In Other News
9/11, REMEMBRANCE DAY EVENT
EPHRATA — The public can pay tribute to local law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders for their service and dedication to the community, and remember those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, during a Patriot Day ceremony planned next Thursday at 5:30 p.m. on the front steps of the Grant County Courthouse.
The 9/11 remembrance is being hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 with support from local Legionnaires. It is expected to last about 45 minutes to an hour. After the ceremony, Blue Star banners will be presented to military families and pocket flags will be distributed to any service members in attendance.
During the day, organizers plan to display over 300 banners on the courthouse lawn commemorating those who lost their lives during the attacks and subsequent military responses. Banners will be set up from 7-8 a.m. and removed at the conclusion of the event. Volunteers are needed. Anyone wishing to help should contact Heather Wilson at (208) 350-9142.
Auxiliary and Legion officials noted that Congress has designated Sept. 11 as both Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, which encourages “all Americans to come together in unity and service.”
“We can all honor the legacy of those we lost by giving back in our communities,” said organizers. Suggested year-round activities include picking up litter in neighborhoods, volunteering at a local library or museum, and helping elderly or disabled neighbors with yardwork, raking leaves, or shoveling snow. Prospective volunteers could also check with their church, chamber of commerce or local nonprofits for opportunities.
EHS CHEER TEAM YOUTH CAMP
EPHRATA – The Ephrata High School cheer team will host a youth camp for kids ages pre-kindergarten through eighth grade on Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 23-25, from 3:15 to 5 p.m.
The young campers will then perform at halftime of the Tigers' home football game versus East Valley (Yakima) on Friday, Sept. 26.
Camp cost is $50 per participant and includes a T-shirt and pom-poms. Register by Sunday, Sept. 21, here.
Practice locations: Columbia Ridge Elementary for Ridge and Tiger Pre-School students; Beezley Gym at EHS for Grant Elementary students; Parkway School for Parkway and Ephrata Middle School students. Transportation is not provided.
For more information, contact Heather Wood at hwood@ephrataschools.org.
COUNTY ACCEPTING TOURISM PROMOTION APPS
EPHRATA – Grant County will begin accepting grant applications on Monday, Sept. 8, for funding of qualifying tourism promotion campaigns in 2026.
Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, for review by the county’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Guidelines and forms are available at https://www.grantcountywa.gov/663/Lodging-Tax-Advisory-Committee-LTAC
Using revenues collected through a state tax on motels, hotels, and campgrounds, tourism promotion monies are allocated to qualified applicants to support activities and events which bring visitors to the area and result in overnight stays.
By law, certain reporting requirements are a condition for all events, projects, and organizations that utilize these funds.
For more information, contact Caitlin Manell in the Grant County Commissioners’ office at the courthouse in Ephrata (email cemanell@grantcountywa.gov or call 509/754-2011, ext. 2931).
