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Shannon Lowry grew up on a local hay farm, graduated from Ephrata High School, and holds a journalism degree from Eastern Washington University. Her three adult children, a couple of whom live locally, and two of her grandchildren are also EHS graduates. A former news reporter for the Grant County Journal, Shannon went on to own The Bookery bookstore — an excellent job, she says, for someone who has never met a good book she didn’t want to take home. She then transitioned to Grant PUD, where she will soon retire after two decades of service in a career she insists has never been boring. If Shannon spots you around town — and she hopes she does — don’t be surprised if she asks where you get your news and what you think of it. She cares deeply about what GCJ is doing. And, even more importantly, who it is doing it for — you.

Kathleen Allstot brings a variety of life experiences to her role as a director on the Board of GCJ.news. A retired educator, she taught in Olsztyn, Poland; Oroville, Washington; and for 27 years in the Ephrata schools. Teens are her favorite humans! She listened and learned while on the Ephrata City Council for 20 years, and has been a trustee of NCW Libraries since 2018. Kathleen enjoys being active in our community. Catching salmon in Southeast Alaska and downhill skiing in the PNW are her favorite outdoor activities, along with watching her grandkids’ ball games. She subscribes to three online news sources, but knows that GCJ is the best!

Sharon Scellick is a nearly 40-year educator in Ephrata who has served as a teacher, principal, and district administrator. She is dedicated to supporting positive outcomes for youth and families and has worked throughout her career to build strong partnerships in support of education. As a founding board member of GCJ.news, she is passionate about preserving high-quality local journalism and believes an informed citizenry is essential to a connected and engaged community.

A lifelong Ephrata resident, Mike is a 50-year business owner, longtime advocate for historical preservation and recognition, and passionate community booster. Given those “mover-and-shaker” qualities, it’s no surprise Mike was an initial and persistent supporter in re-establishing a local news service for the greater Ephrata area. (How persistent is he? Well, this may be a clue: Mike once solo swam and ran the entire Great Canoe Race course — 17.5 miles from the north end of Park Lake to the south end of Soap Lake.) He and wife Sharon hosted the initial organizational meeting for GCJ.news at their Nat Washington House in January 2025 and their involvement and contributions continue.

What to say? What to say? Rebecca has lived in Ephrata for 20 years, has four boys, is learning that becoming an empty nester is a change. She likes to sew and be creative, loves Diet Coke, chocolate, traveling the world, and is reminded that bed at home always feels so good when she returns! Rebecca brings her behind-the-scenes experience and capabilities as a community volunteer to a new role on the GCJ.news board of directors.

My Irish father often spoke of my great-grandmother, who reported for a small, local newspaper during World War II. Through her, Pasco WA learned of city meetings, new Gold Stars in windows, visitors to town, deaths, and births. At five cents an inch, she reflected that town back to itself. Eighty-five years later, the stories have changed, but GCJ.news holds the same mirror to greater Ephrata. I am proud to volunteer.

Ex-mechanic turned reporter, a Luddite uneased by the specters of Alexa, Siri, and Claude. Prefers “affect” and “effect” over “impact,” unless a train hits your car or Mike Tyson punches you. Drinks coffee before bedtime. Has climbed Mt. Rainier — it seemed like work. Truly appreciates all the good folks who have helped develop and support GCJ.news. ¡Viva la Primera Enmienda!

randybracht@gcj.news

Casey Devine is a third-generation Ephrata kid and recovering PE teacher. She currently serves as a director on the Ephrata School Board. For her third act, Casey handles GCJ.news sports reporting and fakes website/app maintenance knowledge (ClaudeCode is her bestie), but she’d rather be camping. Boy mom to two college kids, an 8th grader, two basset hounds and one fat cat.

caseydevine@gcj.news

Lindsay Mayer is part community cheerleader, part business wrangler, and full-time believer in lending a helping hand. As Development Director for GCJ.news, she has been helping keep the wheels turning since the organization first got off the ground, focusing on everything from donations and planning to the behind-the-scenes details that keep a nonprofit humming along. Born and raised with deep roots in the Ephrata community — where her great-grandparents homesteaded in Sagebrush Flats back in 1902 — Lindsay believes small towns are built on neighbors showing up for one another. When she’s not balancing spreadsheets or supporting local causes, she works in HR, runs half marathons, loves a good Morgan Wallen concert, and enjoys the kind of community connections that make hometown life special. Around here, she knows good work usually starts with rolled-up sleeves and a willing heart.

development@gcj.news