News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
Sorted by date Results 2801 - 2825 of 3561
Until recently, I never really paid much attention to the Native American mascot issue. “It’s not my fight,” I thought. I live in Los Angeles County, home of the largest urban Native American and Alaska Native population in the United States. When I first moved to L.A. in the 1990s, I was constantly being asked if I was Latina. Sometimes people would get upset because I wasn’t able to speak Spanish. Occasionally, I would resort to sticking two fingers behind my head to act as a feather to illustrate being American Indian. Unfortu... Full story
This last weekend was the men’s retreat again and once again a group of local men gathered and listened to how to be better dads, husbands and leaders. I am always in awe of the vast difference of the men that come to this gathering. Different life experiences and journeys to get to this point; sometimes if you stood back and peered through the window, you would have no idea what would be going on. From looking at the appearance of the group, you would have no idea what was the relationship o... Full story
1 Years Ago Last Wednesday a disaster drill took place at North Dam Park, testing local Emergency Services. Emergency medical technicians, drivers, firefighters, police, pilots, and others from services all over our area responded and took part in the event. The drill also tested Coulee Community Hospital as a required exercise for personnel. Relay for Life had a four page spread in the Star this week. Two conversations with cancer survivors from the area highlighted the insert. Sue Shear and Bonny Schmidt shared of their struggles and... Full story
The town of Coulee Dam is now taking an aggressive stance on the cleanup of a property on Holly Street where the house burned down two years ago. Such cleanup issues are almost never easy, and the town’s new, aggressive attitude is a welcome example of what might be done in many similar cases across the whole community, not just in Coulee Dam. Mayor Greg Wilder said that he had contacted the property owner three weeks ago and that the owner agreed to help with the expense of the cleanup not covered by sale of the property. Such a handshake i... Full story
Many people have been following the progress of our New K-12 school project for a little over two years now. While the new school is at long last becoming a reality and is the most visible change of what is happening in our school district, many other exciting changes are being put in place in order to meet the needs of our students. The State Board of Education and the State Legislature have instituted two changes that go into effect in the 2015-16 school year. Rather than go through two years of major changes in the district, the School Board... Full story
The Coulee Dam Town Council will begin budget deliberations soon. The first public budget workshop will be held during the regular council meeting on September 10th. We will be holding a series of these workshops and the first of these will focus on our water utility. You are encouraged to attend. Each of the “enterprise” funds has an effect on your family budget. What you pay for water, sewer, electricity, and garbage has its impact. If you are on a fixed income, those fees may be of more concern to you. We want to insure that our fees are... Full story
You are invited to join us at the Catholic Church in Nespelem to honor the victimS of 9-11 in song, prayer and the ringing of bells. Or you are welcome to start a group of Your own. Wherever you may be, light a candle, pray a prayer and ring a bell to ring in God’s peace. Starting at the times of each tragic event until nine in the evening we will ring the bell seven times every 70 minutes to signify Christ’s teaching on peace and forgiveness. (Matt. 18:21-22). 5:46 – American Airlines Flight #11 crashed into the World Trade Center North Tower... Full story
Sometimes I just have too much to talk about. So this week I will give you a few paragraphs of thoughts or a potpourri of pondering, if you will. It is a rare occurrence that you can ask a chef if he can cook something, something you have always wanted to have and he says, yes, he can do it. It is a special day when that same chef cooks for you and your wife and four friends in his restaurant and makes it a very special time. Thanks Juan for the awesome eats and outstanding flexibility.... Full story
1 Years Ago A Canadian law firm asked a U.S. Federal Court Thursday to dismiss a lawsuit filled by two members of the Colville Tribes, seeking to enforce a U.S. agency’s ruling that the company must abide by U.S. environmental laws against Teck Cominco, who admits to dumping “slag” for decades into Lake Roosevelt. Tuesday, Washington State joined the two tribal members in the lawsuit. Raider Football Head Coach Matt Bona is optimistic this week as the football team finishes summer practices. “We have 36 kids out and that is a lot more than la... Full story
Very often, governments have to serve their constituents, even when there seems to be no clear way to pay for those services, especially in emergencies. It may not feel like an emergency, but a fast-degrading property at 609 Holly Street in Coulee Dam could become one all too quickly, leading to unfortunate but perfect hindsight — after a neighborhood fire or the injury of curious child exploring the charred husk of a house, a photo of which is on page four. It burned nearly two years ago, yet still sits on the property, a black, stinking h... Full story
I’m a tenant leasing from Patrick Wilson, owner of 301 Columbia Ave., Coulee Dam, WA. I also am enlisted as his acting mgr. of his properties in Coulee Dam. I live at 301 Columbia Ave and my wife and I have become very discouraged NOT at Patrick Wilson but at the City of Coulee Dam. We have experienced three mass floods at our home, in the short two years of leasing from Patrick Wilson. We seem to have the only storm drain for several blocks north and south on Columbia Ave. From what Ann and I have been informed by Mr Patrick Wilson, he has t... Full story
In August of this year my wife and I had the pleasure of spending three nights and four days in your fantastic locality, Grand Coulee. After doing all the touristy things (dam) we mingled with the local population. I can honestly state that we found your city and the inhabitants to be some of the most welcoming and friendly people ever. At a small market in the middle of town we talked with many people who were more than ready to share the history and tales of the area. At one of the booths we even met a member of the chamber of commerce and... Full story
