In Other News

SL shooting suspect arraigned

EPHRATA — A Soap Lake man pled not guilty Thursday, June 11 in Grant County Superior Court to charges of second-degree assault with a firearm and reckless endangerment in connection with a shooting incident reported a day earlier.

Hunter Davis Anderson, 24, was arrested following an investigation by Soap Lake police and Grant County sheriff’s deputies.  Anderson is accused of shooting 24-year-old Caleb Michael Rossell of Warden in the ear with a .22-caliber handgun during a late-night, alcohol-fueled melee involving multiple subjects in the 300 block of Sixth Avenue S.E.

Authorities were notified of the incident around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday by staff at Columbia Basin Hospital after Rossell was transported by family members to Ephrata for medical care.

According to a sheriff’s report, Rossell came to Soap Lake last Tuesday to be with his infant daughter and her mother for the baby’s birthday. They and others were drinking through the evening and an argument ensued over an online relationship with another person. At one point, various family members and acquaintances began fighting.

When questioned later, Anderson allegedly admitted discharging his handgun twice — once accidentally, once to protect a friend who was trying to break up the fight. Anderson said he heard that Rossell was armed with a knife, the report stated.

Anderson also allegedly said he disposed of the gun in a nearby field – it was later located by a K9 dog – then continued drinking with others while waiting for police to respond to the location.   

During Thursday’s court hearing, Judge Melissa Chlarson scheduled a July 29 trial date for Anderson, who was also ordered to surrender all firearms, observe a nighttime curfew, have no contact with other witnesses in the case, and have no alcohol or drugs without a valid prescription. Bail was set at $10,000 and Anderson was later released from custody.

Ephrata seeks Civil Service volunteer

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is seeking a volunteer to serve on the Ephrata Civil Service Commission.

Under Washington state law, civil service commissions are local bodies which enforce merit-based hiring, promotions, and disciplinary appeals for specific public employees, primarily firefighters and law enforcement officers.

Interested candidates for appointment to the commission must be U.S. citizens who have resided within Ephrata city limits for at least three years. Letters of interest may be submitted to Mayor Steve Oliver at Ephrata City Hall, by email to clerk@ephrata.org, or mailed to 121 Alder St. S.W., Ephrata, WA 98823.

The closing date to submit letters is Tuesday, June 30 by 4:30 p.m. More information about the commission is available on the city website.

Masquers’ auditions for fall musical, “Anastasia”

SOAP LAKE — Masquers Theater will hold cast auditions next month for roles in its upcoming fall musical production of “Anastasia.”

Roles are open for children ages 7 and older through adults of all experience levels. The production will be directed by Masquers veterans Stacey Bresee and Rachel Bresee.

Auditions are scheduled Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m. at the theater, 322 E. Main Ave. in Soap Lake.

Those auditioning will participate in a cold reading and should be prepared to sing songs listed in the audition material packet – ideally one associated with the role they are pursuing. Auditions will be recorded as part of the casting process.

Information and access to the audition form can be found at www.masquers.com.

For those unable to attend in person, video submissions will be accepted until July 17. If necessary, callbacks will be conducted via video on July 19 with casting decisions finalized by July 24.

Rehearsals will begin Monday, Aug. 24 and continue Monday through Thursday from 6:30 - 8:45 p.m.  The production will open on Friday, Oct. 16 and continue across four weekends through Sunday, Nov. 8 with Friday and Saturday performances at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

“This dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past,” the Masquers say in a press release. “Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.”