Warden’s Steve Connors and Richard Lemargie from Ephrata were recognized by the Columbia Basin Development League for playing key roles in the development of the Columbia Basin Project (CBP), according to a CBDL press release.

Connors received the title of Trustee Emeritus for his board service and over 25 years of faithful membership and commitment.

Lemargie was awarded an Honorary Life Membership for his dedicated support of the Columbia Basin Project and its continued development.

The Woods family of Wenatchee was also honored for nearly 100 years of Columbia Basin Project advocacy.

Connors returned to the Columbia Basin Project after graduating from Washington State University to join his family’s farm before partnering with his brothers in 1972 to start Skone & Connors Produce, still in operation today.

Connors has served as a member and president of the National Potato Executive Board, served for a decade as chair of the Washington State Potato Committee, and has been a long standing CBDL member and trustee, the release said. Recently, he has remained involved behind the scenes by helping with fundraising efforts and personally supporting the CBDL’s work.

Lemargie was born on the Columbia Basin Project, growing up near Grand Coulee Dam. He attended Washington State University before completing his law degree at Gonzaga University School of Law and moving to Ephrata to start his career.

Lemargie focused on state and federal reclamation and irrigation law and hydropower development. He spent a majority of his general practice representing Columbia Basin Project irrigation districts and the Columbia Basin hydropower development.

He is an active honorary member and participant on the Washington State Water Resources Association Legal Committee and received their Leadership Award in 1997. As a CBDL member for many years, Lemargie is considered by many to be a trusted advisor, the release said, adding that he has personally supported numerous CBDL projects and events.

The Woods family are publishers of the Wenatchee World newspaper, which has been a strong advocate for central Washington since 1907 through its dedication to humanitarian causes, the arts, and local issues, the release said.

Their commitment to the Columbia Basin Project has played an integral role in its development since taking over the paper in 1907, according to the CBDL. Rufus Woods Sr. began the family’s legacy through his vision for the incredible benefits of bringing irrigation and power to the Columbia River Basin. He took that message across the state and nation, advocating for the creation of Grand Coulee Dam and Columbia Basin Project development.