NANCE BESTON

Kriete, Gregg offer competing visions for Sheriff's Office leadership

EPHRATA — Leadership has emerged as one of the central themes in the race for Grant County sheriff, with incumbent Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg offering voters different visions for the future of the agency. As voters are preparing to cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 general election, the Columbia Basin Herald asked both candidates a series of questions on issues facing the sheriff's office and the county. In this first installment of a five-part candidate Q&A series, Kriete and Gregg were asked to identify what they believe is the biggest leadership challenge facing the Grant County Sheriff's Office and how their approach to addressing it differs from their opponent's. Ballots must be postmarked or returned to an official ballot drop box by Nov. 3. Voters can verify their registration status and obtain election information at VoteWa.gov. Grant County voters can also contact their local elections office with questions at 509-754-2011 ext. 2704.

Diesel prices hit record high in Washington as gasoline remains relatively stable

MOSES LAKE — Diesel prices in Washington reached a record high over the weekend, even as gasoline prices remained largely unchanged, according to AAA data released Monday. The average price of diesel in Washington climbed to $7.43 per gallon Sept. 21, up 21 cents a week ago and more than $1.12 higher than a month ago. AAA reported diesel reached an all-time state record of $7.45 per gallon on Sept. 20. By comparison, the average price of regular gasoline in Washington was $5.57 per gallon Monday, just 1 cent higher than a week ago. However, regular gasoline prices remain 32 cents above a month ago and 95 cents higher than a year ago.

Moses Lake School District to host town hall focused on finances

MOSES LAKE — Community members will have an opportunity to ask questions about school funding, enrollment and budgeting when the Moses Lake School District hosts a town hall focused on district finances Tuesday evening.

Soap Lake City Council approves new consultant despite mayor's objections

The position is temporary as hiring committee searches for administrator

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a contract for municipal consulting services intended to help manage city operations while hiring committee searches for a permanent city administrator, but the decision exposed an ongoing disagreement between the council and Mayor Peter Sharp over the limits of executive authority.

Soap Lake Police Department reaches full staffing with swearing-in of newest officer

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Police Department reached a staffing milestone Wednesday as its newest officer, Thomas Levi Johnson, was sworn in during the Soap Lake City Council's regular meeting.

Othello Fair brings bigger crowds, more exhibits and plenty of smiles

OTHELLO — From giant bubbles floating above delighted children to packed livestock barns and bustling exhibit halls, the Othello Fair is seeing growth across the board this year.

Child removed from home after fentanyl investigation leads to two arrests

MOSES LAKE — An 8-year-old child was taken into protective custody Wednesday after Moses Lake police served a search warrant at a residence in the 1200 block of West Gary Street as part of a fentanyl trafficking investigation.

Ephrata’s first National Night Out draws crowd despite cool weather

EPHRATA — Despite cool temperatures and off-and-on rain, community members gathered at Lions Park Tuesday evening as the Ephrata Police Department hosted its first National Night Out, an event aimed at building relationships between residents and local first responders.

Grant County Food Council launches effort to address hunger, food insecurity

MOSES LAKE — Hunger advocates, food bank leaders, health care providers and community members gathered for the first meeting of the Grant County Food Council, where organizers outlined plans to address food insecurity and build support for recognizing access to food as a fundamental right.

Ephrata Sports Complex sees progress with new driveway, pickleball courts

EPHRATA — Visitors to the Ephrata Sports Complex will soon notice smoother access to the facility and the arrival of long-awaited pickleball courts as the city continues work on improving the community recreation hub.

Washington wildfire season easing, but DNR says state not out of danger yet

MOSES LAKE — Recent rainfall across Washington has lowered wildfire risk and signaled that the end of fire season may be near, but state officials say residents should not let their guard down just yet.

Othello Fair starts today with livestock, exhibits and family fun

OTHELLO — The Othello Fair opens its gates today as volunteers, exhibitors and vendors put the finishing touches on one of the region's largest community events. Fair officials spent Tuesday preparing for the arrival of about 600 animals and roughly 4,500 still-life entries, including flowers, horticulture exhibits and other projects.

In Grant County Judge debate, Bevier, Chadwick place emphasis on experience and constitutional interpretation

EPHRATA — The two candidates seeking Grant County Superior Court Judge Position 3 highlighted their legal experience, views on constitutional interpretation and approaches to property rights and criminal justice during a debate hosted by the Grant County Republican Party at the Ephrata Recreation Center.

