NANCE BESTON

Ephrata water tower 20% full

EPHRATA – On Tuesday, the City of Ephrata began filling its new water tower after completing disinfection and pressure testing. As of Wednesday, the tower is 20% full, with mandated testing beginning. The tower, if results come back clean, will be filled the rest of the way and operational by Thanksgiving, according to Public Works Director Rob Harris.

Oliver voted in as Ephrata mayor-elect

EPHRATA — The initial Nov. 4 ballot count shows Steve Oliver winning the Ephrata Mayoral election with 630 votes, or nearly 55% of the vote. Incumbent Bruce Reim had 516 votes, or about 45% of the vote. The election will be certified on Nov. 20.

Minions, sharks and superheroes take over downtown Ephrata

EPHRATA – Every October, the charming town of Ephrata transforms into a whimsical wonderland, drawing in hundreds of families for the annual Trick or Treat event. The quaint downtown area, lined with vibrant autumn leaves, becomes a bustling hub of excitement as children dressed as superheroes, princesses, and various creatures roam the streets with wide-eyed wonder.

Othello Food Bank faces capacity challenges amid increased demand

OTHELLO – The Othello Food Bank, a cornerstone of food security in Adams County, continues to serve the community with dedication, despite facing capacity challenges. Executive Director Jose Garza emphasizes the importance of partnerships and community donations, as their capacity to store and distribute food is stretched thin. “The key to our success is the environment we’ve cultivated through partnerships with farmers, growers, and local agencies,” Garza said. “We’re well-connected throughout the state, which allows us to be productive. However, our biggest challenge isn’t the food itself; it’s having the space to put it.”

Groff Elementary renovations underway

MOSES LAKE – The ongoing renovation of Groff Elementary School is making significant strides, as the Moses Lake School District takes measures to rectify construction deficiencies within the building, according to Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon. The district has been actively removing elements that pose safety concerns, including the complete removal of the gym floor. In an official statement released on October 31, 2025, the district confirmed that the previous gym floor was fully removed due to necessary mitigation efforts.

GCSO to purchase new drug detection K-9

EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is currently in the process of purchasing a drug detection K-9 for use both inside the Grant County Jail and for deployment into the field. "The addition of a drug detection K-9 not only adds safety for inmates and jail employees but also helps improve the quality of professional service our corrections staff delivers to the community," said Phil Coats, Chief Deputy of Corrections in a statement from GCSO. "This enhancement will start at the existing jail and will move with us as we enter our new jail in 2026." The K-9 is being funded in part by settlement money received from Washington state lawsuits filed against three U.S. opioid-distribution companies for their role in the opioid epidemic. GCSO is investing nearly $28,000 to purchase the K-9, train it and its handler and provide opioid overdose-reversal kits.

General election ballots due today

MOSES LAKE – Today is the final day to vote in the 2025 General Election. Ballots are due by 8 p.m. today.

Moses Lake food bank in need of donations

MOSES LAKE – The Community Services of Moses Lake is gearing up for the next holiday season while also preparing for uncertainty at the federal level.

Gas prices down slightly in Grant, but up in Adams

MOSES LAKE – Gas prices have dropped for the second week in a row in Washington, Grant County and nationally. However, Adams County saw a slight increase in fuel prices.

Halloween Spirit at the Monroe House

Halloween Spirit at the Monroe House

Soap Lake council makes allegations against mayor

SOAP LAKE — On Oct. 15, at the regular council meeting, several Soap Lake City Council members made allegations against Mayor Peter Sharp of unlawful recording in city buildings, including the Soap Lake Police Station, Soap Lake City Hall and the Soap Lake Tourism Center, sending an inappropriate email to city staff and misuse of city credit cards.

Ephrata’s Employee of the Year: Will Koziol receives Pillars of Excellence Award

EPHRATA — Will Koziol, a member of the City of Ephrata’s Public Works Department, has been honored with the prestigious Pillars of Excellence award, recognizing him as Employee of the Year. With three years of service to the city, Koziol has made significant contributions to the community and earned the respect of his peers for his work ethic, leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to public service, according to his supervisor Stephen Grout.

