NANCE BESTON

Soap Lake finance director, attorney resign

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake received two resignation letters, one from Finance Director Jeff Balentine and one from City Attorney Julie Norton, according to public records obtained from the City of Soap Lake.

Groff repairs continue on schedule

MOSES LAKE — Repairs at Groff Elementary School are moving forward as Moses Lake School District works to correct construction defects that forced the school’s closure nearly two years ago, district officials said this week.

Behind the line

Grant Elementary’s food service team fuels learning one meal at a time

EPHRATA — By 10:45 a.m., the kitchen at Grant Elementary is already busy. Trays clatter, ovens hum and the first-graders begin filing through the lunch line. From that moment on, the pace barely slows.

Ephrata PD: No verified cougar sightings despite online claims

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department received information via social media regarding a possible cougar sighting in the southeast portion of Ephrata. However, after investigating the posts, Captain Troy Froewiss said the department couldn't substantiate there was a cougar in town.

Soap Lake allocates tourism funds, discusses contractors

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council on Tuesday approved $52,350 in tourism funding for 2026 events and signaled its intent to contract with both Kovach Architects and Safe Built LLC to address planning and permitting needs.

Ephrata, Port awarded CERB grant economic development planning

EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata and the Port of Ephrata have secured a state planning grant to jointly develop a long‑range economic development strategy aimed at improving infrastructure and attracting new businesses.

State audit breaks down MLSD budget issues

MOSES LAKE — A two‑year accountability audit of the Moses Lake School District found the district repeatedly overspent its legally adopted budgets, failed to obtain required state approval for a 2024 enrichment levy, and lacked adequate controls over purchasing, credit cards, fuel use and asset tracking, according to a report released March 19 by the Washington State Auditor’s Office.

Soap Lake council tables tourism committee plan, debates planning services

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council approved several administrative resolutions Wednesday but postponed decisions on tourism funding and planning services after an hours‑long discussion over staffing, contracts and oversight.

Soap Lake council unanimously votes no-confidence in Mayor Sharp

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council unanimously passed a vote of no-confidence against Mayor Peter Sharp Wednesday evening, taking effect immediately after passage. Councilmember Kayleen Bryson read the resolution as the only comment on the matter. Sharp did not comment during the meeting.

Measles reported in Grant County

EPHRATA — Grant County health officials are urging families to check their vaccination records after two unvaccinated children in the same household tested positive for measles, marking the county’s first confirmed infections of 2026. Grant County Health District said it was notified on March 17 that both children, who were recently exposed during international travel, had contracted the virus. One child was briefly hospitalized; both are now recovering at home. Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny said the cases underscore how quickly measles can spread — and how effectively it can be prevented.

MLSD to publicly review financial audit Thursday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District will have a special session before its regularly scheduled board meeting March 19 to publicly receive the results of the accountability audit conducted by the Washington State Auditor’s Office, who will present the findings.

‘Bridging the gap’

Ephrata City Clerk Kapalo leaving behind modernized, more connected city

EPHRATA — When City Clerk Katie Kapalo arrived at Ephrata City Hall in June 2024, she didn’t just step into a job she’d never heard of before applying – she stepped into a role that would soon reshape how the city communicates, connects and prepares for the future.

Musical Journey: Ephrata Choir finds harmony – and awe – on Puget Sound Tour

SEATTLE — The moment the first notes lifted into the vaulted air of St. James Cathedral, something shifted for the Ephrata High School Choir. The students had spent two days singing, learning, laughing and ferry‑hopping their way across the Puget Sound region – but this was the moment that stayed with them.

Fire officials urge families to do annual safety checks

EPHRATA — The first warm days of March tend to nudge people toward open windows, fresh air and long‑delayed chores. As closets are emptied and garages are sorted, local fire officials say spring cleaning is also the perfect moment to tackle a few safety tasks that often get overlooked – ones that can prevent emergencies and even save lives.

Warden council approves sewer loan, adopts body-cam redaction fees

WARDEN — The Warden City Council approved two resolutions Tuesday, held a required public hearing on body‑camera redaction fees and tabled a proposed drug‑paraphernalia ordinance for further revisions.

Moses Lake awards money to 7 community organizations

MOSES LAKE — Seven charitable organizations received funding from the city of Moses Lake through a grant program established last year to funnel charitable donation requests to one place.

Warden Softball rebuilds with experience, high expectations for 2026

WARDEN — After a young Warden softball team battled its way to the state tournament last spring, head coach Randy Wright believes this year’s group is poised to take another step forward — and possibly much more. “We were young last year,” Wright said. “This year we’re a lot more experienced, and that makes a big difference.” Warden returns the core of its roster from a team that gained valuable postseason experience in 2025. Wright said the athletes have come into the new season with a clearer sense of what it takes to compete deep into May.

