NANCE BESTON

Moses Lake detectives recover $50,000 buried in field after hotel theft

MOSES LAKE — After days of searching in the summer heat, on Friday, July 31, Moses Lake police detectives recovered approximately $50,000 that had been stolen from a hotel guest and buried in a field near Interstate 90, bringing a successful conclusion to an investigation involving what police described as both forensic evidence and persistent detective work.

FIRE REPORT: Kaiser Canyon Fire containment grows as crews brace for weekend winds

NESPELEM — Firefighters battling the Kaiser Canyon Fire, now the largest wildfire in Washington state, continue to make progress on containment despite persistent hot and dry conditions and the threat of stronger winds this weekend.

4 Republicans pitch different approaches to growth, spending and agriculture in Grant County Commissioner race

MOSES LAKE — With ballots due Aug. 4, voters in Grant County Commissioner District 3 have four Republican candidates to choose from: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. The candidates appeared at a recent Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce forum, where each introduced themselves, answered a personalized question and then addressed a common question about managing the county's rapid growth, particularly around Moses Lake.

'It begins with integrity'

Young entrepreneur builds painting business while helping homeowners protect their investments

MOSES LAKE — When Simon Ribellia started painting homes at age 15, he wasn't planning on making it a full-time career, let alone starting his own painting business. Today, at 23, Ribellia owns Marian Painting LLC, a company he founded in August 2023 that has grown from a one-man operation working out of a Prius into a business with about 15 employees, four vans and multiple crews providing home exterior and interior painting. Like many tradespeople, Ribellia learned the craft on the job. After finding summer work with a local painting contractor as a teenager, he spent years learning the industry before launching his own company at age 20.

Warden closes out its five-week-long summer school program with a splash

WARDEN — Warden Summer School wrapped up Thursday with a field day full of water balloons, relay races, wet sponges, laughter and plenty of smiles, bringing an energetic close to five weeks of learning, creativity and exploration.

Warden City Council appoints Joseph Elizalde as Assistant City Administrator

WARDEN — The Warden City Council has appointed Joseph Elizalde as the city’s assistant city administrator, positioning the longtime Warden School District employee to take over as city administrator when Kriss Shuler retires this fall.

Sheriff candidates outline priorities, leadership styles at candidate forum

MOSES LAKE — With less than a week remaining before ballots are due for the Aug. 4 primary election, Grant County voters had an opportunity to hear directly from the three candidates seeking to become the county's next sheriff during a recent Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce candidate forum. Incumbent Sheriff Joey Kriete, Moses Lake Police Department Sgt. Darrick Gregg and Grant County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Josh Sainsbury each answered questions about leadership, accountability, employee morale, training, jail operations and public safety.

Soap Lake water shows elevated - but not dangerous - PFOA

SOAP LAKE — A routine drinking water test in Soap Lake found levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of “forever chemical,” slightly above Washington state's action level, prompting public notice from city officials.

Grant County Auditor candidates discuss transparency, public records

EPHRATA — Three Republicans are seeking the Grant County Auditor position: appointed incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley. To help voters compare the candidates, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. Homesley did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

COLUMN: What would happen if we assumed the best about each other?

Anger has become one of the easiest emotions to find. Open social media, turn on cable news or scroll through the comments section of almost any public discussion, and you will find people questioning one another's motives, intelligence and character. Somewhere along the way, disagreement became evidence that someone must be selfish, ignorant or acting in bad faith. But what would happen if we assumed the best about each other instead? Living in the Columbia Basin offers a useful perspective on that question. Unlike larger cities where people can disappear into their own circles, we live in communities where our paths cross repeatedly. We attend the same football games, shop at the same grocery stores, volunteer for the same fundraisers and support the same local businesses. Before anything else, we are neighbors.

10 congressional candidates outline priorities at Moses Lake forum

MOSES LAKE — Ten of the 11 candidates running for Washington's 4th Congressional District appeared at a candidate forum in Moses Lake, offering voters a wide range of perspectives on economic development, agriculture, government spending, water policy, immigration, health care and political reform ahead of the primary election. Zac Rossi, no party preference, was not in attendance.

