The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: An income tax in Washington state is unconstitutional. Democrats in our state legislature recently passed Engrossed Senate Substitute Bill (ESSB) 5096, a bill that would impose a new... — Updated 6/16/2021

A person, years ago, asked me if I had a favorite relative. I had two aunts that would qualify, but I couldn’t say which one was my favorite. I would just call a tie and move on. Aunt Lorena was my dad’s youngest sister and... — Updated 6/16/2021

At least three areas in the surrounding countryside are used locally as shooting ranges, possibly all illegally. That may offer an opportunity to improve. Last week, a firefighter friend in Ephrata noted he and his fellow... — Updated 6/16/2021 Full story

When traveling in foreign countries, always expect the unexpected. In Bothell, I met a Chinese immigrant from Hong Kong who came to this country but had to leave his wife behind. He was born in Hong Kong and easily fit within the... — Updated 6/9/2021

I am passing along an extremely disappointing decision from the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB), involving a matter I recently handled. In 1997, Adam Betancourt, then almost 17, along with another juvenile shot and... — Updated 6/9/2021

A harrowing experience is behind us, and it is time to commend those who calmed and saved us. First, I have to commend the dispatcher that kept me on the line until safety arrived. I do not know what county she was from. (911... — Updated 6/9/2021

That headline is from a sign my wife put above the door to our kitchen in opposition to anyone who has other ideas. This country in its absolute worst state is extremely blessed. At its best, it’s an unstoppable wonder. To keep... — Updated 6/9/2021

Think of us as cicadas, the insects you’ve heard about ad nauseam, that live underground for 17 years and then surface to get it on. Well, we humans in the U.S. have sheltered in place for 17 months, give or take, tucked away... — Updated 6/2/2021

For many of us, Memorial Day serves as a turning point in our calendars. The beginning of summer, the end of another school year, and the start of many trips with family and friends. While many of us are looking forward to the new... — Updated 6/2/2021

When traveling, better have some idea of how you are going to get around in foreign countries. In the Orient, no country bests Japan. I have traveled there in taxis, subway, boat and plane. You will find that their operations are... — Updated 6/2/2021

We Americans have long prided ourselves on offering a safe haven to people seeking refuge from conflict and repression. The theme is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses... — Updated 6/2/2021

This year will be the 20th Anniversary of the First Nations People crossing the border on Osoyoos Lake, paddling cottonwood dugout canoes from Osoyoos to Oroville. The crossing is to let all our People and the local communities to... — Updated 5/26/2021

Spring is here and the planning for the 2021 Okanogan County Fair, Sept. 9-12, is in full swing! Are you ready? Have you thought about the projects you will be entering? Now is the time to begin planting if you are interested in en... — Updated 5/26/2021

President Biden has created and perpetuated a crisis at our southern border, and I’ve seen it firsthand. On Friday, I visited the United States-Mexico border to see for myself what was going on. Based on media coverage alone in... — Updated 5/26/2021

My grandmother, Marie Rusten, was born in Norway in 1861. I have spent a lifetime trying to get information about her, while some of it was right at my fingertips all the time. I don’t have much that was my grandmother’s, only... — Updated 5/26/2021

Dollar General has become a ubiquitous feature of America’s small towns. The discount retailer is opening about 1,000 stores per year, with more than 16,000 spread across the country.  Many local economic developers see the... — Updated 5/26/2021

Bumble bees are easily recognizable thanks to their loud buzz, fuzzy appearance, and distinct color patterns. Throughout the U.S. and Canada, nearly 50 different species play a role in sustaining our environment’s health. Their... — Updated 5/19/2021 Full story

Although New Zealand and Washington are located half a world apart, they have lots in common — beautiful seashores, majestic mountains, crystal clear streams and lakes, and — vibrant salmon and trout fisheries. Both are... — Updated 5/19/2021

While working at the Star, I learned early on just ask Gwen Hilson. She has worked at the Star for a zillion years and under three owners. When writing about people or places you always come up with questions,and it’s easier to... — Updated 5/19/2021

There’s been a lot of talk about our dams over the last few weeks, and I want to make it abundantly clear: Any “solution” for our salmon population that includes removing the dams on the Lower Snake River is a nonstarter.... — Updated 5/19/2021

When Congress established the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) in 1935, it was intended to provide temporary and partial income replacement for workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. It was supposed to be a... — Updated 5/12/2021

While our four kids were home, we always tried to take a good family vacation. One year we took a month, and in our Chevy Impala we took off for an intended trip to Houston, Texas, then over to San Diego and up the West Coast. I... — Updated 5/12/2021

In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Harrington recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through... — Updated 5/12/2021