STAFF REPORT
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Adams County ballot features competitive federal, state and local races
RITZVILLE — Filing week has closed in Adams County, and voters will see a crowded and competitive ballot in the 2026 election cycle, with numerous contested races at the federal, state, and local levels. At the federal level, both U.S. Congressional Districts 4 and 5 will be on the ballot. Congressional District 4 has drawn significant interest, with 11 candidates filing after incumbent Dan Newhouse announced he will not seek re‑election. Congressional District 5 has 13 candidates filed, including incumbent Michael Baumgartner. One candidate withdrew from the race earlier this week and is not reflected on official candidate graphics.
Four cars damaged in Moses Lake collision
MOSES LAKE — An early-morning collision damaged four cars parked outside a residence and led to a DUI arrest in Moses Lake Tuesday, according to a release from the Moses Lake Police Department. Nelson Burley, 23, was booked into the Grant County jail on suspicion of DUI, first-degree malicious mischief and four counts of hit and run, unattended, according to a press release from the Moses Lake Police Department. Burley was driving in the vicinity of North Clark Road and West Meridian Avenue at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, the release said. “Officers determined the causing vehicle, a 2006 Chevy Silverado, failed to negotiate the turn, losing control and striking two parked cars. One of the parked cars was pushed into another, when was then pushed into the garage, striking a fourth vehicle. The driver fled the scene on foot but was later returned by a family member,” the MLPD wrote in the release.
Several contested races on the primary ballot in Grant County
EPHRATA — Filing week for the August primary election closed Friday, leaving several contested races on the ballot across Grant County.
Today is the final day to file in Grant County
EPHRATA — Grant County’s candidate filing week is underway, with several candidates submitting paperwork for local offices. Filing closes at 5 p.m. Friday for the upcoming general election. Several races currently remain uncontested as of 12 p.m. Thursday.
Adams County Election filing closes today
RITZVILLE — Adams County’s candidate filing week is ongoing, with multiple candidates filing for local offices. The deadline to file for the upcoming general election is 5 p.m. Friday, and several races remain uncontested as of 12 p.m. Thursday.
Changes in financial procedures recommended for Lind after state audit
LIND — The town of Lind lost a substantial amount of its financial transaction records for 2022-25, a situation the Washington State Auditor’s Office attributed to a computer failure. However, the WSAO also recommended that town officials revise some of its financial transaction processes.
Grant Co. candidates that have filed so far
EPHRATA — Election filing week is underway in Grant County and there are several key races on the ballot. Candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday to file for candidacy for any of the general election races. These candidates have filed for their respective races as of 12 p.m. May 5.
House fire closes section of Daisy Street North in Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — Drivers should avoid the area of Daisy Street North and First Avenue Northeast in Soap Lake due to a fire that caused heavy damage to a residence late Saturday morning.
Ephrata Parks Commission seeking to fill two open seats
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Parks Commission, which serves as an advisory group to the Ephrata City Council, has two vacant board seats.
Soap Lake: lake-focused groups not connected to city
SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake city officials issued a clarification Monday to ensure people know that three lake‑focused advocacy groups are not connected to the city's municipal government. In a statement, the city said the Soap Lake Conservancy, the Lake Liaison Committee and Save Soap Lake operate entirely independently and “are not affiliates, agencies, departments, or representative bodies of the City of Soap Lake in any capacity.” Both the Soap Lake Conservancy and the Lake Liaison Committee are non-profit organizations. All three groups focus on the health and preservation of Soap Lake, but the city said they have “no formal legal, organizational, or operational connection” to elected officials or city staff.