NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Grant Fairgrounds suspends riding activities amid EHV-1 outbreak
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fairgrounds has announced a suspension of all private riding and open riding activities until at least December 16, as a precautionary measure against the ongoing outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 that was initially reported in Waco, Texas.
Grant County Fairgrounds: a legacy of community and celebration
MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Fairgrounds, a cherished community hub, has stood as a testament to local traditions and agricultural heritage since its establishment in 1949, according to Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan. To commemorate its enduring significance, the fairgrounds recently released a collection of vintage photographs that chronicle its rich history. The first Grant County Fair was held Sept. 27-28, 1911, in Wilson Creek. There is not a lot of information available on this original event, but it included three parades. After that, Ephrata hosted the 1912 and 1913 fairs, according to previous reporting done by the Columbia Basin Herald.
Purple Sage Meadows developer considering suit against Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — A dispute between North Pacific Investments and the city of Soap Lake has intensified following NPI’s recent decision to file a formal legal appeal against the city's administration. The developer says Mayor Peter Sharp's denial of the Purple Sage Meadows' affordable housing project—a $66 million initiative intended to provide 232 affordable homes—represents an unjustified obstruction of the planned development.
$75M Ephrata schools bond to go on February ballot
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School Board unanimously approved to move forward on the $75 million bond proposition on the February 2026 ballot to replace Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate schools along with partially renovating Ephrata High School.
Grant County Election results
EPHRATA — The Grant County Election results were certified Tuesday with around 16,000 voters having filed ballots.
MLSD passes resolution due to potential teacher strike
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District Board of Directors passed a resolution on Thursday in response to an possible strike by teachers represented by the Moses Lake Education Association. MLEA members voted to authorize a strike if a labor agreement is not met by Friday, Nov. 28.
WA average fuel prices drop for tenth week in a row
MOSES LAKE – For the tenth week in a row, Washington’s average fuel price has decreased. As of ten weeks ago, on Sept. 15, average fuel prices were sitting at $4.66. As of Nov. 24, prices are sitting at $4.18, a nearly 48-cent difference.
Sweet boy looking for cozy home
MOSES LAKE – Papa Roach, around three years old, is one of the newest residents at Grant County Animal Outreach. He attended the GCAO groundbreaking last week and disliked it when Megan Baum set him down during the ceremony. Baum said he loves attention; to be held and he has her “wrapped around her finger.” If this sweet pup seems like a perfect fit for your family visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and fill out his application. If you can’t adopt right now but would like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”
Blasting caps neutralized in Ephrata
Authorities remind public to take extra caution around dangerous materials
EPHRATA — Early afternoon Thursday, Ephrata Police Department was called for suspected blasting caps found in the northwest section of town at a construction storage yard. “They were found in a steel container. When they opened the container, they recognized that they were explosive devices. They immediately called MACC dispatch and the Ephrata Police Department responded,” Captain Troy Froewiss said.
Carson steps down as Soap Lake Chamber VP
SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce Vice President Susan Carson made a statement at the recent regular council meeting that she will be stepping down from her role and the chamber as a whole, at the end of 2025. She also let the community know Abate of Grant County will not host any further events in the Soap Lake community.
WA Department of Health reaffirms vaccine safety, addresses autism claims
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health made a statement Friday that vaccines are an essential tool for protecting people’s health. It also stated that it is joining health agencies and associations across the country, such as the Autism Science Foundation, in confirming that there is no credible scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism.
Soap Lake Creative District creating tile mural
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Creative District is inviting residents and visitors alike to participate in a unique community art project—the Tile Mural Project. Designed to engage the local community in a creative pursuit while beautifying the town, this initiative encourages participants to paint tiles that will be displayed as a large mural on the James Building.
City of Ephrata, port enter interlocal agreement for economic grant
EPHRATA — In a move towards driving economic revitalization, the City of Ephrata has entered into an Interlocal Agreement with the Grant County Port District No. 9. The agreement aims to facilitate a joint application for a grant from the Community Economic Revitalization Board, providing an opportunity for the City and Port to collaboratively develop a comprehensive economic development plan.
