NANCE BESTON

EHS senior Chase Moser recognized as student of the month

EPHRATA — Ephrata High School senior Chase Moser has been named as one of the Students of the Month for May, an accolade that his teachers said highlights his exceptional abilities in writing, public speaking and critical thinking. Moser’s academic journey within Ephrata School District, which began in fourth grade, has been marked by notable achievements and an influential presence both in the classroom and beyond, according to EHS English teacher Don Hendrixson, who nominated him for student of the month. Moser is set to graduate this spring, and he has plans to further his education at Eastern Washington University, where he will pursue a degree in business with a minor in psychology. He emphasized the versatility of a business degree.

Grant Co. Fairgrounds preparing for busy season

90 days until the Grant County Fair opens with food, competitions and carnival attractions

MOSES LAKE — The days are getting warmer and with the Grant County Fair just around the corner, the fairgrounds team is ramping up its preparations. Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan announced upgrades to the facility aimed at enhancing safety and overall visitor experience, while simultaneously addressing a crucial staffing shortage for seasonal positions. The legislature decided to table some bills that could have had impacts on the fairgrounds.

Quincy man reported missing Saturday, found hours later

QUINCY — On Saturday night, a 68-year-old Quincy man was reported missing near the 23000 block of state Route 28 in the Trinidad area. Grant County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside Grant County Fire District 3, Quincy Police Department, Columbia EMS and Life Flight Network to search for this missing man.

Ferguson signs animal cruelty bill

OLYMPIA — In a step toward enhancing animal welfare, the Washington State Legislature has passed House Bill 1149, an act aimed at the prevention of cruelty to animals. The bill received overwhelming support, with a vote of 96-0 in the House and 47-1 in the Senate, before being concurred by the House at 85-11. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law Monday. “We will always be in favor and supportive of legislation that ends the suffering of animals and holds people accountable when they do cause unnecessary means of suffering to an animal,” Grant County Animal Outreach President Sara Thompson Tweedy said. “We’re always going to be in favor of legislation that enables law enforcement to do their job effectively and efficiently to end that suffering.”

Columbia Basin schools recognized for excellence

MOSES LAKE – In a display of educational dedication, several schools within the Columbia Basin area have received honors from the Washington State School Recognition Program for the 2023-2024 academic year. These awards celebrate schools that have excelled in crucial areas of student success, including closing achievement gaps, fostering growth among diverse student populations and attaining high levels of performance.

Outstanding Grit

Recognizing the outstanding seniors at Ephrata High

EPHRATA – Thirty exceptional seniors were called on stage with other students cheering and clapping Thursday morning during the Ephrata High School assembly. The students were presented with Outstanding Senior Awards or Grit Academic Department Awards.

MLSD to host gang town hall today

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District will host a town hall today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Learning Services Center, focusing on youth gang awareness and prevention. This event seeks to engage families, educators and community members in a dialogue about the challenges that gang activity presents in the local area.

Gang awareness event held in Ephrata

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District organized an informational session on youth gang involvement Thursday night, bringing together educators, law enforcement and community members to address youth gang concerns in the region.

Grant Co. Fairgrounds has urgent need of seasonal staff

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fairgrounds is calling for immediate applications for seasonal positions as the county prepares for its busy fair season. Fairgronds Director Jim McKiernan said the organization typically hires four to six seasonal workers each year to help manage the increased workload but has encountered significant challenges in filling these roles for the upcoming season.

Ephrata passes 6-year transpo plan

EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council passed its six-year transportation improvement program for 2026 through 2031 unanimously Wednesday night during the council’s regular meeting. “This is a plan for our roads, this is kind of a wish list,” Public Works Director Rob Harris said.

Ephrata Fire to hold Touch a Truck event to support Ephrata Food Bank

EPHRATA – Fire trucks, buses, ambulances, concrete mixers, dump trucks, tractors and other emergency vehicles and equipment will fill the Ephrata Splash Zone parking lot on May 17. The Ephrata Fire Department will be hosting its annual “Touch a Truck” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise funds and food for the Ephrata Food Bank.

New Ephrata Sports Complex bathrooms open to the public

EPHRATA – Ephrata Public Works staff worked late into the night Thursday to pour and protect the new concrete pad for the new restrooms at the Sports Complex located at 121 Alder St. SW. The staff, according to Public Works Director Rob Harris, stayed until 4 a.m. to complete the project to ensure it was ready for a softball game the following day.

Ephrata SD gang town hall today

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District, in collaboration with local law enforcement and the North Central Educational Service District, will host a town hall meeting titled "Understanding Youth Gangs" on May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center.

Ephrata school nurse ensures students thrive despite medical needs

EPHRATA – Pam Cleveringa has been a part of the Ephrata School District since 2010, serving as the school nurse for over a decade. With a nursing career that began in 1999, Cleveringa initially engaged in various nursing roles, including hospital and maternity care. However, upon the recommendation of friends during a time of budget cuts, she transitioned to school nursing, a field where she has since found her passion.

Moses Lake School Board passes five policies, holds one

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School Board met for its regular meeting April 1 passed five policy updates and discussed one policy update with no action taken. The policies ranged from updating guidelines for non-resident students to removing a sentence from the district’s sexual harassment policy.

