NANCE BESTON

MLSD announces plan in light of Groff closure

MOSES LAKE – Groff Elementary will be closed for the rest of the school year, according to an announcement from Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis at the March 6 school board meeting. As a result, district officials have initiated plans to ensure Groff students continue their education without interruption. “We understand that this is going to be challenging, frustrating and new for families to go through,” MLSD Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon said. “This is a pretty big lift that we're asking of families and even staff and most importantly, the students. This is a big deal, and we are just appreciative of the ongoing communication that teachers and families are having as we start to map out those educational plans for the coming weeks.”

Columbia MS has peaceful Friday after reported threat

MOSES LAKE – On Wednesday the Moses Lake School District was made aware of a potential threat related to Columbia Middle School for Friday, according to MLSD Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon.

MLSD finance director resigns

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Executive Director of Business and Operations, Mitchell Thompson, during a school board meeting held on March 6, 2025. Thompson’s resignation is set to take effect on June 30, 2025.

MLSD recognizes Lewis, receives finance update

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District had a regular board meeting March 6 to acknowledge Superintendent Carol Lewis, update on finances, pass several policies and finalize a letter to the superintendent of public instruction and the governor.

Soap Lake Liaison Committee eyes partnership with CBCD

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Lake Liaison Committee held a meeting Friday, inviting Ron Sawyer, the Conservation Director with the Columbia Basin Conservation District, to discuss potential collaborative efforts to address environmental concerns surrounding the city’s beloved lake. Sawyer, who brought extensive knowledge and experience in conservation practices, was welcomed as the committee seeks solutions for the lake's ecological challenges including the lowering of both water and mineral levels.

Groff Elem. to be closed remainder of school year

MOSES LAKE – Groff Elementary will be closed for the remainder of the school year, according to Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis at the March 6 regular school board meeting. “What has been done is lots of testing, lots of repairs,” Lewis said. “We first have to figure out exactly what the problem is and then make the proper repairs to the building.”

North Elem. to remain closed Monday

MOSES LAKE – North Elementary was closed Wednesday after an unforeseen water issue where sediment got into the schools' pipelines. The school was supposed to reopen Monday. However, because testing done by the Grant County Health District will not be done until Monday, the school will remain closed, Moses Lake School District’s Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon said.

Soap Lake passes six-year transpo plan

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council unanimously passed its six-year transportation improvement program for the Washington State Department of Transportation. There are 10 projects planned for the next six years.

MLSD institutes security protocols after Columbia Middle School threat

MOSES LAKE – On Wednesday at around 11:45 a.m. the Moses Lake School District was made aware of a potential threat related to Columbia Middle School for Friday, according to MLSD Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon.

Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry relocating

Volunteers and trucks needed for moving process

SOAP LAKE — The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry is officially moving to its new location – a five-acre “raw” plot of land located in rural Soap Lake a couple of miles away from the current location. However, Shawna Kluge, who starts and runs the shelter, said she needs communities worth of help to accomplish the goal. “Right now, we’re focusing on the move which is the 15 dogs on site and then other gear and equipment,” Kluge said. “While we are doing that, I still have to make sure that all the daily operations are kept up with. There is a lot of (stuff) to do. I am overwhelmed and definitely need help.” The new location does not have access to electricity or running water. “The PUD was asking for $110,000 to be split between three properties to bring it to the road, but we are still another mile from the road,” Kluge said. “We don’t have $37,000 and change to do that, so we are going solar.”

North Elementary closed Wednesday after water issue

MOSES LAKE – North Elementary was closed Wednesday after an unforeseen water issue. According to Moses Lake School District’s Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon, the City of Moses Lake has construction underway nearby, opened a fire hydrant and debris got into the water. Then, when teachers started to arrive at around 8:30 a.m., an unfamiliar smell had filled the building, which caused MLSD to make the decision to bus students to an alternative location.

GALLERY: Mat Classic 2025

TACOMA – During Mat Classic XXXVI, five Columbia Basin wrestlers came home with championships and three wrestling teams finished in the top three. Four Basin wrestlers finished second and nine finished third with several other students placing in the top eight.

Area districts respond to OSPI immigration guidelines

OLYMPIA —The Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction released guidelines in January outlining practices it said are to ensure the protection of immigrant students' rights in K-12 public schools. The OSPI report comes after President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14148 rescinded a policy that limited Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s ability to operate in schools, hospitals and places of worship.

