NANCE BESTON

Peninsula PTO launches fundraiser after storm destroys family’s home

MOSES LAKE — After a destructive windstorm tore through Moses Lake late last month, the Peninsula Elementary School community is rallying behind a family who lost their home when a massive tree crashed through it, trapping a teenage girl and destroying a young boy’s bedroom.

Soap Lake council surpluses items, updates public works director contract

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council approved multiple resolutions Wednesday, including declaring surplus property from the city’s RV park and transferring community assets, while also updating the contract for the city’s public works director. The council unanimously passed a resolution to surplus a gate previously installed at the Soap Lake RV Park. City officials clarified the gate was not purchased by the city and was not usable in its current condition.

Fire report for June 18, 2026

MOSES LAKE — The fires below were burning and causing smoke and air quality concerns regionally as of Thursday afternoon.

Grant County opens new jail facility with ribbon cutting ceremony

EPHRATA — Grant County officials, staff and community members gathered Wednesday to mark the completion of the county’s new jail facility, a project years in the making that leaders say represents a major investment in public safety and the future of the justice system.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office report outlines allegations against Soap Lake mayor

Prosecutor's office looking into alleged unlawful recording and misuse of public office

SOAP LAKE — A Grant County Sheriff’s Office report has outlined a range of allegations involving Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp, including potential violations related to unlawful recording and misuse of public office, though no criminal charges have been filed as of June 17. According to Grant County Prosecutor Brandon Guernsey, his office is working as fast as they can to determine if charges will be filed.

Vehicle crash ignites wildfire south of Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — Charges are pending against a Soap Lake man whose rollover crash sparked a brush fire about five miles south of Soap Lake early Tuesday morning, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol.

OGWRP holds groundbreaking for fourth delivery system

ODESSA — The Odessa Groundwater Replacement Project marked another milestone June 10 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the EL 80.6 delivery system – its fourth system – bringing the long-running effort one step closer to replacing declining groundwater supplies with Columbia River surface water.

Gas prices see relief this week, still elevated compared to last year

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices remain significantly higher than a year ago but are trending downward heading into mid-June, according to weekly figures from AAA and analysis from GasBuddy. The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Washington state stood at $5.51 on June 15, down 11 cents from the previous week and off 27 cents from a month ago.

Republican forum highlights priorities, disagreements among GCSO Sheriff

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Republican Party hosted a packed candidate forum Thursday night featuring Sheriff Joey Kriete and challengers Darrick Gregg and Josh Sainsbury, offering voters a detailed look at the candidates’ priorities on leadership, crime, jail capacity and accountability. Moderator Victor Lombardi guided the discussion through a series of structured questions, with candidates responding in turn.

Warden juvenile arrested for alleged assault of family members, officer

WARDEN — The Warden Police Department was dispatched to a report of physical domestic violence in the 800 block of South Adams Ave Friday morning. The suspect, a 17-year-old male, allegedly assaulted two family members before fleeing the residence on foot. He returned a short time later, where an office attempted to detain him. He then assaulted the police officer and fled on foot again, according to a statement from WPD.