Auditor candidates discuss modernization, customer service

EPHRATA — Three Republicans are vying for the Grant County Auditor position: appointed incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley. To help voters evaluate the candidates, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. Homesley did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Man injured after being run over by Grant PUD truck near Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A 61-year-old man was injured Monday morning after being run over by a Grant County Public Utility District maintenance truck along a power line service road northwest of Moses Lake, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Washington gas prices fall from spring highs, remain above national average

MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices across Washington have eased significantly since reaching their highest levels of 2026 in late spring, though drivers in the Evergreen State continue to pay about a dollar more per gallon than the national average.

Commissioner candidates discuss what distinguishes themselves

EPHRATA — Four Republican candidates are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. To help voters compare their priorities and approaches to county government, each candidate was asked the same question and given the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond.

Grant County auditor candidates discuss experience, qualifications

EPHRATA — Three Republicans are seeking the office of Grant County Auditor: appointed incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley. To help voters compare the candidates, each was asked the same questions and given an equal opportunity to respond. Homesley did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Commissioner candidates discuss public safety, county services

EPHRATA — Four Republican candidates are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn.

Auditor candidates discuss election integrity, public confidence

EPHRATA — Three Republican candidates are running for the position of Grant County Auditor: incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley.

Auditor, Superior Court candidates outline experience, priorities at Moses Lake forum

MOSES LAKE — Candidates for Grant County auditor and Grant County Superior Court judge highlighted their experience, management philosophies and plans for improving public confidence in government during a candidate forum hosted by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Sheriff candidates outline what sets them apart ahead of primary

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to choose their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are making their case to the public ahead of the primary election. To give readers a clear comparison of the candidates, each was asked the same question and provided an equal opportunity to respond. In this installment, the candidates explain what sets them apart from their opponents and outline the changes or improvements they would like to make within the Grant County Sheriff’s Office if elected.

Railroad Fire destroys homes near Beverly, Schwana; Level 3 evacuations remain in place

BEVERLY — Firefighters from across Grant County and additional state and federal agencies continued battling the wind-driven Railroad Fire Thursday morning after the blaze destroyed multiple homes and forced Level 3 evacuations in Beverly, Schwana and portions of the Lower Crab Creek Road area. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The fire, which started around 11 p.m. Wednesday, rapidly spread through dry grass and sagebrush fueled by strong winds, prompting emergency officials to order residents to leave immediately, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office. GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said the fire moved quickly overnight, creating significant concerns for firefighters and emergency personnel attempting to evacuate residents.

Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to submit their primary ballots, three candidates are vying for the position as Grant County Sheriff including incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond.

Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting

EPHRATA — Four Republicans are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. To give voters a clear comparison of the candidates' positions and priorities, each was asked the same set of questions and provided the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond.

Grant County Commissioner candidates discuss growth, infrastructure

EPHRATA — Four candidates have applied for the position of Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the primary election: Shannon Durfee, Republican; Kelly Raap, Republican; Seth Weeks, Republican; and Janice Flynn, Republican. To help voters compare the candidates' views and priorities, each was sent the same set of questions and given the same deadline to respond. Three of the four candidates responded by the deadline given with no response from Weeks.

Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to select their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. This installment focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing law enforcement agencies: recruiting, retaining and supporting qualified staff within the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

Grant County Sheriff's Office candidates address public safety, crime reduction

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to choose their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete faces challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg in the primary election. To give readers a side-by-side look at each candidate's priorities and plans, all three were asked the same questions and given an equal opportunity to respond.

Sheriff candidates discuss state of Grant County Sheriff's Office

EPHRATA — Three candidates are vying for the position of Grant County Sheriff in the primary election: incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg. To help voters compare the candidates' views and priorities, each was sent the same set of questions and given the same deadline to respond. This question focuses on the current state of the sheriff's office and what each candidate believes could be improved.

