NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Ephrata proclamation honors 9/11 victims, calls for service
EPHRATA — As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the City of Ephrata has proclaimed Sept. 11, 2026, as a Day of Remembrance and Service, encouraging residents to honor victims and first responders through reflection, gratitude and community service.
Ephrata advances A Street project
EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council unanimously approved a resolution Sept. 2 authorizing a Washington State Department of Transportation agreement supplement, allowing the city to move forward with the right-of-way phase of the A Street SE Overlay Project.
Ritzville Rodeo crowns champions across events
RITZVILLE — From lightning-fast roping runs to crowd-pleasing bronc rides, competitors put on a show Friday and Saturday night at the Ritzville Rodeo as champions were crowned across a full slate of rodeo events.
Ephrata takes first step for preparation plan to mitigate downtown flooding
EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata has completed the first step in a long-term effort to remove hundreds of acres of downtown property from a federal floodplain designation.
Ephrata School District seeks community feedback before considering future bond
EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District is inviting residents to help shape the future of its school facilities through a series of community meetings as officials consider whether to place a bond measure before voters next year.
Moses Lake School District invites community to ‘Common Grounds’ for coffee discussion
MOSES LAKE — Community members will have an opportunity to connect directly with Moses Lake School District leaders during the first “Common Grounds” event of the school year Friday morning.
Grant County Republican Party to stage debate in Ephrata
Candidates for Grant County sheriff and Superior Court races to debate
EPHRATA — Grant County voters will have an opportunity this evening to hear directly from candidates seeking two of the county’s elected offices during a debate hosted by the Grant County Republican Party.
Grant County Fire District 7 open house set for today
SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 is inviting residents to attend its community open house today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the district's station, 155 State Route 28 in Soap Lake.
Kennewick man arrested in Connelly Park boat motor theft
MOSES LAKE — A 48-year-old Kennewick man was arrested Aug. 31 in connection with the theft of an outboard boat motor from Connelly Park, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office.
A day of community in Warden
WARDEN — Horses trotted down Main Street, children scrambled for candy, and neighbors caught up with one another over the weekend as residents gathered for the annual Warden Community Days celebration.
Fuel prices jump sharply in Washington, local counties
MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices continued their upward climb over the past week, with Washington drivers seeing some of the highest prices in the nation as state, local and national averages all increased, according to AAA data.
Hill resigns from Moses Lake School Board, cites upcoming move to Idaho
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School Board Vice Chair Paul Hill announced his resignation during the board's regular meeting Sept. 3, saying he and his family plan to move to Idaho once their home is sold.
Grant helps Ephrata PD to buy Safe Restraint WRAP system
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department received a $1,000 loss control scholarship from the Cities Insurance Association of Washington to help purchase a Safe Restraint WRAP system, a tool designed to safely restrain violent suspects while reducing injuries and property damage.
GCFD 7 invites community to open house, demonstrations and meet-and-greet
SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 is inviting residents to get an up-close look at their local fire district during an open house Sept. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the district's station, located at 155 State Route 28 in Soap Lake.
Before sunrise, the Columbia Basin Herald's carriers are already at work
On National Newspaper Carrier Day, ride along with our local CBH carriers
MOSES LAKE — At 3 a.m., most of Moses Lake is quiet. Streetlights cast pools of light onto empty roads. Businesses are dark. The only traffic comes from the occasional semi-truck, an early-morning commuter or a deer wandering near the edge of town.
Woodhouse appointed to fill Soap Lake City Council vacancy
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council unanimously appointed former council member Karen Woodhouse to fill a vacant council seat during its regular meeting Sept. 2. The vacancy was created when Judith Gorman resigned from Position 1 during the council's Aug. 5 meeting, citing personal reasons.
Ephrata students return to class as new school year begins
EPHRATA — Hallways filled with students, new backpacks and a mix of excitement and nervous energy Wednesday as Ephrata School District students returned to classrooms for the first day of the 2026-27 school year.
Ephrata community donates school supplies for wildfire-affected students
EPHRATA — Ephrata families, businesses and community organizations came together to collect school supplies for students affected by wildfires in the Nespelem and Wahluke school districts.
Son booked into jail for suspected murder after father found dead near Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — A 52-year-old Moses Lake man has been booked into jail with a second-degree murder charge after deputies found his 79-year-old father dead inside a residence near Moses Lake on Tuesday.
First day brings excitement, new beginnings to Moses Lake schools
MOSES LAKE — Hallways filled with excited chatter, nervous smiles and reunions with friends Wednesday as Moses Lake School District students returned for the first day of school.
