In Other News

COUNTY, ML OFFICIALS SLATE SPECIAL MEETING

EPHRATA — Grant County commissioners have scheduled a special meeting with City of Moses Lake officials to discuss preparation of an environmental impact study of a possible second bridge crossing across the lake.

The meeting is slated Monday, March 30 at noon in the commissioners’ hearing room at the courthouse in Ephrata.

The concept of a second bridge providing vehicle access across the lake has been pondered for a long time, but no specific location, project, or cost has yet been determined. Conducting an EIS study is considered a step toward that possibility.

Also on Monday, county and city officials are expected to discuss coordination on a comprehensive plan in 2027 and share other updates.

The meeting is open to the public and can also be accessed remotely.

Information is also available by contacting the commissioners office (call 509-754-2011, ext. 2931).

AMERICAN LEGION CONSTITUTIONAL SPEECH CONTEST

MOSES LAKE — The American Legion’s 2026 constitutional speech contest for Washington high school students will be held Saturday, March 28 at Big Bend Community College.

A dozen students from across the state will compete in this year’s event, which begins at 9 a.m. with semi-final contests and 2 p.m. for the finals in BBCC’s ATEC building. They are competing for $5,000 in scholarship funds, with the first-place winner advancing to the American Legion’s national championship held in mid-May at Hillsdale College in Michigan. There, the national champion receives a $25,000 scholarship with all entrants receiving a share of $203,000 in total scholarship funds. 

Contestants are judged on their research and delivery of a memorized speech on a topic of their choice regarding the U.S. Constitution. Afterward, in separate presentations with only brief advance notice, the students must speak on a specific constitutional topic assigned to them all. 

The American Legion has sponsored the national contest for over 80 years, said local Legion officer Mike Montaney of Ephrata.

“Anyone interested in the U.S. Constitution and what it means to high school students would do well to attend this contest,” said Montaney, who has assisted with the state event for over two decades. “These young people still amaze me with their knowledge of the constitution.”

In previous years, said Montaney, local contestants have included Matthew Mortimer, a scholarship winner from Ephrata, and 2017 state champion Kameron Goetz of Coulee City who advanced to the national event.

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.