In Other News
TWO ARRESTED FOR CAR ROBBERY
EPHRATA – A man and woman who allegedly stole a car at gunpoint Sunday evening in Moses Lake remain jailed following initial appearances Monday in Grant County Superior Court.
Teresa Marie Martinez, 56, Moses Lake, and Carlos Hector Rodriguez, 46, Othello, are both charged with first-degree robbery and possession of a stolen vehicle. Rodriguez is also charged with violation of a court no-contact order. Bail has been set at $15,000 for Martinez; $50,000 for Rodriguez, pending their formal arraignments.
According to a Moses Lake police report, Martinez had approached an acquaintance, Mary Helen Rodriguez, at her home in the 1000 block of West Marina Drive and requested a ride to another location to meet someone named “Billy.”
Rodriguez told police she was not feeling well and had intended to drive herself to the hospital, but agreed to Martinez’s request. When they arrived at “Billy’s place,” Rodriguez said she was approached by a male subject – later identified as Carlos Rodriguez – who allegedly put a gun to her head and demanded the key to her Toyota Prius.
The alleged gunman and Martinez then drove away. According to the report, officers were aware that Martinez lived in the Wheeler community and found both suspects in the stolen car. Martinez told police that she knew the owner and had received permission to borrow the vehicle, the report stated.
Both suspects were taken into custody and booked into the Grant County Jail.
‘BELLS ON BASIN’ PARTICIPATION
Ephrata’s 2025 “Bells on Basin” holiday festival is planned for Saturday, Dec. 13 with activities throughout the downtown area.
The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce is inviting local businesses and organizations to be involved and provide sponsorship to help cover event costs.
Activities include the “Kids Polar Express Passport Trail,” ornament decorating, Christmas bingo, writing letters to Santa, and more.
“We’re looking for businesses and sponsors to help make this magical community event come to life,” the chamber announced.
Prospective participants can email the chamber office at ephratawachamber@gmail.com or call 509-717-0050.
ST. ROSE HOLIDAY BAZAAR
EPHRATA – The annual St. Rose Y.L.I. Holiday Bazaar is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the St. Rose of Lima School gym, 520 Nat Washington Way.
There will be gifts, crafts, food, and drawings available. Admission is free.
"Come and shop items from local vendors, enjoy some lunch, and grab a tasty cinnamon roll," say organizers.
