Coulee Recollections

10 years ago

A spreadsheet-type document titled “Coulee Family Medicine for Year 2004,” only listing patients at CCH’s on-campus clinic in Grand Coulee, and copies of the hospital’s financial statements, have been circulating among citizens interested in hospital affairs since the budget-related firing of two popular health care providers, Dr. Ralph Monteagudo and Physician’s Assistant Chris Seyler, who were let go last month in a controversial decision to cut expenses.

Lake Roosevelt senior Robbie Seylor was named the State Academic Champion for the 189 pound wrestling division by a vote of coaches at the State Tournament recently. Seylor has a 3.25 GPA and has been a “mainstay” of the Raider wresting team.

Ray D. and Sharon Nissen, residents of the Belvedere area, north of Elmer City, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 12 at the Vets Center in Electric City. Those wishing to attend the festivities were asked to rsvp with their daughters, Kim Stanger or Krystal Nissen.

20 years ago

Fred and Barbara Meyer of Coulee Dam are spearheading a day to commemorate the achievements of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, among them the building of Grand Coulee Dam. The 50th anniversary of FDR’s death is April 12 and the Meyers and others think now is an appropriate time to remember one of American’s greatest presidents.

Yes, the buttercups are up; first-sightings have been called in to The Star from Lacee Minkes, Colleen Leskinen of Nespelem and Charlie Moses from his ranch. And, wood ticks are out in full force already. The Star is reporting that if anyone doesn’t want to collect “a gob” of the little suckers, stay indoors.

The Coulee Dam Business Association is working on a walking tour with 19 stops and a map geared to hold the attention of tourists spending time in town. “But it’s also fun for our community and it will dress up our community,” said organizer Ron Lemay. The group also wants to build a stage area in the new green area that faces the dam on Roosevelt Way, and get a museum up and going, possibly in old Grand Coulee Dam School District building, which Dave Schmidt said is a replica of FDR’s summer house. The group is seeking private foundation grants for funds.

30 years ago

Josephine M. Nilles of Coulee Dam was pulling into a parking space in front of the R & A Cafe when her 1973 Olds would not stop until it crossed the sidewalk, causing $3,800 damage to the front of the cafe. Gary Rose, cafe owner, said he would be closed a week for repairs. Damage to Mrs. Nilles car was minor. No charges were filed by the Coulee Dam Police.

40 years ago

A rock slide completely shut down the “rock cut” on Hwy. 155, about two miles north of Elmer City, closing the road while the state’s heavy equipment cleared away a huge rock pile from the shoulder and part of the south lane.

Elmer City’s 4-H club, the Columbia Clover Kids, held their annual spring potluck with members providing entertaining demonstrations including: making jello, breeds of dogs, bread dough art, and how to care for horses, colts, pigs, steers, cows, and lambs plus a discussion on how to fix cuts of meat. Club reporter, Gina Scallan said the kids involved were: Sam-Doug Morger, Laurel-Carmen Green, Lisa Synder, Marvin-Renee Olbricht, Kelly-Scott Price, Chuck-Jim Tillman,Tim Doughty, Robyn Carey, Brenda Larson, Gina-Shelly Scallan, and Dee-Denny McFarlin.