NANCE BESTON

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.

Warden woman arrested for warrants, protection order violation

WARDEN — One arrest was made Wednesday in Warden during a routine patrol, according to Warden PD. At around 11 a.m., a Warden Police officer observed a female subject, later identified as Adriana G. Rodriguez, 45, of Warden at a residence in the 400 block of South Main Street. The officer recognized the subject and knew there was an active domestic violence court order prohibiting the female from being at the residence. The officer made contact with Rodriguez. After a records check, the officer discovered around eight active warrants for her arrest, according to Warden PD.

Electric bikes give MLPD faster access to hard-to-reach areas

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department is rolling into spring with a major upgrade to its bike patrol program. The department recently got four new fat‑tire electric bicycles designed to boost officer mobility, visibility and community engagement throughout the city. Captain Jeff Sursely said the department has used bicycles for roughly three decades, but this is the first time officers will patrol on e‑bikes capable of reaching up to 28 mph. “This is the first year we’ve moved to an e‑bike,” Sursely said. “The fat tire version will allow us to go off‑road … behind Walmart, the movie theater, some of the areas where we’ve had some illegal camping.”

Warden Council restricts drug paraphernalia, tackles parking codes

WARDEN — The Warden City Council passed an ordinance restricting where drug paraphernalia can be displayed within storefronts. Council also began discussion on banning kratom and setting up parking zones and rules, asking for ordinances to be brought to the next regularly scheduled meeting. Paraphernalia For the last couple of meetings, the council has been discussing issues with how drug paraphernalia is displayed within some stores. They had concerns about the accessibility of the items to minors, because the items are easily accessible. “We don’t want to restrict the sale of these items to legal adults,” Council member Emily Campos said at a previous meeting. “We just don’t want children to be able to access it.”

St. Rose breaks ground on prayer garden, wedding space

EPHRATA — The sacred garden at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Ephrata is beginning to take shape.

Soap Lake tables stripping mayor’s pay, establishes hiring committee

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council weighed two major governance actions — one to strip the mayor’s salary during ongoing investigations, and another to overhaul how the city hires department heads — as tensions over leadership and legal authority continued to dominate.

On the books, Ephrata PD fully staffed

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department is fully staffed, on paper, with two officers completing field training and one at the academy. “It’s exciting to finally get our numbers at a reasonable level,” Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch said. “I am just trying not to count my chickens before they hatch, but we are excited. We are not seeing anything that is indicating that we are not going to get there.” Officers Ricky Barquet and Romen Hernandez have both graduated from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basin Law Enforcement Academy. Barquet graduated at the end of March, and Hernandez graduated in December. Both are working on completing their field training program.

Ephrata Comprehensive Plan open house tonight

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is hosting its comprehensive plan update open house tonight. Residents will be able to speak with city staff and planning consultants, review early concepts, explore challenges facing the city, and participate in activities designed to gather feedback. “You can’t be a government of the people, by the people, for the people, if the people aren’t involved,” City Administrator Ray Towry said. “We want people to give us their feedback.”

Graffiti is seeing uptick in Grant County; here's how to help

QUINCY — Law enforcement agencies across Grant County say graffiti vandalism is rising with the spring weather, prompting renewed requests for community vigilance, quick cleanup and better reporting as officers work to curb a crime that is easy to commit and difficult to catch.

Beware of Bitcoin scams

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake police are warning residents about a sharp rise in scams involving Bitcoin machines, after three people were targeted in the past week alone. Capt. Jeff Sursely said scammers are increasingly directing victims to local Bitcoin kiosks, machines that function like ATMs, and convincing them to deposit money under the guise of paying fines, fees or urgent debts. “Scammers are always finding new ways to victimize our citizens,” Sursely said. “There isn’t a single entity that will call you on the phone and tell you to send Bitcoin that’s legitimate.”

‘A real concern for our youth’

Othello considers banning kratom

OTHELLO — The city of Othello is weighing whether to outlaw the sale of kratom and concentrated 7‑hydroxymitragynine products, citing rising safety concerns, unregulated access for youth and new federal data showing the compound behaves like a potent opioid. The proposal, introduced during the April 13 council meeting, would prohibit the sale, advertisement and distribution of any kratom or kratom derived product within city limits. Police Chief Aaron Garza told council members the products are already being sold locally in gummies, shots and teas, with no age restrictions. “There’s no regulation on it. There’s no restrictions on how old you have to be to buy it, or how much you can buy,” Garza said. “That’s a real concern for our youth.”

Gas prices stable this week, large increases since January

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices across Washington were largely unchanged this week, but drivers are still paying significantly more than they did in early January as global tensions continue to pressure oil markets. The relative stability follows several weeks of volatility tied to escalating conflict near the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for crude oil. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said drivers should be prepared for more price swings. “Average gasoline prices surged for many Americans through the first half of last week before easing in some areas after oil prices slipped following President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire,” De Haan said in a statement. As of April 13, Washington’s average gasoline price remained $5.39 per gallon, the same as the previous week, according to AAA. In the beginning of January, prices were sitting at $3.84, which marks a 40.4% increase in fuel prices from the start of the year.