Soap Lake Tennis opens season with record turnout, senior leadership

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake High School tennis coach Lee Leavell begins the 2026 season with the largest roster he has seen in his six years leading the program – around 24 athletes, a turnout he calls both exciting and bittersweet. “It’s very senior heavy,” Leavell said. “I’m really excited for it, because it’s my last run with this group of kids that I’ve had for a long time. I’m just trying to enjoy it and telling the kids they need to enjoy the season.” With so many upperclassmen, Leavell said the team’s goals center on savoring the experience as much as competing.

‘A love letter to teachers’

MLHS theater invites community to step into the 1960s with “Up the Down Staircase”

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School Theater is gearing up to open “Up the Down Staircase,” and if the cast and crew have anything to say about it, this is the week to show up, fill the seats and cheer loudly.

Ephrata seeks grant to design new rail overpass, north–south arterial

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is moving forward with a major freight infrastructure proposal, asking the City Council to authorize a Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board grant application that would fund preliminary engineering for a new railroad overpass and north–south arterial connecting SR‑28 to the Port of Ephrata.

‘A pathway to success’

McKinney‑Vento program supports students without stable housing

EPHRATA — Grant and Adams counties continue to see students living without stable housing, reflecting statewide trends and placing increased pressure on school districts to provide transportation, basic needs and academic stability.

Moses Lake man sentenced to 16 years for strangling roommate

MOSES LAKE — Kyler Mathew Wortham, 35, of Moses Lake who admitted to strangling his roommate in 2025 has been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to second‑degree murder – domestic violence.

Grant County remains measles‑free but trend concerning

EPHRATA — With measles cases climbing across Washington and the nation, state and local health officials are urging families to review vaccination records and make sure children are protected. No cases have been reported in Grant County so far but officials urge caution.

COLUMN: The 2026 Winter Paralympics are on, it’s time for credit where it’s due

The Winter Paralympics don’t ease you in. They don’t warm up. They don’t politely ask for your attention. They explode onto the ice at full speed, led by athletes doing things that challenge physics, redefine technical mastery and prove that toughness has no single form.

Fuel Report for March 10

Fuel Report for March 10

Moses Lake resident assaulted Sunday

MOSES LAKE — Four Moses Lake Police Department officers were dispatched to Samaritan Hospital Sunday afternoon for an obvious assault of a 30-year-old Moses Lake resident, according to MLPD Chief Dave Sands.

District to slow down, regroup after Ephrata bond failure

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District leaders say they will slow down and regroup after voters rejected the district’s $75 million, 25-year construction bond in the February special election, leaving facility needs unresolved while officials reassess community priorities.

Childhood tooth decay surges in Grant, Adams counties

MOSES LAKE — A new statewide report shows children in Grant and Adams counties are experiencing some of Washington’s highest rates of tooth decay, underscoring concerns from public‑health leaders as National Children’s Dental Health Month came to a close in February.

Warden Elementary improves attendance using regional program

WARDEN — Warden Elementary School is beginning to see early gains in student attendance after launching a 10‑day attendance challenge supported by a regional network focused on reducing chronic absenteeism.

Take Flight STEM Night educates hundreds

‘STEM is part of their world and they can be part of it too’

MOSES LAKE — Hundreds of young students and their families packed the halls of Longview Elementary Thursday night for “Take Flight STEM Night,” a growing regional series aimed at sparking early interest in science, technology, engineering and math across Grant and Adams counties.

Army takes custody of Gorge shooting suspect

MOSES LAKE — The Army has taken custody of the soldier accused of killing two people and injuring several others during the 2023 Beyond Wonderland music festival shooting at the Gorge Amphitheatre and has now charged him under military law.

Frosty Finds offers appraisals, unique finds Saturday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center is inviting the public to its Frosty Finds Flea Market and Appraisal Fair on Saturday, where some appraisal slots remain open for anyone curious about the value or history of their antiques and collectibles.

Columbia Basin Hospital board seeks applicants

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Hospital is seeking applicants to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3.

PUD’s Ephrata center on time, on budget

EPHRATA — Nearly six months after Grant PUD broke ground on its new Ephrata Service Center, the project is advancing on schedule and on budget, with major site work now underway and structural construction expected to accelerate through 2026.

Columbia Basin Hospital to spend $260K on equipment, construction

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Hospital’s Board of Commissioners approved more than a quarter‑million dollars in new spending Tuesday, including construction costs for a computed tomography scanner installation, new IV infusion pumps and a replacement electrocardiogram machine.

2 seats open on Ephrata Parks Commission

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Parks Commission is looking for two volunteers to join the board.

