Ephrata PD Blotter for Sept. 4-8, 2025

EPHRATA – The reports below were provided by the Ephrata Police Department. Suspects listed are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

EXPLAINER: Funding libraries in North Central Washington

MOSES LAKE – The North Central Washington Libraries operate under a unique funding model reliant on local taxpayer dollars, primarily property tax revenue. NCW Libraries runs 30 branches in five counties.

Local schools keep air quality, student safety at the fore

MOSES LAKE – Over the weekend, several high school sporting events were altered or canceled due to poor air quality in the Basin. Othello Athletic Director Carlos Gonzalez said they will always put student safety first. Smoky weather like the Basin has seen recently is one of the factors that could lead to a delay, cancelation or change of venue.

Moses Lake Police Blotter for Aug. 30-Sept. 2

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Police Department provided the reports below. Suspects identified are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for September, 10 2025

Fire alarms but no fire at Moses Lake civic complex Friday

MOSES LAKE — An electrical interruption triggered fire alarms in Moses Lake municipal buildings Friday night but didn’t cause any damage.

GE donation lights up Carousel of Smiles restoration project

Good things truly are being brought to light for the Carousel of Smiles, thanks to a donation of several hundred lightbulbs by General Electric to the Sandpoint nonprofit.

Grant County building permits for Sept. 5, 2025

Grant County building permits for Sept. 5, 2025

Brush fire engulfs house in Ephrata

EPHRATA – There was a report made of a brush fire in the 2200 block of Basin Street in Ephrata at around 12 p.m. Thursday, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. When crews arrived on scene, it was discovered that there was a house involved in the fire. “The one occupant of the house was rescued safely by sheriff’s deputies,” Foreman said.

Smoke forecast to stick around through Friday

MOSES LAKE — Wildfires and light winds have combined to produce poor quality throughout Eastern Washington, a situation that is forecast to persist for a few days. “We’re kind of under this stable (air) layer,” said Charlotte Dewey, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane. “We don’t have a lot of (air) mixing near the surface.”

GCFD 8 commissioner candidates discuss visions for future

MATTAWA – A candidate forum for the upcoming fire commissioner election for Grant County Fire District 8 was held at Wahluke High School on August 28. The forum included two candidates running for the fire commissioner seats, Josh Seanard and Richard “Dick” Jenkin, both of whom are running unopposed for their respective positions.

Columbia Physical Therapy debuts new pool in open house

OTHELLO — Columbia Physical Therapy has finally realized a longtime dream. “We just added the pool,” said physical therapist Ken Jones, who shares the clinic with physical therapist Nate Stott. “That year-long construction project was just finished.”

Legals for September, 3 2025

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Sept. 1, 2025

Moses Lake Police Department records

Ephrata Police Department logs for Sept. 4, 2025

Ephrata Police Department logs

Stolen forklift leads to Soap Lake power outage

SOAP LAKE — A Soap Lake man was arrested for DUI and theft of a motor vehicle after he allegedly stole a forklift from the Soap Lake School District and broke off a power pole. The man, who was not identified, also was charged with first-degree malicious mischief, according to a statement from Soap Lake Police Chief Patrick Canaday. The incident was reported at about 3:15 a.m. “The suspect drove the forklift off the school property after taking out several sections of fence from the football field. The suspect drove across Second Avenue Southwest on to Dogwood Street Southwest and struck the asphalt with (the) front forks, damaging a large portion of the asphalt,” Canaday said. “The suspect continued driving northbound on Dogwood, striking five parked vehicles on both sides (of the street). (He) drove the forklift eastbound on Main Avenue West with the telescoping fork rail extended.”

Ephrata PD logs for Aug. 28, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Ephrata Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Mavs cross country ready for more this season

MOSES LAKE – After a storybook season, the Mavericks cross country team is ready to go farther this season, Head Coach Larry Dagnon said. “Last year was a monumental season. Honestly, not only was it monumental for how the team did, but just having sports was monumental,” he said.

MLSD approves transpo upgrades, saves money on personnel

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School board met for a regular meeting Thursday to pass its annual budget, approve several purchases and receive an update on personnel from the superintendent.

ESA holds annual charity golf tournament

SOAP LAKE – On Saturday, the Alpha Omega chapter of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha nonprofit organization held its annual charity golf tournament at Lakeview Golf and Country Club. According to President Abby Smith, the tournament was a success.