NANCE BESTON

Ephrata youth violence town hall today

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District is inviting parents and guardians to a youth safety town hall tonight to address fast‑changing risks facing local students, including online exploitation and gang involvement. The Youth Violence Prevention Town Hall is set for May 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center. The adults‑only event is free and will be livestreamed on the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Child care will be provided. District Communications Director Sarah Morford said the meeting expands on last year’s gang awareness event. “This town hall is focused on preventing youth violence and specifically sextortion, online safety and gang awareness,” she said.

Adams County election filing open until Friday

RITZVILLE — Adams County opened its 2026 candidate filing period Monday, giving residents five days to declare their campaigns for a wide slate of federal, state and county offices.

Central Washington Wine Production Group facility fire contained

MATTAWA — A commercial structure fire was reported at around 2:30 p.m. in the 22000 block of State Route 243. Grant County Fire District 8 responded to the call within a matter of minutes and saw smoke pouring out all four sides of the building, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. GCFD 8 called for mutual aid with Grant County Fire District 3, Royal Slope Fire and EMS and Hanford Fire Department responding to the call.

7 Columbia Basin schools recognized for excellence by OSPI

OLYMPIA — Seven Columbia Basin schools have been recognized by the Washington State Board of Education and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for outstanding progress in student growth and closing achievement gaps during the 2024-25 school year. The honors are part of the Washington School Recognition Program, which this year identified 379 schools statewide, about 16% of all public schools, for exceptional performance in one or more categories: Growth, Closing Gaps or Achievement.

With hearts, hard work and hugs: Ephrata’s Rodriguez prepares to celebrate graduation

EPHRATA — When Bertha Rodriguez talks about graduation, the excitement bubbles over quickly. There’s a party planned, favorite foods on the menu, family in the stands – and, of course, a dress waiting to be worn.

Candidate filing open in Grant County

EPHRATA — Candidate filing week is underway in Grant County, opening a five-day window for residents to officially declare their candidacy for local offices on the 2026 ballot — including several high‑profile races that will be wide open. Online and in‑person filing began Monday at 8 a.m. and will close sharply at 5 p.m. Friday, according to the Grant County Elections Division. Candidates may also file by mail, though mailed declarations could not be accepted before April 20.

Washington reaches record-high fuel prices

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices in Washington hit a record high Monday at an average of $5.67. The previous record was set in 2022 at $5.56, according to AAA. Patrick De Haan, head petroleum analyst at GasBuddy, said there were sharp increases across the nation this week for both gasoline and diesel. He cited refinery outages and ongoing conflict in the Middle East as potential causes. “With so many moving pieces, the outlook remains highly fluid, and while some localized relief may emerge, broader price volatility is likely to persist in the near term,” De Haan said in a statement.

Therapy dog program becomes a student‑led legacy at Vanguard Academy

MOSES LAKE — What began as a freshman’s idea to bring comfort animals into Vanguard Academy has grown into a multiyear therapy dog program and a defining high school experience for senior Daniel Heeney.

Concerns about cost, timing, trust raised during Ephrata post-bond survey

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District leaders say the results of a new community and staff survey make clear that the next school bond — whenever it comes — must look very different from the proposal voters rejected in February.

Soap Lake Library teaches young gardeners how to help native bees thrive

SOAP LAKE — Families visited the Soap Lake Library this week for an Earth Day program that turned tin cans, bamboo stems and paper tubes into “bee hotels” — small, handmade shelters designed to support the region’s solitary native bees.

‘Show up’

Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust

WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.

Kids, kites and color

Quincy’s first Kids & Kites Festival takes flight

QUINCY — Quincy’s first annual Kids & Kites Festival arrived on a gust of spring wind Saturday, turning Lauzier Park into a sky‑high kaleidoscope of color, motion and pure kid joy. With every breeze that swept across the grass, dragons, butterflies and bright geometric kites leapt upward. Children chased after them in zigzags, laughing as they tried to catch the wind. When the kites dipped too low and skidded into the grass, parents swooped in like pit crews – untangling string, adjusting plastic frames and sending their young pilots back into the fray. Arches of kites lined the park, swaying with the music drifting from Pear Radio’s speakers. DJ Rafael Aguilar kept the soundtrack lively, blending English-language hits with upbeat Hispanic tracks that matched the festival’s energy.

Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations

WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”

Ephrata aims to prevent youth violence with local education

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District is inviting parents and guardians to a community town hall next week aimed at addressing fast‑changing risks facing local youth – from online exploitation to gang involvement – and giving adults practical tools to recognize warning signs. The Youth Violence Prevention Town Hall is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center. The event is free, open to adults only and will be livestreamed by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Childcare will be available on-site.

Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.

Workshop aims to bridge gap between kids’ digital lives and parents’ awareness

QUINCY — Quincy School District and local youth prevention partners will host a free workshop Wednesday night aimed at helping parents navigate the fast‑changing digital world their children use every day.

Kratom ban enacted in Othello

City cites youth safety, FDA warnings in unanimous vote

OTHELLO — The Othello City Council voted unanimously Monday to ban the sale, advertisement and distribution of kratom and 7‑hydroxymitragynine products, making the community one of the first in the Columbia Basin to enact a full prohibition. The ordinance takes effect on Friday. The decision followed weeks of discussion, research by city staff and testimony from residents and advocates. The discussion began at the April 13 council meeting with Police Chief Aaron Garza letting council know the products are being sold locally in gummies, teas and shots without age restrictions. Mayor Ken Johnson said the issue first came to his attention when he learned an Othello resident had unknowingly consumed kratom and experienced serious effects.

Measles response in Grant County ends, officials urge continued vigilance

EPHRATA — Grant County Health District has officially closed its measles response after no additional infections were linked to the two confirmed cases reported in March, the agency announced Monday.

Groff construction progresses across building

MOSES LAKE — Crews continue to work through a long list of structural and safety issues at Groff Elementary. District officials say the project remains on schedule for a fall 2026 reopening. “We are on schedule to open Groff Elementary for the 2026-27 school year,” Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon said. Shannon said exterior insulation work is underway to improve the building’s long-term performance. New insulation is being added to sections of the exterior wall, which will later be finished with metal siding.

Non-injury sheep collision Sunday morning

MOSES LAKE — One driver collided with a flock of around 50 sheep in the 700 block of Road 4 Northeast, near Mae Valley, at around 3 a.m. Sunday.

Gas prices climb across WA through April

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices across Washington continued their upward trajectory throughout April, mirroring national volatility, driven by shifting crude oil markets and renewed geopolitical tensions. According to AAA data, the Washington state average rose from $5.39 on April 6 to $5.48 on April 27, an increase of 1.7% or 9 cents over the month. Nationally, prices fluctuated but ended slightly higher, moving from $4.12 on April 6 to $4.11 on April 27, essentially flat with a 0.2% decrease. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said the market remains highly reactive to global developments. “Average gasoline prices rose in 39 states over the last week… However, that divergence may prove short-lived. Oil prices have been climbing again as markets react to renewed geopolitical tensions and the cancellation of talks between the U.S. and Iran,” De Haan said.

Grant, Douglas and Chelan PUDs consider collaboration on geothermal energy

WENATCHEE — Three Central Washington public utility districts are exploring whether geothermal energy could become the region’s next major power source, as electricity demand continues to climb faster than utilities can build new generations.

Garden smarter

Lessons from Big Bend’s eco‑gardening workshop

MOSES LAKE — Home gardeners packed the ATEC building at Big Bend Community College on Saturday for a Master Gardeners eco‑gardening workshop that blended science, soil care and hands‑on pest management — all tailored to the Columbia Basin’s unique growing conditions. Start with your real life, not your Pinterest board Soap Lake farmer and certified arborist Issac Lnenicka opened the day by urging gardeners to begin with honest self‑assessment: what they eat, how much time they have and what their yards can realistically support.

Narcan dispenser installed at GCFD 7 aims to turn bystanders into lifesavers

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 has installed a new 24/7 Narcan dispenser outside its station, a move district leaders say is about one thing only: saving lives.

Drug take back events planned across Grant Co. this weekend

SOAP LAKE — Grant County residents will have several opportunities this weekend to safely dispose of unused or expired medications as local police departments, fire districts and prevention coalitions participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

City says concession lease with Carson is settled, despite allegations

SOAP LAKE — Allegations were raised during a recent Soap Lake City Council meeting that Council Member Susan Carson owes unpaid rent related to a concession stand lease she held with the city. However, city records and interviews with current and former city officials present conflicting accounts and city staff say Carson does not have an outstanding balance.

Mutually beneficial burn removes weeds, provides training

SOAP LAKE — A routine spring cleanup turned into one of Grant County Fire District 7’s most valuable training opportunities Saturday, according to GCFD 7 officials, when firefighters partnered with the City of Soap Lake to burn out heavy weed growth in the city’s treated water holding ponds and practice wildland firefighting on a live fire. GCFD 7 Wildland Captain Jake Friesen said the idea started as a simple request from the city. “The city has their treated water holding ponds up there, and they asked for our help to clear them out,” Friesen said. “I was like, ‘Absolutely, because we can use that as a wildland training opportunity for our guys as well as helping the city out.’ So, it’s mutually beneficial.”

