Ephrata approves grant programs

EPHRATA – During the August 6 regular Ephrata City Council meeting, the city approved six resolutions addressing a variety of issues including contracts, street maintenance, transportation and communication. Two of those involved grants that would make improving transportation and managing growth easier.

Raising livestock is the tough part of fair competition

MOSES LAKE — Participants in livestock classes at the Grant County Fair exhibit a diverse range of animals, including steers, chickens, and horses; they come from various communities with varying levels of experience. There does seem to be one point of agreement: raising animals is a lot of work. It's even more work than the show ring.

First day of the Moses Lake Demo Derby

MOSES LAKE – The first night of Miner Services’ Demolition Derby kicked off Tuesday with a variety of racing and knockout events, concluding with a last man standing demo derby with Seth Dompier coming out on top. “It’s just a great time,” said Dompier. “It’s a lot of fun coming out here with your friends and a lot of good people (and being) in front of the fans and just having a great time wrecking some cars.”

Law enforcement has fun, makes connections in Mattawa

MATTAWA — Mattawa Police Chief Alex Zesati said National Night Out is one of the Mattawa Police Department’s best nights of the year. “I would say National Night Out is one of our favorite times of the year,” Zesati said. “It’s basically because of the connection we get with the public.”

Adams County Sheriff’s Jail roster for Aug. 13, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This is the active list of inmates for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office listed in order of the date of arrest. The Adams County Jail is closed, so inmates are housed in other jurisdictions.

Legals for August, 13 2025

Grant County Fair officially begins

MOSES LAKE – The 2025 Grant County Fair held its opening ceremony Tuesday at 10 a.m. to kick off the festivities for the week. Fair volunteers and advisors, local politicians, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office were all in attendance to celebrate. “Everybody can be proud of probably one of the best fairground facilities in the state of Washington,” said Jim McKiernan, director of the Grant County Fairgrounds.

WA launches online Narcan finder amid rising overdose deaths

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health has unveiled an online tool designed to help residents swiftly locate free naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, including those related to fentanyl. The only place for residents in both Grant and Adams Counties to get free naloxone is the Grant County Health District, 1038 Ivy Ave. in Moses Lake. There are no locations in Adams County.

Grant Co. Fair has local vendors showcasing unique flavors

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Fair kicked off its opening day yesterday at the Grant County Fairgrounds, enveloping the area in a colorful tapestry of local vendors, enticing aromas and the sound of lively chatter. From tacos to tater dogs, this year’s fair brings an eclectic mix of culinary delights that highlight the community's entrepreneurial spirit. Among the participating vendors is Tacos El Rey, a local business known for its authentic Mexican cuisine.

David Allen O’Brien

Aug. 24, 1972 — Aug. 5, 2025

David “Dave” O’Brien, 52, of Lind, Washington, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, of natural causes at his home.

Biscuits, bacon and buckin’ broncs at the Cowboy Breakfast

MOSES LAKE — The chute opened, the rider came out and for eight seconds, the bull and rider flung themselves every which way. But this time, the bull was inflatable and the rider’s age was a single digit. This was the Peewee Stampede Rodeo at the Moses Lake Cowboy Breakfast, the longstanding traditional kickoff to the Grant County Fair. This year’s stick horse rodeo drew about 20 young cowboys and cowgirls.

Invasive animals pose risks to the Basin

MOSES LAKE – The Washington Invasive Species Council has 29 animals and insects listed on their site as priority invasive species that have either found themselves at home in the state or are of concern around the country. The Columbia Basin has become home to a number of these species.

Soap Lake welcomes new police chief

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Police Department officially welcomed its new chief, Patrick Canady, who was sworn in at City Hall on Monday morning at 9 a.m. Participating in the ceremony were Sharp and several city officials, who expressed their excitement about Canady's arrival and the fresh perspectives he brings.

Donald Stuart McDowall, Sr.

Sept. 27, 1933 — Aug. 3, 2025

Don was born and raised in a log cabin in the Canadian Rockies just north of Glacier National Park, in Alberta. His childhood was the difficulties of the Great Depression and then the struggle of World War II, which for Canada began in 1939.

Soap Lake lights up with Moonlight Paddle

SOAP LAKE — The surface of Soap Lake was lit up Saturday night by canoes, kayaks, inflatables and paddleboards for the annual Moonlight Paddle. “We had an amazing turnout, probably one of the best I’ve seen,” said Susan Carson, vice president of the Soap Lake chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event. “We had 52 registered vessels and … probably at least another 10 that were just there for the fun. We had people (who) came clear from West Seattle, Wenatchee and Tri-Cities.”

Grant Co. making progress on 6-year roads plan

EPHRATA – Grant County has updated a six-year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), as outlined in a signed resolution from 2025 to 2030, with drafts extending the resolution from 2025-2030 and drafts going into 2031.

Parkway Fields getting upgrades

EPHRATA – Over the last week, the ballfields outside of Parkway Intermediate School have been undergoing some upgrades. According to Ephrata School District's Director of Communications, Sarah Morford, the fields needed repair.

Sun City Cycle & Sports: Moses Lake shop offers repair, new and used bikes

MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin has a new place to buy, sell or repair bicycles. “It was a service we wanted to offer the city of Moses Lake that it didn’t previously have,” said Andrew Spark, co-owner of Sun City Cycle & Sports. “I've had a lot of people walk in, not really to buy anything, just to say ‘We're so happy you're here now. We don't have to take our bikes to Wenatchee, Tri-Cities or Spokane.’”

Canady to take the reins of Soap Lake PD

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council convened on Aug. 6, during a regular meeting and hired a new police chief, resulting in a 6-1 vote in favor of hiring long-term Ephrata Police Officer Patrick Canady.

Dahlia Festival coming to Royal City next month

ROYAL CITY — The first annual Columbia Basin Dahlia and Cut Flower Festival is coming next month. “Cut flowers and dahlias have become a huge thing, whether it's the backyard cut flower person or somebody that's making a small business out of it,” said Lisa Villegas, owner of Seed Cupboard Nursery in Royal City, which is hosting the festival. “I think it happened during COVID, where people just became fascinated with it.”