News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 29
The city of Grand Coulee passed an “emergency” moratorium on the location of mini-storage units at a specially called meeting last Thursday night. The special city council meeting was triggered by a person from out of town who wanted to pursue the establishment of mini-storage units in the building that was occupied by the Variety Store until it closed this fall. The ordinance stated that to allow storage units in the Variety Store building would “hinder the location of other revenue generating commercial businesses and be detrimental to the a...
The Lady Raiders defeated The Manson Lady Trojans 51-33 before the Raider guys defeated the Trojans 54-51 in the final seconds of the game. These videos show Kayla St. Pierre stealing the ball and making the layup, and the final moments of the Raider game in which, tied 51-51, and inbounding with only three seconds on the shot clock, Trevor McCraigie sinks a three to put the Raiders up 54-51, and the Trojans were unable to answer....
The Lady Raiders lost a close back and forth game at home against the Liberty Bell Lady Mountain Lions with a final score of 50-44. The Raider boys did better, annihilating the Mountain Lions with a final score of 73-25. These videos show Lady Raider Hannah Wapato sinking one of two three's she made late in the game, and Raider Adam George making a layup in the second quarter. Read more about it all in next week's Star.... Full story
A crew pours concrete mix for the foundation of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's new fire station above SR-155 across from Pole Park Thursday. The $13.6 million project is scheduled to be completed next summer. - Scott Hunter photo...
Lake Roosevelt Junior/Senior High School is one of seven schools in Educational Service District 171 to be named a “School of Distinction.” The 2017 award was posted in November, and high school Principal Mark Herndon outlined the award at the school district’s last board meeting. The other schools from ESD 171 are Brewster High School, Brewster Middle School, Grant Elementary from East Wenatchee, Moses Lake High School, Oroville Middle School, and Valley Academy of Learning in Wenatchee. “We are so proud of our schools and their comprehensive...
Christmas crafts stolen Patty Williams works for months making her “towel tops” to sell at Christmas bazaars in the area, but somebody stole them from her basement last week, she told The Star. Williams makes the product, which combines two kitchen towels with a middle piece that lets them hang nicely over an oven door handle, each year. On low income, she uses the money to buy Christmas gifts. She figures she lost $450 to $500 worth of the items, which she sells for $10 each even though she sometimes hates to let them go. She made them bet...
Local school-aged children finally have more to do in the area, thanks to the Nespelem Boys & Girls Club. The Nespelem Boys & Girls club had its official opening and dedication Wednesday, Nov. 29, in the Nespelem Community Center gym. "This has been a long time coming," said Colville Business Councilmember Larry Allen. "A lot of us grew up with just dirt and sagebrush to play with. We have to give [the children] resources for success." "It's a wonderful program; it's working so well in...
There was some good news and “black ink” noted as Grant County Port District 7 commissioners reviewed the past season’s activity at Banks Lake Golf Course. The port district operates the 18-hole golf course and this is the second year in a row that the course has operated “in the black.” Commission President James Keene was quick to point out that the successful operation of the golf course still hinges on the amount of volunteer help provided. Off and on, the three commissioners have had regular duties at the course to avoid paid help and to m...
Leaders of the little government district that has kept North Dam Park from collapsing into disrepair for several years is feeling uncertain about the future. After approving a budget Monday night in which they show spending at about $33,000 next year, commissioners at the Coulee Area Park and Recreation District, all volunteers, discussed the uncertainty of the district’s continued funding. Originally formed with the intent of building a swimming pool in 2003, the district has never collected a tax to help fund its efforts, having been t...
The Coulee Area Park and Recreation District (CAPRD) has five commissioners. As of our December meeting, two commissioners’ terms have expired. The remaining three are on board until the end of 2019. Two of us are “gentle retirees” and likely won’t be looking at re-election. Certainly, there are some vibrant, younger folks out there looking for an interesting and rewarding challenge to donate their time to! Well, CAPRD has the challenge and rewards. We are actively recruiting now, so raise your hand and say, “right here — me!” What does CAP...
In the 1700s, when weapons of war were still primitive, the Founders of our constitution were wise enough to know that war could ruin nations, and they gave the congress the sole authority to declare war. Congress last declared war 75 years ago. Since then, the congress has forfeited its authority while presidents initiated wars in Korea, Vietnam, and the current undefined conflict in the Middle East, Africa, and Pacific countries. Members of congress were recently surprised to learn that the U.S. is engaged in combat operations in Niger. That...
Christmas. The word brings a wonderful excitement to children all around the world. Visions of presents, Santa, hot chocolate and goodies galore dance between the temples of the little ones. Blinking lights, snowmen and reindeer flicker on the lens of the young minds as we pour into them the commercialism that has become Christmas. Debt, stress and the busiest of all months as we go from party to party, indulging in everything, is what we show and teach during this season. All in the name of, well, in the name of what, really? It is a time of...
For the last two decades, federal legislation allowing oil and gas exploration in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) has been stymied. Now, it is part of federal tax reform which Congress is likely to approve. Allowing new oil and gas leases would greatly help Washington refineries, workers and state and local economies. Current crude supplies from Alaska’s North Slope are declining and refiners have looked elsewhere for replacement stocks, e.g., oil-by-rail from North Dakota. ANWR is not the picturesque landscape you might imagine w...
