Coulee Recollections

10 Years Ago

A Canadian law firm asked a U.S. Federal Court Thursday to dismiss a lawsuit filled by two members of the Colville Tribes, seeking to enforce a U.S. agency’s ruling that the company must abide by U.S. environmental laws against Teck Cominco, who admits to dumping “slag” for decades into Lake Roosevelt. Tuesday, Washington State joined the two tribal members in the lawsuit. 

Raider Football Head Coach Matt Bona is optimistic this week as the football team finishes summer practices. “We have 36 kids out and that is a lot more than last year.” Bona also pointed out returning players that will have a big impact this year. “Neil Johnson, Jarred Erickson and Rob Seylor, all seniors, and Zach Thiefault have all came in and secured their positions with hard work.”

20 Years Ago

A new business is making old useless tires into durable mats, fencing and other items. Doug Sieibold and Bonnice Sieker of Grand Coulee, owners and operators of Coulee Do, have added the old tire business to their already busy schedule of snowplowing, general maintenance and taxi service.

A dog stranded on the rocks, lining the fore bay dam behind the third powerhouse, was rescued last week against his will. The Saint Bernard-Husky mix sat on the rocks in a crevice and watched crews try and get to it’s location. Once rescuers reached him with a bucket hanging from a crane and one worker, the dog refused to cooperate. Two and a half hours later and two packages of jerky, the dog was rescued. 

30 Years Ago

Dixon-Carter and Associates have been awarded a lease contract for a $10 million dollar development of Crescent Bay. Gary Kuiper, Park Service Superintendent announced Thursday. This contract will include a boat launch ramp, marina and day use area, convention center with meeting rooms and other things to be added if cost allows including a skate rink and water slide. 

40 Years Ago

Terry Sieker, of Grand Coulee, picked up the win in the trophy dash at Ephrata Speedway Saturday night in the Jalopy Class. Sieker has been racing there all season. His sponsors include: Smitty’s Pancake House, Injun Earl, Mutual Benefits, Stuckey’s Market, John Stewart, Little Mac and Grand Coulee Auto Wrecking.  

50 Years Ago

School officially opened at Grand Coulee Central Elementary when Principal, Henry Milhofer unlocked the front door, letting a small group of waiting youngsters in the door. The eager students were: Patty Gumm, Jimmy Robinson, Brian Barnaby, Gary Gumm, Susan Ruthhart, Jody Sharr, Christie Cunningham and David Easely. 

60 Years Ago

Grand Coulee Tigers new head football coach, Dennis Rath, is excited for the upcoming season with 11 returning juniors and 6 seniors. Coach Rath listed a few players worth watching this year: Rick McClain, Wally Adams, Jim Crawford, Landy Harrell, Greg Hagland, Jim Flowers, Mick McKinnon, John Flowers, Rodney Bise, Fred Manzer, Gary Sanderson and John Weber.