In Other News

SR 282-NWW ROUNDABOUT CLOSURE

 EPHRATA — Grant County officials have announced that the traffic roundabout at the intersection of State Route 282 and Nat Washington Way will be closed to vehicle travel next week, beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, April 6.

A marked detour route will in place on the highway east and west of the intersection.

The closure will allow for installation of permanent street lights — which were on backorder when the roundabout initially opened last September — plus final touch-up work by the state Department of Transportation. The intersection is expected to reopen by next Friday, April 10 at the latest, according to Grant County Central Services.  

The lighting project was scheduled for next week because that is spring break for local schools, so the closure will cause less traffic disruption, said officials. Traffic is particularly congested during morning and evening commuting hours when schools are also in session.

The SR 282/Nat Washington Way intersection is also busy with shoppers visiting the nearby Ephrata Walmart store. The $3 million roundabout project is intended to slow vehicle speeds and improve safety for access to Grant County’s new jail, which is nearing completion just south of the highway.

And traffic at the junction will likely increase in the future: a new motel is being built just west of Walmart, and Grant PUD is starting construction of a new service center, adjacent to the jail site, that is slated for completion in late 2027.

FATAL ORV WRECK AT BEVERLY DUNES

BEVERLY — A Cle Elum man died in an off-road vehicle accident early Saturday morning at the Beverly Sand Dunes, reported at the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the report, the victim was identified as 36-year-old Alexander Munday, who was a passenger riding in an all-terrain vehicle that overturned and became submerged upside down in Crab Creek.  Munday was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities were notified of the incident shortly after 1 a.m.

The Grant County Coroner’s Office was expected to conduct an autopsy, but the sheriff’s office said all evidence pointed to the incident being “a terrible accident” and no criminal charges were expected.

The sheriff’s report did not identify the driver of the ATV.  

The Beverly Sand Dunes are located along Lower Crab Creek Road, east of the unincorporated township of Beverly. The area has about 300 acres of sandy trails and small bowls available to the public and is popular with off-road-riding enthusiasts.

COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNTS

Community Easter egg hunts with candy and special prizes for younger children and teens are planned later this week in Ephrata and Soap Lake.

The events, times, and locations are:

—    Friday, April 3, 8:45 p.m., Lions Park in Ephrata. “Flashlight” egg hunt sponsored by the Ephrata Parks and Recreation Department. Open to grades 5-12s.  Bring your flashlight!

—    Saturday, April 4, McKay Healthcare lawn in Soap Lake. For younger kids and teens ages 0-18. Start times are: ages 0-5 — 10:45 am; ages 6-11 — 11 am; ages 12-18 — 11:15 a.m. Sponsored by McKay Healthcare and The Busy Bean.

—    Saturday, April 4, 1 p.m., Lions Park in Ephrata. Open to children up to fourth grade. Sponsored by the Ephrata Rotary Club.

FREE FAMILY SATURDAY AT MOSES LAKE MAC

MOSES LAKE — The City of Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will host its monthly Free Family Saturday on Saturday, April 4 from noon to 2 p.m.

Family members can create their own mixed-media paper “snail” using buttons, gems and other fun decorations that are provided. The event is free and open to all ages. Registration is required. Families may sign up for a free year-long pass at the museum’s registration portal.

The MAC is located at 401 S. Balsam St. in Moses Lake.

DRIVERS: MARCH 31 IS DEADLINE FOR STUDDED TIRES

 OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Transportation is reminding motorists that today (March 31) is the deadline for removal of studded tires on vehicles traveling public roadways.

The Washington State Patrol may issue tickets beginning April 1 and violators risk a $137 fine. There are no exceptions for out-of-state drivers.

In Washington, studded tires are legally permitted only from Nov. 1 through March 31 unless an extended deadline is warranted by conditions. That does not exist this year, transportation officials said in a press release Monday.

“For those traveling over mountain passes, WSDOT recommends that drivers use approved traction tires and carry chains in case conditions change,” the department said. “WSDOT crews will continue to monitor weather and roadway conditions and respond quickly to any spring snow."

Studded tires cause between $20 million to $29 million in damage to Washington’s state-owned roads each winter, in addition to damaging city and county roads, the agency said.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE APRIL 15 AT ERC

EPHRATA — The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Wednesday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. S.W.

Anyone age 17 or older, weighing 110 pounds or more, and in good general health is a potential donor.

An appointment can be scheduled by calling 1-800-733-2767 or online at www.redcrossblood.org. A pre-donation “Rapid Pass” questionnaire can also be completed on the website.

Prospective donors should bring personal identification and donor cards, or download the Blood Donor App on their smart phones.