NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Law enforcement looking for risky driving statewide Saturday
OLYMPIA – This year's Night of 1,000 Stars will be this Saturday state-wide, where officers from local agencies and the Washington State Patrol will be looking for people driving under the influence, speeding, aggressive behavior and other traffic violations.
SLPD chief on administrative leave
SOAP LAKE – Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox is on paid administrative leave as an ongoing investigation occurs, according to acting SLPD chief Robert Geates.
Ephrata pushing forward with infrastructure upgrades
EPHRATA – The city of Ephrata is currently undertaking several initiatives designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and address infrastructure needs across the community. These include water supply, parks, road maintenance and wastewater treatment projects.
Ephrata High students raise money for foster children
EPHRATA – Ephrata High School students worked together to raise $8,700 to support local teenagers in foster care and shopping for “Toys for Teens”. The funds will be going towards buying those teenagers' gifts and necessities and any extra funding will go back to the Ephrata Food Bank.
61-year-old hospitalized after firearms incident
GEORGE – A 61-year-old George man was hospitalized Tuesday night after accidentally shooting himself during an assumed mental health crisis earlier Tuesday morning, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Grant Co. 2025 budget approved
EPHRATA — Grant County Commissioners unanimously passed the county’s 2025 budget with modifications to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office fund and cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, to be addressed in the upcoming week when they consider a resolution to adjust GCSO’s budget.
Ephrata passed 2025 budget
EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council passed its 2025 budget unanimously at the Dec. 4 regular council meeting. The council also discussed an ordinance to make adjustments to the budget which was moved to a second reading and may be considered by vote at the next meeting on Dec. 18.
Local, federal authorities warn of holiday scams
MOSES LAKE – Scam text messages, phone calls and emails increase in frequency during the holiday season as criminals attempt to take advantage of people’s holiday spirit with a higher volume of fraud attempts during the Christmas season.
Ephrata schools to move forward with spring levy election
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District Board unanimously approved a motion to run an Educational Programs and Operations levy on the Feb. 2025 ballot. The levy is not a new tax but instead will replace the 2021 voter-approved levy which will expire in 2025.
Construction begins on Ephrata’s first water tower
EPHRATA – After a long-anticipated wait, Ephrata moved its new water tower project forward Saturday by pouring 15,120 yards of concrete and laying around 67,800 feet of rebar to make the tower’s foundation.