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Michael "Mike" Harold George | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Michael "Mike" Harold George 77 Sep 25, 1948 - Sep 11, 2025 Michael “Mike” H. George, a 28-year resident of Kettle Falls, Wash., passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 11, 2025. Mike was born on Sept. 25, 1948 in Everett, Wash., the son of Frank Albert and Margaret Agnes (James) George. Mike was raised in University Place, Wash., where he attended Curtis Junior High School and Curtis High School. He was a strong athlete and part of the cross country team that won state in 1966. He was also on the basketball team. In 1967, Mike graduated and worked locally until his induction into the U.S. Army on Nov. 6, 1969. He served at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and then Fort Elmendorf in Anchorage, Alaska. On Sept. 10, 1971, Mike was honorably discharged and returned to western Washington where he attended the Tacoma Community College and earned his AA. He continued his college education in Forestry at the University of Washington. On March 14, 1978, Mike married Michele “Shelly” Cassman in Lakewood, Wash., and together they resided in Belfair, Wash., where their son, Ben, was born. Mike worked in concrete construction and finishing and later for Simpson Timber in Timber Lakes. While in Timber Lakes, they welcome their daughter, Erika. He worked as a reserve officer for the city of Elma, which sparked his interest in law enforcement. Mike then attended the corrections academy and began working in the Shelton Corrections facility. In 1988, their family relocated to eastern Washington where Mike worked as an officer for the Chewelah Police Department. Two years later he transferred to Ferry County as a Deputy Sheriff. He accepted the role as undersheriff and served in that capacity until 1997. Mike moved to Kettle Falls and worked as captain for several years. He retired in 2013 from the Stevens County Sheriff’s office after nearly 30 years in law enforcement. Mike maintained a special law enforcement commission where he continued working several cold case homicides until his passing. Mike enjoyed fishing for Steelhead on the Olympic Peninsula rivers when he could get time away and driving golf balls down the greens on the local golf courses. When he wasn’t on the greens, he would often have the Golf Channel on in the home. He was quite practiced at raising his voice in “encouragement” while offering guidance to his favorite sports teams from the comfort of his armchair/couch. His camping trips were always memorable as were the many Apple Cup adventures and trips to watch the Mariners. He was a lover of animals, but especially dogs. You would be hard pressed to see him out without his black lab by his side. Mike expected things to be done well and was direct with his honesty and strong in his opinion. His gruff exterior was transparent to his family and friends. What shone through was his sense of humor, compassion, grumbling kindness and willingness to offer help whenever a need arose. The words he offered told the story but what he didn’t say taught the lesson. He loved his family and cherished his friendships, granting nicknames that made you grin along with him. Mike believed in ethics, honesty and respect and never wavered in his defense and support of these principles. As a husband, he was a best friend, as a father he was steadfast and a foundation for life, and as a friend, he was true. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Margaret; and his sister, Sherrill. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Michele “Shelly” George and his dog Bart, at the home; son, Benjamin George (Jennifer) of Spanaway and grandchildren Tristan and Aubrey; daughter, Erika George (Sam Doyon) of Loon Lake with a grandchild on the way; twin brother, Mark George (Margaret) of University Place; brother, Paul George of Bonney Lake; nephew Robert George (Chanly) of University Place and great nephew, Cody George; several “bonus” grandchildren including Makayla, and a host of extended family and friends. Mike was a member of the Stevens County Republicans and a former precinct committee officer. A graveside service for Mr. Michael “Mike” H. George will begin at 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville, Wash. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at danekasfuneralchapel.com Previous Item Next Item

Everett Alan Billings — 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 Everett Alan Billings Everett Alan Billings was born Aug. 12, 2025, to parents Musette Billings and James M. Billings III of Colville, Wash. He weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces at birth and has two brothers, James, age 11, and Oliver, age 7. His maternal grandparents are Wendy Hull of Houston, Texas, and Urs Machler of Istanbul, Turkey. His paternal grandparents are James Billings Jr. of Old Waverly, Texas, and Rebecca New of Hilco, Texas. 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

