Studio Basin

Ephrata's Ridge Robotics to go to national Lego Competition

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Ephrata Ridge Elementary School's Ridge Robotics team members Mille Scheelke and Lindsay Leenhouts sit down with reporter Nance Beston to discuss their season, robot and their upcoming FIRST LEGO League.  The team won a trophy for Engineering Excellence at state which qualified them for a "lottery." The team, one of ten, was then randomly chosen to participate in the national competition taking place in New Jersey.  Tune in to hear from the students themselves, along with Ridge Robotics Coaches Alicia Keegan and Julie Kessel.

From campaign to city hall: Mayor Oliver's first months on the job

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Ephrata Mayor Steve Oliver sits down with reporter Nance Beston to discuss how is first months in office - the transition from the campaign trail to the day-to-day realities of governing, the surprises, the learning curves and the opportunities ahead for Ephrata. We begin with Oliver's adjustment into the mayor's seat: what the shift from campaigning to governing has really looked like, the moments that made the role feel real and the rewards and challenges of stepping into city leadership. He shares an inside look at how expectations have matched (or sometimes differed from) the reality of running a city.  We also explore his leadership style and approach to collaboration - from building relationships with councilmembers and city staff to staying visible and accessible to the community. Oliver discusses what he has learned about the city and himself during these early months and outlines new ways he hopes to involve residents in conversations.  Oliver also reflected on the tone of the campaign season and steps he took early on in his term to address concerns and clear the air with staff and council. He talks about what he has learned from that period and what he wants residents to understand about how he has moved forward. To close, Oliver shares what he is most excited about in the months ahead: the work behind the scenes, the direction he hopes the city is heading a year from now, and the message he wants to send to the people of Ephrata as he continues settling into the role.

Columbia Basin Foundation - $28K in 28 Days

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Columbia Basin Foundation Executive Director Corinne Isaak stopped by to chat with Managing Editor R. Hans “Rob” Miller about a fundraiser for one of CBF’s community partners, His Helping Hands. The nonprofit recently took over a portion of the former Grant County Journal office and is providing services to those in need at the site. Some of the remodeling still needs to be completed and Isaak and her team at CBF are trying to raise the last $28,000 needed during the 28 days of February.

Ephrata bond measure with Superintendent Ken Murray

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter and Producer Nance Beston sat down with Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray to discuss the Feb. 2026 bond proposal. The $75 million bond measure would replace Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate and begin renovations on Ephrata High School. Murray shared the work that went into the proposal and the reasons why the bond was brought to voters - including a lack of space, aging buildings and building new tends to be cheaper than renovation.  Ballots for the election are due by 8 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 10. Ballots must be post-stamped on or before Feb. 10 to be counted. It is recommended voters visit a local post office to get a postmark or dropping them off in a ballot drop box.  Further information about the measure can be found at TigersVote.org or by calling the district at 509-754-2474.

Moses Lake School Board: how it works, challenges, successes

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter and Producer Nance Beston sat down with Moses Lake School Board President Kirryn Jensen, Vice-President Paul Hill, and MLSD Director of Communications Ryan Shannon. The group discussed how a school board operates, common misconceptions in the community, and the challenges and successes they’ve experienced while serving. They also shared advice for those interested in pursuing a school board role. All three emphasized the importance of community involvement, encouraging residents to attend school board meetings and participate in local events. The MLSD Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. in the School Board Room at 940 E. Yonezawa Blvd, Moses Lake, WA 98837. Next Week: The STUDIO BASIN Podcast will feature Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray, who will discuss the district’s proposed $75 million, 25-year school construction bond.