NANCE BESTON

Fire season officially ends in Washington

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fire season has officially come to a close as of Monday, according to Department of Natural Resources Communications Manager Ryan Rodruck.

Fuel costs slightly down from last week

MOSES LAKE – Washington state, Grant County and Adams County all saw decreases in average prices for regular fuel this week. However, the national average for fuel saw a slight increase, according to AAA.

Geothermal, academic complex building in progress at CWU

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University is enhancing its campus infrastructure with the construction of the new North Academic Complex. Spanning 108,000 square feet, this building is expected to serve as a hub for social sciences, housing general classrooms, an auditorium and dedicated spaces for the Law and Justice program, slated for completion in fall 2026.

Ephrata School Board to consider potential bond Monday

EPHRATA – At the regular school board meeting Monday, the board will receive a presentation from the Facility Study Group for the board to consider placing a $75 million bond on the Feb. 2026 ballot.

MLEA meeting addresses MLSD General Fund

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Education Association invited Washington Education Association Finance and Compensation Analyst Courtney Ramirez to explain the Moses Lake School District budget.

Ephrata PD returning to new blotter system

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Police Department is unable to export a police blotter, according to EPD Records Manager Elizabeth Judkins.

Soap Lake reviews preliminary budget

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council held a budget workshop Saturday to go over the preliminary 2026 budget. No action was taken on the budget. Soap Lake Finance Director Jeff Balentine discussed each of the funds and what he has planned so far.

Ephrata Mayoral Candidate Steve Oliver

EPHRATA – As the residents in Ephrata begin to submit their votes for the Ephrata mayoral election, Steve Oliver, a long-time local business owner and community advocate, said he is poised to bring change to the city he has called home for 25 years.

Ephrata Mayoral Candidate Bruce Reim

EPHRATA – As residents in Ephrata begin to fill out ballots, incumbent Bruce Reim is eager to share what he has learned during his campaign and outline his vision for the city’s future.

A journey of resilience

Rebecca Moore recounts her path from breast cancer diagnosis to remission

MOSES LAKE – In the heart of Moses Lake, Washington, Rebecca Moore faces life anew after a challenging battle with breast cancer. With unwavering strength, she recounts her journey, emphasizing the importance of hope, community, and self-discovery amid adversity. Rebecca’s diagnosis came unexpectedly on August 1, 2023, just months after losing her father.

Community urged to take precautions against package thefts

OTHELLO – With the holiday season fast approaching, the Othello Police Department is increasing awareness about package thefts that have recently plagued the community. In a bid to prevent residents from becoming victims of these crimes, Police Chief Dave Rehaume said residents should be mindful and cautious when having packages delivered.

MLEA pickets for a fair contract outside of MLHS

MOSES LAKE – Teachers and supporters gathered Tuesday afternoon outside Moses Lake High School, voicing frustrations over stalled contract negotiations with the Moses Lake School District. It is a continuation of ongoing negotiations that have the Moses Lake Educators Association without a contract since June, intensifying calls for fair treatment and improved working conditions.

WA faces health coverage issues if enhanced Premium Tax Credit lapses

OLYMPIA — Washingtonians could face a significant increase in their health insurance premiums as the Enhanced Premium Tax Credit, ePTC, is set to expire at the end of 2025, unless action is taken by Congress. The issue is a significant talking point for both parties as the federal government shutdown continues.

City of Soap Lake is paying off $11M-plus in loans, interest

SOAP LAKE – The City of Soap Lake will have nearly $11.36 million worth of debt service payments to pay off by the end of 2025. Of that, around $3 million is interest the city has collected over the years, according to Finance Director Jeff Balentine. The city is paying 15 different loans.

WA fuel prices third highest nationally

MOSES LAKE – After a month-long reign as the second-most expensive state to purchase fuel in, Washington’s fuel prices have dropped below Hawaii’s.

MLSD’s Lewis addresses levy promises, elementary start time

MOSES LAKE — Tensions continue between the Moses Lake School District and the Moses Lake Educators Association as discussions continue over a modified elementary school schedule and the restoration of educational programs critical to student learning.

Voting begins today in WA

OLYMPIA — The voting period for Washington State’s General Election officially commences today, offering residents the opportunity to participate in shaping their local government. “Elections that are accessible, secure, and transparent are the cornerstone of our democracy, providing you with the opportunity to make your voice heard on a variety of issues,” Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said in a statement. He emphasized that the upcoming general election would empower constituents to have a say in who represents them and to weigh in on measures that directly impact their lives in Washington.

