Ephrata School District awards $6,100 in grants

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District recently held a special awards ceremony to present 12 “Teacher Classroom Grants” totaling $6,100 to 25 teachers in the district. The grants were distributed among Grant Elementary, Columbia Ridge Elementary and Ephrata Middle schools, supporting a variety of innovative educational projects aimed at enhancing student learning across different subjects.

Local clerks playing catch up after court system outages

EPHRATA – Technological troubles with the Washington Superior and District court systems have left county clerks working to catch up on backlogged cases.

'Countless opportunities to grow and learn'

Warden Middle School’s new principal tackles first semester

WARDEN – Annie Hindman has stepped into the role of principal at Warden Middle School, bringing experience in both education and juvenile justice. Raised on a farm in between Moses Lake and Warden, Hindman credits much of her dedication to education to her mother, who taught kindergarten and first grade for 16 years at Warden Elementary.

Soap Lake passes ‘25 budget

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council unanimously passed its 2025 budget during its Nov. 20 regular meeting. The city received help from Finance Director Jeff Valentine this year and Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp thinks the process went smoother this year.

Safeway heater starts sprinklers Tuesday

EPHRATA – A heater at the Ephrata Safeway triggered the building’s sprinkler system and a call to the Ephrata Fire Department Tuesday.

Law enforcement gearing up for shop with a cop events

EPHRATA – As the holiday season approaches so does the annual shop with the cop events various police departments and sheriff’s offices put on yearly. Departments that are hosting the event this year include the Ephrata Police Department, Moses Lake Police Department, Othello Police Department, Quincy Police Department and Soap Lake Police Department.

Vehicle thefts rise as temps cool

Leaving vehicle running, warming increases theft risk

MOSES LAKE – As the weather gets chillier and residents are tempted to preheat vehicles and leave them unattended, both the Othello Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office released statements cautioning people against doing so because of potential vehicle thefts.

Harvest Market at fairgrounds tomorrow

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Farmers Market is having its first harvest market this Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds in the Commercial building. “At the (regular season) market we try to really focus on the farmers and the produce that we have at the market. So that’s our main focus. It’s a farmer’s market after all,” Moses Lake Farmers Market Treasurer Katie Laine said. “I would say our off-season markets, they’re a bit different. It’s more of a craft market. We do have some produce there. We do have a couple of farmers who still have produce (to sell). But it’s more of a crafters market than a produce market.” The market will be full of vendors with flowers, crafts, lotions, candles, jewelry, bags, festive foods, baked goods and more.

Port of Ephrata passes budget, updates on new fuel

EPHRATA – The Port of Ephrata Commissioners met Tuesday night to pass its 2025 budget including the tax levy. The board also discussed the Jet-A fuel project and the annual track inspection.

'A brighter future, together'

Lewis appointed to permanent superintendent position at MLSD

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District appointed Carol Lewis as its permanent superintendent at the Nov. 7 school board meeting. This followed a period of transition during which she served as both assistant superintendent and interim superintendent.

Suspect reportedly slashes two in Grand Coulee

GRAND COULEE – During a party Sunday morning, a 17-year-old Grand Coulee boy allegedly slashed two people with a knife in Grand Coulee. The suspect was lodged in the Chelan County Juvenile Justice Center for first-degree assault and first-degree harassment, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Boeing employees return to work

Staff roll up their sleeves amidst production restart and new contract agreement.

MOSES LAKE – Boeing is taking its first steps to fully restart airplane production in the Puget Sound region as thousands of IAM-represented employees return to work following a 52-day strike and subsequent contract agreement. Tuesday marked the last day striking employees could return to work. Employees began returning Nov. 6.

Wanted! More law enforcement officers

MOSES LAKE — Law enforcement agencies across Grant County are actively hiring officers and deputies. However, according to Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely and Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox, filling those spots is intricate and time-consuming.

MLSD noncompliant with PE requirements

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District addressed concerns around physical education time requirements not being met at several schools in the district. The presentation was led by Executive Director of Elementary Education Robbie Mason.

MLSD board backs away from forensic audit

MOSES LAKE – At the Moses Lake School District meeting on Nov. 7, there was an announcement from board member Paul Hill regarding the need for a forensic audit. Hill originally brought up the need for the forensic audit in the closing comments of the Aug. 22 meeting. However, in the most recent meeting, he said he no longer believes it necessary.

Lewis voted in as MLSD superintendent

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake School District Interim Superintendent Carol Lewis was appointed to the permanent superintendent position at the MLSD board meeting Thursday.

