NANCE BESTON

Thompson leads 13th District race, plans focus on costs, access

EPHRATA — Joshua Thompson led Deanna Martinez by 3,278 votes for the 13th Legislative District’s state representative Position 2 seat in preliminary Nov. 11 results. According to the Washington Secretary of State, there are around 2,000 ballots left to count in the four counties that make up Legislative District 13. Thompson had 22,400 votes, or 52.73%, to Martinez’s 19,122 votes, or 45.02%, according to the Nov. 11 ballot counts. The election will be certified Nov. 24. Thompson said his early work would focus on building relationships with fellow lawmakers, learning the legislative process and making his office accessible to constituents.

Ephrata residents honor veterans during annual parade

EPHRATA — American flags lined Basin Street Wednesday morning as veterans, community members and local organizations gathered for Ephrata’s annual Veterans Day parade, a celebration that participants said served as both a show of gratitude and a time for reflection. Veterans representing multiple generations of service marched through downtown while spectators waved flags and applauded from the sidewalks. For many of the veterans, the event was an opportunity to remember those who served alongside them and those who never came home. For Army veteran Guy Hopkins, the turnout was especially meaningful.

Young scientists shine at Little House in the Desert science fair

EPHRATA — From erupting volcanoes and bouncing salt grains to homemade cleaners and Minecraft-inspired electrical circuits, students put curiosity on display Saturday as Little House in the Desert hosted its fifth annual homeschool science fair. The event brought together students from preschool through high school, allowing them to explore questions that interested them and present their findings to judges and visitors. Projects ranged from testing bacteria-killing cleaners to examining chicken breeds, air pressure, water filtration and sound vibrations. For organizer Hannah Gustafson, watching children learn through experimentation is exactly what the annual event is all about.

GCFD 7 EMS levy appears headed for approval

Voters back funding increase for staffing, ambulance service

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7's replacement Emergency Medical Services levy appeared headed for approval Wednesday after preliminary election results showed voters supporting the measure by a comfortable margin. As of the Nov. 10 ballot count, Proposition No. 1 received 914 “yes” votes, or 59.47%, compared to 623 “no” votes, or 40.53%. Election results remain unofficial until certification Nov. 24. The measure would replace the district's existing EMS levy and increase the rate from 25 cents to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value for six years beginning in 2027.

Paraeducator Career Fair planned for next week to help fill support roles at MLSD

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District is hoping to fill around 20 open paraeducator positions through a hiring event later this month. It's designed to connect prospective employees directly with school administrators, teachers and human resources staff.

Ballot processing continues as certification approaches

EPHRATA — Election officials in Grant and Adams counties are nearing the finish line of the 2026 general election, with certification scheduled for Nov. 24 and most ballots already processed. According to the Washington Secretary of State's latest election data as of Nov. 9, Grant County had an estimated 1,800 ballots left to count, while Adams County had approximately 200 ballots remaining. In Grant County, 29,070 ballots were returned, resulting in a turnout rate of 54.7%, according to Grant County Elections Coordinator Rebecca Pettingill. While slightly below the county's final turnout of 57.34% in the 2022 general election, Pettingill said the numbers are largely in line with expectations. “I would say it's pretty average,” Pettingill said. “It's looking pretty good.”

Meeting the need

Moses Lake Food Bank needs help to feed 1,600 families this Thanksgiving

MOSES LAKE — Community Services of Moses Lake is preparing to distribute up to 1,600 Thanksgiving meals later this month while continuing to meet steady demand from local families and pursuing a major expansion that leaders say could transform how much food the organization can rescue and distribute across Central Washington. The food bank's annual Thanksgiving meal distribution is scheduled for Nov. 16 and will be conducted as a drive-thru event at the food bank facility. People who miss the drive-thru can ask for a Thanksgiving box Tuesday and Wednesday, but it depends on availability. Administrative Manager Lane Storwick said the organization expects to provide between 1,500 and 1,600 holiday meal boxes, though demand is likely to exceed available supplies.

