NANCE BESTON

Gas prices see uptick in Grant Co. and nationally

MOSES LAKE – Gas prices saw a slight increase in Grant County and nationwide; however, Washington and Adams County prices remained stable for the week, according to AAA.

FIRE REPORT: AUG. 28, 2025

Air quality moderate across most of Washington

MOSES LAKE – The fires below were burning and causing smoke and air quality concerns regionally as of Thursday afternoon.

MLSD welcomes back most students Wednesday

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District welcomed back first through sixth graders and freshmen for the first day of school Wednesday. The seventh, eighth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth graders return to school Thursday.

Audit reveals issues in MLSD '23-24 spending

Corrective actions implemented prior to audit's publication

MOSES LAKE — Findings from a recent audit conducted by the Washington State Auditor's Office and published Aug. 18 have revealed compliance deficiencies within the Moses Lake School District regarding the management of federal funds in 2023-24.

SOAP LAKE MAYOR: Candidates Q&A

SOAP LAKE – There is one candidate and one write-in candidate for the Soap Lake mayoral race. Incumbent Peter Sharp is the only candidate listed on the ballot. However, Karen Woodhouse is running as a write-in candidate.

$30M hospital bond to run again in general election

EPHRATA – The Columbia Basin Hospital Board has decided to run its $30 million bond measure on the general ballot in November after it failed in the primary election. Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby during the Aug. 26 meeting said the district needed to work on getting more information out to voters. She explained that the primary didn’t even get enough voters for the bond package to pass. They needed 2,600 voters, but only 2,277 people voted in Ephrata, according to the Grant County Auditor results.

Applications open for Community Police Academy

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department is set to host its upcoming Community Police Academy, welcoming community members eager to learn about the inner workings of their local law enforcement agency.

Driver safety a focus as school begins

MOSES LAKE – As schools across the Columbia Basin reopen this week, law enforcement officials are emphasizing the importance of road safety for students, parents and motorists alike. Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman is urging everyone to remain vigilant as the school year begins.

Gas prices stable this week

MOSES LAKE – Gas Prices were stable this week with Washington and Grant County average prices remaining the same as last week. Both Adams County and national prices saw a slight uptick, though. Washington fuel prices remain some of the highest in the U.S.

MLSD approves transpo upgrades, saves money on personnel

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School board met for a regular meeting Thursday to pass its annual budget, approve several purchases and receive an update on personnel from the superintendent.

Blue-Green algae blooms still present in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District issued a water quality warning for North Moses Lake and Lewis Horn for blue-green algae.

MLSD approves balanced $144.6M budget for 2025–26

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School Board unanimously approved a balanced budget for the 2025–26 school year during its regular meeting Thursday evening. The $144.6 million budget matches projected revenues with expenditures.

Erick Brittain takes over at GCFD 7

SOAP LAKE – Grant County Fire District 7 has welcomed a new chief, Erick Brittain, who brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for community service, he said. After a distinguished 25-year career as a firefighter-paramedic, Brittain's journey into firefighting began in the mid-1990s with a shift in career aspirations that uniquely shaped his path. Originally pursuing a degree in education at Central Washington University, Brittain's interests were redirected after he began working at Les Schwab, where he observed the benefits enjoyed by firefighters.

Hawk successfully rehabilitated near Quincy

QUINCY – A hawk that was found injured in a yard in rural Quincy has recovered and been released back into the wild thanks to the efforts of Shawna Kluge, President of Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry.

EPHRATA MAYOR Q&A: Bruce Reim

EPHRATA – Incumbent Ephrata Mayor Bruce Reim is running for reelection on the November ballot against challenger Steve Oliver. Both Reim and Oliver were concurrently presented with the questions below and given identical deadlines and word count restrictions for their answers. Reim’s responses are below. Both submitted their responses in a timely manner.

EPHRATA MAYOR Q&A: Steve Oliver

EPHRATA - Steve Oliver is running for the mayor’s seat in Ephrata against incumbent Mayor Bruce Reim. Both Oliver and Reim were concurrently presented with the questions below and given identical deadlines and word count restrictions for their answers. Oliver’s responses are below. Both submitted their responses in a timely manner.

Gas prices see slight decrease except for Grant Co.

MOSES LAKE – Washington, Adams County and nationally all saw slight decreases in gas prices this week. Grant County saw slight increases in average fuel prices this week, according to AAA. “The national average is nearly unchanged from a week ago, with gasoline prices continuing to hover in the same territory where they’ve spent much of 2025 so far — in the low-$3-per-gallon range — as oil prices remain anchored in the $60s,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

GCSO dealt with 49 incidents during Bass Canyon EDM concert

GEORGE – The Gorge Ampitheatre hosted its annual three-day electronic dance music festival, Bass Canyon, over the weekend. The festival security managed by both Grant County Sheriff’s Office and a private security organization had a busy weekend according to Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

Surplus multi-season deer and elk tags soon available

OLYMPIA – Deer and elk hunters who applied for a Washington multi-season application earlier this year will have a chance to purchase some of the remaining surplus tags this month. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Tuesday that 2,693 multi-season deer tags and 160 multi-season elk tags will be available for sale in August, with sales occurring on separate days to streamline the process.

