Staff Writer

Staff Writer

ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

Chief for a Day celebrates courage, community at Grant County Courthouse

EPHRATA — Thirteen young leaders from across Grant County were honored Thursday during the 22nd annual Chief for a Day celebration at the Grant County Courthouse, where they were sworn in, recognized for their resilience and courage and given the chance to step into the roles of local first responders.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO

Mattawa becomes third in Grant Co. to ban kratom

MATTAWA — The Mattawa City Council has approved a full ban on the sale and distribution of kratom and kratom‑derived products, making it the third city in Grant County to enact such restrictions following similar actions in Royal City and Warden. Othello, located in Adams County, has also implemented a …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO

Caps fly through the wind as MLHS Class of 2026 graduates

MOSES LAKE — Wind whipped across Lions Field on the evening of June 9 as 337 seniors from Moses Lake High School crossed the field and officially became graduates, closing one chapter and stepping into the next. Despite gusty conditions that tugged at gowns, papers and decorations, the Class of …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 18 HOURS, 38 MINUTES AGO

GCFD 7 asking voters to consider EMS Levy increase amid rise in call volume

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 will resume collecting its previously approved $0.25 EMS levy next year, and voters will decide in the November General Election whether to increase that rate to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 19 HOURS, 8 MINUTES AGO

Sheriff candidates encourage public to engage at Thursday forum

MOSES LAKE — Voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates vying to become Grant County’s next sheriff during a community forum Thursday evening. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m., June 11, at Generations Church Assembly of God, 431 E. Brown Ave., Moses Lake, and is …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 DAY, 6 HOURS AGO

Wahluke students head to 2026 Future Problem Solving World Finals

MATTAWA — Two Wahluke seventh graders are on their way to Indiana University Tuesday to showcase a literacy initiative they designed to boost reading motivation across their school district – and they’re doing it on one of the biggest stages available to young problem solvers.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 DAY, 18 HOURS AGO

Connelly Park repairs begin, aiming for partial reopening by August

MOSES LAKE — Cleanup and recovery efforts at Connelly Park are moving steadily forward following the late-May windstorm that caused widespread destruction, with crews now focused on clearing access, removing hazardous trees and preparing for rebuilding work in the coming weeks.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 18 HOURS AGO

Moses Lake man arrested for rape of a minor

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Major Crimes Unit arrested Hunter Gray, 18, of Moses Lake for suspicion of second-degree rape of a child and communication of a child for immoral purposes.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 6 HOURS AGO

From Tiger pride to new beginnings: Ephrata High celebrates Class of 2026

EPHRATA — Laughter, cheers and bursts of confetti marked the start of Ephrata High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony as 213 seniors celebrated the end of their high school journey and the beginning of what comes next.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 18 HOURS AGO

Storm leaves Moses Lake family facing major damage, urgent need for help

MOSES LAKE — A powerful storm that swept through Moses Lake on May 28, leaving widespread damage across the community, but for one family, the destruction has become a daily crisis.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 19 HOURS AGO

Royal City bans kratom, becoming second in Grant County

ROYAL CITY — The Royal City City Council unanimously approved a ban on the sale and distribution of kratom and kratom-derived products during its June 2 meeting, making it the second city in Grant County to take action against the substance. The ordinance adopts a new chapter of municipal code …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 18 HOURS AGO

Rock-throwing suspect arrested after Capitol campus chase

OLYMPIA — A 21-year-old man was arrested early Thursday after allegedly smashing windows at the Washington State Legislative Building and leading officers on a brief pursuit through the Capitol Campus. According to the Washington State Patrol, a trooper heard loud noises around 1:15 a.m. and spotted a man throwing large …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 18 HOURS AGO

A day of joy, sirens and small heroes

EPHRATA — On most mornings, the front lawn of the Grant County Courthouse is a quiet stretch of grass framed by patrol cars and courthouse staff heading inside. But on June 11, it will transform into something entirely different – a place where flashing lights, polished badges and oversized smiles …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 19 HOURS AGO

Soap Lake Council seeks records compliance with order for mayor’s phone, computer

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council unanimously voted to require Mayor Peter Sharp to turn in his city-issued cell phone and computer by 9 a.m. Thursday, citing concerns over delays in responding to public records requests. The action followed statements from Administrative Assistant and Public Records Officer Jody …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 19 HOURS AGO

Fire sparks near Soap Lake Thursday

SOAP LAKE — At around 2:30 p.m. Thursday a fire broke out between Road B.5 NE and State Highway 28, in rural Soap Lake.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK AGO

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