Ephrata Sports Complex construction to begin today

EPHRATA — Construction on the Sports Complex Addition Project begins Monday, bringing temporary closures, a partial dog park shutdown and the start of a major, multi‑phase renovation expected to reshape one of the city’s busiest recreation hubs, Parks and Recreation Director Josh Johnson said.

One arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

Moses Lake KFC employee among 11 nationwide to receive top scholarship

MOSES LAKE — Krystal Salmeron thought she was headed to take a passport photo. Instead, she walked into her workplace at KFC to find flowers, a crowd of supporters and a giant check with her name on it — for $20,000.

4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin

EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”

Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing

MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sleep Diagnostic Center announced it will be closing its doors effective April 30. This includes locations in Moses Lake, Spokane Valley, Brewster and Wenatchee. The announcement follows the March 25 guilty plea from Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, 57, in United States District Court to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”

‘It changed me’

Ephrata FFA seniors find purpose, confidence and community

EPHRATA — For two Ephrata High School seniors, the blue corduroy jacket has been more than a uniform. It has been a road map. One that led them to unexpected skills, statewide success and ultimately, their future careers.

Creating Ephrata’s ‘vision board’ for next 2 decades

EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata is asking residents to help shape the community’s next two decades as it launches a major update to its 20‑year comprehensive plan, a state‑mandated blueprint that guides housing, transportation, parks, utilities and long‑term growth. “It’s the ‘what do you want to be when you grow up’ vision board for the community,” City Administrator Ray Towry said. “It’s a document that helps the local government stay focused on meeting goals.” City officials are encouraging residents to participate through an online survey and an in‑person open house scheduled for April 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center.

Man arrested after MLPD finds drugs, rifles and a 3D printer

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police arrested Steven Johnston, 63, for possession of firearms and possession of narcotics, and are potentially pursuing charges related to a 3D printer found in his residence, which could be used to create untraceable firearms, according to a statement from the MLPD. The Moses Lake Police Department Street Crimes Unit served a search warrant Friday on Johnston’s trailer at the Cougar Campgrounds in Wheeler, east of Moses Lake, according to the statement. Johnston was suspected of methamphetamine sales. Johnson attempted to leave the location in his vehicle but was taken into custody pursuant to the search warrants.

Ephrata begins crack sealing, seal coat to follow

EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata started crack sealing Monday to help extend the life of several of its streets. After crack-sealing is completed, the city will then seal-coat some streets. “We clean out all the cracks, basically blowing air to get all the dirt, dust and weeds out of the way. Then they inject a rubber in there that dries and fills those cracks and helps keep them waterproofed,” City Administrator Ray Towry said. “The crack-sealing and seal coat are designed to extend the life of the roads. We are doing this to buy us some time on our roads because they have deteriorated so badly and we can’t afford to completely replace them.” The city had budgeted $100,000 for 2026 for crack seal work with the city engineer estimating the work would cost around $101,000. The city received 12 bids by Jan. 29. At the Feb. 4 Ephrata City Council meeting, the council unanimously approved a contract with Base Crew, LLC for $77,000 to complete around 200,000 feet of cracks on various streets around the city. This will be paid out of the city’s transportation budget.

New Ephrata City Clerk Miller says focus is transparency, community service

EPHRATA — Rob Miller is only a few weeks into his new job as Ephrata’s city clerk, but city leaders say he’s already proving to be an organized, community‑minded addition to City Hall. Miller, a U.S. Army veteran and former managing editor of the Columbia Basin Herald, said his background in public service and journalism naturally led him to the position. “Public records is a large part of this position and understanding the importance of transparency,” he said. “The community deserves a government that is transparent… someone who is their neighbor that is in there to provide the information they need so they can enjoy the city they live in.” Miller was appointed into the role on March 23, during a special Ephrata City Council meeting.

Authorities urge safety as ORV season ramps up at sand dunes

MOSES LAKE — With warmer weather drawing thousands of riders to the Moses Lake Sand Dunes and Beverly Sand Dunes, Grant County law enforcement is urging visitors to follow safety rules meant to prevent crashes, fires and other hazards. Deputies say most injuries at the dunes stem from preventable behavior.

Ephrata SD asks for bond feedback with survey

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District is asking community members to share their perspectives on the 2026 bond election by participating in a community survey. “I want the community to know that the Ephrata School District absolutely values our community’s voice,” Superintendent Ken Murray said in a previous interview. “I just want our community to know that we appreciate their involvement in this past election. We appreciate the voices that we heard, and we are going to take what we have learned and we are going to put something forward. At the time that we do, we are going to feel confident that it’s something that our community can really rally behind.” The survey will remain open until April 19. All responses are anonymous. The feedback will be used to better understand community perspectives and will be shared with the Facility Study Group this spring, according to the Ephrata School District.

Ephrata takes first steps toward leaving flood zone with multi-phase plan

EPHRATA — After decades of stalled progress, the City of Ephrata is taking its first steps toward getting more than 500 acres of downtown removed from the federal floodplain, a move city officials say would lift a major economic burden from residents and businesses.