Gas prices continue downward trend in Washington, Grant and Adams counties

MOSES LAKE — Fuel prices continued their steady decline across Washington and Grant County this week, marking the third consecutive week of decreases as seasonal factors and increased fuel supplies continue to ease pressure at the pump.

His Helping Hands opens for winter season with new commercial kitchen

EPHRATA — What started as a one-day Christmas coat giveaway for 35 people has grown into a community effort serving more than 1,000 people annually, and this year His Helping Hands is welcoming its guests with a major addition: a fully operational commercial kitchen and dining space.

Dent leads Garcia in 13th District race

Both candidates reflect on campaign, thank supporters

MOSES LAKE — Incumbent Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, maintained a commanding lead in the race for Position 1 in Washington's 13th Legislative District as additional ballots continued to be counted following the Nov. 3 general election.

McKinney confident as lead holds in 4th Congressional District race

Duresky says campaign showed seat is competitive

MOSES LAKE — With tens of thousands of ballots still left to count, Republican Amanda McKinney remains ahead in the race for Washington's 4th Congressional District seat, while Democrat John Duresky says the close contest has demonstrated that Democrats can compete in a district long considered a Republican stronghold.

Gregg leads sheriff's race as thousands of ballots remain uncounted

EPHRATA — Challenger Darrik Gregg held an early lead over incumbent Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete following the first release of election results Tuesday night, but both candidates said the outcome remains uncertain with thousands of ballots still waiting to be processed. Preliminary results as of Nov. 3 showed Gregg with 6,670 votes, or about 54.7%, compared to 5,392 votes, or about 44.3%, for Kriete. There were also 123 write-in candidates, or about 1% of the vote. However, Grant County Elections Coordinator Rebecca Pettingill said Wednesday that the county still has a substantial number of ballots left to count before election certification Nov. 24.

Bartrand leads assessor race in preliminary results

EPHRATA — Preliminary election results show Grant County Assessor Candidate Anson Bartrand leading over challenger Clayton Johnson, but both candidates say the race remains far from decided as thousands of ballots remain uncounted. As of the Nov. 3 count, Bartrand received 7,152 votes to Johnson's 5,195. However, Election Coordinator Rebecca Pettingill said Wednesday afternoon that election workers still had about 7,000 ballots in the office awaiting processing and estimated that roughly 15,000 ballots remain to be counted countywide before certification. “If we're going to be anywhere near where we were in 2022, which we're still on kind of track to be, we'll probably process another 15,000 ballots before the end of the election,” Pettingill said.

Election Day may be over, but ballot counting continues until certification

EPHRATA — While polls have closed and preliminary results have been released, election officials in Grant County still have weeks of work ahead before the Nov. 24 certification deadline. “We are still counting ballots,” Grant County Elections Coordinator Rebecca Pettingill said. As ballots arrive from drop boxes and the mail, election workers verify signatures, open ballot envelopes and prepare ballots for tabulation. Staff members also review challenged ballots and organize election documentation that will eventually be presented for certification. Election day itself was far from a typical day in the office. Speaking Tuesday afternoon, Pettingill said election staff had spent much of the day helping voters rather than counting ballots.

MLSD highlights STOPit app as tool for reporting safety concerns

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District officials are encouraging students, parents and community members to use the district's STOPit reporting platform to share concerns about school safety, bullying and student well-being. The renewed focus on the reporting system follows a recent community safety town hall, where district leaders discovered many attendees were unfamiliar with the tool, according to Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon. “We wanted people to know this system is available to our community and to the parents for a multitude of different issues,” Shannon said.

Downtown clock intersection combines 4-way stop, roundabout rules, police say

MOSES LAKE — Drivers traveling through downtown Moses Lake's clock intersection should first treat it as a four-way stop and then navigate around the clock as they would a roundabout, according to Moses Lake Police Department Capt. Adam Monroe. The intersection, centered around the city's iconic clock, has long generated questions from motorists. While many drivers travel to the right around the clock before reaching their destination, others attempt to make direct left turns through the intersection. Monroe said that is not the correct way to navigate the area. “You have to go around the clock tower to get to your destination,” Monroe said. “You can't just cut through traffic.”

