NANCE BESTON

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.

Local gas prices fall as summer driving season continues

MOSES LAKE — Drivers in Grant and Adams counties are seeing some relief at the pump after months of steadily rising fuel costs, with gasoline prices continuing a downward trend through early July even as Washington remains home to some of the highest fuel prices in the nation. According to AAA, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Grant County stood at $4.82 per gallon on July 6, down 68 cents from $5.50 per gallon on June 1. Adams County averaged $4.90 per gallon, down from $5.43 just five weeks earlier. Washington's statewide average also fell significantly, dropping from $5.71 per gallon on June 1 to $5.03 per gallon on July 6, while the national average declined from $4.32 to $3.79 during the same period.

Q&A with Fourth Congressional District candidates

MOSES LAKE — Eleven candidates are running in the primary election for the Fourth Congressional District in Washington. All candidates were contacted several times with a handful of questions, of the eleven candidates, only five responded by the deadline given.

Ephrata Council expedites approval of kratom ban, raises concerns from local retailer

EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council voted 6-1 Wednesday night to ban the sale, distribution and advertising of kratom and kratom-derived products within city limits, making Ephrata the fourth city in Grant County to adopt such restrictions and the first in the county to do so while businesses are actively selling the substance. The ordinance takes effect 60 days after passage.

Gusty winds, dry conditions raise fire concerns ahead of Fourth of July in Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE — Dry conditions, gusty winds and rising temperatures are expected to increase wildfire danger across Grant and Adams counties over the Fourth of July weekend, prompting warnings from forecasters and local officials for residents to use extreme caution with fireworks and other potential ignition sources.

Court orders company owned by Soap Lake Mayor to repay couple for unfinished project

After emergency responders assisted, the couple dropped man's vehicle off at hospital

MOSES LAKE — A Grant County District Court judge on Wednesday ordered Sharp Development LLC to repay a Soap Lake couple $6,806 after finding the company breached a fence-construction contract by failing to perform the work after receiving payment.

Ephrata couple helps distressed man on highway in Wyoming

After emergency responders assisted, they dropped man's vehicle off at the hospital

EPHRATA — When Kathy and Wes Ballard stopped at a truck pullout along Interstate 80 in Wyoming during a trip home from visiting family, they expected nothing more than a short break for their dogs. Instead, they found themselves helping a stranger in distress.

COMMENTARY: The Fourth of July isn’t just about fireworks – it’s about showing up

By the time the sun sets on the Fourth of July, we’ll be gathered in parks, lining sidewalks and watching fireworks light up the sky. It’s a tradition that most of us look forward to every year. But as meaningful as those moments are, they only touch part of what this holiday is about. Independence Day isn’t just something we celebrate; it’s something we take part in. Freedom doesn’t just take care of itself. It’s not kept alive by parades or speeches alone. It lasts because ordinary people show up, day after day, in ways that don’t always get noticed.

Othello City Council considering e-bike regulations

OTHELLO — The Othello City Council is considering e-bike regulations around helmets, speed limits and locations where the devices are allowed. The council began the discussion at the June 22 meeting regarding the potential regulations, asking Othello Police Chief Brent McFarlane to bring back drafted resolutions to the July 13 regular city council meeting.

West Nile Virus present in mosquitoes near Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Health officials have confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected near Moses Lake, marking the first detected positive sample in Grant County this year.

Flock of pink

Second annual Flock Walk supports cancer patients in Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE — A sea of pink lined the Gavinski Trail at Neppel Landing on Saturday as dozens of community members gathered for the second annual Flock Walk, raising money and awareness for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation. Flamingos, chalk messages and bright shirts marked the path as roughly 60 participants walked together in support of friends, family members and neighbors affected by cancer. The event raised $4,600, according to organizers, with funds going directly toward services for local cancer patients. “It’s events like these in the community that allow us to continue doing what we do,” said Amanda Carpenter, community relations coordinator for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation. “It helps us continue serving our clients throughout Grant and Adams counties and helps more people know that we’re here.”

Gas tax increase coming July 1, prices remain steady otherwise

OLYMPIA — Washington drivers are heading into Wednesday’s automatic gas tax increase already paying some of the highest fuel prices in the nation, with averages in Grant and Adams counties continuing to outpace national trends even as most U.S. motorists see relief at the pump.

Connelly Park recovery update: progress made, work still ahead

MOSES LAKE — Repairs at Connelly Park are steadily moving forward following a destructive windstorm in May that toppled nearly 15 trees and uprooted at least 10 more, causing extensive damage to park infrastructure. According to Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District General Manager Sam Castro, the park is showing significant signs of recovery – but it is not yet ready to reopen.

Ephrata City Council considers ordinance banning kratom

Further discussion at July 1 meeting; public input encouraged

EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council is set to consider an ordinance banning the sale, distribution and advertising of kratom products within city limits, a move that would make it the latest community in central Washington to take action on the unregulated substance. The proposal, listed for a first reading at the council’s July 1 meeting, would prohibit any person or business from selling or distributing kratom or related products, including those containing the compound 7‑hydroxymitragynine, often referred to as 7‑OH.

City of Ephrata looking to fill open seat on Civil Service Commission

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is seeking applicants to fill one open seat on its Civil Service Commission, a volunteer body that helps oversee hiring and employment practices for the city’s police and fire departments. City Clerk Rob Miller said the three-member commission plays an important role in ensuring fairness and accountability in public safety employment decisions.

Warden City Council approves contracts and community event

WARDEN — The Warden City Council unanimously approved several agenda items during its June 23 meeting, including awarding a major infrastructure contract and authorizing a community event at Warden City Park. Council members approved the agenda, minutes and consent items without opposition, with all actions passing unanimously throughout the evening.

Shannon Falstad appointed as Grant County Auditor

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Board of County Commissioners has appointed Shannon Falstad as the county’s next auditor, selecting a longtime county employee with decades of experience in both the auditor’s and clerk’s offices to replace outgoing Auditor Michele Jaderlund, who is retiring at the end of June.

Garred Road Fire sees no growth, two other local fires contained

COULEE CITY — Fire crews are still working on containing the Garred Road Fire, near Coulee City, which has seen very little growth, remaining at nearly 3,400 acres and is around 61 percent contained as of Thursday afternoon. According to the Southeast Washington Interagency I

Steady progress continues on Garred Road Fire, near Coulee City

COULEE CITY — Firefighters continue to make steady progress on the Garrett Road Fire burning between Highways 2 and 17 in Grant and Douglas counties, with containment holding at 27% and no growth in acreage as of Wednesday.

Port of Ephrata advancing major projects with eye on long-term growth

EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata is laying the groundwork for a wave of future development, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, regional collaboration and long-term planning that officials say will position the port to compete for millions in state and federal funding.

MLPD detective de-escalates tense standoff involving realistic BB gun

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake Police detective is being credited with safely defusing a tense encounter Wednesday morning with a man who displayed what appeared to be a firearm but turned out to be a BB revolver gun.

Three structures destroyed in Mattawa fire

MATTAWA — Grant County Fire District 8 was dispatched to a structure fire Monday night near Road U Southwest and Road 24.7 Southwest, according to business manager Barabara Davis.

Garred Road Fire outside Coulee City contained at 3,500 acres

COULEE CITY — A wildfire that raced across rangeland near Sun Lakes on Monday has shown little to no growth as of early Tuesday afternoon, according to the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team, which assumed command of the incident at 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Coffee with the Editor offers community a chance to connect

MOSES LAKE — Residents will have a chance to sit down, share their thoughts and get to know the new leadership at the Columbia Basin Herald during a casual “Coffee with the Editor” event from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Garred Road Fire continues to expand, threatening structures and infrastructure

COULEE CITY — A wildfire near Coulee City has grown significantly and is now threatening structures and critical infrastructure, prompting state officials to mobilize additional firefighting resources. The Garred Road Fire, which started Sunday at about 4:01 p.m., has expanded to an estimated 3,500 acres and continues to grow, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Earlier Monday, Coulee City Fire Chief Jesse Bolyard said the fire had rekindled after initially burning nearly 500 acres Sunday.

Gas prices continue decline, prices still higher than last year

MOSES LAKE — Average gasoline prices continue to decline across Washington state and the nation, with prices down from both last week and a month ago, according to AAA data, though they remain significantly higher than this time last year.

Moses Lake School Board considers acceptance of completion of Vanguard Academy

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District has officially accepted construction of Vanguard Academy, marking the formal completion of a yearslong project that saw delays, technical challenges and extensive testing before the building was turned over to the district.

Wildfire causes Sun Lakes camping area evacuations

COULEE CITY — A nearly 500-acre fire near Coulee City has rekindled this morning, according to Coulee City Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Jesse Bolyard.

Peninsula PTO launches fundraiser after storm destroys family’s home

MOSES LAKE — After a destructive windstorm tore through Moses Lake late last month, the Peninsula Elementary School community is rallying behind a family who lost their home when a massive tree crashed through it, trapping a teenage girl and destroying a young boy’s bedroom.

