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Out of the Past: 10/15/2025 - 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: 10/15/2025 October 15, 2025 By: Stevens County Historical Museum Cover of the "Our Ladies of the Valley" book. Courtesy Stevens County Historical Society. 100 Years Ago— Bank burglars at some time during the night of Oct. 2-3 entered the Guaranty State Bank at Marcus, broke open both doors of the vault, rifled a dozen or more safe deposit boxes, and escaped with $174 in coins. The damage caused by them amounted to more than the value of their loot. Colville’s first newspaper office was moved last Sunday. The little frame building, which in 1883 was erected on the corner, now occupied by Frank B. Goetter’s drug store, was in 1894 moved to the east end of the lot and stood there until Sunday, when it was hauled away on skids by Jack Miller. In its original location, it housed the Stevens County Miner , Colville’s first newspaper, established in 1885 by John B. Slater. 75 Years Ago— ARDEN—The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company recently installed a pay phone at the Arden Store. One of Stevens County’s first born, Captain George F. Melville, 83, passed away in Tacoma on Sept. 2. He was born in 1867 at Old Fort Colville. Capt. Melville had engaged in steam boating for 45 years, returning in 1935 from his post with Black Ball. Verna Steele, Fruitland 4-H Club member, brought state championship honors to Stevens County this week when she was judged the best in the state in the home economics demonstration contest at the Yakima State Fair. 50 Years Ago— The Stevens County Historical Society re-elected its present officers at the annual meeting held Oct. 15, at the United Methodist Church. Officers elected were: Jim McMillan, president; Les Young, vice-president; Ida Dubois, secretary; Marian Garvey, treasurer; and Edith Lesser, board member. This year the Dominican Sisters of Spokane, formerly located at Kettle Falls, celebrated their 50 th anniversary of coming to the northwest in 1925. On Oct. 18, the sisters from Spokane, Colville, and Chewelah traveled to the former Convent of Our Lady of the Valley, now a youth ranch, to celebrate their 50 th Jubilee. 25 Years Ago— Local efforts to develop a plan for future water use in the Kettle River area received a $50,000 boost last week from Sen. Bob Morton, (R) Kettle Falls, and the State Department of Ecology. On Oct. 9, Morton presented the Ferry County Commissioners with a check from Ecology to begin the process of watershed planning in the Kettle River watershed. Next week is Homecoming Week at Colville High School. One of the week-long activities will be the annual open house for parents and students. This will be an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, receive information on classes, and meet support staff. 10 Years Ago— CHEWELAH—Major plans will be unveiled by the 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort and Alpine Development Group at an open house Thursday at the Chewelah Civic Center. Resort officials will present plans and provide updates on the progress of the popular ski and snowboard resort’s new multi-year development. Kettle Falls resident Ray Stoddard recently traveled to Washington, D.C., with 89 other veterans as a part of Honor Flight. Ray served during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska as a radio intercept operator. 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

Colville Boys Repeat as League Cross Country Champions - 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 Colville Boys Repeat as League Cross Country Champions October 29, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Colville boys celebrate their win. From left to right are Layden Moore, Isaac Ballance, Isaiah Ortiz, Malik Ortiz, Jerrin Patrick, Connor Schneider, and Daniel Aguilar. Photo courtesy Dean Fischer. The Crimson Hawks are champions again. For the second straight year, the Colville boys cross country team claimed the Northeast A League championship, using a dominant front pack led by brothers Malik and Isaiah Ortiz to edge Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls) and Medical Lake in a tight, three-way battle for the crown on Saturday, Oct. 25, in the West Plains. The Crimson Hawks finished with 35 points, topping Lakeside’s 47 and Medical Lake’s 51. Riverside took fourth with 92 points. Junior Malik Ortiz cruised to the individual league title, blazing through the 5,000-meter course in 16 minutes, 10 seconds, well ahead of the field. His older brother, senior Isaiah Ortiz, followed in second at 17:16, setting the tone early for Colville’s repeat performance. Behind the Ortiz brothers, Connor Schneider (seventh, 17:51) and Jerrin Patrick (eighth, 17:59) packed tightly to keep Colville near the front. Junior Daniel Aguilar rounded out the scoring five in 17 th place with a personal best of 18:47, while Isaac Ballance (19 th , 18:55) and Layden Moore (23 rd , 19:13) provided valuable depth for the Crimson Hawks. The victory marks Colville’s second consecutive league title. On the girls’ side, senior Zaidence Zier continued her stellar season by placing second overall in 20:25, just behind Medical Lake’s Kaylee Dennler (20:13). Zier’s strong performance helped lead a young Colville girls squad that placed fourth overall with 91 points. Freshman Paxton Jones impressed with a 20 th -place finish (23:35), while Madelyn Andres (21 st , 23:56) and Gracee Suiter (22 nd , 24:00) showed promise for the program’s future. Amaryllis Nokes (26 th , 27:09) and McKenzie Mitchell (27 th , 27:12) rounded out the lineup for the Crimson Hawks. Lakeside captured the girls team title with 28 points, followed by Medical Lake (41) and Riverside (71). Both Colville squads will now turn their attention to the upcoming district meet at Apple Ridge on Saturday, Nov. 1. 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

