Latest news with #MosesLake
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Moses Lake homelessness debate continues
Jul. 17—MOSES LAKE — Alleviating homelessness and its impact on the community continues to be the subject of discussion in Moses Lake. An ordinance under consideration by Moses Lake City Council is the latest chapter in that discussion. Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce executive director Debbie Doran-Martinez said that, from her perspective, chamber members are looking for responses that improve the overall situation. "We would just like to see something that would move the needle in the right direction," Doran-Martinez said. The proposed ordinance would regulate the use of public sidewalks if approved by council members; they reviewed a first draft July 8 and are scheduled to vote on the measure July 22. The ordinance is among updated city regulations that Brittany Bouchouari, director of community for HopeSource of Moses Lake, said are having a negative effect on homeless residents. The new regulations follow the closure of the Open Doors Sleep Center on June 30. "Since the sleep center closed and new ordinances took effect, we're hearing the same thing from people experiencing homelessness in Moses Lake — there's nowhere to go. It's not just about a place to sleep. It's about having anywhere to be without law enforcement intervention. We are seeing a gap for those who need a safe place to exist," Bouchouari wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. Doran-Martinez said the sleep center, from the Chamber's perspective, didn't seem to be achieving the desired result. "We feel (that with) the resources that were allocated to (the sleep center), we didn't see any results," she said. Bouchouari said from her perspective, the sleep center was a valuable option. She cited data collected after its closure. More than 1,200 unique individuals have been served since its opening in 2020, according to HopeSource data. Of those, more than 1,000 eventually stopped using the sleep center, with almost 70% of them making what she called a successful exit. That meant they found alternate housing, reconnected with family or friends, or found other programs to help them. "Each of those exits reflects progress and the potential for lasting change," she said. "We are proud of what the sleep center accomplished. We're proud of our team, our partners and especially our guests, who showed up each day in pursuit of something better." From her perspective, on balance, the sleep center provided something positive, Bouchouari said. "The sleep center gave people a safe place to land where there was nowhere else to go. It wasn't without its challenges, but it met a real need and touched many lives," she said. The revised ordinance on sitting or lying on public sidewalks, now being considered by the city, would establish a zone where those activities are prohibited between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. In the draft ordinance, the zone includes West Broadway Avenue from the intersection with West Third Avenue to State Route 17. It also takes in West Third Avenue from the West Broadway intersection to the intersection with East Broadway Avenue. A section of North Stratford Road to West Valley Road was included. Regardless of the final parameters, sitting, lying and sleeping are allowed in public parks while the parks are open. Public parks in Moses Lake close at 10 p.m. Doran-Martinez sent a survey to Chamber members, asking for their opinions on locations that should be included in the ordinance. Respondents were asked to rank areas around town in order of importance. Along with Third Avenue and a bigger area of Stratford Road, the options included Kittleson Road near the Interstate 90 and SR 17 intersection and West Broadway at the I-90 intersection on the other end of town. The survey also included questions on interactions that business owners have with homeless people around their businesses. Doran-Martinez said she sent the survey to all 470 Chamber members, and 113 finished the survey. Many respondents said they must clean up debris around their businesses regularly, including drug paraphernalia, she said. Many business owners also said they've called law enforcement to deal with homeless people. "The vast majority of our businesses have to deal with this on a regular basis," Doran-Martinez said. She cited the Chamber's experience at its previous location near the Moses Lake waterfront. A homeless person camped outside the Chamber office, breaking into the patio and later setting fire to a mattress outside the building. The string of incidents resulted in multiple calls to law enforcement, she said. Chamber officials plan to survey business owners periodically over the next few months to determine how the sleep center closure has affected their businesses, she said. After about two weeks, there seem to be fewer people in the business district with wagons or shopping carts. Solve the daily Crossword
Associated Press
