Search Results

Selecky Posthumously Honored by Health District - 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 Selecky Posthumously Honored by Health District December 31, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Matt Schanz stands with Mary Selecky’s sister, Heidi Jarecki, with Mary Selecky’s award. Photo courtesy Northeast Tri County Health District. Northeast Tri County Health District announced they recently honored the legacy of longtime public health leader Mary Selecky, whose career spanned decades of service to northeast Washington and the state. According to officials, Selecky served the region at the Northeast Tri County Health District from 1979 to 1999, before going on to serve as Washington state secretary of health from 1999 to 2013. Although her work later took her to the state level, Selecky maintained strong ties to Colville and northeast Washington, which she considered home. Selecky passed away in 2025; officials said members of her family recently visited the health district, both in person and virtually, to share memories and present a commemorative plaque honoring her life and work. District Administrator Matt Schanz accepted the plaque on behalf of the agency, stating that it marked a meaningful moment for staff who remembered Selecky’s leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on public health. 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

Maela Stemmene — 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 Maela Stemmene Maela Stemmene was born on Dec. 14, 2025, to parents Holly Rogers and Brandon Stemmene of Colville, Wash. She weighed eight pounds, 12 ounces at birth. Her maternal grandparents are Danny and Kazlynn Rogers of Addy, Wash. Her paternal grandparents are April Stemmene and Larry Schuerman 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

JoAnn Cooper | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. JoAnn Cooper 89 May 12, 1936 - Oct 25, 2025 Mrs. JoAnn Cooper, age 89, passed away Oct. 25, 2025 in Colville, Washington. JoAnn was born May 12, 1936 in Palouse, Wash., to Erwin and Miriam Chase. At age 13, she and her family moved to Minnesota. She would meet the love of her life, David Alan Cooper. The two would marry in 1955. David was in the United States Navy. The couple would move several times before settling in the Kent, Wash., area. They would make their last move in 1991, to Colville where they built their home. She and David would be married 55 years when David passed away on September 24, 2010. If there is one word that describes JoAnn – it would be “love.” She epitomized love. JoAnn loved to serve others in as many ways as she could. She had a soft spot in her heart for the down trodden. She would rescue any animal that was maimed, abandoned, injured, or sickly. She watched a baby horse being born. The horse was born with a humpback. The owner was about to put it down. She stepped in and refused to allow him to do so. And then, scooped up the colt and took it home. It didn’t matter what animal, reptile, vermin. She had to help it somehow. And with children, she was even more compelled to serve, rescue, and love. After birthing two children of her own, she and David began taking in foster children. Over the course of several years, their family grew from two to 10. She loved them all 150% and more. Even with her large family, JoAnn would welcome foster children to provide respite to the foster parents. Often a need arose for a foster parent or someone to care for a child for a day or two. JoAnn welcomed them all. Over the years, the family would load up into the milk truck camper and take a trip to visit relatives in Minnesota every summer. Inevitably, there would be several breakdowns along the way. Their parents would pack as many possible “fixes” before leaving in preparation for the inevitable.Always frugal and always able to fix things on the fly, kept them moving. David was a master at fixing things and JoAnn was his biggest helper! JoAnn was a very frugal. She was famous for making her money stretch. JoAnn was known for “making the buffalo squeal” Amid caring for her family and the numerous critters she took in, JoAnn loved to garden. She found great comfort in growing beautiful flowers and vegetables. Being an introvert, the garden proved to be JoAnn’s place to rejuvenate and find solace. It also proved to be an essential when feeding her large family. JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, husband David, daughter Dody Truesdale and son, Micah a.k.a. Scooter. She is survived by her children: Dave, Aaron, Tim, Josh, Chris, and Tony; daughters: Kim, Bobbi, and Jayme; 37 grandchildren and a plethora of great-grandchildren. An open viewing is scheduled at the Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory for Nov. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Nov. 7, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. A memorial service and celebration of life is scheduled for Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. at the Free Methodist Church of Colville, Wash., with a luncheon to follow. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with his care. Please visit the online memorial website and sign his guestbook at danekasfuneralchapel.com. Previous Item Next Item

