NANCE BESTON

Soap Lake approves increases to sewer, water and garbage rates

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council approved new sewer and garbage rates Wednesday night, adopting two resolutions that city officials said are needed to keep up with rising operational costs and maintain essential utility services.

COLUMN: Reporting on the Frontier tragedy

MOSES LAKE — I wasn’t born, yet, at the time of the 1996 Frontier Middle School tragedy, but I grew up in the long shadow of school violence. I remember the blue glow of the TV during Sandy Hook coverage, the volume lowered when I walked in, the hush in classrooms after every new headline. I remember lockdown drills – the click of the door, scuffed linoleum under my knees – and the crisp Montana wind when my middle school was evacuated for a bomb threat.

Ephrata PD chief says EMS bomb threat unfounded

EPHRATA — A bomb threat reported late Monday night targeting Ephrata Middle School was determined to be unfounded, according to Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office log shows the call came in at 9:24 p.m., with the caller claiming a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes. However, Koch said the details quickly raised red flags.

Wahluke EP&O levy ahead in initial results

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District’s replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy is passing in initial election results, with 352 yes votes to 256 no votes as of Feb. 13. The election is scheduled to be certified Feb. 20.

‘Grease’ lights up Ephrata High stage

EHS students put on the school's first musical in years

EPHRATA — The halls of Rydell High came roaring to life Thursday night as Ephrata High School kicked off opening night of “Grease: School Version” at the Ephrata High Performing Arts Center, a show bursting with energy, laughter and the kind of school‑spirit that would make even Danny Zuko crack a smile.

CWU faculty push back on administration’s response

ELLENSBURG — A group of 49 Central Washington University faculty members is disputing part of the university’s public statements regarding the ongoing vote of no confidence in President Jim Wohlpart, saying the campuswide ballot is already in progress and not pending, as an earlier university email suggested.

Wilson Creek voters supporting EP&O levy

WILSON CREEK — Initial ballot counts from the Feb. 10 special election show Wilson Creek School District’s replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy passing with 58.02% approval as of Feb. 11. Voters cast 64 yes votes and 42 no votes, according to the current unofficial results. The election will be certified on Feb. 20.

Tiger King set to serve Ephrata

New laundromat offers modern equipment, comfortable setting

EPHRATA — After three years of dreaming, planning and searching for the right location, Tyson and Hunter Mollotte have opened Tiger King Laundromat, a newly renovated and fully coinless laundry facility in downtown Ephrata. The couple, who also own two other laundromats in the region, said bringing a modern, safe and convenient laundry option to town has long been a goal.

Coulee-Hartline voters approving Enrichment Levy in early results

COULEE CITY — The Coulee-Hartline School District’s replacement Enrichment Levy is passing by a good margin in the initial Feb. 12 ballot counts, with 239 yes votes to 98 no votes. The election will be officially certified on Feb. 20.

Warden voters support school levies

WARDEN — Initial ballot counts from the Feb. 10 special election show Warden School District voters approving both the district’s replacement levies, providing continued funding for school operations, safety improvements and technology upgrades. The election will be certified Feb. 20.

CWU president faces no confidence vote

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University officials say they will not answer further questions regarding the Faculty Senate’s Feb. 4 vote of no confidence involving President Jim Wohlpart, but they released an official statement from the president and Board of Trustees addressing faculty concerns.

Wilson Creek voters supporting EP&O levy

WILSON CREEK — Initial ballot counts from the Feb. 10 special election show Wilson Creek School District’s replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy passing with 58.02% approval as of Feb. 11. Voters cast 47 yes votes and 34 no votes, according to the initial results. The election will be certified on Feb. 20.

Check mates

Chess tournament draws more than 100 students for a day of strategy, sportsmanship

EPHRATA — More than 100 students from across Grant and Adams counties gathered Saturday at Parkway School for the Annual Scholastic Chess Tournament, a long‑running event hosted by The Waypoint Foundation that pairs young players of all ages in a day of strategy, sportsmanship and community spirit. The tournament, now in its 19th year, has grown from about 60 participants to as many as 106 in recent years. “(It’s) for the love of the game,” said organizer Roger Pugh. “Chess is great. We try to help them understand that when you play chess, you’ve got to think a few moves ahead. So hopefully in life, when they go out in the world, they do the same when making a decision.”

‘By community people, for their community’

Leadership Institute of NCW graduates celebrate civic leadership

EPHRATA — Sixteen emerging community leaders from across North Central Washington graduated Wednesday evening from the Leadership Institute of NCW, a bilingual civic‑engagement program. The celebration, held at the Ephrata Recreation Center, marked the completion of a 20‑session course rooted in the nationally recognized Parent Leadership Training Institute framework.

Officials say Soap Lake Lantern Festival will be safe after community voices concerns

SOAP LAKE — After concerns surfaced online about fire danger and environmental impacts, Grant County Fire District 7 Chief Erick Brittain and Chamber of Commerce President Karen Woodhouse say the upcoming Lantern Festival will be safe, supervised, environmentally mindful and flame‑free.

No spike in local crime on game day

EPHRATA — Law enforcement agencies across the Columbia Basin reported a quiet Super Bowl Sunday, with few calls for service and no major disturbances after the Seattle Seahawks’ championship win.

Gas prices increase, WA over $4

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices climbed again across the nation, Washington and locally in Grant and Adams counties. After a several week trend of an average below $4 in Washington was broken this week, however, both Grant and Adams Counties remain below $4.

Othello man jailed after attempting to elude police, faces vehicular homicide charge

PASCO — A woman from Grandview died Friday night after an erratic‑driving incident in Pasco escalated into a pursuit and a fatal collision on Interstate 182, according to Washington State Patrol Trooper Daniel Mosqueda.

WineVit 2026 starts Tuesday in Tri-Cities

KENNEWICK — WineVit, Washington’s largest annual wine and grape industry conference, returns Feb. 10 and 11 with a condensed schedule, new pricing and a program designed to help growers and winemakers navigate one of the most challenging periods the industry has faced in years, Washington Winegrowers Association Executive Director Sara Higgins said.

Medical emergency causes one-vehicle collision

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police Department responded to a collision in the 1000 block of Skyline Drive for a single-vehicle collision Friday morning. Officers determined the driver, a 17-year-old male, experienced a medical emergency and veered off the roadway, according to a statement from MLPD. The driver hit a parked vehicle, a retaining wall and a residence.

Moses Lake school leaders discuss responsibilities, challenges and goals

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School Board President Kirryn Jensen and Vice President Paul Hill joined the Studio Basin Podcast this week to discuss their roles, the misconceptions surrounding school board service and the district’s priorities moving forward. They were later joined by Ryan Shannon, the district’s Director of Public Relations.

Soap Lake set to host first Lantern Festival

SOAP LAKE — A new community celebration is coming to Soap Lake later this month, following the city council’s unanimous approval of a special event permit Monday night. The Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce will host its first-ever Lantern Festival on Feb. 21 at the Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort.

Soap Lake council member asks for Sharp’s resignation

SOAP LAKE — During the Wednesday Soap Lake City Council meeting, tensions surfaced as Council Member Andrew Arnold called for Mayor Peter Sharp’s resignation.

Ephrata leaders push for local control, infrastructure protections in Olympia

EPHRATA — Three Ephrata city leaders spent two days in Olympia last week meeting with state lawmakers on a wide range of bills affecting homelessness policy, housing, public safety and funding for local infrastructure. Their message throughout the trip, they said, centered on protecting local authority and ensuring small cities like Ephrata are not left behind in statewide policy debates.

Ephrata Fire Dept. honors service, dedication at banquet

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Fire Department celebrated its volunteers, leadership and support staff during its 2025 annual awards banquet, highlighting standout service, years of dedication and the commitment that keeps the department strong.