WA wildlife crop damage law signed

OLYMPIA – In a move to support farmers in less densely populated areas, the Washington State Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 5165, which aims to provide compensation for damage to commercial crops caused by wild deer and elk in designated frontier one counties.

New water main connection will have two roads down to one lane in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Today from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Moses Lake, Pegram Construction will be closing the two westbound lanes of Valley Road between Sunburst Court Northeast and Grape Drive Northeast to add a new water main connection.

MLSD discusses levy fund use in 2025-26

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis discussed plans for the 2025-26 school year levy funds at the May 1 regular school board meeting. The district will only collect a partial levy in the second half of the school year at an estimated $5.9 million om revenue. However, the following school year the district will be able to do a full collection of about $11.9 million.

New law provides protection for hot car rescues

Those who save vulnerable people or animals from overheated vehicles have reduced liability risks.

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has passed House Bill 1046, which grants immunity from civil liability for those who forcibly enter a locked vehicle to rescue a vulnerable person or domestic pet. The bill, passed by both the House and Senate in April and signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, is set to take effect on July 27, 2025.

Utilities required to strengthen fire mitigation plans under WA law

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has unanimously passed House Bill 1522, a measure designed to bolster the wildfire mitigation strategies of investor-owned electric utilities. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law on April 24 with it to go into effect on July 27, 2025. “This bill builds on what we’ve already been doing,” said Tom Dent, R-Moses Lakes. “A few years back, we passed a bill that allowed utilities to put together wildfire mitigation plans—to clear brush, cut down hazard trees, and reduce fuel loads. And that’s been working. But now we’re taking it a step further.”

Four juveniles steal vehicle, elude police and roll car

MOSES LAKE – Monday morning at around 1:30 a.m., a vehicle was stolen by four Moses Lake juveniles between the ages of 13 to 15 on Bong Loop in Moses Lake. The car was called in as stolen, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

Gas prices drop in Grant, Adams, rise nationally

MOSES LAKE – Gas prices in Grant County, Adams County and Washington State saw a slight decrease. At the national level, there was around a two-cent increase from the previous week, according to AAA.

MLPD uncovers large rooster fighting operation during drug search

MOSES LAKE – On May 1, the Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Moses Lake Tactical Response Team, executed a search warrant at 10032 Rd N.4 NE in Moses Lake. The operation, initially focused on methamphetamine sales and illegal firearm possession, unearthed an extensive illegal rooster fighting operation on the premises, according to MLPD.

New legislation updates laws for working minors in WA

DUPONT— Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson recently signed Senate Bill 1644 into law, establishing enhanced safety and health regulations for minors employed in both agricultural and non-agricultural industries. Ferguson signed the bill on International Workers’ Memorial Day at the Western Washington Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee’s DuPont campus.

Ephrata High enhances security with new video intercom system

EPHRATA — Ephrata High School recently completed the installation of a new video intercom system as part of an initiative to bolster safety measures for students, staff and visitors. This new security upgrade, which was finalized over spring break, adds a layer of protection for the school, allowing for more controlled access to the premises during school hours.

MLSD hosting community forum to introduce finalists for leadership role

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is inviting families, staff and community members to actively participate in a forum to introduce finalists for the executive director of safety and wellbeing tonight, as the district seeks to enhance its educational and safety framework

Substance abuse resources highlighted at town hall

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Community Coalition held a town hall to discuss addiction and resources in the Moses Lake community. The meeting titled “The Us in Them: The line between us and them is thinner than you think” had a panel of six speakers from a variety of backgrounds. The Columbia Basin Herald published a story Monday about the personal experiences of the participants.

Warden seeks new police chief

Rick Martin set to retire June 15 after long service to community

WARDEN – The City of Warden is preparing for a transition in its Police Department as Chief Rick Martin announced his retirement effective June 15, 2025, at the April 22 city council meeting prompting the city to initiate the hiring process for his successor.

Gas prices raise in Grant Co., drop elsewhere

MOSES LAKE – As of April 28, gasoline prices in Grant and Adams counties continue to display notable variation amidst a steady national average, according to AAA.

One dead, another injured in one-vehicle crash

MARLIN – A 33-year-old man from Moses Lake, Don “Chris” Terrell, was killed in a one-vehicle accident early Friday morning near Marlin, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Birding adventure

Join the Central Basin Audubon Society at Sun Lakes State Park Saturday

COULEE CITY – As the sun peeks over the horizon on an April morning, the air is alive with the sounds of chirping birds, signaling the arrival of spring migration. Join the Central Basin Audubon Society for an exciting bird walk at Sun Lakes State Park, where participants can witness golden eagles and a variety of migratory bird species in their natural habitats.

Breakfast event to raise funds for Big Bend Cooperative Preschool

MOSES LAKE – In a delightful fusion of nostalgia and culinary adventure, the Big Bend Cooperative Preschool is once again hosting its beloved Dr. Seuss-inspired breakfast fundraiser, featuring none other than the beloved dish made famous by the iconic children’s book: “Green Eggs and Ham.”

