NANCE BESTON

MLSD to pursue levy in Feb. 2025

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School Board unanimously passed a resolution to proceed with a proposed education program and operations levy. This decision will lead to a special election scheduled for February 11, 2025. “It's really going to be fun that the board can be involved this time,” MLSD Board Member Paul Hill said. “There was so much animosity last time because of being forced into decisions that we didn't want to make, and it reflected in the lack of board support on the street corners. It won't be that way this time.”

Jones returns to his GC Commission seat

EPHRATA — Rob Jones won the Grant County Commissioner District 2 race with 8,707 votes Tuesday. His opponent David Henderson received 5,762 votes. Both candidates identified themselves as Republicans on the ballot.

Pellicciotti leading in State Treasurer polls

OLYMPIA – Democrat incumbent Mike Pellicciotti is leading the polls for State Treasurer with 58.09% of voters. His opponent, Republican Sharon Hanek has 41.81% of voters.

GCFD7 gets new Kenworth pumper and tender

SOAP LAKE – The Grant County Fire District 7 has a new 2024 Kenworth pumper and tender which was funded completely by Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Grant Funding.

Ephrata schools to upgrade three kitchens with grant funding

EPHRATA – Earlier this year, the Ephrata School District successfully secured a $165,000 Healthy Kids-Healthy Schools Grant from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Ephrata School Board approved a series of electrical upgrades during their meeting on Oct. 28, marking a step forward in improving the school facilities.

Ephrata School Board approves pole vault pit purchase

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District Board approved a motion to purchase a new pole vault pit for track and field students. The district has not replaced the pit for around 20 to 25 years.

Burgess wins Grant Commission seat 1

EPHRATA – Kevin R. Burgess won the Grant County Commissioner District 1 race with 9,613 votes. Amador Castro received 5,285 votes.

Newhouse leads in 4th District race

MOSES LAKE — Incumbent Dan Newhouse led in the polls with 82,990 votes, or 50.35%, of the districtwide vote for the Fourth Congressional District U.S. Representative position Tuesday night, while his opponent Jerrod Sessler trailed with 79,161 votes, or 48.03%, according to the Office of the Secretary of State.

Auditor hosts voting at Grant Co. Fairgrounds

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County 4-H Fairgrounds building was filled with residents registering to vote and completing their ballots with Grant County Auditor Michelle Jaderlund and Elections Administrator Marlen Gomez helping voters with the process.

November starts, Moses Lake Farmers Market ends

MOSES LAKE – As autumn comes to a close, people are composting their pumpkins, preparing for colder weather to come and celebrating at the Moses Lake Farmers Market weekly conclusion at McCosh Park. The final market day, Oct. 25, brought people of all ages in costumes to trick-or-treat vendors and vote on the best decorated pumpkin. Local businesses had everything from fresh veggies to unique crafts.

Boeing strike ends with 59% vote

MOSES LAKE – After 52 days of striking for a better employment contract, 59% of more than 26,000 Machinists Union members voted in favor of a fourth contract offer made by Boeing. “While the past few months have been difficult for all of us, we are all part of the same team,” said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg in a statement released Monday evening. “We will only move forward by listening and working together. There is much work ahead to return to the excellence that made Boeing an iconic company. This is an important time in our history, and like generations before us, we will face into the moment together, and stronger as one team.”

Man found dead in Moses Lake on Saturday

MOSES LAKE — A 74-year-old man was located deceased Nov. 2 at about 9 p.m. at an abandoned camp near Seventh Avenue and Division Street, according to a statement from Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely. Detectives were notified and responded.

Fourth Boeing contract offer up for vote today

MOSES LAKE – Boeing International released a fourth contract offer Oct. 31 which members will be voting on today at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.

Newhouse addresses priorities if reelected

MOSES LAKE – As the 2024 election season heats up, Republican Congressman Dan Newhouse is seeking to secure another term in the House of Representatives, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by Central Washington residents. Newhouse outlined his top priorities and the motivations behind his campaign.

Sessler outlines plans for 4th District, if elected

MOSES LAKE — As the race for Washington's 4th Congressional District wraps up, with five days left to vote, candidate Jarrod Sessler is running against Republican incumbent Dan Newhouse for the seat. Sessler emphasized the need for clarity and communication with constituents as a top priority if elected to office.

WA Congressional members ask Biden for disaster declaration for Colville tribes

COLVILLE – In a unified effort, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, D-WA, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-WA, U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-WA, and U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse, R-WA, have sent a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden, advocating for a Major Disaster Declaration for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation following extensive wildfire damage this summer.

Colville, Cowlitz tribes sign MOUs with WA Dept. Of Commerce

NESPELEM – In the past week, two memorandums of understanding were signed by the Washington State Department of Commerce for two separate Washington tribes, the Colville and the Cowlitz.