Non-injury drive-by shooting in Warden under investigation

WARDEN — On Tuesday night, there was a drive-by shooting around West Ninth Street and Jackson Avenue in Warden, according to a statement from the Warden Police Department. Nobody was injured in the incident. “The chief (Jeff Gann) let me know we won’t have any more information that can be released because this is an ongoing investigation," Warden PD clerk Alexandria Martinez said. Anyone with further information on this case has been asked to contact Warden PD at 509-793-1300 and speak with an officer. The case number is #26WA0119 and the case officer is Joel Torres.

Gregg announces candidacy for Grant County Sheriff

MOSES LAKE — Darrik Gregg, a law enforcement officer with 23 years of experience in various capacities, has announced his candidacy for Grant County Sheriff. He is the third to announce his candidacy, with incumbent Joey Kriete announcing his intention to run for a second term Jan. 12 and Josh Sainsbury announcing he will be running the following day.

Ephrata High lockdown rumors unfounded

EPHRATA — Ephrata High School did not enter a lockdown Wednesday, according to Communications Director Sarah Morford. Rumors of a lockdown had appeared on social media earlier Wednesday morning.

Royal City prepares for road repairs for 2026

ROYAL CITY — Royal City Finance Director Janice Flynn confirmed road repair projects are scheduled for this year, including crack sealing and the reconstruction of a portion of Apple Avenue. The enhancements are part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure while managing funding sources effectively, she said.

Ephrata water tower filling complete

Residents to experience improved water pressure

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata completed the filling process for its new water tower, which is now fully operational. City Engineer Shawn O’Brien confirmed the final programming delays with the booster pump system have been resolved, paving the way for greater water pressure in the Ephrata Heights area. Residents in that area can expect to experience a gradual increase in water pressure by approximately 10-12 pounds over the day Tuesday, as the tower fills. “The water tower itself was ready, but we needed to finalize the programming for the booster pump station, which has now been accomplished,” O’Brien said.

WA House holds hearing on aircraft tax

OLYMPIA — The House Transportation Committee held a public hearing Thursday on House Bill 2347, which would repeal the 10% sales and use tax on non‑commercial aircraft valued above $500,000 before the tax takes effect on April 1. The measure had testimony from aviation businesses, airport officials and industry groups warning of economic repercussions. In contrast, a few stakeholders urged lawmakers not to abandon the tax without identifying alternative funding options. The tax, passed during the 2025 session, directs revenue into the state’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel account. SAF supports research, development, environmental review and infrastructure for sustainable aviation fuel production.

Warden receives clean audit report

WARDEN — The City of Warden has received a clean audit report from the Office of the Washington State Auditor for Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2024.

Ephrata PD seeks public assistance in vandalism case

EPHRATA — Multiple business windows and vehicles in downtown Ephrata have fallen victim to vandalism. Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch reported that the incidents appear to have occurred over the nights of January 21 and 22, with an estimated six or seven businesses impacted.

Gas prices see relief nationally, but not in WA

MOSES LAKE — After a brief dip last week, gas prices climbed again across Washington, the nation, and locally in Grant and Adams counties, reflecting continued volatility in oil markets as February begins.

'It never goes away’

Three decades after Frontier tragedy, Moses Lake heals the way it always has — quietly, together

MOSES LAKE — Three decades after the tragedy at Frontier Middle School on Feb. 2, 1996, Moses Lake is still healing – quietly, together and steadily. Sunday the community gathered for “We Remember,” a 30‑year commemoration at Frontier Middle School, not to relive the trauma, but to honor the strength, unity and continued care that followed it.

After decades of struggle, local man finds stability through Community Court

EPHRATA — Wednesday afternoon, as supporters filled the Grant County Community Courtroom, 54‑year‑old Johnny Metzker walked to the front of the room to accept something he once thought impossible – graduation. For decades, Metzker’s life was defined by addiction, homelessness and a long list of driving‑related offenses that began when he was 19. His record included multiple DUIs, habitual driving offenses and more than a dozen charges for driving while license suspended, dating back to 1989. For much of his adult life, the only constant was chaos, he said.

