NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
GALLERY: ’90s makes a comeback at Grant Co. Fairgrounds
MOSES LAKE — Crowds of people decorated in colored flannels cheered as guitars were shredded and smashed, music blared and drinks sloshed at the third annual ’90s Flannel Fest.
MLSD holds second community forum on finances
MOSES LAKE — Interim Superintendent Carol Lewis convened the second of four community meetings with 19 attendees at Endeavor Middle School to discuss financial miscalculations that have plagued the Moses Lake School District. The district had a budget shortfall as a result of multiple factors including accounting errors, levy failures and lack of oversight of former Finance office staff.
Wanapum, PUD host archaeology events
MATTAWA - In celebration of Washington State Archaeology Month, the Wanapum and Grant Public Utility District are holding two Archaeology Day events at the Wanapum Heritage Center. Tuesday was youth day and today will be adult day. The event will goes from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. today with lectures, hide processing demonstrations and other opportunities to learn about the Wanapum.
MLSD votes to press charges, but communication errors seem to be the cause
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District held an executive session during its Oct. 4 meeting and afterward came out to vote regarding transferring a case from Moses Lake Police Department regarding former Moses Lake School District Superintendent Josh Meek and financial issues that led to his departure from the district. However, the issue appears to be based on miscommunication between MLPD and the school district.
An inside look at J.R. Simplot Moses Lake plant
MOSES LAKE – The Association of Washington Business stopped at the J.R. Simplot factory in Moses Lake Friday, during day three of their eighth-annual Manufacturing Week bus tour.
MLSD reviews finances, recognizes staff
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School Board held its regular meeting Thursday and reviewed the district’s financial situation and took time to recognize food service and custodial workers in the district, among other business.
Job seekers bustle at the WorkSource job fair
MOSES LAKE – The WorkSource Business Service Team hosted its 20th job fair Friday, drawing a crowd of 200 people within the first hour. The main room, filled to capacity with employers and potential employees, buzzed with activity as representatives conducted on-the-spot interviews, collected resumes, engaged in discussion and handed out free swag. Food trucks were also stationed outside including Wize Guys Beefs and Delicias, providing food and beverages to those in attendance. Employees of WorkSource were handing out free drink and food tokens.
Dust storms blowing through the Columbia Basin
MOSES LAKE – The National Weather Service’s Spokane office released a blowing dust advisory for 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday for the Columbia Basin. The storm is the result of a cold front on the Gulf of Alaska, according to NWS meteorologist Steve Bodnar. “We're going to have the persistent gusts,” Bodnar said. “It will not be as strong as what we saw Sunday, but still strong enough that all the wind speeds that we could get blows dust and may make it difficult for people to see when driving.”
Ephrata schools looking for District 3 board candidates
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District is looking for community members who are interested in filling the school board's district three open board seat, according to a statement from the district. The School Board Chair, Anita Waller announced her resignation at the Sept. 23 board meeting. She will leave at the end of 2024.
WorkSource hosting job, resource fair Friday
MOSES LAKE — The WorkSource Business Service Team invites job seekers to the 2024 Fall Hiring and Resource Event on Oct. 4. Career and Training Manager Emily Anderson said the annual event aims to connect community members with employment opportunities and resources from various sectors.
2024 WA fire season coming to a close
MOSES LAKE – There are two active fires in Washington as of Oct. 2 but the rest of the fires from the season are contained or just being moderated according to Department of Natural Resources Wildfire Communications Manager Ryan Rodruck. Outside of that, Rodruck said fire season is coming to a conclusion; however, people should still be mindful because new blazes are still starting.
GCAO to host $25 microchipping events
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Animal Outreach is holding six microchipping events in Oct. and Nov. for $25 per animal. Normally microchips cost $55 a pet but Serena Jewell, assistant manager at Grant County Animal Outreach said they are trying to make it more affordable for pet owners.
MLSD finances explained during community meeting
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District Interim Superintendent Carol Lewis led the first community meeting of four on Tuesday night to address the district’s current financial situation. Lewis explained to 27 attendees the financial errors that occurred which caused MLSD to have a $20 million budget shortfall.
20 days picketing
Union rejects vote on new Boeing contract, striking employees lose health coverage
MOSES LAKE – As the Boeing strike continues, making today the 20th day union members have picketed at the gates, members have lost health insurance coverage. Union members have decided they are not voting on the new contract proposal Boeing released Sept. 23.
Six-vehicle collision closes State Route 17 Sunday
WARDEN – Four people sustained injuries in a six-vehicle collision on State Route 17 between Warden and Moses Lake about 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Two of the cars were totaled.
