Newsbriefs

City sets criteria

for cheaper rides

The city of Grand Coulee, by resolution, passed an ambulance fee assistance policy at its meeting Aug. 21.

If a person uses ambulance service and meets certain criteria, they can get a reduced rate, or the rate might be waived, according to the new policy.

The criteria includes family income being below the poverty line, and if the hospital you are taken to is waiving its fee.

An explanation of the policy is provided to each person using ambulance services.

Sky watchers plan

Saturday events

Mark Sept. 1, on your calendar for a little sky watching.

Join local astronomers and National Park Service Sky Rangers for both daytime and night programs, suited for all ages.

There will be two sun viewing programs that day, one from 1-2 p.m. at the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center, and the other from 3:30-5 p.m. at the Spring Canyon day use area.

The evening “sky tour” program is scheduled at 7:30 p.m, at Crescent Bay, where watchers will take a constellation tour. It will be a good opportunity to learn how to find your way around the night sky using a sky chart, Janice Elvidge, education specialist for the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area notes.

A second night program is also scheduled at Crescent Bay at 8:30 where you can take a look at a galaxy, nebula, the moon or one of our solar system’s planets. NPS specialists noted that they will stay out until at least 30 minutes after the Laser Light Show.

People are advised to bring their own telescopes, spotting scopes and binoculars, if they have them. And be sure to bring a warm jacket or sweater.

The program is sponsored by the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and the Bureau of Reclamation.

The night programs will be cancelled if it’s raining or so cloudy you can’t get a good view of the sky.

Household hazardous waste collection planned

There will be a household hazardous waste collection at the Delano Regional Transfer Station from noon to 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 7.

Officials state that you can bring oil-based paints, stains, thinners, batteries, solvents, antifreeze, brake fluid, cleaning products, spot removers, insecticides, weed killers, fluorescent tubes, swimming pool and hobby chemicals.

Those bringing hazardous waste are asked to keep products in original containers with labels, pack items so they won’t tip over and keep products away from children, pets and passengers.

The event is sponsored by Grant County Solid Waste, Washington State Department of Ecology, Regional Board of Mayors and Grand Coulee Dam Rotary Club.

Got to get a witness

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is investigating a tragic fatality collision that occurred on Sunday, Aug. 19, at approximately 9 a.m. on State Route 153, milepost 12 in Okanogan County 12 miles North of Brewster. The collision involved a group of four motorcycles traveling southbound on SR 153.

Washington State Patrol Detectives are seeking witnesses that may have seen any of the events prior to and leading up to or the collision itself.

If you have any information or know somebody that does, WSP asks that you contact Detective Vik Mauro at 509-682-8142 or email Victoria.Mauro@WSP.WA.GOV.

Star office closed

The Star Newspaper office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 3, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

All ad and news copy should be submitted on Friday, Aug. 31.

Office hours will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 9 a.m.