News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
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The Regional Board of Mayors will take another run at looking into a recycling program, they decided Monday. The four mayors in charge of the Delano Regional Transfer Station said they would bring it up again with their respective municipal councils and report back next month. The mayors had already approved the purchase of a $13,000 bin system to collect recyclable items, but each was to get their respective council’s approval for their share of the bin cost. The first municipality to test this plan was Elmer City, whose share was $849.26. I... Full story
OLYMPIA — Teachers' compensation, teacher-shortage, the educational opportunity gap and school districts' operating levies are all on Washington state legislators' agenda this session as the state Supreme Court's McCleary mandate-along with the court's $100,000 per day contempt citation- loom over the proceedings. The 2016 session began Jan. 11, in Olympia. The Washington State Supreme Court in its January 2012 McCleary v. State of Washington decision, determined the state was not fulfilling its constitutional requirement to fund basic e...
There are a number of closets in the coulee area that are missing some shoes. The Coulee Medical Center Guild reported last week that its collection of shoes, which started last July, has netted the organization some 3,375 pairs of shoes. Guild President Clea Pryor thanked the many community members who gave shoes to the local drive. The local shoe drive is part of a national drive to acquire shoes for people living in developing nations. A collection truck was at the hospital last Wednesday to... Full story
Electric City is retreating so it can move forward. The city plans a retreat for its council, mayor and staff next Saturday, Jan. 23, in Ephrata. The retreat is scheduled as a refresher, reviewing policies and procedures, and planning for the future — moving ahead. The council’s newest member, Birdie Hensley, took issue with the city’s attorney, Katherine Kenison, being moderator of the meeting. “I am not sure why you were picked as moderator; nothing personal, but I think some more neutral person should do this duty. I consider you as staff,... Full story
A proposed trail system in Electric City will get an airing from a number of organizations next Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m., in the Coulee Medical Center conference room. The proposed trail would eventually reach from the entrance to Sunbanks Lake Resort to the city of Grand Coulee, and beyond. The trail idea was hatched by Electric City Councilmember Brad Parrish, who has been working on the idea since early spring last year. Coordinating the meeting will be Deputy City Clerk Russell Powers,... Full story
School district to offer proposed levy info The Nespelem School District is hosting an informational night at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, in the multi-purpose room. The purpose of the meeting is to share information about the Maintenance and Operations Levy the district is having on Feb. 9. Superintendent Rich Stewart and board member Nancy Armstrong-Montes will be available to answer questions. Transfer station took in over $433,000 last year The Delano Regional Transfer Station’s revenue for 2015 exceeded the previous year by $9,247.82, the R... Full story
The demise of the Alcoa aluminum plant in Wenatchee has led to a change in the location of the union lodge for machinists and a Bureau of Reclamation worker is now president. Wallace "Peewee" Pleasants was appointed president Thursday night, Jan. 8, of the Grand Coulee local lodge of International Association of Machinists. "We're all nervous, but at the same time, it's exciting," said Pleasants, a hydromechanic at Grand Coulee Dam. The development could spur more participation locally on the pa... Full story
So you think you live in a normal environment? Electric City Mayor John Nordine II told members of the Regional Board of Mayors Monday that Grant County’s Solid Waste Advisory Council’s report shows otherwise. Nordine sits on the council as the Electric City representative. He recently attended the council’s meeting and, among other things, brought back a report for 2015. The Regional Board of Mayors, made up of mayors from Electric City, Grand Coulee, Coulee Dam and Electric City, meets once a month at city hall in Electric City, with oversigh... Full story
OLYMPIA — When wildfires ignited around Twisp last summer, Meg Donohue said her coffee-roaster business shifted from being a popular gathering spot for the community to a place for up-to-the-minute news. “We found ourselves kind of being a hub for information, and a way for people to connect with each other, and find out what’s going on,” said Donohue, a Twisp resident and co-owner of Blue Star Coffee Roasters. The coffee retailer is one of many locally-owned businesses in Twisp that felt the impact of last year’s wildfire season – Washington... Full story
A story that starts on page 2 this week comes through The Star’s association with the state association that works with colleges in the state to encourage and support journalism education. “Governor, DNR 2016 budget proposals seek wildfire fighting, recovery funds” was written by a student through a special arrangement between The Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation and the University of Washington’s journalism education program. You’ll likely see more coverage from the state’s capital again this winter as The Star uses stori... Full story
The town of Coulee Dam has declared by ordinance that it is in the best interest of the public that the trees be maintained and encouraged. The municipal budget supports the maintenance of the trees as directed by the ordinance. Knowing the appraised value of the trees within the urban forest of Coulee Dam gives context to the budgeting, planning, and management of this portion of the infrastructure of the town. So how is this value determined? The appraised value of the trees in Coulee Dam is based on replacement costs and a process of... Full story
