according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

ROYAL SLOPE — The CHS SunBasin Growers donated $15,000 to the Rope Rescue Team run by the Royal Slop Fire-Rescue according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The donation was presented to General Manager Chriss Guess and Operations Manager Ted Freeman and will be put toward the purchase of additional equipment and rescue operations in local climbing areas and at Vantage Bridge.