Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Sheriff candidates discuss state of Grant County Sheriff's Office
EPHRATA — Three candidates are vying for the position of Grant County Sheriff in the primary election: incumbent J…
Bill to make school bond approval easier in Washington state gains momentum
(The Center Square) – Several people showed up at a Monday public hearing before the Senate Ways & Means Committee to offer their support for a bill that would…
Proposed law could allow state agencies to decertify elected sheriffs
(The Center Square) – Voters typically expect higher standards from law enforcement, but one proposal to align expectations across different levels would also …
Lincoln Day Dinner draws big crowd
MOSES LAKE — Members and guests of the Grant County Republican Party gathered Saturday night to discuss the issues, network and fundraise at the annual Lincoln…
Bill proposes higher fees for Discover Pass
OLYMPIA – It will cost more to visit a state park next year, if a proposal in the state Legislature wins approval. Senate Bill 5390, proposed by Sen. Derek…
Wahluke, MLSD, Ephrata levy requests approved by voters
EPHRATA — Voters in the Moses Lake and Ephrata school districts approved maintenance and operations levies and Wahluke School District voters approved a capita…
Student performance fuels school funding debate
OLYMPIA – Holly Koon of Mount Baker School District struggles every day in her freshman biology classes to help students achieve, but sometimes it seems like a…
13th district lawmakers discuss session
OLYMPIA - Residents of Washington’s 13th legislative district gathered virtually Wednesday evening with lawmakers to discuss key legislative topics and address…
Several gun bills working their way through the Washington State Legislature
(The Center Square) – Friday marks a critical cutoff date for bills in the Washington State Legislature. This means bills must pass through a policy committee …
WA Senate passes bill to boost housing supply by eliminating parking requirements
(The Center Square) – Washington state needs to build more than one million housing units over the next two decades, but one proposal intends to clear the way …
WA Ag overtime bill in full effect, despite calls for change
OLYMPIA - Washington is now one of the first states to fully extend overtime pay to agricultural workers who work beyond 40 hours per week. The law, passed in …
Four proposed bills examined by Enviro and Energy Committee
OLYMPIA – The House Environmental and Energy Committee heard four proposed bills Feb. 13. The four bills, if passed, would have impacts on agriculture, low-inc…
Sen. Warnick’s bill strengthening penalties for theft from first responders passes Senate
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 5323, which increases penalties for theft and possession of stolen property belonging to firefighters …
Wahluke capital levy request passing in updated vote totals
EPHRATA — A Wahluke School District capital levy request that was losing after the first vote count Feb. 11 edged ahead in updated vote totals released Feb. 13…
2025 special election turnout in line with five-year trends
EPHRATA — As of Tuesday, 35.78% of eligible voters in five Grant County school districts cast ballots in the February special election, according to the Grant …
Soap Lake appoints mayor pro tem, council member steps down
SOAP LAKE — Karen Woodhouse was named mayor pro tem at the Feb. 5 Soap Lake City Council meeting. The council passed Woodhouse’s appointment unanimously. Counc…