NANCE BESTON

Ephrata School District earns clean audit for 2024-25 fiscal year

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District received audit reports with no findings for the 2024–25 fiscal year from the Washington State Auditor’s Office, according to the auditor's office.

Vantage Road SW to remain closed indefinitely

QUINCY — Vantage Road SW is closed indefinitely west of Silica Road SW to both motorists and pedestrians, according to Grant County Public Works.

Quincy man pleads guilty in $70,000 fraud case

QUINCY — A Quincy man has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $70,000 from an elderly woman he was hired to help with yard work, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Moses Lake FFA students bring blooms downtown with student-grown flowers

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake FFA students filled more than 130 downtown flowerpots Tuesday, continuing a two‑decade partnership that brings student‑grown color to the city’s core.

Fuel prices slightly elevated this week

MOSES LAKE — After weeks of steady increases, fuel prices across Washington and the nation largely held steady this week. Locally, however, drivers in Grant and Adams counties continue to feel the slow climb, with prices ticking up for the second week in a row. According to AAA, fuel prices in both counties rose slightly — by five to six cents — continuing a gradual upward trend. “The national average price of gasoline spent much of last week drifting lower after jumping early in the week, as oil prices softened on hopes that diplomatic progress between the U.S. and Iran could help ease supply concerns,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

Quincy man arrested for 2025 murder

QUINCY — Lorenzo Longoria, 41, of Quincy has been booked into Grant County Jail for murder in the second degree regarding a case that began in May 2025.

Built on trust

All American Plumbing Services delivers quality work across the Basin

MOSES LAKE — From emergency repairs to full home repiping, All American Plumbing Services LLC has quietly built a reputation across the Columbia Basin for doing things one way: the right way, owner Steve McUne said. McUne, who is approaching nine years in business this September, says that commitment to quality and honesty has been at the core of his work since day one. “I will only do quality work. I will not do sloppy work,” McUne said. “It doesn’t matter what you do – show pride in your work. I’m proud of the work that I do.”

Soap Lake looking to seat salary commission

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake is seeking residents to serve on its newly reactivated Salary Commission, a citizen-led body responsible for reviewing and setting salaries for the city’s elected officials. The city is encouraging registered voters who live within city limits and are not related to or employed by city officials to apply. The commission, once seated, will evaluate compensation for the mayor and city council, compare Soap Lake’s pay structure with similar cities, and adopt salary schedules in accordance with state law.

Community encouraged to spot warning signs at gang awareness presentation

MOSES LAKE — Preventing youth violence and gang involvement requires a coordinated effort between families, schools and law enforcement, said Hunter McLeod, threat assessment coordinator with the North Central Education Service District. “This should be a group effort,” said McLeod. “We want to provide families and community members with tools – strategies they can use at home – even if gang activity isn’t directly impacting their household.” McLeod and Ray Lopez, school resource officer with the Moses Lake Police Department, led a gang awareness presentation at Vanguard Academy last week, aimed at helping families better recognize risk factors and prevent youth involvement in gangs.

MLSD hiring 7 elementary assistant principals, financially unrelated to classroom staffing

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District is moving to add assistant principals at seven of its largest elementary schools, a step district leaders say is driven by rising student support needs and longstanding requests from staff — not by cuts to classroom teachers. The district has posted assistant principal openings at Sage Point, Garden Heights, Lakeview Terrace, Longview, Peninsula, Groff, and Park Orchard elementaries, all of which will have enrollments ranging from roughly 316 to 449 students in the 2025–26 school year, according to district data.

Common Grounds: Coffee with district leadership set for Friday

MOSES LAKE — Superintendent Carol Lewis says the district’s new community coffee series is designed to make space for candid conversations about school priorities and levy commitments. “Sometimes there’s a lot of information out there and not always enough opportunity for people to ask questions and have face‑to‑face conversations,” Lewis said. “This event gives us a chance to have honest conversations about the commitments we made through the levy, where we are with that work, and what planning for the 2026–27 school year looks like.” The first Common Grounds – Coffee with District Leadership gathering will be held Friday, May 15, at 7:30 a.m. at Vanguard Academy, 740 E. Yonezawa Blvd.

