Local News

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.

Twenty years of serving the community came to an end on March 3 as the last “Hot Meal” program provided by the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Friendship Community Feast was served. 

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

A structure fire has been confirmed at 1025 E. Ivy in Colville; please avoid the surrounding area while emergency services respond.

“Every child is an artist.”
It is Donna Matter’s heartfelt belief that all children contain untapped creativity and that it is her purpose to provide them with an outlet.
The Kettle Falls Children’s Art Program, located at the Kettle Falls Library, was launched 10 years ago by Donna Matter and her husband, George Matter.

AAA officials stated that Washington state has the third-highest gasoline prices in the nation behind Hawaii, which is at $4.41, and California, which averages $4.27 per gallon.

Over the past two years, the Statesman-Examiner has followed local industries as they face the challenges of their trades. This week’s edition checks in with the local medical industry, reporting on medical care, support services, and recent changes in state and national mandates that may impact patients in northeast Washington. 

The Christmas Tree Labyrinth at the Chewelah Center for the Arts wrapped up its second season this past weekend, closing after several days of post-holiday operation that stretched into early 2026. Built from more than 200 reclaimed Christmas trees, the installation invited community members to slow down and experience a moment of calm after the holidays.

“I was approached by lifelong friend Dick Nichols, who asked me to put on a fireworks show for the 250th celebration of the signing of the [Declaration of] Independence. I am not sure why he asked me, maybe because he knew I would not turn him down,” Matlock said.

Orient School hosted their annual community stocking raffle fundraiser, raising $1,210.50 to benefit Orient School’s eighth-grade Sneak and Graduation Ceremony. The winner was resident Chuck Omit, whose name was pulled during Orient School’s winter program, held on Dec. 19 at the Kettle River Grange.

Northeast Tri County Health District announced they recently honored the legacy of longtime public health leader Mary Selecky, whose career spanned decades of service to northeast Washington and the state.

The 15th annual Santa Fly-In returned to Colville Municipal Airport on Dec. 20, drawing more than 100 community members to the airport for a holiday morning featuring Santa’s arrival by plane, hot cocoa, and gifts for children.

Twelve years ago, Lisa and Jerry Adams pulled onto a farm in Idaho to inspect a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro that had served as a primary family vehicle for decades. It was weathered and worn, but for the Adams family, the $8,000 price tag represented far more than a vintage chassis – it was the beginning of an 11-year education for their son.

A years-long mystery surrounding a fatal 2019 plane crash involving Colville resident Terry Coleman has taken a step toward resolution after a team of volunteers located the missing aircraft in Sullivan Lake last month.

A Stevens County drug investigation led to the arrest of a woman accused of exposing her young child to fentanyl earlier this year. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, detectives with the Spokane Valley Police Department and members of the U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force took Briana Smutz into custody on Dec. 3, without incident.