Immigration arrests surged last month in Washington

Federal immigration arrests across Washington rose sharply in June as the Trump administration continues its aggressive nationwide push for deportations, according to new data. Arrests in June, more than 275, were at least double any month since President Donald Trump reclaimed the presidency in January. At the same time, the share of arrestees in Washington with criminal records dropped sharply, to less than one-third. The figures come from the Deportation Data Project out of the University of California, Berkeley, where researchers received the information via Freedom of Information Act requests. The data runs through June 26. “I think that every community member in our country who is watching the news and comes from an immigrant family is increasingly concerned about their safety here,” said Caedmon Magboo Cahill, director of policy advocacy at the American Civil Liberties Union’s Washington chapter.

Soap Lake plans upgrades for dog park, Smokiam Campground

SOAP LAKE — In a bid to enhance recreational amenities and boost tourism, the city of Soap Lake is currently undertaking upgrades to both its dog park and the Smokiam Campground. Mayor Peter Sharp elaborated on these enhancements, citing community engagement and improved safety as primary motivators behind the initiatives.

Mariners successful weekend series against Astros

SEATTLE (AP) — Randy Arozarena hit a solo home run and Luis Castillo threw 6 2/3 scoreless innings as the Seattle Mariners beat the Houston Astros 6-1 on Friday night. Arozarena hit an elevated fastball from Astros left-hander Brandon Walter (1-3) out to left-center field in the fourth inning for his 18th home run of the season. In the process, Arozarena became only the second player in the majors this season with 10 or more home runs over a 14-game stretch.

Kicking it in McCosh Park

MOSES LAKE — On Friday, Freewind Martial Arts held the third and final seminar of a three-part series in McCosh Park. According to Freewind Manager and Assistant Instructor Brandi Guertin, the seminars were a success. “I'm really happy about the success. Everybody that came got more than what we had anticipated them getting out of it, to witness the growth and the confidence; that's why we do this,” she said.

Climbing to new heights in Landfall Games’ ‘Peak’

MOSES LAKE – There have been a variety of cooperative games released in the past couple of years including an indie game released last month called “Peak” made by Aggro Crab and Landfall games. “Peak” presents players with both a challenging and rewarding gameplay loop and is worth the try for anyone interested in a unique take on the action-adventure genre.

Legals for July, 18 2025

Moses Lake homelessness debate continues

MOSES LAKE — Alleviating homelessness and its impact on the community continues to be the subject of discussion in Moses Lake. An ordinance under consideration by Moses Lake City Council is the latest chapter in that discussion. Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce executive director Debbie Doran-Martinez said that, from her perspective, chamber members are looking for responses that improve the overall situation. “We would just like to see something that would move the needle in the right direction,” Doran-Martinez said.

Ephrata mayoral candidates debate issues

EPHRATA – Ephrata Mayoral candidates came to the Columbia Basin Herald office Monday to talk about their positions on the issues. Incumbent Bruce Reim and opponent Steve Oliver answered questions around transparency, tax burdens, criminal activity and the local economy.

Moose spotted in Ephrata, residents told to exercise caution

EPHRATA —A moose has been spotted wandering through Ephrata and nearby communities over the past few days, drawing the attention of residents and prompting authorities to issue safety reminders regarding wildlife encounters. “The heat is intense, and moose are seeking water sources,” Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Communications Specialist Nicole Jordan said. “It’s not abnormal to see them migrating through this area, as they naturally exist here.”

MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL Pos. 5: Jim Perez

MOSES LAKE – In the race for the Moses Lake City Council Position 5, Jim Perez said he's positioning himself as a candidate focused on the community’s future, drawing from his extensive business background and deep-rooted connections to the area, he said. "How I believe I'm prepared for the role for City Council is I’ve been a business leader for over 25 years," Perez said, addressing how his management experience has shaped his approach to public service. "You learn all about priorities, budgeting and managing people, which is crucial because you're dealing with the needs of a whole community."

MLPD blotter for July 14, 2025

The reports below were provided by the police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

MLSD granted temporary water exemption by city council

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake City Council unanimously passed Ordinance 3071 during its regular meeting Tuesday. The ordinance grants the Moses Lake School District a temporary exemption from citywide irrigation restrictions, allowing district officials to irrigate sports fields as necessary through November 15. "We are grateful to the City of Moses Lake for partnering with us to find a proactive, commonsense solution," said MLSD Superintendent Carol Lewis. "This ordinance reflects a shared commitment to our community’s priorities—fiscal responsibility, student safety, and the preservation of public spaces."

People with disabilities should take extra steps in case of fire

MOSES LAKE — Fire danger is always high at this time of year. For people with disabilities, that can be problematic. July 26 is National Disability Independence Day, recognizing the nearly one-third of Americans who live with a disability. Unfortunately, having a disability can make the danger that comes with a fire much greater, according to a statement from the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office. Of the 72 fire deaths that occurred in Washington state last year, 11 were people with a disability. Physical disability was the second leading human factor contributing to fatalities in residential buildings between 2017 and 2019, a study by the U.S Fire Administration found, accounting for 30% of deaths.

Legals for July, 11 2025

NEWS BITES: July 7, 2025

GRAND COULEE – At 11 p.m. July 5 Coulee Dam Volunteer Fire Department was paged for a brush fire near the intersection of State Route 155 and Columbia Avenue. They requested mutual aid and Grand Coulee and Electric City Volunteer Fire Departments were summoned. With a response of numerous wildland trucks, structure engines, water tenders, an ambulance and numerous firefighters and police officers the fire was contained and put out, according to a release from Grand Coulee Volunteer Fire and EMS.

Nonprofit of the day: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE - The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe, fun place and meals for children after school and during the summer both at the main clubhouse and at schools throughout Moses Lake. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin 425 N Paxson Drive, Moses Lake 509-764-9694 www.bngclub.org

Soap Lake Conservancy meeting highlights challenges for lake health

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Conservancy held a special meeting Saturday to discuss Soap Lake water level trends. The meeting brought in experts from the Washington Department of Ecology, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District. “A couple of years ago, a few of the people in this room started calling the Department of Ecology with concerns,” DOE Eastern Region Contact, Jaime Short said. “The lake level was going down. What's going on?”

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: In support of first responders...

A horrific tale unfolded in Coeur d’Alene this past weekend when a man set a wildfire near Canfield Mountain and Nettleton Gulch to draw out firefighters to respond to the event, then began firing at them. Two courageous firefighters lost their lives and another was hospitalized after the event.

Increased outdoors fees in effect as of July 1

OLYMPIA — In a controversial decision, Washington State has approved a significant increase in recreational fishing and hunting license fees, which officially took effect yesterday, June 1. “This bill proposes an inflationary adjustment. It’s a significant adjustment, but inflation has been substantial over the last 15 years,” Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) said on the Senate floor. “It also charts a sustainable path forward.”

Moose causes Soap Lake dog park closure

SOAP LAKE – On Monday morning Soap Lake Public Works discovered a moose wandering around public works land before jumping a fence and making its way into the Soap Lake Dog Park, prompting the park to be closed briefly, according to Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp. “We closed the dog park for the day,” Sharp said. “Public Works Director, Eli (Olson) got ahold of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and let them know. They said just stay away from it. It'll be fine. Let it go out of its way. Basically, they're not going to do anything to it.”