NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Grant County primary turnout slips from 2022 levels as officials look ahead to November election
EPHRATA — Grant County's voter turnout in the 2026 primary election finished at nearly 34%, a figure county election officials describe as typical for a primary election but lower than turnout seen four years ago.
Grant County Fire District 7 seeks voter approval for replacement EMS levy
SOAP LAKE — Voters in Grant County Fire District 7 will decide this November whether to approve a six-year replacement Emergency Medical Services levy that would increase the district's rate from $0.25 to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Washington’s three largest wildfires continue to influence air quality across Grant and Adams counties
MOSES LAKE — The three largest wildfires currently burning in Washington state remain the Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County, the Kaiser Canyon Fire on the Colville Reservation, and the Little Giant Fire in Chelan County. Together, the fires have burned more than 428,000 acres and continue to generate smoke that is affecting air quality across portions of North Central Washington, including Grant and Adams counties.
Man arrested after alleged sword threats, assault on officer; K-9 assists in capture
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man accused of threatening another person with a sword and later assaulting a police officer was arrested after a confrontation with law enforcement in which a police K-9 was deployed, authorities said.
WA gas prices climb, nat'l average remains over $4
MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices continued their upward trend across Washington and the Columbia Basin over the past week, mirroring national concerns about tightening fuel supplies and rising crude oil costs. According to AAA data released Monday, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Washington rose to $5.19, up 5 cents from $5.14 a week ago. In Grant County, prices increased 10 cents to $5.15 per gallon, while neighboring Adams County saw an even larger jump of 20 cents, climbing to $5.21 from $5.01 a week earlier. Nationally, however, the average price edged down slightly to $4.06 per gallon, compared with $4.09 a week ago.
No-confidence vote in Grant County sheriff’s administration drew support from majority of participants
EPHRATA — Newly-released public records show that 31 members of the Grant County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriffs’ Association voted no confidence in Sheriff Joey Kriete's administration in June, while six expressed confidence and 10 abstained. The records confirm the outcome of the vote but do not disclose the concerns that prompted it.
Martinez, Thompson advance in tight 13th District State House race
OLYMPIA — Deanna Martinez and Joshua Thompson will advance to the general election for Washington's 13th Legislative District Position 2 seat after emerging as the top two vote-getters in a three-way Republican primary. The seat was formerly held by Alex Ybarra, who is running for state senate during this election.
New fence improves playground safety at Sage Point Elementary
MOSES LAKE — A new fence at Sage Point Elementary School is helping create a safer playground environment for students, thanks to a partnership between local businesses and the Moses Lake School District.
Burn ban remains in effect; officials warn of fines, criminal penalties
MOSES LAKE — Grant County residents are being reminded that a countywide burn ban remains in effect through the end of September as officials warn that violating the restriction could result in fines, criminal charges and, in some cases, jail time.
Raap, Durfee advance to general election in Grant County Commissioner race
EPHRATA— With only about 150 ballots left to count in Grant County as of Aug. 13, Kelly Raap and Shannon Durfee appear headed to the November general election in the race for Grant County Commissioner Position 3. The election results will be certified on Aug. 18.