NANCE BESTON

Soap Lake City Council considering elimination of lake water use

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council met for its first meeting of the year Wednesday. The meeting began with an executive session in regard to the performance of a public employee with no action following. Lake water usage, officer recognition and other items were addressed afterward.

Law enforcement software changes present challenges, opportunities

MOSES LAKE— The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments in Grant County switched from Spillman to 365 Labs for its law enforcement software at the beginning of 2025. Since the upgrade, departments have been learning the new software and certain functions are still being discovered, workshopped and taught to the agencies.

Ephrata Fire’s 2024 year in review

'We feel blessed by the individuals down here'

EPHRATA — As the Ephrata Fire Department begins a new year, 2024 proved to be a transformative period, according to Chief Jeremy Burns. The department saw significant achievements in operational efficiency, community engagement and volunteer involvement. Burns talked about the department's accomplishments over the past year and outlined goals for 2025.

Ephrata School District super reflects on challenges of 2024

EPHRATA — As 2025 begins, the Ephrata School District is assessing the changes and challenges it faced last year. Superintendent Ken Murray discussed several crucial accomplishments and objectives for the future and the district's continued commitment to its students and community in an interview with the Columbia Basin Herald.

Warden passes water system plan and parks and recreation developments

WARDEN — The Warden City Council convened on Jan. 14 to discuss significant developments concerning the city’s water system and its Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan. The meeting featured staff reports detailing ongoing projects and strategic planning for community enhancement, alongside formal resolutions for the future direction of local infrastructure and recreational facilities.

‘To Washington, I bid you fair winds and following seas’

Inslee delivers his final State of the State Address before leaving office

OLYMPIA — In his final State of the State address delivered before a joint session of the Washington Legislature on Jan. 12, Governor Jay Inslee reflected on his 12 years in office and emphasized the achievements and challenges that lie ahead for Washington state.

Dent outlines his priorities for WA’s 2025 session

'I am cautiously optimistic'

OLYMPIA – As Washington State begins its 2025 legislative session today, Rep. Tom Dent, the 13th District's legislative representative, prepares to tackle a myriad of pressing issues while navigating the complexities of a newly transitioned administration.

Sen. Warnick outlines legislative priorities for 2025 session

OLYMPIA — In anticipation of the upcoming 2025 legislative session, starting today, Washington State Senator Judy Warnick discussed her key priorities and strategies aimed at improving policies that impact her constituents. As she prepares for the session, Warnick said she is keenly aware of the challenges posed by a shifting political landscape, particularly in light of a newly elected Democratic governor and a budget shortfall that will influence the agenda. Warnick's legislative priorities center around three themes: affordability, public safety and education—specifically the safety and educational advancement of children.

Grant Co. upgrades law enforcement software

MOSES LAKE – Grant County, with the assistance of the Multi-Agency Communications Center – 911, switched its law enforcement reporting software at the beginning of 2025. The new software is a cloud-based platform with more assets and less crashes than the previous program which the county has been using since 1996, according to Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely.

Moses Lake School District EP&O levy on February ballot

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District will submit an educational programs and operations levy to district voters on the Feb. 11 ballot. The levy, using local taxes, provides funding for programs and services beyond the state’s basic education requirements.