Kettle Falls Wins Banks Lake Brawl - 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 Wins Banks Lake Brawl January 7, 2026 By: Brandon Hansen Kettle Falls' Charlie Hood took first place at 144 pounds at the Banks Lake Brawl. Photo by Tasha Hood. The Kettle Falls wrestling team produced five tournament champions at the Banks Lake Brawl, and won the team title as the Bulldogs nearly doubled up the second-place team with points scored. Kettle Falls' champions included Charlie Hood at 144 pounds, Baylor Rosen at 150 pounds, Kincaid Freer at 157 pounds, and Landon Tryon at 165 pounds. Harley Rowe added another first-place finish for the Bulldogs at 215 pounds, highlighting a day that saw Kettle Falls wrestlers competing deep into their respective brackets. Several Bulldogs earned runner-up finishes, including Lee Fowler (106 pounds), Michael Winn (120 pounds), Joseph Young (126 pounds), Tanner Schumacher (132 pounds), and Nathan Thurman (138 pounds). Josh Bair placed third at 113 pounds, while Ezekiel Evans finished third at 150 pounds, placing Kettle Falls near the top in one of the tournament’s deeper weight classes. The Bulldogs also picked up valuable team points from fourth-place finishes by Michael Moreau at 190 pounds, Hunter Smith-Rowe at 215 pounds, and Zhaine Herrera at 285 pounds, rounding out a complete team effort across the weights. 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

Jireh Jehovah Womack — 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 Jireh Jehovah Womack Jireh Jehovah Womack was born on Oct. 3, 2025 to parents Brook LeDoux and Dayton Womack of Deer Park, Wash. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces at birth, and has one brother, Salix Womack, age 2, and one sister, Veronica Gonzalez, age 9. Her maternal grandparents are Jessica and Casey LeDoux of Loon Lake, Wash. Her paternal grandparents are Shelly Cotter of Orofino, Idaho, and David Womack of Long Beach, Calif. Her maternal great-grandparents are Jean and Art Conger of Spokane, Wash. Her paternal great-parents are Al and Rose Smith, deceased. 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

Gregory Jackson Owens | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Gregory Jackson Owens 79 Feb 8, 1946 - Aug 28, 2025 Gregory Jackson Owens, a lifetime resident of Northport, WA, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Gregory “Greg” was born to Helen Pakonen (Owens) Herbert Doerre on February 8, 1946 in San Diego, Calif. They moved to Washington when he was just six months old. He was raised by his mother and step father, Bob LeCaire with his siblings, Sandra Materson (LeCaire) and Gordy LeCaire. Greg married Dianna “Dena” Reickers (Owens) on February 1, 1965 in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho after knowing one another for many years. They had two daughters together, Donna and Kimberly (Kim). Greg was a miner in Idaho before his first daughter Donna was born. He went to work for McNamee Logging, driving a log truck for 22 years while also having poles for Expo 74 in Spokane, Wash. One of his favorite stories to tell was how he hauled a 135-foot pole over 100 miles to the mill, then when someone else went to transfer the pole for the center post for a pavilion, they did not make it a block before they snapped the pole. To which it had to be used for a flagpole instead. As a teenager, Greg loved racing in Northport, where he lied about his age so that he could drive the car that he built with Jerry Lotze, Dale Snyder, and brother, Gordy LeCaire. They celebrated every win and loss on the track. As Greg settled down with a family, he found a love for woodworking and built many homes around the Northport and Colville area, not only for his family but for other families as well. He was always the first person to pick up a hammer and nail to help someone finish their home. Greg raised cattle with Dena and their children, building fences and checking cows, after full work days driving trucks. After he retired, he loved to take his family to Alaska and to the ocean to fish in the summer months. He always said “Everyone needs to see the ocean,” and he was more than happy to be the one to show them his favorite spots. Greg and Dena would travel to Arizona in the winter where they enjoyed exploring the desert, picking crystals, and meeting new people while they shopped street booths together, hand picking gifts for their children and grandchildren to surprise them when they traveled back home in the Spring. Greg had a love for wildlife, and wildlife was fond of him as well. People were amazed at how the deer would walk up to him so comfortably. Many times in his Northport home, deer brought their fawns to lay in his yard while he was outside. He also spent as much time as he could cutting firewood. He always said that he would have enough firewood to make sure his family would be warm in the winter if something were to happen to him. When it was too hot to cut firewood in the summer heat, you would find him berry picking and taking his family and grandchildren exploring the woods. Greg was the best man that his family could have asked for. In the fall, Greg would take any chance he had to go elk hunting with his family and grandchildren. Along the way, he would pull out his green camera and take pictures of them underneath the scarred trees where bears had scratched the bark racing to the top. Then, he would print the pictures out for his den. Spending time with family was his happiest time, he loved taking videos and pictures and documenting memories of his family so that on holidays, they could sit and reminisce together. Greg spent many hours teaching his kids and grandkids how to drive a manual pickup, along with sharing knowledge on many topics that he picked up along the way. He taught them a new life skill any chance that he got. Gregory is preceded in death by his parents, Helen Pakonen (Owens) and Herbert Doerre, his step father, Bob LeCaire, mother in law, Helen McNameeand her husband, Larry, father in law, Adrian “Alva” Reickers, brother in law, Greg Masterson, Brother in law, Delbert Reickers and his wife, Cozy, Denny Rae McNamee, Son in law Rod McCann, Uncle Art Pakonen and his wife Magret, step brother in law, Patrick Connell and his wife Terese, and step sister in law, Joy Connell. Greg was survived by his wife, Dianna “Dena” Owens, daughters, Donna Jensen and Kimberley McCann Owens, grandson, Chayce Owens (Khiana), granddaughters, Jenelle Nestor (Zyran), Blair Jensen, three great grandchildren, Abigail, Barrett and Kasey, sister Sandra Masterson, brother Gordy LeCaire (Pam), sister-in-law Stacey McNameeand numerous nieces and nephews. Beautiful service flowers were donated by Braden and Samantha Bundy. Previous Item Next Item