Washington wolf population climbs to record high after 17% annual increase

OLYMPIA — Washington’s gray wolf population grew by more than 17% in 2025, reaching its highest level since wolves naturally returned to the state nearly two decades ago, according to a new annual report released April 13 by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. State and tribal biologists counted a minimum of 270 wolves, 49 packs and 23 breeding pairs as of Dec. 31, 2025. Which is up from 230 wolves, 43 packs and 18 breeding pairs the previous year. The count reflects the minimum number of wolves confirmed through aerial surveys, track observations, remote cameras and collar data, plus an additional 12.5% to account for lone wolves and dispersers. “We confirmed six new or reestablished packs in the annual count,” WDFW wolf biologist Trent Roussin said in the department’s announcement.

MLSD Citizen Financial Oversight Committee reports declining attendance, seeks new members

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District Citizen’s Financial Oversight Committee is seeking new members as attendance has dwindled in recent months, co‑chairs Audra Eckenberg and Karl Ferranti told the school board during its April 16 regular meeting. The committee was formed in 2023 after the district identified significant financial challenges. It was created to strengthen transparency, improve public understanding of school finances and provide a direct line between community members and district leadership, according to Eckenberg.

Soap Lake sees large uptick of public records requests

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake is experiencing a upsurge in public records requests this spring, with dozens of inquiries pouring in from residents, reporters and outside agencies as the city navigates ongoing investigations, staffing changes and questions about financial oversight.

Two arrested in Warden on assault charges

WARDEN — The Warden Police Department received a report of a physical fight with shots fired at the Warden City Park, Friday, according to Warden PD. Two suspects were arrested: Alex Gonzalez, 19, of Warden and a 17-year-old male juvenile.

MLSD to host community forum on new elementary school

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District leaders will host a community forum Monday evening to gather public input on a proposal to build a new elementary school on the North Elementary property, a project that would merge North and Larson Heights elementaries and replace two of the district’s oldest buildings.

Moses Lake man arrested for assault after K-9 assistance

MOSES LAKE — Nicolas Brice, 44, of Moses Lake, was arrested Sunday after allegedly punching a woman in a face four times near Kathy Drive and Broad Street Northeast. The woman and the subject know each other, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Brice did not comply with deputies’ orders to surrender, choosing to take a confrontational stance, according to the GCSO. “Deputies, along with handler Deputy Zane Bundy and K-9 Malie were at the scene when deputies gave the order to Mr. Brice for him to surrender. He refused. So, Malie brought Mr. Brice under control,” Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.

Moses Lake School Board passes updates to sex ed, ELA materials

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board approved updates to its secondary English language arts curriculum and adopted revisions to its comprehensive sexual health education materials Thursday during the regularly scheduled board meeting. District leaders said the updates will modernize instruction and bring materials in line with state requirements. The board also passed a resolution supporting school-based celebrations of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

Support students and save some green at FFA plant sales

MOSES LAKE — This is the time of year when FFA students get to show the fruits of their labor – literally – at plant sales all over the Columbia Basin. Nearly every high school will offer flower and vegetable starts for sale around the end of April and the beginning of May.

Warden woman arrested for warrants, protection order violation

WARDEN — One arrest was made Wednesday in Warden during a routine patrol, according to Warden PD. At around 11 a.m., a Warden Police officer observed a female subject, later identified as Adriana G. Rodriguez, 45, of Warden at a residence in the 400 block of South Main Street. The officer recognized the subject and knew there was an active domestic violence court order prohibiting the female from being at the residence. The officer made contact with Rodriguez. After a records check, the officer discovered around eight active warrants for her arrest, according to Warden PD.

Electric bikes give MLPD faster access to hard-to-reach areas

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department is rolling into spring with a major upgrade to its bike patrol program. The department recently got four new fat‑tire electric bicycles designed to boost officer mobility, visibility and community engagement throughout the city. Captain Jeff Sursely said the department has used bicycles for roughly three decades, but this is the first time officers will patrol on e‑bikes capable of reaching up to 28 mph. “This is the first year we’ve moved to an e‑bike,” Sursely said. “The fat tire version will allow us to go off‑road … behind Walmart, the movie theater, some of the areas where we’ve had some illegal camping.”

