In Other News
ONE INJURED IN HIGHWAY COLLISION
SOAP LAKE – An Ephrata man was injured in a two-vehicle collision reported at 3:50 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Highways 28 and 17 near Soap Lake, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Troopers said Cody T. Johnson, 71, Soap Lake, was driving south on State Route 17 in a 2007 Imperial motorhome, failed to stop at the intersection stop sign, and pulled out in front of an eastbound 1996 Chevrolet Geotrack driven by Danny D. Rhoads, 43, Ephrata.
Rhoads sustained unspecified injuries when the Geotrack struck the motorhome, the report stated. He was transported to Kadlec hospital in the Tri-Cities.
Neither Johnson or a 17-year-old Ephrata boy riding as a passenger in the Geotrack were hurt, troopers said.
Both vehicles were totaled and towed from the scene.
Charges are pending, according to the WSP report.
EPHRATA EYES ANNUAL GCHD FUNDING
EPHRATA – Ephrata city council members on Wednesday indicated they intend to continue an annual $3-per-resident allocation by the city to the Grant County Health District in 2026 for services it provides to the community. The estimated per-capita contribution would total nearly $27,000.
Since 2005, Ephrata has been among a majority of cities and towns in Grant County which have agreed to allocate funds based on their respective populations to the health district for its operations.
GCHD director Theresa Adkinson explained that the cities’ contributions provide “flexible dollars” to the health district while other revenues from fees, fines, and state or federal sources must often be dedicated to specific programs or services.
In 2025, 11 of the county’s 14 cities and towns voluntarily contributed $1 to $4 per resident – collectively totaling $149,000 – for public health services. Grant County itself provided nearly $172,000 in direct or in-kind assistance to the health district.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
EPHRATA – The American Red Cross will sponsor a community blood drive on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. S.W.
Red Cross officials say all blood types are needed. 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 redcross.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.
The blood drive is being hosted by American Legion Post 28 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28.
