NANCE BESTON

MLEA pickets for a fair contract outside of MLHS

MOSES LAKE – Teachers and supporters gathered Tuesday afternoon outside Moses Lake High School, voicing frustrations over stalled contract negotiations with the Moses Lake School District. It is a continuation of ongoing negotiations that have the Moses Lake Educators Association without a contract since June, intensifying calls for fair treatment and improved working conditions.

WA faces health coverage issues if enhanced Premium Tax Credit lapses

OLYMPIA — Washingtonians could face a significant increase in their health insurance premiums as the Enhanced Premium Tax Credit, ePTC, is set to expire at the end of 2025, unless action is taken by Congress. The issue is a significant talking point for both parties as the federal government shutdown continues.

City of Soap Lake is paying off $11M-plus in loans, interest

SOAP LAKE – The City of Soap Lake will have nearly $11.36 million worth of debt service payments to pay off by the end of 2025. Of that, around $3 million is interest the city has collected over the years, according to Finance Director Jeff Balentine. The city is paying 15 different loans.

WA fuel prices third highest nationally

MOSES LAKE – After a month-long reign as the second-most expensive state to purchase fuel in, Washington’s fuel prices have dropped below Hawaii’s.

MLSD’s Lewis addresses levy promises, elementary start time

MOSES LAKE — Tensions continue between the Moses Lake School District and the Moses Lake Educators Association as discussions continue over a modified elementary school schedule and the restoration of educational programs critical to student learning.

Voting begins today in WA

OLYMPIA — The voting period for Washington State’s General Election officially commences today, offering residents the opportunity to participate in shaping their local government. “Elections that are accessible, secure, and transparent are the cornerstone of our democracy, providing you with the opportunity to make your voice heard on a variety of issues,” Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said in a statement. He emphasized that the upcoming general election would empower constituents to have a say in who represents them and to weigh in on measures that directly impact their lives in Washington.

Ephrata’s new code enforcement officer focused on standards

EPHRATA – The city of Ephrata hired Ioan Horvat as the new code enforcement and building inspector. Horvat says he aims to bolster the city’s municipal standards and enhance the quality of life for Ephrata residents. “I’ve been working for the last 20 years, mostly in construction and construction management. I focused on quality control, and this is the link to code enforcement,” Horvat said.

Ephrata Middle installs inclusive playground

EPHRATA — Ephrata Middle School has completed installation of a new, inclusive playground designed to enhance outdoor playtime and learning opportunities for all students.

MLSD superintendent to address community concerns

MOSES LAKE — Superintendent Carol Lewis is planning to address the entire Moses Lake community at tonight’s Moses Lake School Board meeting about recent misunderstandings during the superintendent's report.

Warden raises levy collection by 1%

WARDEN — The Warden City Council unanimously approved an increase in the City of Warden’s levy at the Oct. 14 regular council meeting. This will bring around $6,860 to the city.

WA use of force database publishes first report

MOSES LAKE – In a shift towards greater transparency in law enforcement, Washington State has implemented an incident-based police use-of-force reporting system known as the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety, or WADEPS. This initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Attorney General, is the result of collaboration among a variety of groups, including law enforcement, who want such reporting.

ArtGarden Pottery casts a spell with 'I Smell Pottery Painting' event

MOSES LAKE – Friday night, ArtGarden Pottery, a ceramics studio owned by Laura Mayer, transformed into a whimsical world of witches, paint and creativity as it hosted the first of two “I Smell Pottery Painting” events in celebration of Halloween.

Moses Lake man arrested for domestic violence

MOSES LAKE – A Moses Lake man was arrested Sunday morning after Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies answered a call about a domestic violence incident in the 1000 block of Vandenburg Loop. The victims’ nine-year-old child went to a neighbor for assistance. The neighbor called 911, according to the probable cause statement.

Community rallies for boat fire victims with fundraiser at U Rock Ranch

WARDEN — After a devastating boat fire in July left five people injured, including two young children, the Grant County community is coming together to support the victims with a benefit dinner, dance, and auction at U Rock Ranch on Saturday, Oct. 18.

