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
GALLERY: Sage-‘N-Sun 2025
EPHRATA — Ephrata’s annual Sage-‘N-Sun festival Friday and Saturday brought the community out for music, a parade, food and fun. Here are a few scenes from the event.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Congrats to the Class of 2025
Over the last two weeks, I’ve had the distinct privilege of running a newsroom that covers more than a dozen high school graduations and one college graduation. Students, armed with knowledge, grit, sass and an absolutely wonderful desire to push for their dreams walked across football fields, stages, basketball courts and other venues to receive their paper that says they are, officially, done with a chapter of their lives. I would encourage the Class of 2025 to remember something, and this is something that took me probably longer than it should have to realize: Everything up to high school is just a lesson, and life as an adult is the final exam. That may sound a little daunting, and it is, but there’s something even more important to remember: You’ve had good teachers for this test.
111th graduating class strolls out in style in Ephrata
EPHRATA — About 200 students strolled, cavorted, lightsaber-battled and marched their way onto the Ephrata High School football field last Friday evening. Some wore honor cords showing accomplishments, some had decorated mortar boards and others a look of relief that their day had finally come. Student speaker, Charles Flynn, a graduating senior and outgoing Associated Student Body president, thanked the teachers, staff, parents and others who’d helped him and his classmates reach their educational and other goals. “I would also like to thank the class behind me,” Flynn said while at the podium, facing the gathered audience. “Many of us have grown up with each other since grade school, making mistakes and maturing from them along the way, staying up late to complete work, then waking up early to turn it in, going to football games and bonfires. All of these moments have given me the utmost confidence in the class sitting behind me. Today is not merely a heartfelt goodbye, but it is also a new beginning.”
Gorge shooting suspect appears in court
EPHRATA – James Kelly, the suspect in the June 2023 shooting at the Beyond Wonderland music festival, appeared in court Tuesday morning when his defense team requested a continuance for his omnibus hearing.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: The importance of learning spaces
What a weird time we live in. We have the greatest access to information since the dawn of time, but the double-edged sword of the internet is that we also have the greatest access to misinformation since the dawn of time.
UPDATED: Fire prompts evacuations near Ancient Lakes
QUINCY – A wildfire has broken out near the Ancient Lakes, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. An evacuation notice has been issued for those at the nearby campsites, and GCSO deputies are visiting campers to inform them that they need to evacuate the area.
Fire near Wanapum Village fully contained
WANAPUM VILLAGE – A fire broke out Wednesday evening almost due east of the Wanapum Village between Royal City and George, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources. It was contained at about 60 acres Thursday afternoon.
Five fantasy series for ages 12 and up
When I first started fourth grade, I despised reading. Now, that very thought sounds like sacrilege and I’ve gone on amazing adventures all through the pages of books. Not only do I have fond memories of reading particular books, but I grew as both a person and a writer as a result. Generally, fantasy and science fiction have been my favorite genres, though poetry and the occasional biography have drawn me in.
Narcan vending machine has long path to installation, cancellation
MOSES LAKE – North Central Washington Libraries staff said they were surprised by Moses Lake City Council’s actions requiring the removal of the Narcan vending machine from the Moses Lake Public Library in late March. NCW Deputy Director for Public Services Kim Neher said the machine being installed wasn’t an initiative spearheaded by the library district, but rather something the city had approached them about.
Civil Air Patrol presents at council workshop
EPHRATA – Civil Air Patrol cadets practiced presenting the colors at an Ephrata City Council workshop Wednesday evening at City Hall. The drill and ceremonies competitors are headed to California for competition soon and wanted to get practice in front of an audience. Kathy Maxwell with the Civil Air Patrol said this is multiple years in a row the Ephrata squadron has qualified for the competition. Members said the competition includes a variety of categories including physical fitness, knowledge and drill and ceremonies.