News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
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I am writing this letter in regards to the article of “Big Wood Carvings Proposed!” They are willing to pay $12,000 for these stumps (at Coulee Dam Park!) to be carved into animals? What I don’t understand is children who are the majority that spend time there and play. Play on what? Really, I can honestly say we do not have any new up-to-date equipment in any of our parks for goodness sakes. For instance… we have no pool, they covered it with cement. All parents can’t take their kids to the beach. Smaller towns than us have better parks and... Full story
by Scott Hunter On Nov. 6 voters will be asked to support a tax levy for the Coulee Area Park and Recreation District, and comissioners spent time last week discussing that upcoming vote and ways to get the word out about the issue. The district, with boundaries that encompass the local school and hospital districts combined, will seek taxpayer support for its facilities. At this point, that means North Dam Park and Event Center, but commissioners also spoke of other opportunities to support around the larger community. The district organized... Full story
Terry Batterman and Janet O’Neil drive the hay wagon, giving free rides during the first Coulee Fall Fest sponsored by the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce Saturday at North Dam Park. — Scott Hunter photo... Full story
A meeting of Douglas County Fire District 3 last week started out heated, but by the end of the meeting everyone had agreed on two things -- a lack of communications and a lack of resources. The discussion centered around the recent Leahy Fire and the problems firefighters faced. Rancher Jim Hemmer stirred the pot by recounting problems the fire district has had over the years. He cited trucks broken down, unfilled water tanks, and radios in disrepair. Then he asked why fire trucks had been withheld from his home and others nearby. Jay Webber,... Full story
Meeting moved Action on issues before a Grand Coulee Dam School District meeting last Thursday were moved to Monday, Oct. 22, because of a lack of a quorum. The school board meets at 6 p.m. at the district office. City planner hired Electric City has hired SCI Alliance of Wenatchee as its city planner. The firm will represent the city in the current Shoreline Management Plan and keep the city’s comprehensive plan up to date. SCI replaces Daryl Piercy, who has been handling the position for the past few years. The new firm will get $95 an h... Full story
by Roger S. Lucas Electric City residents, you now live in a “transportation benefit district.” What does it mean? Nothing, at least for six months to a year, and then it will cost you $20 more for any license tabs you purchase for one of your vehicles. The city council Oct. 9, as expected, passed the new regulatory district ordinance. And it’s just a start. “Before we can start charging the $20 fee, we have to get a couple of more ordinances passed, and organize the governing body, and establish by-laws,” City Clerk Jackie Perman said. Inc... Full story
The town councils of Coulee Dam and Elmer City and their attorneys may finally getting together to work through questions about their 50-year sewer service contract. Coulee Dam sent an invitation for Elmer City officials to join its council in a special meeting at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 7, for discussions. That date is not confirmed. Elmer City has maintained that it is a partner in the Coulee Dam Wastewater Treatment project, not just a customer, and therefore should have been part of the planning process for the new plant. Currently Coulee... Full story
The Dock Company of Chelan, on Friday, installed the handicapped-accessible fishing pier that the Grand Coulee Dam Rotary Club has been working toward for a dozen years. At Steamboat Rock State Park near the concession stand, the pier is the only such facility in North Central Washington. Past President Kelly Buche, center, takes a moment on the dock with installers. — Scott Hunter photo... Full story
Progress on improving the air quality at Center School is coming along about as well as can be expected, Grand Coulee Dam School District Superintendent Dennis Carlson said this week. He said the district has and is responding to the issues raised in an air quality report by Fulcrum, a firm hired to examine air quality at the school and come up with recommendations on how to deal with the problems. Air quality has been an issue at the school for several years and came to light when staff at Center went directly to the board with their... Full story
Electric City’s arsenic treatment plant will soon be up and running. And the question is: Will Electric City water taste the same? There’s room for discussion here. Mayor Jerry Sands said there might be just a touch of chlorine taste. Public Works Director Ken Dexter agrees. People who are used to Electric City’s water taste may notice a slight difference, both city officials agreed, while touring the new plant. Last week, engineers from both Gray and Osborne and equipment suppliers were on site running tests and reviewing progress. The near... Full story
Don McClure strums and sings an impromptu duet with a passing partner at the community yard sale sponsor the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce Saturday as part of the first Coulee Fall Festival. — Karyn Byam photo... Full story
Coulee Dam police got the OK from the town council Wednesday to purchase 10 tasers along with equipment associated with them for $17,253.50. Chief Pat Collins told the council that the town would have to pay for the tasers but would be reimbursed the full amount by the Bureau of Reclamation through the department’s contract arrangement. He said the town would have to adopt a budget amendment since the purchase was not within the department’s 2012 budget. Collins told the council that the department tasers were old and needed to be rep... Full story
As the owner of an eagle carving down the street from Coulee Dam park, I was interested to see the carving of a salmon out of one of the downed trees at the park. I would like to suggest that the other tree be carved to recognize the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans in this area. Chief Joseph is buried up the road in Nespelem and is recognized as one of the great Tribal leaders of all time. Hopefully, the powers that be will realize this and act accordingly. By the way, the eagle carving at my residence only cost $350! Larry... Full story
