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Articles from the June 20, 2012 edition


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  • Little-known insights about ruling rules

    Scott Hunter|Jun 20, 2012

    In a flash of progressive openness (or an attempt to control discussion, depending on your perspective) the Electric City Council adopted new rules about how that legislative body’s meetings are conducted. It’s a noble gesture, and perhaps a step in the right direction, but could be devastating to the newspaper business. If council leaders around here start following rules of discussion, they’ll probably cut back way too much on public gaffes, which would make things less interesting for reporters and their readers. But relax, in my exper...

  • Finley is lone incumbent to survive tribal election

    Scott Hunter|Jun 20, 2012

    Six new members will join the Colville Business Council in July, according to official poll and absentee ballot results released Thursday night. In Nespelem District 1, longtime Councilmember Harvey Moses, Jr. lost to William “Billy” Nicholson II 463-252. District 2’s Ricky Gabriel lost to Nancy C. Johnson 447-260. Joseph L. Somday prevailed in his challenge to Jack W. Ferguson, winning the Keller seat 164-78. Current CBC Chairman Michael O. Finley was the lone incumbent to retain his seat, fending off Lou Stone for the Inchelium Distr...

  • Despite resistance, town moves on with plant plans

    Roger Lucas|Jun 20, 2012

    The Coulee Dam Town Council voted last Wednesday night to sign a loan agreement with the state Department of Ecology for a $4.992 million loan for its proposed wastewater treatment plant. In addition the council voted to move ahead and give the okay for Gray & Osborne, the town’s engineering firm, to proceed with the design for the plant. The action was taken in spite of questions raised by a local resident Greg Wilder and the town of Elmer City, who have questioned the size of the plant and some of the redundancies in equipment as well as o...

  • Saturday market starts up

    Jun 20, 2012

    The Saturday Market kicked off its second season last Saturday, and will continue each Saturday through September. The chamber of commerce-sponsored market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Morrison Street across from Safeway in Grand Coulee. Those wishing to have a booth in the market can call market master Leroy Perry, 631-2032, for a space reservation or additional information. Food vendors and crafts vendors are welcome to place booths along the market area, Perry said....

  • Newbriefs

    Jun 20, 2012

    Money OK’d for park district Mayor Jerry Sands at Electric City got an OK from the council to sign an agreement for the city to provide $10,000 to the Coulee Area Park & Recreation District, to help fund maintenance activity at North Dam Park. The city had already budgeted that amount from its hotel/motel tax monies. Records clerk wage set The Coulee Dam Council voted at its last meeting to set the wage for its new records clerk at $17.31 a hour. The records clerk will be responsible, among other things, to follow through on public records r...

  • City gets new rules of conduct for council meetings

    Roger Lucas|Jun 20, 2012

    There will be no “hooting” at Electric City council meetings. Nor any “jeering,” according to new rules laid down by council members last Tuesday night. One section, called “Conduct of Audience” states that you can be removed from the council chambers if you clap, cheer, hoot, holler, gesture, whistle, guffaw, jeer, boo, hiss, make remarks out of turn, use profanity or the like. The council had a difficult time explaining to itself and a few residents scattered in the chambers how citizens should address the council. Mayor Jerry Sands expla...

  • America walker having the time of his life

    Roger Lucas|Jun 20, 2012

    It all started for Bruce Maynard at the Peace Arch in Blaine. Where it will end is anybody’s guess. Will he be walking to Alaska, or from Lisbon to Beijing, China? Maynard was weaving his way back across to Blaine when we caught up with him here in Grand Coulee. Near 78 years old, Maynard, like Forsest Gump, just started walking one day -- from the Peace Arch to Key West, Florida. It was March 20, 2010, when he took off, contrary to the wishes of his four sons and daughter, who thought then, a...

  • One incumbent survives tribal election

    Roger Lucas|Jun 20, 2012

    One lone incumbent, Colville Business Council Chairman Michael O. Finley, kept his seat after polling results Saturday. Six others either lost their seats in the primary election or trailed by a significant vote after Saturday’s polling. In Nespelem District, William “Billy” Nicholson, who ran on giving half of a $193 million settlement with the federal government directly to tribal members, outpolled incumbent Harvey Moses, Jr., 134-97 for Pos. 1. And challenger Nancy C. Johnson is leading incumbent Ricky Gabriel, 126-106 for Pos. 2. In Omak D...

  • Colville deputy prosecutor named special assistant U.S. attorney

    Jun 20, 2012

    A deputy prosecuting attorney for the Colville Tribes has been appointed as a special assistant U.S. attorney (SAUSA), Colville Business Council Chairman Michael O. Finley announced Monday with a written statement. Melissa V. Simonsen has has worked for the Colville Tribes since April of 2010. “This is an honor for Ms. Simonsen, and an opportunity for the Colville Tribes to be more involved in the prosecution of federal crimes on our Reservation,” Finley said. “She can assist the U.S. attorney's office in the prosecution of crimes, the proce...

  • Fishing hole found

    Jun 20, 2012

    Colville Tribal Fish and Wildlife personnel help kids catch fish in a big tank at the tribal museum in Coulee Dam Saturday for the chamber of commerce-organized Kids Day. Kids caught trout they could take home. — Scott Hunter photo...

  • Kids Day’s big winner

    Jun 20, 2012

    Chamber board member Jesse Utz gives Benjamin Jordan, 7, the big prize of a Kindle Fire at the end of Koulee Kids Day at Village Cinema Theatre. Jordan took the prize in a drawing after having taken part in at least four of the days activities around town. — Scott Hunter photo...

  • Deep winner

    Jun 20, 2012

    With a paint job as deep as the lake behind him, Jerry Pitts’ El Camino took the honors in its category at Saturday’s Coulee Cruizers show and shine event. — Scott Hunter photo...

  • District takes bids for Wright

    Roger Lucas|Jun 20, 2012

    The Grand Coulee Dam School District started advertising for bids for the demolition of Wright Elementary School this week. The preliminary estimate for the base bid was $320,000, the bid request stated. Superintendent Dennis Carlson said the district will cease taking bids at 3 p.m., July 11, and that he plans to have a special school board meeting that evening to award the bid. A pre-bid conference is planned for interested bidders June 26, at 11 a.m. The bid calls for removing the existing Wright Elementary School building, including...

  • Electric City citizens, do you know what’s going on?

    Sam Stanczak|Jun 20, 2012

    My name is Sam Stanczak and I’m writing this letter to try to inform our readers on what is going on in our city government (Electric City). Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not a pot stirrer or a troublemaker; what I am writing is the truth and my opinion on the matter. After reading this letter, please form your own opinion. I’ve been going to the council meetings for about two years trying to learn how the system is supposed to work (what a pain). Now, after attending these meetings, and doing some research, my opinion is that our council...

  • Say “Thanks” to your community!

    Jun 20, 2012

    Recently my cousin and I were traveling on vacation and passed through your community. We were only a few miles from your town when our small motor home developed a rather serious mechanical problem. Of course, where it happened there was no cell service to call for help. That is when our true adventure began. We were partially blocking the two-lane highway headed up toward Wilbur. Within a very few minutes, folks started stopping to offer assistance. Two good Samaritans headed in opposite directions offered to call for a tow truck. One very...

  • Arrogance or malfeasance?

    Greg Wilder|Jun 20, 2012

    The Colville Confederated Tribes took the high-road regarding the overly expensive Coulee Dam Sewer Treatment plant project. The tribe offered to help, in exchange for involvement … for a legitimate place at the table. In a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the tribe stated that they would involve the Indian Health Service and bring a needed project review and financial assistance to help with the costs for this $5 million - $7 million project. This could reduce the cost impact for all of us — the native and non-native com...

  • To all the nice people out there

    Peggy Sandgren|Jun 20, 2012

    I wanted to let everyone know that I’m in my new home. It’s been a long time getting there, but it finally happened. I also wanted to tell everybody at this time how much I want to thank everyone who helped me find enough stuff to furnish my house (specially Edna and Genny). From a picture to hang on my empty walls to a couch, TV and many more wonderful things. Without all of you I would have a very empty house. Also, thanks for the clothes that everyone provided for me. Special thanks to a wonderful lady in Elmer City and her gra...

  • Susan Danette Arroyo

    Jun 20, 2012

    Susan Danette Arroyo, 62, a resident of the Promisedland Farm, east of Elmer City, Wash., left this earth on Wednesday, June 13, 2012, and now resides with the Lord Jesus in the Kingdom of Heaven. Danette was born October 24, 1949, at a Naval hospital in Memphis, Tenn., to Daniel and Francis Weisser. Danette was most known for her God-given talent with quilting as well as her very loving and generous heart of giving to people in need. She exemplified the true heart of a Godly woman. Danette is...

  • Celebration of Life for Eddie Mae Pfeifer

    Jun 20, 2012

    A celebration of life for Eddie Mae Pfeifer will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Spring Canyon Park in Grand Coulee, starting at 1 p.m. It will be a potluck picnic. Eddie Mae passed away Wednesday, June 6, in East Wenatchee at the Highline Care Center....

  • Roy Lee Fulton

    Jun 20, 2012

    Roy Fulton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, in Gresham, Ore. Born in Sprague, Wash., on December 5, 1927, to late Merdo and Marinda Fulton, Mr. Fulton grew up in Washington and Oregon. He served in the Army from 1946 - 1947, and graduated at the University of Oregon in 1953. He spent most of his career in supervision of heavy construction projects while residing in Orinda, Calif. He retired in Gresham in 2001 where he enjoyed walking and being around people. He was preceded in...

  • Clara M. Sears

    Jun 20, 2012

    Clara M. Sears, 108, passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2012, in Davenport, Wash. She was born on January 9, 1904, in Latty, Ohio to Frederick and Katherine Zurbrugg. She graduated from Colville High School in 1922. She is survived by her son Richard Sears and Karen of Alameda, Calif.; daughter-in-law June Sears; sons-in-law Don Crowther and Elten Klein; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 31.5 great-great grandchildren (one due in Sept.). and several great-great-great grandchildren. Sh...

  • Chase M. Warrington

    Jun 20, 2012

    Chase M. Warrington, 23, passed away on Monday, June 18, 2012, in Wilbur, Washington. A graveside inurnment will be held on Saturday, June 23, at 11 a.m. at Wilbur Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will follow at noon at Wilbur High School Gymnasium. Pastor Paul MacArthur will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to the Wilbur Fire Department, Sacred Heart Hospital – Pediatric Oncology, or American Childhood Cancer Org. INW; PO Box 8031, Spokane, WA 99203. Please visit www.stratefuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook. A f...

  • Toulou/Aldrich to wed July 28

    Jun 20, 2012

    Madisyn and Wyatt Toulou would like to announce the engagement of their parents along with Malcom Carson Jr. who would like to announce the engagement of his mother Kisha Marie Aldrich and Ronald Carl Toulou, both of Coulee Dam. The couple has set their wedding date for Saturday, July 28, 2012, in Cole Park in Coulee Dam beginning at 3 p.m. A reception will follow in the ballroom of the Town of Coulee Dam building....

  • It’s a boy for Desautel

    Jun 20, 2012

    Racheal Marie Desautel is proud to announce the birth of her son Mackiah Lee Tom on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee. He weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz., and was 21-1/2 inches in length at birth. Siblings include Brother Zayden Desautel 4, brother Damian Tom 1,and sisters Mackenzie Tom and Simarah....

  • Meetings and Notices

    Jun 20, 2012

    GCD Chamber to Meet at Hometown Pizza Grant Chamber will meet at Hometown Pizza in Grand Coulee this Thursday at noon. Quincy Snow, mayor of the Town of Coulee Dam, will give an update on the Fourth of July Festival in America.. Grant County Fire Dist. 14 to Meet Grant County Fire District 14 will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 25, at 7 p.m. at the Electric City Fire Dept. Planet Earth Players to Meet Planet Earth Players will meet this week on Thursday, June 21, at 7 p.m. in the Grand Gallery Theater on Main Street in Grand...

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