NANCE BESTON

Legislators eye Climate Commitment Act funding for road projects

OLYMPIA — As Washington state's roads continue to deteriorate and transportation funding faces significant challenges, Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, is calling for a public hearing on House Bill 1324. This proposed legislation aims to redirect excess revenues from the Climate Commitment Act toward urgent road projects, seeking to alleviate a growing infrastructure backlog that currently exceeds $11 billion, according to a statement from Barkis.

MLSD Financial Oversight Committee meets for first time

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District hosted its first Financial Oversight Committee meeting Jan. 29. The committee is a volunteer-based group of local professionals from industries including accounting, finance and similar fields. The group was established to hold the district to another level of accountability with its finances.

Warden brothers open dispensary in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – The grand opening for Grant County’s newest dispensary, Green Roads Cannabis happened Friday. The dispensary is owned and operated by two Warden brothers, Eddie and Rolando Rodriguez. The new store is located on 224 West Valley Road in the former Valley Eye Care building.

Three Quincy residents booked for fuel theft, possessing stolen goods

QUINCY – On Thursday morning, three Quincy residents were arrested after their vehicle ran out of fuel with a bed full of suspected stolen property, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

CBIT continues investigation on Grant Co. Jail death

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Police Department Captain Troy Froewiss released a statement regarding Central Basin Investigations Team regarding the death of Richard Lambert in the Grant County Jail. Lamber was found deceased in his bunk at the Grant County Jail Dec. 31.

Superintendents discuss reading, math skills locally, statewide

OLYMPIA – The National Center for Education Statistics released the 2024 results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress Thursday, revealing that Washington’s fourth grade students continue to outperform many peers nationally in reading and math, while eighth graders experienced a decline, particularly in math.

Two major power outages in Grant County

MARDON — On both Wednesday and Thursday, Grant Public Utility District had large-scale power outages. A major outage affects more than 50 customers, according to the PUD.

Ephrata SD welcomes new board member: Casey Devine

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School Board swore in its newest member, Casey Devine, at the Jan. 27 meeting. Devine describes herself as an educator, parent and community advocate with deep roots in Ephrata. Devine will be serving the rest of Anita Waller’s term which expires at the end of 2025. Waller, formerly the board chair, stepped down at the Sept. 23 board meeting.

Ephrata School Board focuses on attendance, funding in regular meeting

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District board met for a regular meeting Jan. 27 and swore in a new board member, received an update on district attendance, approved grants and purchases and discussed the district’s budget – including the upcoming Educational Programs and Operations levy which is on the Feb. 11 ballot.

Potato farmers, scientists, pros gather in Kennewick

KENNEWICK – The Washington and Oregon Potato Conference is happening this week at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick with farmers from throughout Eastern Washington visiting with academics, politicians, distributors and a variety of vendors to discuss all things potatoes. Full coverage of the event will be in the February edition of the Basin Business Journal, our sister publication. There’s still time to make it to the event for those interested. Visit potatoes.com/potatoconference for details on the event.

Washington legislators consider universal health care

OLYMPIA — The Washington Health Trust, a statewide initiative for universal health care, is supporting proposals introduced in both the Senate and House (House Bill 1445 and Senate Bill 5233), according to a statement from the group.

Structure fire in Grand Coulee, one fatality

GRAND COULEE – The Grand Coulee Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a single-wide trailer fire near 122 B Street in Grand Coulee at around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Two booked for weekend domestic violence incidents

Resources available for those looking to escape abuse

MOSES LAKE – Over the weekend, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office dealt with two instances of alleged domestic violence, both ended with an individual booked into the Grant County Jail.

MLSD levy impacts on safety, health and facilities

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District has an Educational Programs and Operations levy on the Feb. 11 ballot. The levy and whether it passes or not, will have impacts on school resource officers, nursing staff and facilities and maintenance according to the district.

MLSD considers Vanguard Academy options

MOSES LAKE — During a Jan. 16 work study meeting, the Moses Lake School Board reviewed a series of proposals to adjust the facilities and educational offerings of Vanguard Academy for the 2025-26 academic year, according to a statement from the district. “This was an important opportunity to gather input and discuss how we can best use the spaces we have to serve students and ultimately save money for the district,” wrote Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon in the statement. “We are committed to developing thoughtful, student-centered plans that reflect the needs of our community.”

'We had our best revenue year ever'

Port of Ephrata reports successful 2024

EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata has made significant strides in 2024, achieving several key objectives designed to enhance its economic viability and improve operational capacity, according to the port’s Executive Director David Lanman. “I think it went pretty darn good,” Lanman said. “We had a very productive year, and we're setting the foundation for future growth.”

Ephrata looks back at ‘24, plans for ‘25

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata experienced significant growth and development during 2024, according to Mayor Bruce Reim. In 2025, city officials are optimistic about continuing momentum.