Ballots due today; officials urge voters to use drop boxes or hand-cancel mailed ballots

EPHRATA — Today is the final day for residents to return their ballots for the 2026 General Election, and election officials are urging voters not to wait until the last minute. Grant County Elections Coordinator Rebecca Pettingill said ballot drop boxes remain the most reliable way to ensure ballots are received on time.

Ephrata PD chief, city reach separation agreement after dispute over leadership, communication

EPHRATA — When former Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch submitted a letter Sept. 15 seeking a separation agreement with the City of Ephrata, it followed years of praise for his service and months of disagreements with city leadership over communication, personnel matters and the role of the police chief within city government.

A new day for Grant County's animals

New shelter, new opportunities as Grant County Animal Outreach prepares for its next chapter

MOSES LAKE — For decades, the aging concrete building on Randolph Road has served as a refuge for lost, abandoned and neglected animals across Grant County. Inside, staff members have battled frozen pipes, failing electrical systems, overcrowded kennels and leaking hoses. They have cleaned runs by headlamp when power failed, worked through winter cold in oversized coats and improvised solutions to problems the building was never designed to handle. Through it all, the animals still needed food, water, medical care, enrichment and, perhaps most importantly, hope.

Ballots due Tuesday: hear from the candidates seeking the 13th district seat

EPHRATA — Ballots for the Nov. 3 general election are due Tuesday, and voters in Washington's 13th Legislative District will decide who will represent them in Position 2 of the state House of Representatives.

Q&A: Martinez, Thompson outline priorities for 13th District

EPHRATA — As Election Day approaches, voters across Central Washington's sprawling 13th Legislative District will decide who will represent them in Olympia as the next state representative for Position 2. The district, which stretches across a mix of agricultural communities, small towns and growing population centers, faces ongoing debates over water, housing, energy policy, taxes and the role of state government in local affairs. The race features Republicans Deanna Martinez, a former city council member who argues that local communities need a stronger voice against policies coming from Olympia, and Joshua Thompson, an Ellensburg city council member who points to his experience in local government, business and technology consulting as preparation for the role. The Col

Wilson Creek seeks applicants to fill mayoral vacancy

WILSON CREEK — The Town of Wilson Creek is seeking letters of interest from residents interested in serving as mayor following the resignation of Mayor Rob Herron.

MLPD recovers nearly 2 pounds of meth during drug investigation

MOSES LAKE — Detectives with the Moses Lake Police Department's Street Crimes Unit recovered nearly 2 pounds of methamphetamine while serving a search warrant at a residence in the 4800 block of North Stratford Road on Oct. 28. According to the Moses Lake Police Department, the search warrant targeted 52-year-old Eligio Guzman as part of an investigation into methamphetamine distribution. During the search, detectives located the methamphetamine and also seized a ledger containing information on alleged customers.

Assessor candidates discuss fair valuations, transparency and taxpayer service

EPHRATA — With ballots due Nov. 3, Grant County voters will soon decide who will serve as the county's next assessor, an office responsible for valuing property, administering exemptions and ensuring assessments comply with state law. The position plays a key role in determining the property values used to calculate local property taxes for homeowners, farmers, businesses and other property owners throughout the county. The race features Clayton Johnson, a longtime employee of the Grant County Assessor's Office who currently serves as the county's senior sales analyst, and Anson Bartrand, a chief financial officer who says his background in finance, real estate and organizational management would bring a fresh perspective to the office.

