In Other News

LOCAL PLANT SALES PLANNED

EPHRATA — Spring shoppers can enjoy a pair of plant sales scheduled later this week in Ephrata.

—    The Ephrata High School FFA will host its annual spring sale over three days at the high school greenhouse. Hours are 3-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 30-May 1, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 2.  A variety of flowers, herbs, grasses, succulents, and hanging baskets (including themed Tiger baskets) will be offered. Cash and checks accepted.

—    The Ephrata Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nat Washington House (across from the Grant County Courthouse). A large assortment of perennials, herbs, vegetables, and house plants will be available. There will also be a raffle for a special basket filled with garden gifts. Sale proceeds go toward supporting local clubs and projects.

MOSES LAKE, GRANT COUNTY SEEK EIS ON LAKE CROSSING

EPHRATA — Grant County and the City of Moses Lake have prepared an interlocal agreement to seek an environmental impact study of a possible second bridge across the lake.

Last week, county administrator Tom Gaines told commissioners Kevin Burgess, Cindy Carter, and Rob Jones that the pact designates Moses Lake as the lead agency for preparation of the EIS, both at the state and federal level, with no cost obligation to the county. 

Gaines said the agreement “shows collaboration” between the city and the county. Moses Lake city manager Rob Karlinsey signed the document on Friday, April 17. Gaines said it will be submitted to U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse — who represents central Washington’s 4^th Congressional District that includes Moses Lake — in hopes of acquiring federal grant funding for the study.

If no action is taken after three years, the interlocal agreement will expire.

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 by evaluating potential lake crossing locations and construction feasibility.

If ultimately realized, such a project would add travel options between Interstate 90 and State Route 17 at the north end of Moses Lake without driving through the city’s center. That could benefit freight mobility, commuter traffic, and emergency response routes while supporting commerce and economic growth, the agreement said.

COULEE CITY RODEO TICKETS ON SALE

COULEE CITY — Tickets are on sale now for the annual Last Stand Rodeo over the Memorial holiday weekend.

The action starts at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 22-23, and 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 24. One-day tickets are $20 for adults, $12.50 for youth ages 7-15, and free for kids 6 and younger. A three-day adult pass is available for $50. Visit here for online sales.

More information about the PRCA-sanctioned event is available here. The rodeo grounds are located at 505 E. Walnut St. in Coulee City.

GC 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 in advance of the 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.

GET BUGGY AT ML MAC ON SATURDAY

MOSES LAKE — Families can go buggy this Saturday, May 2, making “Bug Jars” during May Free Family Saturday at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center.

Bug jars are a crafty, creative way to get students interested in entomology. Your junior scientist can use their custom bug jar to view beetles, ants, and other insects up close and personal.

The activity is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Registration is required and families may sign up for a free year-long pass at the museum’s registration portal. The museum is located at 401 S. Balsam St. in the Moses Lake Civic Center.