NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
4th District candidates talk affordability, ag and healthcare
RICHLAND — Rising costs, agricultural challenges and concerns about the future of rural healthcare dominated discussion Tuesday during a candidate forum for 4th Congressional District candidates Amanda McKinney and John Duresky. The candidates presented competing visions for the future of Central Washington in the forum hosted by AARP Washington, Northwest Public Broadcasting and the League of Women Voters. Held at the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus, the hour-long debate focused on issues affecting residents throughout the district, including affordability, Social Security, healthcare access, tariffs and economic development. “The issues discussed today are not partisan issues. They're kitchen-table issues that affect people and families every day,” AARP Washington Advocacy Director Cathy MacCaul said.
Kratom restrictions begin in Moses Lake today
MOSES LAKE — A new Moses Lake ordinance restricting access to kratom products for people under 21 takes effect today, adding age restrictions and new requirements for retailers who sell the products. The ordinance, approved by the Moses Lake City Council on July 28, prohibits the sale, distribution or advertising of kratom products to anyone younger than 21. The law applies to products containing kratom, kratom extracts, mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine and synthetic kratom-derived compounds.
Ephrata to cut ribbon on new pickleball courts
EPHRATA — Ephrata residents will soon have a new place to play, gather and compete as the city celebrates the completion of its new pickleball courts at the Ephrata Sports Complex. City officials will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday at the complex, marking the completion of the latest phase of a project funded through the city's Real Estate Excise Tax revenues and a $400,000 commitment from the Paul Lauzier Foundation. Parks and Recreation Director Josh Johnson said the completion of the courts is an exciting milestone for a project that began with requests from local pickleball enthusiasts.
Homesley, Falstad outline priorities for improving Auditor’s Office
EPHRATA — As Election Day approaches, voters are considering not only who should lead county government offices, but how those offices can better serve the public through transparency, accessibility and efficient service. For the final installment of the Columbia Basin Herald’s five-part candidate Q&A series, auditor candidates Shannon Falstad and Darci Homesley were asked: “Grant County residents expect government offices to be efficient, transparent and accessible. What's one area where the Auditor's Office is falling short today, and how would you address it differently than your opponent?” Falstad: I do not believe the Auditor’s Office is currently falling short in these areas. In fact, there are already several ways the office provides accessible service to the public. For elections, the public can observe the election process. For licensing, residents have access to two subagents-Winzler Licensing in Moses Lake and Petersen Licensing in Quincy-which provides additional convenience and accessibility. For recording, the office accepts electronic recording, and the public can access the index through Eagle Web. That said, there is always room for improvement and welcome feedback from residents and employees. Listening to the people we serve and being willing to make improvements when needed is an important part of keeping county government efficient and accessible.
State burn ban ends; aid sought for E. Washington
OLYMPIA — Washington's statewide outdoor burn ban is scheduled to end Oct. 1, but state fire officials caution the end of the restriction should not be mistaken for the end of fire season. Washington Dept. of Natural Resources Public Information Officer Ryan Rodruck said the state is still waiting for a season-ending rainfall event. “Just because the burn ban is ending does not mean that the fuels out there will not still carry fire,” Rodruck said. “They absolutely will. The chance of large, costly fires has decreased significantly, but we will still continue to see fire on the landscape, potentially, for the next few weeks. We urge community members to use caution and follow local guidelines with any burning they may do following the end of the burn ban.”
Falstad, Homesley outline approaches to election security, public trust
EPHRATA — As Election Day approaches, questions about election integrity, ballot security and public trust remain at the forefront of political discussions across the country. For the fourth installment of the Columbia Basin Herald’s five-part candidate Q&A series, auditor candidates Shannon Falstad and Darci Homesley were asked: “Election administration has become increasingly scrutinized in recent years. What is the most important thing Grant County voters should know about how local elections are conducted, and what additional steps, if any, would you take to strengthen public confidence in the process?”
Soap Lake seeks input on 20-year growth plan
SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake residents will have multiple opportunities over the coming months to help shape the city's future as officials work to update the community's comprehensive plan, a document that will guide growth, housing, infrastructure and development decisions for the next 20 years. The city is hosting a five-part workshop series beginning Thursday at the Soap Lake Community Center, where residents can learn about proposed changes and provide feedback on topics ranging from housing and economic development to transportation, parks and development regulations. City Planner Alex Kovach said the comprehensive plan serves as the community's roadmap for future growth.
What would auditor candidates change to serve residents better?
EPHRATA — As Election Day approaches, voters are weighing not only the policies and priorities of candidates, but also how county offices can better serve the public. While many residents only visit the Grant County Auditor’s Office for specific tasks, the office oversees a range of services that touch daily life in Grant County.
Gas prices slip slightly in Washington, but remain near record highs after turbulent 2026
MOSES LAKE — Washington motorists caught a small break at the pump this week, with the statewide average for regular unleaded gasoline falling 4 cents over the last seven days, according to AAA. The average price for regular fuel stood at $5.53 per gallon Sept. 28, down from $5.57 a week ago, though prices remain well above both month-ago and year-ago levels. The decline follows several weeks of relatively stable prices across Grant and Adams counties. Grant County's average price dipped from $5.46 to $5.42 per gallon over the last week, while Adams County fell from $5.44 to $5.40. Despite the slight decrease, Washington continues to have some of the highest fuel prices in the nation. The state's average regular gasoline price is $1.05 per gallon higher than the national average of $4.48.
Kriete, Gregg weigh continuity vs. change in final Q&A
EPHRATA — After four rounds of questions on leadership, public safety, accountability and the future of the Grant County Sheriff's Office, the Columbia Basin Herald's sheriff candidate Q&A series comes to a close.