News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

Articles from the July 30, 2025 edition


Sorted by date  Results 1 - 19 of 19

  • Theater holds formal opening

    Jul 30, 2025

    Flanked by his crew, Larry Hernandez cuts a ribbon to formally declare the Village Cinema open July 19 as about a dozen patrons applauded. Hernandez has spent the last year getting the old theater into shape, upgrading it, adding equipment, cleaning and refurbishing it, investing heavily in time and money, and most recently, hiring people. The cinema has been open since May, and even before, for several special events and recently started a regular schedule of movie runs. Hernandez got together...

  • Fire burning south of Nespelem; highway closed

    press release, Okanogan County Emergency Management|Jul 30, 2025

    Update: Below is the current update for the wildfire incident: As of 5:53: Rebecca Lake to Convalescent Blvd is closed to HWY 155. HWY 155 to Rebecca Lake is closed. 07//30/2025 5:41 PM Fire Name: Kiser Canyon Fire Location: 1 Mile South of Agency Campus Estimated Size: 500 Containment: 0% Fire Behavior: Wind Driven in grass and sage brush Cause: Under investigation Structures Threatened: Yes Evacuations/Closures: Click the link to see the evacuation map. You can type in your address to verify... Full story

  • School districts set 2025-26 budgets

    Scott Hunter|Jul 30, 2025

    Two local school districts passed budgets for the next school year on Monday after a Friday when the Trump Administration relented on withholding billions that were supposed to have been transferred to states by July 1. In Coulee Dam, school district directors OK’d a budget that plans to spend $416,000 less than in the 2024-25 year just ended, but still will end up next summer with less than a quarter of what it will start the 2025-26 year with amid declining student enrollment. The district will start with just under $2.5 million next month, a...

  • Super: Students must "choice in" again

    Jul 30, 2025

    Superintendent Rod Broadnax said student from Nespelem who want to attend Grand Coulee Dam schools must again “choice in,” that is, formally choose to come to the district, by Aug. 21. The process changed last year as the two districts bumped into regulations on teaching students from other districts. Now, students wanting to transfer to a district not serviing the place where they live must complete some paperwork, either at the school they will attend or online at https://eds.ospi.k12. wa.us/choicetransferrequest. Broadnax told the sch...

  • Council will only wait so long for improvements

    Scott Hunter|Jul 30, 2025

    A city council member in Grand Coulee says he’d rather not have to pass an ordinance that forces property owners to get their commercial sites up to standards, but he will push for it if no progress is made. Tom Poplawski said at the city’s last council meeting July 15 that he is aware of arguments for and against passing an ordinance with punitive measures designed to encourage owners of empty or unsightly buildings to clean up. “I agree with all of it, actually, but neither one has produced any change,” he said. “And so we’re still stuck...

  • Micah Seekins runs for Grand Coulee mayor

    Scott Hunter|Jul 30, 2025

    Local entrepreneur Micah Seekins has announced his candidacy for mayor of Grand Coulee, seeking to fill a two-year unexpired term with a campaign centered on fiscal responsibility and the fundamentals of city governance. Seekins, who has operated a business in Grand Coulee for more than a decade, is making his first run for elected office. He has not previously held elected positions and did not submit information on educational background or community service, according to the Office of the Sec...

  • Conversing for a cause

    Jul 30, 2025

    Two protesters hold a conversation on Midway Avenue Saturday while walking during a weekly protest against the Trump Administration's policies. The group will walk again Saturday at 11 a.m. during a nationwide event called for by 50501, an organization that started out hoping to get 50 protests going in 50 states on one day. Saturday's protests around the theme "Rage Against the Regime" are reportedly planned in about 300 cities, not including Grand Coulee. - Scott Hunter pho...

  • Masquers Theater announces auditions for Little Shop of Horrors

    Jul 30, 2025

    SOAP LAKE, WA — Masquers Theater is excited to announce open auditions for the cult classic musical Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Stacey Bresee. Adults of all experience levels are encouraged to audition for this darkly comedic tale of love, ambition, and a bloodthirsty plant from outer space. Auditions will take place August 16 & 17 at 6:00 PM at Masquers Theater in Soap Lake. All roles are available. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing one verse or chorus from any song in the show—ideally one associated with the role they are p...

  • Michigan salmon studies offer key insights to restoring Chinook runs above Grand Coulee Dam

    Don C. Brunnell|Jul 30, 2025

    As salmon restoration ramps up on the Columbia River above Chief Joseph Dam, it is important to establish balances between those fish already in reservoirs behind dams and salmon being introduced. Completed in 1942, Grand Coulee Dam became the largest U.S. hydropower plant. It generates enough power to supply about 2 million households with electricity for one year. Water stored in Lake Roosevelt, which is 150 miles long and as deep as 375 feet, reduced downstream flooding. Grand Coulee and Chief Joseph dams blocked salmon from migrating...

