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Articles from the December 23, 2013 edition


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  • Bureau working to ready damaged plant for irrigation season

    Roger S Lucas|Dec 23, 2013

    The Bureau of Reclamation anticipates all six pump units in the John W. Keys III Pump-Generating Plant will be available to fill Banks Lake prior to the 2014 irrigation season, and expects to provide a normal irrigation water supply to the Columbia Basin. The pump plant has been out of service since a fire Nov. 18. The fire was contained to the south end of the pump plant and caused damage to the switchgear for Pump Generator 12 (PG-12). An employee injured in the fire, Dan McCulloch, 54, was flown to Harborview Medical Center’s burn center i...

  • USBR employee dies after fall at Pinto Dam

    press release, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation|Dec 23, 2013

    SPOKANE, Wash. – A Bureau of Reclamation employee died Wednesday night as a result of injuries sustained from a fall on Monday at a construction site at Pinto Dam located about 18 miles east of Ephrata, Wash. Holger “Hal” Jensen, 62, passed away with family gathered by his bedside at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash. He was a civil engineer with the construction engineering group in Reclamation’s Pacific Northwest Regional Office in Boise, Idaho. “This is simply heartbreaking,” said Lorri Lee, Pacific Northwest Regional Director. “O...

  • Hospital District commissioners meet tonight

    Dec 23, 2013

    The Hospital District 6 will meet tonight in the hospital lunch room at 6 p.m. The agenda is below....

  • Students raise dinner funds for 55 local families

    Roger S Lucas|Dec 23, 2013

    Some 63 needy families in the area will have a good Christmas dinner because of the work of the Lake Roosevelt High School Associated Student Body. The students at Lake Roosevelt sponsored a charity "Crimson and Gold" basketball game late in November and raised over $1,100 after expenses. ASB advisor Debbie Van Geystel said that Harvest Foods and Ed's Meats helped the fund stretch by giving the students a discount on food and meat. Last Friday morning,Van Geystel and student body officers were...

  • Okanogan Amateur Radio Club recognizes first concrete pouring at Grand Coulee Dam

    Mike Mauk|Dec 23, 2013

    Dec. 6th, 1935, was the first “ceremonious pour” of concrete at Grand Coulee Dam. It was the first of a total of 12 million yards, which is enough to pour a sidewalk around the world at the equator twice. The Okanogan County Amateur Radio Club W7ORC sponsored a special event to celebrate the anniversary of the that pouring. Club members used their home radio stations, commonly referred to as “HAM SHACKS,” starting at 4 p.m. Dec 6, and ended at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec 8. During most of the contacts, the club would give some facts about the dam and...

  • Fuller & Sons Auto making Choice move

    Roger S Lucas|Dec 23, 2013

    A veteran Midway Avenue business, Fuller & Sons Auto Sales, has sold. Keith Fuller, owner, said Friday that the new owner is Choice Auto Group of Omak, pending the transfer of licenses. Fuller opened his car business in Grand Coulee in October, 1987, just over 26 years ago. Choice Auto Group owner Mike Kaiser said that when the sale is complete, Fuller would continue at the firm along with veteran vehicle salesperson Heidi Black, who has seven years experience in sales. The business will soon...

  • Skateboarders told route too sketchy

    Roger S Lucas|Dec 23, 2013

    Skateboarders imagine: SR-174 provides a good hill and surface for skateboarders. And the people honking their horns are doing so to wish you a nice day. Three young juveniles were confronted by police for skateboarding on the state highway just off Burdin Boulevard. The three, two of them 17 years old and the other one 16, were reported by a local resident as riding their skateboards on the highway last Wednesday night. The one reporting the incident to police said the same trio had been skateboarding the previous night, also. Police...

  • Newsbriefs

    Dec 23, 2013

    Early deadline Publication dates and deadlines for The Star newspaper have been altered because of the holidays. The paper will publish on Monday instead of Wednesday for the next issue. Ads and news copy for the Dec. 30 paper must be in by noon Friday, Dec. 27. School enrollment up Student enrollment in local schools continues to show strong numbers. December averages show that there are 667 students from kindergarten through the 12th grade. That’s over 27 more than the district’s conservative estimate of 640, and 45 more than for the same mon...

