EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata, along with the Ephrata Police Department will be closed Friday until 11:30 a.m. for an all-city staff meeting. Police will still be responding to calls, so if an emergency occurs call 911. 

EPHRATA — The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District released a statement reminding people to be mindful around irrigation canals as irrigation season begins. The statement said acres of crops and orchards conceal more drowning hazards than one might think. In addition to the canals, there are farm ponds, slurry storage pits, water-filled well tailings pits and wells. The best piece of advice the district has is to just stay away from them. The moving water can knock you off your feet and carry you a long way, even if it’s only a foot deep. There are also swift undercurrents and turbulence that can drag you under even if you are a strong swimmer. The sides of the canal, whether concrete or dirt, are steep and slippery and almost impossible to climb. The district also says to stay away from grates, culverts and spillways.  

EPHRATA — On March 28, the City of Ephrata will be celebrating City Clerk and Finance Director Leslie Trachsler’s retirement. The event will be at the Ephrata Recreation Center at 112 Basin St. SW from 4 to 6 p.m.  

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Foundation has partnered with Grant Public Utility District to raise funds for the “Share the Light” program. The program was formerly called the “Share the Warmth” program. The program uses community-gathered funds to assist customers-in-need in paying their electric bills. If you would like to donate to the cause visit venmo.com/u/cbfcommunity to donate. If you have any questions in regard to the program reach out to Columbia Basin Foundation at 509-754-4596.  

EPHRATA — The Department of Social and Human Services mobile office will be in Ephrata on April 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tiger Cub Preschool. DSHS will be on-site to process new applicants, review cases and update information, issue or replace EBT cards and accept child car subsidy applications. No appointment needed.  

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind citizens that no government agency including police and courts will call you and pressure you into sending them money. The statement said that is what scammers do. Instead of engaging with the scammer, just hang up.  

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind those who are boating on Washington’s waterways, don’t overlook getting your Washington State Boater Education card. You are required by law to carry it if you operate a vessel with a 15-horsepower or greater motor or are 12 years of age or older and born after Jan. 1, 1955. To get your card, go to bit.ly/41JyvQg.

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Animal Outreach was recently contacted about a concerning situation involving hoarding of cats. Upon GCAO’s arrival at the scene, the staff was met with dozens of cats living in unsanitary conditions. The cats were in desperate need of help, showing signs of fleas, ringworm and upper respiratory infections. GCAO’s staff went to work, providing emergency care to the animals. Two of the GCAO team members administered sulfur-lime dip baths to combat the fleas and prevent the spread of ringworm. While the cats received the treatment, they were also scheduled for vet appointments to address medical needs. GCAO is asking for community support to help cover the vet costs associated with the care of these cats. To contribute visit bit.ly/GCAODonate. If you would like a tax receipt, reach out to GCAO directly.  

OTHELLO — On March 16, at around 7:30 p.m. one of the Adams County Fire District 5 tenders was returning to the main station on state Route 24. At the Hampton Road intersection, a passenger vehicle westbound on Hampton Road struck the tender at the front right corner of the truck. The driver of the tender took evasive action to avoid the collision, but the impact sent the tender into the ditch rolling onto its top. The tender was occupied by the driver and passenger. Both people were able to self-extricate from the truck and both were wearing seat belts. A third firefighter following the tender stopped and assisted the driver of the passenger vehicle who also self-extricated. One firefighter was taken to the Othello Community Hospital, treated and released. The other firefighter and the driver of the passenger vehicle were not transported. Both vehicles were totaled. The Washington State Patrol is investigating the incident.  

QUINCY — Grant County Fire District 3, based in Quincy, is looking for volunteer firefighters. You must be 18 years or older to apply. No previous experience is needed. If you are interested in joining, reach out to GCFD 3 Fire Chief Bob Horst with questions at 509-787-2713 or visit gcfd3.net.  

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake will hold a civil service commission meeting March 25 at 1 p.m. at the Soap Lake Community and Senior Center. On the agenda is a hearing to request Commissioner Gravelle’s recusal.  

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake middle school volleyball team has paired with Soap Lake Middle School and High School cheer to sell walking tacos and root beer floats to raise funds for the cheer teams. The cheer teams will be selling both items at the middle school volleyball games starting March 21 at 5 p.m. Cash and cards are accepted.  

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce is holding an Earth Day event April 19. The event will include sidewalk sales, garden club plant sale, shredder for recycling, kids' crafts, hair feather extensions, fashion and clay, barbecue and tree planting.  

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Conservancy regular meeting will be Friday at 1:20 at the Soap Lake Community and Senior Center.  

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake has two open council positions. The city is asking people to submit letters of interest to the Soap Lake City Hall.  

    Crews from the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District are working with contractor Halme Construction to have the canals ready for the 2025 irrigation season, which begins this week.
  

    A photo of the tender rolled on the side of state Route 24. According to Grant County Fire District 5, an accident occurred with another vehicle, overcorrection occurred, and the tender ended up in the ditch. One firefighter was injured and released. The other firefighter and the citizen in the crash were fine.