Local News

Kettle Falls City Council members covered a wide range of community projects and summer preparations during their May 5 meeting, with discussions focused on local businesses, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and upcoming events.

Students from Upper Columbia Academy spent Thursday morning, May 6, in Colville, helping complete projects for Hope Street Project while also getting a firsthand look at the impact recovery and community support can make.

Donald “Don” Larry Dashiell, a longtime Hunters rancher and former Stevens County commis- sioner, died peacefully April 29, 2026, at his home.

Hofstetter Elementary School in Colville hosted an interactive tree planting demonstration on April 24 for kindergarten, first, and second grades. Manulife Investment Management, a forestry restoration association, hosted the event, with members Mike Garringer and Matt Johnson assisting the students. 

The Northeast Washington (N.E.W) Farmer’s Market announced they are opening for the season on Saturday, May 2, at 9 a.m. Market organizers said visitors can anticipate many familiar vendors and activities along with new ones. 

The one-day tournament aims to bring teams from across the region for an outdoor 3-on-3 basketball competition.

Colville School District is offering seniors an opportunity to earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) before they graduate. The new program, which launched in January, is already helping local students explore a high-demand career while saving both time and money, something school leaders say is becoming increasingly important as students prepare for life after high school.

The Statesman-Examiner’s 2026 Panorama Tourism guide can now be found at local newsstands and businesses, offering a look at the natural beauty and community highlights of northeast Washington.

The Northeast Washington Pickleball Association (NEWPA) has announced that they awarded grants to the Chewelah School District 36 (CSD36) and the Chewelah Golf and Country Club (CG&CC).

The crash occurred at approximately 10:05 p.m. on April 3 along U.S. Highway 395 near milepost 194, approximately three-and-a-half miles north of Loon Lake.

Cody Esvelt of Rice, Wash., and a Kettle Falls High School graduate, class of 2024, was honored by the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture with academic scholarship support for the 2026- 2027 academic year.

Kettle Falls resident Jen Farnam decided in 2013 that it was about time to bring some love and joy to the community in the form of a garden that would be available and free to anyone who wanted. With the help of friend Deanna Hurst, Farnam worked with the city and its residents to create the Kettle Falls Community Garden.

Colville resident Kelly Graham’s Irish heritage granted him an invitation to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City on March 17.

A career fair took place at Kettle Falls High School on March 18, with a big turnout from local businesses. According to Kettle Falls High School Registrar Connie Brozik, representatives from the local businesses addressed the students during the event.

Colville High School teacher Tracey Delyea announced on March 13 that she received the honor of having her photograph on board the U.S. Navy’s newest nuclear submarine, the USS Idaho.

Two pieces of legislation supported by Rep. Andrew Engell (R-Colville) addressing rural health care access and housing flexibility have been signed into law by the governor on March 10.

The Rotary Club of Kettle Falls announced the purchase and donation of a new electronic community sign for the city of Kettle Falls on Feb. 21.

Some area food banks have reported steady support despite donation dips post-holiday season. Many continue to look for ways to raise funds to not only help those they serve, but to keep their facilities operational as well. 

“This program is administered by the Colville Together Design Committee and aims to make downtown revitalization affordable, creative, and community driven,” Colville Together stated in a press release.

Four men remain in prison, and two are dead after a series of sting operations in 2023 by local law enforcement that led to seven arrests when the men responded to a fake online ad and corresponded with officers posing as a mother whose daughters were available for sex. 

Two people are presumed dead following a house fire near Hunters in Stevens County on Feb. 11.

The majority of voters in three local school districts have approved funding measures in Tuesday’s special election, with replacement levies passing in the Colville, Valley, and Mary Walker districts, according to preliminary returns.

Health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a Stevens County resident, according to the Northeast Tri County Health District.

Jan. 28 Traffic Report