NANCE BESTON

Soap Lake approves tourism committee, planners and RV park host role

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council moved through a full agenda Wednesday night, unanimously approving the creation of a new tourism committee, hiring two firms to jointly handle city planning duties, adopting a formal job description for the city’s RV park host and accepting funding for Phase II of the Daisy Street sidewalk improvement project.

Ephrata moves forward with upgrades to Sports Complex

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is moving forward with the first phase of a long‑planned overhaul of the Ephrata Sports Complex, a project that will add six pickleball courts, a combined futsal and basketball court and a new 80‑stall parking lot. The first phase of construction is expected to begin in May and continue through July 2026. City Administrator Ray Towry said the project has grown beyond its original concept as community interest – especially from local pickleball players – continued to rise. “Pickleball is the fastest‑growing sport in the country,” Towry said. “The facility we have by Columbia Ridge is adequate, but not ideal. We wanted to do something for that group. It’s a lifelong sport, anyone can play it, even into their senior years and we wanted to support that.”

Soap Lake Council limits mayor’s authority

Multiple measures passed to limit access, secure records and finances

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council approved a slate of resolutions Wednesday night aimed at safeguarding city records, tightening financial controls and limiting Mayor Peter Sharp’s access to city systems amid ongoing investigations into his conduct.

Kindergarten registration opens in Columbia Basin

EPHRATA — School districts across the Columbia Basin have opened kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year, urging families, especially first‑time parents, to begin gathering required documents and contacting their local schools ahead of spring break.

Columbia Basin Hospital Board reviews rural health funding

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital Board of Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday to discuss Rural Health Transformation Program funding and approve a waiver of qualifications for Dr. Kori Hunt to make her active staff. Columbia Basin Hospital Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby said Washington is getting around $181 million to support rural health care from RHTP. “This is the state’s endeavor to ensure that every rural resident has reliable access to quality health care in their community and make rural Washington a desirable place for residents to consider homes across their lives,” Kibby said.

Sand Dunes collision results in one fatality

BEVERLY — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office reported an overnight collision at the Beverly Sand Dunes Saturday which resulted in the death of a 36-year-old man.

NEWS BITES: March 31

EPHRATA — Routine test results at the Ephrata Landfill Recycling Center, showed there was contamination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, according to the Grant County Public Works Department. The cost to dispose of the contaminated oil and clean the tanks was nearly $20,000, but routine recycling of the materials would have only cost around a couple hundred dollars, according to the department.

‘Just helping kids, helping people’

Ephrata’s Kaur competes at HOSA state, dreams of becoming pediatrician

EPHRATA — Sophomore Navi Kaur already knows exactly where she’s headed – and she’s not wasting any time getting there. The 16‑year‑old Ephrata High School student lights up when she talks about medicine, especially pediatrics. Her interest started early, shaped by the women who raised her.

Gas prices continue to rise after tumultuous year

MOSES LAKE — Washington gas prices surged past $5 per gallon this week, capping a year-long climb that has erased months of relief at the pump. As of March 30, the statewide average for regular gasoline sits at $5.33 per gallon, according to AAA data. That’s up from $5.27 a week earlier and $4.37 at the beginning of March. Nationally, prices have also seen around a $1 impact, reaching $3.99 this week after starting the month at $3.00.

Soap Lake Creative District awarded $39K signage grant

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Creative District has secured a nearly $39,600 Washington State Arts Commission grant to install new wayfinding signs throughout the downtown core; a project local organizers say will help visitors and residents navigate the community and strengthen the city’s visual identity.

Nobody injured in weekend shooting in rural Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — On Saturday morning, there was a report of a shooting in the 4500 block of Dunn Street Northeast, in unincorporated Moses Lake.

Contact law enforcement early when being harassed, agencies say

MOSES LAKE — Local law enforcement officials say anyone who feels they are being harassed – whether online, by a neighbor or by someone they know – should reach out to police early, even if the behavior does not yet meet the threshold for a criminal charge under Washington law.

Soap Lake finance director, attorney resign

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake received two resignation letters, one from Finance Director Jeff Balentine and one from City Attorney Julie Norton, according to public records obtained from the City of Soap Lake.

Groff repairs continue on schedule

MOSES LAKE — Repairs at Groff Elementary School are moving forward as Moses Lake School District works to correct construction defects that forced the school’s closure nearly two years ago, district officials said this week.

Behind the line

Grant Elementary’s food service team fuels learning one meal at a time

EPHRATA — By 10:45 a.m., the kitchen at Grant Elementary is already busy. Trays clatter, ovens hum and the first-graders begin filing through the lunch line. From that moment on, the pace barely slows.

Ephrata PD: No verified cougar sightings despite online claims

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department received information via social media regarding a possible cougar sighting in the southeast portion of Ephrata. However, after investigating the posts, Captain Troy Froewiss said the department couldn't substantiate there was a cougar in town.