Howard Puyear passed away recently. He was born in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. He attended Stevensville High School and graduated with an engineering degree from Montana State University. He worked for the Bureau of Reclamation for over thirty years. He held a variety of positions in construction, engineering, and management. He spent nearly his entire career working on projects in either Montana or Washington state. In addition to his federal service with the Bureau, Howard also served two years in the Army during the Korean War. He is s... Full story
Janet Y. McGregor (66), of Electric City, Washington, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2017, at Coulee Medical Center, Grand Coulee, Washington, after a long battle with cancer. Janet was born June 2, 1951, in Brewster, Washington, to Roger and Shirlee Long (Jenkins). She grew up in Bridgeport, Washington, where she met and married Steve McIntyre; their union produced two daughters. Janet later met and married Hal McGregor. Spending time in Bridgeport; Forks, Washington; Dubois, Idaho and... Full story
A beautiful, loving spirit left this world Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at the age of 67. Jody Ann Looper, nee Newkirk, was born May 29, 1950, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Jody was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Looper; her parents, Meigs and Leone Newkirk; her sister, Rebecca Goldsmith; and her two dearest friends, Kay Day and Kim Campbell. Jody is survived by her daughters, Dawn Maiers and Marian Van Marter; her grandchildren, Jacob Maiers and Savannah Taylor; her great-grandchildren, Layla Taylor and Grayson Taylor; her... Full story
Vito J. Misale, 89, of Missoula, Montana, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, with his children by his side. He was born July 5, 1928, in Ishpeming, Michigan, one of 16 siblings. His parents were Joseph A. and Marie (Bertucci) Misale, stepmother Margret (Fonzasin) Misale. Vito, two sisters, and four brothers, lived in the Marquette Orphanage for seven years until his father married his stepmother, the only mother he ever knew. Their ages ranged from two to eight years old.... Full story
They were voted winners of the ugly sweater contest at Saturday night's Vintners and Brewers Tasting and Auction event, sponsored by the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce. From left, first place, Emily Tillman, second place, Susan and Klendon Duclos, Julie Friedlander, Tammy Norris, and Jan Bender, and third place, Diane Kohout. - Scott Hunter photo...
Chamber at Siam Palace The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce will meet at noon, this Thursday, December 7, at Siam Palace in Grand Coulee. Jack Anderson, from Plug-in Central Washington, will be the guest speaker. American Legion to Meet The next American Legion Post 157 meeting will be at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 12, at the Vets Center in Electric City. Church Issues Invitation The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inviting the public to an open house Christmas celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ....
The Christmas wishes of 115 children from 40 local families are on the Trees of Sharing this year. Area residents are encouraged to purchase a gift based on the information given on the ornaments (Suggested value approximately $25 per gift). Trees are located in Safeway Pharmacy, North Cascades Bank, and at the Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union. Please bring your wrapped gift with the paper ornament securely attached to the outside of the package to any Trees of Sharing tree. Gifts need to be placed under the tree by December 11, so they can be... Full story
The Lady Raiders basketball team used a can of Raid on the Hornets on Saturday, decimating them 63-22. LR outscored Oroville 27-14 in the first half of the game, then dominated the third quarter, putting up 22 points, while only allowing one free-throw Hornet point, to lead 49-15 at the start of the fourth. The Lady Raiders added another 14 points in the fourth, and the Lady Hornets scored seven, for a final score of 63-22. Head Coach Wallace "Peewee" Pleasants said that strong defense and...
A few school events are coming up, including music and art events. On Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Lake Roosevelt Elementary cafeteria there will be an exhibit featuring high school photography students’ work, as well as items from the SHARP Kids after-school program. A 6th- through 12th-grade choirs and bands concert will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gym in Coulee Dam, where there will also be art work on display. An elementary concert will take place later, on Jan. 25 at 1:30 p.m., in the g...
The Raiders and Lady Raiders played in a jamboree on Nov. 28 at home, hosting teams from Inchelium and Wilbur-Creston-Keller. The event was held so the players could get a little bit of competition in before the start of the regular season. “I was impressed with some of our younger kids,” Raider Head Coach Jeremy Crollard said. “It was good to get them some playing time.” Lady Raider Head Coach Wallace Pleasants said the event was a good opportunity for his players to try out a physical style of play that he wants them to use....
The Raiders got stung by the Oroville Hornets in overtime on Saturday, losing the neck-and-neck home basketball game with a final score of 58-55. Raider Soarin Marchand took a spill in the first quarter, getting a bloody lip and leaving the game. His bloodied jersey was unusable, so the Raiders couldn't add a substitute to the bench. Sam Wapato, hurt in a previous practice, is expected to be out for a couple of weeks. The lack of jerseys meant the Raiders had seven suited players out of a...
Raider wrestlers had their first events of the season last week, warming up with the Okanogan Jamboree, then participating in the 27th Annual Davenport Invitational, where the Raiders made a point with four first-placers and one third placer. Lake Roosevelt won 21 out of 32 matches wrestled at the jamboree on Nov. 29. Head Coach Steve Hood said the jamboree was, "finally a chance to get out of your own room and compete a little bit against people from other teams. You're never really sure how...