R. HANS MILLER
Managing Editor Rob Miller is a 4-year U.S. Army veteran who grew up in Western Montana in a community about the size of Soap Lake. An honors graduate of Texas State University, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Brandee, and their three dogs, Draco, Pepper and Cinnamon. He has one son, William. During his free time, he enjoys photography, video games, reading and working on the house he and his wife bought in Ephrata. He is passionate about the First Amendment and educating communities.
Recent Stories
Judges say no to Kroger-Albertsons $24.6B merger
SEATTLE – King County Superior Court Judge Marshall Ferguson ruled Tuesday that a proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons would eliminate sufficient competition and violate Washington antitrust laws. A ruling on a federal case against the merger was also made.
Ephrata Schools moving forward with replacement levy election
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School Board unanimously approved placing an Educational Programs and Operations levy on the February 2025 ballot for taxpayers to decide on. The estimated levy rate is $1.85 per $1,000 of assessed value. The EP&O levy helps pay for things like athletics, theater and other extracurriculars in addition to instruction.
Ephrata School District works to mitigate cybersecurity issues
EPHRATA – Ephrata School District staff and stakeholders met earlier in November to address how the district can prepare for cyber attacks. The exercise was not in response to any specific action against district computer systems but was set to ensure the district was prepared to mitigate any potential problems.
COLUMN: MEDIA LITERACY: Plain language
When it comes to the news, a reporter should not be telling you how to feel. You know that. Journalists know that. In today’s world though, what we know and what happens – especially regarding national politics – aren’t as synonymous as we’d all like.
Gorge shooting trial to go into 2025
EPHRATA — The trial of James Kelly, the man accused of killing two women and injuring multiple others at the Beyond Wonderland music festival in June of 2023, will continue into 2025, according to court documents.
Ephrata schools back to normal operations after online threats
EPHRATA - The Ephrata School District canceled all classes and activities Friday after multiple threats were made toward Ephrata SD campuses, according to statements from the district. However, schools are expected to return to normal operations Monday after threats were determined to be a hoax.
UPDATED: Ephrata School District taking precautions after threats
EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District issued a notice to the community Thursday afternoon after a threat was made online regarding Ephrata High School.
BBCC daycare shut down due to CPS case
MOSES LAKE – Big Bend Community College’s childcare facility closed effective Friday due to an ongoing Child Protective Services case, according to a BBCC statement. Big Bend Director of Communications Matt Killebrew said the cause for the investigation was self-reported by BBCC staff overseeing childcare operations, but details were not available.
Whooping cough cases surging
GCHD, physicians urge people to get whooping cough vaccinations
EPHRATA – Whooping Cough continues to have higher-than-expected case counts in Grant County and across the state of Washington according to a Grant County Health District press release. Medical professionals are asking the community to remain vigilant and take precautions to mitigate the spread of the bacteria that causes it.
Lt. Governor Heck wins bid for reelection
OLYMPIA – Incumbent Lt. Governor Denny Heck, a Democrat, campaigned to keep his seat from Republican challenger Dan Matthews.