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Murderer Re-Sentences After 2021 Supreme Court Ruling - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Murderer Re-Sentences After 2021 Supreme Court Ruling November 5, 2025 By: Staff Report Convicted killer Justin Crenshaw, who was convicted of murdering 18-year-old Sarah Clark and 20-year-old Tanner Pehl in 2008, faced his victims' families in a Spokane courtroom when he was re-sentenced on Oct. 13. While the murders occurred in Spokane, victim Pehl had connections to Stevens County. Pehl grew up in Colville until the age of nine and attended Colville High School for a year before finishing his education in Spokane, according to the obituary provided to the Associated Press. Judge Dean Chuang made the decision to uphold Crenshaw’s original sentence after hearing testimonies from more than 30 family members and friends of the two victims. Crenshaw was resentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Additional statements were received by Chuang from Crenshaw himself, his mother, and his fiancée, along with testimonies from a psychiatrist and a representative from the Department of Corrections (DOC). Crenshaw, who was noted to be an acquaintance of the victims by the victim’s families, killed Pehl and Clark, stabbing Pehl 14 times and Clark 26, before posing their bodies with swords and setting the house where the killings took place on fire, according to court documents. The house on Elm Street in Spokane was the Pehl’s family home. When investigating the case, law enforcement noted a bloody fingerprint that eventually tied Crenshaw to the crime. Tanner's loved ones say precious family mementos were used to stage the crime scene. Tanner’s sister, Katie, said in a past interview, “Justin had ransacked the house, making it look like a robbery. Everything was in disarray. Our whole childhood was on the floor and there [were] blood and bloody footprints everywhere.” Crenshaw, who was 20 years old at the time of the crime, was convicted of the double murder and sentenced to life without parole in 2010. Eleven years after his sentencing, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled it “unconstitutional to impose a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole to anyone who committed aggravated murder between the ages of 18 and 21,” which prompted resentencing hearings across the state, including Crenshaw’s. During the resentencing, Pehl’s and Clark’s loved ones relayed the lifelong effects they have experienced as a result of the killings, and added that releasing Crenshaw would be an issue of safety. The DOC representative told the court that Crenshaw had 18 infractions in the state prison system, including assault, rioting, participating in gang activity and more. Court documents also reported that Crenshaw has had six prison infractions in other states since his incarceration for the double murder, including the killing of a cellmate and the stabbing of another inmate. Clark’s father implored the judge to uphold the original sentence, stating that none of the facts of the case had changed, and that Crenshaw had acted in a “premeditated, violent, and disgusting way” when he murdered Clark and Pehl. Pehl’s mother also spoke, stating that Crenshaw had “tortured” the two victims. After listening to the victim’s loved ones, Chuang concluded that Crenshaw exhibited “intentionality, cognitive reasoning, premeditation, and extreme violence” in the murders of Pehl and Clark. Although the 2021 court ruling noted “youthful behavior” as a reason not to impose life sentences for crimes committed by 18-21-year-olds, Chuang determined it not to be a factor in Crenshaw’s actions. The judge then resentenced Crenshaw to two life sentences without the possibility of parole to be served consecutively, during which Crenshaw made several outbursts, including cursing at the judge, calling his lawyer “ineffective,” and refusing to sign the resentencing documents. He also said he would appeal the resentencing. Spokane County Prosecutor Preston McCollam said the Prosecutor’s Office is extremely pleased with the outcome of the resentencing. Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Out of the Past: 12/03/2025 - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Out of the Past: 12/03/2025 December 3, 2025 By: Stevens County Historical Society Minzel Motor Company, now E-Z Knit, at Main St. and 2nd Ave. 100 Years Ago— Right of way for the Inland Empire Highway from Barstow to Kettle Falls bridge site has been secured by County Commissioner John F. May, who on Monday was accompanied over the project by District Engineer Guy Harvey of the State Highway Department. The First Thought Mine near Orient has passed into new control. James E. Pickrell, well-known in Stevens County for many years, is now president of the company and has taken over the active management for the purpose of financing and operating the mine. The Springdale Hotel is proving a popular place with Colville motorists, who find the half-way station between Colville and Spokane a popular place for lunch, under the management of Elizabeth Brooks and E.A. Barnett at the hotel. 75 Years Ago— The most recent change in automobile dealerships here was revealed this week when H.I. Minzel, a Ford dealer, announced his retirement from the automobile business. The name Minzel Motor Company, as it has been known for the past 25 years, has been changed to Colville Motors, and the new sign went up this week. Robert Anderson is the manager of the new company. Group and committee meetings on the forthcoming new Mount Carmel Hospital were topped off with a pre-drive dinner meeting Thursday evening. Committee members throughout the county were guests of the Dominican Sisters at a dinner held in Our Lady of the Valley Convent last night at the Old Mission near Kettle Falls. 50 Years Ago— The 60-foot cross located atop Colville Mountain and overlooking the city, was the victim of high winds last Wednesday night. The winds, which continued through the night and into the next morning, were reported as reaching velocity of 50 miles per hour. Colville’s parking commission will make a new proposal to the city council next Tuesday night on their planned acquisition of the Fogle property for off-street parking, stated Carl Walden, secretary of the commission. At the regular Tuesday evening meeting of the Colville city council, Colville fire chief Bill Bronson presented a drawing of the proposed Colville Fire House, along with a fact sheet outlining the estimated costs of such a facility. 25 Years Ago— Inchelium’s dramatic 34-30 thriller over Odessa for the 2000 B-8 Grid Classic title Saturday afternoon in the Tacoma Dome was about as good as it gets as far as prep football is concerned. The Hornets weren’t crowned champions until the game’s final play, when senior David Tonasket batted down an Odessa pass that brought the tiny Colville Indian Reservation school its third Class B-8 championship. Glendine Leonard of Colville will show new and treasured Madonnas (mother and child) in the display case of the Colville Public Library during the month of December. 10 Years Ago— The Colville Elks “Breakfast With Santa” will be held Dec. 12. This annual rite of the Christmas holiday season will start with a visit from Santa Claus to the Colville Municipal Airport that morning at 8 a.m. Colville High School students and staff members gathered 3,380 pounds of food from their annual food drive and donated all of it to the Colville Food Bank on Nov. 20. Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Rowan Howard Gilmore — a community announcement published by the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville and Stevens County. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Births Rowan Howard Gilmore Rowan Howard Gilmore was born on July 15, 2025, to parents Miranda Elert and Howard Gilmore of Chewelah, Wash. He weighed 5 pounds, 15 ounces at birth. Previous Next LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Tom Kern | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Tom Kern 83 - Oct 4, 2025 Tom passed away on Oct. 4, following a swift return of cancer. Tom was born in Colville, Washington in 1942, to Dee and Ina McKern. He was raised in Rice, Washington. Tom graduated from Kettle Falls High School in 1960. Following graduation, Tom completed ROTC at WSU where he also obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science and Natural Resources. He served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967, where he was awarded a Bronze Star for Valor and a Purple Heart. In 1969, his only child, Thomas (Tom/Tommy) Dee McKern was born. In 1991, Tom married Carolyn L. Chase. Shortly after their marriage, they moved into his childhood home where they lived together until his death. Tom had a love for travel. Together with Carolyn, grandkids, nieces, nephews, siblings and friends they explored places like Costa Rica, River Cruises, and more. Annual trips to Hawaii with family and treasured friends became Tom's favorite. Tom was a man of service, joining and serving in a multitude of organizations. He served two terms as Stevens County Commissioner from 1987-1994. In 1995, Tom was appointed to the Spokane