In Other News
STATE LAWMAKERS AT EPHRATA CITY HALL
EPHRATA – The public is invited to meet the 13th Legislative District’s trio of state lawmakers – Sen. Judy Warnick of Moses Lake and Reps. Tom Dent of Moses Lake and Alex Ybarra of Quincy – beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Ephrata City Hall.
Constituents can visit with the legislators, ask questions and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments during the session, scheduled in advance of the Ephrata City Council’s regular meeting at 6 p.m. At that time, the representatives will share their views of the 2025 legislative session held earlier this year in Olympia and their priorities for the future.
The council meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube, and the full council packet can be viewed on the city website.
“While the livestream is available, we strongly encourage you to join us in person to meet your legislators and be part of the conversation,” city officials said in an announcement
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
EPHRATA – The American Red Cross will sponsor a community blood drive on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 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. 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 1-800-733-2767 or online at redcross.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 smart phones.
SHARE THE LIGHT
EPHRATA – Regardless of the season, Grant PUD customers can help individuals and families struggling to pay their power bills.
Earlier this year, the PUD renamed its decades-old “Share the Warmth” program to “Share the Light.” At the time, the utility district noted that electricity usage and power bills go up both during the chill of winter and hot spells of summer, increasing the financial burden on families in need.
PUD patrons can donate any amount at any time to an account which benefits income-qualifying customers. Donors who give $10 or more receive an acknowledgment letter for their records. Non-Grant PUD customers, or anyone who lives outside Grant County, may also donate to Share the Light by calling Grant PUD Customer Service at 509-766-2505.
Along with the name change, the district is developing a tiered recognition program for businesses or individuals who donate $1,000 or more over the course of the year.
Families who are behind in their power bill payments can call Grant PUD Customer Service for information on how to apply for help. Qualifying applicants can receive up to $300 per year in bill-pay assistance and learn whether they also qualify for discounted rates.
AG AERIAL “FLY-IN” SLATED
EPHRATA – The Ephrata Airport will play host to a “fly-in” and breakfast organized by the Association of Washington Aerial Applicators on Saturday, Oct. 4.
The event is open to the public, who can view static displays of aircraft, watch pilots perform flight tests, and learn more about the role they play in bolstering agriculture in Washington state.
A town hall session is planned at 12:30 p.m. on topics related to low-level aviation.
A pancake breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. Cost is $20 per person, and kids under age 10 eat free.