Soap Lake council surpluses items, updates public works director contract

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council approved multiple resolutions Wednesday, including declaring surplus property from the city’s RV park and transferring community assets, while also updating the contract for the city’s public works director. The council unanimously passed a resolution to surplus a gate previously installed at the Soap Lake RV Park. City officials clarified the gate was not purchased by the city and was not usable in its current condition.

Fire report for June 18, 2026

MOSES LAKE — The fires below were burning and causing smoke and air quality concerns regionally as of Thursday afternoon.

Grant County opens new jail facility with ribbon cutting ceremony

EPHRATA — Grant County officials, staff and community members gathered Wednesday to mark the completion of the county’s new jail facility, a project years in the making that leaders say represents a major investment in public safety and the future of the justice system.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office report outlines allegations against Soap Lake mayor

Prosecutor's office looking into alleged unlawful recording and misuse of public office

SOAP LAKE — A Grant County Sheriff’s Office report has outlined a range of allegations involving Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp, including potential violations related to unlawful recording and misuse of public office, though no criminal charges have been filed as of June 17. According to Grant County Prosecutor Brandon Guernsey, his office is working as fast as they can to determine if charges will be filed.

Vehicle crash ignites wildfire south of Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — Charges are pending against a Soap Lake man whose rollover crash sparked a brush fire about five miles south of Soap Lake early Tuesday morning, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol.

OGWRP holds groundbreaking for fourth delivery system

ODESSA — The Odessa Groundwater Replacement Project marked another milestone June 10 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the EL 80.6 delivery system – its fourth system – bringing the long-running effort one step closer to replacing declining groundwater supplies with Columbia River surface water.

Gas prices see relief this week, still elevated compared to last year

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices remain significantly higher than a year ago but are trending downward heading into mid-June, according to weekly figures from AAA and analysis from GasBuddy. The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Washington state stood at $5.51 on June 15, down 11 cents from the previous week and off 27 cents from a month ago.

Republican forum highlights priorities, disagreements among GCSO Sheriff

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Republican Party hosted a packed candidate forum Thursday night featuring Sheriff Joey Kriete and challengers Darrick Gregg and Josh Sainsbury, offering voters a detailed look at the candidates’ priorities on leadership, crime, jail capacity and accountability. Moderator Victor Lombardi guided the discussion through a series of structured questions, with candidates responding in turn.

Warden juvenile arrested for alleged assault of family members, officer

WARDEN — The Warden Police Department was dispatched to a report of physical domestic violence in the 800 block of South Adams Ave Friday morning. The suspect, a 17-year-old male, allegedly assaulted two family members before fleeing the residence on foot. He returned a short time later, where an office attempted to detain him. He then assaulted the police officer and fled on foot again, according to a statement from WPD.

Chief for a Day celebrates courage, community at Grant County Courthouse

EPHRATA — Thirteen young leaders from across Grant County were honored Thursday during the 22nd annual Chief for a Day celebration at the Grant County Courthouse, where they were sworn in, recognized for their resilience and courage and given the chance to step into the roles of local first responders.

Mattawa becomes third in Grant Co. to ban kratom

MATTAWA — The Mattawa City Council has approved a full ban on the sale and distribution of kratom and kratom‑derived products, making it the third city in Grant County to enact such restrictions following similar actions in Royal City and Warden. Othello, located in Adams County, has also implemented a similar ban. The council adopted Ordinance 26‑707 during its June 4 regular meeting.

Caps fly through the wind as MLHS Class of 2026 graduates

MOSES LAKE — Wind whipped across Lions Field on the evening of June 9 as 337 seniors from Moses Lake High School crossed the field and officially became graduates, closing one chapter and stepping into the next. Despite gusty conditions that tugged at gowns, papers and decorations, the Class of 2026 embraced the moment with energy, reflection and a sense of unity shaped by shared experiences.

GCFD 7 asking voters to consider EMS Levy increase amid rise in call volume

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 will resume collecting its previously approved $0.25 EMS levy next year, and voters will decide in the November General Election whether to increase that rate to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Sheriff candidates encourage public to engage at Thursday forum

MOSES LAKE — Voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates vying to become Grant County’s next sheriff during a community forum Thursday evening. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m., June 11, at Generations Church Assembly of God, 431 E. Brown Ave., Moses Lake, and is organized by the Grant County Republican Party. Incumbent Sheriff Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are all expected to participate.