Local man missing

An 81-year-old man from the Grand Coulee Dam area was the subject of a search and rescue operation on Lake Rufus Woods, and the Douglas County Sheriff is now asking for information from anyone who might have seen him launching his boat.

Charles Baker's boat, a 14-foot Alumacraft, was seen floating unoccupied five miles above Chief Joseph Dam May 29, and the next day was beached, authorities said.

Baker's 1990 blue Dodge Pickup and boat trailer was found at the Army Corp of Engineers boat launch above Chief Joe Dam. 

Today, May 31, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is asking for information from anyone who saw Baker launching or operating his boat on the river from May 27 on.

No foul play is suspected, Chief Criminal Deputy Steve Groseclose said.

Anyone with pertinent information is asked to call the Douglas County Sheriff's Office during business hours (509) 884-0941, or RiverCom at (509) 884-1535 after business hours with any information. 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Okanogan County Sheriff's Office/Search and Rescue, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Colville Tribal Police have searched the river for Baker.