Out of the Past: 07/09/2025

100 Years Ago—

The Colville-Spokane stage line has received the third new Pierce Arrow stage of the parlor car type, which makes all new equipment for the line from Colville to Spokane.

Occasionally, there are young men and women raised and schooled in the Colville valley who rise to distinguished places among the citizens of the United States. This week we can chronicle such an item of two Colville boys who have reached another steppingstone to higher fame. The young men are William McMillan and Siegfried Strauss, both recently graduating from medical colleges as MDs.

75 Years Ago—    

A flying saucer traveling at a terrific rate of speed was reported seen over Christina Lake Wednesday morning.

Construction of new law offices for John T. Raftis and realty offices for the Squire-Beardslee Realty Company was begun in the Forman building this week.

If pigs sneeze frequently and their snouts are pushed in or twisted, swine raisers may have a serious disease problem in their herds.

Addy Grange will hold a “free” dance Saturday night in celebration of full payment for their Grange Hall which was built two years ago.

50 Years Ago—  

With the notice from the Small Business Administration that the Jessie Webb Vocational Center’s loan application for $100,000 has been approved, the Center will proceed with the purchase of Colville Floral and Nursery from Charles and Rhoda Simpson.

Karen Smith, the former Karen Wickstrom of Colville, has been named tourist promotion director for Alaska Airlines. She will be stationed at Sea-Tac Airport. Smith is a 1962 Colville High School graduate.

27 Years Ago—

The Parking Commission made both its grievances and wishes known to the Colville City Council at the June 27 council meeting. Dan Blackman, chairman of the commission, said the goals largely happened. But the shortage of parking has since become a major issue in Colville, and the commission lacks both the authority and the funds to negotiate or buy new lots or spaces.

Construction of the modern “giant” consumed months and months. People passing through and entering Colville’s northern city limits were continually greeted by the rather large and impressive structure being built just off Highway 395. The state-of-the-art facility, completed in April, is the new home to Aladdin Hearth Products.

10 Years Ago—

On Monday evening, June 29, Stevens County experienced a wind event that caused extreme damage to properties along Highway 20 East, in the Crystal Falls area. With thousands of trees uprooted or snapped off, both state and county roads were blocked and power lines were knocked down. The windstorm affected more than 770 residents.

RICE—Dan and Sally Lester of Rice, Wash., were surprised to be awarded Volunteers of the Year by the Washington State Grange organization. Nominees are not Grange members, so the competition is tough and not limited in numbers.