Friday, May 01, 2026
70.0°F

Grant Co. commissioners receive infrastructure updates

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 9 months AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | July 23, 2024 1:10 AM

EPHRATA — During the Grant County Board of Commissioners meeting Monday they received updates from the central services and the development service directors to begin their day, followed by a variety of other updates. 

Thomas Gaines, the central services director, started his update by telling commissioners about the first course of the new Nat Washington white curb sidewalk during the week of Aug. 5. It is just the first course so that the road will not have to be watered anymore and the dust will be gone. 

Next, Chris Young, the development service director, said he had received an email from a resident about having three accessory development units on her property which is not allowed in Grant County unless it is for agricultural reasons. No major updates from development services otherwise. 

They ended the day with Sam Castro, the Grant County public works director, with his update on the new noise monitor machines installed outside the Gorge Amphitheatre. After reviewing the information he has gathered, there are small spikes of noise but on average it sits at 82 to 83 decibels. He will continue to review the information gathered to discover if those spikes are being caused by music or vehicles driving by. The machines are also picking up on train noises, however, there are no tracks out by the amphitheater so they will continue to investigate what is causing those spikes.

Castro also spoke about how they are pursuing claims against people damaging infrastructure. He said that if the motorist who damaged infrastructure has insurance, they will pursue a claim with the said insurance but if not they are working with prosecutors. Castro also talked about how an incinerator is not feasible for the new waste management place because it requires a population of half a million people for it to be worth the expense. 

ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

‘Show up’
May 1, 2026 2 a.m.

‘Show up’

Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust

WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.

Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations
April 29, 2026 5:46 p.m.

Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations

WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”

Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board
April 29, 2026 5:30 p.m.

Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.