Newsbriefs

Bullish time

starts tonight

Pack the kids in the car and head out to the Rodeo Grounds tonight (Wednesday, Aug. 15) for the Ridge Rider’s bull riding event. A beer garden opens at 6 p.m. and action out of the chutes begins at 7 p.m. Some 36 bulls await dozens of cowboys who look to hang in there for an eight-second ride and a chance for glory and cash.

Free concerts begin this week

Each Friday and Saturday night through Sept. 1 will see live bands playing in a series of free concerts at North Dam Park and Events Center. All shows start at 6 p.m., and everyone is invited.

Going to a fair?

Then Grant County Health District has some advice for you.

- Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water before and after handling animals.

- Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth in animal areas and don’t take food or drink into animal areas.

- Avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill.

- Avoid contact with pigs if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

The alert was issued because of some recent outbreaks of swine flu.

Tribal vote

count Friday

Colville Tribal election officials will begin counting the settlement referendum votes on Friday. The referendum was voted on Saturday to determine if enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will receive another 30 percent of the $193 million accepted by the tribes to settle a suit with the federal government for the mismanagement of leases on tribal land. Earlier, tribal members received 20 percent of the settlement amount.

NPS will hold tours for concession bidders

Those interested in submitting proposals to run marinas and houseboat operations on Lake Roosevelt can tour the facilities Aug. 28 and Sept. 6.

The National Park Service intends to issue an updated prospectus soliciting for proposals in response to a business opportunity to provide commercial services that may include houseboat and boat rentals, moorage, retail, fuel sales, food and beverage sales, and related services at Keller Ferry and Seven Bays Marinas within Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, a press release states.

Site visits will start at 9 a.m. at Keller Ferry Marina Store each day. Those wishing to attend must email their intentions to kim_gagliolo@nps.gov.

Coach resigns

The Grand Coulee Dam School District board accepted the resignation of Jenny Wilson as eighth-grade volleyball coach at its special meeting last Wednesday night.

Fence to be built

Elmer City council awarded a contract to put a fence around the town’s pump station to BB Contracting, a local firm. The bid was for $5,850. The next closest bid was for $6,800.

The bid award was made Thursday night at the town’s monthly council meeting.

Town takes on water customers

Now that the Lone Pine water project has been completed, the town of Elmer City has agreed by resolution to take over property and easements formerly held by the Lone Pine Water Association. The association’s customers are now being served by Elmer City.