WA fuel prices remain second highest nationally

MOSES LAKE – For a full month, Washington has the second-highest average fuel price in the nation at $4.48, a four-cent decrease from last week. California, the only state in the nation with higher prices, is sitting at $4.66, according to AAA. Hawaii is the third most expensive at $4.46.

ACPR spotlight: Adoptable pets ready for new homes

OTHELLO – Adams County Pet Rescue has a lively assortment of adoptees waiting for their forever homes, featuring an array of feline friends and canine companions.

Coulee Dam teacher arrested in underage sting operation

COULEE DAM — Ross Ashenfelter, a 42-year-old fourth-grade teacher at Lake Roosevelt Elementary School, was arrested Monday during a sting operation targeting online predators.

Othello PD seeks public’s help in identifying package theft suspect

OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying a suspect believed to be involved in a string of package thefts across several neighborhoods in the city.

Moses Lake first graders spent the day at the “farm”

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake first graders had the opportunity to go out to the Grant County Fairgrounds Wednesday for First Grade Farm Day at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The Moses Lake High School Agriculture program and the Moses Lake Future Farmers of America organized the event. The groups worked together to teach the young students about the work they do.

Bird flu detected in Moses Lake commercial facility

MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in a large commercial poultry facility in Moses Lake, marking the first instance of avian influenza in Grant County. The announcement was made on October 10, 2025, following the initial report of sick birds that came to light October 7.

150-plus acres burn north of Othello, west of Warden

WARDEN – At around 5 p.m. it was announced that there was a fire in the 12000 block of Seeps Lake Road in Grant County. The fire started at around 10 to 15 acres and quickly spread to 137 acres.

Meet the Ephrata mayoral candidates

EPHRATA – Ephrata Mayoral Candidates met at Pita Pit Wednesday night to meet with constituents and give speeches on their plans if elected as mayor. Both incumbent Bruce Reim and candidate Steve Oliver said the event was a success.

Moses Lake to sell off Open Doors Sleep Center units

MOSES LAKE – The City of Moses Lake is set to sell off units formerly used at the Open Doors Sleep Center from Oct. 14 to Oct. 17. The sale aims to repurpose the prebuilt gable-style sheds that have remained unused since the center closed on June 30.

FIRE REPORT: Oct. 9, 2025

MOSES LAKE – The two largest fires in the state, the Lower Sugarloaf Fire and the Labor Mountain Fire both had growth in acreage and containment this week. The Lower Sugarloaf fire grew nearly 2,000 acres from Tuesday bringing the blaze up to about 43,000 acres. However, containment also went up from 55% Tuesday to 77% as of Thursday. The Labor Mountain Fire grew nearly 1,000 acres from Tuesday. Containment saw improvement though going from 7% containment Tuesday to 15% containment Thursday.

Water tower project progresses despite setbacks

EPRHATA — The construction of the new water tower in Ephrata, which is part of a larger infrastructure improvement project, is making significant progress, according to Ray Towry, the city administrator. Despite some unforeseen challenges, the expectations remain optimistic for the completion of the project.

New playground coming to Ephrata’s Lions Park

EPHRATA — Residents of Ephrata can look forward to changes at Lions Park as the local Parks and Recreation Department prepares to renovate the playground with a new structure aimed at enhancing recreation opportunities for children of various age groups.

Meet the Ephrata mayoral candidates today

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce will host a mayoral candidate meet-and-greet Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Pita Pit. Both incumbent Bruce Reim and candidate Steve Oliver will be present and answering questions the chamber has put together.

WA Congressional delegates respond to shutdown

WASHINGTON D.C. – A government shutdown began at midnight on October 1, 2025, after Congress was unable to pass a new budget bill or continuing resolution before deadline. The shutdown has cast a shadow over various sectors in Washington State, with potential implications for farmers, small businesses and public health. Lawmakers from both parties are weighing in on the effects and responsibilities surrounding the funding impasse.