Warren VIII Leads Chewelah Boys Cross Country to State Runner-Up Finish - 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 Warren VIII Leads Chewelah Boys Cross Country to State Runner-Up Finish November 12, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Chewelah's boys cross country team completes season. Chewelah’s boys cross country team completed one of their finest seasons in school history with a second-place team finish at the WIAA 1B/2B State Championships on Nov. 8, at Sun Willows Golf Course. Led by senior Emmitt Warren VIII, who clocked 15 minutes, 59.3 seconds to take second place overall, the Cougars tallied 77 points – finishing just behind powerhouse Freeman (61) in the 16-team field. Warren, known for his smooth stride and front-running style, stayed within striking distance of Cle Elum-Roslyn’s Waylon Stoneburg-Schafer through the first two miles before the sophomore pulled away to win in 15:40.8. Warren crossed the line 19 seconds later, securing his second straight top-five finish at state. Behind him, sophomore Justice Whittekiend placed seventh overall in 16:56.6, continuing his breakout season as one of the top underclassmen on the team. Junior Blake Schlining followed in 14th (17:20.7), and junior Francis Sety added a key 24th-place finish (17:36.9). Sophomore Kyle Foster rounded out Chewelah’s scoring five, finishing 31st in 17:55.5, while juniors Titan Tapia (59th, 18:51.0) and Jayden Miller (60th, 18:52.7) provided additional depth. Freeman’s pack-running style edged out the Cougars for the team title, but Chewelah’s consistency and youth signal even brighter days ahead – four of their top seven runners will return next fall. Kettle Falls sophomore Mason Reeves posted a solid race in his second state appearance, placing 54th overall in 18:30.4 among 143 runners. Reeves ran aggressively through the middle mile to stay in the top half of the field and led the Bulldogs’ effort at Sun Willows. 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

Len R. Smith | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Len R. Smith 88 Jan 2, 1937 - Aug 11, 2025 Len R Smith born Jan. 2, 1937 in Spokane, and died Aug. 11 2025 in Fruitland. Survived by wife Gay Smith, two sons, Kenny Smith and Russell Smith, 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, two brothers, Lee Smith and Jerry Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews. Previous Item Next Item

Colville Warming Center Prepares for Winter's Chill - 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 Colville Warming Center Prepares for Winter's Chill October 8, 2025 By: Meredith Carroll American Legion Hall, host of Warming Center Front. Photo courtesy of Andrea Gjendem. When the temperatures plummet and some people need a place to get out of the weather, the Warming Center opens its doors. A refuge for those in need, the Warming Center has been operating in Colville for 15 years. The center, located in the American Legion Hall at 103 6 th Ave. in Colville, is scheduled to open on Nov. 1. “The Colville Community Warming Center was originally funded entirely by community volunteers and donations,” said Andrea Gjendem, the center’s program director. Among other things, she coordinates the scheduling and orientation for the center’s volunteers. “The Warming Center exists because of volunteers,” Gjendem said. “Recently, because of additional funding sources, we’ve been able to offer a stipend to those who help out. We have several people who volunteer who used to be homeless and stay at the Warming Center.” While the Warming Center plans to open its doors Nov. 1, it may open sooner if temperatures go below freezing before then. “We need volunteers to work three different 5.5 hour shifts. The need is always there.” Gjendem said she is planning to host orientations on Oct. 10 and 11.. “The orientation is so that we can get to know our volunteers, to get a background check completed, and to complete paperwork,” she explained. “It’s also for some training. Volunteers will learn how to check people in, help them to settle in and get warm.” Guests at the Warming Center are provided with a bunk bed and have access to showers, television, and internet service, Gjendem said.“We just hope that everybody stays warm.” For more information, call 509-684-8480. 