‘She left the room better than she found it’

Warden's Kriss Shuler retires after 36 years of service to hometown

WARDEN — After 36 years of service to the city of Warden, Kriss Shuler spent her final city council meeting the same way she spent much of her career: helping prepare the next generation of city leaders. During Tuesday's Warden City Council meeting, Shuler administered the oaths of office to new City Administrator Joseph Elizalde and City Clerk-Treasurer Lindsey Betts, formally turning over duties she had carried for decades as the city's clerk-treasurer and, later, city administrator. Her final official day with the city was Oct. 28.

Less than a week left: GC commissioner candidates share priorities

EPHRATA — With ballots due in less than a week, Grant County voters have a limited window remaining to decide who will represent District 3 on the Board of County Commissioners. The position carries influence over issues that touch residents every day, including roads, public safety, land use, economic development, county finances and services in communities large and small. The Columbia Basin Herald asked District 3 candidates Kelly Raap and Shannon Durfee a series of questions about representation for rural communities, difficult decisions they've faced, challenges confronting Grant County and the importance of voter participation. Their responses, published below, are presented largely in their own words and have been edited only for style and clarity where necessary.

Graffiti vandalism mars newly opened Ephrata Sports Complex

EPHRATA — Less than a month after city leaders celebrated the opening of new pickleball courts at the Ephrata Sports Complex, vandals covered portions of the facility with graffiti, prompting a cleanup effort by city staff and an ongoing police investigation. The graffiti was reported Tuesday afternoon, according to Interim Ephrata Police Chief Troy Froewiss. Investigators have identified a vehicle believed to be connected to the incident but had not located it as of Tuesday afternoon. “We know what car we are looking for,” Froewiss said. He said no further information is currently available to the public, as the investigation into the incident is ongoing. According to City Clerk Rob Miller, graffiti covered the futsal and basketball court area.

Q&A: Raap, Durfee on growth, permitting and public safety

EPHRATA — As Grant County continues to experience growth, development pressures and increasing demands on public services, voters will choose this fall who will represent District 3 on the Grant County Commission. The race pits challenger Kelly Raap, a lifelong county resident with a background in agriculture and bookkeeping, against Shannon Durfee, who cites experience in emergency services, healthcare, education and public-sector leadership.

Buyers beware: Sheriff's Office offers tips after stolen pickup sold online

EPHRATA — A recent Grant County investigation involving a stolen pickup truck sold through Facebook Marketplace serves as a reminder that online bargains can sometimes come with costly consequences. Grant County Sheriff's deputies arrested a Moses Lake man Friday after recovering a stolen 2004 Ford F-350 that had allegedly been sold to an unsuspecting buyer through Facebook Marketplace. During the investigation, deputies also located several additional stolen vehicles on property near Moses Lake, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

Ephrata High School unveils new mascot, honors Tiger logo creator

EPHRATA — Ephrata High School introduced its new official Tiger mascot, “Archer,” during the school's 2026 Homecoming celebration, honoring longtime educator, coach and artist Gary Archer, who created the district's Tiger logo. The surprise debut came during Friday's homecoming festivities as the new mascot led the procession in the school's Tiger Truck, followed by Archer, a 1965 Ephrata High School graduate who later spent 32 years teaching and coaching basketball in the district, according to a district news release. The mascot is modeled directly after the district's copyrighted Tiger logo, commonly known as the Archer Tiger. The Associated Student Body selected the name “Archer” in recognition of the lasting impact Archer has had on the school and community.

Court candidates outline experience, judicial philosophy at Legion forum

EPHRATA — Candidates for Grant County Superior Court judge offered differing perspectives on constitutional interpretation, therapeutic courts and their qualifications for the bench during an Oct. 21 forum hosted by the Art Semro American Legion Post 28. Kenneth “Ken” Chadwick and Trevor Bevier both discussed their lengthy legal careers and courtroom experience while making the case for why voters should entrust them with one of the county’s highest judicial positions.

