NANCE BESTON

Connelly Park recovery update: progress made, work still ahead

MOSES LAKE — Repairs at Connelly Park are steadily moving forward following a destructive windstorm in May that toppled nearly 15 trees and uprooted at least 10 more, causing extensive damage to park infrastructure. According to Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District General Manager Sam Castro, the park is showing significant signs of recovery – but it is not yet ready to reopen.

Ephrata City Council considers ordinance banning kratom

Further discussion at July 1 meeting; public input encouraged

EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council is set to consider an ordinance banning the sale, distribution and advertising of kratom products within city limits, a move that would make it the latest community in central Washington to take action on the unregulated substance. The proposal, listed for a first reading at the council’s July 1 meeting, would prohibit any person or business from selling or distributing kratom or related products, including those containing the compound 7‑hydroxymitragynine, often referred to as 7‑OH.

City of Ephrata looking to fill open seat on Civil Service Commission

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is seeking applicants to fill one open seat on its Civil Service Commission, a volunteer body that helps oversee hiring and employment practices for the city’s police and fire departments. City Clerk Rob Miller said the three-member commission plays an important role in ensuring fairness and accountability in public safety employment decisions.

Warden City Council approves contracts and community event

WARDEN — The Warden City Council unanimously approved several agenda items during its June 23 meeting, including awarding a major infrastructure contract and authorizing a community event at Warden City Park. Council members approved the agenda, minutes and consent items without opposition, with all actions passing unanimously throughout the evening.

Shannon Falstad appointed as Grant County Auditor

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Board of County Commissioners has appointed Shannon Falstad as the county’s next auditor, selecting a longtime county employee with decades of experience in both the auditor’s and clerk’s offices to replace outgoing Auditor Michele Jaderlund, who is retiring at the end of June.

Garred Road Fire sees no growth, two other local fires contained

COULEE CITY — Fire crews are still working on containing the Garred Road Fire, near Coulee City, which has seen very little growth, remaining at nearly 3,400 acres and is around 61 percent contained as of Thursday afternoon. According to the Southeast Washington Interagency I

Steady progress continues on Garred Road Fire, near Coulee City

COULEE CITY — Firefighters continue to make steady progress on the Garrett Road Fire burning between Highways 2 and 17 in Grant and Douglas counties, with containment holding at 27% and no growth in acreage as of Wednesday.

Port of Ephrata advancing major projects with eye on long-term growth

EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata is laying the groundwork for a wave of future development, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, regional collaboration and long-term planning that officials say will position the port to compete for millions in state and federal funding.

MLPD detective de-escalates tense standoff involving realistic BB gun

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake Police detective is being credited with safely defusing a tense encounter Wednesday morning with a man who displayed what appeared to be a firearm but turned out to be a BB revolver gun.

Three structures destroyed in Mattawa fire

MATTAWA — Grant County Fire District 8 was dispatched to a structure fire Monday night near Road U Southwest and Road 24.7 Southwest, according to business manager Barabara Davis.

Garred Road Fire outside Coulee City contained at 3,500 acres

COULEE CITY — A wildfire that raced across rangeland near Sun Lakes on Monday has shown little to no growth as of early Tuesday afternoon, according to the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team, which assumed command of the incident at 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Coffee with the Editor offers community a chance to connect

MOSES LAKE — Residents will have a chance to sit down, share their thoughts and get to know the new leadership at the Columbia Basin Herald during a casual “Coffee with the Editor” event from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Garred Road Fire continues to expand, threatening structures and infrastructure

COULEE CITY — A wildfire near Coulee City has grown significantly and is now threatening structures and critical infrastructure, prompting state officials to mobilize additional firefighting resources. The Garred Road Fire, which started Sunday at about 4:01 p.m., has expanded to an estimated 3,500 acres and continues to grow, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Earlier Monday, Coulee City Fire Chief Jesse Bolyard said the fire had rekindled after initially burning nearly 500 acres Sunday.