Soap Lake applying for $40,000 ARTS grant
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding between the Soap Lake Creative District and the city to move forward on a $40,000 ARTS Washington grant application for new wayfinding signage. The council also approved for city officials to move forward on finalizing a budget for the project before the grant application was due Thursday.
Telehandler accident near Royal City sends 1 to hospital
ROYAL CITY — One subject was injured when the telehandler he was driving lost its brakes and crashed at a moderate speed into an apple orchard in rural Royal City, according to a statement made by Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
GCSO recovers $20K tool for GCFD 5
MOSES LAKE — In August, Grant County Fire District 5’s fire station on Mae Valley Road was burglarized, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.
WDFW stocks 65,000 jumbo rainbow trout for Black Friday fishing
OLYMPIA — In a bid to encourage outdoor activity this Thanksgiving weekend, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is set to stock nearly 65,000 jumbo rainbow trout across 25 lakes statewide. The initiative offers anglers the chance to participate in the annual Black Friday fishing event, with fish weighing up to three pounds and measuring up to 17 inches each.
Public School Employees of Moses Lake hold back on strike issue
MOSES LAKE — On Tuesday, the Public School Employees of Moses Lake held a membership meeting to vote on whether classified staff would or would not support the Moses Lake Educators Association if they choose to strike. PSE decided it will not be taking a formal stance of support if a teacher strike is officially called.
Soap Lake entrepreneurs ready for Small Business Saturday
SOAP LAKE —This holiday season, the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce invites community members to support their local businesses by participating in Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, a nationwide initiative aimed at bolstering small enterprises after the busy Black Friday shopping sprees. This year marks the sixth year that Soap Lake has embraced this event, which encourages residents to shop small and discover unique, locally curated gifts.
New Ephrata tower full, final testing underway
EPHRATA — The long-awaited completion of Ephrata's new water tower is in its final stages, as city officials report that the structure is expected to significantly enhance water pressure and volume throughout the community. Public Works Director Rob Harris confirmed that the new reservoir, which can hold approximately 3.8 million gallons of water, has been fully filled and final tests underway, with hopes of becoming fully operational by the end of the month.
GCSO unveils 2025-27 strategic plan
EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has launched a strategic plan for 2025-2027, focusing on employee engagement, community outreach, maintaining accreditation and transitioning operations to a new jail complex. Sheriff Joey Kriete outlined priorities during a Tuesday interview, emphasizing the importance of enhancing public safety and operational effectiveness.
WA resident first to test positive for new type of bird flu
GRAYS HARBOR — The Washington Department of Health confirmed that one Grays Harbor resident has tested positive for H5, a type of avian influenza. Further testing shows the virus to be H5N5, a type of avian influenza that has previously been reported in animals but never before in humans, according to DOH.
Warden resident arrested Sunday for alleged assault, rape
WARDEN – On Sunday morning, the Warden Police Department was notified of a female being treated for injuries at the hospital in Othello. The female reported that the injuries occurred when she was assaulted physically and sexually by a prior domestic partner at their residence in Warden.
Lutacaga Elementary fifth graders graduate from D.A.R.E. program
OTHELLO —The Othello Police Department celebrated the graduation of fifth graders from Lutacaga Elementary School Monday, marking a significant milestone in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. The graduation highlighted the diligence and leadership shown by students throughout the ten-week program, according to OPD Chief Dave Rehaume.
Othello man convicted of odometer tampering
OTHELLO — U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano announced Monday, that Reynaldo Garza, a 53-year-old resident of Othello, Washington, was convicted on October 1, 2025, by a federal jury in Spokane on five felony counts of odometer tampering. The conviction culminated from an investigation led by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, which revealed Garza's scheme to deceive unsuspecting buyers by altering the odometers of high mileage used cars.
Paws on the ground
Grant County Animal Outreach breaks ground on new shelter
MOSES LAKE – Cars lined Randolph Road Northeast as a crowd of people and pups gathered Monday afternoon for a milestone in local animal welfare. Grant County Animal Outreach officially broke ground on its new shelter facility located on Randolph Road Northeast just a short distance from the shelter’s current location.
