NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Firefighters battling Second Creek Fire near Leavenworth
LEAVENWORTH — Firefighters are currently battling the Second Creek Fire, which began on Monday and has scorched an estimated 64.1 acres, according to a report from the Southeast Washington Type-3 Incident Management Team.
Grant County burn ban to begin Sunday
MOSES LAKE — As temperatures rise and vegetation dries out, Grant County is about to start its annual burn ban beginning June 1, a measure designed to minimize the risk of wildfires during the summer months. The ban will continue until Sept. 30, encompassing all unincorporated areas of the county. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, more than 85% of wildfires in the United States are caused by human activity, highlighting the significance of preventative measures. This year, local officials are particularly concerned about the forecasted increase in wildfire activity due to hotter and drier weather conditions
MLSD restructuring admin office, saving district money
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District has hired people for two new administrative positions, including Yvonne Walker as the executive director of teaching and learning, and Scott West as the executive director of safety and wellbeing.
Fire burns 5 acres in Moses Lake Monday
MOSES LAKE – Monday evening around 5 p.m., Moses Lake Fire Department was dispatched to a brush fire near State Route 17 and North Stratford Road.
Gas prices rise in Basin and state
MOSES LAKE – Gas prices have seen one of the largest increases in Washington this year, with prices sitting at an average of $4.42, according to AAA. There was also an increase in both Grant and Adams counties from the previous week.
Energy Science Days help students learn about renewable energy
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District participated in the Energy Science Days, hosted at Big Bend Community College last Wednesday for fifth-grade students.
WISe program helps youth amid mental health crises
MOSES LAKE —The Wraparound with Intensive Services program is making significant strides in addressing the mental health needs of youth in Washington, according to the Grant County Direct Supervisor of WISe, Velma De La Rosa.
Juvenile shot, suffers non-life-threatening injuries
MOSES LAKE — On Tuesday at around 6:30 p.m. the Moses Lake Police Department received a call of shots fired in the 500 block of Central Drive, according to a statement from the MLPD. When officers arrived, they located a 17-year-old male with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound in his leg. The victim was transported to Samaritan Hospital for treatment. MLPD Capt. Jeff Sursely said there have been no updates on how the victim is recovering.
Welded to success
EHS freshman sparks inspiration among peers
EPHRATA – Lila Smith, a freshman at Ephrata High School, earned the title as one of the Students of the Month for May in the Ephrata School District.
Ephrata Fire Department named 2025 Volunteer Fire House of the Year
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Fire Department has been awarded the title of "Volunteer Fire House of the Year" for 2025 by the Washington State Firefighters Association, significant recognition for the primarily volunteer-based team.
A promise fulfilled
Gov. Ferguson signs bill exempting farmers from CCA fuel taxes
OLYMPIA — Washington farmers were promised fuel exemptions from the state’s Climate Commitment Act, and four years after its initial passage, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1912 which facilitates fuel exemptions for farmers under the CCA.
New wildlife feeding ban takes effect in WA amid concerns of CWD
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has adopted new regulations prohibiting the feeding of deer, elk and moose statewide, effective last Friday. This decision comes as a precautionary measure to mitigate the risk of transmitting Chronic Wasting Disease, an always-fatal neurological disease that affects cervids, among Washington’s wildlife populations. The rule was formed in response to the discovery of CWD in Eastern Washington for the first time in 2024. With no known cure for this disease, state officials identified the need to reduce concentrations of cervids at feeding sites, which could accelerate the spread of this and other wildlife diseases.
1,100-acre fire contained near Grant-Kittitas border
ELLENSBURG — On Sunday afternoon around 12:35 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to Bourne Springs for a fast-moving wildland fire at the Yakima Training Center. “It occurred in an open training area, and it was caused due to training activities,” Yakima Training Center Public Affairs Officer Paul Noel said. The fire was located near the Grant County and Kittitas County border, near Mattawa.
