News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
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GCD School District policies around managing students, athletics and money shifted Monday, as board directors voted approval of changes in the junior/senior high handbook, athletics policies on participation in sports, paying to enter events and in some instances park, and even on the kind of bag you can bring into school events — clear only. Some changes address safety issues and society’s changing ways of handling them. “You can’t go into any major sporting event without a clear bag,” Director Shannon Nicholson told Director Rich Black aft...
The Bureau of Reclamation will put on a special showing of the original Laser Light Show on Grand Coulee Dam on this Independence Day. The original light show was commissioned to launch in 1989 in celebration of the centennial anniversary of Washington's statehood. At that time, a laser show was relatively unusual and a sophisticated technology for this rural community, even though the guts of the original show's computer was basically an Atari video game board. That show ran nightly through sum...
Coulee Dam is mulling an inquiry as to whether the city would allow a Level 3 electric vehicle charging station on its electric grid. Such a 180-kilowatt station would be capable of adding 100-250 miles of range in 30-45 minutes. That capability could be an added attraction for customers of the 12 Tribes Casino. Mayor Bob Poch told the city council last month that the Colville Tribes had approached the city on the question. The city owns its own electric utility, but Poch wants to be careful to not add something that would jeopardize a...
(Nespelem, WA) The Colville Tribes Natural Resources Field Day was held Friday, June 5, 2025, in a rural field near Nespelem, WA. Two hundred twenty-eight Kindergarten - third grade students from Lake Roosevelt and Nespelem schools traveled to participate in hands-on learning out in the environment. Youth learned about a variety of natural resource topics, and of course, the day would not have been complete without a visit from Mt Tolman and Smokey Bear! This year's line-up boasted fifteen...
by Scott Hunter It's been 69 years since Nespelem High School graduated a class of students, but that longed-for possibility finally became a reality last week. A class of nine students graduated May 29, 2025, in a commencement ceremony before a gym full of relatives and community members. Nespelem School Board Chair Jolene Marchand, in a commencement address, related the story of the dream now come true. In 1956 the state said it was consolidating schools. Nespelem's high school was closed,...
After a threat against the school was reported, Lake Roosevelt Schools canceled Tuesday classes Monday night before reconvening after the holiday weekend. The school posted a notice on its Facebook page about 9:45 Monday night. A Snapchat between students had been reported in which one student had made threats against the school, officials said. Superintendent Rod Broadnax said Tuesday morning the Snapchat had occurred with up to 30 students on it. He said the chat text had not been recovered yet, so police had not been able to get a warrant...
A teacher at Lake Roosevelt Jr/Sr High School thought he was just attending a pep assembly Friday when his name was called to receive a statewide award as educator of the year. Derek Atkins, who graduated from Lake Roosevelt, teaches science there now and revived a club that was important to his own development and direction. The pep assembly turned out to be a well-kept secret to surprise him. Shawn Brehm, a Wellpinit teacher who serves as the chair of the Washington Education Association's Cau...
(Nespelem) We have partnered with Colville Confederated Tribes Libraries to make it easier for people to access Research-based information for safe food preservation, healthy gardening and for preparing quick freezer meals. Three books have been placed in each reservation library - Nespelem, Keller, and Inchelium – for people to check out and borrow. The So Easy to Preserve book is the Research-based book that is recommended to use when canning or preserving foods. It contains research-based r...
An accidental gunshot incident got a student at the Lake Roosevelt Alternative School in Grand Coulee kicked out of school for a year and booked into a Chelan County Juvenile Detention facility last week, one week after it happened. The student — who is not yet 18, which prevents school officials from releasing a name — lost footing while riding a hoverboard in a classroom around other students when the board bumped into another student’s foot. A handgun fell out of the suspect’s jacket at that point, hit the floor and discharged, sending...
The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Sign Memorandum of Agreement OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR) formalized a partnership Monday aimed at enhancing services for Native American veterans and their families. The collaboration is made possible by a memorandum of agreement (MOA) which allows WDVA to provide in-kind support and resources to the Tribe’s veteran service officers. This MOA under...
Directors of the two school districts impacted by a recent policy change got together for a meal and sometimes spirited discussion Tuesday night. The full Nespelem School District Board of Directors and two from Grand Coulee Dam School District met at Hometown Pizza, a meeting prompted by discontent at Nespelem over a new policy at GCD that will not allow students from other districts to participate in their sports programs, beginning next school year. Its passage laid bare perceptions that came out during the discussion. Nespelem didn’t a...
A federal judge last week sentenced two men to life in prison for their six-week multistate crime spree that included murdering two Keller residents in 2022. Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that on Feb. 26, Zachary L. Holt, 24, and Dezmonique D. Tenzsley (a/k/a “Privilege”), 36, were sentenced on 17 counts including Felony Murder in Indian Country, Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer, Assault of a Federal Officer, Attempted Robbery in Indian Country, Robbery Affecting Commerce, as well as several firearm off...
Coulee Dam’s police chief published a statement Monday asking people to report crimes to police, not just post it on Facebook. “If we don’t know about it, we can’t do anything about it,” noted Chief Paul Bowden. Bowden said the don’t consider Facebook posts as a proper way to report police issues. “This is a reminder to PLEASE report any criminal or suspicious activity such as thefts, car prowls, break- ins, etc. directly to the Police Department by calling MACC Dispatch at 1-888-431-9911.” Bowden also addressed comments he’s heard that there...
