Ephrata PD seeks candy donations
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 7 months AGO
Zerorez Carpet and Air Duct Cleaning of Central Washington made a donation of a full box of candy for the Ephrata Police Department’s Trunk or Treat event. Normally the event is grant funded, however there have been some issues this year receiving those funds. Therefore, EPD is asking for candy donations.
EPD PHOTO
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department is asking for candy donations for their Halloween Trunk or Treat event. Last year the event was funded by a Walmart grant, however, there have been some challenges getting the grant again this year.
However, this year there have been updates to the grant process for Walmart. Jennifer Hansen, the office manager at EPD said there have been some communications issues and a lot of back and forth. EPD is still trying to get the grant. This grant is also what funds “Shop with a Cop” where children can shop with a police officer and buy presents for their family for Christmas.
“So, there's just been some miscommunications, I'll say it is that we need to provide for them to verify our agency so that we can apply for the grant. Yeah, just been a lot of back and forth in communication, and we still haven't come to a resolution,” Hansen said.
Although EPD does not have grant funding, they want to be able to hand out candy on Halloween.
Hansen said candy was donated from six different people and one business, Zerorez Carpet and Air Duct Cleaning of Central Washington, donated a full box of candy. EPD currently has two boxes of candy.
“Last year, the Department spent a couple hundred dollars on candy and ran out within like ten minutes,” Hansen said. “So, we just want to be able to hold our own for the entirety of the event.”
Hansen said EPD will take candy donations if they are individually packaged. Donations can be dropped off in the EPD lobby Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
‘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
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
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.