Nationwide No Kings rally gets local support

Around 70 people gathered to rally against the Trump Administration Saturday afternoon in Grand Coulee as part of the larger No Kings Movement, a protest mirrored across all 50 states and parts of Europe. 

Grand Coulee has been persistent, as demonstrators gather most Saturdays along highway 155, the main road through all local towns, centering across from the local Safeway in approximate groups of 20-30. 

Saturday's event was the third countrywide protest in the last 10 months. This time it involved some 3,300 protest locations scattered across the nation and estimates in the millions of participants. And with the United States bombing Iran, the new conflict is fresh on people's minds. 

"No more war," said Brian Racy, an attendee. "I love our country, and I want it back. Trump's trying to steal it."

This sentiment was reflected by Nespelem's mayor, Dennis Montes. For him, the current military action in Iran is personal, as several of his childhood friends were drafted into the Vietnam War. 

"I remember how awful that was in our neighborhood, friends of mine going over there," Mayor Montes said. "And here we are, putting our men and women in harm's way for what?"

Mayor Montes pointed out that on the Great Seal of the United States, there is an eagle. Gripped by each talon, there is a bundle of arrows and an olive branch. The eagle's head faces toward the olive branch, symbolizing that the United States is supposed to be a land of peace that doesn't seek needless wars.

One of the organizers and the first person to march down Midway Avenue in Feb. 2025, Sheri Edwards, a retired teacher, inspired Mayor Montes and several others to attend these weekly rallies.

"I was down here to support her, and support myself in a sense," said Mayor Montes.

Edwards had initially come to protest because she knew people had to be aware of the harm that was happening.

"The first person there isn't really important," Edwards said. "What's important are all the people who follow . . . I'd had enough of the current administration taking away programs that are supposed to help people."

From the marches, a group called The Wayfinders began to meet at Voltage Coffee House on Wednesday mornings. They discussed issues like losing educational funding, and ways to aid the community. Alongside raising over $5,000 in school supplies, The Wayfinders have also gotten food donations to give out during the rallies.

While the Wayfinders normally do collect food for the Care and Share Food Bank, Saturday was especially gainful. Some people go into Safeway and come out with bags of food to add to the Wayfinders' donation box across the street.

Renata Rollins, a caregiver and member of the Wayfinders, oversaw a booth that had coffee, cookies, and other food. Additional supplies - such as books for children and pamphlets - were set up and able to be taken by those attending.

Rollins stated that she was there "for democracy, for decency, for human rights, and against fascism."

Rollins additionally started a similar mutual aid group that is not affiliated with The Wayfinders. Called Greater Grand Coulee Food & Mutual Aid, the group is dedicated to "neighbors helping neighbors."

The Grand Coulee community drove by Saturday, often honking in support for the protest. Grant County is a historically Republican-leaning section of Washington state, alongside other counties in Eastern Washington.