As the Indian Education Director at Grand Coulee Dam School District, I witness every day the incredible impact our schools have on students, families, and the community as a whole. Our schools are more than just classrooms; they are centers for growth, connection, and opportunity. They are where children learn not only math and reading but also the rich cultural heritage and values that make our community unique. The levy is the backbone of so much of what we do. It supports the programs that set our schools apart—programs that empower our s...
As we welcome 2025, I wanted to take a moment to share everything we’ve accomplished at Village Cinema since revitalization efforts began in late July 2024. So much progress has been made that I had to condense this reflection to highlight some of the most exciting milestones. With a mix of hard work, community partnerships, and innovative planning, we’ve achieved incredible progress that sets the stage for an even brighter future. 2024 Highlights The last half of 2024 has been a transformative time for Village Cinema. Key achievements inc...
Grand Coulee Police 12/15 - A deer lost its life in a “deer vs vehicle” collision near Weil Place and SR-174. There was no human injury nor damage to the vehicle. The deceased deer was salvaged by witnesses to the collision. 12/17- Suspicious circumstances were reported on Ronald Drive where a property owner reported getting security camera notifications then the cameras going out altogether. Police went to the address and found no footprints in the freshly fallen snow around the residence that would indicate someone had been there. 12/21 - A...
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeanne “Punkin” Marie (Toulou) Pachosa, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, beloved sister, and treasured friend to many. Jeanne passed away December 25, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 21, 1953, Jeanne was a proud member of the Colville Confederated Tribes Arrow Lakes Band. She married the love of her life, Jack Anthony Pachosa, on December 26, 1970, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and steadfast faith over... Full story
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeanne “Punkin” Marie (Toulou) Pachosa, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, beloved sister, and treasured friend to many. Jeanne passed away December 25, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 21, 1953, Jeanne was a proud member of the Colville Confederated Tribes Arrow Lakes Band. She married the love of her life, Jack Anthony Pachosa, on December 26, 1970, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and steadfast faith over... Full story
‘Tis the time of year to be joyful, to celebrate and show appreciation, thankfulness and gratitude. Previously, I’d mentioned how I am keen on Jim Keene and many others but recently Addison Hansen, our previous neighbor, triggered this outpouring of appreciation here. She surprised my partner of 52 years with a thank you - happy holidays greeting and a beautiful piece of her artwork signed off with much appreciation. Addison is a former Raider and fine arts major. Her message to Mrs. A said, “Thank you for encouraging my creativity and culti...
Republican Dan Newhouse is preparing for a sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving one of Washington state's most solidly Republican congressional districts. He's excited. He'll be a member of the House majority again. With Republicans in charge in the Senate and an incoming GOP president, he foresees his party "accomplishing good things for the country." Donald Trump, the former and future commander-in-chief might not be quite as happy. He didn't want Newhouse back this year....
Washington state school districts and entities were awarded nearly $8.4 million in grants this week to replace diesel school buses with zero-emissions models – including funds for one new bus for the Colville Tribes. One EPA grant for $260,000 will replace a Class 6 diesel refuse hauler on the reservation with a new zero-emissions school bus. The Colville Reservation is considered a “Justice 40 neighborhood,” an environmental justice designation stemming from a Biden administration executive order. The order set a goal that 40 percent of the o...
The Colville Indian Housing Authority has been awarded $2 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that can be used for infrastructure, community buildings, housing rehabilitation, land acquisition, economic development, and more. The funds are among more than $16 million of $72.6 million going to 38 communities through the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) program, including $16,272,000 to 9 entities in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington to support American Indian and Alaskan Native families on Indian...
Following a public hearing Nov. 25, school directors decided students will attend Lake Roosevelt Schools for four days each week instead of five, beginning in the fall of 2025. People at the hearing expressed support and concerns, urged the board to consider how it would affect academic progress, and questioned whether enough research had been done into the idea. Superintendent Rod Broadnax assured people the decision would have no impact on the district funds and the board’s decision would have to be based on what’s best for the kids. Boa...
Two men whose crime spree ended with murders on the Colville Reservation in 2022 were convicted Monday in federal court of those and other crimes, including shooting a Colville Tribal Police sergeant. Zachary L. Holt, 24, and Dezmonique D. Tenzsley (a/k/a “Privilege”), age 35, were found guilty on all 17 counts presented at trial, including Felony Murder in Indian Country, Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer, Assault of a Federal Officer, Attempted Robbery in Indian Country, Robbery Affecting Commerce, as well as several firearm off...
Winona Winn "Wendi" Simons, beloved friend and family member, passed away peacefully at her home in Coulee Dam, WA, on November 12, 2023, at the age of 54 due to heart failure. Born in Spokane, WA, on August 9, 1969, Wendi was the cherished daughter of Karen Simons. She grew up in the Coulee Dam area, graduating from Lake Roosevelt High School in 1988. With a dream of a career in broadcasting, Wendi moved to Spokane to attend Bailie School of Broadcast, where she graduated and began her career... Full story