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 Pack Podium with Strong Showing at Medical Lake Scramble - 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 Pack Podium with Strong Showing at Medical Lake Scramble December 10, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen The Kettle Falls Wrestling Team opened the season with a strong performance at the Medical Lake Scramble, placing five in a tournament with competition ranging from 1B/2B to 4A. Photo provided by AJ Howard. Kettle Falls opened its wrestling season with an active day on the mats Saturday, Dec. 6, earning multiple podium finishes at the Medical Lake Scramble, which hosted several larger schools. “We had five kids place this weekend,” Kettle Falls Head Coach AJ Howard said. “I learned that this weekend showed us that our team is growing in all the right ways. Our wrestlers came in with strong game plans, showed toughness in tough positions, and won matches late with grit and conditioning. Most importantly, they stayed composed, supported each other, and proved they’re ready to compete with anyone.” The Bulldogs were led by a pair of runners-up, including Michael Winn at 120 pounds. Winn picked up two pins and a decision victory on his way to the finals before finishing 3-1 on the day. Ezekiel Evans, 150 pounds, also battled his way to the championship round with three pins and a technical fall. Evans finished 4-1 overall and scored 25.5 team points to help pace the Bulldogs. Kincaid Freer turned in one of Kettle Falls’ most impressive comeback performances. After reaching the semifinal round, Freer dropped into the consolation bracket – then responded with two straight pins to lock up third place at 165 pounds. He finished 5-1 and contributed 23.5 points. At the lightweights, Josh Bair showcased grit throughout the day, rallying after an early loss and ripping off three consecutive consolation-round pins. Bair secured third place at 113 pounds and finished 4-1. “Our guys for the most part are young and eager to learn and compete,” Howard said. “We’re starting to see our system take hold – the focus, the urgency, the accountability, and the team-first culture we’ve been building. Our kids are buying in, wrestling with purpose, and showing that Kettle Falls Wrestling is moving in the right direction.” Kettle Falls showed depth in the middle weights as well. Baylor Rosen advanced to the third-place match at 150 pounds after five straight victories in the consolation bracket, including four pins and a tech fall, finishing 5-1 overall. Joseph Young added three wins, including a pin in a late consolation matchup. For a 2B school like Kettle Falls, it's important to see tournament results with a solid number of placers. It also shows the depth of the Bulldogs' roster, which has seen its little guy wrestling program expand to 90+ wrestlers last season and the high school team grow to the mid-20s in terms of turnout. “We have all the weights filled with extras at multiple weights,” Howard said. “This weekend, we were still missing parts of our team due to sickness, and we started the season a little late. Next weekend, we plan to have our full team on the mats.” Howard continued, “There were schools from all classifications, 1B/2B, 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A. Our kids looked great and wrestled hard, no matter their opponents. From the start of the season, we wanted to compete with all schools and the best wrestlers to get our guys the best competition and to see kids from all over the state to test and sharpen their skills.” 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

Santa’s Personal Pilot and Elf Bring Holiday Cheer to Colville Airport - 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 Santa’s Personal Pilot and Elf Bring Holiday Cheer to Colville Airport December 24, 2025 By: Reeva Mertens-Martin Santa Claus carries a bag of gifts after arriving at the Colville Municipal Airport in a plane on Saturday, Dec. 20. The annual fly-in event allows local children to meet Santa and receive treats and gifts ahead of the Christmas holiday. Photo by Reeva Mertens-Martin. The 15th annual Santa Fly-In returned to Colville Municipal Airport on Dec. 20, drawing more than 100 community members to the airport for a holiday morning featuring Santa’s arrival by plane, hot cocoa, and gifts for children. Steve Beattie flew the aircraft carrying Santa to the airport, while Pam Beattie assisted Santa throughout the event, greeting children and helping distribute gifts. The Beatties said they have organized and hosted the Santa Fly-In for 15 years, handling everything from purchasing and wrapping presents to coordinating the event at the airport. Steve Beattie piloted a 1965 Cessna 172 for Santa’s arrival. He said the aircraft has been well-maintained and upgraded over the years, noting, “It’s been repowered, and it’s a good plane.” Pam Bettie said, “It’s nice to see the kids, and Santa enjoys it. Putting smiles on their faces is what it’s all about.” According to the Beatties, the event is entirely volunteer-run and not affiliated with a formal organization. Pam Beattie said she does the shopping for gifts each year, with help from family members who assist with wrapping, so every child who attends receives something. The fly-in also relies on support from the local community. Toy airplanes were donated by Hewes Craft and handed out during the event; this year marked the second season the donated planes have been distributed. Organizers said the donation stemmed