Coulee Recollections

10 Years Ago

Two studies, into a fatal accident at Grand Coulee Dam, where Charley Sage oand Gardner Zemke died, found that the accident could have been prevented or minimized if certain safety procedures had been in place and followed. 

The uniformed police officer that walks the halls at Lake Roosevelt could be eliminated next year due to a dropping enrollment. This came from a statement from District Superintendent, Bob Ranells, stating that the COPS grant that has funded the officer the last three years must be picked up by the school district the fourth but a projected 47 less students next year could mean eliminating the program entirely.  

 20 Years Ago

An Electric City man was arrested at the Spokane International Airport last friday and charged with conspiring to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Rice. If convicted the man could face a minimum of 10 years in prison.

An arbitrator ruled last week that the firing of a former union president was unreasonable and ordered his reinstatement as a mechanical engineer with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Tom Nieberding was dismissed from his position after a verbal altercation with the bureau labor relations officer from Boise. 

30 Years Ago

The winners of the Fun Factory’s 1st Annual Break Dance Competition were:  1st Place Mario Zephier, 2nd Place Matt Greisee and 3rd Place Chan Richards.

40 Years Ago

Gene’s Food City in Coulee Dam announced today that Tom Garvin, formerly of Soap Lake, is the new Assistant Manager. He comes to the area with 12 years of experience in the retail business and four kids. Cheryl 20, Connie 18, Cindi 14 and Craig 13. They will be making their home in Electric City.

50 Years Ago

Georgina Catherine McManus, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Zenase Smick, of Electric City became the bride of Robert Louis Pachosa, son of Mr. and Mrs. Metz Pachosa of Grand Coulee. The two were married in a double ring ceremony held at St. Benedict’s Church the Reverend Father Gerald Corrigan officiated. 

60 Years Ago

An enthusiastic group of over 60 locals gathered at the Green Hut in Coulee Dam for a presentation by Al Morris of Grand Coulee Dam Tourism Service. As part of the presentation Morris submitted and discussed a proposal to expand the tourist information area to include a museum and zoo. Plans and financing is well on its way and all involved came away very excited and eager.

79 Years Ago

Electric City now has electricity. The juice was turned on to Electric City and Osborn business communities Friday evening. Many people have wanted to build homes in the area but the lack of electricity has forced them to build elsewhere. Also in Electric City the dirt roads will slowly disappear next week as the