13th district legislative candidates discuss priorities if elected

OLYMPIA — Three candidates are seeking election to State Representative Position 2 in Legislative District 13. To help voters compare their views, each candidate was asked the same set of questions. This question asks candidates to outline their top priorities if elected. Deanna Martinez and Don Myers submitted responses by the deadline. Joshua Thompson submitted his response one day late, citing a family medical emergency. His answers are included so voters can consider the positions of all three candidates.

Legislative candidates address transportation, economic development

OLYMPIA — Voters in Legislative District 13 will choose among three candidates for State Representative Position 2 in the upcoming election. To help readers compare where the candidates stand on key issues, each was asked the same questions and given the same deadline to respond.

Ephrata Police Dept. launches officer wellness program through state grant

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department is launching a new officer wellness program after the Ephrata City Council approved a state-funded grant and related contract aimed at providing mental health and behavioral health support for police personnel.

From Portland animal shelter to GCSO K-9 unit—meet Nova, a dog with a nose for drugs

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has added a new four-legged member to its team. Nova, a nearly 2-year-old German shepherd-terrier mix rescued from a Portland animal shelter, recently completed narcotics detection training and is now working alongside Deputy Seth Henkel as the agency’s newest K-9 team.

GCFD 7 seeks volunteers for voter pamphlet committees

Grant County Fire District 7 is seeking residents interested in serving on committees that will prepare arguments for and against the district's upcoming Emergency Medical Services levy proposition on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

13th district candidates address plans for agriculture, healthcare and housing

OLYMPIA — Voters in Legislative District 13 will have three candidates to consider for State Representative Position 2. To help readers compare their views on key issues, each candidate was sent the same set of questions and given the same deadline to respond. Republicans Deanna Martinez and Don Myers submitted responses by the deadline, while candidate Joshua Thompson did not respond. Because of the length of the answers received, the questionnaire will be presented in two installments.

Moses Lake Chamber encourages voters to attend July 21 candidate forum

MOSES LAKE — Voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking local, county state and federal offices during the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce's Candidate Forum on July 21 at Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center.

Man jumps from second-floor apartment, arrested on warrants

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested early Saturday morning after allegedly jumping from a second-floor apartment window and fleeing police during the investigation of a reported domestic dispute, according to Moses Lake Police Dept.

Gas prices tick upwards nationally, across Columbia Basin, while Wash. average edges down

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices have climbed again this week for most U.S. drivers, breaking an eight-week streak of declines, according to AAA data. The national average rose to $3.87 per gallon, up from $3.79 last week. Grant and Adams counties also saw increases, while Washington’s statewide average posted a slight drop in prices.

Deputies vote no confidence in sheriff’s administration; Kriete disputes concerns

MOSES LAKE — Members of the Grant County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriffs’ Association held a vote of no confidence in the current sheriff's office administration in June, though the results have not been publicly released. A no-confidence vote is a nonbinding expression of member sentiment and does not remove an elected official from office. Such votes are often used by employee organizations to signal concerns regarding leadership or management practices. Sheriff Joey Kriete, who is seeking re-election, confirmed a vote had taken place but said he had not been served with an official letter from the association and therefore could not confidently verify the results.

Driver arrested in Moses Lake hit-and-run

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police have arrested 19-year-old Noah McKinney of Moses Lake in connection with a July 3 shooting and pursuit investigation, according to a statement from the MLPD. According to the Grant County Jail Roster, McKinney was booked for second-degree unlawful firearm possession, aiming or discharging a firearm, drive-by shooting and reckless driving. According to MLPD, the incident began around 5 a.m. when officers responded to a reported hit-and-run collision. While investigating, officers heard multiple gunshots in the area and quickly located a suspect vehicle. The vehicle fled from police before crashing a short time later.

Moses Lake council to consider kratom restrictions

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members are expected to discuss potential regulations on kratom products during their July 14 meeting, including options ranging from a complete ban on sales and distribution to age restrictions prohibiting sales to anyone under 21.

