NANCE BESTON

Agencies acknowledge communication failures during Mattawa wildfire

MATTAWA — A fast‑moving wildfire that burned nearly 3,100 acres near state Route 24 on Sunday night prompted a four‑hour highway closure – but no public alerts from either the Washington State Patrol or the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, despite both agencies’ long‑standing practices of issuing emergency notifications. Both agencies now say internal communication breakdowns prevented timely alerts from reaching the public, leaving residents without the Nixle messages, Facebook posts or X updates they typically rely on during major incidents.

Sky dancers

Meet Washington’s endangered sandhill cranes

With long wings stretched wide, sandhill cranes fly together across the sky, calling to one another like trumpets. These tall, graceful birds love wetlands and open spaces – and every sighting is special, because sandhill cranes are endangered in Washington. Can you spot your favorite crane facts and words in the graphic and word search below?

4-acre blaze mostly contained in rural Ephrata

EPHRATA — Three fire agencies were called to a wildfire in the 13000 block of Road A.5 Northwest in Rural Ephrata at around 11 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

‘I don’t plan on going back’

Abel Valdez becomes Community Court’s 18th graduate

MOSES LAKE — Abel Valdez didn’t walk into Community Court expecting a fresh start.

‘This is one way we come together for our kids’

MLSD to host gang town hall tonight at Vanguard Academy

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District is convening a broad coalition of educators, law enforcement officers and regional safety specialists tonight for a gang awareness and prevention town hall, an event district leaders say is aimed at equipping families with practical tools to recognize early warning signs and keep youth connected to positive supports.

‘The right push’

Silva becomes Community Court’s 17th graduate, finds a new path forward

MOSES LAKE — When Jonathan David Silva walked into Community Court months ago, he didn’t expect transformation. He expected to “jump through the hoops,” as he put it. Instead, he walked out last week as the program’s 17th graduate – sober, grounded and surrounded by a team he now calls “a second family.” “I was never really fully sober my whole life,” Silva said during an interview. “Community Court honestly gave me a different perspective… it geared me in a direction of what I should have been doing the whole time as an adult.”

Two Mavericks sign to play college soccer

MOSES LAKE — Two longtime Moses Lake Mavericks are taking their game to the next level. Seniors Dalton Freidig and Enrique Landeros Cervantes have officially committed to continue their soccer careers in college, a point of pride for both the players and the program that raised them.

Ephrata council considers park and transportation fees for new developments

EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council continued discussions Wednesday on whether to adopt new park and transportation impact fees that would apply to future development, a move city officials say could help offset the cost of growth without raising taxes.

WSP Bomb Squad called to suspicious package, discovered to be battery

MOSES LAKE — Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad was called to a suspicious package in the 1700 block of Road K-Southeast in rural Moses Lake at 11 a.m. Saturday, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Detective warns Ephrata parents of rising online threats to local youth

EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff’s Office Detective Katrina Ball didn’t mince words Wednesday night as she described the growing dangers facing children online, telling Ephrata School District parents that sextortion, online enticement and extremist recruitment are no longer distant threats.

Soap Lake council addresses attorney services, city administration, other matters

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council addressed a wide range of operational and policy matters during its Wednesday night meeting, including city attorney services, the hiring of a city administrator, changes to how delinquent utility accounts are handled, the purchase of major public works equipment and approval of several community events.

Soap Lake City Council establishes performance-based pay for mayor

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt a new performance-based salary range for Mayor Peter Sharp, setting his monthly compensation anywhere between $0 and $600 depending on whether he meets seven specific job requirements.

Ephrata Middle Schoolers get front-row seat to local democracy

EPHRATA — On Wednesday nights at Ephrata City Hall, it’s not unusual to see a row of eighth-graders quietly filing into the council chambers, agendas in hand. They’re not there for extra credit alone – though that certainly helps. They are there because their teachers want them to see democracy up close, long before they’re old enough to vote. Ephrata Middle School history teachers Katie Johnson and Lindsy Roberts revived the tradition after experiencing it themselves as students.

Potato truck crash closes part of Dodson Road

ROYAL CITY — A potato truck crash was reported to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office at around 8 a.m. Wednesday morning on Dodson Road South. The southbound lane of Dodson Road between Road 10SW and Road 11SW reopened about 3 p.m. Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said there were no injuries. “The driver contacted the guard rail and rolled the truck over onto its side, so it lost some potatoes, but the driver is okay,” Foreman said. The GCSO was assisted by the Washington State Patrol, he said earlier Wednesday.

