NANCE BESTON

Four proposed bills examined by Enviro and Energy Committee

Potential impacts to agriculture, low-income energy assistance, water system rates and PUD insurance

OLYMPIA – The House Environmental and Energy Committee heard four proposed bills Feb. 13. The four bills, if passed, would have impacts on agriculture, low-income energy assistance, water system rate changes and insurance for public utility districts like the Grant PUD.

One booked, another unidentified in rural business burglary

MOSES LAKE – A 24-year-old Moses Lake man was apprehended by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Crime Reduction Team and other law enforcement Friday during a burglary in a rural area of Moses Lake, according to a GCSO statement.

MACC addresses audit findings

OLYMPIA – An audit report released on February 13, 2025, by the Washington State Auditor’s Office has identified significant deficiencies in the financial management and internal controls of the Multi Agency Communications Center for the fiscal years of 2022 and 2023. This report, designated as Report No. 1036601, highlights the need for improved financial oversight and compliance with new regulatory requirements.

SLPD Chief fired for alleged misconduct

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox has been terminated, according to a statement from the city. However, Cox also held the role as the city administrator. No statement regarding his role of city administrator has been released from the city. Cox was initially placed on administrative leave Nov. 15. On Thursday, more than 13 weeks later, the city released a statement announcing Cox’s termination from the police department, effective immediately.

Grant Co. Fairgrounds getting upgrades

Incoming improvements set to improve safety, visibility and visitor experience.

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Fairgrounds is installing around $1 million in upgrades, according to Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan. The upgrades include new light towers and lighting at gates, additional cameras, a new public address system, improved fencing, removing track from the rodeo grounds, new bleachers for the rodeo and power and water stalls. There will also be increased policing staff at the fairgrounds this year. “A lot of our efforts, as far as capital projects are having to do with safety this year as a result of last year's shooting,” McKiernan said.

CBIT continues jail death investigation

EPHRATA – The Central Basin Investigative Team determined that Richard Lambert’s death at the Grant County Jail was due to sepsis caused by an accident prior to his arrest, according to a statement from Ephrata Police Department Captain Troy Froewiss. Froewiss was not available for comment Thursday.

Black History Month celebrated at B&G clubs of the Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE – The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin invited Maryamu Givens to speak about Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday Friday as part of a presentation for Black History Month.

Soap Lake appoints mayor pro tem, council member steps down

SOAP LAKE — Karen Woodhouse was named mayor pro tem at the Feb. 5 Soap Lake City Council meeting. The council passed Woodhouse’s appointment unanimously. Council Member JoAnne Rushton also gave the council a letter prior to the meeting stepping down from her role on the council, opening a city council spot, according to Mayor Peter Sharp.

Port of Ephrata approves roof repair

EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata passed a resolution approving a $158,000 roof repair for Hangar 405 at its meeting Monday.

Soap Lake council members earn certifications

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council Member Susan Carson recently earned a Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities, a program designed to enhance the skills and effectiveness of elected officials across the state, according to an announcement from Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp. Carson and other city leaders have completed extensive training in key areas essential to effective municipal leadership.

Ephrata businesses offer ideas for Valentine’s Day

EPHRATA — Valentine's Day is coming up tomorrow and Harrison’s Diamonds, The Glamour Garage and 1:49 Designs all have a few ideas to help locals celebrate the holiday. “Valentine's Day isn’t just for people in relationships. It’s a day of love, which includes self-love,” Glamour Garage owner Allison Scott said. “I try to spread a lot of awareness on self-care and self-love and building your own confidence within yourself.”

MLSD levy passing

Oft-debated ballot measure appears to have gained sufficient voter support after long year.

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District Educational Programs and Operations levy was leading with yes votes by 58.77% on Tuesday night when 10,058 of the ballots were counted. The next ballot count will be Feb. 13. “First, I would like to thank the community and those that supported the school district and the board in this effort,” MLSD Board Chair Kirryn Jenson said. “We are thrilled to have made great strides in earning back the trust of our community. We are committed to continuing transparency and accountability. We will be focused on responsibly funding education and improving student achievement and success.”

Grant Co. working to update plan to address homelessness

EPHRATA – Grant County has announced its intention to hire a strategic planning consultant to help develop its updated Homeless Housing Five-Year Strategic Plan. The deadline for proposals is 3 p.m. March 12 with a completion target for the updated plan in December 2025.

'We don't have to hate each other just because we disagree'

Lt. Governor-led Project for Civic Health promotes bipartisanship and civil conversations

MOSES LAKE – In a time marked by increasing polarization and divisive rhetoric, the Project for Civic Health in Washington state aims to foster respectful dialogue and collaboration across party lines.

Safer Internet Day promotes education around children using tech

MOSES LAKE – Today is Safer Internet Day, the global observance is a time to bring attention to internet crimes against children and what can be done to reduce the risk of a child becoming a victim online. “Be a part of your child's life and make sure that you talk with them about the dangers that lurk on the internet,” Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said. “Have a discussion with your children about the dangers of the internet. Explain to them that there are good things and explain to those there are bad people out there looking to cause harm.”