New Year lights

Soap Lake Lantern Festival draws hundreds to celebrate the Lunar New Year

SOAP LAKE — What began as a small community gathering grew into a crowd of nearly 300 people Saturday as families lined the streets of Soap Lake to celebrate the Lunar New Year during the town’s first Lantern Festival. The festival honored the Lunar New Year – the Year of the Horse – and focused on themes of renewal, community and respect for the natural elements surrounding Soap Lake. “Today was extremely, overwhelmingly successful, kind of beyond our expectations,” said Blayne Walsh, one of the event’s organizers. “Our community always shows up. And it was cool that it reached even beyond just our small Soap Lake town.” The festival featured lanterns, food, cultural decorations and costumed performers, including dragon and lion imagery that delighted children throughout the evening. Organizers said the original goal was simply to bring neighbors together during the seasonal transition from winter to spring.

CWU faculty express no confidence in university president

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University’s Board of Trustees acknowledged faculty concerns Friday after an overwhelming vote of no confidence in President Jim Wohlpart, saying it plans to bring in outside mediators to help repair strained relationships on campus.

13th District lawmakers to host virtual town hall today

OLYMPIA — Lawmakers representing Washington’s 13th Legislative District will hold a virtual town hall Wednesday as the 2026 legislative session enters its final weeks and several of their priority bills move forward.

GCSO names deputies who fired shots in fatal officer-involved incident

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office on Monday released the names of the deputies who fired their weapons during a fatal officer‑involved shooting near Moses Lake earlier this month. The shooting occurred Feb. 16 in the 4700 block of Road L.9 and resulted in the death of 33‑year‑old Aaron Ammann. The incident remains under investigation by the Central Basin Investigative Team, which is handling the case independently.

WA fuel prices jump 17 cents, highest since late October

MOSES LAKE — Washington’s average gas price rose 17 cents in the past week, reaching $4.33 per gallon as of Feb. 23, the state’s highest average since late October.

WDFW urges anglers to use caution as local lakes open March 1

MOSES LAKE — With the March 1 fishing opener approaching, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is reminding Grant County anglers to be careful on late‑winter ice and to check conditions before heading out.

GCAO lowers fees to help older pets find ‘forever Valentines’

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Animal Outreach is hoping the community will open its hearts and homes to the shelter’s older pets this month. Through Feb. 28 at 5 p.m., adoption fees for adult cats and dogs have been reduced to $100 for animals one year and older, and $50 for pets six years and older, part of the shelter’s “Forever Valentine” promotion. Assistant Manager Serena Jewell said February felt like the right time to break down barriers that sometimes prevent older pets from finding homes. “February was just more so playing off the theme of your forever Valentine,” Jewell said. “And we know the holidays just kind of hit everyone pretty rough… so trying to help break down that barrier of adoption fees to get them to new homes was kind of our main goal.”

Ephrata sets plan to address floodplain challenges

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is beginning a long process to repair and improve the Dry Creek Flood Diversion Channel, a system meant to protect the community from major flooding. During the Feb. 18 City Council meeting, Project Engineer Dave Bren gave an explanation of why Ephrata is still in a federally established floodplain and what must be done to change that.

Grant, Adams spring elections certified

OLYMPIA — Grant and Adams counties have finalized the results of the February 2026 special election, with turnout reaching about 32% in Grant County where 6,944 ballots cast out of 21,687 registered voters. In Adams County, voter turnout was about 28%, with 2,390 ballots returned from 8,610 registered voters.

Hansen overpass to be replaced

Construction to span July to December 2026

MOSES LAKE — Hansen Overpass will be replaced this summer, with project completion planned for Dec. 2026, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Soap Lake approves increases to sewer, water and garbage rates

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council approved new sewer and garbage rates Wednesday night, adopting two resolutions that city officials said are needed to keep up with rising operational costs and maintain essential utility services.

COLUMN: Reporting on the Frontier tragedy

MOSES LAKE — I wasn’t born, yet, at the time of the 1996 Frontier Middle School tragedy, but I grew up in the long shadow of school violence. I remember the blue glow of the TV during Sandy Hook coverage, the volume lowered when I walked in, the hush in classrooms after every new headline. I remember lockdown drills – the click of the door, scuffed linoleum under my knees – and the crisp Montana wind when my middle school was evacuated for a bomb threat.

Ephrata PD chief says EMS bomb threat unfounded

EPHRATA — A bomb threat reported late Monday night targeting Ephrata Middle School was determined to be unfounded, according to Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office log shows the call came in at 9:24 p.m., with the caller claiming a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes. However, Koch said the details quickly raised red flags.

Wahluke EP&O levy ahead in initial results

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District’s replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy is passing in initial election results, with 352 yes votes to 256 no votes as of Feb. 13. The election is scheduled to be certified Feb. 20.