Out of the Past: 03/25/2026

100 Years Ago—

Dr. and Mrs. W.F. Diffenbacher left for their new home in Spokane on Monday. Their son, William, home from the state university on a week’s vacation, assisted in moving. Part of their household goods were sold at auction Saturday, and some were taken by moving van to Spokane. The Diffenbachers have been residents of Colville for nearly a quarter of a century, coming here from Northport. Dr. Diffenbacher, a dentist, has always been active in civic affairs.

The opening of the local dandelion green season is here. Residents who use the dandelion roots for greens will miss the beautiful flowers which would have bloomed – but there may be enough left for blooms anyway.

As stated in the Examiner last week, it is intended to continue the discussion of the necessity of loyalty to the hometown and community in the matter of doing business. There is only one reason why towns grow and become prosperous and that is because of those who are loyal to their home institutions and industries and do business in their community.

75 Years Ago—

Paul Burgess, manager of the Elks Golf Course, announced seven holes will be open for play Sunday, providing the weather is favorable.

The Alpine Theater in Colville will feature Bing Crosby in “Mr. Music” on Sunday and Monday.

50 Years Ago—

Sale of “support bonds” for Colville’s forthcoming Colville Valley Bicentennial Pageant celebration go on sale Thursday. Heading the support bond sales is Jess Montoya, manager, Columbia Federal Savings and Loan in Colville.

BJ’s Toggery, a local women’s dress shop, has opened its doors next door to their former location, at 124 S. Main. Their quarters were formerly Colville Jewelers.

Kettle Falls Happy Dell Park is once again progressing toward its July dedication. The city backhoe was in the area removing stumps and dead trees resulting from the fire which passed through the area in 1974.

25 Years Ago—

Stevens County’s application to implement a Business Retention and Expansion program has been accepted by Tri-County Economic Development District who will sponsor the new economic development program. The focus of the new program is on retaining and expanding companies that already call Stevens County home, rather than attracting new ones.

At a recent Habitat for Humanity-Colville Valley Partners board meeting, the local affiliate voted to open a thrift store in Colville.

10 Years Ago—

After a hiatus of nearly a decade, the Kettle Falls School District has returned instrumental music to its middle school and high school curriculum. Well-known, popular local musician Gary Killings was hired last week to reinstitute a middle and high school music program in the Kettle Falls School District that hasn’t existed since 2007.

The Colville High School jazz band, under the direction of Brent Purvis, were outstanding both on and off the stage earlier this month during their trip to the University of Montana’s Buddy DeFanco Jazz Festival. They received the honor of Outstanding Trumpet Section in a field of 12 bands, some of which were considerably larger than the Colville entry.