Diane Cecilia (Lyonais) Hess | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Diane Cecilia (Lyonais) Hess 90 Feb 25, 1935 - Dec 25, 2025 Diane Cecilia (Lyonais) Hess, beloved mother, Grammie, aunt, and dear friend, died on December 25, 2025, in Carthage, Missouri. She was 90 years old. Diane was born on February 25, 1935, in Williston, North Dakota to Philip and Lucile Lyonais. In 1943, she moved with her family to Renton, Washington, where she attended St. Anthony's Catholic School and later graduated from Renton High School in 1953. Diane was a remarkable woman, known for her unwavering faith, deep compassion, and strong devotion to family. Her Catholic faith guided her life and shaped the values she lovingly passed on to her children and grandchildren. She dedicated herself to nurturing those around her, leaving a profound and lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Throughout her life, Diane created countless cherished memories with her family—from joyful summer visits that filled her home with laughter and warmth, to long road trips where she shared lessons of faith, love, and life. She was determined, intelligent, self- sufficient, fiercely independent while also embracing her role as matriarch, confidante, and friend. She instilled in her grandchildren the importance of family, faith, and meaningful connections, values that continue to guide their lives today. Diane’s warmth and kindness will be fondly remembered by all who were touched by her spirited presence. She had a lifelong love of God, music, dance, and scrabble and was always impeccably dressed, often adorned in her finest outfits and hats. Her grace, joy, and sense of style were reflections of her vibrant spirit. Diane is survived by her loving children, daughters, Jodi (Schlup) and Kendra (Sanders), and sons, Brad, Kurtis, and Noel; her brother, David; sister, Marlene; a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many extended cousins, nieces and nephews. Diane is preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Lucile; eight of her siblings, Barbara, Carole (Meyers), Leslie (Storey), Jean (Peretti), Phil, Richard (Dick), Steve, and Lynne (Lake); son, Toby; and grandson, Philip. The family finds great comfort in knowing that Diane is now at peace, celebrating eternal life in heaven joining God on Christmas Day—the birthday of Jesus Christ, whom she loved and served so faithfully. In honoring Diane’s memory, the family encourages all who knew her to carry forward her spirit of love, kindness, and joy, rooted deeply in her faith in God. She walked her life guided by that faith, and we walk alongside her still—uplifted by the love she gave so freely. She will be profoundly missed, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she loved. Rosary service will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Visitation will follow until 8:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO on Friday, January 9, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM with Father Sanoop Thomas officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kent, Washington at a later date. Previous Item Next Item

Catherine Carol Roper | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Catherine Carol Roper 86 May 21, 1939 - Jun 7, 2025 Catherine Carol Roper of Kettle Falls, Wash., passed away at her home on June 7, 2025, at the age of 86. She was born on May 21, 1939, at the family ranch in Boyds, Wash. When her mother was in labor, her father rowed across the Columbia River to fetch a doctor. By the time they returned, she had already been born with the help of the hired hand. Most of her childhood was spent on the family ranch. When she wasn’t yet 12 months old, her mother went to Portland, Ore., where she worked in the shipyards. She was left in the care of her older sisters, Nancy and Jo. Jo remembers carrying her on a long trek over the fields and down a steep hillside to have her cared for by the neighbor while the siblings attended school. After school, they carried her back home and cared for her until bedtime. One time they fed Carol sauerkraut and paid the price when it came time to change her diaper. Carol attended grades first through sixth in a one-room cabin used as a schoolhouse. She had some wonderful years in that tiny school. She moved into Kettle Falls in her teen years, living with her mother and stepfather. There, she graduated from Kettle Falls High School in the spring of 1957. Progressing in life, Carol married and raised four children. During her adult years, she enjoyed varied employment that included working as a librarian, bookkeeper, secretary, microfilm manager, and always provided a helping hand to the disadvantaged. The last 20 years of her working life were spent as an optometric technician at the Kettle Falls Vision Clinic. She was actively involved at the Columbia River Bible Church and Christian Academy. She enjoyed many years of singing with the local Sweet Adelines group. After remarrying, Carol was very involved with her late husband, David Roper, in the Chokes and Spokes Antique Car Club. She loved to camp and even rafted the Salmon River in Idaho. In her final active years, she enjoyed riding ATVs in the backcountry with her friend, Keith Fine (who was also a childhood friend growing up in Boyds). She was a sharp Pinochle player and excelled at many card games. But her favorite and most serious joy in life was sharing Jesus Christ with her family, friends, and acquaintances. Carol is preceded in death by her parents, A. “Murphy” Hurst and Irene Johnson, her husband, David