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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

Stevens County Commissioners Heated Over Veteran Relief Policy - 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 Commissioners Heated Over Veteran Relief Policy November 12, 2025 By: Cami Krema The Stevens County Board of County Commissioners met on Nov. 7. The Stevens County commissioners met on Nov. 7, to discuss the county’s new Veterans Relief Fund (VRF) policy. During the meeting, the commissioners found themselves unable to reach an agreement on approving the new policy and whether it would benefit local veterans. According to the state legislature, a veterans relief fund policy is a set of guidelines for providing short-term financial assistance to eligible veterans and their families who are experiencing a financial crisis. These policies outline eligibility requirements, the types of expenses that can be covered (such as rent, utilities, and medical or vehicle costs), and the limitations on the amount of aid available. The primary purpose is to offer temporary support to help a veteran regain financial stability, not to provide long-term or automatic entitlements. The commissioners had previously met on Oct. 29, and Nov. 6, to review the new policy draft. Stevens County auditor Lori Larsen has also had a role in drafting the new policy. During the meeting she stated that she removed references to Stevens County Veteran Service Office, made changes to the policy’s formatting, and eliminated sections that called for coordination between Veteran Service Office and other agencies. The commissioners also emphasized the need for consistency, specifically in terms of how veterans receive funding, indicating that some veterans in the past have been treated as more important than others. Elizabeth Snell with the Veteran Advisory Board gave a statement to the commissioners regarding how veterans will be impacted by changes to the VRF. Snell said she believes that the policy should offer an alternative decider because the auditor’s office may have a conflict of interest when deciding funding. Snell then stated concerns over the length of time it could take for veterans to provide proof of income, saying it could take up to six months. She also shared concerns over privacy, stating that confidential health information could become easily accessible through the VRF application. Veteran Donna Meyer, who is also involved with American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, spoke to the commissioners and recommended that a clause be added around how big the VRF balance could get and when excess money would be returned to taxpayers. Meyer said she felt dismissed after bringing up her concerns; attendee Nancy Cross said commissioner Young indicated that Meyer’s concerns “didn’t need to be addressed.” Meyer said, “The RCW (Revised Code of Washington) states that some of that money needs to be returned to the taxpayers and the RCW unfortunately doesn't direct how to return it or at what percentage of the VRF.” She added, “[The commissioners] didn't want our input at this point and Lori (Larsen) never really wanted our input.” Steven Cross, a veteran and member of the Veteran Advisory Board, said, “The fact that [the county commissioners] didn't trust members of the Veterans Advisory Board to help veterans with this policy and funds, that kind of rubbed me wrong.” Meyer, Steven Cross and Nancy Cross all stated that they were given less than 15 minutes before the meeting to review the new VRF policy, and that the commissioners did not review the document in its entirety before voting on its approval. After public comments were given, commissioner Greg Young motioned to approve the VRF policy with the changes proposed by Larson. Commissioner Mark Burrows opposed the motion, stating that he thought they would review the VRF “line by line with the Veteran Advisory Board.” He said that the policy felt rushed and advised that the commissioners take their time to approve the new policy, especially considering that “the current system still works.” Burrows said, “A veteran that needs wood pellets, firewood, heating oil, or food can still apply for it and get it.” He added that he was “opposed to adopting this policy without fully vetting out every line of it and having input from people who actually do the work.” Commissioner Monty Stobart entered the conversation and said he felt the new policy is “a step in the right direction” because the current policy has loopholes that could put the county at liability according to their attorney. He said the new policy protects the commissioners from a potential lawsuit. Burrows said the new policy is “not as clean as it’s being suggested,” and indicated that a previous action Stobart took “created a fulcrum” for the commissioners to have to pivot on. He then quoted the auditor as saying that there have been zero refusals to pay claims under $750 under the last several years and implied that Stobart wants to rush through approving the new policy because of a “questionable circumstance he (Stobart) highlighted with an anonymous veteran.” Burrows then referenced a letter Stobart had written that had “thrown the Veteran Advisory Board chairman under the bus and insinuated that he was participating in fraud or gifting,” expressing discontentment that the letter was written as though Stobart were speaking for all of the commissioners. Burrows claimed that Stobart “threw the program under the bus.” Shortly after, the discussion ended and the commissioners approved the new policy with a 2-1 vote, Burrows opposing. Nancy Cross said, “It just felt sneaky to push [the policy] through without listening to public concern.” Steven Cross said he announced his resignation from the Veterans Advisory Board upon hearing the decision to approve the VRF policy. He has since retracted his resignation and is waiting to hear from the county commissioners if he will be reinstated. After the vote, Stobart made to leave the room, despite attendees still asking for clarification on their decision and the future of the VRF policy. According to Nancy Cross, Tom Hicks, who is a Veteran Service officer and attended the meeting, had his hand raised and was asking the commissioners to review the policy again. As Stobart walked by him, he “swatted” Hicks’ hand down. Both Nancy Cross and Meyer watched the altercation and said that Hicks responded by telling Stobart not to hit him. Stobart said he was not trying to hit Hicks, he was trying to grab him, to which Hicks told Stobart not to touch him. “It was completely unexpected and wildly unprofessional,” Nancy Cross said. Meyer said, “Everybody said they're kind of stunned to see a commissioner actually touch a member of the audience in anger.” She added, “You just kind of feel like you're in the Twilight Zone at that point.” After