Wednesday, November 11, 2026
39.0°F

Jaderlund to retire June 30; GOP begins process to fill auditor seat

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 months, 1 week AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | June 3, 2026 3:35 AM

EPHRATA — After nearly 35 years in public service, Grant County Auditor Michele Jaderlund will retire June 30, opening the door for both an interim appointment and an upcoming election. 

“I have almost 35 years here; I think I have done my job serving my community,” Jaderlund said. 

The Grant County Republican Party is now seeking applicants to fill the vacancy until the end of Jaderlund’s term. According to a statement from the party’s central committee, those interested have until 5 p.m. June 12 to apply. Applications must include a cover letter, resume and three professional references with contact information and can be submitted to [email protected]. 

The party will conduct interviews June 15, after which it will rank and forward its top three candidates to the Grant County Commissioners. The commissioners will then appoint one of those candidates to serve the remainder of the term. 

The position will also appear on the ballot in the November general election. Three candidates — Andrew Koeppen, Darci Homesley and Shannon Falstad — have filed to run for the office. 

Jaderlund said she is looking forward to retirement after decades of service. 

“I will be out of the country come July 1,” she said.  

Jaderlund and her husband have planned a trip to Canada, to spend time together and decompress.  

“My husband has been retired for two years and is just waiting for me to finally join him. I look forward to spending more time with him,” Jaderlund said.  



  


ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

Ballot processing continues as certification approaches
November 10, 2026 5:53 p.m.

Ballot processing continues as certification approaches

EPHRATA — Election officials in Grant and Adams counties are nearing the finish line of the 2026 general election, with certification scheduled for Nov. 24 and most ballots already processed. According to the Washington Secretary of State's latest election data as of Nov. 9, Grant County had an estimated 1,800 ballots left to count, while Adams County had approximately 200 ballots remaining. In Grant County, 29,070 ballots were returned, resulting in a turnout rate of 54.7%, according to Grant County Elections Coordinator Rebecca Pettingill. While slightly below the county's final turnout of 57.34% in the 2022 general election, Pettingill said the numbers are largely in line with expectations. “I would say it's pretty average,” Pettingill said. “It's looking pretty good.”

Paraeducator Career Fair planned for next week to help fill support roles at MLSD
November 11, 2026 2 a.m.

Paraeducator Career Fair planned for next week to help fill support roles at MLSD

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District is hoping to fill around 20 open paraeducator positions through a hiring event later this month. It's designed to connect prospective employees directly with school administrators, teachers and human resources staff.

Meeting the need
November 10, 2026 3:10 a.m.

Meeting the need

Moses Lake Food Bank needs help to feed 1,600 families this Thanksgiving

MOSES LAKE — Community Services of Moses Lake is preparing to distribute up to 1,600 Thanksgiving meals later this month while continuing to meet steady demand from local families and pursuing a major expansion that leaders say could transform how much food the organization can rescue and distribute across Central Washington. The food bank's annual Thanksgiving meal distribution is scheduled for Nov. 16 and will be conducted as a drive-thru event at the food bank facility. People who miss the drive-thru can ask for a Thanksgiving box Tuesday and Wednesday, but it depends on availability. Administrative Manager Lane Storwick said the organization expects to provide between 1,500 and 1,600 holiday meal boxes, though demand is likely to exceed available supplies.