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Hundreds of ambulance calls noted for year

Grand Coulee’s ambulance service was called out 455 times so far in 2017, volunteer fire chief Richard Paris reported to the council last Tuesday night. He reported that during the month of December the ambulance was called out 36 times, nine in Coulee Dam, and that there were eight transport incidents. Fire trucks, Paris reported, went out a single time in December to fight a structure fire where there was smoke from an electrical problem.

Sewer rates set for Grand Coulee

Sewer rates are going up in the city of Grand Coulee. The council last Tuesday night passed an ordinance raising sewer rates for a standard residence from $27.70 a month to $31.82. It had been five years since the city had adjusted sewer rates, according to city clerk Carol Boyce.

The new rate will begin with the billing cycle starting on Jan. 21.

With no heat, sheriff’s office closes

Due to a mechanical failure resulting in no heat in the Law and Justice Building, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office in Ephrata closed Tuesday until further notice.

The department announced the closure Tuesday morning and noted that

the status of other county departments within the building was under consideration by the county commissioners.

The announcement prompted several remarks on the sheriff’s Facebook page: “So this is how they end up with Cold Cases, lol,” wrote Rodney Burtis. “Seems to me y’all pack a lot o’ heat. ?? Stay warm, guys!” chimed in Lena Teas.

No word yet on the opening of the office.

Holiday Star deadlines

Due to the New Year holiday falling on Monday, The Star will be closed Monday and our deadline for submission of news items and classified ads will be Friday at 5 p.m. However, classifieds placed online by 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, will still be published in the Jan. 3 issue of The Star.