NANCE BESTON

Off-duty GCSO officer arrested for domestic violence

SOAP LAKE – An off-duty member of Grant County Sheriff’s Office was arrested for a domestic violence incident, according to a statement from GCSO. The officer’s identity was not initially released, but was later reported by GCSO as Corrections Deputy Nickolas Eifert.

MLSD suing Fowler over alleged Groff deficiencies

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District announced earlier this year it would be pursuing litigation with Fowler General Construction, the company that built Groff Elementary School, and a third-party guarantor, Western Surety Company. The district claims there were defects, misrepresentations, and concealment associated with the project, according to MLSD Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon.

Coulee City man arrested after alleged gun threats

COULEE CITY — On Tuesday night, a 70-year-old Coulee City man reportedly threatened five people with a handgun, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Tuesday’s MLSD gun threat found to be false

MOSES LAKE – Tuesday afternoon, Moses Lake School District middle school cross country athletes told the police they had been threatened by a man with a gun while on a training run, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. An investigation has found those claims to be false.

EPHRATA MAYOR: Oliver vs. Reim

EPHRATA – Two candidates are running for the job of Ephrata Mayor, Steve Oliver and incumbent Bruce Reim. Both were sent identical questions, with a 150-word limit.

Columbia Basin Hospital reintroduces $30 million bond proposal

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Hospital is once again submitting to the community a $30 million bond proposition aimed at expanding its facilities and services. The bond will go before voters in the November general election. The bond was rejected during the primary election, with around 46% of voters in favor. It aims to address pressing infrastructure needs and enhance health services within the community, according to Administrator Rosalinda Kibby. “We are a public hospital district which means that our only chance to fund a project this big. We can afford smaller projects like $10 million, $5 million or projects of that size. We just did the emergency department remodel for less than $5 million,” Kibby said. “But when it comes to adding a new building, that will need to be done with public help.”

Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry to host volunteer work party

SOAP LAKE — Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry is inviting community members to join a volunteer work party on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to dusk. The event aims to prepare the facility for the upcoming winter season, and food and drinks will be provided for all volunteers. Interested participants can RSVP by texting President Shawna Kluge at 509-237-5722. “We are making as much progress as we can to get ready for winter,” said Kluge. “We still have two roofs at our previous rescue location that need to be moved, and we have a few roofs that are not yet complete. Completing these tasks is critical as winter approaches.” The volunteer event will revolve around various activities geared toward ensuring the safety and comfort of the animals during the colder months.

MLSD cross country students threatened with firearm

MOSES LAKE — Frontier and Endeavor middle school cross country students were approached by a vehicle whose occupants threatened them with a firearm Tuesday afternoon, according to Moses Lake School District Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon. “As we understand, law enforcement is actively investigating and nothing has been completely confirmed by law enforcement, but we were told that a vehicle drove up to a group of students and a gun was pointed at the students,” Shannon said. “That is where we are at this point; law enforcement is actively investigating the situation.” All students and staff are safe, and no injuries occurred. The students were en route to return to Frontier Middle School to be reunited with families as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. Around 60 students were participating in the cross-country activity, Shannon said, and all of the parents and guardians of those students will receive a phone call from him explaining the situation. “The safety of our students and staff is the top priority of the Moses Lake School District,” Shannon said. “Regarding the situation this afternoon, we will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and provide all information to the public as it becomes available to us.”

WA fuel prices still second-highest in nation

MOSES LAKE — For the second week in a row, Washington has the second-highest average fuel prices in the nation at $4.56 per gallon, an eight-cent decrease from last week. California, the only state in the nation with higher prices, is sitting at $4.66, according to AAA. “Pacific Northwest drivers are getting some relief now that a pipeline issue has been resolved and pump prices are trending downward,” AAA wrote in a statement Thursday. “The Atlantic hurricane season is halfway over, but the tropics remain a concern for the next two months if there’s storm activity in the Gulf that affects refineries in the area.”