  • It's a boy for Iukes/Suina

    Dec 23, 2013

    Ernestine Iukes and Dexter Suina of Nespelem are proud to announce the birth of their son Dexter Leroy Suina born Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee. He weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz., and was 21-1/2 inches in length at birth. Siblings include Raina Suina age 5 and Rhilene Suina age 2. Maternal grandparents are Laura Iukes and Steven Iukes. Paternal grandparent are Margie Chicharello of Gallup, N.M., and Joseph L. Suina of Grants, N.M....

  • Meetings and Notices

    Dec 23, 2013

    No Chamber Meetings Until the New Year There won’t be regular chamber meetings until after the new year. Enjoy the holidays. Grant County Fire Dist. 14 to Meet Grant County Fire District No.14 will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, December 30, at 7 p.m. at the Electric City Fire Station. Eagles #2577 Meetings The Auxiliary meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m., during the winter months. The Eagles #2577 Aerie meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Library has Friday Story Time The Grand Coulee L...

  • Christmas Services

    Dec 23, 2013

    • Coulee Dam Community Church A community candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) at the Coulee Dam Community Church located at 509 Central Drive, Coulee Dam. • United Methodist Church On Christmas Eve (Tuesday) at 7 p.m., the United Methodist Church in Grand Coulee will be celebrating the birth of our savior – “Love Came Down at Christmas”. Everyone is welcome. • Lutheran Church On Christmas Eve (Tuesday) Candlelight Services will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church in Grand Coulee at 7 p.m. and the Bet...

  • Kathleen Marie Bise

    Dec 23, 2013

    Kathleen Marie Bise passed away at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee, Wash., on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, at the age of 71. She was born April 11, 1942, in Spokane, Wash. She was the first of four daughters born to Clifford Doolittle and Lorraine Alden. Kathie grew up in Spokane. She graduated from Rogers High School and then completed cosmetology school. She met Earl Bise and they married on January 20, 1962. They were married for 51 years and had three children; Tracey, Clifford and Mark....

  • Jan Erickson for volunteer of the year

    Carol Schoning|Dec 23, 2013

    I would like to nominate Jan (Bonamici) Erickson for volunteer of the year. I realize that because she is a teacher many see what she does as part of her job, but it goes far beyond that. I have known Jan since 1985, as a volunteer in her classroom, then co-worker for many years. I know she is a totally dedicated teacher, but she also spends untold amounts of her own money on extra materials, prizes etc. each and every year to make learning more interesting, meaningful and fun. She buys foods and many other things that fit into the curriculum...

  • Doctor is not replaceable

    Betty Black|Dec 23, 2013

    Upon reading the letters regarding issues with the Coulee Medical Center, I concur with what I’ve read. I recently was in CMC (9-12-13 to 10-28-13) recovering from a practical hip surgery being done in Spokane. I could hardly wait to get back to the coulee. The caregivers were great. Not a bad one at all. Kindness beyond what you’d think. As far as I’m concerned, my primary care provider would not be able to be replaced. When you reach 87 you do not want to have to go over your life medical history. Dr. Castrodale has seen me through cance...

  • Jesus would care for the poor

    Angel H. Clark-Hall|Dec 23, 2013

    This past week my husband and I have been layed up at home; with our activities limited, and since there is 24-hour coverage, we watched plenty of news. For many years now I have been puzzled by the public stance that a number of Christians have taken against the poor and down trodden in our country. I am continually dismayed by their vehement denial of government aid to those in need, but by the same token they stubbornly protect the financial securities of the wealthy at all cost. My spirit has felt troubled by a quiet, yet persistent doubt....

  • "2013, Did Not Shut Up!"

    Jesse Utz|Dec 23, 2013

    This column started off last year as a twice-a-month, slap-you-in-the-face, get motivated, make-you-think piece in the paper. It soon became an every week read-at-the-coffee-drinking station of your choice. So let’s look back at what was written that brought tears to your eyes and anger to your lips. We started off the year comparing sports (sorry John) to our lives. How can we cheer on our neighbor to be better? Do we understand why a coach coaches the way he or she does? Can we be a coach f...

