Ephrata School Board to consider potential bond Monday
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months, 3 weeks AGO
The Ephrata School Board will hear a presentation from the Facility Study Group for a $75 million bond at the Monday meeting. One of the recommendations is to replace Grant Elementary.
FILE PHOTO
EPHRATA — At the regular school board meeting Monday, the board will receive a presentation from the Facility Study Group for the board to consider placing a $75 million bond on the February 2026 ballot.
“The board will consider the proposal from the Facility Study Group and decide if they want to move forward with a resolution. If they decide to move forward with a resolution that will be drafted and then brought back to the board for review in November,” Ephrata School District Communications Director Sarah Morford said.
The presentation will be led by Ephrata Fire Chief Jeremy Burns and Autumn Dietrich, whose family owns Consolidated Disposal. The Ephrata School District architect, bond council and representatives from impacted buildings will be there as well, according to Morford.
“The bond recommendation before the board is to construct a new Grant Elementary; a new Parkway Intermediate School; and to renovate Ephrata High School to add a new performing arts center, a new secure main office, an entry vestibule and add six new classrooms,” Morford said.
Morford said this was a good opportunity for residents to learn more about the background of the potential bond proposal.
“I think it's a great opportunity to learn about what the board is hearing,” Morford said. “The outcome of this meeting could be that the board asks for a resolution that directs the school district to put the bond onto the ballot. It's an opportunity to get some background as to what this new bond might entail.”
Ephrata School Board meeting
Oct. 27, 6:00 p.m.
357 Alder ST NW
Ephrata, WA
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
Soap Lake council tables tourism committee plan, debates planning services
SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council approved several administrative resolutions Wednesday but postponed decisions on tourism funding and planning services after an hours‑long discussion over staffing, contracts and oversight.
Soap Lake council unanimously votes no-confidence in Mayor Sharp
SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council unanimously passed a vote of no-confidence against Mayor Peter Sharp Wednesday evening, taking effect immediately after passage. Councilmember Kayleen Bryson read the resolution as the only comment on the matter. Sharp did not comment during the meeting.
Measles reported in Grant County
EPHRATA — Grant County health officials are urging families to check their vaccination records after two unvaccinated children in the same household tested positive for measles, marking the county’s first confirmed infections of 2026. Grant County Health District said it was notified on March 17 that both children, who were recently exposed during international travel, had contracted the virus. One child was briefly hospitalized; both are now recovering at home. Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny said the cases underscore how quickly measles can spread — and how effectively it can be prevented.