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 school board Monday night was told not to believe rumors going around that the new school would not make the start date of Sept. 15. In fact, Grand Coulee Dam School District Superintendent Dennis Carlson told members of the board, the special ribbon cutting for the new school will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 12, with tours for the public immediately after. Seems there has been talk about town that the school won’t be ready for students on opening day. Only a rumor, Carlson stated. He added that teachers were asked about the “what ifs... Full story
Grant County Port District 7 is in its third year as manager of Banks Lake Golf Course, which is inching forward and soon will be in the black, according to port commissioners. The Port District took control of the golf course in the spring of 2012, under distressed circumstances. Now, with a membership of 86 and a successful year of managing the course, primarily with volunteers, things are looking good, Port District Chair James Keene said last week. Commissioners praised volunteers for... Full story
Big Bend Community College has improved on the success rate of its students over the last couple years, boasted college President Terry Leas last week, speaking at a Rotary Club luncheon in Grand Coulee Wednesday. Leas said a common state measurement for gauging a college’s success with student learning looks at the percentage of students getting a C average or greater. In the 2013-14 school year, 84 percent of BBCC’s student earned at least a C average in traditional classrooms, up steadily from 81 percent the year before, and 76 percent the y... Full story
It sits on a flat area overlooking the Columbia River at the north end of Coulee Dam and may someday be the site of a development to assist visitors to the area. The gift to the town by Diane Hartzell, an Anacortes resident, was made last Thursday with a signing ceremony at city hall. The property was owned by Hartzell's father, Melvin Hartzell, who worked on Grand Coulee Dam in the mid 1930s when the large concrete structure was just starting to take shape. He had always wanted to build his... Full story
Students, staff, bus drivers, and the entire lot, will celebrate the opening of the new Lake Roosevelt school Sept. 15, with T-shirt mania. Everyone will receive a Lake Roosevelt T-shirt to wear on the first day of school. The gold, black and white design is on a crimson colored t-shirt background featuring a new Lake Roosevelt logo on the front and sponsors on the back. Near the shoulder on one side is the date, Sept. 15, 2014, signifying the first day in the all-new school. The T-shirt will... Full story
Bowling leagues starting Riverview Lanes Bowling Alley leagues begin on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Bowlers should stop by the bowling alley to get signed up for the fall leagues. League play is on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Call the lanes at 633-2225 for more information. Civil service will meet Grand Coulee’s Civil Service Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 3, in the city council chambers. The September meeting is changed from its regular first Monday schedule due to a conflict. The public is invited, and Chair Alan Cain s... Full story
by Roger S. Lucas and Scott Hunter This year's Harvest Festival will feature a barbecue competition with some $3,500 prize money, as the event continues to evolve in its third year. That and a lot more will be part of the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce's Third Annual Harvest Festival, Sept. 12-14, at North Dam Park. The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce's Third Annual Harvest Festival, Sept. 12-14, at North Dam Park will also offer wagon rides, helicopter rides, an apple and... Full story
Okanogan County’s Economic Alliance has selected an advertising company to get the word out immediately that the area is open for business, despite natural disaster news that dominated the county’s image this summer. BrandQuery will immediately “create and launch a county-wide media and communications plan to inform the public that area businesses and attractions are open for business and easily accessible,” the alliance said. Gov. Jay Inslee approved $150,000 in economic recovery aid Aug. 15 to help promote Okanogan County following the Car... Full story
Very often, governments have to serve their constituents, even when there seems to be no clear way to pay for those services, especially in emergencies. It may not feel like an emergency, but a fast-degrading property at 609 Holly Street in Coulee Dam could become one all too quickly, leading to unfortunate but perfect hindsight — after a neighborhood fire or the injury of curious child exploring the charred husk of a house, a photo of which is on page four. It burned nearly two years ago, yet still sits on the property, a black, stinking h... Full story
I’m a tenant leasing from Patrick Wilson, owner of 301 Columbia Ave., Coulee Dam, WA. I also am enlisted as his acting mgr. of his properties in Coulee Dam. I live at 301 Columbia Ave and my wife and I have become very discouraged NOT at Patrick Wilson but at the City of Coulee Dam. We have experienced three mass floods at our home, in the short two years of leasing from Patrick Wilson. We seem to have the only storm drain for several blocks north and south on Columbia Ave. From what Ann and I have been informed by Mr Patrick Wilson, he has t... Full story
In August of this year my wife and I had the pleasure of spending three nights and four days in your fantastic locality, Grand Coulee. After doing all the touristy things (dam) we mingled with the local population. I can honestly state that we found your city and the inhabitants to be some of the most welcoming and friendly people ever. At a small market in the middle of town we talked with many people who were more than ready to share the history and tales of the area. At one of the booths we even met a member of the chamber of commerce and... Full story
I would like to make a correction to last week’s article “Woman takes issue with complaint”. Gary Haven has done work for me on three different occasions. He is the best fence man in town. If I need a fence I would call Gary. That is my complete quote from my prepared statement at Electric City Council. Also, as the city compliance enforcement officer, Gary Haven solved the issue of my landscaping choices within one day of me receiving the letter. Thank you Gary! Lynda Zernick... Full story
