In Other News
Property taxes, Ephrata Rec guide, BBCC job fair, SL art show
GRANT COUNTY PROPERTY TAXES DUE APRIL 30
EPHRATA — Grant County taxpayers are reminded that real, mobile home, and personal property taxes for the first half of 2026 are due April 30.
The county treasurer’s office mailed out property tax statements on March 18. Online payments and information regarding parcels are available through the county website under the “Treasurer” tab.
Mailed payments must be postmarked by April 30 to avoid being considered delinquent. To ensure proper crediting when paying by mail, the bottom coupon on taxpayers’ statements should be included. A single check may be written if there is more than one coupon.
“Please verify that all parcels you intend to pay were included on your statements. And please remember to sign your check,” said county treasurer Darryl Pheasant.
A drive-up drop box is also available in the northeast parking lot of the county courthouse, or payments can be made inside the treasurer’s office. For more information, call 509/754-2011, ext. 4201.
EPHRATA SPRING/SUMMER RECREATION GUIDE AVAILABLE
EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata’s Parks and Recreation Department has released its 2026 spring and summer activities guide.
The catalog lists upcoming programs for all ages, seasonal details for the Splash Zone Aquatic Center, rental information for gatherings at the Ephrata Recreation Center, youth sports, and community activities and events.
“Whether you’re signing your kids up for sports, looking for a fun class, planning an event, or getting ready for pool season, there’s something for everyone,” said city rec officials.
SOAP LAKE COUNCIL SLATES SPECIAL MEETING
SOAP LAKE — Reviews of tourism funding requests and city planner proposals are the agenda items listed for a special meeting of the Soap Lake City Council on Tuesday, March 24.
The session is slated for 1 p.m. at the Soap Lake Community and Senior Center, 121 Second Ave. S.E.
Special event permit applications for tourism funding in 2026 include the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce’s visitor center operations from May 1 through Labor Day weekend, July 4 Suds-N-Sun summer festival, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Food & Folk Festival workshops, Full Moon Harvest, Fantasy Croquet, Shop Small Saturday, Earthday, Lava Links, Moonlight Paddle, Shop About, Winter Theater, and Masquers Theater productions.
Council members are also expected to consider separate proposals from two consulting firms, Kovach Architects and Safebuilt LLC , to provide planning services for Soap Lake. An agreement with the City of Moses Lake for such services was scheduled to end this month, and Soap Lake has been advertising for a part-time planning position.
BBCC TO HOST JOB AND CAREER FAIR
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College will again host an annual Job and Career Fair on Thursday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Masto Conference Center, 7611 Bolling St. NE.
The partnership event is free for job seekers including students, alumni, and community members.
Along with BBCC, participants include SkillSource, WorkSource, Job Corps, Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Opportunities Industrialization Center of Washington, and Washington State Department of Services for the Blind.
A number of area employers will also be hand with information about their businesses and job opportunities. Prospective exhibitors can learn more and register to participate here.
SIX BY SIX COMMUNITY ART SHOW AT SL LIBRARY
SOAP LAKE — Artists of all ages and experience levels are invited to participate in the upcoming “Six by Six Community Art Show” hosted at the Soap Lake Public Library.
The show is focused on“big ideas in a small format” — all pieces selected for entry must measure no larger than 6 inches square including frame. Only original, handmade, wall-hanging artwork will be considered for display. Paint, fiber, collage, wood or other handmade media are eligible with an emphasis on creativity and craftsmanship.
No prints, digital art, digital photography, laser-cut or 3D-printed work, or jewelry will be admitted.
Artists may submit up to five pieces for consideration. Accepted artwork will be offered for sale at $25 per piece with all proceeds going to the artist. Sale dates are Friday, March 27 through Saturday, April 18. Sales will be administered by Friends of the Soap Lake Library and the Soap Lake Creative District.
Artwork may be dropped off anytime during the library’s open hours: Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The library is located at 32 E. Main St. More information and entry criteria are available here.
