In Other News

Police plan ‘National Night Out’ festivities

EPHRATA — Citizens and families are invited to enjoy activities, see displays, and meet staff from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and five area police departments during National Night Out events planned next week in Grant County.

Ephrata police will host their NNO event on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 6-8 p.m. at the Splash Zone pool, with support from the Ephrata Parks and Recreation Department and Granco Federal Credit Union.  

Those attending can meet officers and first responders, enjoy a free meal (hot dogs, chips, and cookies), there will be goodie bags for the first 100 kids, and displays of police, fire, and ambulance vehicles. Attendees can also get a free swim in the pool, and those who successfully cross the “lily pads” will be entered into a drawing for an Amazon Fire HD8 entertainment tablet.

National Night Out is an annual campaign, typically held in the first week of August, that fosters positive police-citizen relationships to build safer, caring communities. Events are held in all 50 U.S. states plus territories and military bases worldwide. In Washington state, nearly 130 cities are planning activities next week.

In Grant County, other event locations, dates, and times are:
— Quincy: Monday, Aug. 3, 5:30 – 8 p.m., 300 Central Ave. S. https://bit.ly/4fZwN5p
— Moses Lake: Tuesday, Aug. 4, 6-8 p.m., Sinkiuse Square/Third Avenue https://bit.ly/4h2W3Jc
— Grand Coulee: Tuesday, Aug. 4, contact City of Grand Coulee for info.
— Mattawa: Friday, Aug. 7, 5-7 p.m., Mattawa Hund Park https://bit.ly/4pFXMWU

Splash Zone to host ‘Dive-in Movie Night’

EPHRATA — Splash Zone will host its annual “Dive-In Movie Night” on Saturday, Aug. 1, featuring a presentation of Disney-Pixar’s “Finding Nemo.”

The fun evening will begin with a public swim from 7-8:30 p.m. All patrons will exit the pool while staff prepares for the movie which starts at 8:45 p.m. No swimming will be allowed during the movie.

Admission is free for season pass holders; regular general admission prices apply to non-season pass holders.

The concession stand will be open throughout the evening with snacks and beverages available for purchase.

Red Cross blood drive Aug. 19 in Ephrata

EPHRATA — The American Red Cross will sponsor a blood drive on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. S.W.

Red Cross and state health officials say all blood types are needed right now to address a critical shortage for hospitals in the Pacific Northwest. Anyone age 17 or older, weighing 110 pounds or more, and in good general health is a potential donor.

A local appointment can be scheduled by calling 1-800-733-2767 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.