  • Reader was in denial

    Norm Luther|Jul 30, 2025

    Although 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris lost Congressional District 4 by 59%-38%, she only lost nation-wide narrowly by 1.5%. Yet, 155 years after African Americans were enfranchised to vote, that anyone as openly racist as President Donald Trump can still be elected president is utterly appalling. Racism remains our country’s original sin (quoting Abraham Lincoln) and most enduring, cruel sin. I admit naiveté in thinking a majority of white Americans had progressed beyond considering color when Barack Obama became pr...

  • Cinema to offer new listening option

    Larry Hernandez|Jul 30, 2025

    When I brought Village Cinema back to life, my goal wasn’t just to reopen a theater... it was to build something this town could be proud of, and something that included everyone. Now, we’re taking another step in that direction. Starting at the end of August, we’ll be launching a new wireless audio system that lets guests stream movie sound directly to their own phones with earbuds and headphones. It’s easy, discreet, and free. Just connect to our Wi-Fi, open the AudioFetch app, and you’ll hear the movie in real time. Loud and clear, ri...

  • Those old-fashion days, ways

    Roger S. Lucas|Jul 30, 2025

    I was born on a farm. It was near Four Mile Creek, south and west of Palouse. My dad went to town to get Dr. Dart, everyone’s doctor since there was only one in Palouse. As it turned out, I was delivered by my Aunt Lorena, who was staying with us at the time. She later was my mentor, in a way. She dropped everything and went to the University of Washington. She was in her 40s at the time, and would go on for her master’s degree. She later taught at the UW School of Medicine. It seemed she was always in my life. I was invited numerous times to...

  • Charles Francis "Chuck" Morrow

    Jul 30, 2025

    Charles Francis Morrow, lovingly known as Chuck, of Electric City, WA, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 70. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to family and friends. Chuck shared 29 wonderful years with his beloved partner, Megan Reyes, with whom he built a life full of joy and love. He proudly raised her daughters, Emily and Chelsea, as his own, and was a devoted grandfather (Boppa) to Levi and Noah. He is also survived by his daughter... Full story

  • Larry William Sanders

    Jul 30, 2025

    Larry William Sanders, 85 years old, of Greenacres and Grand Coulee, WA, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, at home with family. He was a devoted husband to Beverly for 40 years and a loving father to his children, Troy Sanders and Trina (Sanders) Riley. Larry was born on May 9, 1940, to Bill and Ruth (Hubbard) Sanders in a house in Electric City and graduated from Coulee Dam High School. Under his senior picture it says, "Whoever blushes seems to be good." Throughout High School, he was... Full story

  • Meetings

    Jul 30, 2025

    Area AA Meetings In Electric City, the New Hope group holds its meetings Monday through Friday evenings at 6pm at the Vets Center. There is also a noon meeting every Wednesday. These meetings are open and non-smoking. For more information, contact Paul 631-4551 or Phyllis 631-1187. In Nespelem, the group Bound and Determined holds its meetings Monday evening at 7 p.m. at the Catholic Church. Contact Myrna at 634-4921. Food Bank Hours The food bank regular hours are Fridays from, 1-3 p.m. Questions call Pastor Shawn at 633-2566. Attention Vets...

  • Coulee Cops

    Jul 30, 2025

    Grand Coulee Police 7/18 - 7/20 - An officer told a woman that a child custody situation, in which the father of the child didn’t show up for an exchange of custody, was a civil matter for the courts, not a police issue. A couple of days later the father told police that the mother didn’t meet to pick up their child and he was unable to contact her. He wanted the incident documented. 7/21 - A used drug needle was found at the lower ball field at North Dam Park. Police took the needle to be destroyed. - A woman reported being the victim of a t...

  • Jess Ford charity golf scramble set for September

    Jul 30, 2025

    Jess Ford’s annual charity golf scramble, Swing for the Good, is set to return for its second year on Saturday, Sept. 6 and will benefit a local non-profit. The event, which raised $11,772.82 for charity last year, aims to surpass that total this year. All proceeds will benefit Reel Recreation, a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to providing outdoor activities and a safe, healthy space for youth to play, learn and build community. Organizers offer several sponsorship options for local businesses, who, along with individuals, are e...

  • Garlic project closes loop on food sovereignty, access

    Jul 30, 2025

    The Inchelium Red Garlic Revitalization Coalition (IRGRC) hosted a garlic harvest event on Friday, as over 30 reservation residents gathered to learn how to harvest, dry and cure "Inchelium Red Garlic." Named after the community where it was "discovered," Inchelium Red is purportedly the oldest strain grown in North America. Little is known about its history. Garlic not being native to North America, Inchelium Red garlic signifies early exploration and trade networks, organizers of the event...

  • Legals

    Jul 30, 2025

    SUMMARY OF ORDINANCES PASSESD OF THE CITY OF ELECTRIC CITY, WA. Full and complete copies of the above ordinances are available at City Hall, 10 Western Avenue, Electric City, WA during normal working hours. On the 19th day of December 2024, the City Council of Electric City passed the following ordinance. A summary of the content of said ordinance, consisting of the titles, provides as follows: Ordinance #: 609-2024 “An ordinance of the City of Electric City amending Section 18.45.080 of the Electric City Municipal Code regarding fences.” On... Full story