NANCE BESTON

MLSD hires longtime educator Kevin Rupprecht for leadership role

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District chose Washington educator Dr. Kevin Rupprecht as its new assistant executive director of secondary teaching and learning. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in school leadership, administration and classroom instruction to the district.

4th Congressional District candidates offer views on energy, environment and affordability

MOSES LAKE — Eleven candidates are seeking to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District, and all were invited to answer a series of questions on issues affecting the region. Six candidates responded by the deadline to the following question regarding energy policy: "The district includes significant hydroelectric resources and growing interest in renewable energy. How should the federal government balance energy production, environmental protection and affordability for residents?"

Soap Lake water infrastructure protected by firefighters on July 4

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake is thanking Grant County Fire District 7 and mutual aid partners after firefighters prevented the Maple Street Fire from reaching critical water infrastructure during the Fourth of July holiday.

Fourth Congressional District candidates share immigration policy opinions

MOSES LAKE — Eleven candidates are running in the primary election for Washington’s 4th Congressional District. All candidates were contacted multiple times and asked to respond to a series of questions. Of the 11 candidates, six submitted responses by the deadline.

Suds N' Sun draws crowds despite fireworks cancellation

SOAP LAKE — A bunch of residents and visitors gathered in Soap Lake over the Fourth of July weekend for the annual Suds N' Sun celebration, enjoying a packed schedule of community activities that included a parade, car show, basketball tournament, vendors and family activities.

COLUMN: An honor to be on the fire line

As reporters, we spend a lot of time telling other people's stories. Every once in a while, though, you find yourself in the middle of one. On the Fourth of July, I spent nearly 14 hours alongside Grant County Fire District 7. I arrived at the station around noon expecting to learn more about the department, cover the holiday festivities and maybe respond to a call or two. Instead, I witnessed firsthand how quickly a celebration can turn into an emergency.

Over 100 fire calls made across Grant County during Fourth of July weekend

MOSES LAKE — Fireworks sparked over 100 fire calls across Grant County during the Fourth of July holiday, stretching local fire agencies and volunteers as crews raced from one incident to the next under dangerous fire weather conditions. "All I can say is wow," Grant County Fire Marshal Nathan Poplawski said in a statement released following the holiday weekend. The amount of fires responded to over the Fourth of July weekend was roughly double the number recorded during the first week of the county's burn restrictions, according to Poplawski.

‘It takes a toll’

Fireworks, wind fuel busiest night of the year for Grant County Fire District 7

SOAP LAKE — As Grant County Fire District 7's engines rolled down Main Avenue during Soap Lake's Fourth of July parade, firefighters waved to families lining the streets while candy flew from open truck windows and brush rigs sprayed spectators baking in the summer heat. Then the sirens came on. Before crews could even complete the parade route, they were turning their trucks around and heading toward the first reported brush fire of the day, west of town. For the firefighters, the call marked the end of the holiday celebration and the beginning of what would become one of the busiest nights in recent memory, according to Chief Erick Brittain.

Local gas prices fall as summer driving season continues

MOSES LAKE — Drivers in Grant and Adams counties are seeing some relief at the pump after months of steadily rising fuel costs, with gasoline prices continuing a downward trend through early July even as Washington remains home to some of the highest fuel prices in the nation. According to AAA, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Grant County stood at $4.82 per gallon on July 6, down 68 cents from $5.50 per gallon on June 1. Adams County averaged $4.90 per gallon, down from $5.43 just five weeks earlier. Washington's statewide average also fell significantly, dropping from $5.71 per gallon on June 1 to $5.03 per gallon on July 6, while the national average declined from $4.32 to $3.79 during the same period.

Q&A with Fourth Congressional District candidates

MOSES LAKE — Eleven candidates are running in the primary election for the Fourth Congressional District in Washington. All candidates were contacted several times with a handful of questions, of the eleven candidates, only five responded by the deadline given.