Mixed martial arts match set for Saturday

A mixed martial arts match will draw combatants to Nespelem Saturday from as far away as Portland, Ore., and Vernon, British Columbia, organizer Dan Nanamkin said.

Nanamkin, who manages the Nespelem Community Center and is a recent MMA convert, said the event will offer 10 to 14 bouts between adults, plus some kids’ “grappling” matches, in which kids from Inchelium, Omak, and Nespelem will compete in a jujitsu-like sport.

The events start at 7 p.m., with some local names on the bout roster, including Lyle Floyd, of Grand Coulee, and Ricky Gabriel, of Nespelem.

“It should be fun,” Nanamkin said. “I hope to get in there too, if my opponent shows up.”

Excellence acknowledged

Employees of Nespelem School and of Grand Coulee Dam School District received “Excellence in Education” awards this week.

From Nespelem, teacher Nancy Armstrong-Montes and aide Debbie Joseph received the awards at the North Central Educational District’s Okanogan County banquet in Tonasket March 20.

At Grant County Education Excellence awards Tuesday night at Moses Lake, Grand Coulee Dam Middle School social studies teacher Pam Johnson received the annual award. Nancy Johnson, registrar at Lake Roosevelt High School, received an award for classified staff.

Play ball

Lake Roosevelt High School Raider baseball and softball programs will hold a joint fund raiser next Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.

The “Hit-A-Thon” will take pledges based on longest hits, introduce a “Fungoman Challenge” and let community members step up to batting practice.

“We’ll have the music going, concessions, radar guns, batting cages, etc.,” said baseball coach Brandon Byers. “Should be a fun night.”

All ages are invited.

Mountain bikers wanted

A group that recently formed to have a weekly mountain bike ride plans to continue the effort with another ride this week.

Anyone interested who has a mountain bike should meet at North Dam Park Wednesday (today) at 5:30 p.m. The group is developing a variety of rides in the general area and welcomes newcomers. For more information contact Stan at 631-1850.

New to mosquito commission

Three new commissioners were named to the Grant County Mosquito Control District 2 board by county commissioners this month.

Diane Canady was named to replace longtime commissioner Mike Lowry. Carl Russell was named to replace Pete Rawson and Holly Allen was named to replace chairman Bob Boucher.

All appointments are for two-year terms.

Sheriff will come to town

Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones, hosting a series of ‘town hall” type meetings throughout the county, will hold one at Pepper Jack's Restaurant, 113 Midway Ave., Mon., May 7, 7-9 p.m.

The sheriff is encouraging all citizens to attend to “learn how to get involved in a partnership with the Sheriff’s Office working towards safer communities in which to raise their families.”

The sheriff’s administrative staff will be on hand to answer questions.