Gas prices continue decline, prices still higher than last year

MOSES LAKE — Average gasoline prices continue to decline across Washington state and the nation, with prices down from both last week and a month ago, according to AAA data, though they remain significantly higher than this time last year.

Moses Lake School Board considers acceptance of completion of Vanguard Academy

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District has officially accepted construction of Vanguard Academy, marking the formal completion of a yearslong project that saw delays, technical challenges and extensive testing before the building was turned over to the district.

Wildfire causes Sun Lakes camping area evacuations

COULEE CITY — A nearly 500-acre fire near Coulee City has rekindled this morning, according to Coulee City Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Jesse Bolyard.

Peninsula PTO launches fundraiser after storm destroys family’s home

MOSES LAKE — After a destructive windstorm tore through Moses Lake late last month, the Peninsula Elementary School community is rallying behind a family who lost their home when a massive tree crashed through it, trapping a teenage girl and destroying a young boy’s bedroom.

Soap Lake council surpluses items, updates public works director contract

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council approved multiple resolutions Wednesday, including declaring surplus property from the city’s RV park and transferring community assets, while also updating the contract for the city’s public works director. The council unanimously passed a resolution to surplus a gate previously installed at the Soap Lake RV Park. City officials clarified the gate was not purchased by the city and was not usable in its current condition.

Fire report for June 18, 2026

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

Grant County opens new jail facility with ribbon cutting ceremony

EPHRATA — Grant County officials, staff and community members gathered Wednesday to mark the completion of the county’s new jail facility, a project years in the making that leaders say represents a major investment in public safety and the future of the justice system.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office report outlines allegations against Soap Lake mayor

Prosecutor's office looking into alleged unlawful recording and misuse of public office

SOAP LAKE — A Grant County Sheriff’s Office report has outlined a range of allegations involving Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp, including potential violations related to unlawful recording and misuse of public office, though no criminal charges have been filed as of June 17. According to Grant County Prosecutor Brandon Guernsey, his office is working as fast as they can to determine if charges will be filed.

Vehicle crash ignites wildfire south of Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — Charges are pending against a Soap Lake man whose rollover crash sparked a brush fire about five miles south of Soap Lake early Tuesday morning, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol.

OGWRP holds groundbreaking for fourth delivery system

ODESSA — The Odessa Groundwater Replacement Project marked another milestone June 10 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the EL 80.6 delivery system – its fourth system – bringing the long-running effort one step closer to replacing declining groundwater supplies with Columbia River surface water.

Gas prices see relief this week, still elevated compared to last year

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices remain significantly higher than a year ago but are trending downward heading into mid-June, according to weekly figures from AAA and analysis from GasBuddy. The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Washington state stood at $5.51 on June 15, down 11 cents from the previous week and off 27 cents from a month ago.

Republican forum highlights priorities, disagreements among GCSO Sheriff

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Republican Party hosted a packed candidate forum Thursday night featuring Sheriff Joey Kriete and challengers Darrick Gregg and Josh Sainsbury, offering voters a detailed look at the candidates’ priorities on leadership, crime, jail capacity and accountability. Moderator Victor Lombardi guided the discussion through a series of structured questions, with candidates responding in turn.

Warden juvenile arrested for alleged assault of family members, officer

WARDEN — The Warden Police Department was dispatched to a report of physical domestic violence in the 800 block of South Adams Ave Friday morning. The suspect, a 17-year-old male, allegedly assaulted two family members before fleeing the residence on foot. He returned a short time later, where an office attempted to detain him. He then assaulted the police officer and fled on foot again, according to a statement from WPD.

Chief for a Day celebrates courage, community at Grant County Courthouse

EPHRATA — Thirteen young leaders from across Grant County were honored Thursday during the 22nd annual Chief for a Day celebration at the Grant County Courthouse, where they were sworn in, recognized for their resilience and courage and given the chance to step into the roles of local first responders.

Mattawa becomes third in Grant Co. to ban kratom

MATTAWA — The Mattawa City Council has approved a full ban on the sale and distribution of kratom and kratom‑derived products, making it the third city in Grant County to enact such restrictions following similar actions in Royal City and Warden. Othello, located in Adams County, has also implemented a similar ban. The council adopted Ordinance 26‑707 during its June 4 regular meeting.

