NANCE BESTON

MLHS welders heading to state competition

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake High School welders will be heading to state competitions March 27 and 28. The team this year consists of freshman Connor Nelson, sophomore Roenin Matosich and junior William Bennet. According to welding teacher Jimmy Herrin, the students just received the design for this year’s project, a tripod grill. Students then will work on welds and skills they think they will need to complete the object. The students will receive blueprints for the project 24 hours before the competition.

St. Rose of Lima, Young Ladies Institute partner for blood drive

EPHRATA — St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church is once again uniting its community for a noble cause. On April 16, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Young Ladies Institute and Knights of Columbus will collaborate to host a blood drive at the Ephrata Recreation Center. This annual event aims to bolster the local blood supply, which is persistently in high demand.

Ephrata PD joins BlueBridge Alliance to foster community ties

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department announced its partnership Tuesday with the BlueBridge Alliance, an initiative aimed at enhancing community relations by providing help to the needy. This partnership helps provide immediate help to residents facing challenging circumstances.

Ephrata High’s Smith named student of the month

EPHRATA — Devin Smith, a sophomore at Ephrata High School, has been recognized as one of the EHS February Students of the Month, a recognition bestowed by his teacher, Scott Sandberg. Sandberg, who teaches cyber security and serves as the Future Business Leaders of America advisor, highlighted Smith’s exemplary performance and dedication both in and out of the classroom as the primary reasons for his nomination.

WA gun bill could have major implications for Grant Co. Fair

OLYMPIA — A Washington State Senate bill to ban firearms in public areas where children may be present had its first hearing in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee Tuesday. More than 50 people were scheduled to testify regarding the bill during the committee meeting.

Infant attacked by dog, alive and receiving care

MOSES LAKE – Friday at around noon, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a dog attack incident involving a four-week-old baby boy. The minor was brought to Samaritan Hospital prior to police contact.

Gas prices drop for fourth consecutive week

MOSES LAKE – The national average price of gasoline has fallen for the fourth straight week, according to data from GasBuddy, which tracks prices from more than 12 million reports across over 150,000 gas stations.

Fairgrounds shooter sentenced after pleading guilty

MOSES LAKE – A 15-year-old has been sentenced for a shooting incident at the Grant County Fairgrounds last August, according to Grant County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin McCrae.

UPDATE: Porterhouse moves up closing date

MOSES LAKE -- The Porterhouse Steakhouse owners have decided to close the restaurant earlier than anticipated with March 22 being the final day of operations. Owners Sam and Cale Russell said this is to help the new owner with the transition process. The steakhouse will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, then 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Afterwards, the building will begin its transition to an Elks Club.

Porterhouse Steakhouse to close after 15-year run

Russell brothers reflect on restaurant's legacy, sense of community

MOSES LAKE – The Porterhouse Steakhouse will be closing its doors March 29. Brothers Sam and Cale Russell have owned the restaurant for more than 15 years; however, they said it’s time for the restaurant to move onto its next era. The restaurant will remain open for normal business hours until then.