NANCE BESTON

Sheriff candidates debate at Ephrata forum

EPHRATA — Incumbent Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrick Gregg highlighted differences in leadership style, accountability and jail operations during a candidate forum Wednesday night at the Art Semro American Legion Post 28. The two Republicans are competing in the Nov. 3 general election to lead the Grant County Sheriff's Office, with both candidates talking about decades of law enforcement experience and public servic

Martinez, Thompson emphasize affordability, local control in 13th District forum

EPHRATA — Republican candidates Deanna Martinez and Joshua Thompson discussed affordability, housing, water and government regulation during a candidate forum Wednesday night at the Art Semro American Legion Post 28 as they compete for an open seat in the Washington House of Representatives. The Position 2 seat in the 13th Legislative District was vacated by Rep. Alex Ybarra, who is seeking election to the state Senate after Sen. Judy Warnick announced her retirement and chose not to seek reelection. Both candidates presented themselves as conservatives focused on limiting taxes and reducing regulations, but each pointed to different experiences and priorities as qualifications for the job.

Dent, Garcia outline contrasting visions at forum

EPHRATA — Incumbent Republican Rep. Tom Dent and Democratic challenger Juan “Jerry” Garcia offered contrasting approaches to taxes, health care and state government during a candidate forum Wednesday night at the Art Semro American Legion Post 28 in Ephrata. The forum, hosted ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, featured candidates seeking legislative offices in the 13th District. Dent and Garcia, who are running for Position 1 in the Washington House of Representatives, answered questions about state taxes, bipartisanship and party influence.

Duresky emphasizes health care, immigration reform at candidate forum

EPHRATA — Democratic candidate John Duresky told voters Wednesday that protecting health care, reforming immigration policy and restoring trust in government would be among his priorities if elected to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District. Duresky was the only congressional candidate to appear at the Oct. 21 candidate forum hosted by Art Semro American Legion Post 28. Republican candidate Amanda McKinney did not attend. Post President Mike Montaney said he had contacted McKinney by letter, email and text message but received no response. During opening remarks, Duresky highlighted his 37-year career in military and federal service, including 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, a deployment to Iraq and later work as a project manager at the Hanford site.

Fire District 7 cites teamwork, staffing needs after demanding fire season

SOAP LAKE — After one of the busiest wildfire seasons in recent memory, Grant County Fire District 7 leaders say the year underscored both the importance of mutual aid partnerships and the need for additional staffing as fire danger across Central Washington continues to increase.

Grant County voters urged to return ballots early as election approaches

EPHRATA — More than 52,000 ballots are now in the hands of Grant County voters, and election officials are encouraging residents not to wait until Election Day to return them. According to Grant County Elections Coordinator Rebecca Pettingill, 52,922 ballots were mailed to voters on Oct. 14 for the Nov. 3 general election. As of Wednesday afternoon, elections staff had already signature-verified nearly 600 returned ballots and had several hundred more awaiting processing. "We're really excited that we're seeing so much so early," Pettingill said. "The sooner they put them in the drop box, the better." Pettingill said voters who have not yet received their ballot should contact the Elections Office as soon as possible.

Final community meeting set as Ephrata schools gather feedback on potential bond

EPHRATA — Community members will have one final opportunity Wednesday to share their thoughts on Ephrata School District facility needs before district leaders consider whether to move forward with a possible construction bond proposal. The fourth Community Facility Study Meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Ephrata Middle School. District officials are encouraging residents to attend, ask questions and provide feedback that could help shape a future bond package. According to Ephrata School District Communications Director Sarah Vasquez, the district hopes to gather final community input on both the scope and scheduling of a potential bond measure.

National School Bus Safety Week highlights unseen work of Moses Lake transportation staff

MOSES LAKE — Before sunrise each school day, long before students climb aboard yellow buses across the Moses Lake School District, Transportation Director Dyan Ford is already at work. “My day starts at about 4:20 every morning,” Ford said. By 5:40 a.m., the district's first buses begin leaving the transportation yard. Dispatchers answer phone calls, drivers check in and staff determine whether any routes need coverage. From that point on, buses are moving across the district almost continuously.

Moses Lake police seize guns, drugs in string of arrests

MOSES LAKE — A series of investigations by the Moses Lake Police Department's Street Crimes Unit led to four arrests, the seizure of multiple firearms and the recovery of illegal drugs during a week of enforcement activity in Moses Lake.

'Breast Cancer and Joy'

Community rallies around Moses Lake teacher during breast cancer battle

MOSES LAKE — Surrounded by friends, family, coworkers, students' parents and community members, Moses Lake teacher Joy Fry spent Thursday evening celebrating something bigger than a hamburger. Rock Top Burgers & Brew hosted a "Joy Celebration" on Oct. 15, raising money for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation while honoring Fry, a Garden Heights Elementary fourth-grade teacher who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Working alongside restaurant staff, Fry helped create a special burger for the month of October, with proceeds benefiting the local nonprofit that has supported her throughout her cancer journey. "I feel so blessed," Fry said, looking out at the crowd that filled the restaurant. Breast cancer has touched Fry's family for generations. Her mother died from breast cancer at age 34, and her sister was diagnosed with cancer at 23. Because of that history, Fry said she has long been proactive about screenings and working with her doctors.