Caps fly through the wind as MLHS Class of 2026 graduates

MOSES LAKE — Wind whipped across Lions Field on the evening of June 9 as 337 seniors from Moses Lake High School crossed the field and officially became graduates, closing one chapter and stepping into the next. Despite gusty conditions that tugged at gowns, papers and decorations, the Class of 2026 embraced the moment with energy, reflection and a sense of unity shaped by shared experiences.

GCFD 7 asking voters to consider EMS Levy increase amid rise in call volume

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 will resume collecting its previously approved $0.25 EMS levy next year, and voters will decide in the November General Election whether to increase that rate to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Sheriff candidates encourage public to engage at Thursday forum

MOSES LAKE — Voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates vying to become Grant County’s next sheriff during a community forum Thursday evening. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m., June 11, at Generations Church Assembly of God, 431 E. Brown Ave., Moses Lake, and is organized by the Grant County Republican Party. Incumbent Sheriff Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are all expected to participate.

Wahluke students head to 2026 Future Problem Solving World Finals

MATTAWA — Two Wahluke seventh graders are on their way to Indiana University Tuesday to showcase a literacy initiative they designed to boost reading motivation across their school district – and they’re doing it on one of the biggest stages available to young problem solvers.

Connelly Park repairs begin, aiming for partial reopening by August

MOSES LAKE — Cleanup and recovery efforts at Connelly Park are moving steadily forward following the late-May windstorm that caused widespread destruction, with crews now focused on clearing access, removing hazardous trees and preparing for rebuilding work in the coming weeks.

Moses Lake man arrested for rape of a minor

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Major Crimes Unit arrested Hunter Gray, 18, of Moses Lake for suspicion of second-degree rape of a child and communication of a child for immoral purposes.

From Tiger pride to new beginnings: Ephrata High celebrates Class of 2026

EPHRATA — Laughter, cheers and bursts of confetti marked the start of Ephrata High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony as 213 seniors celebrated the end of their high school journey and the beginning of what comes next.

Storm leaves Moses Lake family facing major damage, urgent need for help

MOSES LAKE — A powerful storm that swept through Moses Lake on May 28, leaving widespread damage across the community, but for one family, the destruction has become a daily crisis.

Royal City bans kratom, becoming second in Grant County

ROYAL CITY — The Royal City City Council unanimously approved a ban on the sale and distribution of kratom and kratom-derived products during its June 2 meeting, making it the second city in Grant County to take action against the substance. The ordinance adopts a new chapter of municipal code prohibiting the sale, advertising and distribution of kratom within city limits. The ban will take effect 60 days after passage. Royal City follows Warden, whose city council enacted a similar ban earlier this year. Othello, located in Adams County, enacted a similar ban this year as well. Grant County Health District also released a March 27 statement encouraging local governments to consider restrictions on the substance.

Rock-throwing suspect arrested after Capitol campus chase

OLYMPIA — A 21-year-old man was arrested early Thursday after allegedly smashing windows at the Washington State Legislative Building and leading officers on a brief pursuit through the Capitol Campus. According to the Washington State Patrol, a trooper heard loud noises around 1:15 a.m. and spotted a man throwing large rocks at first-floor windows on the building’s northwest side. When another trooper arrived, the suspect fled in a white 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.

A day of joy, sirens and small heroes

Chief for a Day returns to Grant County

EPHRATA — On most mornings, the front lawn of the Grant County Courthouse is a quiet stretch of grass framed by patrol cars and courthouse staff heading inside. But on June 11, it will transform into something entirely different – a place where flashing lights, polished badges and oversized smiles belong not to officers, but to the children being honored as this year’s Chiefs for a Day.

