Thursday, July 23, 2026
62.0°F

Grant Co. public works director resigns

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 10 months AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | September 5, 2024 2:45 AM

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Works Director Sam Castro resigned and will complete his last day Friday, according to Grant County Commissioners Danny Stone and Cindy Carter.  


“Sam, in my opinion, is an excellent, excellent leader, somebody who just really helped our Public Works move forward (with) excellent initiatives with restructuring and the opportunities he gave for those that were under him to take leadership roles and move forward initiatives,” Stone said. “I think he was a leader that was willing to delegate and utilize his valuable employees to their max.” 


Castro began as the public works director during 2020, and Carter said she remembers she didn’t meet him in person until months later because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both commissioners said they have heard rumors on where Castro is going but nothing has been confirmed.  


Grant County has begun the search for a new Public Works director on its website, internally and using a hiring company, Stone said. However, Andy Booth, the assistant public works director, will be fulfilling the responsibilities until a new director is hired.  


“It’s a big part of the commissioners' job working with infrastructure,” Carter said. “We are going to miss him, but I wish him luck with his next job. I hope we will continue our working relationship if he stays in the county.” 


ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust
July 23, 2026 3:40 a.m.

Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to submit their primary ballots, three candidates are vying for the position as Grant County Sheriff including incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond.

Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting
July 23, 2026 3:05 a.m.

Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting

EPHRATA — Four Republicans are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. To give voters a clear comparison of the candidates' positions and priorities, each was asked the same set of questions and provided the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond.

Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention
July 22, 2026 3 a.m.

Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to select their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. This installment focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing law enforcement agencies: recruiting, retaining and supporting qualified staff within the Grant County Sheriff's Office.