‘Gather, laugh and be together’

EMS courtyard dedicated to Travis Eloff’s legacy of inclusion

EPHRATA — A space originally created to bring students together through inclusive play and learning now carries a deeper meaning at Ephrata Middle School. On May 8, the Ephrata School District formally dedicated the school’s inclusive courtyard playground to Travis Eloff, a teacher and special education director who served the district for 31 years. Eloff passed away in 2024. Family members, colleagues and community members gathered to honor Eloff’s legacy and the impact he made on generations of students. District officials said his work was grounded in a belief that inclusion is more than a location.

Warden City Council passes parking regulation ordinance

WARDEN — After several meetings of discussion, the Warden City Council unanimously approved a new parking regulation ordinance Tuesday night during its regularly scheduled meeting. Council members said the new rules come after ongoing complaints from residents about vehicles being left parked for days or even weeks at a time, taking up limited spaces in front of businesses and the Warden Public Library. “I think it is long overdue,” Council Member Agapito “Speedy” Gonzalez said. “We have had habitual people parking and staying. We need to address that.” The ordinance goes into effect May 17.

Ephrata schools offer free summer meals to any kid in need

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District will again offer free summer meals to all children 18 and younger — including those who do not attend Ephrata schools – through a mix of on‑site service and grab‑and‑go meal boxes funded entirely by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program. The district will operate three open sites beginning June 15: on-site meals at Columbia Ridge Elementary and Ephrata High School, and a non‑congregate, drive‑thru pickup at Ephrata Middle School. All meals are free regardless of family income. Food Service Director Alain Black said the district’s goal is simple: make sure children across the region have consistent access to nutritious food when school is out.

Agencies acknowledge communication failures during Mattawa wildfire

MATTAWA — A fast‑moving wildfire that burned nearly 3,100 acres near state Route 24 on Sunday night prompted a four‑hour highway closure – but no public alerts from either the Washington State Patrol or the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, despite both agencies’ long‑standing practices of issuing emergency notifications. Both agencies now say internal communication breakdowns prevented timely alerts from reaching the public, leaving residents without the Nixle messages, Facebook posts or X updates they typically rely on during major incidents.

Sky dancers

Meet Washington’s endangered sandhill cranes

With long wings stretched wide, sandhill cranes fly together across the sky, calling to one another like trumpets. These tall, graceful birds love wetlands and open spaces – and every sighting is special, because sandhill cranes are endangered in Washington. Can you spot your favorite crane facts and words in the graphic and word search below?

4-acre blaze mostly contained in rural Ephrata

EPHRATA — Three fire agencies were called to a wildfire in the 13000 block of Road A.5 Northwest in Rural Ephrata at around 11 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

‘I don’t plan on going back’

Abel Valdez becomes Community Court’s 18th graduate

MOSES LAKE — Abel Valdez didn’t walk into Community Court expecting a fresh start.

‘This is one way we come together for our kids’

MLSD to host gang town hall tonight at Vanguard Academy

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District is convening a broad coalition of educators, law enforcement officers and regional safety specialists tonight for a gang awareness and prevention town hall, an event district leaders say is aimed at equipping families with practical tools to recognize early warning signs and keep youth connected to positive supports.

‘The right push’

Silva becomes Community Court’s 17th graduate, finds a new path forward

MOSES LAKE — When Jonathan David Silva walked into Community Court months ago, he didn’t expect transformation. He expected to “jump through the hoops,” as he put it. Instead, he walked out last week as the program’s 17th graduate – sober, grounded and surrounded by a team he now calls “a second family.” “I was never really fully sober my whole life,” Silva said during an interview. “Community Court honestly gave me a different perspective… it geared me in a direction of what I should have been doing the whole time as an adult.”

Two Mavericks sign to play college soccer

MOSES LAKE — Two longtime Moses Lake Mavericks are taking their game to the next level. Seniors Dalton Freidig and Enrique Landeros Cervantes have officially committed to continue their soccer careers in college, a point of pride for both the players and the program that raised them.

Ephrata council considers park and transportation fees for new developments

EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council continued discussions Wednesday on whether to adopt new park and transportation impact fees that would apply to future development, a move city officials say could help offset the cost of growth without raising taxes.

WSP Bomb Squad called to suspicious package, discovered to be battery

MOSES LAKE — Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad was called to a suspicious package in the 1700 block of Road K-Southeast in rural Moses Lake at 11 a.m. Saturday, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Detective warns Ephrata parents of rising online threats to local youth

EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff’s Office Detective Katrina Ball didn’t mince words Wednesday night as she described the growing dangers facing children online, telling Ephrata School District parents that sextortion, online enticement and extremist recruitment are no longer distant threats.