Law enforcement offers tips for a safe Halloween

MOSES LAKE – Halloween is a time for fun, costumes, and, of course, trick-or-treating. However, safety should always come first. Here are some essential tips from the Moses Lake Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office for parents and kids heading out to collect candy, as well as those planning to celebrate through parties.

Two people found dead in vehicle

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department is investigating the deaths of two people discovered in a vehicle along a driveway off East Broadway Avenue near Road 4 Northeast, according to a statement issued by the department.

Ballots continue to roll in for Grant, Adams counties

MOSES LAKE — There is less than a week left to turn in ballots as the 2024 general election approaches.

Newhouse closes out 60th annual CBDL Conference

MOSES LAKE – In the closing keynote at the Columbia Basin Development League's 60th anniversary conference, Congressman Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., emphasized the significance of the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program in sustaining and enhancing the agricultural landscape of Central Washington. Addressing an audience of legislators, staff and stakeholders, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the event.

Newhouse visits Okanagan Specialty Fruits

MOSES LAKE – Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) visited Okanagan Specialty Fruits Friday for a tour, roundtable conversation and cider tasting. Newhouse is running for reelection against fellow Republican Jerrod Sessler.

Forging success

Seth Miner goes from couch hopping to running successful welding company

MOSES LAKE – Seth Miner, owner of Miner Services LLC, has transformed his life from humble beginnings into a thriving welding business. With nearly a decade of experience in the welding industry, Miner said he has achieved success, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way.

Grant and Adams Co. voting stats

COLUMBIA BASIN – The 2024 voter ballots are due a week from today. “If you don’t vote, your voice absolutely will not be heard,” Grant County Republican Chairman Andrew Koeppen said to the Columbia Basin Herald in a previous interview. “If you vote, if we can get 100% of the people out to vote, then your voice will be heard, and that’s why I’m encouraging everybody to vote.” As of Friday, there were 49,588 registered voters in Grant County with 5,542 of those voters having already turned in their ballot, according to the Secretary of State. This equates to around 11.18% of ballots returned. Of those ballots, 10.94% have been accepted with 116 of them being challenged.

WDFW holds regular commission meeting

ELLENSBURG — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission convened for its regular meeting from October 24-26, 2024, to discuss various wildlife management policies, according to a press release from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Congressional, State Treasurer candidates campaign in Ephrata

EPHRATA – Multiple candidates from various races attended a local forum hosted at the American Legion Post 28 on Oct. 23. One candidate for the Fourth U.S. Congressional District and for Washington State Treasurer showed up.

Grant PUD candidates discuss future of power

EPHRATA – In Wednesday night’s candidate forum at American Legion Post 28 in Ephrata, two candidates for the Grant County Public Utility District Commissioner position, incumbent Tom Flint and Robert Allen, presented their perspectives on critical issues affecting Grant County’s energy future and economic growth.

Grant Co. District 2 candidates discuss issues at Legion forum

EPHRATA – Grant County Commissioner District 2 candidates David Henderson and the incumbent Rob Jones shared the stage during a recent candidate forum at the Legion Post 28, outlining their visions for Grant County.

Local union members react to Boeing contract vote

MOSES LAKE – Union members from IAM 751 voted against a new contract from Boeing Wednesday, with 64% rejecting the new contract, according to a union media release. For a new contract to pass 51% of members must vote in favor of it.

Orange E Carnival returns for 54th year

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District is hosting its 54th annual Orange E Carnival from 4 - 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Ephrata High School performing arts center gym.

Grant Co. Commission candidates discuss policies at American Legion

EPHRATA – Candidates for the Grant County Commissioner, auditor's office, U.S. Representatives and Grant Public Utility District gathered at American Legion Post 28 Oct. 23 to discuss and debate policies. The forum was moderated by Legion Past President Mike Montaney with Mike Shay keeping time for the candidates.

EHS teacher top three Finalist for STEM Champion of the Year

EPHRATA — Scott Sandberg, a Career and Technical Education teacher at Ephrata High School, has been recognized as a top three finalist for the STEM Champion of the Year award by the North Central Washington Tech Alliance. The other two nominees are Carrie Nordberg from Samaritan Healthcare for Eric Tiegel from Beaver Valley School.

Fresh and local

Moses Lake Farmers Market embraces locally owned farms and businesses

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Farmers market was bustling Oct. 19 with kettle corn popcorn, fresh produce, pesto, honey and customers toting around their newfound goods. “I like this market a lot. This market has nice people that come to it, fair attendees,” Mary Cummins from Mary Moon Farms based in Othello said. “Also, the market has EBT and a credit card ability. People with a credit card can get tokens, so the vendors all don't have to have a credit card reader to take money from people with a credit card.”

U.S. Attorney's Office pursues COVID fraudsters

YAKIMA — U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa R. Waldref, announced that BNL Technical Services, LLC has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining nearly $500,0000 through a scheme to secure COVID-19 relief funding, according to anOct. 22 press release.