Port of Ephrata to host aerial applicators fly-in

EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata will serve as the venue for the third annual fly-in pancake breakfast, hosted by the Association of Washington Aerial Applicators, on Saturday, Oct. 4. This event is set to showcase the role aerial applicators play in Washington’s agricultural industry while offering community members an engaging opportunity to learn about low-level aviation. The pancake breakfast will kick off at 8 a.m. and is priced at $20 per person, with children under 10 eating free. The event is open to the public at no charge, said Dave Lanman, executive director of the Port of Ephrata

Diesel storage tank fire near George

GEORGE – At around 11 a.m. Grant County Fire District 3 was dispatched to a 4,000 gallon above ground diesel storage fire at Williamson Precision, according to Grant County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. The fire, located in the 3500 block of Adams Rd. S.W., was out by around 2:15 p.m., Foreman said.

Local legislators to present at Ephrata City Council

EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council is set to host an open house featuring a state senator and two state representatives, all local Republicans, on Oct. 1.

Woman, 82, found in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — At around 12 p.m. Friday, Grant County Sheriff's Office received a call that a body had been found by a fisherman in Moses Lake - the body of water - near the 7000 block of Dune Lake Road.

Body found in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — At around 2:00 p.m. Grant County Sheriff's Office received a call that a body had been found in Moses Lake near the 7000 block of Dune Lake Road. Sheriff’s deputies are on scene. There will be more updates as information is released to the public.

Veterans support fair set for Saturday

Veterans resource and job fair happening at Grant Co. Fairgrounds on Saturday

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Veteran Advisory Board is hosting its annual Veteran Resource and Job Fair on September 27th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds' Commercial and 4-H Buildings. This long-standing event, which has been a staple of community service for nearly 20 years, aims to connect veterans and their families with crucial resources and employment opportunities in a single, accessible location.

FIRE REPORT: Sept. 26, 2025

MOSES LAKE – The fires below are burning nearly 139,000 acres across Washington as of Thursday afternoon. This is around 9,000 acres more than Monday and 29,000 more acres than last Thursday.

Ephrata rebrands with new logo, website and app

EPHRATA – A rebranding initiative reflecting the evolution of the City of Ephrata is officially underway, with a new logo, a redesigned website, and an upgraded mobile app set to launch on Thursday. This overhaul signifies not just a visual update, but also a forward-thinking commitment to community engagement and effective governance, City Administrator Ray Towry said.

Port of Ephrata launches car rental services

EPHRATA – The Port of Ephrata has officially launched a rental car service in a move that aims to enhance airport services and stimulate local economic growth. Executive Director Dave Lanman announced that the port has partnered with Hertz to provide rental cars on-site, a service that is expected to attract more traffic to the airport and benefit the surrounding community.

Teachers address MLSD elementary schedules, activities

MOSES LAKE – At the Moses Lake School District Board meeting on September 18, concerns were brought to the board from district staff and community members regarding lingering reductions in elementary school schedules and the implications for student learning, particularly in areas such as physical education, music, library access and special education services.

WA fuel prices second highest in nation

MOSES LAKE – Last week, Washington led the nation with the highest fuel prices, beating both California and Hawaii. These states have traditionally led the charts this year, according to AAA. This week, California is once again leading the nation at $4.67 with Washington close behind at $4.62, or a four-cent decrease from last week. Hawaii is third in the nation at $4.47.

FIRE AND AIR QUALITY REPORT: Sept. 23, 2025

MOSES LAKE – The fires below have burned nearly 130,000 acres combined across Washington as of Monday afternoon. This is around 20,000 acres more than Thursday.

MLSD holding steady in standardized testing

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School Board met Sept. 18 to discuss recent state and local test scores in the district. Both the SMARTER Balance Assessment and the science assessment are done at the state level. The district does local testing called iReady to see if students are at or above grade level for English and math.

WDFW takes over Beezley Hills Preserve

EPHRATA – In a move for conservation efforts in Washington State, the Nature Conservancy has transferred ownership of the 9,000-acre Beezley Hills Preserve to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The goal is to bolster habitat conservation efforts, particularly for endangered species such as the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit, and provide opportunities for low-impact public recreation, according to WDFW Communications Contact Nicole Jordan.

Ephrata releases findings following water leak incident

EPHRATA – The City of Ephrata released an after-action review following a significant water leak incident that occurred Sept. 1. The leak, which was detected in the early morning hours, prompted a week-long precautionary boil water advisory for residents. The review was an analysis of what transpired, highlighting both successes and areas for improvement.