Gas prices rise in Grant Co., WA and nationally
A look into Memorial Day weekend travel
MOSES LAKE — Gas prices across the nation rose, impacting both Grant County and Washington state, according to the American Automobile Association. However, gas prices are still lower than last year at this time, which is good for travelers this upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Last week, Grant County was sitting at $4.28 per gallon for the second week in a row, but as of Monday gas prices had risen $0.02 per gallon, bringing the average gas price in the county up to $4.30, according to AAA. This is the same price consumers saw during the week of April 28. This week Adams County saw a decrease in gas prices from $4.20 to $4.18 this week, according to AAA. Two weeks ago, gas was averaging $4.17, lower than currently. Both Grant and Adams counties remain around the median of gas prices across the state, according to AAA. Wahkiakum County remained the most expensive for the second week in a row at $4.80 which is a $0.05 increase from the previous week. Asotin County also remained the cheapest at $3.84 which is a $0.07 increase from last week.
Littering fines, plastic bag prices to increase this summer
OLYMPIA — In Washington, customers will begin to pay more for plastic bags, and those who choose to litter will be facing high fines after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1293 into law Saturday. “People who dump garbage in our beautiful state must be held accountable,” said sponsor Rep. Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla, in a statement. “Increasing the littering penalty for the first time since 1993 is an important step in addressing our horrible littering problem.” HB 1293, which received bipartisan support and ultimately passed with a 46-2 vote in the House and a 27-20 vote in the senate raises the penalty for littering to a class 2 civil infraction. Littering was previously a class 3 civil infraction.
Touch a Truck event supports Ephrata Food Bank
First responders, local companies gather to ensure locals are fed
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Fire Department's annual "Touch a Truck" event Saturday drew a crowd despite early rain showers, as community members visited the Splash Zone parking lot to engage with a variety of large vehicles. The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., served as both a fun outing for families and a fundraiser for the Ephrata Food Bank.
Groff Elementary 2025-26 plans in the works
MLSD reviews feedback from parents on this year and ideas for next year
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District board met Thursday night for a regular meeting to discuss the feedback the district received from parents at Groff Elementary for next year.
MLSD updates policies
MOSES LAKE — At the Thursday night regular Moses Lake School Board meeting, one new policy was passed relating to social media usage for employees. The board also updated a policy in regard to capital assets and theft.
Gov. proclaims support for WA veterans
State leadership committed to vet suicide prevention, mental health support
MOSES LAKE – Gov. Bob Ferguson recently signed a proclamation reaffirming Washington’s commitment to veteran suicide prevention. The proclamation comes amidst rising concerns about mental health challenges facing vets, with the rate of veteran suicide in Washington exceeding the national average, according to a statement from Ferguson.
MLSD meeting addresses gang activity, youth safety
MOSES LAKE — Community leaders, educators, law enforcement officials and parents gathered at the Moses Lake School District Tuesday for a discussion on youth safety and gang activity. The meeting, which featured a panel of experts from various sectors, aimed to convey important information regarding the challenges and trends in the community while outlining preventive measures and fostering collaboration between families and institutions.
Building their way to nationals
Ephrata’s Parkway Pizzazz heading to national LEGO robotics championship
EPHRATA – Ten sixth-grade Parkway Intermediate students, two advisors and a Lego robot named Jeff will travel to New Jersey this week for the national Lego Robotics championship. For a handful of the students this is their first time on a plane, for others their first time on the east coast. For all of them, it will be their first time competing in the national Lego championship. “It was a really good experience working together because we all got to work as a team together. We do have some coders that code and people who worked on the innovation project, but we all share what we learned throughout the day,” Liliana Zaets said. “It was a really good experience because we learned a lot of things.” The Parkway Pizzazz team competed in state Jan. 18 and won the “Breakthrough” award at state competition. The award entered them into a lottery to compete at nationals. The group was selected from the lottery and now they are on their way to the American Robotics Open Competiton in New Jersey.
EHS senior Chase Moser recognized as student of the month
EPHRATA — Ephrata High School senior Chase Moser has been named as one of the Students of the Month for May, an accolade that his teachers said highlights his exceptional abilities in writing, public speaking and critical thinking. Moser’s academic journey within Ephrata School District, which began in fourth grade, has been marked by notable achievements and an influential presence both in the classroom and beyond, according to EHS English teacher Don Hendrixson, who nominated him for student of the month. Moser is set to graduate this spring, and he has plans to further his education at Eastern Washington University, where he will pursue a degree in business with a minor in psychology. He emphasized the versatility of a business degree.
