Government

TENTATIVE AGENDA – BOARD OF STEVENS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (BOCC)

Gary Roach has announced a write-in campaign for the Stevens County Board of Commissioners District 2 position.

The Stevens County Republican Women’s Club , led by president Cindy White, hosted a candidates’ forum at the Ag Trade Center in Colville on July 9.

A judge from Adams County has denied Stevens County Auditor Lori Larsen’s request for a temporary anti-stalking protection order against Stevens County Commissioner Mark Burrows, ruling that the petition did not establish the legal basis for issuing the order.

TENTATIVE AGENDA – FERRY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

TENTATIVE AGENDA – BOARD OF STEVENS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (BOCC)

The Colville City Council met on June 23 with a full agenda of city business, ranging from budget decisions and infrastructure projects to parks operations, public safety updates, and community events.

TENTATIVE AGENDA – BOARD OF STEVENS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (BOCC)

TENTATIVE AGENDA – FERRY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Mayor Outlines Water, Road, and Airport Upgrades as City Explores Next Steps For a Potential Year-round Recreation Center

TENTATIVE AGENDA – FERRY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

TENTATIVE AGENDA – STEVENS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (BOCC)

The Washington Supreme Court ruled last week in a closely divided decision that the state can temporarily restrict firearm rights for people convicted of multiple Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenses within seven years.

More than 200 new Washington state laws took effect June 11, 90 days after the close of the legislative session, bringing changes to taxes, elections, housing, schools, sports betting, and more.

TENTATIVE AGENDA – STEVENS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (BOCC)

TENTATIVE AGENDA – FERRY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

U.S. House of Representatives candidate Nate Powell stopped by Fired Up Brewing in Colville on May 28

Washington lawmakers have returned to their home districts after another busy legislative session, prompting some in Olympia to question whether the state’s part-time Legislature still fits the demands of modern state government.

Retired police officers and firefighters in Washington are suing the state over a new law that would allow lawmakers to use nearly $900 million from a pension fund to help address state budget shortfalls.

Several positions are up for election in Stevens and Ferry counties in the Aug. 4 primary races.

U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) said he has had his differences with the president on such matters as tariffs and Donald Trump’s criticisms of the pope. But the first term congressman painted an optimistic picture on May 4 during a visit to Kettle Falls.

A Thurston County Superior Court Judge has temporarily blocked several provisions of Senate Bill 5974, a new state law intended to set stricter eligibility standards for elected sheriffs. The ruling comes after a legal challenge filed by Stevens County Sheriff Brad Manke and three other Eastern Washington sheriffs, who argue the law represents legislative overreach and unconstitutionally bypasses the rights of local voters. While the preliminary injunction does not decide the final merits of the case, it prevents the state from enforcing background checks and removal processes—conducted by governor-appointed boards—while the lawsuit proceeds.

The Colville City Council met on April 28 to address key community initiatives, including approving $5,500 in combined funding for the Farm Jam Summer Kickoff and Kettle Falls Town and Country Days. Beyond summer events, the council reviewed a drop in retail sales tax revenue, received updates on the city pool renovation, and adopted a new 2026 purchasing policy to streamline local government operations.

Judges can require bail if they determine a defendant is likely to miss court dates for any reason, Washington law states. Under the proposal, defendants could be freed with no bail unless a judge found a “high likelihood” that the accused would skip court to avoid prosecution as opposed to missing court dates due to lack of transportation or other reasons aside from a desire to flee justice.