from a connection made during a customer appreciation event. Hot cocoa, coffee, candy canes, and a bonfire were available during the gathering. Organizers said turnout remained strong despite the event being held close to Christmas, a time when many families are often traveling. “It was a fun morning,” Pam Beattie said. “Especially this late in the season, it was nice to see so many kids show up.” The Beatties acknowledged support from others at the airport and in the community, including Melissa Hahn and the airport’s contracted manager, Dave Garringer, who assisted with logistics and coordination. The Beatties said they plan to continue hosting the Santa Fly-In as long as the airport is able to accommodate the event. Colville Municipal Airport is located at 120 Highway 20 East. The airport office and manager can be reached at (509) 685-9056. 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

Kettle Falls Drops Two Games After Christmas - 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 Kettle Falls Drops Two Games After Christmas January 7, 2026 By: Brandon Hansen Kettle Falls' Zac Burch goes up for two points on a breakaway. Photo by Brandon Hansen. The Kettle Falls boys basketball team dropped two games over the holiday break, falling to 5-7 overall in the early portion of the winter 2025-26 season. Kettle Falls opened last week with a 67-54 loss to the Medical Lake Cardinals on Dec. 30 at West Valley High School. The Bulldogs led 16-8 after the first quarter, but Medical Lake used a strong middle stretch to seize control, outscoring Kettle Falls 22-13 in the second quarter and 21-12 in the third. Gabe Smith poured in 20 points to lead the Cardinals, while Hudson Gilbert added 16 points, including four 3-pointers. Kettle Falls was paced by Mace Thivierge, who scored 19 points and hit three shots from beyond the arc. Zac Burch chipped in 12 points, and the Bulldogs knocked down seven 3-pointers as a team, but struggled to keep pace after halftime. Kettle Falls returned home on Jan. 3 and ran into a hot-shooting Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors squad, falling 73-46. After a competitive opening quarter that saw the Bulldogs hold an 18-17 edge, Almira/Coulee-Hartline took control by outscoring Kettle Falls 20-6 in the second quarter and never looked back. Max Grindy led all scorers with 30 points for the Warriors, including four 3-pointers, while Kettle Falls again leaned on Thivierge, who finished with a game-high 26 points. The Bulldogs hit four 3-pointers in the contest. The Bulldogs played St. George’s on Tuesday, Jan. 6; results were not available at press time. The team is scheduled to face Chewelah on Friday, Jan. 9, 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

Stevens County Farms and Ranches Look Ahead to 2026 Season - 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 Farms and Ranches Look Ahead to 2026 Season January 7, 2026 By: Meredith Carroll Mama and calf on the River’s Edge Ranch. Photo by Jennifer Sather. As northeast Washington transitions into the new year, local farmers say they are working hard to stay prepared for what has become an unpredictable winter. While some people may enjoy the winter’s mild temperatures and lack of snow, local farmers and ranchers have expressed mixed feelings. Factors that also include the economy and political issues have farmers and ranchers coming up with creative ways to remain in business. For the past two years, the Statesman - Examiner has been checking in periodically with a variety of local farmers and ranchers as they navigate their way through the trials that nature and regulations throw their way. This article features the perspectives of a husband and wife-owned ranch and an organic farmer. Jennifer and Ian Sather own River’s Edge Ranch, located less than two miles outside Chewelah. The ranch raises goats, lamb, poultry, grass-fed beef, specialty meats, and Berkshire cross pork; they also produce eggs, meat bundles, wool, Tallow body products, and seasonal produce. They also harvest occasional seasonal veggies. According to Jennifer Sather, coyotes are the biggest problem the ranch is facing. “This time of year, predators are out there looking for something to eat,” she said. “We use livestock guardian dogs that keep the coyotes at bay, but they have a large area to cover. We’ve lost chickens and a lamb. Some of our animals tend to move into areas where the dogs can’t always protect them.” According to the Department of Natural Resources, mild winters can have an effect on the vulnerability of livestock to predators. In milder winters with higher temperatures and less extreme precipitation, natural prey (such as deer, rabbit, small mammals) become larger and healthier, and therefore more capable of escaping predators. As natural prey become less accessible to predators, these predators resort to scouting out vulnerable livestock that are trapped by fencing and enclosures. “The increase in predators also affects our herd’s health,” said Sather. “We had a bear return to the ranch. It didn’t kill any animals. But the cows’ behavior changes, and the pressure affects their weight, their calves’ weight, and their productivity.” The mild winter has also resulted in unseasonably damp, muddy