NANCE BESTON

Auditor candidates discuss modernization, customer service

EPHRATA — Three Republicans are vying for the Grant County Auditor position: appointed incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley. To help voters evaluate the candidates, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. Homesley did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Man injured after being run over by Grant PUD truck near Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A 61-year-old man was injured Monday morning after being run over by a Grant County Public Utility District maintenance truck along a power line service road northwest of Moses Lake, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Washington gas prices fall from spring highs, remain above national average

MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices across Washington have eased significantly since reaching their highest levels of 2026 in late spring, though drivers in the Evergreen State continue to pay about a dollar more per gallon than the national average.

Commissioner candidates discuss what distinguishes themselves

EPHRATA — Four Republican candidates are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. To help voters compare their priorities and approaches to county government, each candidate was asked the same question and given the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond.

Grant County auditor candidates discuss experience, qualifications

EPHRATA — Three Republicans are seeking the office of Grant County Auditor: appointed incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley. To help voters compare the candidates, each was asked the same questions and given an equal opportunity to respond. Homesley did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Commissioner candidates discuss public safety, county services

EPHRATA — Four Republican candidates are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn.

Auditor candidates discuss election integrity, public confidence

EPHRATA — Three Republican candidates are running for the position of Grant County Auditor: incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley.

Auditor, Superior Court candidates outline experience, priorities at Moses Lake forum

MOSES LAKE — Candidates for Grant County auditor and Grant County Superior Court judge highlighted their experience, management philosophies and plans for improving public confidence in government during a candidate forum hosted by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Sheriff candidates outline what sets them apart ahead of primary

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to choose their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are making their case to the public ahead of the primary election. To give readers a clear comparison of the candidates, each was asked the same question and provided an equal opportunity to respond. In this installment, the candidates explain what sets them apart from their opponents and outline the changes or improvements they would like to make within the Grant County Sheriff’s Office if elected.

Railroad Fire destroys homes near Beverly, Schwana; Level 3 evacuations remain in place

BEVERLY — Firefighters from across Grant County and additional state and federal agencies continued battling the wind-driven Railroad Fire Thursday morning after the blaze destroyed multiple homes and forced Level 3 evacuations in Beverly, Schwana and portions of the Lower Crab Creek Road area. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The fire, which started around 11 p.m. Wednesday, rapidly spread through dry grass and sagebrush fueled by strong winds, prompting emergency officials to order residents to leave immediately, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office. GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said the fire moved quickly overnight, creating significant concerns for firefighters and emergency personnel attempting to evacuate residents.

Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to submit their primary ballots, three candidates are vying for the position as Grant County Sheriff including incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond.

Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting

EPHRATA — Four Republicans are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. To give voters a clear comparison of the candidates' positions and priorities, each was asked the same set of questions and provided the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond.

Grant County Commissioner candidates discuss growth, infrastructure

EPHRATA — Four candidates have applied for the position of Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the primary election: Shannon Durfee, Republican; Kelly Raap, Republican; Seth Weeks, Republican; and Janice Flynn, Republican. To help voters compare the candidates' views and priorities, each was sent the same set of questions and given the same deadline to respond. Three of the four candidates responded by the deadline given with no response from Weeks.

Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to select their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. This installment focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing law enforcement agencies: recruiting, retaining and supporting qualified staff within the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

Grant County Sheriff's Office candidates address public safety, crime reduction

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to choose their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete faces challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg in the primary election. To give readers a side-by-side look at each candidate's priorities and plans, all three were asked the same questions and given an equal opportunity to respond.

Sheriff candidates discuss state of Grant County Sheriff's Office

EPHRATA — Three candidates are vying for the position of Grant County Sheriff in the primary election: incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg. To help voters compare the candidates' views and priorities, each was sent the same set of questions and given the same deadline to respond. This question focuses on the current state of the sheriff's office and what each candidate believes could be improved.

