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Articles from the December 7, 2016 edition


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  • People meet for a "community watch" start

    Roger S Lucas|Dec 7, 2016

    In a spirit of concern and cooperation, Coulee Dam had its first “Community Watch” meeting last Tuesday night. About 45 people turned out at the old stone church in Coulee Dam, to discuss the rash of burglaries and car prowls that have occurred in the town and region in recent months. And there’s more to come, with a second and more detailed meeting set for sometime in January. Leading the discussion was Ed Bartley, a retired police officer, with some 50 years in law enforcement, who helped prepare material about community watch efforts and t...

  • Could have been much worse

    Dec 7, 2016

    Rescuers work to hoist back up their heavy gear after getting four young people out of a wrecked Honda Passport in which they had been headed to school Tuesday morning. A witness at the scene said he'd been headed north on SR-155 just north of Coulee Dam when their SUV suddenly left the road, hit a slight embankment and went airborne until hitting the rocks, head on, at the bottom of the ravine. Two ambulances were called. At least one girl suffered a broken leg, but no other injuries were...

  • Tribal veterans join thousands at pipeline protest and victory

    Scott Hunter|Dec 7, 2016

    Smiles and tears accompanied song and prayer last week as members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation gave an appreciative sendoff to 10 armed forces veterans who were heading to an international protest to stop a pipeline being constructed in North Dakota from crossing under the Missouri River. They were joining thousands of other veterans from Indian Country across America headed to the Oceti Sakowin protest camp on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation south of Bismarck,...

  • Change planned for PUD office

    Roger S Lucas|Dec 7, 2016

    Grant County PUD plans to switch its Grand Coulee office to a drive-up service sometime early next year. Speaking for the PUD, public affairs manager Thomas Stredwick said Tuesday that there will still be a public presence at the Grand Coulee office, but it will be through contact at its drive-up service window. Stredwick said the target date for the switch over is Jan. 1, 2017. Preparing for the change, the PUD plans some minor communications adjustment for its service window. “It will be somewhat like a drive-by bank service window,” Str...

  • No bidders for Center School building

    Roger S Lucas|Dec 7, 2016

    The proposed sale of Center School failed to receive any bids, school officials stated Monday. That makes twice that the school district has requested bidders to buy the Center School and property. Both times no one offered bids. Deadline for the current bidding cycle was Dec. 1, and school officials had stated that three parties had indicated interest in the property. Former school superintendent Dennis Carlson was named to handle the sale of the property because current Superintendent Paul Turner told the school board that he had a possible c...

  • Newsbriefs

    Dec 7, 2016

    Library festivities planned Children should get ready for a fun night at Grand Coulee Library. There will be a special holiday lighting, gifts, refreshments and a lot of fun for everyone, Thursday, Dec. 15, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Librarian Lisa Moore said that Santa plans to arrive on a fire truck. The library will give door prizes, kids will get book gifts, and there will still be time for some caroling. Each year, the library has an evening for kids just before Christmas. Moore stated that adults are welcome to take in the various...

  • Dam would be costly boondoggle for Okanogan County

    Jack Burchard|Dec 7, 2016

    At this time of politics gone wild, let’s turn our attention to a significant local issue that we actually have the power to control: Enloe Dam. I’m amazed how the desire to “have our own dam” has become more important than the simple facts. Over the past 10 years the Okanogan PUD has spent countless hours and approximately $14 million to resurrect Enloe Dam. The PUD plans to spend $40 million to $45 million more to get the dam to produce electricity. After all that, the dam will have a maximum generating capacity of only 9 megawatts (MW). T...

  • No compromise needed with the Electoral College

    Michael Palanuk|Dec 7, 2016

    I read with interest a letter from Joe Bialek of Cleveland on changing the election process. He is an avowed Democrat and showed us a way to manipulate figures to show that the United States should drop the “winner take all” electoral college system of selecting a President. His approach was to base selection on the percentage of votes no matter how many candidates. Essentially this would take electoral votes away from both of the ‘leaders” and give votes to candidates who didn’t have a chance to be elected. Therefore, this year Mrs. Clinton w...