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Auto Repair Specialist Don Myers of Scotty's Auto Repair Shares Insights on What Maintenance Habits Help Your Car Last Longer in HelloNation
MOSES LAKE, Wash., July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What are the most important habits to extend the life of your car? According to Don Myers of Scotty's Auto Repair in Moses Lake, vehicle longevity is not primarily a result of factory engineering, but rather the consistent, thoughtful care provided by the owner. Myers discusses the key factors behind long-term vehicle health in an expert feature for HelloNation, outlining the habits that help avoid costly repairs and improve performance over time. Myers emphasizes that regular oil changes, performed according to manufacturer guidance rather than mileage myths, are fundamental in preventing internal engine strain. He further notes that proper tire maintenance—including routine rotation, inflation, and replacement—can reduce broader mechanical deterioration by supporting suspension and braking systems. Attention to dashboard warning lights also plays a crucial role, with modern diagnostics offering early warnings of developing issues that, if ignored, can escalate quickly. The article also explores the effect of driving behavior on vehicle lifespan. Frequent short trips, rapid acceleration, and abrupt braking increase wear on critical systems, while gentler driving and allowing the engine to reach optimal temperature reduce internal stress. Myers additionally recommends seasonal inspections, such as battery checks before winter and coolant system service before summer, to buffer against weather-related strain. These recommendations are detailed in the article, Smart Habits That Keep Your Car Running Longer, in which Myers offers a roadmap for vehicle owners who want to maximize reliability and avoid preventable breakdowns. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative 'edvertising' approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Patrick McCabe [email protected]
Geek Wire
02-07-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
Next-gen battery materials manufacturer Group14 lays off workers in Washington state
Sustainability: News about the rapidly growing climate tech sector and other areas of innovation to protect our planet. SEE MORE Group14 has delayed the start of production of its battery materials at its BAM2 facility in Moses Lake. (Group14 Photo) Next-gen battery materials manufacturer Group14 Technologies laid off an undisclosed number of workers as tariff uncertainties and new federal policies create significant obstacles for the clean energy sector. The company, which has facilities in Washington and South Korea, confirmed for GeekWire that it had taken steps on Tuesday to 'rebalance our workforce to ensure the long-term resilience and competitiveness of our business.' Group14 recently disclosed that it was delaying the start of production at its flagship battery materials plant in Eastern Washington's Moses Lake from an initial target of late 2024 to a start date in early 2026. 'Shifts in demand, and uncertainties in global trade relationships have impacted our industry,' said spokesperson Katie Rolnick by email. 'We are taking proactive steps to align our operations with current realities while positioning ourselves for future growth.' Rolnick added that the company is continuing to support its joint venture in South Korea with electronics company SK materials. That plant will begin operating at full capacity this month and its output will be available to Chinese customers, avoiding the impact of U.S tariffs. Group14's headcount is 400 people. The layoffs impacted only its U.S. workforce. The company has developed a silicon anode material for use in lithium-ion batteries that holds more power and requires less time for recharging. The product is suitable for use in electric vehicles, consumer electronics and utility-scale batteries that can help meet power demand for data centers. The Senate on Tuesday narrowly passed a massive domestic policy bill that slashes clean energy supports. The Senate's version of the legislation went slightly easier on battery, nuclear and geothermal projects than the previously approved House version of the bill. It retained a full tax credit for these projects if construction begins before the end of 2033, and phases out the credit completely by 2036. But the Senate took a harder line on a $7,500 tax credit to cut the cost of EVs for consumers, eliminating the break by the end of September, instead of the House deadline of the end of the year. The two chambers are aiming to finalize the bill this week. In a GeekWire interview last month, Group14 CEO Rick Luebbe shared areas of optimism for his company's prospects despite recent headwinds. Luebbe said global battery demand will continue long term and he was hopeful that data centers represent a large, new market for batteries. 'We are behind a whole new opportunity in advanced materials production for all kinds of applications that are really critical,' Luebbe said.
