NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
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: 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.
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.
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.”
FIRE REPORT: Burdoin Fire exceeds 10,000 acres, fires contribute to smoke haze
WHITE SALMON – The Burdoin Fire, which ignited on July 18 in the southern border of Washington state, has rapidly consumed more than 11,000 acres and remains only 13% contained as of Thursday afternoon. State officials have called for increased vigilance among residents.
Soap Lake chlorinating water as precautionary measure
SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake has announced that it will implement a temporary chlorination process for its drinking water supply after routine monitoring detected the presence of coliform bacteria in the city’s reservoirs. This emergency disinfection is scheduled to begin Friday, and aims to ensure the continued safety of the water for residents. “We’re doing our yearly inspection, and it showed a sign of coliform bacteria,” Mayor Peter Sharp said. “This is standard procedure to ensure public health and safety.
Community comes together for Daniel Alcala’s family following shooting
EPHRATA — In the wake of a shooting incident in Ephrata July 20, the local community is rallying around the family of Daniel Alcala, who was fatally shot during an altercation at a gas pumps. Alcala, 30, was a husband and father to three children. According to the Grant County Coroner Investigator Maxwell Yoder, his death resulted from multiple gunshot wounds. The death has officially been ruled a homicide, according to a statement from the City of Ephrata.
Ephrata Library set for major renovations next spring
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Public Library is gearing up for significant renovations aimed at modernizing the facility and enhancing services for its patrons this upcoming spring. “This comprehensive project is an extension of our ongoing branding efforts, and it will be a significant upgrade that brings our spaces up to date,” Supervising Librarian Aaron Loeffelbein said.
Ephrata resident arrested for 26 counts of livestock theft
EPHRATA – Last Wednesday, Grant County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies and Crime Reduction Team deputies acted on a tip from the Washington State Department of Agriculture about individual stealing cattle.
Grant County launches survey for Five-Year Homeless Housing plan update
GRANT COUNTY — The Grant County Board of Commissioners, in partnership with regional stakeholders and LDC, Inc., is leading the development of the Five-Year Homeless Housing Plan Update for the period 2025-2030.
Fire scorches around 10 acres near Wilson Creek
WILSON CREEK – On Monday at around 2 p.m., Grant County Fire District 12 was paged out to a brush fire in the 19000 block of Stratford Road.
Ephrata moves forward with grant applications for street improvement
EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council convened Wednesday evening during a regular meeting to authorize a resolution to move forward with an application for a grant from the Transportation Improvement Board to fund essential road preservation and enhancements.
Soap Lake plans upgrades for dog park, Smokiam Campground
SOAP LAKE — In a bid to enhance recreational amenities and boost tourism, the city of Soap Lake is currently undertaking upgrades to both its dog park and the Smokiam Campground. Mayor Peter Sharp elaborated on these enhancements, citing community engagement and improved safety as primary motivators behind the initiatives.
Fuel prices decrease nationally, locally
MOSES LAKE — There was a slight decrease in gas prices across the nation, including in Washington state and Grant County, according to AAA. The Adams County average remains the same as last week.
Creative pizza pies
Moses Lake's Slices restaurant brings artisan pizza and other treats to patrons
MOSES LAKE — A family-owned establishment, Slices, is carving out an unusual niche in the local dining scene. Co-owners Becky and John Boyer took a leap of faith during the pandemic, transforming their post-COVID uncertainty into a business that celebrates community and culinary creativity, Becky said. "After COVID, we found ourselves in an unexpected situation. My husband John and I decided to open our restaurant, Slices, which kind of just landed in our lap," Becky said.
‘Fresh every day’
Kallstrom Corn stands a staple in the Basin and back again for summer
MOSES LAKE – As summer arrives in full bloom, the sight of Kallstrom Corn stands dotted throughout the Columbia Basin has returned, marking the beginning of the sweet corn season for locals awaiting the taste of the Kallstrom sweet corn. “The corn crop looks really healthy. It has a nice dark green color,” co-owner Mark Kallstrom said. “The weather started out cool, but it warmed up just enough; we got the heat units to bring it out a couple of days earlier.”