Soap Lake allocates tourism funds, discusses contractors

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council on Tuesday approved $52,350 in tourism funding for 2026 events and signaled its intent to contract with both Kovach Architects and Safe Built LLC to address planning and permitting needs.

Ephrata, Port awarded CERB grant economic development planning

EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata and the Port of Ephrata have secured a state planning grant to jointly develop a long‑range economic development strategy aimed at improving infrastructure and attracting new businesses.

State audit breaks down MLSD budget issues

MOSES LAKE — A two‑year accountability audit of the Moses Lake School District found the district repeatedly overspent its legally adopted budgets, failed to obtain required state approval for a 2024 enrichment levy, and lacked adequate controls over purchasing, credit cards, fuel use and asset tracking, according to a report released March 19 by the Washington State Auditor’s Office.

Soap Lake council tables tourism committee plan, debates planning services

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council approved several administrative resolutions Wednesday but postponed decisions on tourism funding and planning services after an hours‑long discussion over staffing, contracts and oversight.

Soap Lake council unanimously votes no-confidence in Mayor Sharp

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council unanimously passed a vote of no-confidence against Mayor Peter Sharp Wednesday evening, taking effect immediately after passage. Councilmember Kayleen Bryson read the resolution as the only comment on the matter. Sharp did not comment during the meeting.

Measles reported in Grant County

EPHRATA — Grant County health officials are urging families to check their vaccination records after two unvaccinated children in the same household tested positive for measles, marking the county’s first confirmed infections of 2026. Grant County Health District said it was notified on March 17 that both children, who were recently exposed during international travel, had contracted the virus. One child was briefly hospitalized; both are now recovering at home. Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny said the cases underscore how quickly measles can spread — and how effectively it can be prevented.

MLSD to publicly review financial audit Thursday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District will have a special session before its regularly scheduled board meeting March 19 to publicly receive the results of the accountability audit conducted by the Washington State Auditor’s Office, who will present the findings.

‘Bridging the gap’

Ephrata City Clerk Kapalo leaving behind modernized, more connected city

EPHRATA — When City Clerk Katie Kapalo arrived at Ephrata City Hall in June 2024, she didn’t just step into a job she’d never heard of before applying – she stepped into a role that would soon reshape how the city communicates, connects and prepares for the future.

Musical Journey: Ephrata Choir finds harmony – and awe – on Puget Sound Tour

SEATTLE — The moment the first notes lifted into the vaulted air of St. James Cathedral, something shifted for the Ephrata High School Choir. The students had spent two days singing, learning, laughing and ferry‑hopping their way across the Puget Sound region – but this was the moment that stayed with them.

Fire officials urge families to do annual safety checks

EPHRATA — The first warm days of March tend to nudge people toward open windows, fresh air and long‑delayed chores. As closets are emptied and garages are sorted, local fire officials say spring cleaning is also the perfect moment to tackle a few safety tasks that often get overlooked – ones that can prevent emergencies and even save lives.

Moses Lake awards money to 7 community organizations

MOSES LAKE — Seven charitable organizations received funding from the city of Moses Lake through a grant program established last year to funnel charitable donation requests to one place.

Warden council approves sewer loan, adopts body-cam redaction fees

WARDEN — The Warden City Council approved two resolutions Tuesday, held a required public hearing on body‑camera redaction fees and tabled a proposed drug‑paraphernalia ordinance for further revisions.

Warden Softball rebuilds with experience, high expectations for 2026

WARDEN — After a young Warden softball team battled its way to the state tournament last spring, head coach Randy Wright believes this year’s group is poised to take another step forward — and possibly much more. “We were young last year,” Wright said. “This year we’re a lot more experienced, and that makes a big difference.” Warden returns the core of its roster from a team that gained valuable postseason experience in 2025. Wright said the athletes have come into the new season with a clearer sense of what it takes to compete deep into May.

Soap Lake Tennis opens season with record turnout, senior leadership

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake High School tennis coach Lee Leavell begins the 2026 season with the largest roster he has seen in his six years leading the program – around 24 athletes, a turnout he calls both exciting and bittersweet. “It’s very senior heavy,” Leavell said. “I’m really excited for it, because it’s my last run with this group of kids that I’ve had for a long time. I’m just trying to enjoy it and telling the kids they need to enjoy the season.” With so many upperclassmen, Leavell said the team’s goals center on savoring the experience as much as competing.

‘A love letter to teachers’

MLHS theater invites community to step into the 1960s with “Up the Down Staircase”

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School Theater is gearing up to open “Up the Down Staircase,” and if the cast and crew have anything to say about it, this is the week to show up, fill the seats and cheer loudly.