Roper, her sisters Nancy Anderson, Suzette Tucker, brother Richard Hurst, and two grandchildren, Jessica West and Jonathon Kreft. She is survived by her sister, Jo Negu, of Kettle Falls, her children, Michael Davis and his wife, Toni, of Dover, Del., daughter Shawn Kreft and her husband David of Kettle Falls, son of Jerry Davis and his wife Daphne of Pierre Lake, daughter Kelly West and her husband, Rick, of Kettle Falls, and Ruth Zembas and her husband, Michael of Shelton, Wash. She is survived by grandchildren Kimberly Davis of Portland, Ore., Paden Davis and his wife, Emma, of Spokane, Wash., Daniel Kreft and his fiance, Terri, of Belgrade, Mont.,Andrew Kreft of Fargo, N.D., and Katie West and her partner, Sarah Moon, of Portland, Ore. She is survived by seven great-grandchildren in Washington, North Dakota, and Minnesota, and several nieces and nephews, and her close friend, Keith Fine of Kettle Falls. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life in her memory on July 17, at 11 a.m. at Columbia River Bible Church, 1086 HWY 395 N, Kettle Falls, Wash., 99141, west of Sandy’s Drive-In on the north side of the highway. A reception is planned to follow. Previous Item Next Item

Shirley Hansen Luiten Hall | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Shirley Hansen Luiten Hall 88 Feb 14, 1937 - Oct 3, 2025 Shirley Hansen Luiten Hall, 88, of Colville passed away on Oct. 3, 2025 after a second battle with cancer. Always the sweet lady, she was born in Colville on Valentine’s Day 1937, to Iner and Lucille Hansen; she was the beloved sister of Wayne, Jack, Steve, and Danny. Shirley was preceded in death by her late husband, James (Jim) Luiten. Their 29-year marriage blessed them with four children: Jack Luiten (Lisa), Cindy Fullmer (Owen), Dale Luiten (Tanya), and Jake Luiten, as well as many cherished grand- and great grandchildren. After Jim’s death in 1983, Shirley found love again with Ronald Hall. They had been married for 32 years when he passed away in 2022. Shirley’s early years after graduation from Colville High School were spent with Jim working on their ranch on Aladdin Road. She would go on to spend 71 years there tending children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cows, horses, chickens, flowers, and anything else that needed extra care. She made legendary pies and had a kitchen famous for feeding hungry hay crews delicious meals through long summers spent working in the fields. As her children progressed through school, Shirley went to work for Colville School District in the food service program and is fondly remembered by many as “the lunch lady.” After leaving the lunch room, Shirley went on to work in Stevens County District Court until her retirement. After retirement, Shirley and Ron spent their time horse racing, helping rancher friends on their cattle drives, taking long scenic horseback rides, and hosting family and friends at their home. Shirley found great joy in her friends and family and is deeply missed by all. A memorial service will be held Friday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Colville Senior Center, The Hub. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Previous Item Next Item

Ode to an Older Time: Timothy Schirman - 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 Ode to an Older Time: Timothy Schirman August 20, 2025 By: Nancy Weigel Timothy Schirman teaching kids AutoCad. Photo courtesy Nancy Weigel. Timothy Schirman was born in Monroe, Wash., and said he spent most of his childhood there, attending and graduating from Monroe High School. Some of his favorite childhood memories include his time in the Boy Scouts, collecting Hotwheels (which he still does to this day), and hunting for his family with his father. Schirman said that they had to have a deer for everyone in their family, and even his sister had to get one. Schirman said he attended Spokane Community College and graduated with a degree in Architectural Technology; he also went to the University of Maryland and got his degree in Command and Control. He shared that he loved sports and played football as a center linebacker while in school. After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force, where he spent his next nine years. He traveled all around Pacific Asia, spending seven years of his time in the Philippines and visited Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and Cambodia. During his spare time in the Philippines, Schirman said he loved visiting an island that had a 100-foot tall waterfall at a pond; he shared that people could go behind the waterfall and sit when they got tired of swimming. Once, while at the waterfall, Schirman met a man who would climb up 50-foot palm trees and get coconuts for people for one peso per coconut. When Schirman left the Air Force, he had received a master sergeant ranking. He said his favorite thing about being in the Air Force was meeting people from all the different countries. Schirman married Shawntina Schirman on April 7, 1995, and they lived in a blended household with his step-daughter, Tabitha Neilson, and his daughter, Lacy Schirman. Schirman said one of the wildest things he's done was go white water rafting with kayaks; he said he and his wife would tie a raft in between their kayaks and his two daughters would ride