Several contested races on the primary ballot in Grant County
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months AGO
EPHRATA — Filing week for the August primary election closed Friday, leaving several contested races on the ballot across Grant County.
In federal races, the 4th Congressional District seat is crowded, with 11 candidates filing for the primary election.
At the state level, Legislative District 13, Position 2 – previously held by Alex Ybarra – has four candidates. Ybarra is running unopposed for the 13th District Senate seat, which is being vacated by longtime Sen. Judy Warnick, who is not seeking re-election. Both Position 1 and Position 2 in Legislative District 16 are contested, with two candidates each.
Most local races are uncontested, though several key positions drew multiple candidates. The Grant County auditor and Grant County sheriff races each have three candidates, while Grant County Commission District 3 has four candidates vying for the seat.
In judicial races, only Grant County Superior Court Judge Position 3 is contested. There will be one new Grant County District Court judge, since the incumbent didn't file for reelection.
Both open Grant County Public Utility District commissioner positions drew a single candidate for each, both incumbents, leaving those races uncontested.
Ballots for the primary election are scheduled to be mailed by July 15, with the primary election day set for Aug. 4. The primary will narrow the field to two candidates per race for the general election.
General election ballots are expected to be mailed Oct. 14, with election day on Nov. 3.
This story has been changed since its original publication to reflect that one of the Grant County District Court judges did not file for reelection.
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Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.