Friday, May 01, 2026
70.0°F

Columbia Basin Hospital board seeks applicants

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 months AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | February 26, 2026 6:15 PM

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Hospital is seeking applicants to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3.  

The district announced Thursday that it is accepting letters of interest from residents who meet state eligibility requirements to serve on the five‑member governing board. On Tuesday night, during the regularly scheduled board meeting, Commissioner Catherine Snyder announced her resignation, saying she is moving to Cheney. 

“Thank you for allowing me to be on the board,” she said. 

Commissioners oversee hospital district policies, organizational direction and matters related to patient care. 

Under Washington law, candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old and have lived within the precinct for at least 30 days before an election. They must also be registered voters within the hospital district. State law prohibits district employees from serving as commissioners. 

Those interested in the vacancy may contact the hospital’s administration office at 509-754‑4631 ext. 1222 to arrange a meeting and tour.  

Letters of interest should be sent to Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby at Columbia Basin Hospital, 200 Nat Washington Way, Ephrata, WA 98823, or emailed to [email protected]

Applications are due by March 24, 2026. 


ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

‘Show up’
May 1, 2026 2 a.m.

‘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
April 29, 2026 5:46 p.m.

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
April 29, 2026 5:30 p.m.

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.