NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Nat Washington House earns national historical recognition
'We are on the map'
EPHRATA — A house in Ephrata that preserves the legacy of one of Washington state's most influential families will soon receive national recognition. The Nat Washington House has been approved for a William G. Pomeroy Foundation Hometown Heritage Marker, making it one of few sites in Washington state to receive the distinction. The marker, funded by the New York-based foundation, is currently being manufactured and is expected to be unveiled during a public dedication ceremony in October.
Mason’s Place opens in new location
More space with larger kitchen
MOSES LAKE — For Heather Mason, the opening of Mason’s Place’s new location is about more than fresh paint, expanded seating or future menu offerings. It is the culmination of more than a decade of relationships, regular customers and community support that helped transform a small coffee shop’s dream into one of Moses Lake’s most popular third spaces. After 11 years in the Smith Martin Building, Mason’s Place has moved into a larger standalone space that allows for a full kitchen, room to grow and new opportunities to serve customers. But as she looked around the café shortly before opening day, Mason said what struck her most was not the renovation itself.
Ephrata businesses rally for Spokane wildfire victims
EPHRATA — As Spokane-area communities begin the long process of recovering after a series of wildfires, one Ephrata business owner is bringing Grant County residents together to help.
MLSD encourages families to prepare early for 2026-27 school year
MOSES LAKE — With the first day of school less than a month away, Moses Lake School District officials are encouraging families to begin preparing now by reviewing transportation information, updating student records and establishing routines that will help students transition back into the classroom successfully.
Two dead in DUI crash near George
GEORGE — A suspected wrong-way impaired driving crash on Interstate 90 west of George left two passengers dead and injured three others Saturday afternoon, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Gas prices remain stable this week
MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices in Grant and Adams counties remained relatively stable over the past week, even as fuel costs across much of the country continued to move lower, according to data from AAA.
Fire engine struck while crews battle vehicle fire near Moses Lake; driver injured
MOSES LAKE — A driver was injured Monday evening after a passenger vehicle collided with a fire engine that was helping protect firefighters battling a vehicle fire on SR 17 north of Moses Lake, authorities said.
Mattawa man drowns in irrigation canal
MATTAWA — An 18-year-old Mattawa man died early Sunday after falling into an irrigation canal while trying to free a vehicle that had become stuck in a canal chute in rural Grant County, authorities said.
Washington’s three largest wildfires top 390,000 acres as smoke forecast worsens across Central Wash.
MOSES LAKE — Washington's three largest wildfires have burned more than 390,000 acres and continue to challenge firefighters as smoke from the blazes is expected to push air quality across much of central Washington into unhealthy and very unhealthy levels this week. The largest of the fires, the Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County, has burned 141,411 acres since lightning sparked the blaze on July 26. The fire was 42 percent contained Monday, with approximately 1,560 personnel assigned to the incident, according to InciWeb.
McKinney, Duresky emerge as frontrunners in Washington's 4th Congressional District race
MOSES LAKE — Republican Amanda McKinney and Democrat John Duresky emerged as the top two candidates in Washington's 4th Congressional District primary, according to results released Aug. 7 by the Washington Secretary of State, setting up a general election contest centered on water, agriculture, health care and economic issues in one of the state's most politically significant districts.
Grant County primary election voter turnout low – but expected to climb
13,000 ballots have been counted with at least 3,400 remaining
EPHRATA — While Grant County's initial voter turnout appeared to be among the lowest in Washington state following Primary Election Day, local election officials say the numbers do not tell the full story yet.
Ephrata PD’s Smith honored with Three Pillars award for service
EPHRATA — Ephrata Police Officer Zach Smith was recognized Wednesday by the Ephrata City Council as the recipient of the city's 2026 Three Pillars Award, an honor given to employees who exemplify the city's core values of doing the right thing, trusting and being trustworthy, and committing to the cause.
Soap Lake Councilmember Gorman resigns
SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Councilmember Judith Gorman resigned at the end of the Aug. 5 regular council meeting during closing comments, leaving a vacancy on the council of five.
Firefighters battle overnight blaze at Job Corps dormitory
MOSES LAKE — Firefighters from Grant County Fire District 5, the Moses Lake Fire Department and the Ephrata Fire Department battled an overnight structure fire at a dormitory building at the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center Wednesday, extinguishing the blaze after nearly 14 hours of operations.
Man arrested for target shooting alongside road in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Dept. received a report Thursday afternoon alleging a man had a gun on Pritchard Road, next to Love’s Truck Stop, according to a statement from MLPD.
Ephrata Library to close for renovation; pop-up branch to maintain limited services
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Public Library will temporarily close Aug. 10 as crews begin a $631,000 interior renovation aimed at modernizing the facility and creating new spaces for community gatherings, children, teens and remote work.