‘Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility’

National Wildfire Awareness Month reminds residents to practice preparedness, prevention

SOAP LAKE — A weekend structure fire in Soap Lake is offering an early warning for what fire officials say could become a severe wildfire season across central Washington, as May marks National Wildfire Awareness Month and agencies urge residents to take prevention seriously.

Ephrata youth violence town hall today

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District is inviting parents and guardians to a youth safety town hall tonight to address fast‑changing risks facing local students, including online exploitation and gang involvement. The Youth Violence Prevention Town Hall is set for May 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center. The adults‑only event is free and will be livestreamed on the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Child care will be provided. District Communications Director Sarah Morford said the meeting expands on last year’s gang awareness event. “This town hall is focused on preventing youth violence and specifically sextortion, online safety and gang awareness,” she said.

Adams County election filing open until Friday

RITZVILLE — Adams County opened its 2026 candidate filing period Monday, giving residents five days to declare their campaigns for a wide slate of federal, state and county offices.

Central Washington Wine Production Group facility fire contained

MATTAWA — A commercial structure fire was reported at around 2:30 p.m. in the 22000 block of State Route 243. Grant County Fire District 8 responded to the call within a matter of minutes and saw smoke pouring out all four sides of the building, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. GCFD 8 called for mutual aid with Grant County Fire District 3, Royal Slope Fire and EMS and Hanford Fire Department responding to the call.

Washington reaches record-high fuel prices

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices in Washington hit a record high Monday at an average of $5.67. The previous record was set in 2022 at $5.56, according to AAA. Patrick De Haan, head petroleum analyst at GasBuddy, said there were sharp increases across the nation this week for both gasoline and diesel. He cited refinery outages and ongoing conflict in the Middle East as potential causes. “With so many moving pieces, the outlook remains highly fluid, and while some localized relief may emerge, broader price volatility is likely to persist in the near term,” De Haan said in a statement.

With hearts, hard work and hugs: Ephrata’s Rodriguez prepares to celebrate graduation

EPHRATA — When Bertha Rodriguez talks about graduation, the excitement bubbles over quickly. There’s a party planned, favorite foods on the menu, family in the stands – and, of course, a dress waiting to be worn.

Candidate filing open in Grant County

EPHRATA — Candidate filing week is underway in Grant County, opening a five-day window for residents to officially declare their candidacy for local offices on the 2026 ballot — including several high‑profile races that will be wide open. Online and in‑person filing began Monday at 8 a.m. and will close sharply at 5 p.m. Friday, according to the Grant County Elections Division. Candidates may also file by mail, though mailed declarations could not be accepted before April 20.

7 Columbia Basin schools recognized for excellence by OSPI

OLYMPIA — Seven Columbia Basin schools have been recognized by the Washington State Board of Education and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for outstanding progress in student growth and closing achievement gaps during the 2024-25 school year. The honors are part of the Washington School Recognition Program, which this year identified 379 schools statewide, about 16% of all public schools, for exceptional performance in one or more categories: Growth, Closing Gaps or Achievement.

Therapy dog program becomes a student‑led legacy at Vanguard Academy

MOSES LAKE — What began as a freshman’s idea to bring comfort animals into Vanguard Academy has grown into a multiyear therapy dog program and a defining high school experience for senior Daniel Heeney.

Concerns about cost, timing, trust raised during Ephrata post-bond survey

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District leaders say the results of a new community and staff survey make clear that the next school bond — whenever it comes — must look very different from the proposal voters rejected in February.

Soap Lake Library teaches young gardeners how to help native bees thrive

SOAP LAKE — Families visited the Soap Lake Library this week for an Earth Day program that turned tin cans, bamboo stems and paper tubes into “bee hotels” — small, handmade shelters designed to support the region’s solitary native bees.

‘Show up’

Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust

WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.