MLPD stops alleged drug shipment in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – On Friday, Moses Lake Street Crimes intercepted an alleged shipment of drugs traveling through Moses Lake, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. At around 3 a.m. Friday, the Moses Lake Tactical Response Team initiated a vehicle takedown of a subject in the Winco parking lot.

Warden welcomes new police chief: Jeff Gann

WARDEN – The Warden Police Department has a new leader, Chief Jeff Gann, an officer with nearly two decades of law enforcement experience. Gann started his job Monday and will be officially sworn in by the mayor during the Sept. 23 regular council meeting. Following a career at the Castle Rock Police Department, he honed his skills in a variety of roles, including as a defensive tactics' instructor and as a corporal, he said.

FIRE REPORT: Sept. 19, 2025

MOSES LAKE – The fires below are burning nearly 111,000 acres across Washington as of Thursday afternoon. This is around 11,000 acres more than Monday. The two fires that showed the most growth were the Lower Sugarloaf Fire, gaining around 3,000 acres since Monday. It remains as the second largest blaze in the state. The Bear Gulch Fire also showed growth of around 6,000 acres since Monday. The growth makes it the third largest fire in the state and bumps the Crown Creek Fire out of the largest three.

Soap Lake council addresses creative district, city position and dog park

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council met Thursday to discuss appointing a mayor pro tempore and to receive updates from city officers and committees.

Crews extinguish small fire in rural Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Fire Districts 5, 7, and 12 were called to a brush/structure fire in the 5000 block of Highland Drive in rural Moses Lake at around 1:30 p.m. Thursday. “What was thought to be a manufactured home, we think was more likely just a collection of debris and not a structure,” Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.

Ephrata’s new booster pump station finished

EPHRATA — City officials announced Wednesday that the long-awaited Booster Pump Station located at B Street and Division is now operational. This is part of a comprehensive water system improvement initiative, which also includes enhancements to the city’s water tower infrastructure.

FIRE REPORT: Sept. 16, 2025

MOSES LAKE – Last week, the Chelan County Commissioners declared a State of Emergency for the Lower Sugarloaf and Pomas Fires which are burning around 20,000 acres. There are several level one “Be Ready,” level two, “Get Set,” and level three “Go” evacuations in the county. As a result, the commissioners declared the county a disaster, according to a statement from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.

Washington fuel prices highest nationwide

MOSES LAKE – For the first time this year, gas prices in Washington are the highest in the nation with the state bypassing both California and Hawaii’s average fuel prices, according to AAA.

Shots fired suspect in Moses Lake turns himself in

MOSES LAKE – On the evening of Sept. 6, it was reported that shots were fired at 1842 West Broadway Avenue, according to Moses Lake Police Department.

Power outages affect hundreds in Moses Lake and Ephrata on Sunday

MOSES LAKE – On Sunday morning at around 10 a.m., Grant Public Utility District announced there was a power outage affecting nearly 300 customers in the Ephrata and Winchester area. An outage later in the day impacted more than 700 residences on the Moses Lake peninsula later in the day.

GCSO announces new emergency notification number

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced a change in the phone number used for its emergency alert system, Everbridge. Residents will now receive calls from 509-260-3440, a Cle Elum phone number.

FIRE REPORT: Sept. 12, 2025

MOSES LAKE – The fires below are burning around 91,400 acres across Washington as of Thursday afternoon. The blazes were causing air quality concerns regionally.

Warden to get new police chief, approves updating planning documents

WARDEN – The Warden City Council met Tuesday to discuss the hiring of a new Warden Police Department Chief, acknowledge the clerk-treasurer assistant, receive updates on city projects, approve adding a climate element to the comprehensive plan and approve the development of a planning document for the wastewater facility and general sewer plan.

Grant Co. Jail construction on schedule for summer 2026 opening

EPHRATA — Construction of the new Grant County Jail is progressing rapidly, with Chief Deputy of Corrections Phillip Coats of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office expressing optimism about the facility’s completion. The new jail will comprehensively address the current needs of inmates, staff, and the community, with several innovative solutions integrated into its design, Coats said.