Wildcats win sole possession GNAC title with dramatic comeback against Simon Fraser

BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Central Washington University men’s basketball team defeated Simon Fraser University 73-70 Saturday night at the West Gym. This victory not only marked an impressive comeback for the Wildcats but also secured them sole possession of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Regular Season Title and a first-round bye for the upcoming GNAC Tournament.

‘Many others might have given up after such an injury, but not her’

Starting the season with a shoulder injury, ending with a state championship

OTHELLO – From the moment she stepped onto the mat as a young wrestler, Othello High School junior Alejandria Espindola had dreams of reaching the pinnacle of her sport. “It feels amazing because finally, my hard work and dedication have paid off,” Espindola said. “Coming from a really tough injury at the beginning of the season, I had so many doubts. It felt like I was on the verge of giving up, but then I realized that if you put your mind and heart into what you love, you can achieve great things.”

Illegal burn escapes, consumes 61 acres near Ephrata

EPHRATA – An illegal burn in the 12500 block of Road C.3 NW escalated into a significant wildfire on Friday, threatening nearby residences and posing challenges for firefighting crews, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 13. “It definitely is a large fire,” GCFD 13 Battalion Chief Mathew Meulman said. “That was pretty uncommon to see that rate of spread this early in the season with how our temps are, and especially during the nights that we're going to give it very wet, cool nights. It definitely was a large fire for this time of year.”

ACH girls triumph over Willapa Valley

COULEE CITY — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors secured a decisive 58-22 victory against the visiting Willapa Valley Vikings on Feb. 25. The non-league challenge at ACH's home court showcased the Warriors' growth and evolution under the direction of first-year head coach Nikki Strock.

Three stitches and a championship

Ritzville's Brock Taylor leaves Mat Classic with championship hardware

RITZVILLE – With sweat glistening on his brow and blood dripping down his eye bandage, Brock Tracy, a senior wrestler from Lind-Ritzville High School, etched his name into the annals of state championship history at the Mat Classic. This season’s grappling events culminated in an electrifying moment as Tracy claimed first place in the Boys 1B/2B 285-pound weight class in Tacoma. “I never expected to get as far,” Tracy said.

One championship claimed, aiming for more

ACH Warriors sophomore Noah Butler wins state championship

COULEE CITY — In a display of skill and tenacity, Noah Butler, a sophomore wrestler from Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School, captured the state championship title in Tacoma last weekend. With a season record of 39 wins and two losses Butler triumphed in the 215-pound weight class at the Mat Classic tournament. "It feels really, really good. It's like my dreams come true. I did wish I had it last year, but winning as a sophomore is a huge accomplishment,” Butler said.

GCSO asks for community assistance with two cases

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Detectives are seeking assistance regarding one case but two different aspects of the case – one regarding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and the other regarding a young girl who was at Slices Pizza.

Four pins and a championship win

Ephrata’s Adylene Sanchez crowned state champ in 155-pound bracket

EPHRATA – In the bustling atmosphere of the Washington State Wrestling Championship, Adylene Sanchez, a 155-pound junior from Ephrata achieved what many thought was impossible: she ascended from three years of competition—without a placement—to becoming a state champion. “It was very emotional,” Sanchez said on her win. “I was already crying earlier that day because my friend got injured, so I was really on edge during the match.”

Acting SLPD chief investigation discussed during city council

SOAP LAKE – At the Feb. 19 Soap Lake city council meeting, a public comment was made by Karen Dillon, a former City of Soap Lake employee. During her comment, Dillon brought up the Sept. 16, 2022, investigation of acting Soap Lake Police Department Chief Robert Geates during which he admitted to having sex on duty with a female trainee in 2021.

Moses Lake woman found deceased

MOSES LAKE – On Monday night, 60-year-old Rauline Silva was found deceased behind the Moses Lake Safeway according to Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison. A person had called into the Moses Lake Police Department at around 9:40 p.m., reporting an unconscious woman behind the store, according to MLPD Captain Jeff Sursely. Sursely did not have any other information on the matter. An autopsy was performed the following day and determined Silva had died at around 10:02 p.m. Monday from acute methamphetamine intoxication, according to Morrison.

MLSD board determines no civil rights infringement

Lack of access to PE impacts campuses with minority populations more than others

MOSES LAKE – In the Feb. 20 meeting of the Moses Lake School Board, the issue of equity in physical education resurfaced, spurred by a civil rights complaint submitted by Larry Dagnon, a teacher at North Elementary which he presented at the previous Feb. 6 meeting.