Grant Co. Fairgrounds preparing for busy season
90 days until the Grant County Fair opens with food, competitions and carnival attractions
MOSES LAKE — The days are getting warmer and with the Grant County Fair just around the corner, the fairgrounds team is ramping up its preparations. Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan announced upgrades to the facility aimed at enhancing safety and overall visitor experience, while simultaneously addressing a crucial staffing shortage for seasonal positions. The legislature decided to table some bills that could have had impacts on the fairgrounds.
Ferguson signs animal cruelty bill
OLYMPIA — In a step toward enhancing animal welfare, the Washington State Legislature has passed House Bill 1149, an act aimed at the prevention of cruelty to animals. The bill received overwhelming support, with a vote of 96-0 in the House and 47-1 in the Senate, before being concurred by the House at 85-11. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law Monday. “We will always be in favor and supportive of legislation that ends the suffering of animals and holds people accountable when they do cause unnecessary means of suffering to an animal,” Grant County Animal Outreach President Sara Thompson Tweedy said. “We’re always going to be in favor of legislation that enables law enforcement to do their job effectively and efficiently to end that suffering.”
Quincy man reported missing Saturday, found hours later
QUINCY — On Saturday night, a 68-year-old Quincy man was reported missing near the 23000 block of state Route 28 in the Trinidad area. Grant County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside Grant County Fire District 3, Quincy Police Department, Columbia EMS and Life Flight Network to search for this missing man.
Columbia Basin schools recognized for excellence
MOSES LAKE – In a display of educational dedication, several schools within the Columbia Basin area have received honors from the Washington State School Recognition Program for the 2023-2024 academic year. These awards celebrate schools that have excelled in crucial areas of student success, including closing achievement gaps, fostering growth among diverse student populations and attaining high levels of performance.
Outstanding Grit
Recognizing the outstanding seniors at Ephrata High
EPHRATA – Thirty exceptional seniors were called on stage with other students cheering and clapping Thursday morning during the Ephrata High School assembly. The students were presented with Outstanding Senior Awards or Grit Academic Department Awards.
MLSD to host gang town hall today
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District will host a town hall today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Learning Services Center, focusing on youth gang awareness and prevention. This event seeks to engage families, educators and community members in a dialogue about the challenges that gang activity presents in the local area.
Gang awareness event held in Ephrata
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District organized an informational session on youth gang involvement Thursday night, bringing together educators, law enforcement and community members to address youth gang concerns in the region.
Grant Co. Fairgrounds has urgent need of seasonal staff
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fairgrounds is calling for immediate applications for seasonal positions as the county prepares for its busy fair season. Fairgronds Director Jim McKiernan said the organization typically hires four to six seasonal workers each year to help manage the increased workload but has encountered significant challenges in filling these roles for the upcoming season.
Ephrata passes 6-year transpo plan
EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council passed its six-year transportation improvement program for 2026 through 2031 unanimously Wednesday night during the council’s regular meeting. “This is a plan for our roads, this is kind of a wish list,” Public Works Director Rob Harris said.
Ephrata Fire to hold Touch a Truck event to support Ephrata Food Bank
EPHRATA – Fire trucks, buses, ambulances, concrete mixers, dump trucks, tractors and other emergency vehicles and equipment will fill the Ephrata Splash Zone parking lot on May 17. The Ephrata Fire Department will be hosting its annual “Touch a Truck” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise funds and food for the Ephrata Food Bank.
New Ephrata Sports Complex bathrooms open to the public
EPHRATA – Ephrata Public Works staff worked late into the night Thursday to pour and protect the new concrete pad for the new restrooms at the Sports Complex located at 121 Alder St. SW. The staff, according to Public Works Director Rob Harris, stayed until 4 a.m. to complete the project to ensure it was ready for a softball game the following day.
Ephrata SD gang town hall today
EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District, in collaboration with local law enforcement and the North Central Educational Service District, will host a town hall meeting titled "Understanding Youth Gangs" on May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center.
Ephrata school nurse ensures students thrive despite medical needs
EPHRATA – Pam Cleveringa has been a part of the Ephrata School District since 2010, serving as the school nurse for over a decade. With a nursing career that began in 1999, Cleveringa initially engaged in various nursing roles, including hospital and maternity care. However, upon the recommendation of friends during a time of budget cuts, she transitioned to school nursing, a field where she has since found her passion.
