Government

In an interview with the Statesman-Examiner, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) discussed his time as a U.S. House Representative for Washington state’s 5th district, reflecting on accomplishments and hurdles faced throughout his freshman year in Congress. 

Officials said the situation marks a sharp shift from the pandemic era, when large infusions of federal relief dollars significantly boosted state revenues. Those temporary funds have now expired, forcing lawmakers to confront structural imbalances in the budget.

In his letter of resignation, he stated, “It’s my understanding that the state statute indicates that I would continue to serve in the seat until the next election. I appreciate the trust placed in me this past year and the opportunity to serve our community. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to step down from this seat.”

Council member Katie Roberts submitted a letter stepping down from Position 1 effective immediately after accepting a job as the city’s deputy billing clerk. “It has been an honor and privilege to have been elected to serve the residents of Chewelah,” Roberts wrote.

The general election results for Stevens and Ferry Counties were officially certified on Nov. 25. The results include: 

STEVENS COUNTY 

City of Chewelah 
Lindsay Baxter won the election for the Chewelah Mayor, finishing with 606 (67.11%) of the total 903 votes.

7th District Legislative Rep. Hunter Abell (R-Inchelium) reflected on his time spent since leaving Olympia in April, and what he looks forward to accomplishing during the next legislative session. 

The Colville city council meeting on Nov. 10 was full of energy as the council members juggled budgets, allocated funds to local events, and celebrated the return of local volunteers. The council got straight to business, quickly approving the consent agenda, including signing off on October’s minutes and the monthly $388,000 city staff payroll.

After a record 43-day shutdown, the federal government reopened on Wednesday, Nov. 12, after President Donald Trump signed a funding package. The U.S. House approved Resolution 222-209, funding parts of the government through January, and others through fall 2026. According to the resolution’s language, the agreement will also reverse the mass federal layoffs that occurred during the shutdown.

Representative Andrew Engell (R-Colville), met with Washington state governor Bob Ferguson in Spokane on Nov. 8, to discuss local issues and explore common ground. Engell said that his goal for the meeting was to help build trust in the state government, reduce tension between the urban and rural communities, and ensure the east side of the state is heard.

The Stevens County commissioners met on Nov. 7, to discuss the county’s new Veterans Relief Fund (VRF) policy. During the meeting, the commissioners found themselves unable to reach an agreement on approving the new policy and whether it would benefit local veterans.

General election results for Stevens and Ferry counties are still being counted, however, current tabulations provide an indication of the winning parties. According to election department officials, the election results for both of the counties will be certified on Nov. 25.

The council approved a three-year extension with Walsh Coomer and Associates Inc., worth $491,190, to continue engineering and construction work on the city’s Reservoir No. 2 project. The updated agreement runs through 2028 and covers final design and bidding. Council members also gave the green light to an easement agreement with Day Management Corporation...

During the public hearing on 2026 property and ad valorem taxes, city staff noted that figures from the assessor’s office were not yet available, so the ordinances were introduced without final numbers. The council plans to hold another public hearing and adopt the finalized tax ordinances once the information arrives.

State representatives Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium, and Andrew Engell, R-Colville, from Washington's 7th Legislative District, announced that they visited the U.S./Canadian border to strengthen ties with their neighbors in British Columbia. The two lawmakers met with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Brittny Anderson and Steve Morissette at the Frontier-Patterson border crossing.

According to George, when prosecutor Tim Rasmussen took office from Jerry Wetle in the mid 2000s, the office employed seven deputy prosecutors. This year, George was approved by the county commissioners to hire five employees, in addition to a current part-time employee. She said, “Previously, our budget has always approved seven deputy prosecutors. We might not have had the positions filled..."

Northport
According to clerk treasurer Karen Baribault, the Department of Ecology is still finishing up the city park’s river front. She said public works completed a street grant over the summer. The city was also awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for a water system backup generator after pursuing the grant for seven years.

The duo toured the Meyers Falls Dam on Sept. 19, led by Ben Hendrickson, president of Hydro Technology Systems, Inc., and accompanied by Mike Phillips, owner of Sheep Creek Hydro, Inc. The group discussed various issues and topics relating to hydro power, including price discrepancies in what is sold vs. bought back by the state...