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Articles from the March 8, 2017 edition


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  • Plea deal includes no jail time for clerk

    Roger S Lucas|Mar 8, 2017

    A former Mosquito District 2 clerk pled guilty to one count of first-degree theft in Grant County Superior Court Monday. A second count of first-degree theft, relating to an alleged misappropriation of funds of just over $129,000, was dismissed under the plea agreement. Under the agreement, Karyn Byam, 41, of Electric City, is to pay $800 in court costs, with restitution to be determined at a special hearing within 180 days. There was no confinement time under the agreement. Byam pled guilty to the first-degree theft charge which had to do...

  • Mosquito district will meet on bids Tuesday

    Mar 8, 2017

    The Grant County Mosquito Control District #2 is calling an emergency meeting for Tuesday, March 14,at 7 p.m. at the Electric City Hall. They will be entering executive (closed) session regarding bid applications....

  • Kids and guests take part in Read Across America

    Mar 8, 2017

    Electric City Mayor John Nordine II reads to Jessica Tufts' second grade students at Lake Roosevelt Elementary School last Thursday, Dr. Seuss's birthday, taking part in the Read Across America program. The school brings in community members for the program, which the National Education Association describes as its year-round program for "motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources." It is now in its 20th year. - Roger S. Lucas ph...

  • New carnival will serve Colorama this year

    Roger S Lucas|Mar 8, 2017

    Colorama will have a new carnival this year, Rainier Amusements, out of Portland, Oregon, the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce announced this week. The new carnival is one of the featured attractions for this year’s Colorama Festival, May 12-14. “We are pleased that we have been able to contract with such a highly respected amusement organization,” chamber Executive Director Peggy Nevsimal stated. The final details of the contract with Rainier Amusements were signed late last week. The Portland amusement group stated in its news relea...

  • Local roads will close for fire station construction

    Scott Hunter|Mar 8, 2017

    A contractor will be on site next week to start work on a new fire station for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which means two portions of local roads will be closed for that project. Innovative Construction & Design Ltd., a small business based in Post Falls, Idaho, was awarded the $13.6 million construction job last September. The company is scheduled to be on site Monday, March 13, Public Affairs Officer Lynne Brougher said Monday. The portion of B Street from Division Street to Industrial...

  • Winter hard on schools

    Roger S Lucas|Mar 8, 2017

    The Grand Coulee Dam School District has had its problems with the harsh winter, and will have to repair sidewalk and playground concrete walkway problems when spring arrives. Sidewalks in front of the new school have had surface problems and the same problems have cropped up on playground surfaces, Superintendent Paul Turner advised the school board at its last meeting. The surface in front of the school appeared to partially be because of using snow and ice removal chemicals. Turner said that he didn’t think that personnel used salt. In a...

  • Newsbriefs

    Mar 8, 2017

    Next week, thank a classified employee March 13-17 has been proclaimed Classified Public School Employees Week by Washington Governor Jay Inslee. There are 60,000 classified school employees in the state who are involved in nearly every aspect of education, the proclamation says. They are involved in maintaining buildings and grounds, preparing and serving meals, keeping school facilities clean and neat, assisting in the classroom, performing and conducting research activities, and providing information technology and media services. Those...

  • School strategizers meet

    Mar 8, 2017

    Richard McBride, superintendent of the North Central Educational Service District 171, leads a discussion on developing a strategic plan for Grand Coulee Dam School District in a Lake Roosevelt school library this week. Composed of both school district personnel and community members, the planning team met Monday and Tuesday to shape a plan that will help the administration and school board tackle issues within the district in the future. District Superintendent Paul Turner helped facilitate...

  • NPS offers marina one-year contract extension

    Mar 8, 2017

    The National Park Service is offering Lake Roosevelt Vacations, Inc., a one-year contract extension. If accepted, it will continue to operate the NPS-owned marina complex at Kettle Falls through April 30, 2018. NPS officials are offering to extend the contract for one year after listening to community and visitor concerns over the announcement of the marina closure. “It’s our hope Lake Roosevelt Vacations will accept this extension offer so reservation holders unaware of a potential closure can enjoy their planned vacation on the lake,” said...

