Pac-Man prank on Lewiston Hill star resolved with community service
Jan. 21—The Pac-Man prank involving the Christmas star was a "one-time deal" that has been successfully resolved.
Wes Vaughn, secretary of the Asotin Lions Club, said the individuals responsible for altering the star that shines over the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley all came forward, admitted their mistake and agreed to do community service work.
"We're just ready to move on now, and we're happy with how it was resolved," Vaughn said Saturday. "Sometimes people make bad decisions, but it shouldn't ruin their life."
The December prank was quickly fixed, and there was no malicious intent, Vaughn said. All of the Lions Club members are in agreement about how the incident was handled.
"It wasn't like they went up there and broke a bunch of lights with baseball bats or anything like that. We're totally satisfied with how this worked out. We've met with them and made a plan, and we'd kind of like this to fade away."
The group, who were not publicly identified, changed the star into a shape that resembled Pac-Man, a video game icon of the 1980s. Lions Club members changed it back to a star, but the incident sparked numerous social media discussions.
Vaughn said the pranksters apologized and agreed to do community service, such as shoveling snow for senior citizens, and supporting various projects backed by the Lions Club.
"Who knows? They may be future Lions Club members."
The star has been a holiday fixture in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley since the 1950s. The Clarkston Lions Club took over the project from the Clarkston Jaycees sometime in the '70s, and now Asotin Lions Club members continue to provide the popular star at Christmas and a cross at Easter.
The lighted star shines through epiphany, but was left on a little longer this year because of the cold weather snap and the joy it brings to the community, Vaughn said. In a few days, the bulbs will be turned off for the season, and the Easter cross will be lit in March.
Last spring, the cross was turned upside down by vandals, and club members quickly got it fixed. The incidents were unrelated, according to the Lions, and hopefully will not continue.
The star and cross shining on a hill north of the valley are important to the community, and most people seem to appreciate the effort that goes into making the lighted displays happen, Vaughn said.
"I just want to give a big thanks to the Lions Club members who keep these traditions going," Vaughn said. "They are the kind of guys who don't want a lot of attention for what they do, but it is very much appreciated."
Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.