Warden Council restricts drug paraphernalia, tackles parking codes

WARDEN — The Warden City Council passed an ordinance restricting where drug paraphernalia can be displayed within storefronts. Council also began discussion on banning kratom and setting up parking zones and rules, asking for ordinances to be brought to the next regularly scheduled meeting. Paraphernalia For the last couple of meetings, the council has been discussing issues with how drug paraphernalia is displayed within some stores. They had concerns about the accessibility of the items to minors, because the items are easily accessible. “We don’t want to restrict the sale of these items to legal adults,” Council member Emily Campos said at a previous meeting. “We just don’t want children to be able to access it.”

St. Rose breaks ground on prayer garden, wedding space

EPHRATA — The sacred garden at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Ephrata is beginning to take shape.

Soap Lake tables stripping mayor’s pay, establishes hiring committee

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council weighed two major governance actions — one to strip the mayor’s salary during ongoing investigations, and another to overhaul how the city hires department heads — as tensions over leadership and legal authority continued to dominate.

Ephrata Comprehensive Plan open house tonight

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is hosting its comprehensive plan update open house tonight. Residents will be able to speak with city staff and planning consultants, review early concepts, explore challenges facing the city, and participate in activities designed to gather feedback. “You can’t be a government of the people, by the people, for the people, if the people aren’t involved,” City Administrator Ray Towry said. “We want people to give us their feedback.”

On the books, Ephrata PD fully staffed

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department is fully staffed, on paper, with two officers completing field training and one at the academy. “It’s exciting to finally get our numbers at a reasonable level,” Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch said. “I am just trying not to count my chickens before they hatch, but we are excited. We are not seeing anything that is indicating that we are not going to get there.” Officers Ricky Barquet and Romen Hernandez have both graduated from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basin Law Enforcement Academy. Barquet graduated at the end of March, and Hernandez graduated in December. Both are working on completing their field training program.

Graffiti is seeing uptick in Grant County; here's how to help

QUINCY — Law enforcement agencies across Grant County say graffiti vandalism is rising with the spring weather, prompting renewed requests for community vigilance, quick cleanup and better reporting as officers work to curb a crime that is easy to commit and difficult to catch.

Beware of Bitcoin scams

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake police are warning residents about a sharp rise in scams involving Bitcoin machines, after three people were targeted in the past week alone. Capt. Jeff Sursely said scammers are increasingly directing victims to local Bitcoin kiosks, machines that function like ATMs, and convincing them to deposit money under the guise of paying fines, fees or urgent debts. “Scammers are always finding new ways to victimize our citizens,” Sursely said. “There isn’t a single entity that will call you on the phone and tell you to send Bitcoin that’s legitimate.”

‘A real concern for our youth’

Othello considers banning kratom

OTHELLO — The city of Othello is weighing whether to outlaw the sale of kratom and concentrated 7‑hydroxymitragynine products, citing rising safety concerns, unregulated access for youth and new federal data showing the compound behaves like a potent opioid. The proposal, introduced during the April 13 council meeting, would prohibit the sale, advertisement and distribution of any kratom or kratom derived product within city limits. Police Chief Aaron Garza told council members the products are already being sold locally in gummies, shots and teas, with no age restrictions. “There’s no regulation on it. There’s no restrictions on how old you have to be to buy it, or how much you can buy,” Garza said. “That’s a real concern for our youth.”

Gas prices stable this week, large increases since January

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices across Washington were largely unchanged this week, but drivers are still paying significantly more than they did in early January as global tensions continue to pressure oil markets. The relative stability follows several weeks of volatility tied to escalating conflict near the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for crude oil. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said drivers should be prepared for more price swings. “Average gasoline prices surged for many Americans through the first half of last week before easing in some areas after oil prices slipped following President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire,” De Haan said in a statement. As of April 13, Washington’s average gasoline price remained $5.39 per gallon, the same as the previous week, according to AAA. In the beginning of January, prices were sitting at $3.84, which marks a 40.4% increase in fuel prices from the start of the year.

Ephrata Sports Complex construction to begin today

EPHRATA — Construction on the Sports Complex Addition Project begins Monday, bringing temporary closures, a partial dog park shutdown and the start of a major, multi‑phase renovation expected to reshape one of the city’s busiest recreation hubs, Parks and Recreation Director Josh Johnson said.

One arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

Moses Lake KFC employee among 11 nationwide to receive top scholarship

MOSES LAKE — Krystal Salmeron thought she was headed to take a passport photo. Instead, she walked into her workplace at KFC to find flowers, a crowd of supporters and a giant check with her name on it — for $20,000.

4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin

EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”