‘Welcome back Gators’
Groff Elementary reopens after $16.5 million in repairs
MOSES LAKE — After more than a year and a half away from their school, Groff Elementary students, staff and families celebrated a homecoming Monday night as Moses Lake School District officials cut a ribbon marking the school's reopening following extensive repairs.
A blast from the past
Vintage hydroplanes take to Moses Lake – and launch Connelly Park reopening
MOSES LAKE — Vintage hydroplanes roared back onto Moses Lake this weekend as the Moses Lake Vintage Test & Tune event served as the grand reopening of Connelly Park, which had been closed for months after a powerful storm caused extensive damage earlier this year.
Former Warden substitute teacher sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of minor
WARDEN — A former Warden School District substitute teacher has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a minor, concluding a criminal case that began with a Warden Police Dept. investigation in 2023.
Man arrested after homicide investigation on Moses Lake base
MOSES LAKE — A Grant County Sheriff's Office investigation into a death at a residence near Travis Drive and Craw Lane on the former Larson Air Force Base Tuesday has resulted in the arrest of a 52-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree murder.
‘Everybody has a why’
Community organizations raise awareness, offer resources during National Overdose Awareness Day event
MOSES LAKE — Community organizations gathered at McCosh Park on Saturday to mark National Overdose Awareness Day, connecting residents with education, prevention tools and recovery resources during an event hosted by the Grant County Health District in partnership with the Moses Lake Farmers Market.
Gas prices climb in Wash. with elevated August prices
Gas prices climb in Wash. with elevated August prices
School buses return to roads as officials urge drivers to slow down, stop
EPHRATA — As students head back to classrooms across Washington, state education and law enforcement officials are reminding motorists that school bus safety remains a serious concern, with hundreds of illegal passings documented in a single day during a nationwide survey.
CBTECH, Museum of Flight partner to expand aviation education opportunities
MOSES LAKE — Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center has partnered with Seattle's Museum of Flight to bring the museum's Aeronautical Science Pathway program to the Columbia Basin, expanding educational and career opportunities for students interested in aviation.
Moms Helping Moms organizing backpack giveaway, clothing swap ahead of school year
MOSES LAKE — As families prepare for the start of the school year, the volunteer group Moms Helping Moms of Grant County is hosting a backpack giveaway and clothing swap this weekend to help families who may have missed other back-to-school events because of work schedules.
Grant County event to focus on overdose prevention
MOSES LAKE — Grant County residents will have an opportunity to honor loved ones lost to overdose, learn about recovery resources and receive free naloxone training during the county's fourth annual International Overdose Awareness Day event Saturday at McCosh Park.
Pasco man cited in Adams County for hit-and-run investigation
OTHELLO — An 18-year-old Pasco man was cited after turning himself in to authorities in connection with a hit-and-run collision that caused more than $36,000 in damage at an Othello-area fuel station, according to the Adams County Sheriff's Office.
Mother-daughter team open new dog grooming business in Ephrata
EPHRATA — A shared love of animals and a desire to serve local pet owners led a mother-daughter team to open Groomer Has It, a new dog grooming business in downtown Ephrata. The business, owned by Paige Moore and her mother, Millie Roduner, officially opened Aug. 7 at 217 W. Division St.
McKay Healthcare seeks voter approval for $9.94 million bond measure in November
SOAP LAKE — Voters in Grant County Public Hospital District No. 4 will decide this November whether to authorize nearly $9.94 million in bonds to help fund an expansion of McKay Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Soap Lake, a project district officials say would expand senior care services available in Soap Lake and surrounding communities.
Ephrata School District prepares for return of students as new school year approaches
EPHRATA — As summer break winds down, Ephrata School District officials are encouraging families to begin preparing for the start of the 2026-27 school year, with orientation events scheduled before students return to the classroom next month.
Active fires in Wash. exceed $500 million in costs
MOSES LAKE — Washington's wildfire season continues to strain resources across the state, with active fires accounting for an estimated $557.6 million in suppression costs as of Tuesday, according to data from the National Interagency Fire Center. More than 20 significant fires remain on the landscape, burning from Whatcom County to the Columbia Basin and Okanogan Highlands, with several large incidents still far from full containment.
Moses Lake School District adopts budget, restores levy-funded programs
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District has approved a budget for the 2026-27 school year, using voter-approved levy dollars and related state assistance to restore programs, increase instructional time and fulfill commitments made to the community after passage of the district's 2025 educational programs and operations levy.
