Algae bloom warning, Dodson Road fatality, 'Frozen' postponed

Algae bloom suspected in dog's death; advisory issued

CRESCENT BAR — The Grant County Health District on Thursday issued a water quality warning for the Crescent Bar area along the Columbia River due to a potential toxic algae bloom exposure which resulted in the death of a dog.

The public is advised to avoid contact with all water along the river shoreline from Trinidad Beach to Chinook Park in Crescent Bar until further notice.

GCHD personnel are posting warning signs and collecting samples and will post results on the district’s social media channels and website.

Separately, another advisory is also posted in the vicinity of Blue Heron Park on Moses Lake.

Blue-green algae often looks like green paint floating on the water. The blooms are common in Grant County, particularly in late summer months, growing rapidly in fresh water with enough sunlight, high temperatures, and nutrients.

Another type of toxic algae is benthic cyanobacteria, which grows in mats on the bottom of lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. The mats are typically thin, smooth, and dark green or brown. Pieces can break off and float to the water surface.

People are advised to keep themselves, pets, and livestock away from affected areas. Additionally, they should avoid areas of water surface scum while boating; shower after swimming in lakes, rivers, and streams; and to well clean and discard the guts of fish intended for consumption.

Exposure to toxic algae can produce symptoms which appear in 30 minutes to 24 hours. Cyanotoxin poisoning can result in abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, dizziness, severe thirst, and numbness or tingling in the lips, fingers, or toes.

The health district relies on public reports of blooms on water bodies in Grant County. To report a location, call 509-766-7960. More information on protecting pets is available here.

Fatal wreck on Dodson Road

ROYAL CITY — One person was killed and another injured Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision on Dodson Road SW, about six miles north of Royal City, reported the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said Aram Garnick, 21, Royal City, was driving south on Dodson near the intersection of Frenchman Hills Road SW when his 2025 Toyota Corolla crossed the centerline. The car collided head-on with a northbound 2011 Mini Cooper driven by Patrick Champion, 47, of Moses Lake.

Champion sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy was planned by the Grant County Coroner’s Office. Garnick received unspecified injuries and was transported to Othello Community Hospital for medical care. 

Both cars were totaled in the collision, which occurred around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday and resulted in the roadway being closed for about four hours.

Online press statements posted by the sheriff’s office did not specify whether the drivers were wearing seatbelts, any factors which may have contributed to the wreck, or whether criminal charges might be pending.

No “Frozen” in the park Saturday

EPHRATA — Due to technical difficulties, an outdoor Movie-in-the-Park showing of “Frozen” scheduled for Saturday evening, Aug. 29, has been postponed, announced the Ephrata Parks and Recreation Department.

“We are currently working on a reschedule date and will send out an update as soon as a new date has been determined,” the department said Thursday morning. “We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.”

The upcoming family movie outing is planned at Patrick Park.