Ephrata’s new code enforcement officer focused on standards

EPHRATA – The city of Ephrata hired Ioan Horvat as the new code enforcement and building inspector. Horvat says he aims to bolster the city’s municipal standards and enhance the quality of life for Ephrata residents. “I’ve been working for the last 20 years, mostly in construction and construction management. I focused on quality control, and this is the link to code enforcement,” Horvat said.

Ephrata Middle installs inclusive playground

EPHRATA — Ephrata Middle School has completed installation of a new, inclusive playground designed to enhance outdoor playtime and learning opportunities for all students.

MLSD superintendent to address community concerns

MOSES LAKE — Superintendent Carol Lewis is planning to address the entire Moses Lake community at tonight’s Moses Lake School Board meeting about recent misunderstandings during the superintendent's report.

Warden raises levy collection by 1%

WARDEN — The Warden City Council unanimously approved an increase in the City of Warden’s levy at the Oct. 14 regular council meeting. This will bring around $6,860 to the city.

WA use of force database publishes first report

MOSES LAKE – In a shift towards greater transparency in law enforcement, Washington State has implemented an incident-based police use-of-force reporting system known as the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety, or WADEPS. This initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Attorney General, is the result of collaboration among a variety of groups, including law enforcement, who want such reporting.

ArtGarden Pottery casts a spell with 'I Smell Pottery Painting' event

MOSES LAKE – Friday night, ArtGarden Pottery, a ceramics studio owned by Laura Mayer, transformed into a whimsical world of witches, paint and creativity as it hosted the first of two “I Smell Pottery Painting” events in celebration of Halloween.

Moses Lake man arrested for domestic violence

MOSES LAKE – A Moses Lake man was arrested Sunday morning after Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies answered a call about a domestic violence incident in the 1000 block of Vandenburg Loop. The victims’ nine-year-old child went to a neighbor for assistance. The neighbor called 911, according to the probable cause statement.

Community rallies for boat fire victims with fundraiser at U Rock Ranch

WARDEN — After a devastating boat fire in July left five people injured, including two young children, the Grant County community is coming together to support the victims with a benefit dinner, dance, and auction at U Rock Ranch on Saturday, Oct. 18.

WA fuel prices remain second highest nationally

MOSES LAKE – For a full month, Washington has the second-highest average fuel price in the nation at $4.48, a four-cent decrease from last week. California, the only state in the nation with higher prices, is sitting at $4.66, according to AAA. Hawaii is the third most expensive at $4.46.

ACPR spotlight: Adoptable pets ready for new homes

OTHELLO – Adams County Pet Rescue has a lively assortment of adoptees waiting for their forever homes, featuring an array of feline friends and canine companions.

Coulee Dam teacher arrested in underage sting operation

COULEE DAM — Ross Ashenfelter, a 42-year-old fourth-grade teacher at Lake Roosevelt Elementary School, was arrested Monday during a sting operation targeting online predators.

Othello PD seeks public’s help in identifying package theft suspect

OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying a suspect believed to be involved in a string of package thefts across several neighborhoods in the city.

Moses Lake first graders spent the day at the “farm”

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake first graders had the opportunity to go out to the Grant County Fairgrounds Wednesday for First Grade Farm Day at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The Moses Lake High School Agriculture program and the Moses Lake Future Farmers of America organized the event. The groups worked together to teach the young students about the work they do.

Bird flu detected in Moses Lake commercial facility

MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in a large commercial poultry facility in Moses Lake, marking the first instance of avian influenza in Grant County. The announcement was made on October 10, 2025, following the initial report of sick birds that came to light October 7.

150-plus acres burn north of Othello, west of Warden

WARDEN – At around 5 p.m. it was announced that there was a fire in the 12000 block of Seeps Lake Road in Grant County. The fire started at around 10 to 15 acres and quickly spread to 137 acres.

Meet the Ephrata mayoral candidates

EPHRATA – Ephrata Mayoral Candidates met at Pita Pit Wednesday night to meet with constituents and give speeches on their plans if elected as mayor. Both incumbent Bruce Reim and candidate Steve Oliver said the event was a success.

Moses Lake to sell off Open Doors Sleep Center units

MOSES LAKE – The City of Moses Lake is set to sell off units formerly used at the Open Doors Sleep Center from Oct. 14 to Oct. 17. The sale aims to repurpose the prebuilt gable-style sheds that have remained unused since the center closed on June 30.

FIRE REPORT: Oct. 9, 2025

MOSES LAKE – The two largest fires in the state, the Lower Sugarloaf Fire and the Labor Mountain Fire both had growth in acreage and containment this week. The Lower Sugarloaf fire grew nearly 2,000 acres from Tuesday bringing the blaze up to about 43,000 acres. However, containment also went up from 55% Tuesday to 77% as of Thursday. The Labor Mountain Fire grew nearly 1,000 acres from Tuesday. Containment saw improvement though going from 7% containment Tuesday to 15% containment Thursday.