EPD highlights last year's achievements, plans for this year

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department made significant strides in officer training and technology this last year, according to Chief Erik Koch.

'More than a dream'

Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrated in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Monday night, a group of around 35 people wearing white hoodies blared and sang to music as they walked down fifth avenue as the sun set on downtown Moses Lake. The group shared laughs. The children ran and teased one another. Signs were waved proudly at passing cars. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that!” reads one of the signs.

MLK essay contest winners announced

MOSES LAKE – During the Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event Monday, the winners of the Martin Luther King Jr. essay writing contest for Columbia Middle School students were announced.

MLSD in-person town hall today

MOSES LAKE — Today Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis will host another in-person town hall to answer questions about current events, concerns or feedback in the district. The town hall will be from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Learning Services Center at 1620 S. Pioneer Way.

Junk vehicles to be removed in Larson community

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office Crime Reduction team will begin to remove junk vehicles from the Larson area this week, according to an announcement from the GCSO.

Three MLHS seniors discuss levy election impacts

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is running an Educational Programs and Operations Levy on the Feb. 11 ballot. MLSD students Javier Gonzalez, Jaciel Valdez and Andee Stevens said they’ve felt the impacts of the double levy failure in 2024.

Soap Lake City Council considering elimination of lake water use

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council met for its first meeting of the year Wednesday. The meeting began with an executive session in regard to the performance of a public employee with no action following. Lake water usage, officer recognition and other items were addressed afterward.

Law enforcement software changes present challenges, opportunities

MOSES LAKE— The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments in Grant County switched from Spillman to 365 Labs for its law enforcement software at the beginning of 2025. Since the upgrade, departments have been learning the new software and certain functions are still being discovered, workshopped and taught to the agencies.

Ephrata Fire’s 2024 year in review

'We feel blessed by the individuals down here'

EPHRATA — As the Ephrata Fire Department begins a new year, 2024 proved to be a transformative period, according to Chief Jeremy Burns. The department saw significant achievements in operational efficiency, community engagement and volunteer involvement. Burns talked about the department's accomplishments over the past year and outlined goals for 2025.

Ephrata School District super reflects on challenges of 2024

EPHRATA — As 2025 begins, the Ephrata School District is assessing the changes and challenges it faced last year. Superintendent Ken Murray discussed several crucial accomplishments and objectives for the future and the district's continued commitment to its students and community in an interview with the Columbia Basin Herald.

Warden passes water system plan and parks and recreation developments

WARDEN — The Warden City Council convened on Jan. 14 to discuss significant developments concerning the city’s water system and its Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan. The meeting featured staff reports detailing ongoing projects and strategic planning for community enhancement, alongside formal resolutions for the future direction of local infrastructure and recreational facilities.

‘To Washington, I bid you fair winds and following seas’

Inslee delivers his final State of the State Address before leaving office

OLYMPIA — In his final State of the State address delivered before a joint session of the Washington Legislature on Jan. 12, Governor Jay Inslee reflected on his 12 years in office and emphasized the achievements and challenges that lie ahead for Washington state.

Dent outlines his priorities for WA’s 2025 session

'I am cautiously optimistic'

OLYMPIA – As Washington State begins its 2025 legislative session today, Rep. Tom Dent, the 13th District's legislative representative, prepares to tackle a myriad of pressing issues while navigating the complexities of a newly transitioned administration.

Sen. Warnick outlines legislative priorities for 2025 session

OLYMPIA — In anticipation of the upcoming 2025 legislative session, starting today, Washington State Senator Judy Warnick discussed her key priorities and strategies aimed at improving policies that impact her constituents. As she prepares for the session, Warnick said she is keenly aware of the challenges posed by a shifting political landscape, particularly in light of a newly elected Democratic governor and a budget shortfall that will influence the agenda. Warnick's legislative priorities center around three themes: affordability, public safety and education—specifically the safety and educational advancement of children.

Grant Co. upgrades law enforcement software

MOSES LAKE – Grant County, with the assistance of the Multi-Agency Communications Center – 911, switched its law enforcement reporting software at the beginning of 2025. The new software is a cloud-based platform with more assets and less crashes than the previous program which the county has been using since 1996, according to Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely.

Moses Lake School District EP&O levy on February ballot

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District will submit an educational programs and operations levy to district voters on the Feb. 11 ballot. The levy, using local taxes, provides funding for programs and services beyond the state’s basic education requirements.

GCAO animal adoptions double in 2024

'It’s about finding every animal the home they deserve'

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Animal Outreach reported a significant increase in adoptions for the year 2024. The shelter successfully placed 582 cats and dogs into new homes, nearly doubling the figure from the previous year. The rise in adoptions marks an important milestone for the organization, which has actively worked to address the challenges of overcapacity and resource limitations.