conditions. “It’s a challenge for feeding. But also, if we don’t get snowpack, it will jeopardize our crops next season. It’s miserable to work in the wet mud. We’re not used to it. But on the bright side, at least we don’t need stock water heaters.” Moving into the new year, farmers and ranchers continue to work through increased inflation, low crop prices, and federal funding cuts. “Things are hard for everybody,” said Sather. “There’s been a lot of volatility. When cattle prices were high, many ranchers sold at auction, which reduced local meat availability. When prices tanked, we chose to hold on. It was a strategic decision – if we sold live, we’d have nothing to sell locally. It’s more work, but we understand why some ranchers make that choice.” One emerging trend for consumers is to shop local; farmers' markets are also becoming a more appealing solution. “We attended the Colville Farmers Market more often in 2025,” Sather said. “People want to know where their food comes from and what they’re really getting. Big box stores are turning people off, and when we’re present and accessible, folks can get to know us, understand our products, and trust that everything is locally sourced. That connection has made a real economic difference for us.” Upon entering the new year, River’s Edge Ranch plans to offer a selection of new products alongside their current selection of meats and eggs, such as pet food and treats. “We have an egg handler license, which allows us to sell at the farmers' markets,” Sather said. “We’re also selling tallow and pet treats at the Columbia Creamery and Milk House Market. We’re adding locations for people who can’t drive the distance to our farm or can’t make it to the farmers' markets.” River’s Edge Ranch is located at 2246 Walking Horse Way in Chewelah. For more information, visit rivers-edge-ranch.com . John Progar is the owner of Meadowlark Farms, a small operation located on three acres outside of Rice. Progar said he is proud to grow organically, choosing not to use herbicides, certain types of sprays, and bug killers. “I adhere to organic growing principles, honoring quality, commitment, and concern. I do have some hired help, but I’ve pretty much been by myself for the past three years.” With the unseasonable warm winter, Progar said he has jumped at the opportunity to complete projects that he normally wouldn’t be able to get to because of the cold. “I’m getting a lot done,” he said. “I’m repairing fences. Once they are buried in snow, it’s hard to do. I’m doing farm cleanup projects, getting the tractor out to build, and repairing the chipper. Now is the only time I have to do these things. We get to clean the greenhouses and the fields and plant cover crops. “And also, I will finalize my seed orders. This is also a time of reflection for me. I get to look at what went right and what I can do better. The mild winter is great for me right now.” He added, “But the climate’s been changing. The mild winters, the extremely hot summers, all have a negative effect on us.” According to the National Institutes of Health, the warmer winters and even hotter summers pose an unprecedented threat to agroecosystems. The effect on crops could include loss of soil organic matter and micronutrients, as well as a significant drop in production. “The warmer winters also cause an increase in the insect population,” Progar said. “Earwigs, caterpillars, and especially aphids. They eat the crap out of our veggies. Farmers are constantly upping the ante regarding pest control. But since I grow organically, I don’t use a lot of pesticides. Because of that, I have crop losses, decreased yields, and increased labor costs because we have to clean the crops.” But even with these challenges, Progar said he considers 2025 to have been a good year. “The farmers' markets were great this year. It was a nice season. We have a supportive community, and we were busy to the last day. I had carrots, onions, and greens. I did a one-day event at the Ag Center as part of the craft show, and in November, I did an event at the Crossroads Event Center. I was harvesting until mid-November.” As January unfolds, Progar said he looks forward to settling into the plant business. “I’ll order pots, soil, and gardening items. It’s a lot of planning. I’ve expanded my business into selling plants in the spring. I have a growing interest in flowers, too. After 17 years in the business, I know what people want.” Progar, just like other local farmers and ranchers, says he is struggling to work through increased inflation, low crop prices, and federal funding cuts. “Colville is a poor community,” he said. “I contract with the Hunger Coalition in order to distribute food to people in need. I also partner with Senior WIC (Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program), EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer), and Market Match. Not only does it affect those who directly benefit from these services, it also affects farmers and me directly. I sell my surplus to these services at a reduced price. So those in need will not be able to access it, and I lose the income from selling my surplus. “These have been nice programs. We haven’t yet seen how these cuts will be made. We’ll see next year. It’s