‘Connelly Park is back’
Connelly Park to reopen this weekend following months of storm recovery
MOSES LAKE — Nearly three months after a powerful windstorm left Connelly Park looking like a disaster zone, the popular Moses Lake recreation area is set to reopen this weekend as crews complete a massive cleanup and restoration effort.
Gas prices rise again across Washington, Grant and Adams counties
MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices continued to climb across Washington and the Columbia Basin this week, with both Grant and Adams counties posting double-digit increases from a week ago as motorists continue to pay some of the highest fuel prices in the nation.
Soap Lake City Council appoints tourism committee, opens applications for open seat
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council voted at its Aug. 19 meeting to appoint five members to serve on the tourism committee, advancing the city’s efforts to prepare for the upcoming budget season.
Grant County primary turnout slips from 2022 levels as officials look ahead to November election
EPHRATA — Grant County's voter turnout in the 2026 primary election finished at nearly 34%, a figure county election officials describe as typical for a primary election but lower than turnout seen four years ago.
Grant County Fire District 7 seeks voter approval for replacement EMS levy
SOAP LAKE — Voters in Grant County Fire District 7 will decide this November whether to approve a six-year replacement Emergency Medical Services levy that would increase the district's rate from $0.25 to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Washington’s three largest wildfires continue to influence air quality across Grant and Adams counties
MOSES LAKE — The three largest wildfires currently burning in Washington state remain the Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County, the Kaiser Canyon Fire on the Colville Reservation, and the Little Giant Fire in Chelan County. Together, the fires have burned more than 428,000 acres and continue to generate smoke that is affecting air quality across portions of North Central Washington, including Grant and Adams counties.
Man arrested after alleged sword threats, assault on officer; K-9 assists in capture
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man accused of threatening another person with a sword and later assaulting a police officer was arrested after a confrontation with law enforcement in which a police K-9 was deployed, authorities said.
WA gas prices climb, nat'l average remains over $4
MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices continued their upward trend across Washington and the Columbia Basin over the past week, mirroring national concerns about tightening fuel supplies and rising crude oil costs. According to AAA data released Monday, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Washington rose to $5.19, up 5 cents from $5.14 a week ago. In Grant County, prices increased 10 cents to $5.15 per gallon, while neighboring Adams County saw an even larger jump of 20 cents, climbing to $5.21 from $5.01 a week earlier. Nationally, however, the average price edged down slightly to $4.06 per gallon, compared with $4.09 a week ago.
No-confidence vote in Grant County sheriff’s administration drew support from majority of participants
EPHRATA — Newly-released public records show that 31 members of the Grant County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriffs’ Association voted no confidence in Sheriff Joey Kriete's administration in June, while six expressed confidence and 10 abstained. The records confirm the outcome of the vote but do not disclose the concerns that prompted it.
Martinez, Thompson advance in tight 13th District State House race
OLYMPIA — Deanna Martinez and Joshua Thompson will advance to the general election for Washington's 13th Legislative District Position 2 seat after emerging as the top two vote-getters in a three-way Republican primary. The seat was formerly held by Alex Ybarra, who is running for state senate during this election.
New fence improves playground safety at Sage Point Elementary
MOSES LAKE — A new fence at Sage Point Elementary School is helping create a safer playground environment for students, thanks to a partnership between local businesses and the Moses Lake School District.
Burn ban remains in effect; officials warn of fines, criminal penalties
MOSES LAKE — Grant County residents are being reminded that a countywide burn ban remains in effect through the end of September as officials warn that violating the restriction could result in fines, criminal charges and, in some cases, jail time.
Raap, Durfee advance to general election in Grant County Commissioner race
EPHRATA— With only about 150 ballots left to count in Grant County as of Aug. 13, Kelly Raap and Shannon Durfee appear headed to the November general election in the race for Grant County Commissioner Position 3. The election results will be certified on Aug. 18.
‘Most big repairs start out as small repairs’
Local handyman builds business by helping homeowners tackle repairs before they become problems
MOSES LAKE — When Uziel Ortega launched Steadfast Home Services earlier this year, he wasn't sure whether the phone would ring. After leaving a stable job and betting on himself, the Moses Lake resident spent his first weeks as a full-time handyman driving around town, studying material prices, watching instructional videos and waiting for customers. "I probably got three calls in the first couple of weeks," Ortega said. "I was a little nervous." Those worries didn't last long. Months later, Ortega has grown Steadfast Home Services from a one-man operation into a team with two full-time employees and one part-time worker serving homeowners across the Columbia Basin. Along the way, he has built a reputation for tackling everything from door installations and flooring projects to minor plumbing, drywall and home maintenance repairs.