Court Denies Request to Prevent Sherman Pack Wolf Removal - 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 Court Denies Request to Prevent Sherman Pack Wolf Removal November 5, 2025 By: Staff Report Updates on the removal of the Sherman Wolf Pack. A King County Superior Court judge denied the request for a preliminary injunction to prevent the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) from lethally removing one wolf from the Sherman pack in Ferry County on Oct. 31. This comes after WDFW staff investigated an injured calf in the Sherman wolf pack territory in Ferry County on Oct. 23, and determined the injuries as a confirmed wolf depredation. Washington Wildlife First and other parties sought to block the removal, which WDFW approved on Oct. 9. The removal authorization expired on Oct. 15, according to WDFW officials. Judge Suzanne Parisien of King County Superior Court found that petitioners had not established “a likelihood of prevailing on the merits of the case.” WDFW’s Wolf Conservation and Management Plan and wolf-livestock interaction protocol provide guidance on addressing wolf-livestock conflict, including lethal removal to address patterns of depredation. More information can be found at wdfw.wa.gov . 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

Ode to an Older Time: Shirley Hansen-Luiten-Hall - 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: Shirley Hansen-Luiten-Hall September 24, 2025 By: Nancy Weigel Shirley Hansen-Luiten-Hall was born on Valentine's Day in 1937, at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Colville. Shirley said she was raised in Colville with two brothers, Wayne and Jack. When she was 11 years old, Shirley said her mother wanted to try to have another girl, but instead gave birth to Shirley's younger brother, Steve, followed by another younger brother, Danny. Photo courtesy Shirley Hansen-Luiten-Hall. Shirley remembered how, as a child, she would frequently visit her grandparents house on Kelly Hill, and how they would take her to dances held at the Old School House where she'd dance with all the other kids. At Christmas time, Shirley said her grandparents had a horse and a sleigh they would use to go out and pick a big tree to bring home. She shared that she also loved helping her grandmother in the garden and with the canning that came along with it too. Going to her grandparents was her favorite activity when she was younger, and Shirley said she loved spending time with them. Shirley recalled that she had many odd jobs when she was younger, including babysitting when she was as young as 11. At age 15, she started a summer job at the Roy Ron Motel, and then worked at the theater when she was 16. In high school, Shirley said she joined the International Order of Job's Daughters, a youth leadership organization for young women based on the biblical story of Job from the Old Testament. She said that her favorite subject in school was gym, and that she was part of a bowling league; the school’s team name was the Gutterettes. Shirley said their team won the National League Championships for bowling one year; she said she bowled a 300, and earned a trophy. Shirley graduated from Colville High School and married Jim Luiten in 1954. Afterwards, she said she worked for the school lunch program for 10 years. Shirley said she had four children: Jack (1957), Cindy (1960), Dale (1962), and Jake (1964). She said she had to quit her job at the school, but soon a friend told her about a position at the Stevens County Courthouse. She became a courthouse clerk, where she worked for 12 years. Shirley remarried Ron Hall in 1990, and said that they began riding horses together. After retirement, Shirely rode more, eventually taking up barrel racing. She said one of her fondest memories was traveling to watch the Kentucky Derby. Shirley said she was an avid traveler, and would go on trips with her husband, her brother Wayne and his wife, and her brother Steve, competing in horse races and earning enough money to continue racing. Now, Shirley said, her favorite thing to do is be at her ranch, taking care of all her plants and animals. In the summer, two of her children, Jake and Cindy, come live with her. Jake said, “Being at my moms is like having room service, probably the best resort in the world.” When asked if she had advice for younger generations, Shirley said “Follow your dreams, and you’ll find joy along the way.” 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

