GC prosecutor honored; BBCC nursing program re-accredited
Updated
Grant County chief deputy prosecutor Carlee Bittle (center) has been honored for her efforts in prosecuting crimes against children. Taking part in a recent recognition ceremony were Grant County commissioner Kevin Burgess (left) and county prosecutor Brandon Guernsey. Submitted photo
Bittle lauded for prosecuting crimes against children
EPHRATA — Grant County chief deputy prosecutor Carlee Bittle has been honored as the 2026 Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children Prosecutor of the Year.
Bittle was recognized for her ongoing efforts in prosecuting sex offenses, domestic violence, and crimes committed against children.
"The award recognizes her commitment to protecting children, supporting victims and families, and working with law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable," the Grant County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
County prosecutor Brandon Guernsey and county commissioner Kevin Burgess also lauded Bittle during a special recognition ceremony Monday, Oct. 5. Burgess and fellow county commissioners Cindy Carter and Rob Jones issued a statement acknowledging her "commitment to protecting the children and families of Grant County. We thank you for your outstanding performance and commitment to Grant County and the community."
Bittle, 46, was admitted as an attorney to the Washington State Bar Association in 2017 and joined the local prosecutor’s office the same year. She has also worked as a senior deputy prosecutor in Kittitas County and as a designated Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Washington, allowing her to prosecute crimes in both state and federal courts.
BBCC nursing program earns continuing accreditation
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College's Associate Degree Nursing Program has received continuing accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, considered the highest possible outcome during a recent review process with no findings by evaluators.
The accreditation extends through the program's next scheduled evaluation to spring 2034 and affirms that Big Bend's nursing program continues to meet the highest national standards for education.
"This is an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects years of dedication, continuous improvement, and commitment to student success," Dr. Jeannie Hunt, dean of academic transfer and allied health at BBCC, said in a media statement. "Receiving continuing accreditation with no findings demonstrates the exceptional quality of our program and the outstanding work of our faculty and staff."
College officials said the result recognizes the leadership of nursing program director Katherine Christian and collective efforts of nursing faculty and staff. The ACEN review evaluated programs on multiple standards related to curriculum quality, student achievement, faculty qualifications, resources, and program outcomes.
"This review affirms that our students are receiving an exceptional education and are being prepared for success in the nursing profession," Hunt said.
Students and staff with Big Bend Community College's nursing program gathered in June for a group photo at the Moses Lake campus. BBCC photo
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GC prosecutor honored; BBCC nursing program re-accredited
Bittle lauded for prosecuting crimes against children
EPHRATA — Grant County chief deputy prosecutor Carlee Bittle has been honored as the 2026 Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children Prosecutor of the Year.
Bittle was recognized for her ongoing efforts in prosecuting sex offenses, domestic violence, and crimes committed against children.
"The award recognizes her commitment to protecting children, supporting victims and families, and working with law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable," the Grant County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
County prosecutor Brandon Guernsey and county commissioner Kevin Burgess also lauded Bittle during a special recognition ceremony Monday, Oct. 5. Burgess and fellow county commissioners Cindy Carter and Rob Jones issued a statement acknowledging her "commitment to protecting the children and families of Grant County. We thank you for your outstanding performance and commitment to Grant County and the community."
Bittle, 46, was admitted as an attorney to the Washington State Bar Association in 2017 and joined the local prosecutor’s office the same year. She has also worked as a senior deputy prosecutor in Kittitas County and as a designated Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Washington, allowing her to prosecute crimes in both state and federal courts.
BBCC nursing program earns continuing accreditation
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College's Associate Degree Nursing Program has received continuing accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, considered the highest possible outcome during a recent review process with no findings by evaluators.
The accreditation extends through the program's next scheduled evaluation to spring 2034 and affirms that Big Bend's nursing program continues to meet the highest national standards for education.
"This is an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects years of dedication, continuous improvement, and commitment to student success," Dr. Jeannie Hunt, dean of academic transfer and allied health at BBCC, said in a media statement. "Receiving continuing accreditation with no findings demonstrates the exceptional quality of our program and the outstanding work of our faculty and staff."
College officials said the result recognizes the leadership of nursing program director Katherine Christian and collective efforts of nursing faculty and staff. The ACEN review evaluated programs on multiple standards related to curriculum quality, student achievement, faculty qualifications, resources, and program outcomes.
"This review affirms that our students are receiving an exceptional education and are being prepared for success in the nursing profession," Hunt said.