Public meetings on MLSD finances begin tonight
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District will be holding a series of public meetings throughout October to address the district’s financial structure and issues that led to its current financial difficulties, according to a press release from MLSD. The first meeting will be held today from 6 to 7 p.m. at Sage Point Elementary, 4000 W. Peninsula Drive. The following meetings are Oct. 7 at Endeavor Middle School, Oct. 14 at Vanguard Academy and Oct. 22 at Frontier Middle School. All are from 6 to 7 p.m. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and work with MLSD officials to discuss the potential forensic audit. Interim Superintendent Carol Lewis also confirmed there will be a Spanish interpreter present for the meetings. However, the meetings will not be available virtually.
Freight train burns, no injuries or damaged cargo
QUINCY — On Saturday night a freight train lit on fire near Road W Northwest and Baird Springs Road Northwest, eight miles outside of Quincy. The fire started around 8:20 p.m. and was out by 8:40 p.m. Saturday night according to Grant County Fire District 3 Fire Chief, David Durfee. “I mean the incident took less than half an hour,” Durfee said.
Bus driver shortage at MLSD
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District announced a driver shortage Friday, which will impact morning and afternoon bus routes. The MLSD transportation department will notify parents by 5:30 a.m. each morning if the route is canceled for the day. “Bus driver shortages are not unique to this school year or unique to Moses Lake,” MLSD Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Claren McLaughlin said. “It is a nationwide issue.” McLaughlin said that if a morning route is canceled, the afternoon route is also canceled. The MLSD said in its statement that special education bus routes will not be impacted. The canceled routes will also be posted on the Moses Lake School District website.
MLSD considers potential forensic audit
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is considering a forensic audit, after MLSD board member Paul Hill brought the idea up in closing comments of the Aug. 22 regular school board meeting.
MLSD addresses nursing concerns, passes Title IX resolution amendment
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is weighing the potential of a forensic audit which is addressed in another story, a public comment regarding limited nursing staff and a proposed amendment to the Title IX resolution the district passed during a special Sept. 5 school board meeting.
Ephrata man sentenced in 2023 speeding, drug case
EPHRATA — An Ephrata man was sentenced to more than 11 years Tuesday in connection with leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase in 2023, according to Grant County Superior Court documents.
Eight-time felon pleads guilty to two charges
EPHRATA – David Mendez Cantu III, 46, Moses Lake pleaded guilty to first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen vehicle on Sept. 24 in Grant County Superior Court.
Moses Lake raises funds for Alzheimer's awareness
MOSES LAKE – Flowers decorated with names of loved ones spun in the wind, children ran around filling the sidewalks with affirming messages, smiley faces and games of hopscotch, people pulled their purple shirts over their heads and began the walk. The Walk to End Alzheimer's returned to Moses Lake for 11 years in a row and this year the attendance was phenomenal, according to the walk co-organizer Julie Reathaford.
‘Every vote counts’
General election voting starts soon, local party leaders encourage registration
MOSES LAKE – Voting for the upcoming general election begins in less than a month, with voting starting Oct. 18.
Ephrata School board chair announces resignation
Board reviews budget and expenses as first quarter continues
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School Board met for their Sept. 23 board meeting to introduce new staff, discuss new facilities purchases, update on the effectiveness of cell phone boxes, discuss the budget and at the end of the meeting, Board Chair Anita Waller announced she will be leaving at the end of 2024.
Soap Lake PD receives grant funding
SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Police Department just received a $290,655 grant from the Community Oriented Policing Services U.S. Department of Justice. According to SLPD Chief Ryan Cox the funding will be used to pay an officer for a four-year period.
Castro focused on safety, workforce in commissioner race
MOSES LAKE — Republican Amador Castro, a local educator and entrepreneur is running for Grant County Commissioner District 1, against Republican Kevin Burgess. The incumbent, Danny Stone, is not seeking reelection. “This is not just a campaign for me; it’s about creating a better, safer, and more prosperous Grant County for us all,” Castro said.
Former officer sentenced in Othello child sex case
OTHELLO – Koby Don Williams, 49, Ellensburg was sentenced on one count of Attempted Online Enticement. Williams was convicted of the crime on May 14 following a jury trial, according to a Sept. 19 press release from the United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Washington.
Five-hour power outage leaves 1,500 people without electricity
MOSES LAKE – There was a power outage that affected around 1,500 people in the peninsula area of Moses Lake Monday. The outage started at around 7:45 a.m. and power was restored at 12:35 p.m. according to Chistine Pratt, public information officer for the Grant County Public Utility District.
Moses Lake raises funds for Alzheimer's awareness
MOSES LAKE – Flowers decorated with names of loved ones spun in the wind, children ran around filling the sidewalks with affirming messages, smiley faces and games of hopscotch, people pulled their purple shirts over their heads and began the walk.
MLPD investigating drive-by shooting on North Buell Drive
MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Police Department responded to a drive-by shooting incident Sept. 8 at around 3:11 a.m. at the intersection of North Buell Drive and West Gary Street, according to an MLPD press release.