Soap Lake celebrates official designation of Creative District

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake community gathered Saturday to mark a significant milestone: the establishment of the Soap Lake Creative District. After years of dedication and collaboration, local leaders, artists, and residents celebrated the district’s official certification, which promises to enrich the city’s cultural landscape and promote its creative economy. The celebration included speeches, displays of artwork, history and community engagement aimed at raising awareness about the district, which is intended to be a hub for creativity and collaboration among local artists and businesses. “We want people to understand that our aim is not just to host events,” Ruthann Tobiason, one of the organizers of the creative district effort, said. “This is about building longer-term plans that will enrich our community and strengthen our creative economy.”

Three positions open for Grant County Board of Health

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District is looking for applicants to fill three open seats on the Grant County Board of Health.

WA fuel prices hold steady as second most expensive in nation

MOSES LAKE – For the third week in a row, Washington has the second highest average fuel prices in the nation at $4.52, a four-cent decrease from last week. California, the only state in the nation with higher prices, is sitting at $4.66, according to AAA.

Long-term GCAO residents still hope for homes

MOSES LAKE – For many furry friends, a forever home can often feel like a distant dream. At the Grant County Animal Outreach, three dogs have taken up residence longer than others, waiting patiently for their chance to find loving families.

MLSD board passes resolution on sex-ed

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District Board passed resolution 2026-02 about sexual education at the Oct. 2 meeting.

150-acre fire burns near SR 17

SOAP LAKE — At around 2 p.m. firefighters were called to a brush fire around milepost 81 on state Route 17 at the south end of Lake Lenore. “Heavy sage brush and dry lands fueled the fire,” Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said. The fire quickly spread to around 150 acres. As of 5 p.m. crews are still working on containment. There is no threat to the public, Foreman said.

FIRE REPORT: Oct. 7, 2025

Fire season coming to an end

MOSES LAKE — The fire season is starting to come to an end in Washington, according to Department of Natural Resources Communications Manager Ryan Rodruck. “We’re certainly winding down the season,” Rodruck said. “I would say that for western Washington, we have seen that season-ending precipitation at this point. I would not expect any large, costly fires to materialize in western Washington at this point.” However, eastern and central Washington are still waiting for season-ending precipitation, which will likely not happen this week, Rodruck said.

MLEA protests for contract negotiations adding back elementary programming

MOSES LAKE – Members of the Moses Lake Educators Alliance, Wenatchee School District employees and residents picketed before Thursday evening’s school board meeting. The group of over 200 chanted down Yonezawa Boulevard, in front of CB Tech, asking for the reinstatement of an additional 30 minutes of instructional time in elementary schools and calling for a fair contract.

SLPD investigating GCSO corrections deputy for assault

SOAP LAKE – An off-duty Grant County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy Nickolas Eifert was arrested for a fourth-degree assault – domestic violence charge, according to Soap Lake Police Department Chief Patrick Canady.

FIRE REPORT: Oct. 3, 2025

MOSES LAKE — Three larger fires were mostly contained this week with no further updates to be provided. There are around 132,000 acres actively burning in Washington as of Thursday afternoon, around 35,000 fewer than Monday.

Ephrata school board welcomes new staff, discusses enrollment

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School Board convened on September 29, for a regular meeting that showcased developments in the district, including the introduction of new certificated staff members, an update on student enrollment and recognition of community support.

Off-duty GCSO officer arrested for domestic violence

SOAP LAKE – An off-duty member of Grant County Sheriff’s Office was arrested for a domestic violence incident, according to a statement from GCSO. The officer’s identity was not initially released, but was later reported by GCSO as Corrections Deputy Nickolas Eifert.

MLSD suing Fowler over alleged Groff deficiencies

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District announced earlier this year it would be pursuing litigation with Fowler General Construction, the company that built Groff Elementary School, and a third-party guarantor, Western Surety Company. The district claims there were defects, misrepresentations, and concealment associated with the project, according to MLSD Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon.

