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.

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.

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.