Ephrata school bus driver takes passengers personally

EPHRATA — Brenda Wurl has become a beloved fixture within the Ephrata School District as a bus driver, where her enthusiasm for children and dedication to safety has set a high standard within the community, according to the Transportation Director Adam Roduner. “Brenda, our longest-serving driver, is a wonderful example of the heart and dedication our entire team brings to their work,” Superintendent Ken Murray said. “We are deeply grateful for Brenda and for every member of our transportation staff who shows up, rain or shine, to serve our students and families.” With over 15 years of experience under her belt, Wurl said she has established a unique rapport with her young passengers and their families, making her not just a driver, but also a trusted role model.

EXPLAINER: Funding libraries in North Central Washington

MOSES LAKE – The North Central Washington Libraries operate under a unique funding model reliant on local taxpayer dollars, primarily property tax revenue. NCW Libraries runs 30 branches in five counties.

Ephrata PD officer stops theft of nearly $600,000

EPHRATA – In early June, a call was made by Grant County Public Works to the Ephrata Police Department for a theft through deception of three checks totaling nearly $600,000. Ephrata PD Officer Zach Smith, who has been with the department for nearly five years, responded to the call and began investigating the theft.

Groff repairs on schedule, campus to reopen 2026-27

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis told the MLSD Board of Directors Thursday that Groff Elementary will open back up for the 2026-27 school year. While physical construction just began, assessments have been completed to ensure the campus’s deficiencies are addressed. “There's not a whole bunch of construction equipment crawling all over the campus and knocking things down and things like that,” Lewis said. “There is a lot going on that's starting to happen. It looked a little slow to outside observers at first, because there was a lot of assessment that had to be done, lots of people walking around with clipboards and things, and not necessarily the actual construction that needs to happen to fix that building.”

Moses Lake man convicted in child pornography case

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was convicted last week of possessing child pornography, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Michael Boyer, 69, was convicted in Grant County Superior Court on four counts of first-degree possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to the GCSO statement. In September 2023, GCSO and Moses Lake Police Department detectives received a case referral from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Seattle. The tip was from Google, identifying Boyer as the suspect, along with his birthdate, phone number and two email addresses. “The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is a national network of 61 task forces, and their mission is to investigate, prosecute and develop effective responses to the Internet Crimes Against Children,” GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.

Gas prices saw increase in WA, Grant Co. and nationally

MOSES LAKE — There were slight increases to average gas prices in Grant County, Washington and nationwide this week, according to AAA. Adams County saw a slight decline in prices. “Most of the nation’s 50 states saw gas prices rise over the last week, while some Great Lakes states saw significant relief thanks to the restart of BP’s Whiting, Indiana, refinery after severe weather caused a temporary outage,” wrote Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, in a statement.

Nearly 80,500 acres burning in WA on Monday

MOSES LAKE — Washington’s fire season is heating up with nearly 80,500 acres burning across the state as of Monday. “Part of the reason that you are seeing a lot of those large fires on the landscape is because we had several lightning storms that moved through during red flag conditions,” Department of Natural Resources Public Information Officer Ryan Rodruck said. Despite this, the fire season is still under the 10-year average of about 470,000 acres with the state sitting at around 122,300 acres this year.

Soap Lake updates Smokiam fee schedule

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council updated the fees for Smokiam Campground and allowed for future changes to be done by resolution instead of changing the city code.

Soap Lake council receives community updates

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council met Thursday and got updates from Soap Lake Police Department, Grant County Fire District 7, Public Works, Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce, Soap Lake Creative District, Lake Liaison Committee and the Soap Lake Prevention Coalition.

WAHLUKE SCHOOL DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Candidates Q&A

MATTAWA – There are two candidates running for the Wahluke School District Director District 5 position. The candidates are Elia Mendoza and board president and incumbent Luke Jenne.

Brush fire engulfs house in Ephrata

EPHRATA – There was a report made of a brush fire in the 2200 block of Basin Street in Ephrata at around 12 p.m. Thursday, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. When crews arrived on scene, it was discovered that there was a house involved in the fire. “The one occupant of the house was rescued safely by sheriff’s deputies,” Foreman said.

Ephrata boil advisory lifted

EPHRATA – The City of Ephrata has officially lifted its boil advisory after the water sample testing came back negative for contaminants, according to City Administrator Ray Towry. “We apologize for the inconvenience,” Towry said. “We understand the stress that it puts on people and local businesses.”