NANCE BESTON

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.

Wahluke students head to 2026 Future Problem Solving World Finals

MATTAWA — Two Wahluke seventh graders are on their way to Indiana University Tuesday to showcase a literacy initiative they designed to boost reading motivation across their school district – and they’re doing it on one of the biggest stages available to young problem solvers.

Connelly Park repairs begin, aiming for partial reopening by August

MOSES LAKE — Cleanup and recovery efforts at Connelly Park are moving steadily forward following the late-May windstorm that caused widespread destruction, with crews now focused on clearing access, removing hazardous trees and preparing for rebuilding work in the coming weeks.

Moses Lake man arrested for rape of a minor

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Major Crimes Unit arrested Hunter Gray, 18, of Moses Lake for suspicion of second-degree rape of a child and communication of a child for immoral purposes.

From Tiger pride to new beginnings: Ephrata High celebrates Class of 2026

EPHRATA — Laughter, cheers and bursts of confetti marked the start of Ephrata High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony as 213 seniors celebrated the end of their high school journey and the beginning of what comes next.

Storm leaves Moses Lake family facing major damage, urgent need for help

MOSES LAKE — A powerful storm that swept through Moses Lake on May 28, leaving widespread damage across the community, but for one family, the destruction has become a daily crisis.

Royal City bans kratom, becoming second in Grant County

ROYAL CITY — The Royal City City Council unanimously approved a ban on the sale and distribution of kratom and kratom-derived products during its June 2 meeting, making it the second city in Grant County to take action against the substance. The ordinance adopts a new chapter of municipal code prohibiting the sale, advertising and distribution of kratom within city limits. The ban will take effect 60 days after passage. Royal City follows Warden, whose city council enacted a similar ban earlier this year. Othello, located in Adams County, enacted a similar ban this year as well. Grant County Health District also released a March 27 statement encouraging local governments to consider restrictions on the substance.

Rock-throwing suspect arrested after Capitol campus chase

OLYMPIA — A 21-year-old man was arrested early Thursday after allegedly smashing windows at the Washington State Legislative Building and leading officers on a brief pursuit through the Capitol Campus. According to the Washington State Patrol, a trooper heard loud noises around 1:15 a.m. and spotted a man throwing large rocks at first-floor windows on the building’s northwest side. When another trooper arrived, the suspect fled in a white 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.

A day of joy, sirens and small heroes

Chief for a Day returns to Grant County

EPHRATA — On most mornings, the front lawn of the Grant County Courthouse is a quiet stretch of grass framed by patrol cars and courthouse staff heading inside. But on June 11, it will transform into something entirely different – a place where flashing lights, polished badges and oversized smiles belong not to officers, but to the children being honored as this year’s Chiefs for a Day.

Soap Lake Council seeks records compliance with order for mayor’s phone, computer

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council unanimously voted to require Mayor Peter Sharp to turn in his city-issued cell phone and computer by 9 a.m. Thursday, citing concerns over delays in responding to public records requests. The action followed statements from Administrative Assistant and Public Records Officer Jody Siebert, who said the city has received little to no response from the mayor regarding several outstanding requests.

Fire sparks near Soap Lake Thursday

SOAP LAKE — At around 2:30 p.m. Thursday a fire broke out between Road B.5 NE and State Highway 28, in rural Soap Lake.

Soap Lake FFA receives public hearing on agricultural land lab proposal

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake FFA students are one step closer to bringing hands-on agricultural education to their campus, presenting plans Monday for an agricultural land lab during a public hearing before the city planner.

Ephrata High School earns six-year accreditation through 2032

EPHRATA — Ephrata High School has secured a six-year accreditation through spring 2032, the longest term available through the Association of Educational Service Districts, following what school leaders describe as a detailed, yearlong review focused on student success, school culture and continuous improvement.

Jaderlund to retire June 30; GOP begins process to fill auditor seat

EPHRATA — After nearly 35 years in public service, Grant County Auditor Michele Jaderlund will retire June 30, opening the door for both an interim appointment and an upcoming election. “I have almost 35 years here; I think I have done my job serving my community,” Jaderlund said.