Moses Lake resident pleads guilty to break-in case

MOSES LAKE – A Moses Lake woman was sentenced to 15 months incarceration after pleading guilty to multiple counts of second-degree assault Oct. 22.

Local woman steals vehicle with infant, then steals Warden PD vehicle

WARDEN – At around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday a vehicle was reportedly stolen by Moses Lake resident, Rita Gabriella Lozano, 21, on Main Street in Warden. The reporting party said her two-month-old infant was still in the stolen vehicle, according to a release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Using traffic cameras, the Warden Police Department saw the vehicle leave Warden north on Road U-Southeast.

Soap Lake gets new council members, raises officer pay

SOAP LAKE – During the Oct. 16 Soap Lake City Council meeting, the members convened to discuss issues including appointing two new city council members, officer retention, a new insurance plan and the purchase and installation of new security cameras at City Hall and the police department.

$25 microchipping events ongoing

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Animal Outreach hosted their first microchip event out of six Thursday. GCAO will have five more microchipping events Oct. 17 and 24; and Nov. 7, 14 and 21. Microchips will cost $25 during these events; they normally cost $50.

New AI system at MACC has successful first few months

MOSES LAKE – The Multi Agency Communications Center, also known as MACC 911 or just MACC, implemented a new artificial intelligence online system about five months ago for people to submit non-emergency requests online or via phone call to help manage call volumes. The program, AVA, helps MACC staff members focus on answering emergency calls and prioritizing dispatch to those and allows for shorter wait times for both emergency and non-emergency calls.

WA Attorney General sues TikTok over youth addiction claims

OLYMPIA — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson is suing TikTok for allegedly prioritizing profits over the well-being of millions of vulnerable young users, according to a statement from Ferguson’s office.

Students travel to the Wanapum Heritage Center hosts 25th Archeology Days

The Wanapum Heritage Center hosted its 25th annual Archeology Day events Oct. 9 and 10. The first day of the event was dedicated to students with various schools attending including Wahluke School District, Yakama Nation Tribal School, Toppenish Pre-school, Connell elementary, home-schooled students from various towns and several others.

Potholes drowning victim found

EPHRATA – Sunday, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office recovered Richard Smith’s body from O’Sullivan Reservoir. Smith went fishing Oct. 3 and after his girlfriend did not hear from him for three days, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office began a search at the reservoir Oct. 6.

2024 good for most but not all Washington agriculture products

COLUMBIA BASIN — Washington, and more specifically the Columbia Basin, is known for its impact in agriculture, growing millions of pounds of apples, wheat, potatoes and other food. “We aren’t the best, we’re just blessed,” Dale Lathim, the executive director of Potato Growers of Washington, said.

MLSD to hold another community meeting regarding finances

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District will discuss district finances in a meeting today at Vanguard Academy, 740 E. Yonezawa Blvd. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. This will be the third of four meetings in which MLSD Interim Superintendent Carol Lewis breaks down the financial errors that occurred recently, which the Columbia Basin Herald has reported on previously. The four meetings present mostly the same information with slides added to each presentation to address community questions. In the meetings, Lewis covers how school finances work, the levy failure which also resulted in the district losing local effort assistant, enrollment errors and accrual accounting errors.

Woman pleads guilty to threatening patrons at business with knife

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake woman was sentenced Tuesday for threatening customers at a Moses Lake business with a knife during an incident in Moses Lake in August.

Man pleads guilty to third-degree assault — domestic violence

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was sentenced to jail after he pleaded guilty to a domestic violence charge Tuesday.

Wallet thief pleads guilty to four counts of theft

EPHRATA — A Moses Lake woman was sentenced this week for stealing a wallet and charging hundreds of dollars on the victim’s credit card. Carmela Ramirez, 34, pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree theft Tuesday in Grant County Superior Court. Ramirez was originally charged with seven counts of second-degree theft, however, three of those charges were dismissed. Judge Tyson R. Hill sentenced Ramirez to four concurrent terms of 21 days of house arrest for the four counts. According to the Moses Lake Police Department, on Dec. 24, 2022, an officer was dispatched to a business in the 1000 block of North Stratford Road after a subject had her wallet stolen and transactions were completed at that business.

Ephrata school district welcomes new staff, teachers

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District hired 15 new teaching staff members this year as well as 13 classified staff. During the Sept. 23 Ephrata SD meeting the superintendent and school board had a special meeting before the regular board meeting to introduce and welcome new employees.

Boeing withdraws contract proposal

MOSES LAKE – After two days of mediated negotiation, Boeing withdrew its Sept. 23 offer to IAM 751 union Tuesday. The offer was released to the media and according to the union, this was a non-negotiated offer from the company.

O-Town showdown fundraiser coming Thursday

OTHELLO – This Thursday, the Othello Police Department and various teachers from the Othello School District will be competing in a game of flag football to raise funds for the Othello Cancer Support Group. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at Othello High School Stadium and is $1 to attend with further donations encouraged.