a real changing political climate. The current administration is clearly cutting back in these areas. A lot of farms will be affected by these cuts.” According to the United States Department of Agriculture, farm labor costs have increased 47% since 2020. “Things are getting expensive,” Progar said. “There are higher prices in everything: seeds, soil, fertilizer. It’s not cheap to farm. Also, it’s hard to find products made in America. So, I have to buy some things overseas, and I have to pay the tariffs. “But the biggest challenge is how few people want to go into farming anymore. People aren’t willing or capable. There’s just not a lot of labor here in this rural area. The larger farms have been hit by immigration issues. Family farms are going away. Young people don’t want the lifestyle.” Meadowlark Farm can be reached at 517-414-0399 or at meadowlarkorganic@gmail.com . 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

Michael Donavan Phillips | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Michael Donavan Phillips 39 Apr 22, 1986 - Jun 30, 2025 Michael Donavan Phillips was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on June 30, 2025. He was the son of Launa Phillips Hewes (William) and Manuel Lerma (Nichole). Born April 22, 1986, he was the second of six children. Michael was just 14 months old when his family moved to Washington. His early years were spent in the Pingston Creek and Nelson Lake areas of Stevens County. He was homeschooled and then attended and graduated from Johnson Christian School. In 2005, Michael met the love of his life, Tiffney Williams. They were married on August 12, 2006. They moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., to attend Nazarene Bible College. In 2008, God blessed them with twins, Isabella Grace and Michael Daniel. He graduated in May of 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry. Then he earned his Master of Arts in Strategic Organization and Leadership from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2017. Michael was a hard working, devoted father and husband. He loved to hike, fish, play games, and go camping with his family. He took great joy in cooking and smoking food for his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Tiffney Phillips, daughter, Isabella Phillips, son, Daniel Phillips, parents, Manuel (Nichole) Lerma, Launa (Bill) Hewes, siblings, Anna Phillips, Rebecca Flores, John Hewes, Alauna Hewes, Patrick Hewes, Kaden Lerma, Kia Lerma, Chase Lerma, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. A memorial service will be held on July 26, at the Colville Nazarene church, 11 a.m. A reception will be held afterward at the Draper building, 233 S Elm, Colville. Pastor James Kays will be officiating. Previous Item Next Item

Local Representative Motivated by Constituents as He Looks Forward to Upcoming Session - 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 Representative Motivated by Constituents as He Looks Forward to Upcoming Session November 26, 2025 By: Cami Krema Hunter Abell and his daughters, Elizabeth (left) and Wynsome (right) attended a parade in Chewelah this summer. Photo courtesy Hunter Abell. 7 th District Legislative Rep. Hunter Abell (R-Inchelium) reflected on his time spent since leaving Olympia in April, and what he looks forward to accomplishing during the next legislative session. The representative said he has juggled a number of projects since the last session ended. Abell, who served in the U.S. Navy and the Reserves, discussed a bill he’s working on that would revise the composition of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC). According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the VAAC serves in an advisory capacity to the governor and the director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Abell said his bill focuses on “trying to ensure that the governor receives the best advice that he can get on issues impacting our veteran community as well as our active duty community.” The representative had proposed the bill last session, which passed the house, but “got caught up in some political turbulence in the senate,” according to Abell. “So I spent the last seven months working on those issues, and I went back to the veterans community and… received some great feedback from our veterans. Then I had the chance to speak with Democrats on the other side of the issue and I think we figured out a good path forward. So I'm cautiously optimistic,” Abell said. Another issue that has been top of mind for Abell has been trying to hire more law enforcement officers in the state. “This has been an ongoing problem for 15 years,” Abell said. “We've actually ranked last in the nation in terms of per capita number of law enforcement officers.” He said he was the lead house Republican sponsor of the bill last session to provide $100 million for the hiring of law enforcement. “This is the problem as we look at our fentanyl issues, as we look at the spike of property crimes. People don't want to live in a state if it's not safe to be here. The streets are not safe. This is not a partisan issue; this is a public safety issue,” Abell said. He added that there was a bill that advanced to the governor's desk last session that would