We're all in this together
We're all in this together
Kids and parents spent a fun and possibly exhausting, in a good way, day Saturday as local businesses rallied to provide lots to do the day before Father's Day. Led by the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce, they've been doling out that fun at the Koulee Kids Fest apparently since 2004. It's not all altruism. The initial thought back then was that such an event would encourage people to step into local businesses, look around a little and maybe come back. In the meantime, families would...
Linda McKay took over as superintendent of Nespelem School District Monday night, being sworn in at the same school board meeting that was Superintendent Effie Dean's last. McKay, who grew up in Wilbur, told the community on the school's Facebook page earlier this year, "I understand that schools are the heart of the community." McKay has taught fifth-sixth grade combination classroom, but moved to administration as a principal, then superintendent, and most recently as deputy superintendent...
Two nearby fires this week underscored the ease with which dry vegetation burns as summer begins, and two others not far enough away burned thousands of acres. Firefighters responded quickly and traffic was blocked at a fire in Belvedere north of Elmer City Sunday afternoon. Another fire blackened the dry grass and trees alongside the Columbia River Bridge in Coulee Dam Monday morning after 10 a.m., also blocking traffic as fire trucks occupied the bridge. Those smaller blazes brought home the...
It lay on the ground for years after the church burned in 1948, having spent its history as the cross atop the steeple at the old Sacred Heart Mission since 1916. On Saturday, the members of the mission attended a special mass led by the bishop of Spokane, then went outside to bless the old cross where it now sits restored in its new home. After the old church burned, the cross lay in the rubble for years, forgotten in the grass that grew up around it. But its cover of tin, around a wooden box...
Nespelem kicked off its annual Millpond Days festival Friday, June 19 with kickball games in the morning, a community dinner in the park at 6 p.m., then a Glow Party Dance at 7. Saturday saw a parade, fun run, street games and vendors, and a 3-on-3 basketball...
Currently, I live with a view of the Muckleshoot Casino and see its fireworks displays advertising their “Boom City” and heralding their upcoming end-of-June fireworks. With Independence Day and the freedoms it celebrates just around the corner, I can’t help reflecting on the many challenges we have faced as a nation and continue to face, and the role of our newspapers in that ongoing transformation. Washington state saw its first expression of the constitutionally enshrined Freedom of the Press 37 years before the state’s creation....
I read the opinion piece in The Star “America loves a comeback: Meet Hunter Biden”. After I read that, I instantly thought of two words: “Preposterous Balderdash”. There is just no way that Hunter Biden can redeem himself. He cannot turn back time when he was holed-up in a White House bedroom doing unspeakable things, while his aging father technically held the Office of the Presidency of the United States while others (perhaps Hunter himself and/ or Jill Biden commandeered an unconstitutional piece of technology called an...
An inevitable press briefing a few days from now: (Trump is hydraulically lowered into his seat.) “Mr. President, are you planning to drain the Reflecting Pool and start over? There are reports – ” “Quiet, Piggy! I know you’ve been down there stealing patriotic paint chips. Maybe we oughta cuff you. And gimme a smile for a change. You’re a terrible reporter by the way, like the rest of the Fake News, which keeps saying very terroristically that my beautiful pool restoration is a ‘met-a-phor’ for something about me. That’s a...
June 26, 1911, Mildred “Babe” Didrikson was born in Port Arthur, Texas. It is said Mildred acquired the name Babe after baseball legend Babe Ruth. She played every sport offered for girls during her school years. Her athletic records show her great versatility in many areas. Didrikson set four world records at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles. She won gold and silver medals in track and field events. In 1935 she began to play golf. In 1938, she competed in the Los Angeles Open, a PGA tournament. She shot 81 and 84 and missed the cut. She...
Grand Coulee Police 6/2 - Police checked on a man’s kids for him and after talking with their mother let him know they are fine. Police also told him not to let other people start drama. 6/3 - Two people were reported to have caused a scene at a Grand Coulee Avenue gas station. A woman was banned from the location. She said she understood and wouldn’t go back there. 6/6 - Police spoke to a man on Grand Coulee Avenue about driving an unregistered vehicle on city streets. The man said he understood and would suggest to the owner that the...
SOAP LAKE, WA — Masquers Theater is excited to announce open auditions for the classic Anastasia The Musical, directed by Stacey & Rachel Bresee. Children age 7 through adults of all experience levels are encouraged to audition. Auditions will take place Friday, July 17 at 6:00 PM and Saturday, July 18 at 2:00 PM at Masquers Theater in Soap Lake. All roles are available. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing songs listed in the audition material packet—ideally one associated with the role they are pursuing—and will also...
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...
Keith Eric Blankenship, 57, died by suicide at his home in Coulee Dam, WA on the morning of June 16, 2026. He fought for years to cope with the trauma of severe childhood abuse, but he was in so much pain he couldn't see all of the love around him making a future possible. He was born January 28, 1969 in Newton, Kansas and graduated from Sublette (KS) High School before enlisting in the Navy. He earned a degree in Food Service Management at UM in Missoula, was a country club manager,... Full story
Timothy "Tim" Whittaker, 84, of Electric City, passed away peacefully at his home on May 15, 2026. Tim was born on November 11, 1941, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin to Ruth Gregory and Webster Whittaker. Tim proudly served his country as an active-duty member of the United States Navy for 20 years. His military service was one of his greatest accomplishments, and he remained deeply patriotic throughout his life. In 1984, Tim married the love of his life, Linda Whittaker. Together they raised their... Full story
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... Full story
High Honor Roll (*4.0, 3.50-3.99 GPA) 7th Grade- Mavrick Ankney*, Gabriella Avilla*, Bristol Bob*, Brin Clark*, Scarlett Dupris*, Nathan Gendron-Bigsmoke*, Russell Graham, Jr.*, Phrazer Hudson*, Milliana Palmanteer*, Samuel Shockley*, Brooklyn Tillman*, Kinley Turner*, Jaycie Graves, Kalea Edwards-Marchand, Zackery Rae, Payton Christman, Ryden Timentwa, Brantley Cox, Dakota Hunt, Owen Finley-Sibley, Jayce Turner, Gauge Finley, Mace Aiken, Jake Abbott, Kabenzi Laplante, Delaney King. 8th Grade- Reese Erickson*, Braven Lloyd*, Jerek Timentwa*,...
OKANOGAN COUNTY AUDITOR Elections Mandatory Audits Two audits are required by law. Duplicated ballots – to be completed before certification Random – hand count of 3 precincts, one office/race no later than 48 hours after Election Day. The audit schedule is as follows. Audits will take place in the Okanogan County Auditor’s office. Party observers are welcome. Random Audit- Thursday – August 6, 2026 at 2:00PM Duplicated ballot Audit- Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM Statewide Risk Limiting Audit (RLA) Thursday, August 13, 2026 at... Full story
