Dent outlines his priorities for WA’s 2025 session

'I am cautiously optimistic'

OLYMPIA – As Washington State begins its 2025 legislative session today, Rep. Tom Dent, the 13th District's legislative representative, prepares to tackle a myriad of pressing issues while navigating the complexities of a newly transitioned administration.

Sen. Warnick outlines legislative priorities for 2025 session

OLYMPIA — In anticipation of the upcoming 2025 legislative session, starting today, Washington State Senator Judy Warnick discussed her key priorities and strategies aimed at improving policies that impact her constituents. As she prepares for the session, Warnick said she is keenly aware of the challenges posed by a shifting political landscape, particularly in light of a newly elected Democratic governor and a budget shortfall that will influence the agenda. Warnick's legislative priorities center around three themes: affordability, public safety and education—specifically the safety and educational advancement of children.

Grant Co. upgrades law enforcement software

MOSES LAKE – Grant County, with the assistance of the Multi-Agency Communications Center – 911, switched its law enforcement reporting software at the beginning of 2025. The new software is a cloud-based platform with more assets and less crashes than the previous program which the county has been using since 1996, according to Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely.

Moses Lake School District EP&O levy on February ballot

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District will submit an educational programs and operations levy to district voters on the Feb. 11 ballot. The levy, using local taxes, provides funding for programs and services beyond the state’s basic education requirements.

GCAO animal adoptions double in 2024

'It’s about finding every animal the home they deserve'

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Animal Outreach reported a significant increase in adoptions for the year 2024. The shelter successfully placed 582 cats and dogs into new homes, nearly doubling the figure from the previous year. The rise in adoptions marks an important milestone for the organization, which has actively worked to address the challenges of overcapacity and resource limitations.

Lind-Ritzville schools discussing four-day school week

RITZVILLE — Lind-Ritzville Cooperative Schools is considering switching to a four-day school week instead of its current five-day week. LRCS will host a coffee with Superintendent Don Vanderholm on Jan. 10 from 8 to 9 a.m. at the WSU extension office in Ritzville. The meeting will have opportunities to discuss the potential four-day school week along with other matters of the school district.

Environmental group highlights goals for upcoming legislative session

OLYMPIA — The 2025 Washington legislative session will begin Monday and the Washington Conservation Action’s Environmental Priorities Coalition has four goals for the upcoming session: advanced clean trucks and climate progress, climate action, sewage spill right-to-know and the recycling reform act. The EPC met for a press conference on Tuesday to discuss its legislative initiatives.

Three juveniles booked for alleged vehicle theft and eluding police

MATTAWA — Three juveniles were arrested Saturday for stealing a car in Mattawa at around 6:30 a.m. followed by a short police pursuit near Ephrata.

Fifteen WA bills enacted in the new year

Impacts to be seen in health care, workers rights and more

OLYMPIA – At the beginning of 2025, a suite of fifteen Washington bills became law, transforming key areas from health care to workers’ rights, to cosmetics.

More than 700 ACPR animals found homes in 2024

Rescue hopes for more adoptions and education in 2025

OTHELLO — The Adams County Pet Rescue had a successful year taking in 604 dogs and 432 cats in 2024. Of those pets, 383 dogs and 321 cats found their forever homes. There were 180 transfers to other shelters.

Ephrata businesses thrived this holiday season

The Athletic Club, Sole Performance, the Nat Washington House and The Bookery received love from locals

EPHRATA – As the holiday season concludes, some local businesses said this year was particularly good. The Bells on Basin celebration attracted a crowd into Ephrata businesses for the celebration but also people buying gifts for their loved ones helped stimulate these small establishments.

Carter passes at 100: Local leaders respond to a President's passing

PLAINS, Georgia — Former 39th President Jimmy Carter died at 100 years of age Sunday. Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer, began his presidency in 1977 after he defeated 39th President Gerald R. Ford in the General Election. Carter served one term and left office in 1981 after losing to Ronald Reagan, but his service afterward is what earned him a reputation as a statesman.

Inslee reflects on tenure during exit interview

OLYMPIA – In an exit interview conducted by Austin Jenkins on TVW's “Inside Olympia”, Governor Jay Inslee reflected on his twelve years in office, highlighting his accomplishments, disappointments and the pivotal moments in his tenure. As he prepares to transition leadership to Governor-elect Bob Ferguson, Inslee emphasized the unique challenges and achievements that marked his administration.

Othello, ACSO, WSP officers bring holiday cheer

‘I see the smiles are bigger every year.’

OTHELLO – Blue and red lights flashed, and sirens blared down East Main Street in Othello Saturday before turning into the Walmart parking lot. A handful of police vehicles from Othello Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol made laps around the store's parking lot, children waving through passenger windows and shoppers watching the scene go down.