MLSD welcomes new PR director

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District has announced the appointment of Ryan Shannon as its new Director of Public Relations. Shannon, born in Washington with roots in the Yakima Valley, officially joined the district Nov. 4.

Pellicciotti leading in State Treasurer polls

OLYMPIA – Democrat incumbent Mike Pellicciotti is leading the polls for State Treasurer with 57.73% of voters. His opponent, Republican Sharon Hanek has 72.17% of voters.

Mungia holds narrow lead WA Supreme Court race

OLYMPIA — State Supreme Court Pos. 2 candidate Sal Mungia led his opponent by a narrow margin of 0.8% of votes as of Friday night, according to the Washington Secretary of State’s office.

MLSD to pursue levy in Feb. 2025

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School Board unanimously passed a resolution to proceed with a proposed education program and operations levy. This decision will lead to a special election scheduled for February 11, 2025. “It's really going to be fun that the board can be involved this time,” MLSD Board Member Paul Hill said. “There was so much animosity last time because of being forced into decisions that we didn't want to make, and it reflected in the lack of board support on the street corners. It won't be that way this time.”

Jones returns to his GC Commission seat

EPHRATA — Rob Jones won the Grant County Commissioner District 2 race with 8,707 votes Tuesday. His opponent David Henderson received 5,762 votes. Both candidates identified themselves as Republicans on the ballot.

Pellicciotti leading in State Treasurer polls

OLYMPIA – Democrat incumbent Mike Pellicciotti is leading the polls for State Treasurer with 58.09% of voters. His opponent, Republican Sharon Hanek has 41.81% of voters.

GCFD7 gets new Kenworth pumper and tender

SOAP LAKE – The Grant County Fire District 7 has a new 2024 Kenworth pumper and tender which was funded completely by Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Grant Funding.

Ephrata schools to upgrade three kitchens with grant funding

EPHRATA – Earlier this year, the Ephrata School District successfully secured a $165,000 Healthy Kids-Healthy Schools Grant from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Ephrata School Board approved a series of electrical upgrades during their meeting on Oct. 28, marking a step forward in improving the school facilities.

Ephrata School Board approves pole vault pit purchase

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District Board approved a motion to purchase a new pole vault pit for track and field students. The district has not replaced the pit for around 20 to 25 years.

Burgess wins Grant Commission seat 1

EPHRATA – Kevin R. Burgess won the Grant County Commissioner District 1 race with 9,613 votes. Amador Castro received 5,285 votes.

Newhouse leads in 4th District race

MOSES LAKE — Incumbent Dan Newhouse led in the polls with 82,990 votes, or 50.35%, of the districtwide vote for the Fourth Congressional District U.S. Representative position Tuesday night, while his opponent Jerrod Sessler trailed with 79,161 votes, or 48.03%, according to the Office of the Secretary of State.

Auditor hosts voting at Grant Co. Fairgrounds

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County 4-H Fairgrounds building was filled with residents registering to vote and completing their ballots with Grant County Auditor Michelle Jaderlund and Elections Administrator Marlen Gomez helping voters with the process.

November starts, Moses Lake Farmers Market ends

MOSES LAKE – As autumn comes to a close, people are composting their pumpkins, preparing for colder weather to come and celebrating at the Moses Lake Farmers Market weekly conclusion at McCosh Park. The final market day, Oct. 25, brought people of all ages in costumes to trick-or-treat vendors and vote on the best decorated pumpkin. Local businesses had everything from fresh veggies to unique crafts.

Boeing strike ends with 59% vote

MOSES LAKE – After 52 days of striking for a better employment contract, 59% of more than 26,000 Machinists Union members voted in favor of a fourth contract offer made by Boeing. “While the past few months have been difficult for all of us, we are all part of the same team,” said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg in a statement released Monday evening. “We will only move forward by listening and working together. There is much work ahead to return to the excellence that made Boeing an iconic company. This is an important time in our history, and like generations before us, we will face into the moment together, and stronger as one team.”

Man found dead in Moses Lake on Saturday

MOSES LAKE — A 74-year-old man was located deceased Nov. 2 at about 9 p.m. at an abandoned camp near Seventh Avenue and Division Street, according to a statement from Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely. Detectives were notified and responded.

Fourth Boeing contract offer up for vote today

MOSES LAKE – Boeing International released a fourth contract offer Oct. 31 which members will be voting on today at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.

Newhouse addresses priorities if reelected

MOSES LAKE – As the 2024 election season heats up, Republican Congressman Dan Newhouse is seeking to secure another term in the House of Representatives, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by Central Washington residents. Newhouse outlined his top priorities and the motivations behind his campaign.