Coulee City man arrested after alleged gun threats

COULEE CITY — On Tuesday night, a 70-year-old Coulee City man reportedly threatened five people with a handgun, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Tuesday’s MLSD gun threat found to be false

MOSES LAKE – Tuesday afternoon, Moses Lake School District middle school cross country athletes told the police they had been threatened by a man with a gun while on a training run, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. An investigation has found those claims to be false.

EPHRATA MAYOR: Oliver vs. Reim

EPHRATA – Two candidates are running for the job of Ephrata Mayor, Steve Oliver and incumbent Bruce Reim. Both were sent identical questions, with a 150-word limit.

Columbia Basin Hospital reintroduces $30 million bond proposal

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Hospital is once again submitting to the community a $30 million bond proposition aimed at expanding its facilities and services. The bond will go before voters in the November general election. The bond was rejected during the primary election, with around 46% of voters in favor. It aims to address pressing infrastructure needs and enhance health services within the community, according to Administrator Rosalinda Kibby. “We are a public hospital district which means that our only chance to fund a project this big. We can afford smaller projects like $10 million, $5 million or projects of that size. We just did the emergency department remodel for less than $5 million,” Kibby said. “But when it comes to adding a new building, that will need to be done with public help.”

Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry to host volunteer work party

SOAP LAKE — Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry is inviting community members to join a volunteer work party on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to dusk. The event aims to prepare the facility for the upcoming winter season, and food and drinks will be provided for all volunteers. Interested participants can RSVP by texting President Shawna Kluge at 509-237-5722. “We are making as much progress as we can to get ready for winter,” said Kluge. “We still have two roofs at our previous rescue location that need to be moved, and we have a few roofs that are not yet complete. Completing these tasks is critical as winter approaches.” The volunteer event will revolve around various activities geared toward ensuring the safety and comfort of the animals during the colder months.

MLSD cross country students threatened with firearm

MOSES LAKE — Frontier and Endeavor middle school cross country students were approached by a vehicle whose occupants threatened them with a firearm Tuesday afternoon, according to Moses Lake School District Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon. “As we understand, law enforcement is actively investigating and nothing has been completely confirmed by law enforcement, but we were told that a vehicle drove up to a group of students and a gun was pointed at the students,” Shannon said. “That is where we are at this point; law enforcement is actively investigating the situation.” All students and staff are safe, and no injuries occurred. The students were en route to return to Frontier Middle School to be reunited with families as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. Around 60 students were participating in the cross-country activity, Shannon said, and all of the parents and guardians of those students will receive a phone call from him explaining the situation. “The safety of our students and staff is the top priority of the Moses Lake School District,” Shannon said. “Regarding the situation this afternoon, we will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and provide all information to the public as it becomes available to us.”

WA fuel prices still second-highest in nation

MOSES LAKE — For the second week in a row, Washington has the second-highest average fuel prices in the nation at $4.56 per gallon, an eight-cent decrease from last week. California, the only state in the nation with higher prices, is sitting at $4.66, according to AAA. “Pacific Northwest drivers are getting some relief now that a pipeline issue has been resolved and pump prices are trending downward,” AAA wrote in a statement Thursday. “The Atlantic hurricane season is halfway over, but the tropics remain a concern for the next two months if there’s storm activity in the Gulf that affects refineries in the area.”

Port of Ephrata to host aerial applicators fly-in

EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata will serve as the venue for the third annual fly-in pancake breakfast, hosted by the Association of Washington Aerial Applicators, on Saturday, Oct. 4. This event is set to showcase the role aerial applicators play in Washington’s agricultural industry while offering community members an engaging opportunity to learn about low-level aviation. The pancake breakfast will kick off at 8 a.m. and is priced at $20 per person, with children under 10 eating free. The event is open to the public at no charge, said Dave Lanman, executive director of the Port of Ephrata

Diesel storage tank fire near George

GEORGE – At around 11 a.m. Grant County Fire District 3 was dispatched to a 4,000 gallon above ground diesel storage fire at Williamson Precision, according to Grant County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. The fire, located in the 3500 block of Adams Rd. S.W., was out by around 2:15 p.m., Foreman said.