Moses Lake teen found after missing for 15 days

MOSES LAKE – Treyson Brooks, 15, went missing from his group home in Vancouver Jan. 24. He was placed in the facility for advanced care for his special needs and medical condition. Brooks was found in Gresham, Oregon on Feb. 8. He has been returned to his mother, Amy Jackson, in Moses Lake. The Columbia Basin Herald will release an update with more information after more information is collected.

MLSD levy decision tomorrow

MOSES LAKE – Voters must cast their votes by 8 p.m. Tuesday evening in the Moses Lake School District’s educational programs and operations levy. Initial results will be available that night, though a final count will take a bit due to Washington’s mail-in voting system. The levy proposal is for four years.

Immigration protest held in Moses Lake Saturday

MOSES LAKE – Saturday afternoon, around 250 people gathered in protest of immigrant deportations on the sidewalks along North Stratford Road in Moses Lake. According to several protesters, there were sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement trucks spotted in both Othello and Warden Friday and Saturday. However, this information could not be confirmed by press time. The Columbia Basin Herald will have a follow-up article regarding the issue.

Quincy man faces controlled substance homicide charge

QUINCY – On Thursday, Abraham Cristobal Flores Velazquez, 32, of Quincy was arrested for controlled substance homicide in relation to a Yakima overdose death. The arrest was made by Yakima County’s Law Enforcement Against Drugs task force, after which he was transferred to detectives from the Grant County Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team, also known as iNET,and booked in the Grant County Jail.

'It’s a killer show’

Murder and laughter mix in Masquers Theater’s ‘Clue: On Stage’

Prepare to don your detective hats and gather your wits, because the Masquers Theater is about to unravel a mystery that promises both laughter and intrigue.

SLPD chief now 13 weeks on paid admin leave, investigation ongoing

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox was placed on paid administrative leave on Nov. 15, 2024, making it 13 weeks, today. Robert Geates has been the acting police chief since Cox was placed on leave. Mayor Peter Sharp confirmed an investigation was underway.

Ephrata students give insight into proposed EP&O levy

EPHRATA – On Feb. 11, the Ephrata School District will have results from the proposed Education Programs and Operations levy on the ballot. The levy is seeking to collect approximately $11.5 million over the next four years at a proposed rate of $1.85 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The funding is intended to address gaps between state funding and the actual costs of operating the school district.

MLHS musicians shine at NCWMEA competition

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School choir, piano, guitar and band students showcased their musical talents at the North Central Washington Music Educators Association Regional Solo & Ensemble Competition held on Saturday, Jan. 25, in Wenatchee.

Mysteries, murders and mayhem at Masquers Theater

SOAP LAKE – “Clue: On Stage” cast members gather around Miss Scarlet (Jessica Stredwick) and Mr. Boddy’s briefcase. The briefcase, locked, supposedly holds all of the partygoers' darkest secrets. From left to right in the back is Mr. Green (Blane Schafer), Mrs. Peacock (Victoria Drake), Colonel Mustard (Dave Stearns), Yvette (Kristina Allman), Professor Plum (Justin Martin), Mrs. White (Rosalee Chamberlain). In the front is Wadsworth (Rebecca Grommesh) and Miss Scarlet. The show runs on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. It begins this Friday, Feb. 7, and runs through Feb. 23. Tickets are available at masquers.com/clue.

Two teens steal 'copious amount' of marijuana

Suspects burglarize dispensary in Soap Lake area

SOAP LAKE — A cannabis shop was hit by a burglary early Friday morning, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. At around 1:30 a.m. Friday, GCSO deputies were dispatched to an intrusion alarm at 2020 Solutions, a dispensary in the 200 block of SR 28 in Soap Lake.

Ephrata Rec Center, City Hall receive HVAC upgrades

EPHRATA — Upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning at the Ephrata Recreation Center are now complete. “The Ephrata Rec is one of our oldest buildings in the city and (upgrading it) is really impressive to get done,” Ephrata Mayor Bruce Reim said. “We're really happy with it, and it'll improve our environmental concerns over there. It'll also be a better environment for visitors and renters.”

Ephrata FBLA brings home 14 titles, 28 state qualifiers

EPHRATA — The Ephrata High School Future Business Leaders of America club had 28 students compete in the Winter Leadership Conference at Grays Harbor College Jan. 31. All 28 qualified in the event and 14 students were regional champions. “Well, I'm really proud of the fact that we had more regional champions this year than we did last year,” FBLA Lead Advisor Scott Sanberg said. “Then I'm also proud that everybody we took qualified in one category or another.”

GCSO deputies visit with Quincy fourth graders

QUINCY – Grant County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Aaron Young and Gunnar Hinds stopped by George Elementary in Quincy to talk with fourth grade students Tuesday.

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.