We're all in this together
We're all in this together
Homes were lost in minutes, animals raced for refuge, people fled ahead of flames as the Kaiser Canyon Fire grew relentlessly this week from a few acres on the morning of July 16 to more than 68,000 Tuesday. Firefighters and volunteers managed to save Nespelem proper. Several people credited the Palmer family with working tirelessly on bulldozers to create fire breaks around outlying homes that could have burned without that protection. On Monday, a drive through the area, still closed off on...
Electric City's new Ray Halsey Memorial Park opened this week with applause, laughter and memories of the longtime mayor who "always wanted a park for the people." The park, years in the making, was celebrated as a model of volunteerism and partnership between the city, local nonprofits and businesses. Speakers praised the committee that planned and built the project, the city's public works crew that rushed to finish details, and the late Mayor Ray Halsey, whose legacy now bears the park's...
Neighbors frustrated by growing disorder on Dill Avenue pressed Grand Coulee City Council members Tuesday night to crack down on what they described as dangerous and unsanitary conditions on two nearby properties. Resident Mike Coffee, who lives on Dill Avenue, told the council he has dealt with repeated thefts, suspected illegal power hookups, and human waste being dumped on the ground outside a neighboring trailer. Coffee said one man living in the trailer was caught on his security cameras cutting wires from the front of his boat. Coffee...
Washington State Standard July 21, 2026 A Washington judge has ordered the state to pay roughly $120 million to thousands of public school teachers for withholding interest on pension contributions they made more than two decades ago. But those more than 26,000 teachers will need to wait for payments, as the state is now appealing the decision. Washington’s Department of Retirement Systems concedes it’s liable in some form, but disagrees on the magnitude of the penalty. The agency declined...
Some of our nation’s thinkers are coming around to the conclusion that maybe our inclination to keep things fair for all individuals all the time has been accidentally making things worse in a number of ways for all of us, with some serious consequences. But one idea could suggest a way to solutions. Take our housing shortage, for instance. Any diehard capitalist will cite the principal that if you discourage supply, demand will rise, along with prices, as supply goes down. That pretty much describes the current housing market, the paucity...
As I exited a convenience store the other day, in a red town in upstate New York, a tabloid newspaper headline caught my eye. It blared that “DON” (no last name needed) was threatening to slap new tariffs on Canada as punishment for its wildfire smoke. A trio of local dudes – working stiffs, judging by the tools on their belts – paused with their coffees to read the headline. They vocally guffawed. “Now he’s blaming Canada!” said one. “What a moron!” said another. That’s where we are right now. The guy is a laughingstock....
Millions of people across America and Canada are choking from wildfire smoke. Unfortunately, it has become an annual occurrence. Currently, thick smoke from hundreds of active Canadian wildfires has triggered widespread air quality alerts across at least 20 northern states. Wildfires are a natural part of forests – of which Canada (and U.S.) have vast swathes. Those massive infernos have worsened in recent years. For example, in Canada in 2023 fires razed 37 million acres– an area larger than England – while the 2025 blazes burned 20.5...
The 1986 class of Lake Roosevelt High School will be celebrating its 40th class reunion July 31st and August 1st. On Friday, July 31st from 6:00 to 8:00 PM there will be visiting and light snacks at the LRHS Commons. Bring photos and yearbooks. On Saturday, August 1st, beginning at 11 AM the class will be meeting at Spring Canyon. Please bring a food item to share and your own beverages. Plates and utensils will be provided with lunch starting at noon. At 6:00 PM that night a social will be held at Horns Bar and Grill in Electric City. Any...
Area AA Meetings In Electric City, the New Hope group now holds its meetings Monday thru Friday @ 6 pm every night, at the Vets Center in Electric cCty. Wa. Need more info? Call Betty at 509-429-7817 . In Nespelem, the group Bound and Detemined holds its meetings Monday evening at 7 p.m. at the Catholic Church. Contact Myrna at 634-4921. Food Bank Hours The food bank regular hours are Fridays from, 1-3 p.m. Questions call Pastor Shawn at...
Coulee Dam Police 7/12 - A man walking around Electric City was reported to be intoxicated, possibly on Fentanyl. He told police he was walking somewhere, didn’t want a ride, and didn’t need medical attention. Although wanted on an arrest warrant, the Grant County Jail wouldn’t accept custody of him. A man spoke to the officer demanding police deal with the man “because he’s homeless and always causing problems.” The officer explained there was nothing they could do. The person argued and yelled at the officer who decided to roll...
July 27, 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was sighed formally ending the Korean War. The signing took place following the longest negotiated armistice in history. 158 meetings over a two-year, 17-day period. The Korean Armistice Agreement is and exception; it is purely a military document. It contains five primary points, and it is not a permanent peace treaty between nations. Today, approximately 26,000 United States Military personnel are stationed in South Korea as a deterrent. South Korea has approximately 450,000 active military...
As summer temperatures increase, 4-H Positive Youth Development activities also increase. With schools on summer break, 4-H club members turn their attention to "Learn by Doing" through participation in 4-H cub meetings and a variety of educational and interactive hands-on opportunities. 4-H Positive Youth Development is a year-round program with the new enrollment year beginning October 1 of every year and is the largest youth-serving organization in the United States. Backed by the United...
There is a $50 charge for obituaries published in the Star. This includes a photo and up to 500 words. Reminders for Celebrations of Life and Death Notices are $25. Articles must be either e-mailed, faxed or dropped off at the Star office. They will not be accepted over the phone. The deadline to submit an article is Monday by 5 p.m. For more information, call 509.633.1350 or visit our website at...
Ballots for the August 4, 2026 Primary Election are in the mail If you have not received your ballot by Friday, July 24, 2026, please contact the Auditors Office at (509) 422-7240. Remember your ballot must be signed. The Auditors Office, 149 3rd Ave N, Okanogan, is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and on Election Day only from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM for the following services. • Voter Registration • Drop off voted ballots • Obtain replacement ballots • Disability Access Voting Units Drop boxes will be open until 8:00 PM on...
