In Other News

SAGE-N-SUN EVENT REGISTRATIONS

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce is offering online registration for several events scheduled during the upcoming Sage-N-Sun community festival Friday and Saturday, June 12-13.

They include entries for:

—     Saturday’s Ephrata Lions Club Sage-N-Sun 2-mile fun run/walk, beginning at 8 a.m. with initial staging at the Ephrata Middle School. Advance registration is needed by June 5 for T-shirt and family fee discounts.

—    Saturday’s Grand Parade through the downtown business corridor, beginning at 11 a.m.

—    Friday and Saturday’s Sage-N-Sun 3v3 Basketball Tournament sponsored by the Ephrata Parks and Recreation Department.

For registration information, visit the chamber website.

EHS EARNS ACCREDITATION THROUGH 2032

EPHRATA — Ephrata High School has earned accreditation through spring 2032 from the Association of Educational Service Districts of Washington.

In an announcement Monday, local officials said this year’s “rigorous review process” evaluated the school’s support of student learning, leadership, culture and improvement. That included academic instruction, support programs, community engagement, and evidence of student achievement.

The accreditation panel specifically commended initiatives such as Tiger Days and the work of 11 school improvement teams that “help elevate student voice and … success.”

For students and families, accreditation helps ensure EHS diplomas are recognized by colleges, universities and employers.

“This accreditation reflects the student-centered work happening every day at Ephrata High School,” said superintendent Ken Murray. “Our students, staff and families should be proud of this achievement. It demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring students are prepared for success beyond graduation.”

“This process allowed us to celebrate the systems and supports we’ve built together while also identifying ways we can continue growing,” said EHS principal Ashlie Miller. “I’m incredibly proud of our staff, students and families for the culture we are creating at EHS and for the commitment they show to student success every day.”

The six-year accreditation requires a mid-term review in 2029.

 SUMMER BURN RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT

 EPHRATA — Grant County officials are reminding residents and visitors that annual restrictions on summer outdoor burning went into effect beginning today, June 1. The county’s conditional burn ban applies to unincorporated areas through Sept. 30.

 Some outdoor burning is still allowed, including agriculture or orchard burning if permitted by the state Department of Ecology.

Other allowable uses include gas and charcoal barbecues and private residential fire pits if safely monitored. Recreational campfires will still be allowed at public campgrounds if permitted by the campground agency. Private fire pits require 25 feet of non-combustible surrounding space and a charged water hose on hand.

 Large cooking fires, public or private, may be permitted if the county fire marshal’s office is contacted in advance. Additional state regulations apply to all cities, towns, and urban growth areas. The use of burn barrels and burning household waste is prohibited at all times.

 Violators of the county code can face fines ranging from $150 for a first offense to $500 for third and any subsequent offenses.

 For more information, call the Grant County Fire Marshal’s office at 509-754-2011, ext. 3001, or visit https://www.grantcountywa.gov/230/Outdoor-Burning-Regulations .

 RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE JUNE 17

 EPHRATA — The American Red Cross will sponsor a blood drive on Wednesday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. S.W.

 Red Cross officials say all blood types are needed right now. Anyone age 17 or older, weighing 110 pounds or more, and in good general health is a potential donor.

 An appointment can be scheduled by calling 800-733-2767 or online at www.redcrossblood.org. 

 A pre-donation “Rapid Pass” questionnaire can also be completed on the website. Prospective donors should bring personal identification and donor cards, or download the Blood Donor App on their smartphones.

 SPLASH ZONE TO OPEN MONDAY, JUNE 8

 EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata’s Splash Zone Aquatic Center is scheduled to open for the summer season on Monday, June 8 and continue through Monday, Aug. 31.

 Hours of operation are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sundays.

 Daily admission fees are: 5 and younger free; $12.75 for children ages 6-17 and seniors 60 and older; $15 for adults 18-59; lap swim $7.50.

 Punch cards good for 10 admissions cost $89.50.

 2026 season pass fees for Ephrata residents and local property owners are: $81 for children ages 6-17 and seniors 60 and older; adults $99; families up to five members $187.50 plus $19.25 for each additional family member.

Non-resident season passes are 30% higher to supplement property taxes paid by Ephrata residents to support local recreational facilities and services. 

 For additional information, including swim lessons, visit the website or call the recreation department at 509-754-4601. The aquatic center is located at 780 A St. S.E., just south of the Ephrata Middle School.