Community College Board of Trustees. He spent many years on the Board of Supervisors for the Stevens County Conservation District. Tom was a very active Grange Member, serving in many state and local leadership roles for which he received a number of awards. Tom, like his father, served as chair of the Grange Insurance Board. In December 2024, after 28 years, Tom retired as chairman and was highly celebrated at a dinner in Seattle in his honor. While Tom was a humble, accomplished and valued leader of his community; he was most proud of his family's cattle ranch which his grandparents, Oscar and Mamie McKern, began in 1903. He dedicated much of his life to caring for the land and carrying out the family tradition. So much so that he earned the title of "Grandpa Cow" to his great-grandchildren. He worked alongside his son, Thomas Dee, before his passing in 2002 at the age 32. Following his son's death, he was blessed by the friendship and help of his neighbor Dan Arnott. Through Dan's loyalty and comfort, he became like a son to Tom. In recent years, Tom took great pride in mentoring his grandson, Tory, to continue the McKern Family legacy. In true Tom fashion, he made one big and final step in preparing Tory to carry out the work they both loved. Just weeks before his passing, Tom purchased the first tractor with working A/C and heat the McKern's have ever owned. Tom was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Dee McKern; his father, Dee McKern; mother Ina McKern; brother Daniel Reeder and sister Patricia Clemons. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn McKern (Chase); grandson Tory Thomas Daniel McKern; granddaughter Tawni Dee Zerba (McKern) and husband Myles; grandson Thomas Maverick McKern; granddaughter Micaela Larson (Lieseke) and husband Nat; great-grandchildren Dennis Landry Zerba and BaiLee Wren Doris Zerba; brother Dennis McKern; sister Diane Showalter, and numerous cousins, in-laws and nieces and nephews. The family asks that in lieu of flowers and in honor of Tom's life, memorial contributions may be made to Quillisascut Grange. A public memorial service will be held at the Colville Ag Trade Center on Nov. 11, at 11 a.m.; he will be interned at Mountain View Cemetery at a private service. Please wear your WSU gear or a flannel in honor of Tom. A meal will be provided by the local Grange's. Previous Item Next Item

Northport Basketball Fights to Remain a Top League Contender - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Northport Basketball Fights to Remain a Top League Contender January 21, 2026 By: Brandon Hansen Northport Girls Drop Pair of League Games The Northport girls basketball team dropped a pair of Northeast 1B North games over the weekend after opening the week with a strong home victory. The Republic Tigers (13-0 overall, 9-0 league) remained unbeaten in league play with a 48-18 win over the visiting Northport Mustangs in Republic on Saturday, Jan. 17. Northport was also tested Friday night at home, falling 52-33 to the Curlew Cougars on Jan. 16. Curlew (11-4, 6-3) built a 26-19 halftime lead and never relinquished control. Annika Baker scored a game-high 18 points for the Cougars. Northport was led by Ruthie Hebarling with 10 points, while Kate Beardslee chipped in eight points. Northport had started the week with a 57-21 home win over Hunters Lions on Jan. 13. Beardslee led the Mustangs with a dominant performance, scoring 24 points and knocking down one of Northport’s two 3-pointers. Kylie Colton added 17 points, and Persephanie Ste. Marie scored seven as Northport jumped out to a 13-0 first-quarter lead and steadily pulled away. Northport held Hunters to eight field goals in the game. Liberty Herrara led Columbia-Hunters with 10 points. Results from the Mustangs’ matchup against Selkirk on Tuesday, Jan. 20, were unavailable at press time. The Mustangs will continue the week with scheduled games at Inchelium on Friday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m., then at Nespelem on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 4:30 p.m. Northport Boys Still in Control of NE 1B League The Northport boys basketball team went 2-1 in NE 1B North play last week, picking up a pair of decisive home wins before running into league contender Republic on the road. While they did suffer their first loss, the Mustangs stayed atop the NE 1B North standings. The Republic Tigers handed the Northport Mustangs an 81-37 loss in Republic on Saturday, Jan. 17. The Tigers improved to 7-2 in league play at 10-5 overall. Northport recorded a dominant 77-42 home win the previous night over the Curlew Cougars on Jan. 16. Earlier in the week, Northport turned in its highest-scoring performance of the season, cruising to a 95-58 win over the Hunters Lions on Jan. 13. The Mustangs are now 12-5 overall and 9-1 in league play. Results from their Tuesday, Jan. 20, matchup against Selkirk were unavailable at press time; the boys are scheduled to continue the week at Inchelium on Friday, Jan. 23, for the final game of the regular season at 7:30 p.m. Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Bruin Silas Ashley — a community announcement published by the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville and Stevens County. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Births Bruin Silas Ashley Bruin Silas Ashley was born on June 18, 2025, to parents Gracie and Takota Ashley of Colville, Wash. He weighed 6 pounds and 13 ounces at birth. He has one sister, Cedar, 15 months. His maternal grandmother is Joellen Keating-Maestas of Colville, Wash., and his paternal grandmother is Lori Ashley of Colville, Wash. Previous Next LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Share your happy news with the community! Submit your anniversary announcement for publication in our newspaper. Submit Your Anniversary Announcement Please complete the form below to share your happy news with our readers. Fill out all required fields marked with an asterisk (*) Double-check the spelling of names, dates, and locations Include any special details you’d like to share (optional) Once submitted, our editorial team will review your announcement before publishing Anniversary Announcement Submission Form Couple’s Information * First and Last Names of Couple * Address Street address; use a single-line text field. P.O. Box / Apt # * City * State Choose your State * Zip Code Number of Years Married Wife’s Occupation Is she retired? Yes No Husband’s Occupation Is he retired? Yes No Next

Marcia Renee Dupuis | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Marcia Renee Dupuis 71 Apr 8, 1954 - Sep 9, 2025 Marcia Renee Dupuis passed away on Sept. 9, 2025 in Colville, Wash. She was born on April 8, 1954, in Colville, Wash., to her parents Francis Eugene Dupuis, and Etta Marie (Buckley) Dupuis. Marcia was one of four siblings, her sister Linda Marie, her brother Rodney Ross, and her brother Anthony Christopher. Marcia went to school in Kettle Falls and graduated from Kettle Falls High School in 1972. After school she went to work for Plum Creek Mill. Later in life, Marcia joined the company Always caring and enjoyed providing care for our Stevens County residents. Marcia loved spending time with her close friends and family, especially if it involved shopping. Her favorite holiday to share with friends and family was Thanksgiving. She looked forward to Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, and the kid’s birthdays. Marcia also enjoyed picnics, fishing, hunting, cooking, and any opportunities to spend more time with her nephews and nieces. Marcia is preceded in death by her mother Etta Marie Buckley, her father Francis Eugene Dupuis, and her sister Linda Marie. She is survived by her brother Rodney Ross, (Kathy Dupuis), her brother Anthony Christopher, her nephew, two great nephews, nieces, two great nieces, friends, all of whom she loved Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory has been entrusted with her care. We will be holding a graveside service for Marcia Renee Dupuis on Sept.16 at the Calvary Cemetery in Colville, Wash. at 1 p.m. Previous Item Next Item

Local Dancers Qualify for Regionals at Spokane Feis Competition - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Local Dancers Qualify for Regionals at Spokane Feis Competition October 1, 2025 By: Emma Lee Conyer From left to right, RyanRose Robinson, Claire Worley, Kylee Espenhain and Brittany Robinson. Photo courtesy Claire Worley. The Haran School of Irish Dancers, located in Kettle Falls, and its sister school in Spokane, held the fourth annual “Feis at the Falls” and “Deirdre Abeid Memorial Feis” Sept. 14-15. Originally founded in 1990 by Deirdre Abeid, the Kettle Falls school was taken over by her daughter, Claire Worley, in 2004 following her passing. Prior to that, Claire’s older sister, Caitlin Trusler, opened a second school in Spokane. The Haran School of Irish Dance holds the title of the first certified Irish dance school in the Inland Northwest. The Haran Irish Dancers have been hosting two feisianna, or Irish dance competitions, titled “Feis at the Falls” and “Deirdre Abeid Memorial Feis” since 2022. Located at the Spokane Convention Center, these are Spokane’s only feisanna, with placements