Washington gas prices continue October decline, but remain well above year-ago levels

MOSES LAKE — Washington drivers are paying less at the pump than they were at the start of October, continuing a gradual decline from the record-setting prices seen earlier this year. However, prices remain significantly higher than they were one year ago, and diesel costs continue to hover near historic highs. According to AAA data, Washington's average price for a gallon of regular gasoline stood at $5.30 on Oct. 26, down 18 cents from $5.48 at the beginning of the month. Grant County's average fell from $5.38 to $5.26 during the same period, while Adams County dropped from $5.36 to $5.25.

New Grant County jail begins housing inmates after successful transfer from old facility

EPHRATA — Nearly four months after the ribbon cutting for the new Grant County Adult Corrections Facility, county officials completed the transfer of inmates Friday from the aging downtown jail, officially opening the new facility for full operations.

Ephrata police chief steps down; city begins search for replacement

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata has begun the process of recruiting a new police chief following the resignation of former Police Chief Erik Koch, who stepped down after being placed on administrative leave.

Assessor candidates outline priorities at Ephrata forum

EPHRATA — The two candidates seeking to become Grant County's next assessor presented differing visions for the office during a candidate forum hosted Wednesday at the Art Semro American Legion Post 28.

Commissioner candidates discuss growth, budgeting and county priorities at Ephrata forum

EPHRATA — Republican candidates Shannon Durfee and Kelly Raap highlighted their backgrounds in public service, budgeting and community involvement Wednesday as they outlined their priorities in the race for Grant County Commissioner District 3 during a candidate forum at the Art Semro American Legion Post 28.

Sheriff candidates debate at Ephrata forum

EPHRATA — Incumbent Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrick Gregg highlighted differences in leadership style, accountability and jail operations during a candidate forum Wednesday night at the Art Semro American Legion Post 28. The two Republicans are competing in the Nov. 3 general election to lead the Grant County Sheriff's Office, with both candidates talking about decades of law enforcement experience and public servic

Martinez, Thompson emphasize affordability, local control in 13th District forum

EPHRATA — Republican candidates Deanna Martinez and Joshua Thompson discussed affordability, housing, water and government regulation during a candidate forum Wednesday night at the Art Semro American Legion Post 28 as they compete for an open seat in the Washington House of Representatives. The Position 2 seat in the 13th Legislative District was vacated by Rep. Alex Ybarra, who is seeking election to the state Senate after Sen. Judy Warnick announced her retirement and chose not to seek reelection. Both candidates presented themselves as conservatives focused on limiting taxes and reducing regulations, but each pointed to different experiences and priorities as qualifications for the job.

Dent, Garcia outline contrasting visions at forum

EPHRATA — Incumbent Republican Rep. Tom Dent and Democratic challenger Juan “Jerry” Garcia offered contrasting approaches to taxes, health care and state government during a candidate forum Wednesday night at the Art Semro American Legion Post 28 in Ephrata. The forum, hosted ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, featured candidates seeking legislative offices in the 13th District. Dent and Garcia, who are running for Position 1 in the Washington House of Representatives, answered questions about state taxes, bipartisanship and party influence.

Duresky emphasizes health care, immigration reform at candidate forum

EPHRATA — Democratic candidate John Duresky told voters Wednesday that protecting health care, reforming immigration policy and restoring trust in government would be among his priorities if elected to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District. Duresky was the only congressional candidate to appear at the Oct. 21 candidate forum hosted by Art Semro American Legion Post 28. Republican candidate Amanda McKinney did not attend. Post President Mike Montaney said he had contacted McKinney by letter, email and text message but received no response. During opening remarks, Duresky highlighted his 37-year career in military and federal service, including 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, a deployment to Iraq and later work as a project manager at the Hanford site.

Fire District 7 cites teamwork, staffing needs after demanding fire season

SOAP LAKE — After one of the busiest wildfire seasons in recent memory, Grant County Fire District 7 leaders say the year underscored both the importance of mutual aid partnerships and the need for additional staffing as fire danger across Central Washington continues to increase.