on the middle raft. The family moved to Stevens County when Schirman took a job at Providence where he worked for21 years at Mt. Caramel, The Union, Catholic Charities, and was Chairman of Plans Committee for Habitat for Humanity. He said his main job was working on evacuation plans, and making health and safety plans. During this time, Schirman said he also toured schools for Providence, teaching students AutoCad, a software used for 2D and 3D design and drafting. Since retiring, Schirman said he loves fishing, working with wood, smoking meat, and researching off-the-grid living. He said the only thing he regrets is not going to Alaska when he was younger and “able to lead that kind of lifestyle.” Schirman said his favorite spots in Stevens County are Waitts Lake and the Colville River, both fishing spots for him. When asked if had any wisdom for the younger generation, he said “Put at least a dollar a day into savings, you'll thank yourself later.” 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

Fr. Chuck Wonch, SCJ | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Fr. Chuck Wonch, SCJ 78 - Sep 22, 2025 On Monday, Sept. 22, Fr. Chuck Wonch, SCJ, died. A member of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, he was 78, and lived at Sacred Heart Community at Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake in Franklin, Wis. Originally from Colville, Wash., Fr. Chuck had served in the U.S. Air Force and earned degrees in Industrial Management from Jackson State University (Mississippi) and Theological Studies from Spring Hill College (Mobile, Ala.) before pursuing his religious vocation. He was 50 years old when he made his first profession in 1997. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2002. His ministries included the pastoral team that serves the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Reservations in South Dakota, and the vocation office in Hales Corners. He is survived by daughter Katie Emory, son Tony Wonch, and grandchildren Alyssa, Aaron, Adam, Abby, and Hannah. Previous Item Next Item

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Stevens County Justice Center Development Delayed - 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 Stevens County Justice Center Development Delayed January 21, 2026 By: Bruce Rushton Sheriff Brad Manke reviews documents for the new justice center. Photo courtesy Bruce Rushton. Stevens County commissioners said they are scaling back plans for a new jail and courtroom facility two years after voters approved taxes to pay for a justice center adjacent to the existing courthouse. “(W)e can’t build the building that we want,” Commission Chairman Greg Young said at a board meeting called to discuss the project on Jan. 15. “Like I said, it’s too darn expensive.” Stevens County Sheriff Brad Manke said he saw this outcome coming. “Delusions of grandeur on what we could build and afford during the initial phases became reality when we started putting price tags to it.” Manke said in a December interview. “And so we have to bring it back to reality, which I figured was going to happen from the get-go.” Voters approved sales tax hikes totaling four-tenths of 1% in 2023 after RS Security LLC, a consulting firm based in Nine Mile Falls, Wash., approximated construction costs at $68.8 million in a report published three months before the election. Contingencies, permitting fees, sales taxes and furnishings boosted the total to $97.5 million, with the RS Security LLC consultant determining the cost would rise to $127.8 million by the end of 2024 due to rising prices for labor and material. The consulting firm said they figured the money would pay for a building of more than 85,000 square feet that would include four courtrooms and 112 jail beds. Since then, costs and bed counts have fluctuated as county officials have estimated putting five courtrooms in a building as large as 90,000 square feet. Plans have also called for a 55,000 square foot building, with one courtroom and 145 jail beds, according to Manke. County officials said in a Dec. 4, 2025 press release that, as a cost saving measure, they intend to install metal panels instead of brick façade on the exterior, and some interior walls will be built from drywall instead of blocks. The changes have whittled expected construction costs from more than $100 million to approximately $73 million, according to the press release. County officials have also reportedly told the state Project Review Committee in December 2024 that the facility would have 160 beds and that the total cost, including construction, design, furnishings and taxes, would reach $94.9 million. The county planned to issue a $99.4 million bond, according to documents submitted to the Project Review Committee. “Honestly, the plan is going to continue to evolve,” Dean Davis, county grant administrator, said at the Jan. 15 meeting, as attendees reviewed floor plans. “So what you see tonight is not locked in at all. It’s very drafty.” Based on legal advice, the commission may have to establish a citizen committee to seek public input into where the jail should be built, Young said at the meeting. He added that the most likely option remains land adjacent to the courthouse. “I find it very difficult to believe that they (the committee) will find a