Newsbriefs

Chamber calls economic

development meeting

Inviting all local city elected officials, anyone who generates hotel/motel taxes, plus others, the chamber of commerce has called an economic development meeting for Monday at 2 p.m. at the Grand Coulee Dam Middle School library.

How to increase tourism was one of four main topics to pursue that came out of a meeting several weeks ago with the Bureau of Reclamation.

The meeting will be facilitated by Steve Becker, the director of marketing at Coulee Medical Center. It will also be attended by Edward Redmond, a staff member on the state Senate Committee on Trade & Economic Development, who can help answer questions as to how hotel/motel taxes are intended to be spent.

Carey

takes lead

Mary Jo Carey of Elmer City is now the presiding mayor of the Regional Board of Mayors and will hold that office for 15 months. Coulee Dam Mayor Quincy Snow is the outgoing presiding officer. The mayors serve on a rotation basis, changing every 15 months.

Mill Pond Days this weekend

Nespelem will celebrate “Mill Pond Days” this weekend with several events from Friday night through Saturday, including: a parade to honor past, present and future fire fighters and EMTs; a grand marshal’s potluck; a senior center breakfast; a 3-on-3 basketball tournament; a 5K run; a Crutches, Wheel Chairs & Bed Relay Race; a Poker Run; a shooting gallery; a talent show; a health fair; and vendors and other activities in the park.

Kite flying event at Chief Jo

Washington Kitefliers Association will host two days of kite making and flying June 21-22 at the Chief Joseph Dam Information and Rest Area. The free event is open to all. Contact Bonnie Ecker for more information at 206-764-6183 or whrlwind@comcast.net.

Fake calls from courts demand money

Scammers are calling Washington residents claiming to represent various Washington courts and demanding residents wire money by 10 a.m., or face arrest, warns state Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

People who receive these calls assume the calls must be about outstanding fines or warrants they are unaware of. It’s only when they follow up with the court they discover there is no violation, and confirm they got scammed.

The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) believes the scammer is spoofing court phone numbers, so it looks like a court is calling. Most recently, the scammers are using the Des Moines Municipal Court’s phone number.

Keep these facts in mind if you receive a call:

· Courts never call people to collect debts;

· Non-payment of debt is not a crime; and

· Most courts accept cash or credit cards and don’t encourage wiring money as an option.

The AGO encourages consumers to be skeptical of any call demanding money.