Soap Lake council addresses attorney services, city administration, other matters

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council addressed a wide range of operational and policy matters during its Wednesday night meeting, including city attorney services, the hiring of a city administrator, changes to how delinquent utility accounts are handled, the purchase of major public works equipment and approval of several community events.

Soap Lake City Council establishes performance-based pay for mayor

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt a new performance-based salary range for Mayor Peter Sharp, setting his monthly compensation anywhere between $0 and $600 depending on whether he meets seven specific job requirements.

Ephrata Middle Schoolers get front-row seat to local democracy

EPHRATA — On Wednesday nights at Ephrata City Hall, it’s not unusual to see a row of eighth-graders quietly filing into the council chambers, agendas in hand. They’re not there for extra credit alone – though that certainly helps. They are there because their teachers want them to see democracy up close, long before they’re old enough to vote. Ephrata Middle School history teachers Katie Johnson and Lindsy Roberts revived the tradition after experiencing it themselves as students.

Potato truck crash closes part of Dodson Road

ROYAL CITY — A potato truck crash was reported to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office at around 8 a.m. Wednesday morning on Dodson Road South. The southbound lane of Dodson Road between Road 10SW and Road 11SW reopened about 3 p.m. Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said there were no injuries. “The driver contacted the guard rail and rolled the truck over onto its side, so it lost some potatoes, but the driver is okay,” Foreman said. The GCSO was assisted by the Washington State Patrol, he said earlier Wednesday.

‘Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility’

National Wildfire Awareness Month reminds residents to practice preparedness, prevention

SOAP LAKE — A weekend structure fire in Soap Lake is offering an early warning for what fire officials say could become a severe wildfire season across central Washington, as May marks National Wildfire Awareness Month and agencies urge residents to take prevention seriously.

Ephrata youth violence town hall today

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District is inviting parents and guardians to a youth safety town hall tonight to address fast‑changing risks facing local students, including online exploitation and gang involvement. The Youth Violence Prevention Town Hall is set for May 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center. The adults‑only event is free and will be livestreamed on the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Child care will be provided. District Communications Director Sarah Morford said the meeting expands on last year’s gang awareness event. “This town hall is focused on preventing youth violence and specifically sextortion, online safety and gang awareness,” she said.

Adams County election filing open until Friday

RITZVILLE — Adams County opened its 2026 candidate filing period Monday, giving residents five days to declare their campaigns for a wide slate of federal, state and county offices.

Central Washington Wine Production Group facility fire contained

MATTAWA — A commercial structure fire was reported at around 2:30 p.m. in the 22000 block of State Route 243. Grant County Fire District 8 responded to the call within a matter of minutes and saw smoke pouring out all four sides of the building, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. GCFD 8 called for mutual aid with Grant County Fire District 3, Royal Slope Fire and EMS and Hanford Fire Department responding to the call.

Candidate filing open in Grant County

EPHRATA — Candidate filing week is underway in Grant County, opening a five-day window for residents to officially declare their candidacy for local offices on the 2026 ballot — including several high‑profile races that will be wide open. Online and in‑person filing began Monday at 8 a.m. and will close sharply at 5 p.m. Friday, according to the Grant County Elections Division. Candidates may also file by mail, though mailed declarations could not be accepted before April 20.

7 Columbia Basin schools recognized for excellence by OSPI

OLYMPIA — Seven Columbia Basin schools have been recognized by the Washington State Board of Education and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for outstanding progress in student growth and closing achievement gaps during the 2024-25 school year. The honors are part of the Washington School Recognition Program, which this year identified 379 schools statewide, about 16% of all public schools, for exceptional performance in one or more categories: Growth, Closing Gaps or Achievement.

Washington reaches record-high fuel prices

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices in Washington hit a record high Monday at an average of $5.67. The previous record was set in 2022 at $5.56, according to AAA. Patrick De Haan, head petroleum analyst at GasBuddy, said there were sharp increases across the nation this week for both gasoline and diesel. He cited refinery outages and ongoing conflict in the Middle East as potential causes. “With so many moving pieces, the outlook remains highly fluid, and while some localized relief may emerge, broader price volatility is likely to persist in the near term,” De Haan said in a statement.

With hearts, hard work and hugs: Ephrata’s Rodriguez prepares to celebrate graduation

EPHRATA — When Bertha Rodriguez talks about graduation, the excitement bubbles over quickly. There’s a party planned, favorite foods on the menu, family in the stands – and, of course, a dress waiting to be worn.

