CORRECTION: May 13, 2025 - "MLSD to host gang town hall today" - The graphic in the story misstated the date of the event. The event was set for Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District will host a town hall today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Learning Services Center, focusing on youth gang awareness and prevention. This event seeks to engage families, educators and community members in a dialogue about the challenges that gang activity presents in the local area. 

“When schools, families, and community partners come together, we create stronger support systems for our students,” said Triscia Hochstatter, Executive Director of Secondary Education for Moses Lake School District. “This topic is deeply important to our community because the challenges our youth face don’t stop at the school doors. By engaging in conversations like this, we strengthen our collective ability to keep students safe, supported, and on the path to success." 

The evening will feature Hunter McLeod, Threat Assessment Coordinator at the North Central Educational Service District, in partnership with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and Moses Lake Police Department. Attendees will gain insight into the types of gangs active in Grant County, recognizable behaviors indicative of gang involvement and effective strategies for prevention. Following the ESD presentation, there will be opportunities for attendees' questions to be answered by staff at MLSD, ESD and law enforcement agencies.  

Ryan Shannon, Director of Public Relations for the Moses Lake School District, emphasized the importance of community engagement in addressing youth safety.  

“Keeping students safe is at the heart of everything we do here at the Moses Lake School District,” Shannon said.  

Shannon added that the town hall is an opportunity for families and community members to collaborate with local law enforcement to create a safer environment for students. He also explained that this is a good conversation for parents to hear to be aware of any warning signs within their children.  

According to the Moses Lake School District's school resource officers, the focus remains on the safety of all students.  

“The schools have items within their dress code and student handbook that allow for staff to address anything that could potentially be gang-related with a proactive focus,” the SROs wrote in a statement to the Columbia Basin Herald. 

Community members from all backgrounds are encouraged to attend, as the discussion aims to educate participants on the misconceptions regarding gangs and to create a united front against youth gang activity.  

“There’s good information for anybody in the community, not just parents and high school students,” GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.