Ephrata seeks grant to design new rail overpass, north–south arterial

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is moving forward with a major freight infrastructure proposal, asking the City Council to authorize a Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board grant application that would fund preliminary engineering for a new railroad overpass and north–south arterial connecting SR‑28 to the Port of Ephrata.

‘A pathway to success’

McKinney‑Vento program supports students without stable housing

EPHRATA — Grant and Adams counties continue to see students living without stable housing, reflecting statewide trends and placing increased pressure on school districts to provide transportation, basic needs and academic stability.

Moses Lake man sentenced to 16 years for strangling roommate

MOSES LAKE — Kyler Mathew Wortham, 35, of Moses Lake who admitted to strangling his roommate in 2025 has been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to second‑degree murder – domestic violence.

Grant County remains measles‑free but trend concerning

EPHRATA — With measles cases climbing across Washington and the nation, state and local health officials are urging families to review vaccination records and make sure children are protected. No cases have been reported in Grant County so far but officials urge caution.

COLUMN: The 2026 Winter Paralympics are on, it’s time for credit where it’s due

The Winter Paralympics don’t ease you in. They don’t warm up. They don’t politely ask for your attention. They explode onto the ice at full speed, led by athletes doing things that challenge physics, redefine technical mastery and prove that toughness has no single form.

Fuel Report for March 10

Fuel Report for March 10

Moses Lake resident assaulted Sunday

MOSES LAKE — Four Moses Lake Police Department officers were dispatched to Samaritan Hospital Sunday afternoon for an obvious assault of a 30-year-old Moses Lake resident, according to MLPD Chief Dave Sands.

District to slow down, regroup after Ephrata bond failure

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District leaders say they will slow down and regroup after voters rejected the district’s $75 million, 25-year construction bond in the February special election, leaving facility needs unresolved while officials reassess community priorities.

Childhood tooth decay surges in Grant, Adams counties

MOSES LAKE — A new statewide report shows children in Grant and Adams counties are experiencing some of Washington’s highest rates of tooth decay, underscoring concerns from public‑health leaders as National Children’s Dental Health Month came to a close in February.

Warden Elementary improves attendance using regional program

WARDEN — Warden Elementary School is beginning to see early gains in student attendance after launching a 10‑day attendance challenge supported by a regional network focused on reducing chronic absenteeism.

Take Flight STEM Night educates hundreds

‘STEM is part of their world and they can be part of it too’

MOSES LAKE — Hundreds of young students and their families packed the halls of Longview Elementary Thursday night for “Take Flight STEM Night,” a growing regional series aimed at sparking early interest in science, technology, engineering and math across Grant and Adams counties.

Army takes custody of Gorge shooting suspect

MOSES LAKE — The Army has taken custody of the soldier accused of killing two people and injuring several others during the 2023 Beyond Wonderland music festival shooting at the Gorge Amphitheatre and has now charged him under military law.

Frosty Finds offers appraisals, unique finds Saturday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center is inviting the public to its Frosty Finds Flea Market and Appraisal Fair on Saturday, where some appraisal slots remain open for anyone curious about the value or history of their antiques and collectibles.

Columbia Basin Hospital board seeks applicants

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Hospital is seeking applicants to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3.

PUD’s Ephrata center on time, on budget

EPHRATA — Nearly six months after Grant PUD broke ground on its new Ephrata Service Center, the project is advancing on schedule and on budget, with major site work now underway and structural construction expected to accelerate through 2026.

Columbia Basin Hospital to spend $260K on equipment, construction

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Hospital’s Board of Commissioners approved more than a quarter‑million dollars in new spending Tuesday, including construction costs for a computed tomography scanner installation, new IV infusion pumps and a replacement electrocardiogram machine.

2 seats open on Ephrata Parks Commission

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Parks Commission is looking for two volunteers to join the board.

New Year lights

Soap Lake Lantern Festival draws hundreds to celebrate the Lunar New Year

SOAP LAKE — What began as a small community gathering grew into a crowd of nearly 300 people Saturday as families lined the streets of Soap Lake to celebrate the Lunar New Year during the town’s first Lantern Festival. The festival honored the Lunar New Year – the Year of the Horse – and focused on themes of renewal, community and respect for the natural elements surrounding Soap Lake. “Today was extremely, overwhelmingly successful, kind of beyond our expectations,” said Blayne Walsh, one of the event’s organizers. “Our community always shows up. And it was cool that it reached even beyond just our small Soap Lake town.” The festival featured lanterns, food, cultural decorations and costumed performers, including dragon and lion imagery that delighted children throughout the evening. Organizers said the original goal was simply to bring neighbors together during the seasonal transition from winter to spring.

CWU faculty express no confidence in university president

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University’s Board of Trustees acknowledged faculty concerns Friday after an overwhelming vote of no confidence in President Jim Wohlpart, saying it plans to bring in outside mediators to help repair strained relationships on campus.