site that is better,” Young said. “I’ve been looking for the last year at potential sites and haven’t seen one yet that I think would be a good site. Like I said, some of them are next to schools and churches and different things.” The project also has fallen behind schedule. Manke told the Statesman-Examiner that he expects to break ground this fall. “We were hoping for spring of 2026, but with the redesign, it pushed us back six months,” the sheriff said in December 2025. The consulting firm told commissioners at the Jan. 15 meeting that designing the jail will take a year, with construction expected to begin in the spring of 2027 and conclude in December, 2028. The county so far has collected $5.6 million from the voter-approved sales tax hike, according to the board press release, and expects to collect $330,000 per month. County officials stated that they are aiming to land $4 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help pay for the new jail, adding that they hope for a low-interest loan from the state. The sheriff said he’ll need more employees when the jail opens. “We’re going to have to increase staffing a little bit just because it’s going to go from a 44-bed facility to a 140-some bed facility,” Manke said. “But with the more modern design, we can operate more efficiently – we don’t have to triple our staff because we’re tripling our beds. I have 15. We may have to add five.” In a follow-up text message, Manke said the jail, at full capacity, could require seven additional corrections officers and support staff. The sheriff said he expects the sales tax hike will cover the cost of new employees, and he’s confident the county will have sufficient funds to operate the jail. “We won’t open immediately at full capacity,” Manke said. “We’ll phase in however many extra inmates we’re bringing in.” The county averaged between 70-80 inmates per day, last summer, Manke said. The jail population dipped below 60 in early December, with more than a dozen inmates housed at the Ferry County jail. More people should be locked up, the sheriff said, but there isn’t room. People suspected of misdemeanors are rarely booked, he said. “We’re not about throwing everybody in jail, but there’s a lot of people that we don’t put in jail who need to be there,” Manke said. “Suspended drivers, we never book them. Drugs – meth, heroin, fentanyl. It’s just a misdemeanor in Washington now. We don’t book them. Malicious mischief, hit and runs. Can’t. We don’t have the room.” Some county residents aren’t happy with the delays, Manke said. “People are frustrated, and we were lacking a little bit in keeping the public apprised on the steps,” the sheriff said. “People, I think, are feeling a little more relaxed. They still want it done today. But I think we’re doing a better job of educating the public.” Voters, Manke predicted, won’t be disappointed to see courtrooms cut from the project. “They were calling it a justice center because they were attaching courtrooms and clerk’s offices and all that kind of stuff,” Manke said. “When it comes down to brass tacks, our citizens really voted for a new jail – the jail portion is what they wanted.” Politics and money, the sheriff added, played a role in the evolution of a project that county officials hope will receive federal funds. “At the time, when we were starting this, that administration had no interest in helping build new jails,” Manke said. “They did have an interest in justice systems and court facilities. Political, very political. I’m not going to speak for the commissioners, but I think the eligibility for that federal funding helped inspire making it a justice center.” 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

Bulldogs Power Past Cougars in Rivalry Matchup - 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 Bulldogs Power Past Cougars in Rivalry Matchup January 14, 2026 By: Brandon Hansen Kettle Falls' Wyn Edwards scores 61 points last week for the Lady Bulldogs. File photo. Chewelah and Kettle Falls girls basketball teams continued Northeast 2B North play last week, with the Bulldogs riding an offensive surge to take down the Cougars. Kettle Falls used a fast start and a dominant performance from Wyn Edwards to roll past Chewelah 62-26 on Friday night, Jan. 9, in a Northeast 2B contest at Jenkins High School. Edwards scored a game-high 28 points, knocking down two 3-pointers and going 4-for-8 from the free-throw line as the Bulldogs jumped out to a 24-9 lead after the first quarter. Kettle Falls never looked back, leading 32-15 at halftime and continuing to pull away in the second half. The Bulldogs connected on six 3-pointers and finished with 24 made field goals, while holding Chewelah without a 3-point basket. Cambria Thivierge added 12 points for Kettle Falls, and Shelby Shurrum chipped in 13 as the Bulldogs improved to 5-9 overall and 2-4 in league play. Chewelah was led by Sara Vioni with 10 points, while Megan Watts and Jones added four apiece. The Cougars fell to 1-11 overall and 0-6 in Northeast 2B play. Edwards Fuels Bulldogs’ Surge Against Dragons Earlier in the week, Kettle Falls picked up a key 53-44 home win over St. George’s onJan. 