Sheriff candidates clash over leadership, lawsuit and confidence vote at GOP debate

MOSES LAKE — Leadership, accountability and trust within the Grant County Sheriff's Office took center stage Sept. 10 as Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg faced off in a debate hosted by the Grant County Republican Party. The debate at the Ephrata Recreation Center focused on several of the defining issues of the campaign, including a recent vote of no confidence by the deputy sheriffs’ association, Gregg's ongoing lawsuit against Grant County, immigration enforcement and management of the sheriff's office. While both candidates highlighted decades of law enforcement experience and pledged to keep residents safe, they offered different views of the sheriff's office's current direction and whether significant changes are needed.

Grant and Adams counties gas prices dip slightly as state, national averages rise

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices in Grant and Adams counties slipped slightly over the last week, even as Washington and national fuel averages continued climbing amid international supply concerns and rising crude oil prices. According to AAA data for Sept. 14, the average price of regular gasoline was $5.46 per gallon in Grant County and $5.48 per gallon in Adams County. That was down slightly from Sept. 8, when prices averaged $5.47 in Grant County and $5.55 in Adams County. Meanwhile, the statewide average increased from $5.51 to $5.56 per gallon over the week, while the national average jumped from $4.15 to $4.32 per gallon.

Ephrata Patriot Day honors 9/11 Grant County first responders, and military service members

EPHRATA — The names and faces have changed over 25 years, but the message remained the same Thursday evening as veterans, first responders, elected leaders and community members gathered in Ephrata to remember the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and honor those who continue to serve their communities.

Grant County Food Council to launch

Seeks to improve access for healthy and affordable food

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District is launching a new community-led effort aimed at improving access to healthy and affordable food across the county, beginning with a public virtual presentation later this month.

Ephrata proclamation honors 9/11 victims, calls for service

EPHRATA — As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the City of Ephrata has proclaimed Sept. 11, 2026, as a Day of Remembrance and Service, encouraging residents to honor victims and first responders through reflection, gratitude and community service.

Ephrata advances A Street project

EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council unanimously approved a resolution Sept. 2 authorizing a Washington State Department of Transportation agreement supplement, allowing the city to move forward with the right-of-way phase of the A Street SE Overlay Project.

Ritzville Rodeo crowns champions across events

RITZVILLE — From lightning-fast roping runs to crowd-pleasing bronc rides, competitors put on a show Friday and Saturday night at the Ritzville Rodeo as champions were crowned across a full slate of rodeo events.

Ephrata takes first step for preparation plan to mitigate downtown flooding

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata has completed the first step in a long-term effort to remove hundreds of acres of downtown property from a federal floodplain designation.

Ephrata School District seeks community feedback before considering future bond

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District is inviting residents to help shape the future of its school facilities through a series of community meetings as officials consider whether to place a bond measure before voters next year.

Moses Lake School District invites community to ‘Common Grounds’ for coffee discussion

MOSES LAKE — Community members will have an opportunity to connect directly with Moses Lake School District leaders during the first “Common Grounds” event of the school year Friday morning.

Grant County Republican Party to stage debate in Ephrata

Candidates for Grant County sheriff and Superior Court races to debate

EPHRATA — Grant County voters will have an opportunity this evening to hear directly from candidates seeking two of the county’s elected offices during a debate hosted by the Grant County Republican Party.

Kennewick man arrested in Connelly Park boat motor theft

MOSES LAKE — A 48-year-old Kennewick man was arrested Aug. 31 in connection with the theft of an outboard boat motor from Connelly Park, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

Grant County Fire District 7 open house set for today

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 is inviting residents to attend its community open house today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the district's station, 155 State Route 28 in Soap Lake.

A day of community in Warden

WARDEN — Horses trotted down Main Street, children scrambled for candy, and neighbors caught up with one another over the weekend as residents gathered for the annual Warden Community Days celebration.

Fuel prices jump sharply in Washington, local counties

MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices continued their upward climb over the past week, with Washington drivers seeing some of the highest prices in the nation as state, local and national averages all increased, according to AAA data.

Hill resigns from Moses Lake School Board, cites upcoming move to Idaho

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School Board Vice Chair Paul Hill announced his resignation during the board's regular meeting Sept. 3, saying he and his family plan to move to Idaho once their home is sold.

Grant helps Ephrata PD to buy Safe Restraint WRAP system

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department received a $1,000 loss control scholarship from the Cities Insurance Association of Washington to help purchase a Safe Restraint WRAP system, a tool designed to safely restrain violent suspects while reducing injuries and property damage.

Before sunrise, the Columbia Basin Herald's carriers are already at work

On National Newspaper Carrier Day, ride along with our local CBH carriers

MOSES LAKE — At 3 a.m., most of Moses Lake is quiet. Streetlights cast pools of light onto empty roads. Businesses are dark. The only traffic comes from the occasional semi-truck, an early-morning commuter or a deer wandering near the edge of town.

GCFD 7 invites community to open house, demonstrations and meet-and-greet

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 is inviting residents to get an up-close look at their local fire district during an open house Sept. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the district's station, located at 155 State Route 28 in Soap Lake.