This last weekend was the start of the NFL Playoffs. Wins by the Chiefs, Seahawks, Steelers and Packers set things up for an action-packed football weekend coming up. But I want to talk about the game between the Bengals and the Steelers and the absolute disgust I felt at the end of that game, which in some ways might reflect America today. It was a good game. Players were leaving their mark and making big plays to help their team, but none of that will be remembered because of the selfish play of a few. Players from both sides are guilty and... Full story
When Boeing rolled out its first 737 MAX last month, there was little fanfare. Nevertheless, its importance to the company’s future and our state can’t be overstated. The good news is Boeing delivered more airplanes last year than Airbus, and it has a backlog of 5,800 orders. However, a yellow flag goes up when it comes to the 737 MAX. It is behind the Airbus A320neo in development and sales. According to the Seattle Times, “Not counting Airbus sales in December — those figures are still to come — the European jet maker’s A320neo in 2015 had... Full story
A worker rappels down the spillway of Grand Coulee Dam, where floating caissons and catwalks can be seen in the river below during annual spillway bucket repairs. – February 9, 1950... Full story
Peggie Louise Jordan, 59, well-known chef and friend to all in the Grand Coulee, Washington area passed away at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee, Wednesday evening, December 30, 2015. Peggie was born September 15, 1956, in Spokane, Washington, to the home of Elisha and Lydia Johnson. As a child, she attended St. Anne's Catholic School in Spokane. In 1966, her family moved to Grand Coulee, Washington, where she attended Grand Coulee High School. Friday, January 28, 1977, was a chilly winter... Full story
Melvin “Buggs” Toulou Sr., began his journey September 7, 1942, and joined his ancestors Wednesday, January 6, 2016. Rosary was held Friday, January 8, at 7 p.m., at the Inchelium Community Center. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 9, at 10 a.m., at the Inchelium Community Center, with burial following at Kewa Cemetery. Father Joe Fornier, SJ, was the officiant.... Full story
Earl Duane Jess, 72, quietly passed away Thursday afternoon, December 31, 2015, in Spokane, Washington, with his family by his side. Born August 12, 1943, in Mason City, Washington, to Elmer and Viola Thoren-Jess, Earl went on to attend Coulee City High School in Coulee City, Washington. On September 20, 1965, Earl joined the National Guard and served as a Vehicle Mechanic, Motor Sergeant with the 1041st Transportation Co. of Ephrata, Washington, until his retirement February 8, 1988. Saturday, April 18, 1970, forever changed Earl’s life, f... Full story
A bicyclist, sporting an ice mustache grown from his frozen breath, rides in the 15-degree Fahrenheit weather the day after New Year's Day on Highway 155 along Banks Lake. – Scott Hunter photo... Full story
Soap Lake - Roles have been cast for Masquers Theatre’s next production, or in this case productions, according to theatre manager Joanne Bracht. Three one-act comedies billed as Them Three will open February 12 and run three consecutive weekends, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. A firm belief in “laughter is the best medicine” is the motivating factor behind the production of Into the Window, written and directed by the talented Jeff Ames; Super Heroes Support Group, written by D.M. Larsen and directed by the mirth... Full story
Wed., Jan. 13 – Dinner Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Apricot Carrots, Fruit Cup, Birthday Cake Thurs., Jan. 14 – Dinner Chicken Diane, Ranch Potatoes, Green Beans, Fruit Slices, Cinnamon Chunky Bread Fri., Jan. 15 – Breakfast German Sausage and Eggs, Hashbrowns, Toast, Fruit Bowl, Orange Juice Mon., Jan. 18 – Breakfast Sausage Links and Eggs, Hashbrowns, Muffins, Fruit Bowl, Orange Juice Tues, Jan. 19 – Dinner Split Pea and Ham Soup, Egg Salad Sandwiches, Fruit and Veggie Plate, Cake/Cupcakes Wed., Jan. 20 – Dinner Chicken Fried Steak... Full story
Raider Boys' Basketball ended a three-game week in second place in the Central Washington 2B North standings with a win over Waterville Saturday. Right now the Raiders' win-loss record stands at 6-4 overall and 4-1 in league play. They are tied with Liberty Bell for second in league standings. Lake Roosevelt made short work of the Tonasket Tigers Jan. 5 in Coulee Dam. The Tigers were never in contention as the Raiders racked up another win, 64-45, over Tonasket. This set up the game Jan. 7 at... Full story
The Lady Raiders won one and lost two basketball games last week in the first of two three-game weeks in a row. The Lady Raiders defeated Tonasket at home on Jan. 5 by the final score of 51-39, which improved Lake Roosevelt's league win-loss record to 4-0. Then on Thursday LR traveled to Brewster to take on the number-three Lady Bears, who were looking to come back from a 40-point loss to Okanogan. LR stayed in the game, but the Lady Bears built too much of a lead for LR to overcome. Brewster... Full story
Of the seven wrestlers Lake Roosevelt sent to the Charger Invite in Springdale Saturday, four placed at the tourney, including two who came home with weight bracket gold medals for first place. As a team, LR finished fourth overall, with 91 points. “We continue to show improvement every time we compete,” Head Coach Steve Hood said. “Saturday was a great day of wrestling. … We saw wrestlers from nine schools that we hadn’t already competed against this season.” At 120 pounds, Jacob Smith scored some solid wins enroute to his fifth tournament... Full story
Thurs., Jan. 14 4:30 p.m., HS Basketball at Liberty Bell (L) Fri., Jan. 15 HS Wrestling, at Rainier Tournament Sat. Jan. 16 10 a.m. departure, HS Wrestling at Rainier Tournament 1 p.m., HS Basketball at Pateros (NL)... Full story
Several local undergraduate students at Eastern Washington University last quarter earned 12 quality hours and received grade point averages of 3.5 or better, placing them on the Dean’s List for the fall quarter. On the list are Luke Night Wolf, Drew Desautel, Jacey Heintz, Karah Duclos and Rebecca Adams, all of Coulee Dam; and Ashley Lezard, of Elmer City.... Full story