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

Community members gather Sunday to eat spaghetti and donate to the cause of Melody Restaurant owner Juan Moreno, who, after running into legal trouble in a domestic dispute last summer, wound up being detained in Grant County Jail on a retention order from from federal immigration authorities. "The response was awesome," said Lonna Bussert. "I was shocked." She and Lynda Anderson headed up the effort that put out about 100 tickets to the event for $15 donations and netted nearly $3,000, Bussert said. It will be used to pay an immigration lawyer. The event was completely staffed by volunteers, including the restaurant's workers.

- Scott Hunter photo