SLPD chief on administrative leave
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month AGO
Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox, pictured here during a Soap Lake City Council meeting in 2020 is on paid administrative leave pending the completion of an investigation into unknown allegations.
FILE PHOTO
SOAP LAKE – Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox is on paid administrative leave as an ongoing investigation occurs, according to acting SLPD chief Robert Geates.
“We have to wait until the investigation is completed,” Geates said regarding when additional information would be available to the public.
The administrative leave began Nov. 15. It is unknown at this time when the investigation will be complete, according to Geates. The reason for the investigation has not been made public.
The Columbia Basin Herald will have a follow-up story as more information becomes publicly available.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
Law enforcement software changes present challenges, opportunities
MOSES LAKE— The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments in Grant County switched from Spillman to 365 Labs for its law enforcement software at the beginning of 2025. Since the upgrade, departments have been learning the new software and certain functions are still being discovered, workshopped and taught to the agencies.
Soap Lake City Council considering elimination of lake water use
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council met for its first meeting of the year Wednesday. The meeting began with an executive session in regard to the performance of a public employee with no action following. Lake water usage, officer recognition and other items were addressed afterward.
Ephrata Fire’s 2024 year in review
'We feel blessed by the individuals down here'
EPHRATA — As the Ephrata Fire Department begins a new year, 2024 proved to be a transformative period, according to Chief Jeremy Burns. The department saw significant achievements in operational efficiency, community engagement and volunteer involvement. Burns talked about the department's accomplishments over the past year and outlined goals for 2025.