Temporary traffic revisions planned for Ephrata’s A Street SE

EPHRATA — Traffic revisions are coming to the intersection of Nat Washington Way and A Street Southeast in Ephrata during the times parents are dropping off or picking up students at Ephrata Middle School. Mayor Bruce Reim said he hoped the traffic revisions would be very short-term.

Group14 obtains, leverages new investments

WOODINVILLE — The owners of Group14 Technologies have announced the company has acquired full ownership of its facility in South Korea. The company also obtained additional funding from the previous co-owner of the South Korea property and other investors, according to a company press release.

Slices Pizza to open early next week after fire

MOSES LAKE — A fire closed Slices Pizza in Moses Lake Tuesday, according to owners John and Becky Boyer. The restaurant is expected to be closed until early next week, the couple said.

Hellewell becomes first inductee in Moses Lake Demo Derby Hall of Fame

MOSES LAKE – During the second day of the Demo Derby, the Moses Lake Round Up organization honored Vern Hellewell as the first inductee into the Moses Lake Demo Derby Hall of Fame. Hellewell said he has been participating in the event since it first started at the fairgrounds. “I was there from the beginning and from that point until (today) it’s just been tremendous,” said Hellewell.

LETTER: On FEMA and its importance

I’ve read and heard of the news that the current administration wants to eliminate FEMA at the federal level and make the individual states responsible for any major disaster, that they may be hit by.

LETTER: Love the paper, and what's going on with downtown maintenance

Mr. Miller, I enjoyed your editor's letter! I enjoy the desert living! What I also enjoy is my morning newspaper. Lord, we have the BEST paper carriers in town! I give them treats once in awhile! Never get to visit because they’re here and gone!

Turner’s 5 hit-day, Schwarber’s power lead Phillies to sweep of Mariners

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Trea Turner had five hits and a pair of RBIs, Kyle Schwarber homered and drove in five runs, and the Philadelphia Phillies completed a three-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners with an 11-2 victory Wednesday.

Vaughn Sigvart Hagen

1954 – 2025

Vaughn Sigvart Hagen, 70, of Bellingham, WA, passed away on August 6, 2025, the result of a violent crime. He was tragically taken from us while executing his duties as executor for a long-time client of his CPA firm.

Salaries for Adams Co. elected officials under discussion

RITZVILLE — Adams County commissioners decided to delay consideration of an ordinance to revise the way salaries for county elected officials are established. Board Chair Mike Garza emphasized the ordinance was still a work in progress after rumors about the proposed changes brought about half a dozen to the commission meeting Tuesday. “It’s not set in stone yet,” Garza said.

Ritzville’s new chief has spent a lifetime in the police arena

RITZVILLE — On the wall behind Ritzville Police Chief Mike Suniga’s desk, there’s a quote from Theodore Roosevelt. “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better,” it reads in part. “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who … does actually strive to do the deeds.”

Othello Library provides free fun

OTHELLO — Othello Library branch manager Georgia Reitmire said the library offers something people can’t get just anywhere. “We’re a free place to have fun,” she said. Technology has changed the way libraries do business, she said, but not their purpose.

Skill-A-Thon offers free AI training

MOSES LAKE — The North Central Washington Tech Alliance is offering free courses to help locals put artificial intelligence to work for them, and offering some prizes to boot.

Legals for August, 20 2025

Gas prices see slight decrease except for Grant Co.

MOSES LAKE – Washington, Adams County and nationally all saw slight decreases in gas prices this week. Grant County saw slight increases in average fuel prices this week, according to AAA. “The national average is nearly unchanged from a week ago, with gasoline prices continuing to hover in the same territory where they’ve spent much of 2025 so far — in the low-$3-per-gallon range — as oil prices remain anchored in the $60s,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

Starch Madness remains in Boise through 2031

MOSES LAKE — In a statement by the Big Sky Conference, the Starch Madness tournament will remain in Boise through 2031. The conference and Idaho’s state capital agreed to terms that keeps the annual men’s and women’s basketball tournaments in Idaho Central Arena.

Cougars baseball announces 2025 signing class

PULLMAN – According to a statement by Washington State athletic communications, the Cougars baseball program has finalized its 2025 incoming class, Head Coach Nathan Choate announced Monday. “We are excited to welcome this new signing class to our program,” Choate said. “We feel we addressed several needs highlighted by pitching depth. We are looking forward to getting back to work.”

Ephrata PD logs for Aug. 21, 2025

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

Spice up your life

Spice is a Siamese Mix that’s just a bit under six years old. She has notably blue eyes with a bit of fun twinkling inside. Like all of the pets at Grant County Animal Outreach, she’s been spayed/neutered and is up to date on all of her shots. Anyone wanting to adopt Spice, or one of her other four-legged friends at GCAO, can call the shelter at 509-762-9616, email them at [email protected] or just stop by at 6725 Randolph Road NE Tuesday-Saturday between noon and 5 p.m. If you’re unable to adopt, you can donate to the shelter by clicking the donate link in the top-right corner of their website, grantcountyanimaloutreach.org.

MLPD continues proactive approach to homelessness

MOSES LAKE – The Open Doors Sleep Center in Moses Lake has been closed for about seven weeks and Jeff Sursely, police captain with the Moses Lake Police Department, said Moses Lake PD has not seen any increase in calls for disturbances or property crimes. “It’s pretty stable, that’s how I’d describe it,” said Sursely.

Masquers Theater gala coming Saturday

SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater will hold its annual gala Saturday, with a theme that may be long overdue. “We’re actually kind of laughing, because we’ve never done a masquerade at Masquers, so we thought it would be fitting,” said Masquers Board Secretary Cecily Hendricks.