Ephrata and Soap Lake blotters for July 3, 2025

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

Legals for July, 3 2025

Legals for July, 3 2025

Readers choose Koda King as Athlete of the Year

Koda King was one of four candidates, selected by athletic directors across Lake County and voted upon by Leader readers, for the Leader's inaugural Athlete of the Year. He won with 246 votes. Nominees also included: Ryan Sharbono, St. Ignatius, with 104 votes; Samantha Rensvold, Polson with 93 votes; and GG Hawk, Charlo, with 87 votes.

Ronan man sentenced for Town Pump altercation

A Ronan man, Joseph Channing Entwistle, was committed in District Court in Polson June 25 to the Montana Department of Corrections for five years, with none of that time suspended.

Grocery Outlet summer food drive aims to help locals

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Grocery Outlet has kicked off this year’s Independence from Hunger campaign, partnering with Care Moses Lake to connect food with the people who need it.

Car plummets 400 feet off Jewel Basin Road, but occupants suffer only minor injuries

Bigfork Fire Department rescued two out-of-state visitors after their vehicle went over a cliff on Jewel Basin Road last week.

Sweet new sneakers

They weren’t glass slippers, but the fit on Sophie Giovanelli’s new shoes was just as perfect. The shoe giveaway through Soles4Souls Inc. gave away 500 shoes to Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls youth and 1000 Bombas socks Monday afternoon at the Lola and Duane Hagadone Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County.

Legals for July, 2 2025

Only minor injuries reported after car plunges 400 feet off Jewel Basin Road

Bigfork Fire Department rescued two out-of-state visitors after their vehicle went over a cliff on Jewel Basin Road last week.

Legals for July, 2 2025

Big party in Othello for nation’s birthday

OTHELLO — The nation’s 249th birthday will be celebrated in Othello with games and a parade and tournaments and fireworks, just like the tradition. “I love the Fourth of July. It’s the biggest party in Othello,” said Jackie Wilhelm, president of the Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce. Most of the activities will be in Lions Park.

Senate passes Trump’s big tax and spending cuts bill as Vance breaks a 50-50 tie

Senate Republicans hauled President Donald Trump’s big tax breaks and spending cuts bill to passage Tuesday by the narrowest of margins, pushing past opposition from Democrats and their own GOP ranks after a turbulent overnight session.

Senate passes budget bill as Vance breaks a 50-50 tie

Senate Republicans hauled President Donald Trump's big tax breaks and spending cuts bill to passage Tuesday on the narrowest of margins, pushing past opposition from Democrats and their own GOP ranks after a turbulent overnight session.

Film company plans to redevelop former Missoula sawmill into a studio

Economic officials say Story House’s 47-acre campus will boost the local economy and Montana’s growing film industry.

John Patrick “Pat” Williams

He led the successful effort to save the Bob Marshall Wilderness from oil and gas exploration and banned geothermal energy drilling near Yellowstone. In a 1987 floor speech supporting wilderness protection, he famously warned, “We’re not proposing wilderness for wilderness’ sake — we’re holding back the concrete tide that already threatens our birthright.”

THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: What will new school bring to Pac-12? Hopefully more than laughs

So, what will these outliers from the heart of Texas offer the Pac-12? We’ll find out soon.

Only minor injuries reported after car plunges 400 feet off Jewel Basin Road

Bigfork Fire Department rescued two out-of-state visitors after their vehicle went over a cliff on Jewel Basin Road last week.

Legals for July, 1 2025

Senate GOP tax bill could crush wind and solar power, advocates say

A Republican plan heading to a vote in the Senate would quickly end incentives for clean energy and impose new taxes on some wind and solar projects, while boosting production of coal used to make steel. Democrats said the plan, part of President Donald Trump's big tax cut bill, is "a death sentence" for American wind and solar industries and said it could jeopardize hundreds of renewable energy projects, raising electricity prices for American consumers. Republicans said the bill represents historic savings for taxpayers and supports production of traditional energy sources such as oil, natural gas and coal, increasing reliability.