Out of the Past: 01/21/2026

100 Years Ago—

For 37 years, the Hofstetter two-story frame store building stood on the northeast corner of Main and Beech (Birch). It was the first substantial building erected in the town of Colville after the platting and dedication of the town early in 1883. It was erected by John U. Hofstetter who owned much of the land embraced in the original town of Colville.

Thomas L. Savage, an early merchant of three towns in Stevens County, died in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jan. 20 at the age of 62 years. He became a merchant in Colville in 1886, in Kettle Falls in 1890, and was Northport’s first merchant in 1892.

75 Years Ago—    

Everyone in Stevens County should have received a defense questionnaire by now. County commissioners began mailing the forms last week and the final batch was expected in the mail by Thursday. The final mailing was made to voters in Colville. Fred Wilson, county defense coordinator, urged persons in the county to fill out the forms promptly. “We’re in no position to urge or coax voters to fill out the forms. It’s strictly voluntary. But we can’t do anything further with defense plans until we receive a greater percentage of the needed information.”

Snow removal has cost county taxpayers an estimated $15,000 in the last two weeks.

50 Years Ago—  

Northwest Alloys, Inc., this week made the first tap of ferro-silicon from its 24,000 ton a year ferro-silicon furnace.

“Stevens County mines are in a dormant state right now, but exploration in this area has been intense,” Ted Liovingston, state geologist with the Department of Natural Resources from Olympia, told Colville Chamber of Commerce members on Tuesday.

Stevens County commissioners approved a pre-application for a government grant for $63,535 to remodel the former Valley View Infirmary on Monday.

Dave LaDuke of Fogle Motor Co., Inc., has recently joined the sales force as their new and used car salesman.

25 Years Ago—

CHEWELAH—Jenkins High School junior Katie Kinyon is the new Washington State Junior Miss. Miss Kinyon was crowned Saturday night in Pullman’s Gladish Community Center. She was among 35 high school juniors, including Colville Jr. Miss Stephanie Oswin, who competed for the coveted title. Miss Kinyon will be featured in a Statesman-Examiner story in next week’s edition.

The tapping, crafting and simmering going on around Onion Creek betrays it: It’s time for the sixth annual Onion Creek Outhouse Race and second annual Chili Cookoff. Racers, spectators, cooks and tasters are all invited.

Outgoing Colville Fire Chief Rick Naff handed over the chief’s hat to incoming fire chief Scott Carter this week. Naff has served as fire chief for nearly eight years.

10 Years Ago—

COLVILLE—For Providence Northeast Washington Medical Group patients who have been frustrated by an inability to schedule timely appointments, the medical purveyor has some good news. Providence Northeast Washington Medical Group said it is now able to provide same day appointments at its main clinic in Colville.