NANCE BESTON

Newhouse, colleagues introduce infrastructure bill

WASHINGTON D.C. — On November 21, 2025, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers introduced the Urban Canal Modernization Act, HR 6279, aimed at addressing the deteriorating condition of urban canal infrastructure across the country. This legislation, sponsored by Representatives Dan Newhouse, R-WA; Mike Simpson, R-ID; Adam Gray, D-CA; and Russ Fulcher, R-ID focuses on providing federal support for the extraordinary operation and maintenance of urban canals deemed to be at significant risk of failure. “As communities in Grant County and elsewhere face serious risks from aging canal systems, it is imperative that we act now to ensure vital water infrastructure is maintained and upgraded,” Newhouse wrote in a statement. “The Bureau of Reclamation’s canals are in dire need of repairs, and the surrounding communities who rely on them would be at risk if they were to fail. This legislation provides local authorities with additional resources to manage these critical pieces of infrastructure while protecting the people and property around canals of concern.”

The Floral Cottage opens in Ephrata

Local shopkeeper helps celebrate special moments with floral flair

EPHRATA — The Floral Cottage, a new floral design shop owned by Liz Graaff, held its open house Monday, drawing members of the community to celebrate the launch of the store. Located in the heart of Ephrata, the shop provides flower arrangements, plants and locally sourced gifts inspired by Graaff’s passion for floral arrangement. "I absolutely love flowers," Graaff said as she welcomed each guest into her shop with a smile.

Gathered in Gratitude brings in $70,000 for McKay Healthcare

SOAP LAKE – Around 90 people Gathered in Gratitude for a fundraising event for McKay Healthcare and Rehab Center, raising nearly $70,000 for the long term care facility.

Lions Park closed for new playground installation

EPHRATA – Lions Park will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, as the City of Ephrata Public Works Department prepares for the installation of brand-new playground equipment and related site improvements. The anticipated closure will remain in effect through the end of the year, with the possibility of extending into early January, contingent upon weather conditions and the pace of construction.

Ephrata water tower waiting for final tests

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is still waiting for the final testing to come back to the water tower. The city had originally hoped the tower would be connected to the water system by Thanksgiving; however, the intensive water testing is taking longer than anticipated.

MLSD pursuing legal action to end work stoppage

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District has filed suit to return teachers to the classroom, district Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon said Wednesday. The district announced it has filed paperwork with Grant County Superior Court to end the work stoppage and order employees back to work. There will be a hearing on the matter later this week, according to the district.

MLEA, MLSD negotiations continue

MOSES LAKE — Negotiations continued Tuesday between the Moses Lake School District and Moses Lake Education Association, the district’s teachers union. Tuesday was the second day of the work stoppage after the parties failed to reach an agreement Sunday.

One subject arrested after residential burglary, additional arrests expected

MOSES LAKE — In the early morning Sunday, the Moses Lake Police Department was dispatched to a reported robbery at the Quail Run trailer park on Road H NE in Moses Lake, according to a statement from the MLPD. Upon officer arrival, it was discovered that two suspects entered a residence and robbed the three occupants, taking personal items and cash. The suspects fled after the robbery. One suspect fired a handgun at the victims’ dog; however, no person or animal was injured. MLPD used Flock camera technology to locate the suspect vehicle. Austin Spurgeon, 32, of Moses Lake, was taken into custody and booked into Grant County Jail. According to the Grant County Jail Roster, Spurgeon was booked for first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and two Grant County District Court warrants. Detectives are continuing the investigation; additional arrests are expected.

Moses Lake Parks and Rec offering day camp while schools are closed

MOSES LAKE — The Larson Recreation Center is offering an Explorers Day Camp until the Moses Lake School District work stoppage ends. The program offers students between the ages of six and 12, the opportunity to learn, play and hangout with peers and school is postponed.

Gas prices drop nationally, locally

MOSES LAKE — Grant County, Washington and national average gas prices saw decreases this week. However, Adams County saw a slight increase in average fuel prices this week.