MLSD reaches $1.85 million settlement with architect in Groff Elementary litigation

Litigation continues with construction company, other defendants

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District will receive $1.85 million as part of a settlement agreement with Design West Architects related to the construction of Groff Elementary School, according to district officials. The agreement was unanimously approved by the Moses Lake School Board during its July 9 meeting.

4th Congressional District candidates discuss healthcare, cost of living

MOSES LAKE — Eleven candidates are seeking to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District and were invited to answer a series of questions on issues affecting residents across Central Washington. Candidates were asked the following question: "Residents face rising healthcare and living costs. What federal actions would you prioritize to make healthcare more accessible and reduce financial pressure on families in the 4th District?"

Moses Lake detective Salazar honored as DOJ's 2026 Hometown Hero

Award recognizes his actions during 2023 shooting

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake police detective who helped stop a gunman during a deadly shooting at the Gorge Amphitheatre, near Quincy, three years ago has been recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Justice as the Eastern District of Washington's 2026 Hometown Hero.

MLSD hires longtime educator Kevin Rupprecht for leadership role

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District chose Washington educator Dr. Kevin Rupprecht as its new assistant executive director of secondary teaching and learning. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in school leadership, administration and classroom instruction to the district.

4th Congressional District candidates offer views on energy, environment and affordability

MOSES LAKE — Eleven candidates are seeking to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District, and all were invited to answer a series of questions on issues affecting the region. Six candidates responded by the deadline to the following question regarding energy policy: "The district includes significant hydroelectric resources and growing interest in renewable energy. How should the federal government balance energy production, environmental protection and affordability for residents?"

Soap Lake water infrastructure protected by firefighters on July 4

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake is thanking Grant County Fire District 7 and mutual aid partners after firefighters prevented the Maple Street Fire from reaching critical water infrastructure during the Fourth of July holiday.

Fourth Congressional District candidates share immigration policy opinions

MOSES LAKE — Eleven candidates are running in the primary election for Washington’s 4th Congressional District. All candidates were contacted multiple times and asked to respond to a series of questions. Of the 11 candidates, six submitted responses by the deadline.

Suds N' Sun draws crowds despite fireworks cancellation

SOAP LAKE — A bunch of residents and visitors gathered in Soap Lake over the Fourth of July weekend for the annual Suds N' Sun celebration, enjoying a packed schedule of community activities that included a parade, car show, basketball tournament, vendors and family activities.

COLUMN: An honor to be on the fire line

As reporters, we spend a lot of time telling other people's stories. Every once in a while, though, you find yourself in the middle of one. On the Fourth of July, I spent nearly 14 hours alongside Grant County Fire District 7. I arrived at the station around noon expecting to learn more about the department, cover the holiday festivities and maybe respond to a call or two. Instead, I witnessed firsthand how quickly a celebration can turn into an emergency.

Over 100 fire calls made across Grant County during Fourth of July weekend

MOSES LAKE — Fireworks sparked over 100 fire calls across Grant County during the Fourth of July holiday, stretching local fire agencies and volunteers as crews raced from one incident to the next under dangerous fire weather conditions. "All I can say is wow," Grant County Fire Marshal Nathan Poplawski said in a statement released following the holiday weekend. The amount of fires responded to over the Fourth of July weekend was roughly double the number recorded during the first week of the county's burn restrictions, according to Poplawski.

‘It takes a toll’

Fireworks, wind fuel busiest night of the year for Grant County Fire District 7

SOAP LAKE — As Grant County Fire District 7's engines rolled down Main Avenue during Soap Lake's Fourth of July parade, firefighters waved to families lining the streets while candy flew from open truck windows and brush rigs sprayed spectators baking in the summer heat. Then the sirens came on. Before crews could even complete the parade route, they were turning their trucks around and heading toward the first reported brush fire of the day, west of town. For the firefighters, the call marked the end of the holiday celebration and the beginning of what would become one of the busiest nights in recent memory, according to Chief Erick Brittain.