Gas prices remain steady in Grant Co, nationally
MOSES LAKE – On Nov. 17, gas prices saw a slight decrease in Washington. However, prices remained the same as the previous week in both Grant County and nationally. Adams County had a slight increase this week.
One shot in Cascade Valley, suspect not in custody yet
MOSES LAKE – One person was taken to Samaritan Hospital after suffering a gunshot wound in an incident in the 7900 block of Dick Road in Cascade Valley Sunday evening. The suspect is not in custody as of 12 p.m. Monday, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. However, detectives are still investigating.
MLSD, union negotiations continue amid potential work stoppage
MOSES LAKE — Tensions are escalating between the Moses Lake School District and the Moses Lake Education Association as contract negotiations remain unresolved, leading to the possibility of a work stoppage by teachers and other staff. MLEA recently voted to authorize a strike should a labor agreement not be reached by November 28, 2025.
MLPD conducts targeted enforcement at Civic Center Park
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department Street Crimes Unit and Major Crimes Unit conducted a targeted enforcement operation at Civic Center Park in response to the ongoing municipal code and criminal violations. During the operation, according to MLPD, detectives made contact with 12 individuals. Of that, five arrests were made.
Grant County Animal Outreach to break ground on new shelter
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Animal Outreach will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new shelter facility at 2 p.m. Monday on Randolph Road Northeast, marking a milestone in the organization’s mission to provide improved care for animals in the community. With a projected cost of $2.5 million, the new facility is set to address the growing needs of the area’s sheltered pets, especially following the surge in animal intake during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This shelter will serve all of Grant County, not just Moses Lake, with the exception of Quincy, which has its own shelter,” stated Moses Lake City Administrator Rob Karlinsey. He emphasized the immediate necessity for the project, noting, “The current shelter has outlived its useful life, is in a state of disrepair, and is operating at more than double its capacity.”
Moses Lake food drive going well
MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake’s food drive has gone well so far, according to Moses Lake Museum & Art Center Superintendent Dollie Boyd. The food drive, spearheaded by the museum, has received assistance from the Larson Recreation Center and Grant County Fire District 5 Station No. 1. “People’s (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are starting to come in,” Boyd said. “I know there was a lot of stress about that, but the holidays are still coming around, and we just wanted to do what we could to help out.” Around 250,000 Washington residents should have received their full SNAP benefits for November as of Nov. 7, according to a statement from Gov. Bob Ferguson.
Mice test positive for bird flu in Grant County
MOSES LAKE — Six mice in Grant County have recently tested positive for avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, according to a statement from the Grant County Health District. “It’s not brand new that we are finding bird flu in mice or other mammals. There have been reports of rodents testing positive for bird flu throughout the United States. It can be found in other mammals, not just birds,” GCHD Public Information Officer Lexi Smith said.
State Route 28 closed for next handful of hours near Winchester
QUINCY – State Route 28 is closed at Winchester due to a fatal collision as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday. The Washington State Patrol is asking travelers to seek alternate routes. “The collision just happened within the last twenty minutes,” WSP Public Information Officer Jeremy Weber said. “I would assume the road would be closed for the next three to four hours. I cannot say for sure because when we have a fatal collision it needs to be investigated very thoroughly. It takes several hours to measure everything, fly drones, and complete the investigation." Weber said a detour will be set up soon by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Train theft attempted in Warden
WARDEN – On Wednesday night, Bunge, a food producer located in the 1800 block of West First Street, was nearly a victim of train theft, according to Warden Police Department Chief Jeff Gann.
Ephrata's annual leaf pick-up set for next week
EPHRATA – Next week, starting Nov. 17, Ephrata residents can have leaves picked up right off the curb of their house.
Grant Co. CHI to host transportation access event
EPHRATA — The Grant County Coalition for Health Improvement is set to host an event, “Paving the Way: Community Solutions for Transportation Access,” on November 18. This initiative is part of the CHI series, aimed at addressing pressing community issues through public engagement and collaborative efforts.