Environmental group highlights goals for upcoming legislative session

OLYMPIA — The 2025 Washington legislative session will begin Monday and the Washington Conservation Action’s Environmental Priorities Coalition has four goals for the upcoming session: advanced clean trucks and climate progress, climate action, sewage spill right-to-know and the recycling reform act. The EPC met for a press conference on Tuesday to discuss its legislative initiatives.

Lind-Ritzville schools discussing four-day school week

RITZVILLE — Lind-Ritzville Cooperative Schools is considering switching to a four-day school week instead of its current five-day week. LRCS will host a coffee with Superintendent Don Vanderholm on Jan. 10 from 8 to 9 a.m. at the WSU extension office in Ritzville. The meeting will have opportunities to discuss the potential four-day school week along with other matters of the school district.

Three juveniles booked for alleged vehicle theft and eluding police

MATTAWA — Three juveniles were arrested Saturday for stealing a car in Mattawa at around 6:30 a.m. followed by a short police pursuit near Ephrata.

Fifteen WA bills enacted in the new year

Impacts to be seen in health care, workers rights and more

OLYMPIA – At the beginning of 2025, a suite of fifteen Washington bills became law, transforming key areas from health care to workers’ rights, to cosmetics.

More than 700 ACPR animals found homes in 2024

Rescue hopes for more adoptions and education in 2025

OTHELLO — The Adams County Pet Rescue had a successful year taking in 604 dogs and 432 cats in 2024. Of those pets, 383 dogs and 321 cats found their forever homes. There were 180 transfers to other shelters.

Ephrata businesses thrived this holiday season

The Athletic Club, Sole Performance, the Nat Washington House and The Bookery received love from locals

EPHRATA – As the holiday season concludes, some local businesses said this year was particularly good. The Bells on Basin celebration attracted a crowd into Ephrata businesses for the celebration but also people buying gifts for their loved ones helped stimulate these small establishments.

Carter passes at 100: Local leaders respond to a President's passing

PLAINS, Georgia — Former 39th President Jimmy Carter died at 100 years of age Sunday. Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer, began his presidency in 1977 after he defeated 39th President Gerald R. Ford in the General Election. Carter served one term and left office in 1981 after losing to Ronald Reagan, but his service afterward is what earned him a reputation as a statesman.

Inslee reflects on tenure during exit interview

OLYMPIA – In an exit interview conducted by Austin Jenkins on TVW's “Inside Olympia”, Governor Jay Inslee reflected on his twelve years in office, highlighting his accomplishments, disappointments and the pivotal moments in his tenure. As he prepares to transition leadership to Governor-elect Bob Ferguson, Inslee emphasized the unique challenges and achievements that marked his administration.

Othello, ACSO, WSP officers bring holiday cheer

‘I see the smiles are bigger every year.’

OTHELLO – Blue and red lights flashed, and sirens blared down East Main Street in Othello Saturday before turning into the Walmart parking lot. A handful of police vehicles from Othello Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol made laps around the store's parking lot, children waving through passenger windows and shoppers watching the scene go down.

Jensen, Urias continue as president, VP of MLSD board

MOSES LAKE – During the Dec. 19 regular Moses Lake school board meeting the board elected new representees for board positions.

GCFD4 Chief on admin leave, under investigation for malfeasance

WARDEN – Grant County Fire District 4 Fire Chief Kevin Whitaker has been placed on unpaid administrative leave. Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman confirmed there is an ongoing investigation for malfeasance through GCSO which began in late November.

Stray finds health and a home through community support

MOSES LAKE – Helio, also known as Henry, is a 12-year-old collie mix, who arrived at the Grant County Animal Outreach Oct. 17 after being abandoned in Moses Lake. He had a desperate need for dental care. The animal rescue assumed he would lose all of his teeth and asked for help collecting funds to pay for the around $1,000 surgery.

MLSD Board endorses upcoming levy

MOSES LAKE —During the regular session of the Moses Lake School District board meeting held Thursday, board members unanimously endorsed the upcoming levy aimed at enhancing educational resources and opportunities for students. Board Chair Kirryn Jensen emphasized the importance of the levy in sustaining the district's educational quality.

MLSD superintendent issues apology on behalf of district

MOSES LAKE — In a recent video announcement, Carol Lewis, the superintendent of Moses Lake School District, acknowledged significant breaches of trust between the school district and the community.  “I realize that an apology is necessary,” Lewis said in the video.

Ephrata School Board reorganized and bus finances handled

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School Board conducted a meeting on Dec. 16, welcoming new leadership and providing updates on the district’s transportation levy.

Asian giant hornet officially eradicated in Washington

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture has announced the successful eradication of the northern giant hornet, a five-year effort involving state officials, local landowners, beekeepers and citizen scientists. The group effort eliminated the invasive species from the state when it could have spread from the northwestern corner of the Evergreen State to the rest of the region.  “It is a rare day when the humans actually get to win one against the insects,” the Pest Program Manager at WSDA Sven-Erik Spichiger said.