Now that Colville tribal members have received a total of 50 percent of settlement monie$ I am stoked. I prefer to have this money in my account than in the tribal council’s pork barrel. I believe that many other senior tribal members feel as I do since the miss-spending and bad intuitive investments have been going on for so many years. I prefer to manage funds which I am entitled to and I do not need tribal council oversight. It looks like a great day. R.C. Covington... Full story
I watched as President Obama was sworn in as President. He placed his hand on the Bible as he took the oath of office swearing he would uphold the Constitution and the laws of United States of America. Lately it appears his word is meaningless. He gave orders for the Border Agents not to enforce laws pertaining to illegal immigrants crossing into the U.S. in July. Obama made matters worse by closing nine Border Patrol Stations of an already stretched force, now leaving only two agents for 26 counties in Texas. The Dream Act is putting Law of... Full story
I mourn the loss of the peonies, asters, rudbeckia, gladiolas, sedums, chrystanthemums, anemones, day lilies, dahlias, amaranth, cannas, datura, daphne, calendulas, cosmos, snap dragons, lupines, poppies, iris, dianthus, ferns, columbines, echinacea, hens and chicks, morning glories, hollyhocks, batchelor buttons, hostas, bergenias, portulaeas, carnations, weigelia, pansies, violets, daffodils, tulips, crocus…which were stoned! Gayle Swagerty... Full story
With the holidays rapidly approaching, many teenagers will be behind the wheel visiting family and friends … and often copying the driving behavior of their parents. But, is that a good thing? Not necessarily. New research from SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and Liberty Mutual Insurance reveals an alarming example of do what I say, not what I do when it comes to distracted and dangerous driving. For example, 66 percent of teens believe their parents follow different rules behind t... Full story
Almost a century ago, the U.S. Forest Service established a program for Americans to build cabins on small lots of forest land. The goal of the program was to encourage public recreation and enhance the stewardship of our National Forests. Many of the cabins are simple, rustic structures hand-built by the grandparents of the current owners and passed down from generation to generation. Today, there are more than 14,000 recreational cabin owners, including many here in Central Washington. Unfortunately, over the past several years, this family... Full story
Ten Years Ago The town of Coulee Dam has all of the money it needs now to begin building a water filtration plant by the end of this year. While most people in their 70s might spend time with their children and grandchildren in the comfort of their homes, an Elmer City woman spends her reunion time with her children hunting moose in the wilds of Alaska. Every year for the past six or seven years, Jean Nelson has gone up to a shack made of tar paper, a couple of boards and a plastic tarp located approximately 70 miles north of Fairbanks,... Full story
Samantha Leigh Keck and Todd Robert Branco were married Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, at the Bellingham Courthouse. Superior Court Commissioner Leon Henley officiated. Plans for a vow renewal will take place on August 25, 2013, at Evergreen Gardens in Ferndale, Wash. The bride is the daughter of Stuart Lee and Valerie P. Keck of Grand Coulee. The bridegroom is the son of Antonio F. Branco of Burlington and Sherri Kipling of Everson. The bride graduated from Nooksack Valley High and works at Little... Full story
Coulee Community Choir presents for your listening pleasure a collection of familiar traditional American spirituals. Come along “When the Saints Go Marching In,” travel “The Jericho Road”, or “Climb Up The Mountain Children” … Wanna ride? “Get On Board Little Children”. “If I Have My Ticket, Can I Ride?” “cause “This Train” is bound for glory. “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, and “Steal Away” to that “Deep River”. Come in out of the cold and spend a Sunday afternoon, enjoy the music. It will be held Sunday, Oct. 21, at 3 p.m. at St. Henry’s Catho... Full story
Senior Meals Wed., Oct. 17 - Dinner Overn Baked Chicken, Scalloped Potatoes, Corn, Fruit Cobbler Thurs., Oct. 18 - Dinner Mac & Cheese with Ham, Broccoli, Carrot Salad, Fruit & Pudding Parfait. Fri., Oct. 19 - Breakfast Sausage & Cheese Omelet, O’Brien Potatoes, Toast, Cinnamon Applesauce, Orange Juice. Mon., Oct. 22 - Breakfast Sausage Links, Eggs, Pancakes, Bowl of Seasonal Fruit, Orange Juice. Tues., Oct. 23 - Dinner Sausage Penne with Red Sauce, Veggie Salad Bar, Garlic Bread, Fruit Jello Wed., Oct. 24 - Dinner Teriyaki Chicken Over Bed o... Full story
Duane Clark Hollan, 67, born February 1, 1945, in Ritzville, Wash., to Emil and Pauline Hollan, quietly passed away in his sleep during the morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at his Grand Coulee, Washington home. December 26, 1975, saw Duane’s best post-Christmas present ever, when he married Clarkette Perry in Ephrata, Wash. In 2005 he retired as a material engineering technician with the Bureau of Reclamation following 41 years of federal service, during which he was proud of his c... Full story
Joyce Irene McCorkle, 89, of Smelterville, Idaho, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, at her home in Smelterville. She was born April 17, 1923, in Edmonton, England, the daughter of Charles and Ethel Ida (Carter) Hills. Joyce attended and graduated from Freemantle High School of Freemantle, Western Australia. She married Thomas Pettit on Nov. 27, 1943, in Perth, Western Australia; they later divorced. She then married Wallace Oberg in 1952 in Superior, N.D.; they later divorced. Joyce moved to the Silver... Full story
Loved by all who knew her, Elsie Mae (Lemery) Picard, 80, passed away with family by her side at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee, Wash., on Thursday, October 11, 2012. Elsie entered this world May 21, 1931, into the home of Pete and Louise (Smith) Lemery of Boyds, Wash. After attending school at St. Mary’s Mission, Elsie married William Wayne Picard on March 27, 1947, who sadly passed away after over 50 years together. Survived by five children: Linda K. Hogan (Philip), Randall L. “Bucky... Full story