New principal takes charge at Warden High
WARDEN — Warden High School has welcomed its new principal, Heather Cheek, a seasoned educator with a passion for empowering students and fostering a positive school culture. Cheek, who assumed her role less than a week ago, brings a wealth of experience, having previously taught Spanish and served as an assistant principal in other districts. Cheek’s journey into education began with her desire to connect with others through language.
Ephrata mayoral candidates debate issues
EPHRATA – Ephrata Mayoral candidates came to the Columbia Basin Herald office Monday to talk about their positions on the issues. Incumbent Bruce Reim and opponent Steve Oliver answered questions around transparency, tax burdens, criminal activity and the local economy.
Ephrata summer school keeps students learning
EPHRATA — As the summer season wraps up, 190 students in the Ephrata School District are proving learning doesn't cease when the school year ends. The district’s summer school program, now in its final week, drew 136 Kindergarten through sixth-grade students to participate in enriching activities designed to bolster academic skills. "We aim to keep their skills up over the summer months and foster an ongoing curiosity about learning," said Director of Teaching and Learning Sharon Scellick. "We want to avoid the summer slide and keep our students active and engaged."
5 must listen to podcasts for summer road trips
MOSES LAKE – As summer continues, the season of long road trips, scenic vistas and family vacations beckons once again. With most cars equipped with a Bluetooth connection or a functional auxiliary port, podcasts have emerged as a favored form of entertainment for travelers. They not only serve as a distraction from the monotony of the open road but also provide companions for deep introspection, humor and even education. Among the myriad offerings available, five podcasts stand out as my exemplary choices for road-tripping: Heavyweight, Normal Gossip, American Scandal, The Truth and This American Life.
Moose spotted in Ephrata, residents told to exercise caution
EPHRATA —A moose has been spotted wandering through Ephrata and nearby communities over the past few days, drawing the attention of residents and prompting authorities to issue safety reminders regarding wildlife encounters. “The heat is intense, and moose are seeking water sources,” Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Communications Specialist Nicole Jordan said. “It’s not abnormal to see them migrating through this area, as they naturally exist here.”
MLSD takes preliminary look at 2025-26 finances
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District board held a special meeting Thursday to discuss preliminary budget numbers. “Tonight, we are going to do a fairly high overview of our budgeting process, and then some of the aspects, particularly around our revenue,” Superintendent Carol Lewis said.
Slight decrease in WA, Grant and Adams counties fuel
MOSES LAKE – Washington, Grant and Adams counties saw a slight decrease in average fuel prices this week. However, national prices both saw a slight increase, according to AAA. “With oil prices posting a modest uptick last week, the national average price of gasoline also inched slightly higher, with just over half of U.S. states seeing increases, while nearly two dozen saw declines,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “As we approach the midpoint of the summer driving season, gasoline inventories remain just below average, while diesel inventories are considerably tighter — keeping upward pressure on diesel prices”
MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL Pos. 5: Joel Graves
MOSES LAKE – Joel Graves is a candidate for Position 5 on the Moses Lake City Council and has a background that encompasses both public service and private industry. Graves said he aims to address the most pressing issues facing Moses Lake, including public safety, affordable housing and economic development. “I am very hopeful about our city, and I love Moses Lake, and I think that we sell ourselves short so often as a city,” Graves said. “There's a lot of negative stigma about Moses, mostly on Facebook. We have problems, of course, but what city doesn't have issues. We have great resources here. We have plenty of land, and we have a relatively low cost of living. We have people, employers, who actually want to move here, and we should celebrate that. So, I'm very hopeful about our city, and I plan to be here like I want my great-grandkids to be here.”
MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL Pos. 5: Jim Perez
MOSES LAKE – In the race for the Moses Lake City Council Position 5, Jim Perez said he's positioning himself as a candidate focused on the community’s future, drawing from his extensive business background and deep-rooted connections to the area, he said. "How I believe I'm prepared for the role for City Council is I’ve been a business leader for over 25 years," Perez said, addressing how his management experience has shaped his approach to public service. "You learn all about priorities, budgeting and managing people, which is crucial because you're dealing with the needs of a whole community."