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.

Report: WA among states with major funding gap in needed bridge, road improvements

(The Center Square) – A new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts finds Washington among U.S. states struggling to make the investments necessary to preserve and maintain transportation systems, including roads and bridges. “A situation that in turn threatens economic development, the safety of millions of drivers and residents, and the long-term sustainability of public budgets,” according to the report. In fiscal year 2024, the latest year of available data, states spent about $247 billion – roughly 8% of their total expenditures that year – on roadway assets.

Report: 140 Californians a day flee to the land of no income tax – Washington

(The Center Square) – Californians are trading wildfires and income tax for rain and $154,000 tech salaries, according to a new report. StorageCafe’s report found that approximately 140 Californians move to Washington state every day. In 2023 alone, 51,000 people moved to Washington, and 23,000 moved to King County specifically, which is where Seattle and Redmond – major U.S. tech hubs – are located. Experts are citing economic opportunities in Washington as the main driver. Susan Curran, director of the University of Washington’ Center for Studies in Demography & Ecology, expects the migration of Californians to Washington will continue at the current pace due to climate issues in California, which “will make portions of the state increasingly unlivable.”

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.

Scrappy searching for the spotlight

MOSES LAKE – Move over Scooby, Scrappy is taking the spotlight as he is currently up for adoption at Grant County Animal Outreach. He is a medium sized three-year-old Bull Terrier mix with a big smile and an even bigger heart. Scrappy loves learning new tricks and commands but is in need of a household where he can shine as the sole pet. Those interested in adopting can go to GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org. If you can’t adopt right now but would like to support the local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

‘Fresh every day’

Kallstrom Corn stands a staple in the Basin and back again for summer

MOSES LAKE – As summer arrives in full bloom, the sight of Kallstrom Corn stands dotted throughout the Columbia Basin has returned, marking the beginning of the sweet corn season for locals awaiting the taste of the Kallstrom sweet corn. “The corn crop looks really healthy. It has a nice dark green color,” co-owner Mark Kallstrom said. “The weather started out cool, but it warmed up just enough; we got the heat units to bring it out a couple of days earlier.”

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.

Gravelle advises on current real estate market in Grant County

EPHRATA – Raymond Gravelle is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty, Inc., and serves as current president of the Grant County Association of Realtors. He was mayor of Soap Lake from 2012 through 2019. For over 20 years Gravelle has been helping people around Washington become homeowners. “What I enjoy most about being a realtor is that I get to help people achieve their dreams,” said Gravelle. “One of the most satisfying moments is when you can hand the keys to a first-time homebuyer and they open up that door and say, ‘This is my new home.’ It is a joyful moment that most all of us love that time.”

Freewind martial arts hosts weapons Wednesday seminar

MOSES LAKE – On Wednesday, Freewind Martial Arts hosted the second of three seminars with Weapons Wednesday. Attendees were led by instructor Jacob Guertin through various movements with wooden sticks. Guertin said he was happy with the turnout and teaching kids something new. “Everybody got (to learn) something new, even if they had prior experience. For those that haven't done martial arts in the past, I feel like it was a good introduction to weapons,” he said.

FIRE REPORT: Four wildfires burning in E. Washington

MOSES LAKE - More than 17,000 acres have been impacted by currently active wildfires in Eastern Washington, with another roughly 500-acre blaze burning on the West Side, according to state and federal sources. Firefighters have made significant progress with some of the fires, with the Greenacres Fire in Okanogan County burning about 921 acres of land five miles north of Omak. The fire is reported at 95% contained and is being transferred to local fire crews, according to a release from the Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team.

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

New principal takes charge at Warden High

WARDEN — Warden High School has welcomed its new principal, Heather Cheek, a seasoned educator with a passion for empowering students and fostering a positive school culture. Cheek, who assumed her role less than a week ago, brings a wealth of experience, having previously taught Spanish and served as an assistant principal in other districts. Cheek’s journey into education began with her desire to connect with others through language.

Detours near Ephrata, delays near Moses Lake as construction ramps up

MOSES LAKE — The balmy summer days where there’s almost no delay for road construction are coming to an end – the part with no road construction, not the balmy summer days. Work starts Monday on some major projects, including a roundabout at the intersection of Nat Washington Way and State Route 282. Tom Gaines, Grant County central services director, said the work will require closing SR 282 at the intersection. “This is a major impact,” Gaines said.

Legion A splits doubleheader in playoffs

HARTLINE – On Wednesday, the ACH Legion A Warriors hosted the first round of their playoffs in Hartline. They split their doubleheader against the Trail Orioles A and the Cheney Summer Hawks A teams. Head coach Hunter Lee said he was proud of how his team rallied. “We got the job done. We want at least one (win), so we get to advance to the knockout round this weekend, but we definitely have to limit the walks and hits by pitches,” Lee said.

Larry Allen Weis

May 17, 1953 – July 15, 2025

Larry Allen Weis, 72, of Ephrata, Washington, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, with his wife Debbie and daughter Autumn by his side. Born in Walla Walla, Larry was the youngest son of Bob and Emma Lou Weis. He grew up in Richland and graduated as a proud Richland Bomber in 1971. Known affectionately as “Big Guy,” he was loved for his big heart, humor, and generosity.

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.

Nesmith wins state championship at veterans golf tournament

MOSES LAKE – On Sunday, Nick Nesmith, Moses Lake, competed in the Veteran Golfers Association’s state championship and won to qualify for the West Region Championship in August. According to Nesmith, he won by eight strokes. “When I looked at the score sheet on my 18th hole, I saw that I had won by eight strokes, and the next thing I got was a text message from my wife telling me ‘Congratulations,’” he 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.