Kids, kites and color

Quincy’s first Kids & Kites Festival takes flight

QUINCY — Quincy’s first annual Kids & Kites Festival arrived on a gust of spring wind Saturday, turning Lauzier Park into a sky‑high kaleidoscope of color, motion and pure kid joy. With every breeze that swept across the grass, dragons, butterflies and bright geometric kites leapt upward. Children chased after them in zigzags, laughing as they tried to catch the wind. When the kites dipped too low and skidded into the grass, parents swooped in like pit crews – untangling string, adjusting plastic frames and sending their young pilots back into the fray. Arches of kites lined the park, swaying with the music drifting from Pear Radio’s speakers. DJ Rafael Aguilar kept the soundtrack lively, blending English-language hits with upbeat Hispanic tracks that matched the festival’s energy.

Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations

WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”

Ephrata aims to prevent youth violence with local education

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District is inviting parents and guardians to a community town hall next week aimed at addressing fast‑changing risks facing local youth – from online exploitation to gang involvement – and giving adults practical tools to recognize warning signs. The Youth Violence Prevention Town Hall is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center. The event is free, open to adults only and will be livestreamed by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Childcare will be available on-site.

Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.

Workshop aims to bridge gap between kids’ digital lives and parents’ awareness

QUINCY — Quincy School District and local youth prevention partners will host a free workshop Wednesday night aimed at helping parents navigate the fast‑changing digital world their children use every day.

Kratom ban enacted in Othello

City cites youth safety, FDA warnings in unanimous vote

OTHELLO — The Othello City Council voted unanimously Monday to ban the sale, advertisement and distribution of kratom and 7‑hydroxymitragynine products, making the community one of the first in the Columbia Basin to enact a full prohibition. The ordinance takes effect on Friday. The decision followed weeks of discussion, research by city staff and testimony from residents and advocates. The discussion began at the April 13 council meeting with Police Chief Aaron Garza letting council know the products are being sold locally in gummies, teas and shots without age restrictions. Mayor Ken Johnson said the issue first came to his attention when he learned an Othello resident had unknowingly consumed kratom and experienced serious effects.

Measles response in Grant County ends, officials urge continued vigilance

EPHRATA — Grant County Health District has officially closed its measles response after no additional infections were linked to the two confirmed cases reported in March, the agency announced Monday.

Groff construction progresses across building

MOSES LAKE — Crews continue to work through a long list of structural and safety issues at Groff Elementary. District officials say the project remains on schedule for a fall 2026 reopening. “We are on schedule to open Groff Elementary for the 2026-27 school year,” Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon said. Shannon said exterior insulation work is underway to improve the building’s long-term performance. New insulation is being added to sections of the exterior wall, which will later be finished with metal siding.

Gas prices climb across WA through April

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices across Washington continued their upward trajectory throughout April, mirroring national volatility, driven by shifting crude oil markets and renewed geopolitical tensions. According to AAA data, the Washington state average rose from $5.39 on April 6 to $5.48 on April 27, an increase of 1.7% or 9 cents over the month. Nationally, prices fluctuated but ended slightly higher, moving from $4.12 on April 6 to $4.11 on April 27, essentially flat with a 0.2% decrease. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said the market remains highly reactive to global developments. “Average gasoline prices rose in 39 states over the last week… However, that divergence may prove short-lived. Oil prices have been climbing again as markets react to renewed geopolitical tensions and the cancellation of talks between the U.S. and Iran,” De Haan said.

Non-injury sheep collision Sunday morning

MOSES LAKE — One driver collided with a flock of around 50 sheep in the 700 block of Road 4 Northeast, near Mae Valley, at around 3 a.m. Sunday.

Grant, Douglas and Chelan PUDs consider collaboration on geothermal energy

WENATCHEE — Three Central Washington public utility districts are exploring whether geothermal energy could become the region’s next major power source, as electricity demand continues to climb faster than utilities can build new generations.

Garden smarter

Lessons from Big Bend’s eco‑gardening workshop

MOSES LAKE — Home gardeners packed the ATEC building at Big Bend Community College on Saturday for a Master Gardeners eco‑gardening workshop that blended science, soil care and hands‑on pest management — all tailored to the Columbia Basin’s unique growing conditions. Start with your real life, not your Pinterest board Soap Lake farmer and certified arborist Issac Lnenicka opened the day by urging gardeners to begin with honest self‑assessment: what they eat, how much time they have and what their yards can realistically support.

Narcan dispenser installed at GCFD 7 aims to turn bystanders into lifesavers

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 has installed a new 24/7 Narcan dispenser outside its station, a move district leaders say is about one thing only: saving lives.