Warden City Council reviews preliminary 2026 budget

WARDEN — The Warden City Council held its preliminary budget review Tuesday night. The presentation was strictly informational with action to be taken by council at upcoming meetings. The city must pass its budget by the end of the 2025 fiscal year.

Ephrata SD moves forward on $75M bond election

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District Facility Study Group proposed a $75 million bond to the Ephrata School Board Monday night. The board unanimously approved Superintendent Ken Murray to move forward with a bond resolution for the board to vote on. If passed by the board, the bond will appear on the Feb. 2026 ballot.

Ephrata Food Bank faces growing needs amid uncertainty

EPHRATA – As local food banks brace for potential increases in demand, Phyllis Fuglie, Director of the Ephrata Food Bank, is reaching out to the community for assistance. Fuglie outlined the pressing needs of the food bank as it strives to serve families amid changing federal support for low-income households.

Conflict arises over Purple Sage Meadows Development

SOAP LAKE — A dispute is unfolding between North Pacific Investments, Inc. and the City of Soap Lake over the proposed Purple Sage Meadows housing development, a project supporters say would deliver 232 affordable homes over the next five years and contribute to the town’s economy.

MLSD hosting bullying town hall today

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is inviting community members to participate in a town hall meeting focused on addressing bullying and its prevention on Oct. 29. The event will take place at the Learning Services Center and is designed to foster open dialogue between district leadership and the community regarding harassment, intimidation and bullying.

COLUMN: Experiencing dementia: my simulated journey to better understanding

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a unique and thought-provoking simulation designed to help participants experience the challenges faced by individuals living with dementia at the Monroe House in Moses Lake.

Fire season officially ends in Washington

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fire season has officially come to a close as of Monday, according to Department of Natural Resources Communications Manager Ryan Rodruck.

Fuel costs slightly down from last week

MOSES LAKE – Washington state, Grant County and Adams County all saw decreases in average prices for regular fuel this week. However, the national average for fuel saw a slight increase, according to AAA.

Geothermal, academic complex building in progress at CWU

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University is enhancing its campus infrastructure with the construction of the new North Academic Complex. Spanning 108,000 square feet, this building is expected to serve as a hub for social sciences, housing general classrooms, an auditorium and dedicated spaces for the Law and Justice program, slated for completion in fall 2026.

Ephrata School Board to consider potential bond Monday

EPHRATA – At the regular school board meeting Monday, the board will receive a presentation from the Facility Study Group for the board to consider placing a $75 million bond on the Feb. 2026 ballot.

MLEA meeting addresses MLSD General Fund

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Education Association invited Washington Education Association Finance and Compensation Analyst Courtney Ramirez to explain the Moses Lake School District budget.

Ephrata PD returning to new blotter system

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Police Department is unable to export a police blotter, according to EPD Records Manager Elizabeth Judkins.

Soap Lake reviews preliminary budget

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council held a budget workshop Saturday to go over the preliminary 2026 budget. No action was taken on the budget. Soap Lake Finance Director Jeff Balentine discussed each of the funds and what he has planned so far.

Ephrata Mayoral Candidate Steve Oliver

EPHRATA – As the residents in Ephrata begin to submit their votes for the Ephrata mayoral election, Steve Oliver, a long-time local business owner and community advocate, said he is poised to bring change to the city he has called home for 25 years.

Ephrata Mayoral Candidate Bruce Reim

EPHRATA – As residents in Ephrata begin to fill out ballots, incumbent Bruce Reim is eager to share what he has learned during his campaign and outline his vision for the city’s future.

A journey of resilience

Rebecca Moore recounts her path from breast cancer diagnosis to remission

MOSES LAKE – In the heart of Moses Lake, Washington, Rebecca Moore faces life anew after a challenging battle with breast cancer. With unwavering strength, she recounts her journey, emphasizing the importance of hope, community, and self-discovery amid adversity. Rebecca’s diagnosis came unexpectedly on August 1, 2023, just months after losing her father.

Community urged to take precautions against package thefts

OTHELLO – With the holiday season fast approaching, the Othello Police Department is increasing awareness about package thefts that have recently plagued the community. In a bid to prevent residents from becoming victims of these crimes, Police Chief Dave Rehaume said residents should be mindful and cautious when having packages delivered.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.