Ephrata schools bolster local food bank efforts
EPHRATA — In a demonstration of community spirit, the Ephrata School District successfully gathered nearly 750 pounds of food for the Ephrata Food Bank during their recent food drive, coinciding with conference week. The initiative, which engaged students, staff, and families alike, is part of the district's ongoing commitment to support local charitable efforts.
MLSD, union agree to enter mediation
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District has requested mediation to advance ongoing contract negotiations with the Moses Lake Education Association, the union representing non-administrative certificated staff. The MLEA has agreed to partake in the mediation process, which is facilitated by a neutral mediator from the Public Employment Relations Commission.
Court ruling releases SNAP benefits for Washingtonians
OLYMPIA – Following a federal court ruling requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, hundreds of thousands of Washington residents are receiving their overdue food assistance benefits for November. This development comes after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to cease withholding food benefits for low-income Americans.
Counting down the days until Ephrata Cabaret
EPHRATA — As the curtain rises for yet another season of the highly anticipated “Cabaret,” the Ephrata High School community is buzzing with excitement. This year, under the direction of long-time music educator Tim O'Donnell, approximately 90 students have come together to create a unique performance that promises to entertain audiences of all ages.
WA leaders express support for veterans
MOSES LAKE — In communities across Washington State, veterans are receiving heartfelt recognition for their service today. This day is not only an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices of our nation’s servicemen and women but also a time to reaffirm our commitment to supporting them in their transition to civilian life, Washington officials say.
Gas prices decline statewide, locally
MOSES LAKE — The average fuel prices have dropped in Grant and Adams counties and statewide in Washington. However, the national average price saw a slight increase this week.
MLSD settles with Absher Construction on Vanguard project
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District has reached a conclusive settlement agreement with Absher Construction Company, effectively closing out all remaining contractual obligations related to the construction of Vanguard Academy. This resolution was officially accepted by the MLSD Board of Directors during their regular meeting on November 6, 2025.
Adopt this rare phenomenon
OTHELLO – Eclipse, named after the scientific phenomenon of the moon covering the sun, promises to bring light to even the darkest days. She is a small domestic short hair whose blue eyes could make anyone become a cat person. She is a sweet girl who loves cuddling and showing off her parkour skills. She is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and ready for adoption at Adams County Pet Rescue. Visit the website at AdamsCountyPetRescue.com and fill out her application. If you can’t adopt right now but you would still like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”
Soap Lake Creative District asks for new signage
SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Creative District asked the Soap Lake City Council to consider an Washington State Arts Commission grant application and matched fund assistance for new wayfinding signage throughout the district. The council unanimously decided to move forward by creating a memorandum of understanding and looking at matching dollars for the project.
Warden general election update
WARDEN – Most of the Warden races this year were unopposed, except Warden School board position number five between Shawn Clausen and Ryan Arredondo. As of the Nov. 5 ballot counts, Clausen is in the lead with 153 votes. Arredondo has 36 votes.
Ephrata general election update
EPHRATA – Ephrata voters had nine candidates and the Columbia Basin Hospital Bond to vote upon during the general election. Of those races, seven of them were candidates who ran unopposed.
Soap Lake general election update
SOAP LAKE – As of Wednesday at 5 p.m., both Soap Lake Council members Andrew Arnold and Kayleen Bryson have been re-elected by voters, both running unopposed. Rebecca Leavell is leading in the Soap Lake school board position five. The Soap Lake mayoral race is still too close to call. According to the Grant County Auditor, there are still around 4,600 ballots left to count. Around 10,000 ballots have been counted already.
Ephrata hospital bond fails with voters for second time
EPHRATA – Columbia Basin Hospital ran its $30 million bond proposition for a second time during the general election. The proposition as of 8 p.m. Nov. 4 ballot count has been rejected with about 1,100 votes, or nearly 56% of voters against it. Around 44%, or almost 830 people voted in favor of the bond. There are still around 900 ballots to count. The election will be certified Nov. 20.