Water tower project progresses despite setbacks

EPRHATA — The construction of the new water tower in Ephrata, which is part of a larger infrastructure improvement project, is making significant progress, according to Ray Towry, the city administrator. Despite some unforeseen challenges, the expectations remain optimistic for the completion of the project.

New playground coming to Ephrata’s Lions Park

EPHRATA — Residents of Ephrata can look forward to changes at Lions Park as the local Parks and Recreation Department prepares to renovate the playground with a new structure aimed at enhancing recreation opportunities for children of various age groups.

Meet the Ephrata mayoral candidates today

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce will host a mayoral candidate meet-and-greet Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Pita Pit. Both incumbent Bruce Reim and candidate Steve Oliver will be present and answering questions the chamber has put together.

WA Congressional delegates respond to shutdown

WASHINGTON D.C. – A government shutdown began at midnight on October 1, 2025, after Congress was unable to pass a new budget bill or continuing resolution before deadline. The shutdown has cast a shadow over various sectors in Washington State, with potential implications for farmers, small businesses and public health. Lawmakers from both parties are weighing in on the effects and responsibilities surrounding the funding impasse.

Soap Lake celebrates official designation of Creative District

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake community gathered Saturday to mark a significant milestone: the establishment of the Soap Lake Creative District. After years of dedication and collaboration, local leaders, artists, and residents celebrated the district’s official certification, which promises to enrich the city’s cultural landscape and promote its creative economy. The celebration included speeches, displays of artwork, history and community engagement aimed at raising awareness about the district, which is intended to be a hub for creativity and collaboration among local artists and businesses. “We want people to understand that our aim is not just to host events,” Ruthann Tobiason, one of the organizers of the creative district effort, said. “This is about building longer-term plans that will enrich our community and strengthen our creative economy.”

Three positions open for Grant County Board of Health

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District is looking for applicants to fill three open seats on the Grant County Board of Health.

WA fuel prices hold steady as second most expensive in nation

MOSES LAKE – For the third week in a row, Washington has the second highest average fuel prices in the nation at $4.52, a four-cent decrease from last week. California, the only state in the nation with higher prices, is sitting at $4.66, according to AAA.

Long-term GCAO residents still hope for homes

MOSES LAKE – For many furry friends, a forever home can often feel like a distant dream. At the Grant County Animal Outreach, three dogs have taken up residence longer than others, waiting patiently for their chance to find loving families.

MLSD board passes resolution on sex-ed

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District Board passed resolution 2026-02 about sexual education at the Oct. 2 meeting.

150-acre fire burns near SR 17

SOAP LAKE — At around 2 p.m. firefighters were called to a brush fire around milepost 81 on state Route 17 at the south end of Lake Lenore. “Heavy sage brush and dry lands fueled the fire,” Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said. The fire quickly spread to around 150 acres. As of 5 p.m. crews are still working on containment. There is no threat to the public, Foreman said.

FIRE REPORT: Oct. 7, 2025

Fire season coming to an end

MOSES LAKE — The fire season is starting to come to an end in Washington, according to Department of Natural Resources Communications Manager Ryan Rodruck. “We’re certainly winding down the season,” Rodruck said. “I would say that for western Washington, we have seen that season-ending precipitation at this point. I would not expect any large, costly fires to materialize in western Washington at this point.” However, eastern and central Washington are still waiting for season-ending precipitation, which will likely not happen this week, Rodruck said.

MLEA protests for contract negotiations adding back elementary programming

MOSES LAKE – Members of the Moses Lake Educators Alliance, Wenatchee School District employees and residents picketed before Thursday evening’s school board meeting. The group of over 200 chanted down Yonezawa Boulevard, in front of CB Tech, asking for the reinstatement of an additional 30 minutes of instructional time in elementary schools and calling for a fair contract.

SLPD investigating GCSO corrections deputy for assault

SOAP LAKE – An off-duty Grant County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy Nickolas Eifert was arrested for a fourth-degree assault – domestic violence charge, according to Soap Lake Police Department Chief Patrick Canady.

FIRE REPORT: Oct. 3, 2025

MOSES LAKE — Three larger fires were mostly contained this week with no further updates to be provided. There are around 132,000 acres actively burning in Washington as of Thursday afternoon, around 35,000 fewer than Monday.

Ephrata school board welcomes new staff, discusses enrollment

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School Board convened on September 29, for a regular meeting that showcased developments in the district, including the introduction of new certificated staff members, an update on student enrollment and recognition of community support.