13th district legislative candidates discuss priorities if elected

OLYMPIA — Three candidates are seeking election to State Representative Position 2 in Legislative District 13. To help voters compare their views, each candidate was asked the same set of questions. This question asks candidates to outline their top priorities if elected. Deanna Martinez and Don Myers submitted responses by the deadline. Joshua Thompson submitted his response one day late, citing a family medical emergency. His answers are included so voters can consider the positions of all three candidates.

Legislative candidates address transportation, economic development

OLYMPIA — Voters in Legislative District 13 will choose among three candidates for State Representative Position 2 in the upcoming election. To help readers compare where the candidates stand on key issues, each was asked the same questions and given the same deadline to respond.

Ephrata Police Dept. launches officer wellness program through state grant

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department is launching a new officer wellness program after the Ephrata City Council approved a state-funded grant and related contract aimed at providing mental health and behavioral health support for police personnel.

From Portland animal shelter to GCSO K-9 unit—meet Nova, a dog with a nose for drugs

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has added a new four-legged member to its team. Nova, a nearly 2-year-old German shepherd-terrier mix rescued from a Portland animal shelter, recently completed narcotics detection training and is now working alongside Deputy Seth Henkel as the agency’s newest K-9 team.

GCFD 7 seeks volunteers for voter pamphlet committees

Grant County Fire District 7 is seeking residents interested in serving on committees that will prepare arguments for and against the district's upcoming Emergency Medical Services levy proposition on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

13th district candidates address plans for agriculture, healthcare and housing

OLYMPIA — Voters in Legislative District 13 will have three candidates to consider for State Representative Position 2. To help readers compare their views on key issues, each candidate was sent the same set of questions and given the same deadline to respond. Republicans Deanna Martinez and Don Myers submitted responses by the deadline, while candidate Joshua Thompson did not respond. Because of the length of the answers received, the questionnaire will be presented in two installments.

Moses Lake Chamber encourages voters to attend July 21 candidate forum

MOSES LAKE — Voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking local, county state and federal offices during the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce's Candidate Forum on July 21 at Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center.

Man jumps from second-floor apartment, arrested on warrants

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested early Saturday morning after allegedly jumping from a second-floor apartment window and fleeing police during the investigation of a reported domestic dispute, according to Moses Lake Police Dept.

Gas prices tick upwards nationally, across Columbia Basin, while Wash. average edges down

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices have climbed again this week for most U.S. drivers, breaking an eight-week streak of declines, according to AAA data. The national average rose to $3.87 per gallon, up from $3.79 last week. Grant and Adams counties also saw increases, while Washington’s statewide average posted a slight drop in prices.

Deputies vote no confidence in sheriff’s administration; Kriete disputes concerns

MOSES LAKE — Members of the Grant County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriffs’ Association held a vote of no confidence in the current sheriff's office administration in June, though the results have not been publicly released. A no-confidence vote is a nonbinding expression of member sentiment and does not remove an elected official from office. Such votes are often used by employee organizations to signal concerns regarding leadership or management practices. Sheriff Joey Kriete, who is seeking re-election, confirmed a vote had taken place but said he had not been served with an official letter from the association and therefore could not confidently verify the results.

Driver arrested in Moses Lake hit-and-run

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police have arrested 19-year-old Noah McKinney of Moses Lake in connection with a July 3 shooting and pursuit investigation, according to a statement from the MLPD. According to the Grant County Jail Roster, McKinney was booked for second-degree unlawful firearm possession, aiming or discharging a firearm, drive-by shooting and reckless driving. According to MLPD, the incident began around 5 a.m. when officers responded to a reported hit-and-run collision. While investigating, officers heard multiple gunshots in the area and quickly located a suspect vehicle. The vehicle fled from police before crashing a short time later.

Moses Lake council to consider kratom restrictions

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members are expected to discuss potential regulations on kratom products during their July 14 meeting, including options ranging from a complete ban on sales and distribution to age restrictions prohibiting sales to anyone under 21.

MLSD reaches $1.85 million settlement with architect in Groff Elementary litigation

Litigation continues with construction company, other defendants

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District will receive $1.85 million as part of a settlement agreement with Design West Architects related to the construction of Groff Elementary School, according to district officials. The agreement was unanimously approved by the Moses Lake School Board during its July 9 meeting.

