Grant County Jail roster as of Nov. 6, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Gas prices down slightly in Grant, but up in Adams

MOSES LAKE – Gas prices have dropped for the second week in a row in Washington, Grant County and nationally. However, Adams County saw a slight increase in fuel prices.

Soap Lake council makes allegations against mayor

SOAP LAKE — On Oct. 15, at the regular council meeting, several Soap Lake City Council members made allegations against Mayor Peter Sharp of unlawful recording in city buildings, including the Soap Lake Police Station, Soap Lake City Hall and the Soap Lake Tourism Center, sending an inappropriate email to city staff and misuse of city credit cards.

Ephrata SD moves forward on $75M bond election

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District Facility Study Group proposed a $75 million bond to the Ephrata School Board Monday night. The board unanimously approved Superintendent Ken Murray to move forward with a bond resolution for the board to vote on. If passed by the board, the bond will appear on the Feb. 2026 ballot.

New Samaritan Hospital scheduled to open March 7

MOSES LAKE — The new Samaritan Hospital should officially become the property of the hospital district Dec. 12. Consultant Joe Kunkel said Tuesday the first day of operation has been determined. “From today we’re 129 days from seeing our first patient, on March 7,” Kunkel said Tuesday evening.

Grant County Jail roster as of Oct. 28, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Subjects are listed by booking date.

Fallen Basin lawmen honored at Olympia memorial

OLYMPIA — Every day, thousands of law enforcement officers put on their uniforms and head out to protect Washington state. Most of the time, they come back. But sometimes they don’t.

Karen Lynn Barnes

1938-2025

Karen Lynn Barnes, 87, was born in Seattle to Bill and Marion Dettman in 1938 and passed away peacefully in Ephrata, Wash., on Oct. 19.

Multiple shooting cases moving through Grant Superior Court

EPHRATA — Multiple cases associated with shootings are winding their way through Grant County Superior Court, including the case of James Kelly, the suspect in the shooting at the Beyond Wonderland music festival at The Gorge Amphitheater in June 2023.

Marlene Keith

1937 – 2025

Marlene Marie Keith of Quincy, Washington, died on October 17, 2025, at the age of 88, reuniting in heaven with the love of her life.

Eastern defense leads to ranked win at home

CHENEY – The Eagles earned a statement conference win when they defeated the 24th-ranked Idaho Vandals 21-14 on Saturday at Roos Field. Backed by a strong defensive effort, Eastern Washington scored enough to defeat the Vandals. The Eagles improved to 2-1 in the Big Sky and 3-4 overall. “It was a dream for a coach to watch the defense play as well as we did. I am so proud of those guys. We were in control the entire game on defense,” Head Coach Aaron Best said.

New complex in Moses Lake ready to rent

MOSES LAKE — The Modern Heights apartments, located smack in the middle of Moses Lake, are almost finished. “We have about half of them ready to go,” said Doug Robins, development coordinator for the project and the designer of the complex. “We have people moving in right now.”

Renewed legal battle ramps up over Columbia Basin dams and salmon

A long-running court battle over how to balance protections for endangered fish with hydropower dams in the Columbia River Basin has resumed after a two-year pause. Conservationists, anglers and clean energy groups, along with the state of Oregon, asked a federal court Tuesday to grant a preliminary injunction that would change how eight dams on the lower Columbia and Snake rivers operate. They argue that these changes would improve the conditions for salmon and steelhead survival.

Wildcats rank second in conference preseason poll

ELLENSBURG — On Oct. 14, the Greater Northwest Athletic Conference announced its preseason poll for the upcoming women’s basketball season. The Central Washington Wildcats were voted the second-best team in the conference and received four first-place votes, according to the statement by GNAC. Just ahead of them by a point and ranked first are the Western Washington Vikings. After finishing 23-8 last season, the Wildcats advanced to their first sweet 16 in the NCAA Division II tournament after overcoming Point Loma and Chico State. Heading into this season the Wildcats have reloaded and are poised to make another run, their coach said.

Othello Hospital Commissioner Pos. 2: Lallas vs. Logan

OTHELLO — John Lallas and Martha Logan are running for Position 2 on the Othello Community Hospital Board. The position was left open in March, when former board member Shirley McCullough resigned. Lallas and Logan both applied for the open job, and Lallas was appointed to the board in June. The Columbia Basin Herald provided questions to both candidates, but Logan did not respond. Candidates had a word limit.

LETTER: Politics affects local people's health care

I’m looking at the headlines of our paper today. There’s the congressional response to the shutdown and the announcement that East Adams Rural Health is laying off staff due to cuts in funding. Mr. Baumgardner says the Democrats want to fund health care for immigrants. If you repeat misinformation often enough, people might believe it. They don’t mention the fact that everyone will lose their tax credits for premiums and other information. All politics is local and this is how local people are being affected. If you are interested, there’s another No Kings protest march on Oct. 18 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Broadway and Alder. Let your feelings be known.

Eliseo Rangel Salazar

March 5, 1983 — Oct. 1, 2025

Eliseo “Pancho” Rangel Salazar, a cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away tragically at the age of 42, on Oct. 1, 2025, in Ephrata, Washington. Born on March 5, 1983, in Cuerámaro, Guanajuato, Mexico, Pancho was a man whose laughter and warmth filled every room he entered. Pancho is survived by his loving wife Dayna Rangel; his adored children Destiny Rangel and Francisco Rangel-Hersel; his stepdaughters Giavanna Chapman and Lily Gonzalez; his devoted mother Ma Teresa Salazar Canchola; his father Eliseo Rangel Pérez; and his caring sisters Lupe and Adilene Rangel. His life was further enriched by the joy of many nephews, nieces, chosen brothers and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

‘Cardiac Cougs’ hold off tough Broncos team

WARDEN – On Friday, the Warden Cougars (5-1) held off a late comeback attempt by the Lind-Ritzville Broncos (2-4) with a late touchdown to secure a 12-7 win. Cougars quarterback Kam Jensen was happy for his team after the win. “It feels great. It's a great team win; the defense really pulled it in for us. They played great all game, and I just love my boys,” Jensen said.

Stoke Space raises $510M for manufacturing of Nova launch vehicle

KENT — Stoke Space Technologies – with facilities in Moses Lake, Kent and Cape Canaveral, Florida – has secured $510 million in funding though Thomas Tull’s US Innovative Technology Fund and Silicon Valley Bank supporting manufacture of the company’s Nova Launch vehicle. The funding more than doubles its total capital raised to $990 million, according to a press release from the company.

Long-term GCAO residents still hope for homes

MOSES LAKE – For many furry friends, a forever home can often feel like a distant dream. At the Grant County Animal Outreach, three dogs have taken up residence longer than others, waiting patiently for their chance to find loving families.