New store manager hired

Brian Wells has been named manager of the Variety Store in Grand Coulee.

Owner John Sweeden made the announcement this week.

Wells, a Spokane native, replaces Daniel Klug, who died of cancer on Jan. 25.

The new manager took over duties at the store this week, and has long retail experience.

Wells said Tuesday that he is looking for rental housing in the Grand Coulee area. He and his wife Donna are currently living in Coulee City.

Wells attended North Central High School in Spokane, worked for Rosauers Grocers and spent 20 years with Ace Hardware in the Tacoma area.

“I like the small town where most people know each other,” Wells said.

He noted that altogether he has had some 35 years experience in retail. Wells and his wife have two grown children, one in California and the other in Spokane.

“Growing up, we visited the Keller Ferry area quite often,” Wells noted.

Klug died suddenly after a short illness with cancer. He had managed the Variety Store since it opened about six years ago.

A potluck “ceremony of life” will be held at 1 p.m. this Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Eagles Lodge in Grand Coulee. The public is invited to attend.