6, again riding a standout performance from Edwards. Edwards tallied 33 points, including four 3-pointers, and went 9 of 10 from the free-throw line to lift the Bulldogs past the Dragons. Kettle Falls led 21-17 at halftime before pulling away with a strong fourth quarter. Thivierge added eight points, while Kelly finished with five as the Bulldogs made six 3-pointers and shot 11-of-17 from the foul line. Brystal Nielson led St. George’s with 24 points, but Kettle Falls’ offensive efficiency proved decisive. Cougars Face Tough League Stretch Chewelah endured a difficult week against league opponents, falling to Davenport and St. George’s in addition to the rivalry loss against Kettle Falls. Davenport handed Chewelah a 57-12 home loss on Jan. 6, as the Gorillas controlled the game from start to finish. Davenport entered the contest with an 8-1 record. Chewelah followed with a 64-26 road loss at St. George’s on Saturday, Jan. 10. The Dragons jumped out to a 22-8 first-quarter lead and continued to build the advantage behind Nielson, who scored 24 points. Jessika Davis led Chewelah with 10 points, while Vioni added seven. The Cougars connected on two 3-pointers and went 4-of-6 from the free-throw line. 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: 09/17/2025 - 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: 09/17/2025 September 17, 2025 By: Stevens County Historical Museum The remaining Chloride Queen mine buildings. Photo courtesy Stevens County Historical Society. 100 Years Ago— The annual fair at Yep-Kanum opens next Wednesday with a gorgeous street parade and pageant at 1 o’clock. From then until midnight on Saturday will be a joyous time in Colville – for this is the seasonal reception which Colville gives to the surrounding country. The Chloride Queen – for many years but a prospect – is now a producing mine. The ore bodies are being mined, the values are concentrated at the property, and Colville now has a regular shipper in its territory – a shipper which has passed from the prospecting to the mining stage permanently. The Chloride Queen Mine is on Clugston Creek, 14 miles north of Colville. It was located in 1885 by the Kearney brothers, original operators of the Old Dominion Mine. About 1890 the property was passed to Paul LaPlant and R. E. Lee. 75 Years Ago— The long-anticipated opening of Barman’s new store at Main and Astor Streets was scheduled this week to be Nov. 1, or sooner, according to Louis Strauss, owner. The curfew law will go into effect in Colville, Wednesday night. Police Chief Merle Carr announced this week that the curfew bell will be sounded nightly beginning next Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. Chief Carr said that all children under 16 years old will have to be off the streets at that time. “Cinderella,” Walt Disney’s famous technicolor cartoon production, will head the double feature bill at the Alpine Theater Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 50 Years Ago— Lee W. Cagle and Vern Hotchkiss will square off in the November general election for the position of mayor of the city of Colville. Cagle drew the largest number of votes in the five candidates race with 322 votes, while Hotchkiss collected 176. “Colville is the right size community to turn drug abuse around,” Capt. Ed Braun of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department told Colville Chamber of Commerce members Tuesday. “Your community still has three important things. It has the family, the church and the neighborhood; you can talk to the youth of your city.” 25 Years Ago— METALINE FALLS—The Cominco Ltd., through its American subsidiary, Cominco American Inc., plans to spend $70 million in U.S. funds to rebuild the old Pend Oreille Mine north of Metaline Falls. The target date for re-opening is sometime within two years. KETTLE FALLS—A second fire within a time frame of just over a week has claimed yet another local area business. This time, a building across the street and used by Fuhrman’s Feed and Supply in Colville was consumed by fire. Lindquist Grocery and Shoes, located in the heart of Kettle Falls reportedly caught fire at a time after 2 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to Mrs. Lindquist, owner. 10 Years Ago— Construction on the handsome new Saundra’s Furniture and Design home in downtown Colville is getting closer to the finish line. The new store will open late this fall. The downtown “anchor” business was destroyed by fire in February 2013. The new store was relocated to a refurbished warehouse on Wynne Street during new construction. Hannah Johnson of the Stevens County Stompers recently competed in the USA National Clogging Championships in Nashville, Tenn. Johnson is now a two-time “National Choreographed Solo Clogging Champion. She also won first place in her age division in Masters Traditional. 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

Hazel Rae Orellana — 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 Hazel Rae Orellana Hazel Rae Orellana was born on Oct. 5, 2025 to parents Alivia Seiler and Alfredo Orellana of Spokane, Wash. She weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces at birth. Her maternal grandparents are Shawna Jones of Chewelah, Wash., and Galen Seiler of Spokane, Wash. Her paternal grandparent is Griselda Orellano of Spokane, Wash. Her maternal great-grandparents are Sharon Azzinnaro and Mike Jones. 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