NANCE BESTON

Soap Lake approves increases to sewer, water and garbage rates

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council approved new sewer and garbage rates Wednesday night, adopting two resolutions that city officials said are needed to keep up with rising operational costs and maintain essential utility services.

COLUMN: Reporting on the Frontier tragedy

MOSES LAKE — I wasn’t born, yet, at the time of the 1996 Frontier Middle School tragedy, but I grew up in the long shadow of school violence. I remember the blue glow of the TV during Sandy Hook coverage, the volume lowered when I walked in, the hush in classrooms after every new headline. I remember lockdown drills – the click of the door, scuffed linoleum under my knees – and the crisp Montana wind when my middle school was evacuated for a bomb threat.

Ephrata PD chief says EMS bomb threat unfounded

EPHRATA — A bomb threat reported late Monday night targeting Ephrata Middle School was determined to be unfounded, according to Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office log shows the call came in at 9:24 p.m., with the caller claiming a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes. However, Koch said the details quickly raised red flags.

Wahluke EP&O levy ahead in initial results

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District’s replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy is passing in initial election results, with 352 yes votes to 256 no votes as of Feb. 13. The election is scheduled to be certified Feb. 20.

‘Grease’ lights up Ephrata High stage

EHS students put on the school's first musical in years

EPHRATA — The halls of Rydell High came roaring to life Thursday night as Ephrata High School kicked off opening night of “Grease: School Version” at the Ephrata High Performing Arts Center, a show bursting with energy, laughter and the kind of school‑spirit that would make even Danny Zuko crack a smile.

CWU faculty push back on administration’s response

ELLENSBURG — A group of 49 Central Washington University faculty members is disputing part of the university’s public statements regarding the ongoing vote of no confidence in President Jim Wohlpart, saying the campuswide ballot is already in progress and not pending, as an earlier university email suggested.

Wilson Creek voters supporting EP&O levy

WILSON CREEK — Initial ballot counts from the Feb. 10 special election show Wilson Creek School District’s replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy passing with 58.02% approval as of Feb. 11. Voters cast 64 yes votes and 42 no votes, according to the current unofficial results. The election will be certified on Feb. 20.

Tiger King set to serve Ephrata

New laundromat offers modern equipment, comfortable setting

EPHRATA — After three years of dreaming, planning and searching for the right location, Tyson and Hunter Mollotte have opened Tiger King Laundromat, a newly renovated and fully coinless laundry facility in downtown Ephrata. The couple, who also own two other laundromats in the region, said bringing a modern, safe and convenient laundry option to town has long been a goal.

Coulee-Hartline voters approving Enrichment Levy in early results

COULEE CITY — The Coulee-Hartline School District’s replacement Enrichment Levy is passing by a good margin in the initial Feb. 12 ballot counts, with 239 yes votes to 98 no votes. The election will be officially certified on Feb. 20.

Warden voters support school levies

WARDEN — Initial ballot counts from the Feb. 10 special election show Warden School District voters approving both the district’s replacement levies, providing continued funding for school operations, safety improvements and technology upgrades. The election will be certified Feb. 20.