New Wyndham Microtel coming to Ephrata

EPHRATA – Ephrata residents can look forward to additional hospitality options as a new Wyndham Microtel is set to break ground next year. The owners expect to open the doors by June or July 2026. The hotel, which will feature 81 rooms—including 16 suites—will occupy a footprint of nearly 36,000 square feet, making it about 25% larger than the existing Holiday Inn Express in George, spokesperson Dustin Canfield said.

Warden moves several projects forward

WARDEN – The Warden City Council met for its regular meeting and continued a port annexation process, discussed an update to weed policies and police chief hiring, accepted an application for a Transportation Improvement Board grant and selected a person to serve on the Grant County Homeless Housing Task Force.

GALLERY: Opening day at Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Fair began Tuesday with vendors, local artisans, Future Farmers of America students and those who crave the taste of a Space Burger gathering at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

WA launches online Narcan finder amid rising overdose deaths

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health has unveiled an online tool designed to help residents swiftly locate free naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, including those related to fentanyl. The only place for residents in both Grant and Adams Counties to get free naloxone is the Grant County Health District, 1038 Ivy Ave. in Moses Lake. There are no locations in Adams County.

Grant Co. Fair has local vendors showcasing unique flavors

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Fair kicked off its opening day yesterday at the Grant County Fairgrounds, enveloping the area in a colorful tapestry of local vendors, enticing aromas and the sound of lively chatter. From tacos to tater dogs, this year’s fair brings an eclectic mix of culinary delights that highlight the community's entrepreneurial spirit. Among the participating vendors is Tacos El Rey, a local business known for its authentic Mexican cuisine.

Gas prices see increases locally, drop nationally

MOSES LAKE – Washington and Grant County both saw slight increases in fuel prices this week. Adams County remained steady and national prices saw slight decreases. “After rising for two straight weeks, the national average price of gasoline saw a slight decline in the last week as oil prices fell below $64 per barrel, paving the way for prices to ease in most states,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

Soap Lake welcomes new police chief

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Police Department officially welcomed its new chief, Patrick Canady, who was sworn in at City Hall on Monday morning at 9 a.m. Participating in the ceremony were Sharp and several city officials, who expressed their excitement about Canady's arrival and the fresh perspectives he brings.

MLHS recognized as a "School on the Rise"

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School has been honored as a 2025 "School on the Rise" by the Association of Washington School Principals and the Association of Washington Student Leaders. This recognition highlights the school’s strides in fostering a culture of inclusivity, leadership and student success, according to a statement from the district.

MLSD's new business manager focused on making a difference

MOSES LAKE – Ruby Perez has officially taken the reins as the business manager for the Moses Lake School District. With over a decade of experience in educational finance, Perez said she brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to the community's future. “God gives me a word every year,” Perez said. “This year, it was trust, and he said to trust him, and he led me to the Moses Lake School District. I don’t think God has coincidences."

Canady to take the reins of Soap Lake PD

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council convened on Aug. 6, during a regular meeting and hired a new police chief, resulting in a 6-1 vote in favor of hiring long-term Ephrata Police Officer Patrick Canady.

Grant Co. Jail health care exceeds standard, despite inmate’s claim

EPHRATA – The Columbia Basin Herald received a letter from a previous inmate at the Grant County Jail, Wayne Symmonds, who expressed concerns around the medical care he has received alongside concerns that several inmates have died during his stay. “This medical at this jail is no help,” Symmonds wrote. “I am afraid I am going to die at this county jail from infection in my body. There was a guy three months ago who had infection going (through) his body and medical was no help to that guy as well. That was how come he die at this jail.”

Ephrata works on several city improvement projects

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata has been busy with a variety of projects this year. Water, sewer and roads have all been areas addressed in 2025. “We finished our street and sewer projects for this year,” City Engineer Shawn O’Brien said. “We'll continue working on street maintenance and sewer maintenance, but those are all projects for next year.”

100-acre fire in N. Grant County sparked Wednesday

ELECTRIC CITY — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation orders for both Electric City and Delano as a wildfire moves through the area as of 3:58 p.m. Wednesday.

Rock Bottom Rocker in need of support

EPHRATA – The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry, a local backyard rescue based outside of Soap Lake, has two community events on the horizon – including a pop-up vendor event in August and a large garage sale at the end of September. President Shawna Kluge said she is also in need of volunteers and donations before the events.

Moses Lake man arrested in attempted murder case

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27-year-old Luis Angel Ortega Tuesday morning after an what investigators describe as an attempted murder last Friday night. Ortega is lodged in Grant County Jail for suspicion of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon, first-degree robbery, and second-degree attempted murder.