Soap Lake Council seeks records compliance with order for mayor’s phone, computer

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council unanimously voted to require Mayor Peter Sharp to turn in his city-issued cell phone and computer by 9 a.m. Thursday, citing concerns over delays in responding to public records requests. The action followed statements from Administrative Assistant and Public Records Officer Jody Siebert, who said the city has received little to no response from the mayor regarding several outstanding requests.

Fire sparks near Soap Lake Thursday

SOAP LAKE — At around 2:30 p.m. Thursday a fire broke out between Road B.5 NE and State Highway 28, in rural Soap Lake.

Soap Lake FFA receives public hearing on agricultural land lab proposal

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake FFA students are one step closer to bringing hands-on agricultural education to their campus, presenting plans Monday for an agricultural land lab during a public hearing before the city planner.

Ephrata High School earns six-year accreditation through 2032

EPHRATA — Ephrata High School has secured a six-year accreditation through spring 2032, the longest term available through the Association of Educational Service Districts, following what school leaders describe as a detailed, yearlong review focused on student success, school culture and continuous improvement.

Jaderlund to retire June 30; GOP begins process to fill auditor seat

EPHRATA — After nearly 35 years in public service, Grant County Auditor Michele Jaderlund will retire June 30, opening the door for both an interim appointment and an upcoming election. “I have almost 35 years here; I think I have done my job serving my community,” Jaderlund said.

Placid in appearance, but canals can be a deathtrap

MOSES LAKE — With warmer weather returning to the Columbia Basin, local officials are emphasizing a message they say cannot be repeated enough: irrigation canals are not recreational waterways. “The best way to stay safe from canals is to avoid them altogether,” said Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. That message is echoed by both law enforcement and irrigation officials, who say the canals’ design — built for moving water, not people — makes them inherently dangerous.

Whimsy blooms by the lake

Soap Lake debuts enchanting new festival

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake’s East Beach transformed into a storybook scene Saturday as the town hosted its first-ever Whimsy in the Park, a festival where imagination took center stage and fairies, pirates and gnomes roamed freely among flowers and laughter.

Gasoline prices show spring surge, recent pullback across WA and U.S.

MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices across Washington state, the nation, Grant County, and Adams County have followed a similar trajectory in the first five months of 2026: a steady climb through late winter and early spring, a peak in mid-May, and a modest decline heading into June, according to data from AAA. According to data compiled weekly since early January, prices began the year at relatively moderate levels before rising sharply through March and April. In Washington, the statewide average climbed from $3.84 per gallon on January 5 to a peak of $5.78 by May 18, marking an increase of nearly $2 per gallon in just over four months. Nationally, prices rose from $2.81 to $4.52 over the same period.

‘Keep those sparks off the landscape’

Burn restrictions take effect in Grant County as fire season arrives early

EPHRATA — An annual burn restriction is now in effect across unincorporated areas of Grant County, as local fire officials warn that an already active and unusually dry start to the season could lead to a challenging summer. Under county ordinance, outdoor burn restrictions automatically begin June 1 and remain in place through September 30 each year, limiting most types of open burning during the height of fire season. The restriction is part of the Grant County Fire Hazard Code and is intended to reduce human-caused wildfires during the driest and most dangerous months.

Connelly Park closed indefinitely after storm caused extensive damage

MOSES LAKE — Connelly Park will remain closed for the foreseeable future after a powerful windstorm swept through the area Thursday night, uprooting dozens of massive trees, damaging infrastructure and leaving park officials focused on safety and recovery. Initial estimates place the damage at approximately $50,000, largely due to cleanup costs and structural repairs, according to Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District General Manager Sam Castro. However, he is working alongside an assessor who may value the damage to be more, he said.

New Wyndham Microtel opens in Ephrata, welcomes guests ahead of schedule

EPHRATA — A new Wyndham Microtel has officially opened its doors in Ephrata, offering travelers a modern place to stay while marking a major milestone for a local family behind the project. The 81-room hotel, located just off State Route 17 near Walmart, began accepting guests late last week – roughly two months ahead of its original schedule. The project, led by local businessman Dave Canfield and his family, represents both a business investment and a personal legacy rooted in the community.