4th Congressional District candidates discuss healthcare, cost of living

MOSES LAKE — Eleven candidates are seeking to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District and were invited to answer a series of questions on issues affecting residents across Central Washington. Candidates were asked the following question: "Residents face rising healthcare and living costs. What federal actions would you prioritize to make healthcare more accessible and reduce financial pressure on families in the 4th District?"

Moses Lake detective Salazar honored as DOJ's 2026 Hometown Hero

Award recognizes his actions during 2023 shooting

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake police detective who helped stop a gunman during a deadly shooting at the Gorge Amphitheatre, near Quincy, three years ago has been recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Justice as the Eastern District of Washington's 2026 Hometown Hero.

MLSD hires longtime educator Kevin Rupprecht for leadership role

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District chose Washington educator Dr. Kevin Rupprecht as its new assistant executive director of secondary teaching and learning. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in school leadership, administration and classroom instruction to the district.

4th Congressional District candidates offer views on energy, environment and affordability

MOSES LAKE — Eleven candidates are seeking to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District, and all were invited to answer a series of questions on issues affecting the region. Six candidates responded by the deadline to the following question regarding energy policy: "The district includes significant hydroelectric resources and growing interest in renewable energy. How should the federal government balance energy production, environmental protection and affordability for residents?"

Soap Lake water infrastructure protected by firefighters on July 4

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake is thanking Grant County Fire District 7 and mutual aid partners after firefighters prevented the Maple Street Fire from reaching critical water infrastructure during the Fourth of July holiday.

Fourth Congressional District candidates share immigration policy opinions

MOSES LAKE — Eleven candidates are running in the primary election for Washington’s 4th Congressional District. All candidates were contacted multiple times and asked to respond to a series of questions. Of the 11 candidates, six submitted responses by the deadline.

Suds N' Sun draws crowds despite fireworks cancellation

SOAP LAKE — A bunch of residents and visitors gathered in Soap Lake over the Fourth of July weekend for the annual Suds N' Sun celebration, enjoying a packed schedule of community activities that included a parade, car show, basketball tournament, vendors and family activities.

COLUMN: An honor to be on the fire line

As reporters, we spend a lot of time telling other people's stories. Every once in a while, though, you find yourself in the middle of one. On the Fourth of July, I spent nearly 14 hours alongside Grant County Fire District 7. I arrived at the station around noon expecting to learn more about the department, cover the holiday festivities and maybe respond to a call or two. Instead, I witnessed firsthand how quickly a celebration can turn into an emergency.

Over 100 fire calls made across Grant County during Fourth of July weekend

MOSES LAKE — Fireworks sparked over 100 fire calls across Grant County during the Fourth of July holiday, stretching local fire agencies and volunteers as crews raced from one incident to the next under dangerous fire weather conditions. "All I can say is wow," Grant County Fire Marshal Nathan Poplawski said in a statement released following the holiday weekend. The amount of fires responded to over the Fourth of July weekend was roughly double the number recorded during the first week of the county's burn restrictions, according to Poplawski.

‘It takes a toll’

Fireworks, wind fuel busiest night of the year for Grant County Fire District 7

SOAP LAKE — As Grant County Fire District 7's engines rolled down Main Avenue during Soap Lake's Fourth of July parade, firefighters waved to families lining the streets while candy flew from open truck windows and brush rigs sprayed spectators baking in the summer heat. Then the sirens came on. Before crews could even complete the parade route, they were turning their trucks around and heading toward the first reported brush fire of the day, west of town. For the firefighters, the call marked the end of the holiday celebration and the beginning of what would become one of the busiest nights in recent memory, according to Chief Erick Brittain.

