Staff Writer
Staff Writer
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
Three returning Ephrata School Board members sworn in
EPHRATA — Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray swore in three of five school board members Monday night. All three ran unopposed in the 2025 general election and are all returning members of the school board.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 18 HOURS, 59 MINUTES AGO
Ephrata water tower up and running
EPHRATA — After several weeks of waiting, the City of Ephrata has finally got its state test results back for the water tower, showing the water is negative for any contaminants. “We are looking forward to getting everything online,” Ephrata Public Works Director Rob Harris said.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 19 HOURS, 8 MINUTES AGO
GCFD 7 audit findings spur improvements
SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 has recently undergone its first federal audit due to the receipt of over a million dollars in grant funding, which has revealed several areas of improvement regarding financial reporting and compliance with federal regulations.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 19 HOURS, 19 MINUTES AGO
Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry launches Angel Tree program for rescue pets
SOAP LAKE — As the holiday spirit fills the air, Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry animal rescue is ready to spread some cheer to furry friends waiting for their forever homes. This year, the organization announced the launch of a pilot program inspired by traditional angel giving tree initiatives. However, …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 10 HOURS AGO
GCSO Crime Reduction Team makes strides in community safety
EPHRATA — In an effort to increase proactive law enforcement, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office established a Crime Reduction Team, which has been effective since its inception in 2024, according to Sheriff Joey Kriete. The CRT, led by Supervisor Sgt. Jason Ball, alongside Deputies Ben Smithson and Adam Davis, was …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 10 HOURS AGO
Fuel hovers at about $4 locally, exceeds nation by about $1
MOSES LAKE — The national average remains under $3 for the second week in a row. Washington’s fuel average is almost an even $4. Grant County dropped below the $4 mark this week, for the first time this year, and Adams County saw a slight increase in fuel prices this …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 10 HOURS AGO
GCHD declares end to facility bird flu outbreak
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District announced that it has completed all response activities related to the recent outbreak of avian influenza at a commercial poultry operation in the county. This declaration comes after a comprehensive assessment of potential exposures, testing of symptomatic individuals, and the provision of …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS AGO
Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team carries out drug raid in Quincy
QUINCY — The Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence on I Street in Quincy Thursday, leading to the arrest of Jilberto Lucatero-Lora, a 20-year-old suspect alleged to be involved in the distribution of cocaine and marijuana to Sureño gang members.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 20 HOURS AGO
Quincy community food bank seeks donations amid expansion plans
QUINCY — As the Quincy Community Food Bank embarks on a new chapter following 40 years of service, the organization is facing increased demand for food assistance while simultaneously planning a significant expansion of its facilities. The food bank, which has operated since 1988, has indicated that community support is …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 20 HOURS AGO
Ephrata town hall highlights local growth
EPHRATA — On Wednesday night, leaders of several Ephrata agencies gathered at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center to give updates to the community on various projects. There were presentations from the school district, both the mayor and mayor-elect, the Port of Ephrata, Columbia Basin Hospital, Grant Public Utility …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 19 HOURS AGO
Moses Lake FFA funds found
MOSES LAKE — Allegations made by Tony Kern, the longtime agriculture teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor in Moses Lake, regarding the misappropriation of approximately $55,000 in FFA fundraising revenue have been officially addressed and found to be unfounded, according to statements from both the Moses Lake School District …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 19 HOURS AGO
GCSO Sgt. McDonnell helps empower rural resident
SOAP LAKE — After a postal worker discovered a note asking for help inside a rural Soap Lake mailbox Wednesday, the worker called the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Jason McDonnell answered the call and checked on the person who lived at the home, according to GCSO Public Information Officer …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 20 HOURS AGO
Ephrata Council passes $35.6 million budget for 2026
EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council has officially passed its budget for the 2026 fiscal year, amounting to a total of about $35,600,000. The ordinance was approved during a council meeting held on Dec. 3.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK AGO
Winterfest brings joy to Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — The annual Winterfest event in Soap Lake was a resounding success this year, organizers said, bringing together families and community members for an evening filled with holiday spirit, gifts and festive fun. The event, organized by the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce, featured a return of cherished …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK AGO
