Newsbriefs

Spring ahead

Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday morning, March 8. Clocks must move ahead one hour. DST will end Sunday, November 1.

Still looking

Coulee Dam police Chief Pat Collins explained to the council that the person selected to become the town’s third officer had turned the assignment down. He further explained that the town’s Civil Service Commission had offered up enough candidates that the process would probably produce another candidate for the third position. The town is also seeking to hire a fourth officer.

Gas going up

Average retail gasoline prices in Washington have risen 25.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.69 per gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,666 gas outlets in Washington. This compares with the national average that has increased 12 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.42, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com. Gas prices in the Grand Coulee area rose 40 cents after several weeks of stability.

In the last two weeks, a rash of refinery problems has has contributed to the spring spike, including an explosion at a California refinery and unexpected cold-related shut downs along the East Coast and Great Lakes.

Although the rate of climb should slow, the rising price trend is expected to last six to eight more weeks.

Museum wants scouting items

The Coulee Pioneer Museum is in the process of curating items for display in an upcoming exhibit on the “History of Scouting, Campfire and 4-H in the Grand Coulee Dam Area.” Anyone who would like to loan items for the exhibit should call Constance Wilson at 633-3132.

Fire dept. adds member

The Coulee Dam town council voted last Wednesday night to accept McKenzie Able as a member of the volunteer fire department. He was recommended by interim fire Chief Flint Bjorson.

The difference in a decade

A 10-year report from the North Central Educational Service District shows that the average attendance in the Grand Coulee Dam School District 10 years ago was 779. The current average attendance is about 700. It also showed that staffing 10 years ago was 106 and that the current staffing level is 100.

Honor slated for volunteer

The seniors will honor their “Volunteer of the Year” for 2014, Felix Marcolin, at a special dinner at the Grand Coulee Dam Senior Center, Tuesday, March 10, beginning at 5 p.m. Reservations have to be in by Friday, March 6. Call 633-2321 to reserve a place.