Lawsuit seeks more spill over Columbia Basin dams for salmon

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The record-shattering heat wave in the Pacific Northwest prompted fishing and conservation groups to ask a federal court Friday to order more spill from dams on the lower Snake and Columbia rivers next spring, which could aid the migration of endangered salmon and steelhead runs.

Grant PUD revels in new license for dams

WANAPUM DAM - Before about 150 guests, Grant County PUD reveled in successfully renewing a federal license to own and operate its Columbia River dams on Thursday.

Energy or salmon?

A new conservation plan to save salmon on the Snake River was offered by the Obama administration recently.

Hunting opportunity deadline approaching

Not all Columbia Basin hunters are interested in hunting in Okanogan County, but there are enough to warrant letting them know about the following opportunity. Actually, others may be interested after this. Read on.

Fishin' Magician: Dave Graybill

Lydig selected as SGL/BMW contractor

The Spokane-based company Lydig was selected as the general contractor for the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers facility in Moses Lake.

Judge won't stop Idaho tribe lawsuit against mining company

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — A Clean Water Act lawsuit filed by the Nez Perce Tribe that seeks to force a Canadian gold mining company to acquire permits for pollution discharged from its central Idaho facility will be allowed to continue, a federal judge decided.

PUD approves spending on B.C. sockeye program

Grant County paying $15.6 million

Family opportunities tomorrow, next weekend

The annual Kids Fishing Day will take place tomorrow, June 1, at Cascade Park. At this point there are still openings for all sessions. This means it is possible for those parents who have not registered their children to still have their children participate. However, it may take more of an effort at this point.

Water and power

Grand Coulee Dam such a big project some thought it was too big

GRAND COULEE — The editors of Life magazine could not hide their suspicion that President Franklin D. Roosevelt had decided a trip to check on a project was an excellent excuse to get out of town.

Debate attempts to address dam breaching questions

PASCO — People gathered at Columbia Basin College in Pasco last Thursday to witness a debate regarding whether it was a good idea to remove dams on the Lower Snake River to improve salmon populations. The debate comes after months of discussion at the local, state and federal levels about whether or not to keep the dams there. Policy set on that issue may impact the future of dams on the Columbia River and other streams in Washington and elsewhere.

Fishing opens early on the Hoh River

Oregon News Coverage Advisory

Our news coverage plans for Oregon. If you have questions or suggestions about the report, please call the Portland bureau at 503-228-2169. The West Regional Desk can be reached at (602) 417-2400.

Snake River dams should remain in place

New hatchery part of Grant PUD licensing costs

EPHRATA — The costs associated with the estimated $43 million Chief Joseph Hatchery north of Brewster were planned spending for Grant County PUD’s licensing efforts.

PUD, landowners talk salmon recovery

Project part of relicensing requirements

EPHRATA — During the following months, policy discussions could occur regarding Grant County PUD’s proposed supplementation of endangered spring Chinook salmon in Chelan County.

Spokane County Regional Support Network Mental Health Advisory Board Needs Volunteers

Spokane Board of County Commissioners are seeking individuals who are or have received mental health services; family members of individuals with mental illness; Law Enforcement; or members of the Colville, Spokane, or Kalispel Tribe to fill the following vacancies (applicants must reside in the County for the position in which they are applying):

Spokane County Regional Support Network Mental Health Advisory Board Needs Volunteers

Spokane Board of County Commissioners are seeking individuals who are or have received mental health services; family members of individuals with mental illness; Law Enforcement; or members of the Colville, Spokane, or Kalispel Tribe to fill the following vacancies (applicants must reside in the County for the position in which they are applying):

Ralph Seibel

Ralph E. Seibel, Sr. of Moses Lake, passed away July 8, 2011 at the age of 89 at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, WA. Ralph was born on July 21, 1921 to John and Anna Seibel in Windsor, Colorado. His family moved to the Wapato area when he was a young man. He married Enid Batten on December 29, 1940. Ralph, Enid and family moved to Moses Lake in 1959. Ralph had worked in the CCC camps in Oregon as a young man, then on various farms and U&I Sugar until it closed, then Ralph did maintenance at BBCC until he retired. He loved to travel with his wife in their 5th wheel all over including Alaska, Canada and Mexico. He was involved in the Moses Lake Yacht Club and Sandy Sams. He enjoyed going to wrestling matches, ball games, camping and salmon fishing. He was on a bowling league and a Master Gardener. He loved going to the Health Zone. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Enid Seibel and their son, Glenn. He is survived by his children Paul Seibel of Los Angles, Ca., Ralph Seibel Jr. (Rosie) of Spokane, Wa., Dianne Aldridge (Dick) of Vancleave, Ms., Ron Seibel (Cathy) of Moses Lake, Wa., Cheryl Shantz (Gary) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Lyle Seibel of Pleasanton, Ca., David Seibel (Sandy) of Portland, Ore., Dan Seibel (Janine) of Spokane, Wa. He had 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Ralph was a dedicated husband and father and loved his family very much. The family requests no flowers and wish donations be made to the cancer care of your choice. The Seibels will greet family and friends on July 21, 2011 at 11:00AM at Benson's Funeral Chapel (5th and Division), Moses Lake.

Lonesome Larry has lots of friends

In 1992, a single male sockeye salmon managed to swim 900 miles from the mouth of the Columbia River to Redfish Lake in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains, the end of his migratory journey. Biologists dubbed the sole survivor, "Lonesome Larry."