Ode to an Older Time: Peter Johnson - 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: Peter Johnson September 3, 2025 By: Nancy Weigel Peter Justin Johnson was born in Burlington, VT. When he was younger, he moved to Colville, Wash., with his parents and seven siblings, graduating from Colville High School. Johnson shared a memory from his earlier years – his father signed him up for ballet, which turned into 15 years of lessons. Johnson said he eventually learned how to square dance, tap dance, salsa, and much more. Johnson said his favorite subject was Physical Education. He attended the University of Washington after graduating from high school and achieved his Business Associate's Degree. Johnson said he has worked for Iron-Founded and Vaagen Brothers Lumber Mill before logging and cutting firewood independently for 40 years. Johnson said some of the skills needed for logging are awareness, quick reactions, and good maintenance on all your equipment. He said he likes his job because he's outside in nature and works independently with his own hours and wage. He said he has always loved nature since he was a kid. Johnson noted that his least favorite part is the danger and that he has broken his back twice while logging. He said he can also walk up to the equivalent of 10 miles a day while logging. Johnson shared that he married once and had a son, Justin Johnson, before divorcing. His son is now in California, teaching guitar. Johnson also has a daughter, Autumn, who is attending university at Gonzaga University. He stated one of the wildest things he's done was skydiving; Johnson said he “loved it, and would do it again” if he could. Johnson said his hobbies include fishing, bowling, playing horseshoes, coloring, and other things. One of his favorite places to go fishing for salmon is Oroville, Wash. When asked if he regrets anything in life, Johnson said, “All the time, but I'd just do it all over again anyway. I've learned a lot in my life.” Johnson’s advice for younger generations is to “go out and do something, get off your phones and get into nature, don't be afraid of it, and get hands-on experience in the world.” 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

Yvonne Louise Curtis (Dubois) | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Yvonne Louise Curtis (Dubois) 93 Jan 16, 1932 - Nov 12, 2025 Yvonne Louise Curtis (Dubois), 93, of Addy, Wash., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Born on January 16, 1932, in Colville, Yvonne lived a remarkable life filled with love, adventure, and devotion to her family and faith. A graduate of Colville High School class of 1950, Yvonne married her beloved husband Herb Curtis on Nov. 4, 1951, at the Congregational Church in Colville. Their love story began with dances at the Addy Grange Hall, where Herb proposed beneath a big Ponderosa pine tree that still stands today. Together, they shared 74 beautiful years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and partnership. In their early married years, Yvonne and Herb traveled throughout the Pacific Northwest, living in small towns as Herb worked as an engineer on major dam construction projects including Grand Coulee, Yale, Chief Joseph, Noxon Rapids, Wanapum, and Wells. They eventually settled in Pateros, Wash., where Herb served as Project Engineer of Wells Dam for 36 years. There, Yvonne was a homemaker extraordinaire, creating a warm and loving home for their four children and building a life centered on family, faith, and the outdoors. The Curtis family home on the lake in Pateros was filled with joy, laughter, and countless hours of water skiing and summer activities. Winter months were dedicated to family skiing at the Loup Loup Ski Bowl, where Yvonne’s love of the slopes brought happiness to all. She and Herb were also active members of the Pateros Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. In their later years, Yvonne and Herb returned to Stevens County, coming full circle to where their story began. They settled on a 40-acre ranch in Addy, where they helped raise cattle and enjoyed the beauty of rural life. Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Numa and Ruby Dubois; her brothers, David and Philip Dubois; and her sisters, Phyllis Schrauger and Rosemarie Waltner. She is survived by her devoted husband Herb Curtis; her daughters, Suzanne Marks and husband Philip, Janet Curtis, and Joan Wissmann and husband Mark; her son, Mark Curtis and wife Jeannie; grandchildren Jeff Marks, Laura Thompson and husband Sean, Tyler Curtis and wife Cassidy, Nicole Curtis, and Joshua Curtis; and great-granddaughter Maizie Thompson. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, strength, and cherished memories that will continue to inspire her family for generations to come. Her gentle spirit, dedication to family, joyful love of skiing and the outdoors, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Yvonne’s life was a beautiful testament to the enduring power of love, family, and finding joy in every season. Memorial Service, Thursday, Nov. 20, 1 p.m., Mountainview Cemetery, Colville, Wash. Previous Item Next Item