WA wildlife crop damage law signed
OLYMPIA – In a move to support farmers in less densely populated areas, the Washington State Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 5165, which aims to provide compensation for damage to commercial crops caused by wild deer and elk in designated frontier one counties.
Moses Lake School Board passes five policies, holds one
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School Board met for its regular meeting April 1 passed five policy updates and discussed one policy update with no action taken. The policies ranged from updating guidelines for non-resident students to removing a sentence from the district’s sexual harassment policy.
New water main connection will have two roads down to one lane in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE – Today from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Moses Lake, Pegram Construction will be closing the two westbound lanes of Valley Road between Sunburst Court Northeast and Grape Drive Northeast to add a new water main connection.
MLSD discusses levy fund use in 2025-26
MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis discussed plans for the 2025-26 school year levy funds at the May 1 regular school board meeting. The district will only collect a partial levy in the second half of the school year at an estimated $5.9 million om revenue. However, the following school year the district will be able to do a full collection of about $11.9 million.
New law provides protection for hot car rescues
Those who save vulnerable people or animals from overheated vehicles have reduced liability risks.
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has passed House Bill 1046, which grants immunity from civil liability for those who forcibly enter a locked vehicle to rescue a vulnerable person or domestic pet. The bill, passed by both the House and Senate in April and signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, is set to take effect on July 27, 2025.
Utilities required to strengthen fire mitigation plans under WA law
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has unanimously passed House Bill 1522, a measure designed to bolster the wildfire mitigation strategies of investor-owned electric utilities. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law on April 24 with it to go into effect on July 27, 2025. “This bill builds on what we’ve already been doing,” said Tom Dent, R-Moses Lakes. “A few years back, we passed a bill that allowed utilities to put together wildfire mitigation plans—to clear brush, cut down hazard trees, and reduce fuel loads. And that’s been working. But now we’re taking it a step further.”
Four juveniles steal vehicle, elude police and roll car
MOSES LAKE – Monday morning at around 1:30 a.m., a vehicle was stolen by four Moses Lake juveniles between the ages of 13 to 15 on Bong Loop in Moses Lake. The car was called in as stolen, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.
Gas prices drop in Grant, Adams, rise nationally
MOSES LAKE – Gas prices in Grant County, Adams County and Washington State saw a slight decrease. At the national level, there was around a two-cent increase from the previous week, according to AAA.
MLPD uncovers large rooster fighting operation during drug search
MOSES LAKE – On May 1, the Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Moses Lake Tactical Response Team, executed a search warrant at 10032 Rd N.4 NE in Moses Lake. The operation, initially focused on methamphetamine sales and illegal firearm possession, unearthed an extensive illegal rooster fighting operation on the premises, according to MLPD.
New legislation updates laws for working minors in WA
DUPONT— Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson recently signed Senate Bill 1644 into law, establishing enhanced safety and health regulations for minors employed in both agricultural and non-agricultural industries. Ferguson signed the bill on International Workers’ Memorial Day at the Western Washington Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee’s DuPont campus.
Ephrata High enhances security with new video intercom system
EPHRATA — Ephrata High School recently completed the installation of a new video intercom system as part of an initiative to bolster safety measures for students, staff and visitors. This new security upgrade, which was finalized over spring break, adds a layer of protection for the school, allowing for more controlled access to the premises during school hours.
MLSD hosting community forum to introduce finalists for leadership role
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is inviting families, staff and community members to actively participate in a forum to introduce finalists for the executive director of safety and wellbeing tonight, as the district seeks to enhance its educational and safety framework
Substance abuse resources highlighted at town hall
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Community Coalition held a town hall to discuss addiction and resources in the Moses Lake community. The meeting titled “The Us in Them: The line between us and them is thinner than you think” had a panel of six speakers from a variety of backgrounds. The Columbia Basin Herald published a story Monday about the personal experiences of the participants.
Warden seeks new police chief
Rick Martin set to retire June 15 after long service to community
WARDEN – The City of Warden is preparing for a transition in its Police Department as Chief Rick Martin announced his retirement effective June 15, 2025, at the April 22 city council meeting prompting the city to initiate the hiring process for his successor.
Gas prices raise in Grant Co., drop elsewhere
MOSES LAKE – As of April 28, gasoline prices in Grant and Adams counties continue to display notable variation amidst a steady national average, according to AAA.