NANCE BESTON

Memorial recognizing 30 years after Frontier tragedy to be held Sunday

MOSES LAKE — Thirty years after the tragedy at Frontier Middle School, the Moses Lake School District will hold “We Remember,” a community gathering centered on healing, unity and continued support, according to organizers. The event takes place Sunday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. at the Frontier Middle School cafeteria.

Ephrata SD to host guided bond tour

EPHRATA — Community members will have the chance to see firsthand how the Ephrata School District’s proposed 2026 bond would impact local schools during a guided building tour at 5 p.m. on Feb. 4.

‘Showing their Tiger stripes’

Ephrata’s Ridge Robotics shines at state

EPHRATA — Columbia Ridge Elementary School’s Lego Robotics team, Ridge Robotics, earned the Engineering Excellence award at this year’s state competition, held in Spokane.

Ephrata High tackles ‘Grease’ in aging PAC

EPHRATA — As students at Ephrata High School prepare to debut the musical “Grease,” they’re also grappling with the limits of a Performing Arts Center which they say is increasingly difficult to work in. While excitement builds around the school’s first musical in years, the production is in a facility students say is plagued by flickering lights, sound failures, creaking floorboards and a cramped backstage.

Ephrata High students protest ICE

EPHRATA — Around 25 students from Ephrata High School protested Immigration Customs Enforcement Wednesday morning by skipping their second period. The students began the protest at EHS, walking down Basin Street and looping in front of the courthouse back to the school.

Soap Lake council approves interim agreement for finance director

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council held a special meeting Tuesday to review and approve an interim agreement for a finance director. They also continued discussion around the job posting for a combined city administrator and finance treasurer.

MLSD outlines proposal for new elementary

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District’s Facility Advisory Committee is recommending the district replace North Elementary and Larson Heights Elementary with a single new elementary school in north Moses Lake. This decision, committee members say, is driven by aging infrastructure, long‑term cost savings and the opportunity to leverage millions in state construction funds.

A look at the 2026 Northwest Hay Expo: Industry leaders gather amidst challenges

KENNEWICK — The Northwest Hay Expo, an annual event for stakeholders in the hay industry, attracted a diverse group of attendees this week, despite challenging market conditions. President of the Washington Hay Growers Andrew Eddie said they had expected lower numbers this year because of the difficult hay season.

Sharp utility account receives additional scrutiny

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp has paid his city utility balance in full after previously owing nearly $3,600, according to city staff. Of that amount, roughly $3,200 had been more than 90 days past due, based on public records.

Fuel prices rise in WA, nationally

MOSES LAKE — For the second week in a row, both national and Washington fuel prices increased, and Grant County’s 14‑week streak of falling gas prices came to an end with a four‑cent climb. Adams County did not follow the national trend and instead saw a slight two‑cent decrease.