In Other News

NO FOUL PLAY SUSPECTED FOR BODY FOUND IN CRAB CREEK

EPHRATA — There is no apparent sign of foul play involved in the death of a man whose body was recovered from Lower Crab Creek near Beverly on Sunday, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office reported this morning (Tuesday, April 14).

Investigators from the county Coroner’s Office believe they have found family members and are awaiting lab results and DNA testing to confirm his identity and cause and manner of death, the sheriff’s office said in an online update.

A kayaker found the man’s body in the water Saturday evening about 3.5 miles east of State Route 243 in a remote location with dense overgrowth. Deputies used an aerial drone to pinpoint the location, then returned Sunday morning for a daylong recovery operation.

Personnel from Grant County Fire District No. 8 and Royal Slope Fire-Rescue-EMS also participated in the effort.

Anyone who may have additional information is asked to call Grant County MACC Dispatch at 509-762-1160 or email crimetips@grantcountywa.gov. The case number is 26GS03884.

WSP: MOTORCYCLE RIDING, RISKS BOTH INCREASING

OLYMPIA — With warmer weather and rising gasoline prices, more motorcyclists are taking to the road. And that increases risks for both riders and other drivers around them, says the Washington State Patrol. 

“Safely operating a motorcycle on our roadways takes focus, skill, training, and proper safety equipment,” said Chris Loftis, the State Patrol’s public affairs director, in a press statement Tuesday.   

National statistics show the fatality rate for motorcyclists is up to 27 times higher than that of passenger car occupants. And while motorcycles only account for 3.5% of registered vehicles, 15% of vehicular fatalities involve motorcycle riders, the State Patrol reported.

The numbers are even higher for younger, perhaps more-inexperienced riders: those ages 21 to 24 account for nearly half (49%) of speed-related fatalies nationwide, according to the WSP.

Riders are encouraged to take a safety education course, maintain a valid endorsement, wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear, and make themselves visible to surrounding motorists while avoiding excessive speed and erratic maneuvers. And other drivers are advised to check their blind spots and give motorcyclists “ample space” when sharing the road.

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 Thursday, April 30.

The county treasurer’s office mailed out property tax statements on March 17. 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. County treasurer Darryl Pheasant cautioned that U.S. Postal Service processing can sometimes take several days and he encouraged mail users to post their payments at least a week in advance of the April 30 deadline.

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.

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 509/754-2010.

GC FAIR ADVISORY MEMBERS SOUGHT

EPHRATA — Grant County commissioners are accepting applications for appointment to two volunteer positions serving on the county’s Fair Advisory Committee.

Committee members assist commissioners and fair personnel in preparation and operation of the annual county fair held in August at Moses Lake.

The two positions carry three-year terms with a maximum of two terms. There is no compensation for serving on the committee, which holds open public meetings on the second Thursday of the month. More meetings are typically held as fair time approaches. 

Prospective candidates must complete and submit an application found at www.grantcountywa.gov under the “Boards, Commissions & Districts” heading.

Applications will be accepted until April 17.

For additional  information, call fairgrounds director Jim McKiernan at 509-237-2672 or commissioners’ clerk Caitlin Manell at the courthouse in Ephrata, (call 509-7534-2011, ext. 2931).