Placid in appearance, but canals can be a deathtrap

MOSES LAKE — With warmer weather returning to the Columbia Basin, local officials are emphasizing a message they say cannot be repeated enough: irrigation canals are not recreational waterways. “The best way to stay safe from canals is to avoid them altogether,” said Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. That message is echoed by both law enforcement and irrigation officials, who say the canals’ design — built for moving water, not people — makes them inherently dangerous.

Whimsy blooms by the lake

Soap Lake debuts enchanting new festival

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake’s East Beach transformed into a storybook scene Saturday as the town hosted its first-ever Whimsy in the Park, a festival where imagination took center stage and fairies, pirates and gnomes roamed freely among flowers and laughter.

Gasoline prices show spring surge, recent pullback across WA and U.S.

MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices across Washington state, the nation, Grant County, and Adams County have followed a similar trajectory in the first five months of 2026: a steady climb through late winter and early spring, a peak in mid-May, and a modest decline heading into June, according to data from AAA. According to data compiled weekly since early January, prices began the year at relatively moderate levels before rising sharply through March and April. In Washington, the statewide average climbed from $3.84 per gallon on January 5 to a peak of $5.78 by May 18, marking an increase of nearly $2 per gallon in just over four months. Nationally, prices rose from $2.81 to $4.52 over the same period.

‘Keep those sparks off the landscape’

Burn restrictions take effect in Grant County as fire season arrives early

EPHRATA — An annual burn restriction is now in effect across unincorporated areas of Grant County, as local fire officials warn that an already active and unusually dry start to the season could lead to a challenging summer. Under county ordinance, outdoor burn restrictions automatically begin June 1 and remain in place through September 30 each year, limiting most types of open burning during the height of fire season. The restriction is part of the Grant County Fire Hazard Code and is intended to reduce human-caused wildfires during the driest and most dangerous months.

Connelly Park closed indefinitely after storm caused extensive damage

MOSES LAKE — Connelly Park will remain closed for the foreseeable future after a powerful windstorm swept through the area Thursday night, uprooting dozens of massive trees, damaging infrastructure and leaving park officials focused on safety and recovery. Initial estimates place the damage at approximately $50,000, largely due to cleanup costs and structural repairs, according to Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District General Manager Sam Castro. However, he is working alongside an assessor who may value the damage to be more, he said.

New Wyndham Microtel opens in Ephrata, welcomes guests ahead of schedule

EPHRATA — A new Wyndham Microtel has officially opened its doors in Ephrata, offering travelers a modern place to stay while marking a major milestone for a local family behind the project. The 81-room hotel, located just off State Route 17 near Walmart, began accepting guests late last week – roughly two months ahead of its original schedule. The project, led by local businessman Dave Canfield and his family, represents both a business investment and a personal legacy rooted in the community.

Grant County Board of Health urges local kratom bans amid rising concerns

EPHRATA — The Grant County Board of Health is calling on cities, towns and county commissioners to prohibit the sale and distribution of kratom products, citing increasing public health concerns and a rise in related poisonings.

Reports of downed power lines, lightning-caused blazes in Grant Co.

MOSES LAKE — At around 8:20 p.m. a storm rolled into Moses Lake causing power lines and trees to go down and several small lighting-cause blazes, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

New managing editor brings decades of journalism experience to Columbia Basin Herald

MOSES LAKE — When Ken Smith talks about journalism, he doesn’t just describe a career – he describes a lifelong pursuit shaped by risk, reinvention and a deep belief in the value of local news.

Lowell Allred sworn in to Columbia Basin Hospital Board

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Hospital has appointed Dr. Lowell Allred to fill a vacant seat on its five-member Board of Commissioners, following the February resignation of Commissioner Catherine Snyder. Allred brings decades of medical experience to the role. He worked as a primary care physician in private practice for nearly 30 years before joining Columbia Basin Hospital, where he practiced for another decade prior to retiring about three years ago. Allred said he was encouraged to apply for the position by a former commissioner and saw it as an opportunity to stay involved in the medical community.