Therapy dog program becomes a student‑led legacy at Vanguard Academy

MOSES LAKE — What began as a freshman’s idea to bring comfort animals into Vanguard Academy has grown into a multiyear therapy dog program and a defining high school experience for senior Daniel Heeney.

Concerns about cost, timing, trust raised during Ephrata post-bond survey

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District leaders say the results of a new community and staff survey make clear that the next school bond — whenever it comes — must look very different from the proposal voters rejected in February.

Soap Lake Library teaches young gardeners how to help native bees thrive

SOAP LAKE — Families visited the Soap Lake Library this week for an Earth Day program that turned tin cans, bamboo stems and paper tubes into “bee hotels” — small, handmade shelters designed to support the region’s solitary native bees.

‘Show up’

Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust

WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.

Kids, kites and color

Quincy’s first Kids & Kites Festival takes flight

QUINCY — Quincy’s first annual Kids & Kites Festival arrived on a gust of spring wind Saturday, turning Lauzier Park into a sky‑high kaleidoscope of color, motion and pure kid joy. With every breeze that swept across the grass, dragons, butterflies and bright geometric kites leapt upward. Children chased after them in zigzags, laughing as they tried to catch the wind. When the kites dipped too low and skidded into the grass, parents swooped in like pit crews – untangling string, adjusting plastic frames and sending their young pilots back into the fray. Arches of kites lined the park, swaying with the music drifting from Pear Radio’s speakers. DJ Rafael Aguilar kept the soundtrack lively, blending English-language hits with upbeat Hispanic tracks that matched the festival’s energy.

Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations

WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”

Ephrata aims to prevent youth violence with local education

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District is inviting parents and guardians to a community town hall next week aimed at addressing fast‑changing risks facing local youth – from online exploitation to gang involvement – and giving adults practical tools to recognize warning signs. The Youth Violence Prevention Town Hall is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center. The event is free, open to adults only and will be livestreamed by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Childcare will be available on-site.

Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.

Workshop aims to bridge gap between kids’ digital lives and parents’ awareness

QUINCY — Quincy School District and local youth prevention partners will host a free workshop Wednesday night aimed at helping parents navigate the fast‑changing digital world their children use every day.

Kratom ban enacted in Othello

City cites youth safety, FDA warnings in unanimous vote

OTHELLO — The Othello City Council voted unanimously Monday to ban the sale, advertisement and distribution of kratom and 7‑hydroxymitragynine products, making the community one of the first in the Columbia Basin to enact a full prohibition. The ordinance takes effect on Friday. The decision followed weeks of discussion, research by city staff and testimony from residents and advocates. The discussion began at the April 13 council meeting with Police Chief Aaron Garza letting council know the products are being sold locally in gummies, teas and shots without age restrictions. Mayor Ken Johnson said the issue first came to his attention when he learned an Othello resident had unknowingly consumed kratom and experienced serious effects.

Measles response in Grant County ends, officials urge continued vigilance

EPHRATA — Grant County Health District has officially closed its measles response after no additional infections were linked to the two confirmed cases reported in March, the agency announced Monday.

Groff construction progresses across building

MOSES LAKE — Crews continue to work through a long list of structural and safety issues at Groff Elementary. District officials say the project remains on schedule for a fall 2026 reopening. “We are on schedule to open Groff Elementary for the 2026-27 school year,” Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon said. Shannon said exterior insulation work is underway to improve the building’s long-term performance. New insulation is being added to sections of the exterior wall, which will later be finished with metal siding.

Non-injury sheep collision Sunday morning

MOSES LAKE — One driver collided with a flock of around 50 sheep in the 700 block of Road 4 Northeast, near Mae Valley, at around 3 a.m. Sunday.

Gas prices climb across WA through April

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices across Washington continued their upward trajectory throughout April, mirroring national volatility, driven by shifting crude oil markets and renewed geopolitical tensions. According to AAA data, the Washington state average rose from $5.39 on April 6 to $5.48 on April 27, an increase of 1.7% or 9 cents over the month. Nationally, prices fluctuated but ended slightly higher, moving from $4.12 on April 6 to $4.11 on April 27, essentially flat with a 0.2% decrease. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said the market remains highly reactive to global developments. “Average gasoline prices rose in 39 states over the last week… However, that divergence may prove short-lived. Oil prices have been climbing again as markets react to renewed geopolitical tensions and the cancellation of talks between the U.S. and Iran,” De Haan said.