Warden general election update
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 months, 3 weeks AGO
Six of the seven Warden elections were unopposed this year, except for one school board race. The races included: two city council positions, four school board positions and one cemetery board position.
FILE PHOTO
Shawn Clausen is leading the polls for the Warden School Board in position five. As of Nov. 5, ballot counts; he is in the lead with 153 votes. Ryan Arredondo has 36 votes.
WARDEN – Most of the Warden races this year were unopposed, except Warden School board position number five between Shawn Clausen and Ryan Arredondo. As of the Nov. 5 ballot counts, Clausen is in the lead with 153 votes. Arredondo has 36 votes.
The general election will not be certified until Nov. 20; the Grant County Auditor estimates around 4,600 ballots left to count.
School District
Four of five school board candidates were up for re-election; only one race was opposed.
Warden School Board member Shane Cox, representing District One, received 173 votes. There were three write-in votes. Cox is the board chairperson.
Warden School Board member Tiffany Hymas, representing District Two, received 172 votes. There were three write-in votes. Hymas serves as the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association representative for the board.
Warden School Board member Bryce Cox, at large, received 172 votes. There were two write-in votes. Cox serves as the legislative representative.
City Council
Council member Agapito “Speedy” Gonzalez is seeking re-election for council member two; he received 60 votes and there were two write-in votes. Gonzalez was appointed Feb. 25, 2025.
Council member Omar Pruneda for council member three; he received 53 votes, and there was one write-in vote. Pruneda was appointed in Jan 2018 and re-elected in 2020.
Cemetery
William Erickson ran for Warden Cemetery Commissioner 2, receiving 178 votes. There were two write-in votes.
Shawn Clausen is leading the polls for the Warden School Board in position five. As of Nov. 5, ballot counts; he is in the lead with 153 votes. Ryan Arredondo has 36 votes.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.