Watershed celebrates another year at the Gorge

GEORGE – Over the weekend, the Gorge Amphitheatre became the ultimate country paradise as the Watershed Music Festival took center stage. With breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge serving as a backdrop, fans flocked to experience an electrifying line-up featuring stars such as Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Bailey Zimmerman and many more.

Second brush fire ignites in Beaumont, 2 acres burnt

MOSES LAKE – A second brush fire ignited Monday evening along Beaumont Avenue, following a weekend blaze in the same area. The latest fire, which burned approximately 2 acres, was reported at 5 p.m. behind the 1600 block of Beaumont Avenue.

SOAP LAKE MAYOR: Peter Sharp

SOAP LAKE — As the current mayor of Soap Lake, Peter Sharp is running to continue as mayor with a vision to keep improving the quality of life for residents and enhancing community infrastructure, he said. Sharp was running unopposed on the November ballot until City Council Member Karen Woodhouse opted to run against him last week as a write-in.

SOAP LAKE MAYOR: Karen Woodhouse

SOAP LAKE — As Soap Lake prepares for its mayoral election in November, City Council Member Karen Woodhouse has officially announced her write-in candidacy. With a history of dedicated civic service and a passion for local advocacy, Woodhouse said, she presents herself as a reliable candidate knowledgeable about the issues facing her community.

Gas prices see slight decline Grant, Adams Co.

MOSES LAKE – Fuel prices in both Grant and Adams counties saw a slight decline of one cent each. Washington prices stayed steady for the third week in a row and national prices saw a slight increase.

2025-26 school year approaching fast

Area schools prepping for students returning to their studies.

MOSES LAKE – As summer draws to a close, school districts across the Columbia Basin are making final preparations for the upcoming academic year, with many families eagerly anticipating the first day of school. With schedules set and orientations underway, administrators highlight an atmosphere of excitement and readiness.

WAHLUKE SCHOOL BOARD: Elia Mendoza

MATTAWA — Elia Mendoza, a candidate for the Wahluke School Board, said her background and diverse experiences have helped shape her commitment to enhancing opportunities and fostering community partnerships, if elected to the board. "I have always been dedicated to providing education and technical assistance, whether it is with small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic or as a substitute teacher," she said.

Primary election ballots due Tuesday

MOSES LAKE – Voting for the primary election is coming to a close Tuesday. For those who would like to vote in the election, ballots need to be postmarked on or before Aug. 5, according to Grant County Auditor Michele Jaderlund.

Basin residents targeted with phone, door-to-door 'PUD' scams

EPHRATA — Franklin Public Utility District and Grant Public Utility District are alerting residents to a surge in phone scams aimed at obtaining personal information. Customers have reported receiving calls from individuals impersonating utility employees, asking for assistance with an "indoor pollution survey." However, authorities confirm that the calls are fraudulent.

Soap Lake School District passes balanced budget

SOAP LAKE – With major facility upgrades and full staffing on the horizon, the Soap Lake School District has approved a balanced $12.5 million budget for 2025–26.

Ephrata SD passes 2025-26 budget

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District Board of Directors unanimously passed the district's 2025-26 budget at its regular school board meeting Monday. “The process of developing a quality budget that's fiscally responsible, but also responsive to the needs of your staff and your students, is always incredibly challenging, but I feel very blessed to be in a position where we truly believe we're going to be able to do those things again,” Superintendent Ken Murray said.

Ending summer school with a splash

WARDEN — The Warden School District celebrated the conclusion of its summer school program with an exciting Field Day, an event designed to showcase the social and emotional growth of students while offering a vibrant finale to six weeks of enriching activities. “Field Day is kind of a big finale to our six-week program,” said Warden Summer School Supervisor Lisa Lucas. “The kids participate in different sports and games, practicing their social emotional skills and just bonding with one another.” This year’s summer school program hosted approximately 200 students, with a total enrollment of around 270 when including the high schoolers. The program catered to a diverse age range, welcoming students from kindergarten through 11th grade, and provided a unique learning environment over the course of 18 days.

GCSO's Kriete elected VP of law enforcement association

EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete has been elected vice president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. “I am honored to represent the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs in this new capacity as Vice President,” Kriete said. “I look forward to working alongside my peers across the state to support law enforcement excellence and strengthen public safety in all our communities.”

Crime declining, drugs climbing locally, statewide

OLYMPIA — In the 2024 Crime in Washington report published by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, released Monday, a noticeable decline in crime rates across various categories was reported. Various police chiefs and Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said trends found within the report were mostly reflected locally.

Two fires in the Basin over the weekend

WILSON CREEK — Two small fires happened over the weekend, with one fire Saturday on Road O Northeast and Road 30 Northeast between Wilson Creek and Coulee City and another near Sunday near Lind.

Gas prices steady this week

MOSES LAKE – Gas prices in Grant and Adams counties, Washington and nationally are identical to last week. “With gasoline demand starting to ease as we head into August, we could see prices gradually decline as we approach Labor Day,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “That said, this is also the time of year when the tropics begin to stir, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on hurricane activity that could disrupt supply and shift the outlook.”