Othello's Solorio crowned state champ in 215 bracket

OTHELLO – Anthony Solorio, a senior at Othello High School, achieved a lifelong dream over the weekend, capturing the state championship title in the boys 2A wrestling competition at 215 pounds with a record of 36-13.

48 Columbia Basin wrestlers place at Mat Classic

Five wrestlers bring home championship titles

TACOMA — Five Columbia Basin wrestlers came home with championships and three wrestling teams finished in the top three at Mat Classic XXXVI last weekend. Four Basin wrestlers finished second and nine finished third. The champions include Almira/Coulee-Hartline’s Noah Butler, at 215 pounds; Ephrata’s Adylene Sanchez, 155; Brock Tracy, Lind-Ritzville, 285; Othello’s Anthony Solorio at 215 and Alejandria Espindola of Othello, 235. The Othello Huskie girls team brought home a second-place trophy in Class 2A with 221.5 points. The Royal girls also finished second in Class 1B/2B/1A with 181.5 points. The Othello boys team secured third in Class 2A with 178.5 points.

Nine Basin wrestlers compete in Mat Classic finals

TACOMA – Nine wrestlers, five boys and four girls, from area schools were set to compete in the finals round at the Tacoma Dome. The matches were not complete as of press time. Mat Classic final matches are listed below without outcomes. Results of these matches and full results of the tournament will be published Tuesday.

MLHS girls place sixth after first day at Mat Classic

TACOMA – The Moses Lake High School girls wrestling team competed at the Tacoma Dome with 11 wrestlers competing across several weight classes. The girls, at around 7 p.m. Thursday, were in sixth place with 95.5 points. However, several matches are still ahead. The day kicked off with freshman Kayla Gonzalez in the 100-pound bracket starting her day with a victory, pinning Lillian Adams from Graham-Kapowsin in just 1:56. She followed this up with another win over Alyse Gudde from Arlington, who she defeated in a fall at 5:58.

Mavs boys in 12th after first day of Mat Classic

TACOMA – The Moses Lake High School boys wrestlers won most of their matches in the opening round of the Mat Classic tournament in Tacoma. Getting into second-round matches though, several wrestlers lost their bouts and went into the consolation bracket. As of 5:30 p.m. Thursday, the boys were in 12th place with 40 points in the Boys 4A tournament. However, several matches continued past press time. The Columbia Basin Herald will have an updated story in the Monday paper.

Fairy tales meet marathons

Ephrata High School drama puts on double feature with a month to prepare

EPHRATA —This weekend, Ephrata audiences will step into a whimsical world where fairy tales meet marathons and laughter dances in the air like confetti. Ephrata High School’s drama department invites the community to join them for a double feature: “Race Day” and “Snow White and the Seven Endings” are taking the stage for closing weekend this Friday and Saturday. The opening weekend kicked off with enthusiastic crowds and some unexpected twists for the cast and crew. “It’s been an incredible journey,” said director Marla Allsopp. “We had to pivot from our original plan of performing ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ due to some casting challenges, but the students showed immense resilience and commitment. They wanted to keep moving forward, and we ended up choosing two new, hilarious shows that would allow them to shine.”

MLSD eighth graders begin preparing for high school

MOSES LAKE — Vanguard Academy and Moses Lake High School students and staff spent time at Columbia Middle School Wednesday sharing the programs and opportunities available for incoming freshmen. “The academic journey for our eighth-grade students in the Moses Lake School District continued today with the first of three curriculum fairs that will take place at the middle schools here in the district today,” MLSD Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon said. “Staff from Vanguard Academy and Moses Lake High School spent some time at Columbia Middle School talking to eighth-graders and showcasing not only the academic programs but the athletics and activities and other opportunities that each building provides to its students and giving the eighth-graders an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the various options that are available to them as they register for their upcoming ninth-grade year.”

Ephrata HS Honor Society hosting Oscars for character awards

EPHRATA — The Ephrata High School Honor Society will host its fourth annual Oscar Night today. The event starts at 7 p.m. in the Ephrata High School commons. “It was four years ago; our honor society president came up with the idea for it,” EHS National Honor Society advisor Sheila Massey said. “They were looking for a way to do a little bit more with something that tied in with the pillars of Honor Society, which are scholarship, leadership, service and character. They were hoping to kind of get away from only the focus on scholarship and grades, and so the president at that time kind of brainstormed some ideas and came up with the idea of Oscar night to celebrate character awards.”

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.