Jensen, Urias continue as president, VP of MLSD board

MOSES LAKE – During the Dec. 19 regular Moses Lake school board meeting the board elected new representees for board positions.

GCFD4 Chief on admin leave, under investigation for malfeasance

WARDEN – Grant County Fire District 4 Fire Chief Kevin Whitaker has been placed on unpaid administrative leave. Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman confirmed there is an ongoing investigation for malfeasance through GCSO which began in late November.

Stray finds health and a home through community support

MOSES LAKE – Helio, also known as Henry, is a 12-year-old collie mix, who arrived at the Grant County Animal Outreach Oct. 17 after being abandoned in Moses Lake. He had a desperate need for dental care. The animal rescue assumed he would lose all of his teeth and asked for help collecting funds to pay for the around $1,000 surgery.

MLSD Board endorses upcoming levy

MOSES LAKE —During the regular session of the Moses Lake School District board meeting held Thursday, board members unanimously endorsed the upcoming levy aimed at enhancing educational resources and opportunities for students. Board Chair Kirryn Jensen emphasized the importance of the levy in sustaining the district's educational quality.

MLSD superintendent issues apology on behalf of district

MOSES LAKE — In a recent video announcement, Carol Lewis, the superintendent of Moses Lake School District, acknowledged significant breaches of trust between the school district and the community.  “I realize that an apology is necessary,” Lewis said in the video.

Ephrata School Board reorganized and bus finances handled

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School Board conducted a meeting on Dec. 16, welcoming new leadership and providing updates on the district’s transportation levy.

Asian giant hornet officially eradicated in Washington

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture has announced the successful eradication of the northern giant hornet, a five-year effort involving state officials, local landowners, beekeepers and citizen scientists. The group effort eliminated the invasive species from the state when it could have spread from the northwestern corner of the Evergreen State to the rest of the region.  “It is a rare day when the humans actually get to win one against the insects,” the Pest Program Manager at WSDA Sven-Erik Spichiger said.

Inslee proposes 2025 budget

OLYMPIA — Outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee delivered his budget proposal for 2025 during a press conference Tuesday, revealing a plan that aims to tackle a projected $16 billion budget shortfall over the next four years.  "We have been successful as a state because we've always hewed to the basic values of the state of Washington,” Inslee said. “Those values are that we invest in our people, we don't leave people behind, and importantly; we don't go backwards."

Vehicle, snowplow collision Monday morning

EPHRATA — On Monday morning, a 21-year-old from Ephrata, identified as Charles Cole, was driving a 2009 Hyundai Sonata at high speed and lost control on Sagebrush Flats Road Northwest.

Warden SD discusses annex, driver’s ed

WARDEN – During the Warden School District board meeting Thursday evening, district officials addressed the future of the city’s annex building and driver’s education programs. Additional topics included enrollment and an anaphylaxis policy update.

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.

Geneva Scott celebrates 109 years alongside family

MOSES LAKE – Geneva Scott, 109, celebrated her birthday at the Jet A Way Cafe Sunday surrounded by her six generations of family, Safeway employees, pancakes and a hearty serving of cake and ice cream.

Grant Co. Jail, morgue projects updated

EPHRATA — Another piece of property is now under consideration as a possible location of the Grant County Morgue. Central Services Director Tom Gaines updated commissioners on the morgue project and construction of the new Grant County Jail Tuesday.

SGL Carbon releases half-year and 9-month Results

MOSES LAKE – SGL Carbon SE recently released its financial reports for the first half and first nine months of 2024. It presented a mixed performance across its various business units, reflecting sector-specific dynamics and varying demand patterns.

A few girls are going to 'make some noise'

EPHRATA – As the Ephrata girls wrestling team gears up for the 2024-25 season, Head Coach Raul Tejeda is optimistic about the prospects of a predominantly young team. He said they had six girls graduate last year.

Unity and Teamwork — the strengths of Ephrata boys wrestling

EPHRATA – As the winter sports season approaches, Ephrata boys wrestling looks to build on last year’s successes while nurturing a blend of returning talent and new faces.

OSPI data shows Basin schools performance

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction releases a report card with data about every school district in the state. The data is updated year-round as new information is reported to OSPI. This is the breakdown of school districts in Grant and Adams counties.

MLSD addresses contract, assessments, snow and payroll

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District met for its normal meeting Nov. 21 to discuss a construction agreement with Absher Construction, state assessment data, snow removal and the finances surrounding payroll.

Itchy cows to blame for several power outages

WINCHESTER – There have been multiple intermittent power outages between Nov. 13 and Nov. 18 between Quincy and Ephrata. The Grant Public Utility District began investigating the outages which were impacting the Winchester area with patrols searching for the problem. After several days of searching and a two-night investigation, the district believes it has discovered the culprit – itchy cows.

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.