Letter To Editor – City Council Endorsement Billy Costello

I would like to use this opportunity to endorse both Diane Pfaeffle and Dee Cragun for City Council.

I have known Diane personally over the last few years. She has been a regular at both City Council and Chamber of Commerce meetings. She listens to facts, thinks with common sense, and has a great pulse on what the citizens of Deer Park have been asking for. She’s conservative when it comes to spending money and has great ideas to help fund amenities that the people of Deer Park have been wanting outside of using taxpayer dollars. She’s been in the area for over 20 years and is truly invested in the future of Deer Park.

Dee has a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge. The City of Deer Park is in a great financial spot and that has a lot to do with the decision making that Dee has made in the past. I don’t agree with her on everything, but I’ve had some great conversations with her about the future of Deer Park and I would be honored to serve on the council with her. Her opponent’s bio is great and very respectable, my concern is that with how involved I’ve been in the community over the last five years, I only just met him a week ago and have never seen him at a council meeting. My preference is to work with someone with the experience and knowledge in city government and Dee Cragun is that person.

I believe these ladies to be the best options on our ballot and feel they would make their decisions based on what’s best for the citizens of Deer Park.

I also encourage you to watch the candidate forum on the Stags TV YouTube channel to hear firsthand from each of the candidates.

-Billy Costello

Reprinted with permission.
Letters to the Editor are not edited or corrected for content or grammar.

Billy Costello, Dee Cragun, Diane Pfaeffle, Stags TV

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New Midway Market Opens Along Highway 395

July 31, 2026

Shoppers traveling along the Highway 395 corridor now have a new grocery and fueling option in Colbert following the soft launch of Midway Market last weekend. The 18,000-square-foot facility houses ten specialty departments, including an artisan bakery, full-service meat counter, and an on-site coffee roastery. Management is preparing for an official grand opening event on August 5 to showcase the full operation to the community.

In Memory of Don/Donnie Gilmore

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Donald “Donnie” Eugene Gilmore of Deer Park, Washington, passed away on June 12, 2026, at the age of 73. He was born in Spokane, Washington, on August 22, 1952. In 1973, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty for two years. In 1983, he graduated with a degree in education from Eastern Washington University. Don was a beloved teacher at Springdale Elementary for 25 years. He even got to teach his two sons when they were in the fifth grade (much to their chagrin!). He retired in 2015. Don was married to Denise
Wurz (Lesmeister) from 1983 to 1995.

US 395 Lanes Reopened After Collision Near Monroe Road

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A traffic collision at the intersection of North US Highway 395 and West Monroe Road temporarily blocked northbound traffic. Emergency crews, including multiple fire units and ambulances, responded to the scene to treat individuals and manage traffic flow. All lanes have since been cleared and reopened to regular traffic.

Roberta Anne Cade

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Roberta A. Cade, 81, of Deer Park, Washington, passed away on April 19, 2026. Roberta was the oldest of eight siblings, a role she carried with strength, care, and a deep sense of responsibility throughout her life. She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and for giving so freely to her friends and family.

Deer Park Kicks Off Summer With Packed Weekend

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Deer Park area residents can look forward to a busy weekend filled with community events, fundraisers, and live entertainment starting this Friday. Activities ranging from a downtown block party to a charity golf tournament offer something for every member of the family. The multi-day lineup includes local businesses, musicians, and charitable organizations working together to welcome the summer season.

Luitgard Margrete Griffin

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One of a kind is what most people stated about Luitgard (Margaret), and that is truly what she was! She was born in Bamberg, Germany, to Johann and Betty Wagner, as the second child. She had an older brother, Hans, and a younger sister, Elfriede.

Luitgard was trained as a seamstress in school and worked making men’s suits, among other things. She met the love of her life, Albert Leroy Griffin, in 1951, and they were married on December 6th, 1952.

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A Chicken & Egg Problem

Due to a nationwide egg shortage, Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appointed by President Trump, suggested on Fox News that one solution could be for some families to raise backyard chickens. This marks the second major egg shortage in the past five years. The first, during the COVID-19 pandemic, was driven by hoarding and delivery disruptions, while the current shortage is primarily due to Bird Flu and industrial farming practice

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Deer Park City Council Expands To Seven Members

Deer Park’s city council has expanded from five to seven members in response to the city’s population growth, reaching 5,000 residents. Ross Hall, a former teacher and coach, and Chase Vining, a local business owner, were appointed to serve through 2025.

September 10, 2024

Deer Park