Jan. 15—EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department warned the public Monday regarding fake Facebook posts. EPD said to be wary of profiles with profile pictures that are unrealistic, low friend counts, exaggerated claims, poor grammar and spelling, copied-and-pasted content and the ability to comment is turned off on all posts. The department asks that people not reshare posts that look suspicious and report it to Facebook.
EPHRATA — Seven firefighters passed the Ephrata Fire Department’s Firefighter 1 practical testing, the EFD announced Sunday. The seven were identified only as Amanda, Carter, Emily G., Hunter, Katie, Logan and Steven.
EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District is hosting a town hall meeting today at 7 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center, according to an announcement from the ESD. The meeting is an opportunity for the community to ask questions in regard to the Educational Programs and Operations levy which is on the Feb. 11 ballot.
EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is hiring a project engineer. The project engineer is responsible for grant writing, project management, surveying, permits coordination, construction inspection and more. The position is hiring for $110,000 to $138,000.
LIND — Adams County Fire District 2 released numbers Jan. 6 showing its activities for 2024. There were 64 fire calls, 58 motor vehicle collisions, 13 medical assists and two other calls. In total the district helped with 137 calls.
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Fire Department will be hosting American Heart Association CPR and AED training. The class is on Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at MLFD Station 1, 701 E. Third Ave. The class is $30 per person and includes a completion card. Those interested in taking the course are invited to visit tinyurl.com/xr5vsa9e.
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District is releasing a weekly statement on the number of hospitalizations related to respiratory virus trends. GCHD announced the start of respiratory illness season Dec. 27. In Grant County there was an increase in the week of Dec. 29 to Jan. 4 for COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Covid-19 saw a 0.9% increase in the county and 0.6% in the state. The flu saw a 6.4% increase in Grant County and 4.6% in the state. RSV saw a 1.1% increase in the county and 0.8% in Washington state. GCHD in its release strongly encouraged residents to receive vaccinations for the three respiratory illnesses.
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Farmers Market has opened applications for the 2025 regular season. The deadline to apply for a booth is Feb. 1. All applicants must have a business license and upload it with their application. The application must include a full address. Craft vendors must submit a jury application in addition to the main application. For those who are returning members, reserved spaces on the main path are available to those who are attending at least 20 of the 26 markets. Once applications are reviewed, an email will be sent to applicants. Invoices for the booth spot must be paid by April 1. Those looking to apply can visit forms.gle/eAp1zxixCQ2E43qMA . The market wants to remind people not to send any money to people on Facebook for the spaces — there are scams going around where people are paying fraudulent accounts.
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fairgrounds is asking for votes for the 2025 fair theme. To vote on the matter, visit GCF Facebook and pick between three options — Red, White and Blue-Ribbon Days, American Pride County Wide or There’s Magic in the Fair.
OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department reminded residents Jan. 9 to get their dog licenses renewed. For January the charge is $6 for an altered tag and $15 for an unaltered tag. To register the pet, bring: proof of vaccines, proof of neutering or spaying and money to pay for the tag.
QUINCY — Grant County Fire District 3 released a statement regarding a member’s son who lost their home in the California fires. The district posted the GoFundMe link to the fundraiser for the family. For those interested in donating visit: bit.ly/3PEJc0A.
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake School District will be hosting a Ties and Tiaras Family Dance on Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Soap Lake Elementary Gym. The tickets are $25 for one adult, $40 for two adults. The tickets come with one picture and additional pictures can be purchased for $5.
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake School District is holding a parent for kids’ organization meeting Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Soap Lake Elementary Library. The meeting will allow parents and guardians to work together to plan field top opportunities and coordinate purchasing supplies. There will also be a discussion about how to fundraise and volunteer opportunities.
SOAP LAKE — The Friends of Lower Grand Coulee just welcomed Matt Eisen onto the board of directors. Eisen is a vice president and manager of Banner Bank in Ephrata.
SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake submitted the Creative District certification application. The city will find out before the end of January whether the application was accepted or not. If the city passes, the final decision will take place in February. If not, the city can reapply. The application took hundreds of volunteer hours, surveys, meeting attendance and support from local businesses. The Columbia Basin Herald will do a follow-up story when the city finds out whether the application was accepted.