  • PUD paying millions for "luxury" improvements

    Danna Dal Porto|Dec 7, 2016

    The Grant PUD is paying $41,516,398 for luxury improvements at Crescent Bar. Grant PUD ratepayers need to understand that they are paying for a golf course and a 61-slip boat marina, and these items contribute to higher monthly electric bills. The federal government required Grant PUD to make improvements at Crescent Bar as part of the re-licensing process. The improvements were approved by a split vote of the PUD Commission, with Commissioners Bob Bernd, Terry Brewer and Larry Schaapman voting to protect the privileges of the 410 residences...

  • Your Story, Part 2

    Jesse Utz|Dec 7, 2016

    Last week I started telling you about my story, using only the three important parts that I thought were most relevant to my story. Sometimes what we think is important or a part of us is not essential to the heart of the person listening to our story. The important things to us are not the key elements to a life-changing tale. To tell your life story, you must have the potential to change the life of the person listening. With that being said, let me pick up where I left off last week. I had just packed my stuff and left. I had no idea where I...

  • Jacob Steven Fischer

    Dec 7, 2016

    Jacob (Jake) Fischer died in his home in Spokane, Washington, before November 27, 2016. He was 42. He was born September 29, 1974, to Sheri Rae Edwards Fischer and Robert Erwin Fischer in Spokane. He graduated from Lake Roosevelt High School in 1993, moved to Spokane and started his construction contracting business, in which he earned a solid reputation for perfection. Jake took great pride in any endeavor he undertook. He and Autumn Sherman married in 1994 and had two daughters, Allison and...

  • Virginia "Ginny" D. Canterbury (Ferguson)

    Dec 7, 2016

    Virginia "Ginny" D. Canterbury (Ferguson) born March 14, 1938, of Wilbur, Washington, passed away peacefully Dec. 2, 2016, in Spokane, Washington. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Ginny, or "Fergie" as she was known, graduated from Coulee Dam High School in 1956. Ginny enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved nature. She loved to garden and often commented she "talked to worms" while gardening. She loved all animals, and always had a dog as her constant...

  • Bikes raffledfor city park

    Roger S Lucas|Dec 7, 2016

    A raffle to benefit a new park in Electric City has raised $500, City Councilmember Lonna Bussert said Monday. Bussert has held two picnic celebrations and now the raffle of two bicycles to raise over $4,000 toward development of the new park behind the fire station in Electric City. Winners of the bicycles were Susan Haydock of Coulee Dam and Cody Bright of Wilbur. Bright donated his bicycle back and Bussert gave it to Trees of Sharing, to be given to some child in the area. Bussert had stated that she hoped to get started on the park next...

  • Meetings and Notices

    Dec 7, 2016

    Chamber to Meet The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce will meet at noon, this Thursday, Dec. 8, at Siam Palace. Jaci Gross will be talking about her hike of the Camino de Santiago. American Legion to Meet The American Legion Post 157 will be meeting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec 12 at the Vets Center in Electric City. Monday Sew-Ins All are welcome at the Coulee Creators Sew-in Monday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 512 Federal Ave., Room 207, Grand Coulee. Contact marlene@kissedquilts.com or 509-386-5715 for info. Alumni to meet on...

  • Few eligible, team still takes 3rd at tourney

    Jacob Wagner|Dec 7, 2016

    Even out-manned four to one, Raider wrestlers placed third out of 13 schools Saturday at the 26th Annual Davenport Invitational with a team total of 76 points. Reardan took first with 204 points, and Kittitas placed second with 82. "It was a successful outing for us," said head coach Steve Hood. "We don't have a full lineup and the team that placed first had 20 wrestlers in the tournament, and we had five. We'll have some more kids eligible soon." The five wrestlers from Lake Roosevelt qualified...

  • Raiders stung by Oroville Hornets

    Jacob Wagner|Dec 7, 2016

    The Raiders boys basketball team suffered a grim defeat in Oroville over the weekend, losing 80-30 to the Hornets in Oroville. “It was really a tough game to start the season,” remarked Head Coach Levi Seekins. “We played hard throughout the whole game. Quincy Williams played really well and led by example.” The game was a lesson in what the team needs to work on. “Hopefully, we learned how hard we need to play and how hard we need to prepare,” Seekins said. “We have a lot to improve on from fundamentals, team defense, preparation,...