Preliminary primary results set stage for November races across Columbia Basin
EPHRATA — Initial results from Washington's Aug. 5 primary election show several closely watched races beginning to take shape across Grant and Adams counties, though thousands of ballots remain to be counted before results are certified Aug. 18.
Kriete and Gregg separated by 6 votes in sheriff's race
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg are separated by just six votes in the initial results of the 2026 primary election, setting up what appears to be a closely watched race heading into November.
Moses Lake Firefighters respond to Job Corp dorm fire
MOSES LAKE — A fire started at the Moses Lake Job Corp early this evening. All staff and students were evacuated, and nobody was injured, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Crime rates down in Basin, FBI report suggests
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin saw significant decreases in certain types of crimes over the last year, according to data from the FBI National Incident Based Reporting System released Tuesday.
FIRE REPORT: State resources mobilized as Spokane area fires grow; Governor declares statewide emergency
SPOKANE — State and local firefighting resources continue battling the Spokane Area Fires after Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency Aug. 1 amid what state officials describe as a record-setting wildfire season driven by drought, extreme heat and high winds.
Grant County voters urged to return primary election ballots before Aug. 4 deadline
EPHRATA — With just days remaining before Washington's Aug. 4 primary election deadline, Grant County election officials are encouraging voters to return their ballots as soon as possible to ensure they are counted. Ballots must be postmarked by Aug. 4 or deposited in an official ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day, according to Grant County Elections Deputy Rebecca Pettingill.
Moses Lake detectives recover $50,000 buried in field after hotel theft
MOSES LAKE — After days of searching in the summer heat, on Friday, July 31, Moses Lake police detectives recovered approximately $50,000 that had been stolen from a hotel guest and buried in a field near Interstate 90, bringing a successful conclusion to an investigation involving what police described as both forensic evidence and persistent detective work.
FIRE REPORT: Kaiser Canyon Fire containment grows as crews brace for weekend winds
NESPELEM — Firefighters battling the Kaiser Canyon Fire, now the largest wildfire in Washington state, continue to make progress on containment despite persistent hot and dry conditions and the threat of stronger winds this weekend.
4 Republicans pitch different approaches to growth, spending and agriculture in Grant County Commissioner race
MOSES LAKE — With ballots due Aug. 4, voters in Grant County Commissioner District 3 have four Republican candidates to choose from: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. The candidates appeared at a recent Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce forum, where each introduced themselves, answered a personalized question and then addressed a common question about managing the county's rapid growth, particularly around Moses Lake.
'It begins with integrity'
Young entrepreneur builds painting business while helping homeowners protect their investments
MOSES LAKE — When Simon Ribellia started painting homes at age 15, he wasn't planning on making it a full-time career, let alone starting his own painting business. Today, at 23, Ribellia owns Marian Painting LLC, a company he founded in August 2023 that has grown from a one-man operation working out of a Prius into a business with about 15 employees, four vans and multiple crews providing home exterior and interior painting. Like many tradespeople, Ribellia learned the craft on the job. After finding summer work with a local painting contractor as a teenager, he spent years learning the industry before launching his own company at age 20.
Warden closes out its five-week-long summer school program with a splash
WARDEN — Warden Summer School wrapped up Thursday with a field day full of water balloons, relay races, wet sponges, laughter and plenty of smiles, bringing an energetic close to five weeks of learning, creativity and exploration.
Warden City Council appoints Joseph Elizalde as Assistant City Administrator
WARDEN — The Warden City Council has appointed Joseph Elizalde as the city’s assistant city administrator, positioning the longtime Warden School District employee to take over as city administrator when Kriss Shuler retires this fall.
Sheriff candidates outline priorities, leadership styles at candidate forum
MOSES LAKE — With less than a week remaining before ballots are due for the Aug. 4 primary election, Grant County voters had an opportunity to hear directly from the three candidates seeking to become the county's next sheriff during a recent Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce candidate forum. Incumbent Sheriff Joey Kriete, Moses Lake Police Department Sgt. Darrick Gregg and Grant County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Josh Sainsbury each answered questions about leadership, accountability, employee morale, training, jail operations and public safety.
Soap Lake water shows elevated - but not dangerous - PFOA
SOAP LAKE — A routine drinking water test in Soap Lake found levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of “forever chemical,” slightly above Washington state's action level, prompting public notice from city officials.
Grant County Auditor candidates discuss transparency, public records
EPHRATA — Three Republicans are seeking the Grant County Auditor position: appointed incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley. To help voters compare the candidates, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. Homesley did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
COLUMN: What would happen if we assumed the best about each other?
Anger has become one of the easiest emotions to find. Open social media, turn on cable news or scroll through the comments section of almost any public discussion, and you will find people questioning one another's motives, intelligence and character. Somewhere along the way, disagreement became evidence that someone must be selfish, ignorant or acting in bad faith. But what would happen if we assumed the best about each other instead? Living in the Columbia Basin offers a useful perspective on that question. Unlike larger cities where people can disappear into their own circles, we live in communities where our paths cross repeatedly. We attend the same football games, shop at the same grocery stores, volunteer for the same fundraisers and support the same local businesses. Before anything else, we are neighbors.