provide $100 million for any “justice-related purpose,” but that would not necessarily fill the law enforcement gap. “My concern is that [the bill] is too broad. Any ‘justice-related purpose’ could mean counseling programs for prisoners behind bars,” Abell said, clarifying that it is still important to him for individuals who are incarcerated to be rehabilitated to return to the community. “But that's not what we rank last in,” Abell continued, “We rank last in police officers. So I'm going to be re-addressing this issue.” Abell also referred to the lack of law enforcement as a “cultural issue,” stating that, “Unfortunately, people don't want to be cops in Washington. They would rather be cops. It turns out, in any other state. So that's a real problem.” Abell added that the law enforcement issue is not just an urban or city problem, but it affects communities in the 7 th district as well. “A great example is my county (Ferry County),” Abell said. “We're operating about half strength in the sheriff's office. And this has been a problem for a long time. With that few number of law enforcement officers, it's just a very thin presence on the ground. We've got one state patrol officer up there; we've got a sheriff's office that is very thinly-manned. If something bad happens, it could be a very long time before somebody shows up. So that's the real problem.” Abell said other projects he has focused on in between legislative sessions is a bill that would allow for the creation of “family burial grounds” in the state of Washington. He said he believed this bill would be of interest to the 7 th district, particularly those living on generational ranches. Another point of interest for Abell is the ongoing issue with predators, such as wolves and cougars, and the related decline in the area’s white tail deer population. “I’m trying to think about effective, appropriate management of our wildlife,” Abell said. Along with planning for the next legislative session, Abell said he has spent time meeting with his constituents. “It’s the best part of the job, it’s really fun,” Abell said. He continued that he has participated in a large number of parades and fairs over the summer, which have provided him with the opportunity for people to approach him more casually about issues they face. “In a five minute conversation, you can learn more about what is really on somebody's mind than any number of 15 minute increment meetings with lobbyists in Olympia,” he said. Abell said the issue that was repeatedly brought up to him was raised taxes, including the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax. Abell called the B&O tax “cruel,” because the tax is a gross receipts tax on businesses. Unlike an income tax, it is imposed on a business's total gross income, and generally no deductions are allowed for labor, materials, taxes, or other costs of doing business, according to Abell. “For businesses that are on the edge [or] are maybe temporarily running in the margin, we just made that much more difficult for that to stay in business. So that's a real concern,” he said. Along with the B&O tax, Abell said he’s heard concern over raised sales taxes, gas taxes, property taxes, and fee increases for things such as Discover passes, and hunting and fishing licenses. “It seems in some cases, the majority [of state leaders] chose to tax the joy out of Washington,” Abell said, adding that “the stuff that we enjoy doing, everything just became much more expensive.” Abell said he’s concerned that the raised taxes, and subsequently the cost of living, has encouraged residents to move out of state; particularly to Idaho where it is cheaper to live. “After the session's over and these taxes went into effect, unsurprisingly, a lot of people changed their behavior to avoid the impact of these taxes. People with the means have opted to move [and are] leaving the state,” he said. Abell shared an example of how his own neighbors have chosen to leave his community and move to Idaho. “We lost out on all the benefits, not only of their involvement in the community, not only of their friendship being just down the road, but the tax benefits that come from them choosing to live and do business here in Washington. And that's repeated in thousands and thousands and thousands of instances,” he stated. Abell also discussed the numerous town halls that he and fellow representative Andrew Engell (R-Colville), hosted throughout the 7 th district. “This is where we need to be having constructive, genuine conversations designed to help build bridges and make sure that people feel heard,” he said. Abell also said that the issues raised varied, from citizens wanting to talk about their discontentment with the federal government, to local education laws, specifically the Parents Bill of Rights, which aims to strengthen parental rights in education by ensuring parents can access curriculum, view student records, and have more say in their child's schooling, according to the bill’s language. Abell said, when discussing the Parents Bill of Rights at a town hall in Deer Park, he heard feedback that led him to understand that public trust was lost because legislators moved to pass the bill themselves without putting it to public vote. Abell called