There is a letter to the editor this week suggesting the old middle school become Grand Coulee’s new city hall. What a waste of space that would be. It seems that this is the perfect opportunity for a community center, which could include most any kind of activity. The gym, ball fields, rooms for different groups to be able to stay set up for their purposes, possible daycare center, kitchen with room for banquets, fundraisers, etc., a stage with dressing rooms close on either side for the Planet Earth Players, talent shows and so much more. W... Full story
Anger is a natural human reaction and in itself is not a sin. “Be angry yet do not sin.” (Eph. 4:26) Like any other emotion whether it is legitimate or misguided, anger needs to be acknowledged. This acknowledgment is the first step towards a possible peaceful resolution. It is also natural to respond to anger with anger. This is not a sin either, and it too must be acknowledged. Once both sides are acknowledged respectively an opportunity to withhold condemnation opens up, and a dialogue of mercy, forgiveness and grace can commence, mak... Full story
Sometimes words or phrases said around town can only be associated with our area, and I think it is kind of the uniqueness and charm of our cities. So here are a few things that I have heard. In response to the question, “What are you doing this weekend?” A local lady responded “Yard sales, yard sales and maybe some Jeopardy.” Yard sales have been a big hit around Coulee Country for as long as I can remember. When I was pretty small, Grandma and Grandpa Utz introduced me to the endeavor of gett... Full story
"I leave here today with the feeling that this work is well undertaken, that we are going ahead with a useful project and we are going to see it through for the benefit of our country." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt at Grand Coulee Dam on August 4, 1934... Full story
Judith R. Bach, 71, passed away in Grand Coulee, Wash., on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014. She was born in Mason City, Wash, on October 28, 1942, to Clayton "Lindy" and Gretchen Lindbergh. She grew up with her sister Joan on the Grand Coulee Heights. She graduated from Grand Coulee High School in 1960 and was a member of the Ridge Riders, Rainbow Girls, band and drill team, GAA basketball and participated in Girls' State. She married Larry Sanders and had a son Troy and daughter Trina. She later... Full story
Helen (Ottosen) Purdy passed away Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, at Fairfield Care in Fairfield, Wash. She was born January 26, 1927, in Fairfield, to Elmer and Olive Ottosen (Clark). She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1945 and Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1948. She married Ed Purdy in 1949 and moved to Seattle where she worked at Swedish Hospital. She moved to Grand Coulee in 1968. She spent many years working at Coulee Community Hospital and nursing home. She also worked at the... Full story
Hugh T Smith (Smitty), 90, of Spokane Valley passed away Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014. He was born March 12, 1924, in Brewster, Wash. He was married to Anita M Smith for 67 years, he was also was survived by his sister Alice Deleganes from Portland, Ore. Smith and his father were carpenters employed on the Grand Coulee Dam project Smitty chose to work with his dad for the same pay instead of going to high school. Long before he picked up carpenter's tools, however, he remembered sharing a slice of... Full story
This week at Spring Canyon, the following ranger conducted activities include: The exploration center is open Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Hands-on activities, Junior Ranger activities, brochures and park information are offered. Crafts will be held from 2-3 pm. on both days. Parents must supervise their children. Fri., Aug. 29 & Sat., Aug. 30, 4:30 p.m., Bunchgrass Prairie Nature Trail Plant Walk. Join Ranger Deb on a 1/2 mile walk on the Bunchgrass Prairie Nature Trail in the campground at Spring Canyon. We will be talking about... Full story
Valerie Clover and Michael R. Dennis are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Mikelle Rae Dennis on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014, at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee. She weighed 6 lbs., 8 oz., and was 18-3/4 inches in length at birth. Siblings include Kody 12, Ashlyn 10, Jeri 7 and Kinzleey 21 months. Maternal grandparents are Ray and Kathy Clover. Paternal grandparents include Bill and Linda Goodin. Great grandparents include Jean Routon of and Carlos Clover both of Arizona.... Full story
Misty Shockley and Dustin Carson of Grand Coulee are proud to announce the birth of their son Jaxson Dayn Carson on Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee. He weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz., and was 22 inches in length at birth. Sibling at home is proud big brother Kolton Carson 6-1/2. Other siblings are River Carson 18 and Caitlin Carson 16. Maternal grandmother is Jewel McGuire of Grand Coulee. Paternal grandparent is Kit Carson of Nespelem.... Full story
A burned-out house at 609 Holly Street in Coulee Dam continues to degrade and tree branches on the property fell down from recent winds adding to the fire hazard. The town disposed of branches that projected out into the street. The house burned two years ago, and cleanup will cost far more than the town would gain with a lien on the property. - Roger S. Lucas photo... Full story
Chamber This Week The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce will meet Thursday, August 28, at noon, at La Presa in Grand Coulee. Lynda Nutt of the Corps of Engineers will be the guest speaker. OES to Meet The Order of the Eastern Star will hold Initiation at its September 11 meeting. It will be Chapter Dress and long form. Refreshments will be provided by Bonnie Farr and birthday cake by Vivian Dugan. TOPS 1554 Meeting Date and Time Change TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter 1524 meets on Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m. at Grand Coulee Senior... Full story
In an avalanche of last-minute personnel changes, Nespelem Elementary School covered all its employee bases Monday, as new Principal Debra Pankey walked the school board through a configuration of new teachers and aides. Pankey, the school’s special education director, was hired this summer following the resignation of John Adkins as superintendent and principal. She will retain the special-ed administrative duties, but gain a teacher (Rick Mead) for teaching the students. Teachers Katlynn Reidt and Bethany Williams notified Pankey just last w... Full story