In Other News

Youth violence prevention is town hall topic

EPHRATA — Community members are invited to attend a town hall session, “Preventing Youth Violence: Sextortion, Online Safety & Gang Awareness,” scheduled Wednesday, May 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the performing arts center at Ephrata High School.

The event will be hosted by the Ephrata School District, Ephrata Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office and the North Central Educational Service District.

The presentation is for adults only and may include sensitive material. Child care will be available. The event will also be livestreamed by the sheriff’s office.
Speakers will provide parents, guardians and community members with current local information about risks youth are facing both online and in the community. Presenters will highlight warning signs, emerging trends and practical strategies to help protect and support young people.

Topics will include sextortion, social media and online safety, indicators of gang involvement and how youth may attempt to bypass parental controls. The event will also address how online conflicts can escalate into real-world consequences.

Two who died in pursuit ID’d as Warden-area brothers

MOSES LAKE — Two men who died in an April 19 vehicle collision while fleeing law enforcement have been identified as brothers from the Warden area.

Darvelio Moreno Lopez, 20, was driving a white Toyota Corolla sedan that crossed the centerline and collided with an oncoming pickup on Road 3-NE, about nine miles east of Moses Lake. His brother, 25-year-old Milher Moreno Lopez, was a passenger in the Toyota. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Their identities were subsequently determined by DNA analysis and their next-of-kin have been notified, Grant County coroner Craig Morrison said on Thursday, April 30. Morrison said his office was still awaiting other lab results to confirm their cause and manner of death.

The collision injured the driver of the Dodge Ram pickup, 24-year-old Nevin J. Anderson of Warden, who was westbound on Road 3-NE near the intersection of Road U-NE, according to an investigation by the Washington State Patrol. Anderson, who was wearing a seatbelt, had been transported to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake for medical care.

Authorities have alleged the Lopez brothers were fleeing law enforcement following an earlier hit-and-run collision on State Route 17 near Stratford Road.

According to the WSP report, shortly before 5 p.m. on April 19, the Toyota struck a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Savana R. Oliphant, 19, Moses Lake. The impact caused the Jeep to leave the roadway, strike a light pole, then roll. Oliphant, who was wearing a seatbelt, was also injured and transported to Samaritan Hospital.

Grant County sheriff’s deputies later located and were pursuing the fleeing Toyota when the fatal collision occurred on Road 3-NE, authorities said.

Courtyard dedication to honor former Ephrata teacher

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District will hold a ceremony Friday, May 8, to dedicate the inclusive courtyard at Ephrata Middle School in remembrance of the late Travis Eloff, a longtime teacher and special services director who passed away in June 2024.

The dedication ceremony is scheduled at 3:30 p.m.

“For 31 years, Travis Eloff served Ephrata students and families as both a Special Education teacher and district director. His work reflected a deep belief that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and valued,” the school district said in an announcement.

The enclosed courtyard is intended to be a space “designed for inclusion, connection, and belonging” and a lasting tribute to Eloff’s positive impact “on our schools and community.”

Former Wazzu/NFL QB Ryan Leaf to share recovery journey

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Community Court will host an open community event on Thursday, May 7 featuring former WSU and NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, who will share his journey from fame to prison to recovery.

The presentation will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Moses Lake Civic Auditorium. Admission is free, but seating is limited to about 200. The presentation will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Moses Lake Civic Auditorium. Admission is free, but seating is limited to about 200. Event tickets are available here.

A Montana native, Leaf quarterbacked the Washington State University Cougars to their first PAC-10 championship and an appearance in the 1998 Rose Bowl, losing 21-16 to eventual national champion Michigan. He was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy that year, and was the second overall selection by the San Diego Chargers in the 1998 NFL draft behind Peyton Manning. 

Leaf played four years in the NFL, for San Diego and the Dallas Cowboys, but his career was derailed in part by injuries and work ethic struggles. He later had legal troubles related to drugs and served time in prison. Leaf subsequently entered into recovery treatment, working as a program ambassador and as a college football analyst.

Quincy, Moses Lake HW disposal events

Grant County residents may dispose of household hazardous waste at no cost during two events scheduled next month at Quincy and Moses Lake. The free events are for household waste only. 

The Quincy disposal opportunity will be held Friday, May 8 from noon to 4 p.m. at Quincy Lauzier Field, 1600 13th Ave S.W. The Moses Lake event is slated Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Grant County Road District Shop, 12171 Wheeler Road NE. 

Hazardous products are labeled with such words as danger, caustic, flammable, and poison. Examples include paint and paint thinner, automotive oil, single-use and rechargeable batteries, solvents, brake fluid, aerosols, spot removers, drain openers, pool and hobby chemicals, pesticides and herbicides, disposable vape pens, and devices containing mercury such as thermostats and lights.

 Such products should not be poured down the drain or placed in solid waste disposal.

Wastes should be brought in original labeled containers, and all other containers should be clearly labeled. Containers will not be returned. Lights should not be taped together.

For more information, including lists of limited items and materials that won’t be accepted, visit the Grant County Solid Waste website or call 509-754-6082, ext. 3508. The event is sponsored by Grant County and the Washington State Department of Ecology.