Memorial recognizing 30 years after Frontier tragedy to be held Sunday

MOSES LAKE — Thirty years after the tragedy at Frontier Middle School, the Moses Lake School District will hold “We Remember,” a community gathering centered on healing, unity and continued support, according to organizers. The event takes place Sunday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. at the Frontier Middle School cafeteria.

Ephrata SD to host guided bond tour

EPHRATA — Community members will have the chance to see firsthand how the Ephrata School District’s proposed 2026 bond would impact local schools during a guided building tour at 5 p.m. on Feb. 4.

‘Showing their Tiger stripes’

Ephrata’s Ridge Robotics shines at state

EPHRATA — Columbia Ridge Elementary School’s Lego Robotics team, Ridge Robotics, earned the Engineering Excellence award at this year’s state competition, held in Spokane.

Ephrata High tackles ‘Grease’ in aging PAC

EPHRATA — As students at Ephrata High School prepare to debut the musical “Grease,” they’re also grappling with the limits of a Performing Arts Center which they say is increasingly difficult to work in. While excitement builds around the school’s first musical in years, the production is in a facility students say is plagued by flickering lights, sound failures, creaking floorboards and a cramped backstage.

Ephrata High students protest ICE

EPHRATA — Around 25 students from Ephrata High School protested Immigration Customs Enforcement Wednesday morning by skipping their second period. The students began the protest at EHS, walking down Basin Street and looping in front of the courthouse back to the school.

Soap Lake council approves interim agreement for finance director

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council held a special meeting Tuesday to review and approve an interim agreement for a finance director. They also continued discussion around the job posting for a combined city administrator and finance treasurer.

MLSD outlines proposal for new elementary

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District’s Facility Advisory Committee is recommending the district replace North Elementary and Larson Heights Elementary with a single new elementary school in north Moses Lake. This decision, committee members say, is driven by aging infrastructure, long‑term cost savings and the opportunity to leverage millions in state construction funds.

A look at the 2026 Northwest Hay Expo: Industry leaders gather amidst challenges

KENNEWICK — The Northwest Hay Expo, an annual event for stakeholders in the hay industry, attracted a diverse group of attendees this week, despite challenging market conditions. President of the Washington Hay Growers Andrew Eddie said they had expected lower numbers this year because of the difficult hay season.

Sharp utility account receives additional scrutiny

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp has paid his city utility balance in full after previously owing nearly $3,600, according to city staff. Of that amount, roughly $3,200 had been more than 90 days past due, based on public records.

Fuel prices rise in WA, nationally

MOSES LAKE — For the second week in a row, both national and Washington fuel prices increased, and Grant County’s 14‑week streak of falling gas prices came to an end with a four‑cent climb. Adams County did not follow the national trend and instead saw a slight two‑cent decrease.

Subject arrested for trespassing, threats with knife

WARDEN — On Friday, the Warden Police Department arrested Jean Alverez, 21, Warden after receiving a disturbance call in the 300 block of West Fifth Street. According to a statement from Warden PD, reporting parties said a male subject, later identified as Alvarez, came into the residence and made verbal threats while displaying a knife. He also made threats with the knife, according to Warden PD.

Vehicle burns near Moses Lake on Friday

MOSES LAKE — Friday afternoon, Grant County Fire District 5 received a call for a vehicle fire in the 4900 block of Stratford Road. A small old truck had ignited, according to Fire Chief Dan Smith. The fire resulted in a large cloud of smoke, but no injuries or property was damaged. Smith said GCFD 5 contained the fire quickly.

MLSD board votes to support WIAA amendment, two state initiatives

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School board voted on a resolution to support Washington Interscholastic Activities and Athletics Amendment No. 21, Washington State Initiative IL 26-638 and Washington State Initiative IL 26-001, on Thursday night.

Grant County begins work on comprehensive plan

MOSES LAKE — Grant County is working on its 10-year comprehensive plan, which will impact policies in the next twenty years in the county. Last night, the county hosted the first meeting of three in Moses Lake for citizens to ask questions and provide feedback for the update. Future meetings will happen in Royal City and Mattawa; however, dates are not finalized yet.