Out of the Past: 11/05/2025 - 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: 11/05/2025 November 5, 2025 By: Stevens County Historical Society Out of the Past, 11/5/2025 100 Years Ago— Next Wednesday is Armistice Day, proclaimed a holiday by Governor Hartley, who urges that the people take a brief respite from their daily labors and contemplate the lessons taught by the World War. The Governor’s proclamation says, “Nov. 11, 1918, will be memorable throughout the ages. It was on that day that millions of men under arms ceased firing and the greatest conflict in human history was at an end.” An entertainment and basket social was held at the Douglas Falls Schoolhouse on Halloween evening. The room was decorated appropriately for the occasion, making one feel that he was in witchland. Miss Bernice LaPlant, teacher at Bossburg, and Richard Dupius of Colville were first place prize winners in the $50 foxtrot contest staged by the American Legion last Saturday night at the Kettle Falls Pavilion. 75 Years Ago— The new Mount Carmel Hospital will be built on Columbia Avenue in the southeastern part of the city of Colville. The new and modern structure is to cost $700,000, and will be erected by the Dominican Sisters, operators of the present hospital. One hundred nine Stevens County veterans who were killed in World War II will be honored here on Armistice Day. The Post of the American Legion will honor the veterans at the dedication of a plaque on the center path in front of the courthouse. 50 Years Ago— Rumors were growing throughout the county this week as to the possibility of the Van Stone Mine re-opening. A formal presentation will be presented at next Tuesday’s city council meeting for a new fire station for Colville. Fire chief Bill Bronson approached the council Tuesday night with a sketch of the plans during their budget hearing. 25 Years Ago— This week, with less than a week remaining before the Nov. 7, general election, the Statesman-Examiner has produced a record number of editorial/opinion pages. Statesman-Examiner readers will find a variety of information of initiatives, endorsements and a near-record number of letters to the editor on pages 4-11. Mary Selecky, Washington State Secretary of Health, made a stop in Colville to speak at the Women Making A Difference banquet luncheon at the Community College. Over 300 women and men attended the fund-raiser. 10 Years Ago— NORTHPORT—The figures are impressive: 535 truckloads of contaminated soil, for a total of seven tons of contaminants, were removed from 200,000 square feet of 14 Northport area properties. All the work was done in 12 weeks, with an estimated 12,000 hours of labor, all for $5 million. The soil remediation project, overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) and paid for by Teck Resources, a Trail, B.C. smelter, has reached completion. Northeast A League champions Colville (8-1) will draw Eatonville in the opening round of the State 1A football playoffs. Cutline: Colville Armistice Day 1918. Photo courtesy Stevens County Historical Society. 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

Richard James Payette | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Richard James Payette 77 Jul 17, 1948 - Sep 17, 2025 Richard James Payette went to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. He was born July 17, 1948 in Long Beach, Calif., to James and Marie (Stapleton) Payette. He graduated from Beaufort High School, S.C., in 1966. Richard attended King College in Bristol, Tenn., and obtained his B.A. in History in 1970. He and Michelle Stanton were married in Columbia, S.C., on November 22, 1972. They made their home in Cumberland, Wash., in 1974. They resided in that area until moving to Colville, Wash., in 1999. From 1974 to 1999, Richard worked in areas of service. First as a paraeducator at a school for children with special needs, and later as a warehouseman. He also served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for 23 years during that time. After moving to Colville, he was employed by the Colville School District as a paraeducator, a job which he dearly loved, until retirement. He continued as a volunteer fireman at Stevens County Fire Station #5 for several years and after retirement he also served as a CASA volunteer. Richard was a man of quick wit and an amazing sense of humor. He had such a love for young people, especially his wonderful nieces and nephews. They always enjoyed his antics and funny faces. The most significant event in Richard’s life was when he surrendered to Jesus as his Lord and Savior when he was in his 30s. He became a mentor and a powerful influence to many people then. The legacy he leaves is his love and knowledge of the scriptures and his dedication to a life of prayer and service to God. He was greatly loved by friends and family and will be missed by all. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marie Payette, and an infant brother. He is survived by his wife, Michelle, his sister, Judy Payette, his cousins, Darla (Ennie) and Denise (Mike), and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life for Mr. Richard J. Payette will begin at 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, at the Addy New Life Church in Addy, Wash. Richard was laid to rest at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville, Wash. Memorial contributions may be given to the Union Gospel Mission. Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements. Previous Item Next Item