NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Washington wolf population climbs to record high after 17% annual increase
OLYMPIA — Washington’s gray wolf population grew by more than 17% in 2025, reaching its highest level since wolves naturally returned to the state nearly two decades ago, according to a new annual report released April 13 by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. State and tribal biologists counted a minimum of 270 wolves, 49 packs and 23 breeding pairs as of Dec. 31, 2025. Which is up from 230 wolves, 43 packs and 18 breeding pairs the previous year. The count reflects the minimum number of wolves confirmed through aerial surveys, track observations, remote cameras and collar data, plus an additional 12.5% to account for lone wolves and dispersers. “We confirmed six new or reestablished packs in the annual count,” WDFW wolf biologist Trent Roussin said in the department’s announcement.
MLSD Citizen Financial Oversight Committee reports declining attendance, seeks new members
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District Citizen’s Financial Oversight Committee is seeking new members as attendance has dwindled in recent months, co‑chairs Audra Eckenberg and Karl Ferranti told the school board during its April 16 regular meeting. The committee was formed in 2023 after the district identified significant financial challenges. It was created to strengthen transparency, improve public understanding of school finances and provide a direct line between community members and district leadership, according to Eckenberg.
Soap Lake sees large uptick of public records requests
SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake is experiencing a upsurge in public records requests this spring, with dozens of inquiries pouring in from residents, reporters and outside agencies as the city navigates ongoing investigations, staffing changes and questions about financial oversight.
Two arrested in Warden on assault charges
WARDEN — The Warden Police Department received a report of a physical fight with shots fired at the Warden City Park, Friday, according to Warden PD. Two suspects were arrested: Alex Gonzalez, 19, of Warden and a 17-year-old male juvenile.
MLSD to host community forum on new elementary school
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District leaders will host a community forum Monday evening to gather public input on a proposal to build a new elementary school on the North Elementary property, a project that would merge North and Larson Heights elementaries and replace two of the district’s oldest buildings.
Moses Lake man arrested for assault after K-9 assistance
MOSES LAKE — Nicolas Brice, 44, of Moses Lake, was arrested Sunday after allegedly punching a woman in a face four times near Kathy Drive and Broad Street Northeast. The woman and the subject know each other, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Brice did not comply with deputies’ orders to surrender, choosing to take a confrontational stance, according to the GCSO. “Deputies, along with handler Deputy Zane Bundy and K-9 Malie were at the scene when deputies gave the order to Mr. Brice for him to surrender. He refused. So, Malie brought Mr. Brice under control,” Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.
Moses Lake School Board passes updates to sex ed, ELA materials
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board approved updates to its secondary English language arts curriculum and adopted revisions to its comprehensive sexual health education materials Thursday during the regularly scheduled board meeting. District leaders said the updates will modernize instruction and bring materials in line with state requirements. The board also passed a resolution supporting school-based celebrations of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Support students and save some green at FFA plant sales
MOSES LAKE — This is the time of year when FFA students get to show the fruits of their labor – literally – at plant sales all over the Columbia Basin. Nearly every high school will offer flower and vegetable starts for sale around the end of April and the beginning of May.
Warden woman arrested for warrants, protection order violation
WARDEN — One arrest was made Wednesday in Warden during a routine patrol, according to Warden PD. At around 11 a.m., a Warden Police officer observed a female subject, later identified as Adriana G. Rodriguez, 45, of Warden at a residence in the 400 block of South Main Street. The officer recognized the subject and knew there was an active domestic violence court order prohibiting the female from being at the residence. The officer made contact with Rodriguez. After a records check, the officer discovered around eight active warrants for her arrest, according to Warden PD.
Electric bikes give MLPD faster access to hard-to-reach areas
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department is rolling into spring with a major upgrade to its bike patrol program. The department recently got four new fat‑tire electric bicycles designed to boost officer mobility, visibility and community engagement throughout the city. Captain Jeff Sursely said the department has used bicycles for roughly three decades, but this is the first time officers will patrol on e‑bikes capable of reaching up to 28 mph. “This is the first year we’ve moved to an e‑bike,” Sursely said. “The fat tire version will allow us to go off‑road … behind Walmart, the movie theater, some of the areas where we’ve had some illegal camping.”