10 congressional candidates outline priorities at Moses Lake forum
MOSES LAKE — Ten of the 11 candidates running for Washington's 4th Congressional District appeared at a candidate forum in Moses Lake, offering voters a wide range of perspectives on economic development, agriculture, government spending, water policy, immigration, health care and political reform ahead of the primary election. Zac Rossi, no party preference, was not in attendance.
Auditor candidates discuss modernization, customer service
EPHRATA — Three Republicans are vying for the Grant County Auditor position: appointed incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley. To help voters evaluate the candidates, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. Homesley did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
Man injured after being run over by Grant PUD truck near Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — A 61-year-old man was injured Monday morning after being run over by a Grant County Public Utility District maintenance truck along a power line service road northwest of Moses Lake, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Washington gas prices fall from spring highs, remain above national average
MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices across Washington have eased significantly since reaching their highest levels of 2026 in late spring, though drivers in the Evergreen State continue to pay about a dollar more per gallon than the national average.
Commissioner candidates discuss what distinguishes themselves
EPHRATA — Four Republican candidates are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. To help voters compare their priorities and approaches to county government, each candidate was asked the same question and given the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond.
Grant County auditor candidates discuss experience, qualifications
EPHRATA — Three Republicans are seeking the office of Grant County Auditor: appointed incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley. To help voters compare the candidates, each was asked the same questions and given an equal opportunity to respond. Homesley did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Commissioner candidates discuss public safety, county services
EPHRATA — Four Republican candidates are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn.
Auditor candidates discuss election integrity, public confidence
EPHRATA — Three Republican candidates are running for the position of Grant County Auditor: incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley.
Auditor, Superior Court candidates outline experience, priorities at Moses Lake forum
MOSES LAKE — Candidates for Grant County auditor and Grant County Superior Court judge highlighted their experience, management philosophies and plans for improving public confidence in government during a candidate forum hosted by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Sheriff candidates outline what sets them apart ahead of primary
EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to choose their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are making their case to the public ahead of the primary election. To give readers a clear comparison of the candidates, each was asked the same question and provided an equal opportunity to respond. In this installment, the candidates explain what sets them apart from their opponents and outline the changes or improvements they would like to make within the Grant County Sheriff’s Office if elected.
Railroad Fire destroys homes near Beverly, Schwana; Level 3 evacuations remain in place
BEVERLY — Firefighters from across Grant County and additional state and federal agencies continued battling the wind-driven Railroad Fire Thursday morning after the blaze destroyed multiple homes and forced Level 3 evacuations in Beverly, Schwana and portions of the Lower Crab Creek Road area. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The fire, which started around 11 p.m. Wednesday, rapidly spread through dry grass and sagebrush fueled by strong winds, prompting emergency officials to order residents to leave immediately, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office. GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said the fire moved quickly overnight, creating significant concerns for firefighters and emergency personnel attempting to evacuate residents.
Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust
EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to submit their primary ballots, three candidates are vying for the position as Grant County Sheriff including incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond.
Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting
EPHRATA — Four Republicans are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. To give voters a clear comparison of the candidates' positions and priorities, each was asked the same set of questions and provided the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond.
Grant County Commissioner candidates discuss growth, infrastructure
EPHRATA — Four candidates have applied for the position of Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the primary election: Shannon Durfee, Republican; Kelly Raap, Republican; Seth Weeks, Republican; and Janice Flynn, Republican. To help voters compare the candidates' views and priorities, each was sent the same set of questions and given the same deadline to respond. Three of the four candidates responded by the deadline given with no response from Weeks.
Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention
EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to select their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. This installment focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing law enforcement agencies: recruiting, retaining and supporting qualified staff within the Grant County Sheriff's Office.
Grant County Sheriff's Office candidates address public safety, crime reduction
EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to choose their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete faces challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg in the primary election. To give readers a side-by-side look at each candidate's priorities and plans, all three were asked the same questions and given an equal opportunity to respond.
Sheriff candidates discuss state of Grant County Sheriff's Office
EPHRATA — Three candidates are vying for the position of Grant County Sheriff in the primary election: incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg. To help voters compare the candidates' views and priorities, each was sent the same set of questions and given the same deadline to respond. This question focuses on the current state of the sheriff's office and what each candidate believes could be improved.
13th district legislative candidates discuss priorities if elected
OLYMPIA — Three candidates are seeking election to State Representative Position 2 in Legislative District 13. To help voters compare their views, each candidate was asked the same set of questions. This question asks candidates to outline their top priorities if elected. Deanna Martinez and Don Myers submitted responses by the deadline. Joshua Thompson submitted his response one day late, citing a family medical emergency. His answers are included so voters can consider the positions of all three candidates.