I would like to make a correction to last week’s article “Woman takes issue with complaint”. Gary Haven has done work for me on three different occasions. He is the best fence man in town. If I need a fence I would call Gary. That is my complete quote from my prepared statement at Electric City Council. Also, as the city compliance enforcement officer, Gary Haven solved the issue of my landscaping choices within one day of me receiving the letter. Thank you Gary! Lynda Zernick... Full story
There is a letter to the editor this week suggesting the old middle school become Grand Coulee’s new city hall. What a waste of space that would be. It seems that this is the perfect opportunity for a community center, which could include most any kind of activity. The gym, ball fields, rooms for different groups to be able to stay set up for their purposes, possible daycare center, kitchen with room for banquets, fundraisers, etc., a stage with dressing rooms close on either side for the Planet Earth Players, talent shows and so much more. W... Full story
Anger is a natural human reaction and in itself is not a sin. “Be angry yet do not sin.” (Eph. 4:26) Like any other emotion whether it is legitimate or misguided, anger needs to be acknowledged. This acknowledgment is the first step towards a possible peaceful resolution. It is also natural to respond to anger with anger. This is not a sin either, and it too must be acknowledged. Once both sides are acknowledged respectively an opportunity to withhold condemnation opens up, and a dialogue of mercy, forgiveness and grace can commence, mak... Full story
Sometimes words or phrases said around town can only be associated with our area, and I think it is kind of the uniqueness and charm of our cities. So here are a few things that I have heard. In response to the question, “What are you doing this weekend?” A local lady responded “Yard sales, yard sales and maybe some Jeopardy.” Yard sales have been a big hit around Coulee Country for as long as I can remember. When I was pretty small, Grandma and Grandpa Utz introduced me to the endeavor of gett... Full story
"I leave here today with the feeling that this work is well undertaken, that we are going ahead with a useful project and we are going to see it through for the benefit of our country." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt at Grand Coulee Dam on August 4, 1934... Full story
With the 2014 school year quickly approaching, and the transition for students to begin school at the new facility in Coulee Dam, has anyone put much thought into the future of the current schools that will be vacant once all the students have left, specifically Grand Coulee Dam Middle School? It seems this question has not been addressed or even seriously discussed. Is it fair to say that the city of Grand Coulee has not realized the opportunity they have for administrative expansion or at the very least, ensuring the local landmarks do not... Full story
I would like to personally THANK each and everyone of the firefighters for not only giving up your summer and personal time with your families, but putting your lives on the line doing battle with the Devil’s Elbow fire complex here on the Colville Indian Reservation. I almost envy your courage, as I sit in my "safe" home on Cache Creek, watching the caravan of rigs heading to and from the fire. Again, thank you for helping to keep us and our neighbors be safe, and God bless you for your service. Harvey Moses... Full story
In January, President Obama declared that despite Congressional logjams, “America does not stand still — and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for American families, that’s what I’m going to do.” The Center for Rural Affairs has stood firmly in favor of the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Clean Power Plan as a vital first step in reducing carbon emissions from existing coal-fired power plants, addressing climate change, and creating opportunities for renewable e... Full story
Once a long, long time ago, I was a little kid, believe it or not. Yep, I was and I attended a Vacation Bible School not far from where I lived in Electric City. I don’t remember a lot of the lessons, but I remember we had fun learning about God. What I do remember is a puppet show and an older boy there named Rusty. He was nice to me and he helped me memorize my memory verse. I know now his name is Rusty Bowman, and I know his parents more than I know him, but I will be forever grateful for h... Full story
1 Years Ago Clark Slattery, Coulee Dam, has been over charged for electricity for 29 years. Coulee Dam issued him a check this week for $3,800.00. Slattery says they still owe him about $15,000.00 but the city says the statue of limitations can only go back six years. The local Rotary Club and Lions Club will join forces to serve about 500-700 meals in conjunction with the Grand Columbian Triathlon, Sept. 18th. 20 Years Ago Local firemen once again are battling fire in Washington State. This... Full story
I’m a tenant leasing from Patrick Wilson, owner of 301 Columbia Ave., Coulee Dam, WA. I also am enlisted as his acting mgr. of his properties in Coulee Dam. I live at 301 Columbia Ave and my wife and I have become very discouraged NOT at Patrick Wilson but at the City of Coulee Dam. We have experienced three mass floods at our home, in the short two years of leasing from Patrick Wilson. We seem to have the only storm drain for several blocks north and south on Columbia Ave. From what Ann and I have been informed by Mr Patrick Wilson, he has t...
I find bullying a serious problem that we need to address in our schools and community. Nowadays we have the Internet, cellphones, tablets, and social networking. This can be a serious problem for even the most trustworthy of children, making it easier to post things that we do not mean. Unknowingly to some parents, children may be cyber bullied, and socially harmed, due to the fact that they did not report the incidents immediately, because anything you put into cyberspace cannot be removed permanently. There are other types of bullying,... Full story
Pvt. Jeff Bergdahl, who left his base and post of duty (deserted) while serving in Afghanistan and released after five years in exchange for five Taliban commanders held in “Gitmo,” has been honored by his “commander-in-chief” by being praised on the White House garden before the nation on TV as having served honorably after walking off his duty station not once but on two occasions. He not only was praised for this, but also promoted to sergeant, given back pay and a desk job at an army station until his situation is resolved. In additio... Full story
