Thursday, July 23, 2026
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Sky dancers

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 months, 1 week AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | May 13, 2026 3:00 AM

With long wings stretched wide, sandhill cranes fly together across the sky, calling to one another like trumpets. These tall, graceful birds love wetlands and open spaces – and every sighting is special, because sandhill cranes are endangered in Washington. Can you spot your favorite crane facts and words in the graphic and word search below?

      
      


ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust
July 23, 2026 3:40 a.m.

Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to submit their primary ballots, three candidates are vying for the position as Grant County Sheriff including incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond.

Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting
July 23, 2026 3:05 a.m.

Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting

EPHRATA — Four Republicans are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. To give voters a clear comparison of the candidates' positions and priorities, each was asked the same set of questions and provided the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond.

Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention
July 22, 2026 3 a.m.

Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to select their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. This installment focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing law enforcement agencies: recruiting, retaining and supporting qualified staff within the Grant County Sheriff's Office.