Welcome back Tigers
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months, 1 week AGO
Students at Grant Elementary have their pictures taken by parents on the first day of school Thursday.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Superintendent Ken Murray helps put up flags on Basin Street on the first day of school at Ephrata School District.
Seniors at Ephrata High School meet at 6 a.m. Thursday for the Senior Sunrise celebration.
Students at Ephrata High School walk around and chat with friends during the first passing period of the school year.
A student at Grant Elementary hugs a staff member as he walks into school on the first day.
Two Ephrata High School Students take a syllabus quiz on the first day of school.
A student attends his second period of the day at Ephrata High School.
Students at Parkway Intermediate get greeted by the high school cheer and football team.
A student poses in front of Groff Elementary on the first day of school.
Seniors take pictures at the senior sunrise Thursday.
Students at Groff Elementary high-five high school cheer and football players as they walk into the school for the first day.
Students at Parkway Intermediate work on a first-day-of-school word search.
EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District kicked off the 2024-25 academic year on Aug. 28 with a palpable sense of excitement among students and educators alike. As the first day of school unfolded, school administrators expressed their eagerness to engage with returning students and enhance their educational experience.
Ephrata High School Principal Ashlie Miller shared her thoughts about the start of the school year.
“It’s exciting,” she said. “I was a little stressed out because we weren’t quite ready, but once the kids get here, it just feels invigorating.”
She noted the adorable presence of freshmen on campus, stating, “They are all just sweet, lost, and nervous."
A significant event, Senior Sunrise, marked the morning for the seniors at Ephrata High.
"It was fun seeing everyone that I haven't seen in a long time,” Senior Danica Dart said.
Dart mentioned that she was particularly looking forward to her final year, appreciating the chance to become more involved with her school community and graduate alongside her classmates.
“I’m most excited for all the experiences,” she said, expressing her enthusiasm for the year ahead.
At Parkway Intermediate, Principal Kim Gilreath conveyed a sense of responsibility as she welcomed students back.
“It’s just fun to have the kids back in the building,” she said.
“Just giving kids high fives off the bus and saying good morning,” she said, was a heartwarming part of her day.
In addition to welcoming students, both Miller and Gilreath discussed the implementation of new initiatives.
Miller introduced "Tiger Days," an alternative schedule aimed at enhancing intervention and enrichment opportunities for students.
“We’re hoping that this will just add a layer of accountability,” she said.
Overall, students and staff alike seemed excited to begin another year.
“We are going to have the best year this year,” Dart said. “I just know it.”
Superintendent Ken Murray helps put up flags on Basin Street on the first day of school at Ephrata School District.
Seniors at Ephrata High School meet at 6 a.m. Thursday for the Senior Sunrise celebration.
Students at Ephrata High School walk around and chat with friends during the first passing period of the school year.
A student at Grant Elementary hugs a staff member as he walks into school on the first day.
Two Ephrata High School Students take a syllabus quiz on the first day of school.
A student attends his second period of the day at Ephrata High School.
Students at Parkway Intermediate get greeted by the high school cheer and football team.
A student poses in front of Grant Elementary on the first day of school.
Seniors take pictures at the senior sunrise Thursday.
Students at Grant Elementary high-five high school cheer and football players as they walk into the school for the first day.
Students at Parkway Intermediate work on a first-day-of-school word search.ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin
EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”
Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing
MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sleep Diagnostic Center announced it will be closing its doors effective April 30. This includes locations in Moses Lake, Spokane Valley, Brewster and Wenatchee. The announcement follows the March 25 guilty plea from Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, 57, in United States District Court to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”