Drug take back events planned across Grant Co. this weekend

SOAP LAKE — Grant County residents will have several opportunities this weekend to safely dispose of unused or expired medications as local police departments, fire districts and prevention coalitions participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

City says concession lease with Carson is settled, despite allegations

SOAP LAKE — Allegations were raised during a recent Soap Lake City Council meeting that Council Member Susan Carson owes unpaid rent related to a concession stand lease she held with the city. However, city records and interviews with current and former city officials present conflicting accounts and city staff say Carson does not have an outstanding balance.

Mutually beneficial burn removes weeds, provides training

SOAP LAKE — A routine spring cleanup turned into one of Grant County Fire District 7’s most valuable training opportunities Saturday, according to GCFD 7 officials, when firefighters partnered with the City of Soap Lake to burn out heavy weed growth in the city’s treated water holding ponds and practice wildland firefighting on a live fire. GCFD 7 Wildland Captain Jake Friesen said the idea started as a simple request from the city. “The city has their treated water holding ponds up there, and they asked for our help to clear them out,” Friesen said. “I was like, ‘Absolutely, because we can use that as a wildland training opportunity for our guys as well as helping the city out.’ So, it’s mutually beneficial.”

Washington wolf population climbs to record high after 17% annual increase

OLYMPIA — Washington’s gray wolf population grew by more than 17% in 2025, reaching its highest level since wolves naturally returned to the state nearly two decades ago, according to a new annual report released April 13 by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. State and tribal biologists counted a minimum of 270 wolves, 49 packs and 23 breeding pairs as of Dec. 31, 2025. Which is up from 230 wolves, 43 packs and 18 breeding pairs the previous year. The count reflects the minimum number of wolves confirmed through aerial surveys, track observations, remote cameras and collar data, plus an additional 12.5% to account for lone wolves and dispersers. “We confirmed six new or reestablished packs in the annual count,” WDFW wolf biologist Trent Roussin said in the department’s announcement.

MLSD Citizen Financial Oversight Committee reports declining attendance, seeks new members

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District Citizen’s Financial Oversight Committee is seeking new members as attendance has dwindled in recent months, co‑chairs Audra Eckenberg and Karl Ferranti told the school board during its April 16 regular meeting. The committee was formed in 2023 after the district identified significant financial challenges. It was created to strengthen transparency, improve public understanding of school finances and provide a direct line between community members and district leadership, according to Eckenberg.

Soap Lake sees large uptick of public records requests

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake is experiencing a upsurge in public records requests this spring, with dozens of inquiries pouring in from residents, reporters and outside agencies as the city navigates ongoing investigations, staffing changes and questions about financial oversight.

Two arrested in Warden on assault charges

WARDEN — The Warden Police Department received a report of a physical fight with shots fired at the Warden City Park, Friday, according to Warden PD. Two suspects were arrested: Alex Gonzalez, 19, of Warden and a 17-year-old male juvenile.

MLSD to host community forum on new elementary school

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District leaders will host a community forum Monday evening to gather public input on a proposal to build a new elementary school on the North Elementary property, a project that would merge North and Larson Heights elementaries and replace two of the district’s oldest buildings.

Moses Lake man arrested for assault after K-9 assistance

MOSES LAKE — Nicolas Brice, 44, of Moses Lake, was arrested Sunday after allegedly punching a woman in a face four times near Kathy Drive and Broad Street Northeast. The woman and the subject know each other, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Brice did not comply with deputies’ orders to surrender, choosing to take a confrontational stance, according to the GCSO. “Deputies, along with handler Deputy Zane Bundy and K-9 Malie were at the scene when deputies gave the order to Mr. Brice for him to surrender. He refused. So, Malie brought Mr. Brice under control,” Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.

Moses Lake School Board passes updates to sex ed, ELA materials

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board approved updates to its secondary English language arts curriculum and adopted revisions to its comprehensive sexual health education materials Thursday during the regularly scheduled board meeting. District leaders said the updates will modernize instruction and bring materials in line with state requirements. The board also passed a resolution supporting school-based celebrations of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

Support students and save some green at FFA plant sales

MOSES LAKE — This is the time of year when FFA students get to show the fruits of their labor – literally – at plant sales all over the Columbia Basin. Nearly every high school will offer flower and vegetable starts for sale around the end of April and the beginning of May.