  • Project at casino taking shape

    Mar 8, 2017

    Workers this week are ripping existing sidewalks up at the entrance to Coulee Dam Casino as they get ready to create a new entrance area. The project includes a new restaurant on the second floor, plus added gaming areas. The upgraded facility is expected to open sometime this spring. The project will also feature outside dining during good weather. - Roger S. Lucas photo...

  • It all adds up

    Scott Hunter|Mar 8, 2017

    It’s not easy to get used to driving 10 miles per hour slower on a short stretch of highway you’ve been traveling daily for decades. That’s a problem many folks face trying, straining, braking to navigate the multi-lane stretch of highway 155 by the Bureau of Reclamation’s Grand Coulee Project, which the bureau slowed from 40 to 30 mph because it’s building a new fire station across from Pole Park. Even if traveling more slowly in front of a fire station is warranted, slowing the entire stretch seems a bit much. Admittedly, that complaint sound...

  • Questions for Rep. Dan Newhouse

    Ian Ross|Mar 8, 2017

    On Feb. 23 constituents of the 4th Congressional District of Washington gathered at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp to participate in democracy and make our voices heard by you, our elected representative. You were not present. Had you or a member of your staff been able to attend, here are some questions I would like to have asked. 1. Thank you for your recent support of the BRIDGE Act. You stated on your Facebook page that Congress will come together to build “a reasonable and accessible immigration system going forward.” Wha...

  • Rescuing America's Health Care System

    Dan Newhouse Representative 4th Dist|Mar 8, 2017

    Repealing and replacing “Obamacare” is necessary to prevent Americans from suffering the consequences of this failed and unraveling law. Promises of affordability and lower premiums have turned into the reality of diminishing choices, rising prices, and less competition. Replacement must allow more affordable, more personalized health options. Replacing Obamacare has become a rescue mission to provide relief for American families. I recently had constituents reach out to me to explain that the situation they face because of this law is uns...

  • Senior Profile: Olivia Arnold

    Jesse Utz|Mar 8, 2017

    I sat down with the young lady I call “Live” and learned a bit more about what makes her tick. I have known the Arnold family for a long time and have watched this senior at Lake Roosevelt bloom into an amazing adult, but I heard more than I expected in my sit down chat. When I asked how her senior year is going she answered with an enthusiastic “Great,” followed by, “It is a lot less hectic than I thought it was going to be.” She said all this with that bigger-than-life smile she gets. She went on to explain that she had to make up extra cr...

  • Sixty-eight years ago

    Mar 8, 2017

    Workmen operate prepakt grout equipment as they pump grout into prepakt areas at the base of the right training wall. Equipment shown here includes, at top, two double-drum grout mixers; center, two F.S. Simplex pumps; and bottom, four triplex grout pumps with hose connections. This work was performed by the Pacific Bridge Company, as part of their contract to repair the spillway bucket section of Grand Coulee Dam. - March 1949 photo...

  • Meetings and Notices

    Mar 8, 2017

    Chamber meets at La Presa [Corrected] The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce will meet at noon Thursday at La Presa. Star Publisher Scott Hunter will provide a program. Grand Coulee Library Mystery Program The Grand Coulee Library will be holding a Mystery Program March 21-24. This is for kids of all ages. Clues will be given to solve a mystery. The program is broken down by age groups. Check with the library for more information. Library hours are Monday and Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., and...

  • Buttercups mean spring, honest

    Mar 8, 2017

    Spring is coming as shown by the buttercups found locally by these kids....

  • It's a boy for the Coffeys

    Mar 8, 2017

    Jillian and Richard Coffey, of Electric City, Washington, are proud to announce the birth of their son, Caleb Ross Coffey, born Monday, February 20, 2017, at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee. He weighed 8 lbs., 3.7 oz., and was 19 inches in length at birth. Sibling is Cody Coffey, age 11. Maternal grandparents are Gene and the late Melinda Fields. Paternal grandparents are Todd and Laurie Coffey. Great-grandparents include Betty and Gene Fields, Shiela Coffey, and Carol DeFranco....

  • Ives/Barnaby have a boy

    Mar 8, 2017

    Lachelle Ives and Nicholas Barnaby, of Coulee Dam, Washington, are proud to announce the birth of their son, Landon Donald Barnaby, born Thursday, February 23, 2017, at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee. He weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz., and was 21.5 inches in length at birth. Siblings include Chantelle Pakootas, Twila Ann, and Clyde Barnaby. Maternal grandfather is Mark Ives. Paternal grandparents are Suzy Spangler and Boozer Barnaby....

  • Free trees from Arbor Day Foundation

    Mar 8, 2017

    The Arbor Day Foundation is making it easy for everyone to celebrate the arrival of spring by planting trees. Join the Arbor Day Foundation in March 2017 and receive 10 free white pine trees or 10 white flowering dogwood trees. “White pine trees or white flowering dogwoods will add beauty to your home throughout the year,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Dogwoods are known for their showy spring flowers and red berries that attract songbirds during winter. White pine trees are fast-growing landscape trees that...

  • Blood drive planned March 20

    Mar 8, 2017

    Inland Northwest Blood Center along with the Grand Coulee community blood drive volunteers led by Melanie Slatina, are planning a blood drive for Monday, March 20. Donation hours will be from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the community room in Coulee Medical Center. INBC needs an average of 200 blood donors every day to meet the needs of more than 35 hospitals in the Inland Northwest. A single donation can save the lives of up to three people! For more information contact Tina Lingo 509-981-7023....

  • Nespelem students of the month for February

    Mar 8, 2017

    Students at Nespelem School selected for February students of the month include, from left - top row: Agnice Campbell, Ema Bearcub, Eddy Cohen, Kyona Edmo, Drake Weed; bottom row: April Bigwolf, Hartlyn Caudell, Sophia Reyes, Anela Somday, Furyus Louie; not shown: Rodger Cate. - submitted photo...

  • State wrestlers treated

    Scott Hunter|Mar 8, 2017

    Three student athletes who placed at the state wrestling tournament in Tacoma last month were treated to lunch at The Siam Palace with the Grand Coulee Dam Rotary Club Wednesday. Lake Roosevelt Raider wrestling Coach Steve Hood introduced Kaleb Horn, Tony Nichols and Jon Shelley, all of whom had also just been awarded at a school assembly for high academic marks. At the state tournament, Horn took first place in the 113-pound division for 2B schools; Nichols took third at 138 and Shelley took...

  • Up north, thawing permafrost causes climate change concerns

    Bob Valen Weather Watcher|Mar 8, 2017

    Planet Earth, our little satellite that we all call home, is composed of several broad-ranging geographic regions. Let’s add some varying climate types to those regions. Now we see how the complexities of these broad geographic regions grow. At one time, I lived and worked in the Chihuahuan Desert, a North American desert that spans two nations and is considered to be part of the temperate zone. It was warm in the summer and we had snow in the winter — just like here in the Grand Coulee. The Grand Coulee, regionally, is part of the Col...

  • Bowling Scores

    Mar 8, 2017

    COLUMBIA LEAGUE 2nd Half TEAM W L Team 6 22 18 Strike or Spare 16 24 Solid T Const. 15 25 High Game: Ron Staggs 248 High Series: Ron Staggs 616 Previous High Game: High Game: Jason Olson 235 High Series: Ron Staggs 596 Splits: Soy 3-10; Jesse Jackson 4-7-10 SENIORS 3-1-17 Dixie L.R. 153+146+139=438 Karen M. 142+137+166=445 Scott E. 220+225+171=616 Bob S. 139+150+193=482 Frank E. 156+153+116=425 2-22-17 Leo 111+122+149=382 Bob 131+204+159=492 Ray 192+146+134=472 Scott 163+169+230=562 Karen 133+125+125=383 Mike 192+134+139=465 Frank...

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