NANCE BESTON

Grant Co. upgrades law enforcement software

MOSES LAKE – Grant County, with the assistance of the Multi-Agency Communications Center – 911, switched its law enforcement reporting software at the beginning of 2025. The new software is a cloud-based platform with more assets and less crashes than the previous program which the county has been using since 1996, according to Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely.

Moses Lake School District EP&O levy on February ballot

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District will submit an educational programs and operations levy to district voters on the Feb. 11 ballot. The levy, using local taxes, provides funding for programs and services beyond the state’s basic education requirements.

GCAO animal adoptions double in 2024

'It’s about finding every animal the home they deserve'

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Animal Outreach reported a significant increase in adoptions for the year 2024. The shelter successfully placed 582 cats and dogs into new homes, nearly doubling the figure from the previous year. The rise in adoptions marks an important milestone for the organization, which has actively worked to address the challenges of overcapacity and resource limitations.

Lind-Ritzville schools discussing four-day school week

RITZVILLE — Lind-Ritzville Cooperative Schools is considering switching to a four-day school week instead of its current five-day week. LRCS will host a coffee with Superintendent Don Vanderholm on Jan. 10 from 8 to 9 a.m. at the WSU extension office in Ritzville. The meeting will have opportunities to discuss the potential four-day school week along with other matters of the school district.

Environmental group highlights goals for upcoming legislative session

OLYMPIA — The 2025 Washington legislative session will begin Monday and the Washington Conservation Action’s Environmental Priorities Coalition has four goals for the upcoming session: advanced clean trucks and climate progress, climate action, sewage spill right-to-know and the recycling reform act. The EPC met for a press conference on Tuesday to discuss its legislative initiatives.

Three juveniles booked for alleged vehicle theft and eluding police

MATTAWA — Three juveniles were arrested Saturday for stealing a car in Mattawa at around 6:30 a.m. followed by a short police pursuit near Ephrata.

Fifteen WA bills enacted in the new year

Impacts to be seen in health care, workers rights and more

OLYMPIA – At the beginning of 2025, a suite of fifteen Washington bills became law, transforming key areas from health care to workers’ rights, to cosmetics.

More than 700 ACPR animals found homes in 2024

Rescue hopes for more adoptions and education in 2025

OTHELLO — The Adams County Pet Rescue had a successful year taking in 604 dogs and 432 cats in 2024. Of those pets, 383 dogs and 321 cats found their forever homes. There were 180 transfers to other shelters.

Ephrata businesses thrived this holiday season

The Athletic Club, Sole Performance, the Nat Washington House and The Bookery received love from locals

EPHRATA – As the holiday season concludes, some local businesses said this year was particularly good. The Bells on Basin celebration attracted a crowd into Ephrata businesses for the celebration but also people buying gifts for their loved ones helped stimulate these small establishments.

Carter passes at 100: Local leaders respond to a President's passing

PLAINS, Georgia — Former 39th President Jimmy Carter died at 100 years of age Sunday. Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer, began his presidency in 1977 after he defeated 39th President Gerald R. Ford in the General Election. Carter served one term and left office in 1981 after losing to Ronald Reagan, but his service afterward is what earned him a reputation as a statesman.