Staff Writer
Staff Writer
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
‘By community people, for their community’
EPHRATA — Sixteen emerging community leaders from across North Central Washington graduated Wednesday evening from the Leadership Institute of NCW, a bilingual civic‑engagement program. The celebration, held at the Ephrata Recreation Center, marked the completion of a 20‑session course rooted in the nationally recognized Parent Leadership Training Institute framework.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
WineVit 2026 starts Tuesday in Tri-Cities
KENNEWICK — WineVit, Washington’s largest annual wine and grape industry conference, returns Feb. 10 and 11 with a condensed schedule, new pricing and a program designed to help growers and winemakers navigate one of the most challenging periods the industry has faced in years, Washington Winegrowers Association Executive Director Sara …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 HOURS, 2 MINUTES AGO
Medical emergency causes one-vehicle collision
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police Department responded to a collision in the 1000 block of Skyline Drive for a single-vehicle collision Friday morning. Officers determined the driver, a 17-year-old male, experienced a medical emergency and veered off the roadway, according to a statement from MLPD. The driver hit a …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 19 HOURS, 55 MINUTES AGO
Moses Lake school leaders discuss responsibilities, challenges and goals
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School Board President Kirryn Jensen and Vice President Paul Hill joined the Studio Basin Podcast this week to discuss their roles, the misconceptions surrounding school board service and the district’s priorities moving forward. They were later joined by Ryan Shannon, the district’s Director of Public …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 DAY, 8 HOURS AGO
Soap Lake set to host first Lantern Festival
SOAP LAKE — A new community celebration is coming to Soap Lake later this month, following the city council’s unanimous approval of a special event permit Monday night. The Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce will host its first-ever Lantern Festival on Feb. 21 at the Soap Lake Natural Spa and …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 DAY, 13 HOURS AGO
Soap Lake council member asks for Sharp’s resignation
SOAP LAKE — During the Wednesday Soap Lake City Council meeting, tensions surfaced as Council Member Andrew Arnold called for Mayor Peter Sharp’s resignation.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS AGO
Ephrata leaders push for local control, infrastructure protections in Olympia
EPHRATA — Three Ephrata city leaders spent two days in Olympia last week meeting with state lawmakers on a wide range of bills affecting homelessness policy, housing, public safety and funding for local infrastructure. Their message throughout the trip, they said, centered on protecting local authority and ensuring small cities …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 12 HOURS AGO
Ephrata Fire Dept. honors service, dedication at banquet
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Fire Department celebrated its volunteers, leadership and support staff during its 2025 annual awards banquet, highlighting standout service, years of dedication and the commitment that keeps the department strong.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 13 HOURS AGO
Non-injury drive-by shooting in Warden under investigation
WARDEN — On Tuesday night, there was a drive-by shooting around West Ninth Street and Jackson Avenue in Warden, according to a statement from the Warden Police Department. Nobody was injured in the incident. “The chief (Jeff Gann) let me know we won’t have any more information that can be …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 21 HOURS AGO
Gregg announces candidacy for Grant County Sheriff
MOSES LAKE — Darrik Gregg, a law enforcement officer with 23 years of experience in various capacities, has announced his candidacy for Grant County Sheriff. He is the third to announce his candidacy, with incumbent Joey Kriete announcing his intention to run for a second term Jan. 12 and Josh …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 23 HOURS AGO
Ephrata High lockdown rumors unfounded
EPHRATA — Ephrata High School did not enter a lockdown Wednesday, according to Communications Director Sarah Morford. Rumors of a lockdown had appeared on social media earlier Wednesday morning.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 2 HOURS AGO
Royal City prepares for road repairs for 2026
ROYAL CITY — Royal City Finance Director Janice Flynn confirmed road repair projects are scheduled for this year, including crack sealing and the reconstruction of a portion of Apple Avenue. The enhancements are part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure while managing funding sources effectively, she said.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 14 HOURS AGO
Ephrata water tower filling complete
EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata completed the filling process for its new water tower, which is now fully operational. City Engineer Shawn O’Brien confirmed the final programming delays with the booster pump system have been resolved, paving the way for greater water pressure in the Ephrata Heights area. Residents …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 22 HOURS AGO
WA House holds hearing on aircraft tax
OLYMPIA — The House Transportation Committee held a public hearing Thursday on House Bill 2347, which would repeal the 10% sales and use tax on non‑commercial aircraft valued above $500,000 before the tax takes effect on April 1. The measure had testimony from aviation businesses, airport officials and industry groups …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 22 HOURS AGO
