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.

Ephrata resident arrested for 26 counts of livestock theft

EPHRATA – Last Wednesday, Grant County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies and Crime Reduction Team deputies acted on a tip from the Washington State Department of Agriculture about individual stealing cattle.

Ozzy Osbourne, who led Black Sabbath and became the godfather of heavy metal, dies at 76

Ozzy Osbourne, the gloomy, demon-invoking lead singer of the pioneering band Black Sabbath who became the throaty, growling voice — and drug-and-alcohol ravaged id — of heavy metal, died Tuesday, just weeks after his farewell show. He was 76. “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time,” a family statement said. In 2020, he revealed he had Parkinson’s disease after suffering a fall. Either clad in black or bare-chested, the singer was often the target of parents’ groups for his imagery and once caused an uproar for biting the head off a bat. Later, he would reveal himself to be a doddering and sweet father on the reality TV show “The Osbournes.”

Legals for July, 22 2025

One dead, one injured in Sunday evening shooting

EPHRATA – One man is dead and another is being held at the Grant County Jail after a shooting at about 7:40 p.m. at the Hawk Fuel station in Ephrata Sunday. Investigators say the incident began with an altercation at the fuel pumps that led to gunfire.

Harley Ottmar

1927 – 2025

Harley Ottmar, 97, of Moses Lake passed away at Samaritan Hospital on July 16, 2025. Harley was born in Wheeler, Washington, on October 30, 1927, to Christ and Pauleen Ottmar.

QUINCY CITY COUNCIL POS. 5: Pete Shelton

QUINCY — Pete Shelton said he’s running for Quincy City Council because Quincy is changing, and he believes he can help with the transition. “I decided to run because Quincy, to me, is at a turning point,” Shelton said. “I’m working in the data center industry, and I’ve been a farmer, and I’m pretty rooted in both the tech industry and (agriculture). I see an opportunity as a council member to bridge the two worlds.” Shelton is running for council Position 5 against incumbent Dave Dormier. Ricardo Ruesga Loera also filed for the seat but told the Columbia Basin Herald that he’s not actively campaigning.

REC Silicon to appoint new board of directors in August

No new information on future of silane facility in Moses Lake that closed in January.

MOSES LAKE — An offer from the biggest shareholder in REC Silicon to buy all outstanding shares has been accepted by the company’s board of directors. “On 11 July, (Anchor AS) announced that it had received acceptances which, together with shares held by (the Hanwa Group), represented 43.94% of the issued and outstanding shares in (REC Silicon),” according to a REC Silicon press release. “On 14 July, (Anchor AS) announced that the voluntary offer had been completed and that a mandatory offer will be launched within the deadline set out in the Norwegian Securities Act.”

Moses Lake Police Department logs for July 21, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for July, 21 2025

Authorities investigating fatal shooting at Hawk Fuel in Ephrata

EPHRATA – Ephrata Police Department officers were dispatched to the Hawk Fuel station at 785 Basin Street NW at about 7:40 p.m. Sunday evening. Upon arrival law enforcement found one male victim with multiple gunshot wounds.

Dan Newhouse advised not to hold public events after man arrested for making death threats against GOP congressman, his staff

WASHINGTON — Just about every time Rep. Dan Newhouse posts on Facebook, the comments start pouring in with the same question from his constituents across central Washington. “When is your next public meeting??? Would love to ask some questions!” one person wrote under a post celebrating the Grand Coulee Dam’s anniversary on Wednesday. “In the area yet again and STILL no time for a Town Hall,” another commented after the Republican lawmaker posted photos from an event in Richland on July 10.

Federal judge blocks WA law requiring clergy to report abuse learned in confession

(The Center Square) – A federal court on Friday blocked a new Washington state law requiring religious leaders in the state to report child abuse or neglect, even when it’s disclosed in confession. Senate Bill 5375 makes members of the clergy – including ministers, priests, rabbis and others – mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect. The law was set to take effect on July 27. Penalties include up to 364 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and potential civil liability for priests who uphold the seal of confession.

Summerfest draws crowds to Royal City

ROYAL CITY — Any way you measure it, Summerfest was a success. “I would say on Friday we had over 2,500 people, and then after the parade on Saturday, we had over 3,000 people in the park,” said Summerfest Committee Chair Jill Larsen. That’s more than the population of the town, she added, which was about 1,900 in 2023, according to the U.S. Census.

Montemayor closing chapter at Othello

OTHELLO – When Jordan Montemayor looks back at his baseball career at Othello High School, he said he wouldn't change a thing. “It's crazy that it's over. It went by in a heartbeat, but I had a lot of fun, and I wouldn't change anything if I went back. I would do it all the same way again,” he 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.

BASIN EVENTS: July 18-25

COLUMBIA BASIN – Another workweek in the books and another week of fun ahead in the Columbia Basin with music, food, car shows and a variety of other activities on the horizon. Email your events to [email protected] for possible inclusion in our weekly and monthly events calendars.

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.