Gang-related drive-by in Larson leads to three arrests
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department continues to investigate a Sunday afternoon drive-by shooting in the Larson Community.
MLSD passes facilities fees and considers forensic audit
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School Board passed an updated facilities use fee schedule, lowering the rates for groups using the facilities for various activities and the board began the discussion of a forensic audit.
Flint, Allen address Grant PUD issues
MATTAWA – Tom Flint is running for reelection to the Grant County Public Utility District Board against Robert “Bob” Allen. Flint attended the forum organized by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce, the Wahluke School District and the Columbia Basin Herald.
Sharp appointed as new Soap Lake mayor
SOAP LAKE – Soap Lake City Council appointed Mayor Pro Tempore, Peter Sharp into the mayoral position at the Sept. 18 city council meeting. Sharp will serve as Soap Lake’s mayor until the November 2025 election. Former Mayor Allen DuPuy stepped down during the Aug. 7 City Council meeting. DuPuy served eight months of his four-year term.
Amtrak reveals goals for Ephrata station improvements
EPHRATA – Improvements to the Ephrata Amtrak station are expected to be completed by March of 2025, according to information provided by Kelly Just, a public relations representative for the rail line.
Dent discusses fires, gangs and non-partisan teamwork
MATTAWA – Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, is running unopposed for reelection, and despite a lack of opposition opted to participate in a Sept. 12 candidate forum organized by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce, the Wahluke School District and the Columbia Basin Herald. “It's always good to see folks that you represent,” Dent said. “One of the things that was really passionate for me when I first ran, and still is, is that I want to be accessible to people. That's why I'm here. To be accessible.”
Sipping and strolling through downtown Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE – Third avenue filled with old fashioned cars, people with tote bags, badges and wine glasses and the sound of live music from Lake City Blues for the Sip and Stroll event. The event, paired with Art on Third leading to a variety of different activities for participants to enjoy.
Care Fair highlights local nonprofits
MOSES LAKE — As the Sip & Stroll was bustling outside, people wandered into the youth dynamics building to check out local nonprofits at the third annual Care Fair. According to the event organizer, Michaelle Boetger, Moses Lake has around 70 nonprofits.
WA Supreme Court candidates discuss justice
MATTAWA — A Washington State Supreme Court judge’s seat has opened, and this time, instead of the governor filling the position, the voters will. Candidates Sal Mungia and Dave Larson joined several other candidates for a Sept. 12 forum to discuss various elections on the November ballot.
'You want the best, pay the best'
33,000 Boeing employees strike, 800 in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE – More than 33,000 Boeing employees are officially striking as of Sept. 13 at midnight after a Sept. 12 vote saw union members reject a contract proposal from their employer. Machinists voted 94.6% to reject the contract and 96% in favor of striking, according to IAM District 751.
Burgess, Castro discuss county issues
MATTAWA – Republican candidates for Grant County Commission Seat 1 faced off to answer questions at Wahluke High School Sept. 12 to determine which of them will take on the role after Commissioner Danny Stone opted to forego a reelection bid.
Jones, Henderson discuss priorities for Grant Co.
MATTAWA – At Wahluke High School Sept. 12, the two candidates for Grant County Commissioner Position 2, incumbent Republican Rob Jones and Republican David Henderson discussed their policies around various subjects.
Boeing employees vote to accept new contract, or strike
MOSES LAKE – Employees at Moses Lake’s Boeing facility voted on Thursday whether the new contract offered by Boeing is acceptable or if they should reaffirm a strike. Employees originally voted on the strike on July 17 before the contract proposal.
Driver crashes into Moses Lake business
MOSES LAKE – A Moses Lake business suffered broken windows and other damage when a driver hit it with his car Wednesday night.
Residents, first responders observe Patriot Day
Local firefighters, police officers, students and residents gather for ceremonial rememberances
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake first responders – and future first responders – paid tribute Wednesday to their predecessors who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
Sessler focused on economy, national security, dams
MOSES LAKE — Jerrod Sessler said he considers himself "regular guy." Sessler said he has a commitment to public service and the importance of representing the people's interests and his experiences as a father, husband and veteran have shaped his outlook on the pressing issues facing America.
Driver hits, damages Papa’s Casino, Ten Pin
MOSES LAKE – Owners of Papa’s Casino are still assessing the damage after a truck ran into the side of the building Wednesday morning.
FIRE REPORT: Two fires contained Wednesday
MOSES LAKE – The various fires listed below are active Washington. The largest fire reported is the Retreat Fire at 45,601 acres and the smallest is the Blewett Fire at 15 acres.
Ephrata PD seeks candy donations
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Police Department is asking for candy donations for their Halloween Trunk or Treat event. Last year the event was funded by a Walmart grant, however, there have been some challenges getting the grant again this year.