Fourth suspect arrested in kidnapping, assault case

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a fourth suspect involved in the alleged imprisonment and assault of a Moses Lake woman Wednesday. A driver who was fleeing from law enforcement in connection with the incident, and was killed in a crash, has been identified.

Ephrata’s Downer recognized for excellence

EPHRATA — Hannah Downer, an 18-year-old senior at Ephrata High School, has been selected as one of the Students of the Month for March in recognition of her academic performance, leadership roles in extracurricular activities and positive influence on her peers. “I like being nominated for stuff and being recognized,” Downer said.

Incident in Moses Lake leaves one dead, two arrested

MOSES LAKE – One man died following a high-speed pursuit, while two women have been taken into custody on charges of robbery and unlawful imprisonment following an incident early Wednesday morning in Moses Lake, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Ephrata schools, partners to host gang town hall

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District, in collaboration with the North Central Educational Service District, the Ephrata Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff's Office, is set to host a town hall meeting titled "Understanding Youth Gangs" on Thursday, May 8.

WIAA votes against trans athlete policy changes

RENTON – The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association completed a vote on several different amendments, including two regarding transgender athletes. Both proposed amendments for trans athletes failed during the vote.

Three bills for rural communities pass the legislature, signed by governor

OLYMPIA — Gov. Bob Ferguson signed 35 bills into law Monday including three pieces of legislation sponsored by Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake. Dent’s bills include topics such as large animal veterinarian care, the pesticide task force and allowing small regional airports to use real estate excise tax funds. “I feel good about what I’ve been able to accomplish,” Dent said. “I’ve been able to do some things that are in my area of expertise, in my wheelhouse, so to speak, and move those bills through the legislature.” Dent said despite three bills being signed into law there are still a handful he is fighting for during the final week of the 2025 legislative session.

Moses Lake man arrested for residential burglary

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Sheriff’s Office arrested 54-year-old Darrell Smith of Moses Lake on Friday at a residence in the 4400 block of Shorecrest Drive Northeast.

Hands Off protest held in Moses Lake on Saturday

MOSES LAKE – Around 120 people gathered near Walgreens Saturday to protest President Donald Trump and his administration for a “Hands Off” protest, according to Grant County Democrats Vice Chair Jill Springer Forrest.

Eagle humanely euthanized due to wing injury

SOAP LAKE – Last week, Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry President Shawna Kluge assisted with transporting an injured bald eagle to Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Local fuel prices continue to overshadow state, national costs

MOSES LAKE – Gas prices in Washington state have experienced a slight decline over the past week, mirroring national trends, as data from GasBuddy indicates. As of April 21, the average price for a gallon of gasoline in Washington stands at $4.22, down from $4.30 the previous week.

18-year-old arrested after clocking 100 mph

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 18-year-old Marco Martinez-Valencia of Moses Lake at around 1:15 a.m. Sunday.

Aerial support

Injured eagle receiving treatment with the help of Soap Lake woman

SOAP LAKE — After four days, two veterinary clinics and one tire blowout, a bald eagle has been rescued and receiving care from the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Pullman. On April 13, Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry President Shawna Kluge said she received a call from a concerned Soap Lake citizen regarding an eagle on the ground in a field near Carlton, in Okanogan County.

MLSD reads three policies, no votes occurred

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District School Board did first reads on three proposed policies at the April 18 board meeting. No decisions were made on any policy updates.

Gilreath appointed as new principal at Parkway Intermediate

EPHRATA—The Ephrata School District has announced Kim Gilreath's appointment as the next principal of Parkway Intermediate School, effective July 1, 2025. Gilreath will succeed current principal Jeremy Vasquez, who plans to return to the classroom. With over 25 years of experience in various educational capacities, Gilreath said she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this role.

Hearings on Soap Lake PD chief's termination begin

SOAP LAKE —The Soap Lake Civil Service Commission convened Monday for a meeting addressing the contested termination of former Soap Lake Police Department Chief Ryan Cox, who is challenging his dismissal following a disciplinary investigation. Cox was terminated by city officials Feb. 13 after being placed on paid administrative leave for 13 weeks while an investigation occurred on Cox’s alleged misconduct.

Soap Lake City Council applauds K-9 heroes

SOAP LAKE — At the April 16 Soap Lake City Council meeting, both Moses Lake Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Office received a $606.01 donation from the city, totaling $1012.02 for the two departments. Mayor Peter Sharp thanked the K-9s and their handlers for all of the work and assistance the city has received from both departments. From left to right is Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp, MLPD Officer Nick Stewart, MLPD Officer Brad Zook, GCSO Deputy Zane Bundy and K-9 Mallie and Deputy Liz Spurling.

Soap Lake City Council downsizes itself

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council made a decision regarding council size after three meetings of deliberation. Four council members voted in favor of downsizing the council to five members for the upcoming election this November. Both Kayleen Bryson and John Carlson voted no on the matter.

Ephrata installs new latrines at Sports Complex

MOSES LAKE – Ephrata Parks and Recreation sports complex will be getting new bathrooms. Crews are working on getting everything connected for public use.