  • Coulee Recollections

    Dec 23, 2013

    Ten Years Ago Fire almost completely destroyed the home of Marvin and Shirley Palanuk Monday afternoon. Besides the fire, firefighters had to battle sub-zero temperatures but were able to save the garage. The Palanuks lost almost everything including numerous antiques and family heirlooms. Twenty-eight firefighters and eight firetrucks were needed to put out the blaze. The familiar sound of change clanging will disappear from the Coulee Dam Casino this week as they upgrade their slot machines to paper dispensing machines The first baby of the...

  • Raiders beat Entiat, lose to Pateros

    John McNeil II|Dec 23, 2013

    By John R. McNeil II Lake Roosevelt snapped a two game losing streak Dec. 16 against the Entiat Tigers, beating them on their home court 60-50, then dropped a two-point game to Pateros in Coulee Dam Dec. 20. "We needed that win against Entiat to help with our confidence and energy," Raider Head Coach Matt Simpson said. "We did a lot of great things and used this game as another learning experience moving forward." At Entiat, Chance Garvin picked up a double-double, scoring 12 points and...

  • Lady Raiders fall to Entiat, Pateros

    John McNeil II|Dec 23, 2013

    The Lady Raiders had a tough week, losing to Entiat at Entiat on Dec. 16, then losing at home to the Pateros Nannies on Dec. 20. The two losses drop the Lady Raiders’ win-loss record to 0-5 overall. Head Coach Wallace Pleasants says that the girls have to overcome these setbacks and, “It’s all about learning how to win.” Against Entiat the Lady Raiders faced a well coached quality team with a height advantage under the basket. Even with the disadvantage of height, the Lady Raiders played a tighter game than the 60-45 final score would suggest...

  • This week in sports

    Dec 23, 2013

    Fri., Dec. 27 Noon, Basketball at Tonasket Tournament. (Varsity boys’ and girls’ only). Sat., Dec. 28 10 a.m., Wrestling at Powerhouse Touranemnt, LR. 2 p.m., Basketball at Tonasket Tournament. (Varsity boys’ and girls’ only). Sat., Jan. 4 10 a.m., Wrestling at Warden. 4:30 p.m., Basketball at Waterville. Tues., Jan. 7 6/7:30 p.m., Basketball here with White Swan.(6 p.m., JV boys at Middle School/Varsity girls at high school) 7:30 p.m. (JV girls at middle school/Varsity boys at high school)...

  • BBCC dorms report high occupancy Increase in "mature" students

    Dec 23, 2013

    Residence hall occupancy at Big Bend Community College is at near capacity and holding firm, according to college officials. There were 156 people living in the dorms during fall quarter, a 50-percent increase over last year. The college estimates 150 will return for winter quarter 2014. The biggest change at the residence halls this year is the increasing average age of students living in the dorms. “We have 27 students over the age of 25,” said Hugh Scholte, BBCC residence hall director. “Previously, it was unusual to have any students over...

  • Holiday concert a big hit

    Dec 23, 2013

    Glenna Whitelaw's first-grade students perform in Nespelem School's holiday concert Thursday night to an audience of hundreds that packed the gym. - Sheri Edwards photo...

  • Coulee Cops

    Dec 23, 2013

    Grand Coulee Police 12/13 - A man living on Kelso Avenue in Electric City reported that someone dumped material into his hot tub. The police report stated that the material was the consistency of aquarium/reptile sand. It further stated that it appeared to be a malicious act. 12/16 - A Mazda truck parked illegally on Midway Avenue, with tabs that had expired over a year and a half ago, was removed by a tow vehicle. The vehicle was owned by a Nespelem man. - A driver’s license belonging to a Bridgeport man was found on Midway Avenue. When police...

  • Legals for December 23, 2013

    Dec 23, 2013

    PUBLIC NOTICE AT&T Mobility is proposing to install a telecommunications tower at 96 Shelton Road, Coulee, WA 99115 (47.60155, -119.436983). The height of the tower will be 76.2 meters above ground level (859 meters above mean sea level). The tower is anticipated to have FAA Style A (L-864/L-810). Specific information regarding the project is available by calling Adapt Engineering during normal business hours. Any interested party may submit comments by 01/26/2014 with Adapt Engineering at 10725 SW Barbur Blvd., Ste. 200, Portland, OR 97219 on...