Local gas prices fall as summer driving season continues

MOSES LAKE — Drivers in Grant and Adams counties are seeing some relief at the pump after months of steadily rising fuel costs, with gasoline prices continuing a downward trend through early July even as Washington remains home to some of the highest fuel prices in the nation. According to AAA, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Grant County stood at $4.82 per gallon on July 6, down 68 cents from $5.50 per gallon on June 1. Adams County averaged $4.90 per gallon, down from $5.43 just five weeks earlier. Washington's statewide average also fell significantly, dropping from $5.71 per gallon on June 1 to $5.03 per gallon on July 6, while the national average declined from $4.32 to $3.79 during the same period.

Q&A with Fourth Congressional District candidates

MOSES LAKE — Eleven candidates are running in the primary election for the Fourth Congressional District in Washington. All candidates were contacted several times with a handful of questions, of the eleven candidates, only five responded by the deadline given.

Ephrata Council expedites approval of kratom ban, raises concerns from local retailer

EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council voted 6-1 Wednesday night to ban the sale, distribution and advertising of kratom and kratom-derived products within city limits, making Ephrata the fourth city in Grant County to adopt such restrictions and the first in the county to do so while businesses are actively selling the substance. The ordinance takes effect 60 days after passage.

Gusty winds, dry conditions raise fire concerns ahead of Fourth of July in Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE — Dry conditions, gusty winds and rising temperatures are expected to increase wildfire danger across Grant and Adams counties over the Fourth of July weekend, prompting warnings from forecasters and local officials for residents to use extreme caution with fireworks and other potential ignition sources.

Court orders company owned by Soap Lake Mayor to repay couple for unfinished project

After emergency responders assisted, the couple dropped man's vehicle off at hospital

MOSES LAKE — A Grant County District Court judge on Wednesday ordered Sharp Development LLC to repay a Soap Lake couple $6,806 after finding the company breached a fence-construction contract by failing to perform the work after receiving payment.

Ephrata couple helps distressed man on highway in Wyoming

After emergency responders assisted, they dropped man's vehicle off at the hospital

EPHRATA — When Kathy and Wes Ballard stopped at a truck pullout along Interstate 80 in Wyoming during a trip home from visiting family, they expected nothing more than a short break for their dogs. Instead, they found themselves helping a stranger in distress.

COMMENTARY: The Fourth of July isn’t just about fireworks – it’s about showing up

By the time the sun sets on the Fourth of July, we’ll be gathered in parks, lining sidewalks and watching fireworks light up the sky. It’s a tradition that most of us look forward to every year. But as meaningful as those moments are, they only touch part of what this holiday is about. Independence Day isn’t just something we celebrate; it’s something we take part in. Freedom doesn’t just take care of itself. It’s not kept alive by parades or speeches alone. It lasts because ordinary people show up, day after day, in ways that don’t always get noticed.

Othello City Council considering e-bike regulations

OTHELLO — The Othello City Council is considering e-bike regulations around helmets, speed limits and locations where the devices are allowed. The council began the discussion at the June 22 meeting regarding the potential regulations, asking Othello Police Chief Brent McFarlane to bring back drafted resolutions to the July 13 regular city council meeting.

West Nile Virus present in mosquitoes near Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Health officials have confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected near Moses Lake, marking the first detected positive sample in Grant County this year.

Flock of pink

Second annual Flock Walk supports cancer patients in Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE — A sea of pink lined the Gavinski Trail at Neppel Landing on Saturday as dozens of community members gathered for the second annual Flock Walk, raising money and awareness for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation. Flamingos, chalk messages and bright shirts marked the path as roughly 60 participants walked together in support of friends, family members and neighbors affected by cancer. The event raised $4,600, according to organizers, with funds going directly toward services for local cancer patients. “It’s events like these in the community that allow us to continue doing what we do,” said Amanda Carpenter, community relations coordinator for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation. “It helps us continue serving our clients throughout Grant and Adams counties and helps more people know that we’re here.”

Gas tax increase coming July 1, prices remain steady otherwise

OLYMPIA — Washington drivers are heading into Wednesday’s automatic gas tax increase already paying some of the highest fuel prices in the nation, with averages in Grant and Adams counties continuing to outpace national trends even as most U.S. motorists see relief at the pump.