Sessler outlines plans for 4th District, if elected

MOSES LAKE — As the race for Washington's 4th Congressional District wraps up, with five days left to vote, candidate Jarrod Sessler is running against Republican incumbent Dan Newhouse for the seat. Sessler emphasized the need for clarity and communication with constituents as a top priority if elected to office.

WA Congressional members ask Biden for disaster declaration for Colville tribes

COLVILLE – In a unified effort, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, D-WA, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-WA, U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-WA, and U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse, R-WA, have sent a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden, advocating for a Major Disaster Declaration for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation following extensive wildfire damage this summer.

Colville, Cowlitz tribes sign MOUs with WA Dept. Of Commerce

NESPELEM – In the past week, two memorandums of understanding were signed by the Washington State Department of Commerce for two separate Washington tribes, the Colville and the Cowlitz.

Law enforcement offers tips for a safe Halloween

MOSES LAKE – Halloween is a time for fun, costumes, and, of course, trick-or-treating. However, safety should always come first. Here are some essential tips from the Moses Lake Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office for parents and kids heading out to collect candy, as well as those planning to celebrate through parties.

Two people found dead in vehicle

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department is investigating the deaths of two people discovered in a vehicle along a driveway off East Broadway Avenue near Road 4 Northeast, according to a statement issued by the department.

Ballots continue to roll in for Grant, Adams counties

MOSES LAKE — There is less than a week left to turn in ballots as the 2024 general election approaches.

Newhouse closes out 60th annual CBDL Conference

MOSES LAKE – In the closing keynote at the Columbia Basin Development League's 60th anniversary conference, Congressman Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., emphasized the significance of the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program in sustaining and enhancing the agricultural landscape of Central Washington. Addressing an audience of legislators, staff and stakeholders, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the event.

Newhouse visits Okanagan Specialty Fruits

MOSES LAKE – Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) visited Okanagan Specialty Fruits Friday for a tour, roundtable conversation and cider tasting. Newhouse is running for reelection against fellow Republican Jerrod Sessler.

Forging success

Seth Miner goes from couch hopping to running successful welding company

MOSES LAKE – Seth Miner, owner of Miner Services LLC, has transformed his life from humble beginnings into a thriving welding business. With nearly a decade of experience in the welding industry, Miner said he has achieved success, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way.

Grant and Adams Co. voting stats

COLUMBIA BASIN – The 2024 voter ballots are due a week from today. “If you don’t vote, your voice absolutely will not be heard,” Grant County Republican Chairman Andrew Koeppen said to the Columbia Basin Herald in a previous interview. “If you vote, if we can get 100% of the people out to vote, then your voice will be heard, and that’s why I’m encouraging everybody to vote.” As of Friday, there were 49,588 registered voters in Grant County with 5,542 of those voters having already turned in their ballot, according to the Secretary of State. This equates to around 11.18% of ballots returned. Of those ballots, 10.94% have been accepted with 116 of them being challenged.

WDFW holds regular commission meeting

ELLENSBURG — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission convened for its regular meeting from October 24-26, 2024, to discuss various wildlife management policies, according to a press release from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Congressional, State Treasurer candidates campaign in Ephrata

EPHRATA – Multiple candidates from various races attended a local forum hosted at the American Legion Post 28 on Oct. 23. One candidate for the Fourth U.S. Congressional District and for Washington State Treasurer showed up.

Grant PUD candidates discuss future of power

EPHRATA – In Wednesday night’s candidate forum at American Legion Post 28 in Ephrata, two candidates for the Grant County Public Utility District Commissioner position, incumbent Tom Flint and Robert Allen, presented their perspectives on critical issues affecting Grant County’s energy future and economic growth.

Grant Co. District 2 candidates discuss issues at Legion forum

EPHRATA – Grant County Commissioner District 2 candidates David Henderson and the incumbent Rob Jones shared the stage during a recent candidate forum at the Legion Post 28, outlining their visions for Grant County.

Local union members react to Boeing contract vote

MOSES LAKE – Union members from IAM 751 voted against a new contract from Boeing Wednesday, with 64% rejecting the new contract, according to a union media release. For a new contract to pass 51% of members must vote in favor of it.

Orange E Carnival returns for 54th year

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District is hosting its 54th annual Orange E Carnival from 4 - 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Ephrata High School performing arts center gym.

Grant Co. Commission candidates discuss policies at American Legion

EPHRATA – Candidates for the Grant County Commissioner, auditor's office, U.S. Representatives and Grant Public Utility District gathered at American Legion Post 28 Oct. 23 to discuss and debate policies. The forum was moderated by Legion Past President Mike Montaney with Mike Shay keeping time for the candidates.