  • Ladies swat the Hornets in opener

    Jacob Wagner|Dec 7, 2016

    The Lady Raiders basketball team defeated the Oroville Lady Hornets on the Hornets’ home court 64-46 Saturday in the 2016-17 season opener. “We got out to an outstanding start with our defense, which allowed us to get into some of the things we have been working on,” said Head Coach Wallace Pleasants. All 10 players on the varsity squad were able to log in some minutes on the court. “We were able to get a look at some new players in different situations,” Pleasants said. “The only way we are going to get better is by playing the girls, lett...

  • This week in sports

    Dec 7, 2016

    Wed., Dec. 7 6 p.m., LR Wrestling at Home Mix and Match Thurs., Dec. 8 4:30 p.m., LR Basketball at Liberty Bell 5 p.m., JH Basketballat Okanogan Sat., Dec. 10 10 a.m., LR Wrestling at Connell 1 p.m., LR Basketball here with Soap Lake (L) Tues., Dec. 13 4:30 p.m., LR Basketball at Manson(L) Wed., De. 14 6 p.m., LR Wrestling at Oroville Mixer Thurs., Dec. 15 4:30, LR Basketball here with Tonasket(L) Sat., Dec. 17 1 p.m., LR Basketball at Okanogan (NL)...

  • Bowling Scores

    Dec 7, 2016

    COLUMBIA LEAGUE TEAM W L Strike or Spare 32 20 Team 6 31 21 Solid T Const. 18 34 High Game: Don Richer 265; Sharey Redthunder 189 High Series: Don Richer 676; Sharey Redthumder 508 Splits: Ron Staggs 4-5/5-7; Jesse Jackson 3-6-7 DAM KEGLERS TEAM W L 4 133.5 106.5 5 124.5 115.5 3 121.5 118.5 2 116.5 123.5 6 116 124 1 8 12 High Game: Candy W-B 182; Mark Tonasket 258; Dale Bjorson 247; Tiger A-T 236 Hgh Series: Candy W-B 476; John Stensgar 684; Dale Bjorson 649; Mark Tonasket 642 Splits: Jamie 4-5; John S. 2-10; Bob T. 3-10 THURSDAY MIX-UPS TEAM...

  • Legals for December 7, 2016

    Dec 7, 2016

    Public Notice Town of Coulee Dam ORDINANCES ADOPTED BY THE TOWN OF COULEE DAM Ordinance 742 – An Ordinance of the Town of Coulee Dam, Washington, fixing the amounts to be raised by Ad Valorem Taxes for the Year 2017. Ordinance 743 – An ordinance setting salaries and wages for officers and employees of the Town of Coulee Dam for the calendar year 2017 and repealing Ordinance No. 737. Ordinance 744 – An Ordinance of the Town of Coulee Dam adopting the Budget for the calendar year 2017. Full and complete copies of the above ordinance are avail...

  • Seventy-six years ago

    Dec 7, 2016

    The start of excavation for the removal of over-burden from the west tailrace slide area at Grand Coulee Dam. - Dec. 9, 1940...

  • Coulee Cops

    Dec 7, 2016

    Grand Coulee Police 11/27 - A man saw someone crouched near his girlfriend’s car at a Main Street apartment and yelled at him. His girlfriend came to the door and heard a “hissing” sound and saw the man letting the air out of her tire. She chased him for about a block. She gave police the name of the man she chased, but police were unable to find him. 11/28 - A woman went to see her daughter at her house on Wenatchee Ave. NE, where, she reported, a man yelled profanities at her and wouldn’t let her in the house. Police checked on the daughte...

  • Big public practice

    Dec 7, 2016

    At the annual Crimson and Gold game Nov. 29, mixed varsity and junior varsity teams of Lake Roosevelt boys and girls basketballers played crimson vs. gold teams. It was essentially "just another practice, except we had people in the stands," in boys' Coach Levi Seekins view. "You always learn something about your players when you put them in a situation to compete."...

  • Minor damage

    Dec 7, 2016

    A fire late Monday morning at 415 North Columbia in Coulee Dam damaged the rear area of a garage at the home of Tim Wilging. The fire brought trucks from Electric City, Grand Coulee and the Bureau of Reclamation. The fire was quickly extinguished and the cause of the fire was not determined. - Roger Lucas photo...