determining whether dancers are eligible to compete in regional, national, and world championships. Four of the dancers from the Kettle Falls school qualified for the western U.S. regional championships, Oireachtas. Kylee Espenhain placed first in both the Hard Shoe and Set Dance categories for ages 17 and over. She also took first place overall in the Preliminary Championship for her age group. RyanRose Robinson swept the Under 17 division, taking first place in Soft Shoe, Set Dance and the Preliminary Championship overall. Espenhain placed third in the Championship Special Traditional Set Dance for dancers aged 15 and over, and earned third place in the Open Championship Soft Shoe dance for ages 18 and over. Brooklyn Thompson took first place in the Adult Advanced Championship and also claimed first in the Adult Special Championship Treble Reel event. Amalie Pancoast placed second in the Adult Advanced Championship and later earned a first place finish in a solo category. In honor of Lucas Pancoast, who had previously danced for the school before his passing, a dance-off was held, where judges picked based on stage presence and how they made them feel, according to Worley. Oireachtas will be hosted in Spokane Nov. 21-23, where several hundred dancers from across the western U.S. will travel to compete. Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Carl W. McDaniels | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Carl W. McDaniels N/A - Join friends and family as we celebrate the life of Carl W McDaniels 11 a.m., Saturday, August 2, at 874 Vanasse Rd. Kettle Falls Wash. We will be having a potluck barbecue. This is an informal event, come as you are, share stories, and a laugh. Please call or text Shaina to RSVP at 509-680-6171 (please leave a message). Previous Item Next Item

Jeffrey Ryan James | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Jeffrey Ryan James 53 Mar 9, 1972 - Jun 25, 2025 Jeffrey Ryan James passed away on June 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and quiet strength. Known for his unwavering sense of humor and a big heart, Jeff was the kind of man who showed up when you needed him most. Many friends described him as selfless. He was the first person his mother would call to help fix anything around the house, and he would do so with a smile and a tool box in hand. Jeff had a passion for collecting, whether it be rocks, trucks, or tools. Each piece held a story and a memory. He had a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life and a strong connection to the outdoors. Jeff's recent goal was to travel the U.S. and see every state, soaking in the beauty and serenity of nature. As a child, Jeff lived in Alaska, where he earned money pumping gas and spent one summer panning for gold along the Yukon river. Those early adventures sparked his love for nature, hard work, and the thrill of exploration.„ traits that remained with him throughout his life. More than anything, Jeff cherished time with his sons. Whether they were boating, hiking, fishing, shooting or even mowing the lawn together, those shared moments meant the world to him. He found purpose in passing down his passions and values, especially the importance of family, fun, and getting your hands dirty. Jeff is preceded in death by his adopted father, Red; his half siblings, John and Jenny; his brother-in-law, Joe Allred; and nieces, Ashlyn James and Jamie Allred. He is survived by his sons, Dalton (Jessica), Tristan (Jaira), and Trevor (Megan); his grandchildren Dawson, Blakely, Noah, and soon-to-arrive baby Flynn. He is also survived by his mother, Sandie; brother, Chris (Becky); and sister Jess; and half-sister Julie Allred. To know Jeff was to laugh with him, to lean on him, and to love him. He will be remembered for the joy he brought, the help he gave, and the love he shared so freely. A memorial service to honor Jeff's life will be held on July 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Hope Vineyard Church in Colville. All are welcome to attend, eat a meal and share fond memories and stories that capture Jeff's spirit. Previous Item Next Item

Lorelai Kay Nullet — a community announcement published by the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville and Stevens County. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Births Lorelai Kay Nullet Lorelai Kay Nullet was born on July 29, 2025 to parents Kailee Fata and Micahel Nullet of Colville, Wash. She weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces at birth, and has one sister, Brielle Nullet, age 2. Previous Next LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES