Warden City Council passes parking regulation ordinance
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 hours, 4 minutes AGO
The Warden City Council unanimously passed a parking regulation ordinance. The ordinance restricts parking to two hours in front of the Warden Public Library during open hours.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
WARDEN — After several meetings of discussion, the Warden City Council unanimously approved a new parking regulation ordinance Tuesday night during its regularly scheduled meeting.
Council members said the new rules come after ongoing complaints from residents about vehicles being left parked for days or even weeks at a time, taking up limited spaces in front of businesses and the Warden Public Library.
“I think it is long overdue,” Council Member Agapito “Speedy” Gonzalez said. “We have had habitual people parking and staying. We need to address that.”
The ordinance goes into effect May 17.
Under the new regulations, a two-hour parking limit will be enforced in front of the Warden Public Library during its open hours, which are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The limit will not apply on Sundays and Mondays, when the library is closed, or during special community events.
Parking will also be prohibited at Grant Transit Authority and People for People bus stops. In addition, vehicles left parked on any city street or highway for more than 240 hours, or 10 days, without being moved, will be considered a hazard or obstruction and may be impounded.
The ordinance gives the Public Works Director authority to establish additional no-parking zones, limited parking areas, and loading zones as needed, with proper signage to notify the public. It also outlines several general restrictions, including no parking within five feet of a garbage collection container on collection day or within five feet of a mailbox. Vehicles may not be parked on sidewalks, in crosswalks, in fire lanes, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, or in a way that blocks a driveway.
The rules also prohibit using city streets to sell a vehicle, wash or repair a vehicle, or sell other goods without proper permitting from the City of Warden.
Most violations under the ordinance will carry a $130 fine, while violations involving parking near garbage containers or mailboxes will result in a $55 fine.
The Warden Police Department will begin enforcing the new parking rules Monday.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
‘Gather, laugh and be together’
EMS courtyard dedicated to Travis Eloff’s legacy of inclusion
EPHRATA — A space originally created to bring students together through inclusive play and learning now carries a deeper meaning at Ephrata Middle School. On May 8, the Ephrata School District formally dedicated the school’s inclusive courtyard playground to Travis Eloff, a teacher and special education director who served the district for 31 years. Eloff passed away in 2024. Family members, colleagues and community members gathered to honor Eloff’s legacy and the impact he made on generations of students. District officials said his work was grounded in a belief that inclusion is more than a location.
Warden City Council passes parking regulation ordinance
WARDEN — After several meetings of discussion, the Warden City Council unanimously approved a new parking regulation ordinance Tuesday night during its regularly scheduled meeting. Council members said the new rules come after ongoing complaints from residents about vehicles being left parked for days or even weeks at a time, taking up limited spaces in front of businesses and the Warden Public Library. “I think it is long overdue,” Council Member Agapito “Speedy” Gonzalez said. “We have had habitual people parking and staying. We need to address that.” The ordinance goes into effect May 17.
Ephrata schools offer free summer meals to any kid in need
EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District will again offer free summer meals to all children 18 and younger — including those who do not attend Ephrata schools – through a mix of on‑site service and grab‑and‑go meal boxes funded entirely by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program. The district will operate three open sites beginning June 15: on-site meals at Columbia Ridge Elementary and Ephrata High School, and a non‑congregate, drive‑thru pickup at Ephrata Middle School. All meals are free regardless of family income. Food Service Director Alain Black said the district’s goal is simple: make sure children across the region have consistent access to nutritious food when school is out.