Woodhouse appointed to fill Soap Lake City Council vacancy

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council unanimously appointed former council member Karen Woodhouse to fill a vacant council seat during its regular meeting Sept. 2. The vacancy was created when Judith Gorman resigned from Position 1 during the council's Aug. 5 meeting, citing personal reasons.

Ephrata students return to class as new school year begins

EPHRATA — Hallways filled with students, new backpacks and a mix of excitement and nervous energy Wednesday as Ephrata School District students returned to classrooms for the first day of the 2026-27 school year.

Ephrata community donates school supplies for wildfire-affected students

EPHRATA — Ephrata families, businesses and community organizations came together to collect school supplies for students affected by wildfires in the Nespelem and Wahluke school districts.

Son booked into jail for suspected murder after father found dead near Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A 52-year-old Moses Lake man has been booked into jail with a second-degree murder charge after deputies found his 79-year-old father dead inside a residence near Moses Lake on Tuesday.

First day brings excitement, new beginnings to Moses Lake schools

MOSES LAKE — Hallways filled with excited chatter, nervous smiles and reunions with friends Wednesday as Moses Lake School District students returned for the first day of school.

‘Welcome back Gators’

Groff Elementary reopens after $16.5 million in repairs

MOSES LAKE — After more than a year and a half away from their school, Groff Elementary students, staff and families celebrated a homecoming Monday night as Moses Lake School District officials cut a ribbon marking the school's reopening following extensive repairs.

A blast from the past

Vintage hydroplanes take to Moses Lake – and launch Connelly Park reopening

MOSES LAKE — Vintage hydroplanes roared back onto Moses Lake this weekend as the Moses Lake Vintage Test & Tune event served as the grand reopening of Connelly Park, which had been closed for months after a powerful storm caused extensive damage earlier this year.

Former Warden substitute teacher sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of minor

WARDEN — A former Warden School District substitute teacher has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a minor, concluding a criminal case that began with a Warden Police Dept. investigation in 2023.

Man arrested after homicide investigation on Moses Lake base

MOSES LAKE — A Grant County Sheriff's Office investigation into a death at a residence near Travis Drive and Craw Lane on the former Larson Air Force Base Tuesday has resulted in the arrest of a 52-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree murder.

‘Everybody has a why’

Community organizations raise awareness, offer resources during National Overdose Awareness Day event

MOSES LAKE — Community organizations gathered at McCosh Park on Saturday to mark National Overdose Awareness Day, connecting residents with education, prevention tools and recovery resources during an event hosted by the Grant County Health District in partnership with the Moses Lake Farmers Market.

Gas prices climb in Wash. with elevated August prices

Gas prices climb in Wash. with elevated August prices

CBTECH, Museum of Flight partner to expand aviation education opportunities

MOSES LAKE — Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center has partnered with Seattle's Museum of Flight to bring the museum's Aeronautical Science Pathway program to the Columbia Basin, expanding educational and career opportunities for students interested in aviation.

School buses return to roads as officials urge drivers to slow down, stop

EPHRATA — As students head back to classrooms across Washington, state education and law enforcement officials are reminding motorists that school bus safety remains a serious concern, with hundreds of illegal passings documented in a single day during a nationwide survey.

Moms Helping Moms organizing backpack giveaway, clothing swap ahead of school year

MOSES LAKE — As families prepare for the start of the school year, the volunteer group Moms Helping Moms of Grant County is hosting a backpack giveaway and clothing swap this weekend to help families who may have missed other back-to-school events because of work schedules.

Grant County event to focus on overdose prevention

MOSES LAKE — Grant County residents will have an opportunity to honor loved ones lost to overdose, learn about recovery resources and receive free naloxone training during the county's fourth annual International Overdose Awareness Day event Saturday at McCosh Park.

Pasco man cited in Adams County for hit-and-run investigation

OTHELLO — An 18-year-old Pasco man was cited after turning himself in to authorities in connection with a hit-and-run collision that caused more than $36,000 in damage at an Othello-area fuel station, according to the Adams County Sheriff's Office.

Mother-daughter team open new dog grooming business in Ephrata

EPHRATA — A shared love of animals and a desire to serve local pet owners led a mother-daughter team to open Groomer Has It, a new dog grooming business in downtown Ephrata. The business, owned by Paige Moore and her mother, Millie Roduner, officially opened Aug. 7 at 217 W. Division St.

McKay Healthcare seeks voter approval for $9.94 million bond measure in November

SOAP LAKE — Voters in Grant County Public Hospital District No. 4 will decide this November whether to authorize nearly $9.94 million in bonds to help fund an expansion of McKay Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Soap Lake, a project district officials say would expand senior care services available in Soap Lake and surrounding communities.