Spring Fest closes on high note with Sunday night concerts

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Spring Fest wrapped up Sunday night with a lively finale at McCosh Park, where country artists Hunter Hayes and Chase Matthew brought large crowds together for an evening of music, community and celebration. Blankets covered the grass, fans packed into the pit, and the aroma of carnival food lingered in the warm evening air as the final performances capped off the multi-day event. By the time Matthew took the stage, the park was filled with an energized audience ready to close out the festival. He immediately connected with the crowd, pausing at one point to create a memorable moment for social media. In a TikTok filmed during the show, he asked concertgoers to hide their phone lights before dramatically revealing them all at once as the camera turned – prompting cheers and a dazzling display of lights across the park.

Memorial Day ceremony honors 500 veterans at Ephrata Cemetery

EPHRATA — American flags fluttered in the breeze Monday morning as community members gathered at Ephrata Cemetery to honor fallen service members during a Memorial Day ceremony organized by American Legion Post 28. Rows of white crosses marked the graves of veterans, creating a solemn backdrop as about 100 attendees came together to remember those who served. The ceremony included remarks, a memorial prayer, and a traditional three-volley salute from commanders. Mike Montaney of American Legion Post 28 opened the ceremony by reflecting on the sacrifices made by service members throughout the nation’s history

Sticker Shock Campaign promotes safe choices during Memorial Day weekend

SOAP LAKE — Members of the Soap Lake Prevention Coalition partnered with Grant County Fire District 7 and Akins Fresh Market last week to carry out the annual Sticker Shock campaign, a community effort aimed at discouraging adults from providing alcohol to minors and promoting safe decision-making. Held Thursday and Friday ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the campaign invited customers at Akins Fresh Market to place brightly-colored reminder stickers on cases of alcohol. The stickers, designed by local youth and Fire District cadets, serve as a visible prompt to think before purchasing alcohol for underage individuals.

Missing man found deceased near Summer Falls

COULEE CITY — Investigators from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office have recovered the body of Anthony Mann, 39, of Coulee City Sunday morning. Grant County Coronor Craig Morrison confirmed the identity of the victim after he conducted an autopsy.

Spring Fest continues to grow; minimal crime incidents

MOSES LAKE — Despite large crowds and a full weekend of entertainment, law enforcement officials say crime at the 2026 Moses Lake Spring Festival remained relatively low, with only a handful of notable incidents reported.

Nat Washington House in Ephrata honored during Historic Preservation Month celebration

EPHRATA — History came to life in Ephrata this week as state and local historical organizations gathered at the Nat Washington House to celebrate Historic Preservation Month and recognize the legacy of one of the region’s most influential figures.

Missing Moses Lake man found deceased near Summer Falls

COULEE CITY — Investigators from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office have recovered the body of what is believed to be Anthony Mann, 39, of Moses Lake, who was reported missing May 15 from Moses Lake. “We all hope that there would have been a happier ending, but we hope that finding his body and bringing him home helps to bring some comfort to his loved ones,” GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said. Mann’s vehicle was found unoccupied three days after he was reported missing near Trail Lake, according to Foreman.

Wildland Fire in rural Mae Valley contained Sunday night

MAE VALLEY — A fast‑moving rangeland fire that scorched an estimated 25 to 30 acres east of Moses Lake was brought under control Sunday evening, according to Grant County Fire District 5 Battalion Chief Travis Svilar.

Two suspects in custody for 2021 Moses Lake homicide

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has two suspects in custody related to the 2021 homicide of Kristopher Vincent, 24, of Moses Lake.

Soap Lake City Council approves 2026 budget amendment; Fourth of July fireworks set for Suds-N-Sun event

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council unanimously passed a budget amendment, a fireworks contract for the Fourth of July and the Suds-n-Sun event application at its regular council meeting May 20.

Ephrata City Council seeks federal grant for street safety action plan

EPHRATA — Ephrata is taking its first step toward a long‑term strategy to improve roadway safety after the city council unanimously approved applying for a U.S. Dept. of Transportation Safe Streets for All planning grant at its May 20 meeting.

A decade of impact

Marla Allsopp steps down as Ephrata High School drama director

EPHRATA — After 10 years of shaping students, building a program and creating a lasting sense of belonging, Marla Allsopp is stepping down as drama director at Ephrata High School.