Geek Wire
24-06-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
Tariffs slow Group14's battery production plans — but data center demand opens potential new growth
Sustainability: News about the rapidly growing climate tech sector and other areas of innovation to protect our planet. SEE MORE Group14 has delayed the start of production of its battery materials at its BAM2 facility in Moses Lake by more than a year. (Group14 Photo) Group14 Technologies is slowing the launch of its flagship battery materials plant in Eastern Washington, pushing the start of production to early 2026, as tariff tensions and uncertain U.S. policy cloud the outlook for clean energy manufacturing. Despite the delay, the company remains optimistic about long-term customer demand and a potentially huge new market for Group14's silicon anode product as data center operators are adding utility-scale batteries to their power supplies. 'We know that AI data centers are strategically critical to the United States' economy and this is just another technology that is enabling [AI expansion],' said Group14 CEO Rick Luebbe. The company is also waiting to see what happens with $100 million of U.S. Department of Energy funding that it was awarded in 2022 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. The funding was meant to bolster America's battery manufacturing industry and challenge China's dominance in the field. Luebbe said he's 'confident' the money will be there given the jobs being created at the Moses Lake facility, which was expected to begin operations late last year. He did note that others have lost DOE funding as the Trump administration pulls resources from clean energy initiatives. Group14's technology is used in next-generation batteries that hold more power and require less time for recharging. The company has raised $649 million from investors and its headcount is 400 people. Luebbe cited multiple factors he believes are working in his 10-year-old company's favor: Data centers are adding batteries for rapidly available power when energy use spikes. In the U.S. alone, utility-scale battery storage capacity is anticipated to double this year. for rapidly available power when energy use spikes. In the U.S. alone, utility-scale battery storage capacity is anticipated to double this year. While EV adoption is projected to slow, it's still on the rise. (Bloomberg NEF predicts nearly 22 million passenger EVs will be sold this year — marking a 25% increase from last year — with China making two-thirds of the purchases.) Group14 customers also include consumer electronics. (Bloomberg NEF predicts nearly 22 million passenger EVs will be sold this year — marking a 25% increase from last year — with China making two-thirds of the purchases.) Group14 customers also include consumer electronics. Group14 has a manufacturing facility in South Korea that is a joint venture with electronics company SK materials. That plant will begin operating at full capacity next month and its output will be available to Chinese customers without U.S. tariffs. that is a joint venture with electronics company SK materials. That plant will begin operating at full capacity next month and its output will be available to Chinese customers without U.S. tariffs. Group14 increased its slate of customers from 110 in September to 150 today. While tariffs dampened interest from China, Luebbe said there is 'huge' demand from the U.S. and Europe. Other battery efforts in Washington are likewise trying to weather less predictable conditions. Last month, OneD Battery Sciences reportedly pulled the plug on its pilot plant in Moses Lake, while Sila is commissioning its battery materials facility in the same town and plans to start production this year. Group14 in September received a separate $200 million DOE grant to build a Moses Lake plant that will produce silane gas, an essential ingredient for manufacturing silicon battery materials. That support could be pulled, but Luebbe said the effort will proceed regardless. He hopes the company can navigate past the politicization of clean energy and appeal to more universal demands. 'This is job creation. This is factories, industrialization. This is creating a new industry. This is a chemical plant,' Luebbe said. 'We are behind a whole new opportunity in advanced materials production for all kinds of applications that are really critical.'
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Three arrested after trespassing near Hiawatha Lake
Jun. 10—MOSES LAKE — Friday afternoon, three people were arrested after they re-entered the site previously known as Hiawatha Homeless Camp, near Hiawatha Lake, in the 1200 block of North Frontage Road East. "We've had deputies patrolling the area," Grant County Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said. "They've made contact with people who are found on the property. The Colville Confederated Tribes have made it clear that there shouldn't be anybody on the property. The three arrested Friday are part of the group of people that trespassed last month. So, because they'd already been given a trespass notice last month warning them not to return, they were arrested for second-degree criminal trespassing, which is a misdemeanor." The three arrested included Raymond Lazier, 52; Michelle L. Jenkins, 56; and Joseph R. Jenkins. They were lodged in Grant County Jail for investigation of second-degree criminal trespassing. Foreman said if people return after receiving a warning and a second-degree trespassing citation, they could receive a first-degree trespassing citation, which is a gross misdemeanor. Foreman said this isn't the first call they have received in regard to people being back at the site. He explained the spot has been a problem for the last handful of years, after the county trespassed people from the Moses Lake Sand Dunes. "Hiawatha homeless camp started attracting occupants around the same time that the county trespassed people from the Moses Lake Sand Dunes, a few years ago," Foreman said. "They continued to be a public nuisance and a public safety hazard. Then complaints of crime happening within the homeless camp and crimes being committed by occupants of the homeless camp — including burglaries, other crimes and several fires that started at the camp and threatened nearby property." The property is owned by the Colville Confederated Tribes. Foreman said the Colville Confederated Tribes reached out to GCSO asking for people to be removed from the camp. GCSO deputies, on May 7, showed up to the camp and trespassed on the people living on the land. Prior to the deputies' arrival to trespass people, Foreman said there were more than 50 trailers at the site. "It's the tribe's property and they asked us to help remove people by issuing trespassing notices to help them remove the trespassers from the property," Foreman said. "Last month and over the past couple of weeks, we've received reports of people starting to accumulate again back out at the Hiawatha site." Foreman wants to remind residents that nobody should be out at the property and the tribe has specifically asked for anyone found at the location to be trespassed. "We will continue to patrol the area and make sure if people are found at the property, if they haven't been previously warned, they will be given notice that they're on private property, they shouldn't be here," Foreman said. "If they are someone that we've issued a trespass notice to previously, then they were already warned, and they can be arrested for criminal trespassing." Foreman said if residents of nearby areas notice people located in this area, they should contact 911 and report it.