Grant County voters urged to return ballots early as election approaches

EPHRATA — More than 52,000 ballots are now in the hands of Grant County voters, and election officials are encouraging residents not to wait until Election Day to return them. According to Grant County Elections Coordinator Rebecca Pettingill, 52,922 ballots were mailed to voters on Oct. 14 for the Nov. 3 general election. As of Wednesday afternoon, elections staff had already signature-verified nearly 600 returned ballots and had several hundred more awaiting processing. "We're really excited that we're seeing so much so early," Pettingill said. "The sooner they put them in the drop box, the better." Pettingill said voters who have not yet received their ballot should contact the Elections Office as soon as possible.

National School Bus Safety Week highlights unseen work of Moses Lake transportation staff

MOSES LAKE — Before sunrise each school day, long before students climb aboard yellow buses across the Moses Lake School District, Transportation Director Dyan Ford is already at work. “My day starts at about 4:20 every morning,” Ford said. By 5:40 a.m., the district's first buses begin leaving the transportation yard. Dispatchers answer phone calls, drivers check in and staff determine whether any routes need coverage. From that point on, buses are moving across the district almost continuously.

Final community meeting set as Ephrata schools gather feedback on potential bond

EPHRATA — Community members will have one final opportunity Wednesday to share their thoughts on Ephrata School District facility needs before district leaders consider whether to move forward with a possible construction bond proposal. The fourth Community Facility Study Meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Ephrata Middle School. District officials are encouraging residents to attend, ask questions and provide feedback that could help shape a future bond package. According to Ephrata School District Communications Director Sarah Vasquez, the district hopes to gather final community input on both the scope and scheduling of a potential bond measure.

Moses Lake police seize guns, drugs in string of arrests

MOSES LAKE — A series of investigations by the Moses Lake Police Department's Street Crimes Unit led to four arrests, the seizure of multiple firearms and the recovery of illegal drugs during a week of enforcement activity in Moses Lake.

'Breast Cancer and Joy'

Community rallies around Moses Lake teacher during breast cancer battle

MOSES LAKE — Surrounded by friends, family, coworkers, students' parents and community members, Moses Lake teacher Joy Fry spent Thursday evening celebrating something bigger than a hamburger. Rock Top Burgers & Brew hosted a "Joy Celebration" on Oct. 15, raising money for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation while honoring Fry, a Garden Heights Elementary fourth-grade teacher who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Working alongside restaurant staff, Fry helped create a special burger for the month of October, with proceeds benefiting the local nonprofit that has supported her throughout her cancer journey. "I feel so blessed," Fry said, looking out at the crowd that filled the restaurant. Breast cancer has touched Fry's family for generations. Her mother died from breast cancer at age 34, and her sister was diagnosed with cancer at 23. Because of that history, Fry said she has long been proactive about screenings and working with her doctors.

American Legion candidate forum set for Wednesday in Ephrata

EPHRATA — Voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates running for local, legislative and statewide offices during a candidate forum Wednesday evening hosted by American Legion Art Semro Post 28.

Quincy council to weigh kratom ban, regulations after divided public input

QUINCY — The Quincy City Council is expected to continue discussions Tuesday on whether to ban kratom products within city limits or pursue regulations such as age restrictions, following a public hearing earlier this month that revealed support for both approaches.

Graffiti investigation leads to drug seizure in Adams County

OTHELLO — A vehicle seized during an Adams County graffiti investigation earlier this month contained suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, ammunition and evidence consistent with drug distribution, according to the Adams County Sheriff's Office.

Gas prices ease slightly in Washington, lower prices predicted in 2027

MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices continue to edge lower in Washington state, Grant County and Adams County, offering motorists modest relief after reaching record highs earlier this year. However, fuel costs remain significantly higher than the national average as global oil market disruptions and tight diesel supplies continue to influence prices. According to AAA data, Washington's average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stood at $5.39 on Oct. 19, down 6 cents from a week ago and 17 cents lower than a month ago. The statewide average remains nearly a dollar higher than the national average of $4.30 per gallon.