Renewed legal battle ramps up over Columbia Basin dams and salmon

A long-running court battle over how to balance protections for endangered fish with hydropower dams in the Columbia River Basin has resumed after a two-year pause. Conservationists, anglers and clean energy groups, along with the state of Oregon, asked a federal court Tuesday to grant a preliminary injunction that would change how eight dams on the lower Columbia and Snake rivers operate. They argue that these changes would improve the conditions for salmon and steelhead survival.

Recent grad looking for a forever home

OTHELLO – Orchard recently graduated from the Ridge Dog training program. The Ridge Dogs program allows for inmates at the Coyote Ridge Correctional Facility in Connell to train dogs. The dogs are taught basic commands such as sit, stay, lie down, come when called, walk on a loose leash and heel on request. Many of the dogs will also have clicker training. Orchard is a loving girl, who loves a good nap and yap. She is a good companion for those who are active because she loves long runs and exciting adventures. She is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go home with you. If Orchard seems like a perfect fit, visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com and fill out an application. If you can’t adopt, right now, but you would like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Sugar Gem, a graduate and professional grass roller looking for cozy home

OTHELLO – Sugar Gem is a fun-loving, sweet girl looking for a friendly, playful and adventurous home. She loves to play with other dogs and have a good wrestle. She is also a graduate of the Ridge Dog program. The Ridge Dogs program allows for inmates at the Coyote Ridge Correctional Facility in Connell to train dogs. The dogs are taught basic commands such as sit, stay, lie down, come when called, walk on loose leash and heal on request. Many of the dogs will also have clicker training. Sugar Gem’s favorite activities include chasing balls, playing and rolling around in the grass. For those interested in taking the sweet girl home visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com or call 509-488-5514. For those unable to adopt but who would like to support the shelter, consider donating by clicking the “donate” button at the top of the website.

Kelda, pre-trained and ready to be adopted

OTHELLO – Meet Kelda, a remarkable Ridge Dog graduate from the Coyote Ridge Correctional Center in Connell, Washington. With her stunning athleticism, gentle demeanor, and playful spirit, Kelda is a joyful companion waiting to enrich your life. She thrives on human interaction and is always eager to meet new friends, making her the ideal addition to a loving family. Kelda has undergone an extensive training program, mastering commands such as sit, stay, lie down, and come when called.

CTUIR, Corps of Engineers sign pact to improve Mill Creek fish passage

WALLA WALLA — Officials from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a signing Jan. 10 at the Corps’ Walla Walla District headquarters to honor a joint project to improve fish passage on Mill Creek, according to an announcement from the CTUIR.

Hanford Reach turns 25

RICHLAND — Sen. Patty Murray visited the Hanford Reach Wednesday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Reach’s designation as a national monument. “Even though a lot has changed over the last 25 years, still one thing that hasn’t changed,” she said. “The Hanford Reach. And that’s a testament, not just to the huge victory we won that day, but also to the hard work that this community has done every year since to continue preserving and protecting the Hanford Reach.”

Coyotes take second at Winter Classic

MOSES LAKE – The 18U Moses Lake Coyotes took second place at their home Winter Classic two weekends ago, falling 6-3 to Vancouver Minor C5 in the tournament’s championship game on Feb. 2. “We had twice as many shots as them, they just had an absolutely phenomenal goalie that we couldn’t quite get enough pucks past,” Davies said. “The kids played excellent. Second place, but in our eyes, it was such a good game that could have gone either way.”

Legals for April, 8 2025

'South hill rapist' Kevin Coe dies in Federal Way

(The Center Square) – Kevin Coe, the infamous “South Hill rapist,” died Wednesday at an adult family home in Federal Way. He was 78. The Federal Way Mayor’s Office and the Federal Way Police Department confirmed he was reported dead of natural causes. As reported by The Center Square, Coe was recently released from the civil commitment center at McNeil Island after doctors and staff members there determined he was no longer a threat to the public because of his advanced age and declining health.

Regional wrestling results for Jan. 25

MOSES LAKE – Regional wrestling results from Saturday, Jan. 25.

Legals for May, 16 2025

Invasive animals pose risks to the Basin

MOSES LAKE – The Washington Invasive Species Council has 29 animals and insects listed on their site as priority invasive species that have either found themselves at home in the state or are of concern around the country. The Columbia Basin has become home to a number of these species.

Mammoth dig site tours open

KENNEWICK — Reservations are being accepted for tours of the Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site offered by Mid-Columbia Basin Old Natural Education Sciences, or MCBONES, according to an announcement from the organization.

Legals for April, 23 2025

Legals for August, 22 2025

Legals for March, 21 2025

Legals for April, 16 2025

Legals for February, 14 2025

FIRE REPORT: Burdoin Fire exceeds 10,000 acres, fires contribute to smoke haze

WHITE SALMON – The Burdoin Fire, which ignited on July 18 in the southern border of Washington state, has rapidly consumed more than 11,000 acres and remains only 13% contained as of Thursday afternoon. State officials have called for increased vigilance among residents.

BASIN SPORTS SCHEDULE: May 20-24

COLUMBIA BASIN – Local teams finish up their district tournaments and head off to state championships. Here’s the lineup for this week: