Ellington

SENIOR EVENTS: April 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s spring in the Basin at last. Swing a golf club to support St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, plant some marigolds with the grandchildren, learn to line dance at the Moses lake Senior Center or check out any of the other events in store for this month.

Wahluke showcases AVID program successes

MATTAWA — Wahluke High School hosted the district’s first-ever Advancement Via Individual Education, or AVID, showcase March 19, inviting the community and neighboring school districts to see the difference the program has made.

Ephrata moves forward with upgrades to Sports Complex

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is moving forward with the first phase of a long‑planned overhaul of the Ephrata Sports Complex, a project that will add six pickleball courts, a combined futsal and basketball court and a new 80‑stall parking lot. The first phase of construction is expected to begin in May and continue through July 2026. City Administrator Ray Towry said the project has grown beyond its original concept as community interest – especially from local pickleball players – continued to rise. “Pickleball is the fastest‑growing sport in the country,” Towry said. “The facility we have by Columbia Ridge is adequate, but not ideal. We wanted to do something for that group. It’s a lifelong sport, anyone can play it, even into their senior years and we wanted to support that.”

Grant Transit Authority to provide paratransit service for qualifying riders

EPHRATA — The Grant Transit Authority will be providing curb-to-curb bus service for qualifying riders beginning July 1. Previously, GTA had a contract with People for People for that bus service. “We decided not to renew or update (the contract),” said GTA General Manager Eric Loomis. “We have the ability to bring it in-house.” The transit authority is hiring drivers and buying seven new buses to provide the service, he said.

A loyal sidekick

OTHELLO — Looking for a loyal sidekick with a big heart and a playful spirit? Dingo is a medium‑sized, mixed‑breed adult gentleman who’s ready to find his forever home through Adams County Pet Rescue. He’s vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and great with other dogs. Dingo is still learning the ropes of house training, so he’ll need a patient human who’s willing to help him master the basics. In return, he offers enthusiasm, friendship and the chance to watch him grow into the best version of himself. If you’re ready for a little training, a lot of tail wags, and a lifetime of loyalty, Dingo might be your perfect match. Visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com to fill out his application. If you can’t adopt right now, but you want to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Soap Lake Council limits mayor’s authority

Multiple measures passed to limit access, secure records and finances

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council approved a slate of resolutions Wednesday night aimed at safeguarding city records, tightening financial controls and limiting Mayor Peter Sharp’s access to city systems amid ongoing investigations into his conduct.

Ybarra announces run for Washington Senate

QUINCY — State Representative Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, has announced his candidacy for the Washington Senate. If he’s elected, he would replace Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, who announced her retirement in March.

Soap Lake approves tourism committee, planners and RV park host role

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council moved through a full agenda Wednesday night, unanimously approving the creation of a new tourism committee, hiring two firms to jointly handle city planning duties, adopting a formal job description for the city’s RV park host and accepting funding for Phase II of the Daisy Street sidewalk improvement project.

Sheriffs warn new state law could harm public safety, decrease prosecution rate

(The Center Square) - Sheriffs and police chiefs across Washington state are turning off their agencies’ automatic license plate readers in response to a new law, leaving costly public investments sitting idle.

Ephrata takes first steps toward leaving flood zone with multi-phase plan

EPHRATA — After decades of stalled progress, the City of Ephrata is taking its first steps toward getting more than 500 acres of downtown removed from the federal floodplain, a move city officials say would lift a major economic burden from residents and businesses.