the decision “problematic.” Another issue he heard about at town halls was regarding legislation around school boards. “There is new legislation that requires school board members to take certain actions and, if they do not, they can be removed from serving on the school board,” Abell said, adding that he took issue with the legislation because it could prohibit school board members from enacting actions that they ran their campaign on, thus further fracturing public trust. “I'm concerned that it's going to make people no longer run for school board. And that's a real problem because the school board's one of the first opportunities for political involvement,” he said. Abell said every town hall raised concerns about the cost of living and the affordability situation. “We have got to get a handle on this and I don't believe the answer is to continually try to tax our way to prosperity. People are leaving the state. People are closing their businesses. So this is a real problem because the health and strength of our small businesses are really the health and strength of our small communities,” he said. Speaking to some of the hurdles he’s faced as a legislator, Abell said there is a significant lack of education surrounding how the 7 th district is different from any other district in the state. “A lot of people don't know that our district is larger than 9 U.S. states,” Abell said. “So the geographic area is huge; the sheer size and the rural nature of the district just makes it very different than the vast majority of our legislators who come from urban or suburban districts.” Abell said a huge part of his job is trying to overcome that gap in education in a constructive, proactive, and respectful manner. He said a lot of his conversations revolved around explaining why certain actions that work well on the west side of the state, would actually be disruptive to communities in the 7 th district. “The partisan gap is another challenge,” Abell said. “We have to focus on the mission. Like, genuinely try and improve roads, public safety, schools, that sort of thing, and ensure [taxpayer] dollars would be wisely spent.” He added that he felt as though there was tension within the majority caucus about engaging with the minority, which he hopes will change. “It's vitally important to interact with the minority in shaping policy, even if the minority doesn't get its way, it's important to interact with them, in order to ensure the process has integrity,” he said. “Something I talk and think about is this question of common ground and how best do we interact with people who politically disagree with us,” Abell added. Reflecting on the highlights as a legislator, Abell said, “To me it is really meaningful to do this adventure with my kids.” He continued, “It's really exciting for me to see them become more familiar with the process, more familiar with the people who are there, the individuals that are present. My kids are into Legos, so they ended up making, at one point, little Lego representations, not just of me, but one of Andrew (Engell) and Senator (Shelly) Short.” Abell said, “It's also a reminder to me about why I'm doing it. I think anybody who does public service is doing it because they want to make their community better and they want to make it a better place for their kids and their grandkids.” With his first year under his belt, Abell said he’s excited for the upcoming legislative session. “This [session] will be another opportunity to advocate for our district's values; for us [Engell and Abell] to be genuine, accurate participants in our conversations about good public policy here in the state. I’m going to try and help people feel that they are heard, [and] that their values are represented in Olympia. So I'm very excited about that,” he said. The legislative session will begin Jan. 12, 2026. 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

Teresa Jackson | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Teresa Jackson 49 Jan 21, 1976 - Jun 19, 2025 In loving memory of Teresa Jackson, 49, of Colville Wash., Jan. 21, 1976 – June 19, 2025. Teresa was a woman of many talents. She was born in Fresno Calif. but moved to Colville, Wash., at a young age. Growing up she found her love of horses. She continued that love of horses until the very end. Her grandchildren were the true love of her life. Everyone that knew her, knew that she would do anything for her grandchildren. When people would come over, she was always found outside working on the farm or with the animals. When she wasn't playing with her grandchildren or out riding her horses, she was the hardest working woman that anyone ever knew. She would often say that she could outwork any man. She was preceded in death by her dad, Bill, her mom, Vicky, and her granddaughter, Jillian. She is survived by her husband, Jon, her kids, Micheal, his wife, Jessica, and their children Mikaylea and Jenna, Lela, and her children Pheobe, Damon and Alaric, Pamela and her daughter Amelia, Christian and his wife Emmahlynn and their children Gracilynn and Daxton. Her memorial / celebration of life is set for Sunday July 20, at the Arden Old Timers Arena in Arden, Wash. Please Contact the family for more information. Previous Item Next Item