Soap Lake approves tourism committee, planners and RV park host role

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council moved through a full agenda Wednesday night, unanimously approving the creation of a new tourism committee, hiring two firms to jointly handle city planning duties, adopting a formal job description for the city’s RV park host and accepting funding for Phase II of the Daisy Street sidewalk improvement project.

Ephrata moves forward with upgrades to Sports Complex

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is moving forward with the first phase of a long‑planned overhaul of the Ephrata Sports Complex, a project that will add six pickleball courts, a combined futsal and basketball court and a new 80‑stall parking lot. The first phase of construction is expected to begin in May and continue through July 2026. City Administrator Ray Towry said the project has grown beyond its original concept as community interest – especially from local pickleball players – continued to rise. “Pickleball is the fastest‑growing sport in the country,” Towry said. “The facility we have by Columbia Ridge is adequate, but not ideal. We wanted to do something for that group. It’s a lifelong sport, anyone can play it, even into their senior years and we wanted to support that.”

Soap Lake Council limits mayor’s authority

Multiple measures passed to limit access, secure records and finances

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council approved a slate of resolutions Wednesday night aimed at safeguarding city records, tightening financial controls and limiting Mayor Peter Sharp’s access to city systems amid ongoing investigations into his conduct.

Kindergarten registration opens in Columbia Basin

EPHRATA — School districts across the Columbia Basin have opened kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year, urging families, especially first‑time parents, to begin gathering required documents and contacting their local schools ahead of spring break.

Columbia Basin Hospital Board reviews rural health funding

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital Board of Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday to discuss Rural Health Transformation Program funding and approve a waiver of qualifications for Dr. Kori Hunt to make her active staff. Columbia Basin Hospital Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby said Washington is getting around $181 million to support rural health care from RHTP. “This is the state’s endeavor to ensure that every rural resident has reliable access to quality health care in their community and make rural Washington a desirable place for residents to consider homes across their lives,” Kibby said.

Sand Dunes collision results in one fatality

BEVERLY — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office reported an overnight collision at the Beverly Sand Dunes Saturday which resulted in the death of a 36-year-old man.

NEWS BITES: March 31

EPHRATA — Routine test results at the Ephrata Landfill Recycling Center, showed there was contamination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, according to the Grant County Public Works Department. The cost to dispose of the contaminated oil and clean the tanks was nearly $20,000, but routine recycling of the materials would have only cost around a couple hundred dollars, according to the department.

‘Just helping kids, helping people’

Ephrata’s Kaur competes at HOSA state, dreams of becoming pediatrician

EPHRATA — Sophomore Navi Kaur already knows exactly where she’s headed – and she’s not wasting any time getting there. The 16‑year‑old Ephrata High School student lights up when she talks about medicine, especially pediatrics. Her interest started early, shaped by the women who raised her.

Gas prices continue to rise after tumultuous year

MOSES LAKE — Washington gas prices surged past $5 per gallon this week, capping a year-long climb that has erased months of relief at the pump. As of March 30, the statewide average for regular gasoline sits at $5.33 per gallon, according to AAA data. That’s up from $5.27 a week earlier and $4.37 at the beginning of March. Nationally, prices have also seen around a $1 impact, reaching $3.99 this week after starting the month at $3.00.

Soap Lake Creative District awarded $39K signage grant

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Creative District has secured a nearly $39,600 Washington State Arts Commission grant to install new wayfinding signs throughout the downtown core; a project local organizers say will help visitors and residents navigate the community and strengthen the city’s visual identity.

Nobody injured in weekend shooting in rural Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — On Saturday morning, there was a report of a shooting in the 4500 block of Dunn Street Northeast, in unincorporated Moses Lake.

Contact law enforcement early when being harassed, agencies say

MOSES LAKE — Local law enforcement officials say anyone who feels they are being harassed – whether online, by a neighbor or by someone they know – should reach out to police early, even if the behavior does not yet meet the threshold for a criminal charge under Washington law.

Soap Lake finance director, attorney resign

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake received two resignation letters, one from Finance Director Jeff Balentine and one from City Attorney Julie Norton, according to public records obtained from the City of Soap Lake.

Groff repairs continue on schedule

MOSES LAKE — Repairs at Groff Elementary School are moving forward as Moses Lake School District works to correct construction defects that forced the school’s closure nearly two years ago, district officials said this week.

Behind the line

Grant Elementary’s food service team fuels learning one meal at a time

EPHRATA — By 10:45 a.m., the kitchen at Grant Elementary is already busy. Trays clatter, ovens hum and the first-graders begin filing through the lunch line. From that moment on, the pace barely slows.

Ephrata PD: No verified cougar sightings despite online claims

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department received information via social media regarding a possible cougar sighting in the southeast portion of Ephrata. However, after investigating the posts, Captain Troy Froewiss said the department couldn't substantiate there was a cougar in town.

Soap Lake allocates tourism funds, discusses contractors

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council on Tuesday approved $52,350 in tourism funding for 2026 events and signaled its intent to contract with both Kovach Architects and Safe Built LLC to address planning and permitting needs.