the exchange, Stobart left despite community members asking the commissioners for clarification on their decision. Meyer said multiple people who witnessed the altercation with Stobart encouraged Hicks to report it to law enforcement. The county commissioner meetings on Monday, Nov. 10, were cancelled due to “no quorum available;” it was noted on the agenda that Stobart was “out of office.” Stobart did not respond to request for comment. According to the state legislature, a veterans relief fund policy is a set of guidelines for providing short-term financial assistance to eligible veterans and their families who are experiencing a financial crisis. These policies outline eligibility requirements, the types of expenses that can be covered (such as rent, utilities, and medical or vehicle costs), and the limitations on the amount of aid available. The primary purpose is to offer temporary support to help a veteran regain financial stability, not to provide long-term or automatic entitlements. The commissioners had previously met on Oct. 29, and Nov. 6, to review the new policy draft. Stevens County auditor Lori Larsen has also had a role in drafting the new policy. During the meeting she stated that she removed references to Stevens County Veteran Service Office, made changes to the policy’s formatting, and eliminated sections that called for coordination between Veteran Service Office and other agencies. The commissioners also emphasized the need for consistency, specifically in terms of how veterans receive funding, indicating that some veterans in the past have been treated as more important than others. Elizabeth Snell with the Veteran Advisory Board gave a statement to the commissioners regarding how veterans will be impacted by changes to the VRF. Snell said she believes that the policy should offer an alternative decider because the auditor’s office may have a conflict of interest when deciding funding. Snell then stated concerns over the length of time it could take for veterans to provide proof of income, saying it could take up to six months. She also shared concerns over privacy, stating that confidential health information could become easily accessible through the VRF application. Veteran Donna Meyer, who is also involved with American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, spoke to the commissioners and recommended that a clause be added around how big the VRF balance could get and when excess money would be returned to taxpayers. Meyer said she felt dismissed after bringing up her concerns; attendee Nancy Cross said commissioner Young indicated that Meyer’s concerns “didn’t need to be addressed.” Meyer said, “The RCW (Revised Code of Washington) states that some of that money needs to be returned to the taxpayers and the RCW unfortunately doesn't direct how to return it or at what percentage of the VRF.” She added, “[The commissioners] didn't want our input at this point and Lori (Larsen) never really wanted our input.” Steven Cross, a veteran and member of the Veteran Advisory Board, said, “The fact that [the county commissioners] didn't trust members of the Veterans Advisory Board to help veterans with this policy and funds, that kind of rubbed me wrong.” Meyer, Steven Cross and Nancy Cross all stated that they were given less than 15 minutes before the meeting to review the new VRF policy, and that the commissioners did not review the document in its entirety before voting on its approval. After public comments were given, commissioner Greg Young motioned to approve the VRF policy with the changes proposed by Larson. Commissioner Mark Burrows opposed the motion, stating that he thought they would review the VRF “line by line with the Veteran Advisory Board.” He said that the policy felt rushed and advised that the commissioners take their time to approve the new policy, especially considering that “the current system still works.” Burrows said, “A veteran that needs wood pellets, firewood, heating oil, or food can still apply for it and get it.” He added that he was “opposed to adopting this policy without fully vetting out every line of it and having input from people who actually do the work.” Commissioner Monty Stobart entered the conversation and said he felt the new policy is “a step in the right direction” because the current policy has loopholes that could put the county at liability according to their attorney. He said the new policy protects the commissioners from a potential lawsuit. Burrows said the new policy is “not as clean as it’s being suggested,” and indicated that a previous action Stobart took “created a fulcrum” for the commissioners to have to pivot on. He then quoted the auditor as saying that there have been zero refusals to pay claims under $750 under the last several years and implied that Stobart wants to rush through approving the new policy because of a “questionable circumstance he (Stobart) highlighted with an anonymous veteran.” Burrows then referenced a letter Stobart had written that had “thrown the Veteran Advisory Board chairman under the bus and insinuated that he was participating in fraud or gifting,” expressing discontentment that the letter was written as though Stobart were speaking for all of the commissioners. Burrows claimed that Stobart “threw the program under the bus.” Shortly after, the discussion ended and the commissioners approved the new policy with a 2-1 vote, Burrows opposing. Nancy Cross said, “It just felt sneaky to push [the policy] through without listening to public concern.” Steven Cross said he announced his resignation from the Veterans Advisory Board upon hearing the decision to approve the VRF policy. He has since retracted his resignation and is waiting to hear from the county commissioners if he will be reinstated. After the vote, Stobart made to leave the room, despite attendees still asking for clarification on their decision and the future of the VRF policy. According to Nancy Cross, Tom Hicks, who is a Veteran Service officer and attended the meeting, had his hand raised and was asking the commissioners to review the policy again. As Stobart walked by him, he “swatted” Hicks’ hand down. Both Nancy Cross and Meyer watched the altercation and said that Hicks responded by telling Stobart not to hit him. Stobart said he was not trying to hit Hicks, he was trying to grab him, to which Hicks told Stobart not to touch him. “It was completely unexpected and wildly unprofessional,” Nancy Cross said. Meyer said, “Everybody said they're kind of stunned to see a commissioner actually touch a member of the audience in anger.” She added, “You just kind of feel like you're in the Twilight Zone at that point.” After the exchange, Stobart left despite community members asking the commissioners for clarification on their decision. Meyer said multiple people who witnessed the altercation with Stobart encouraged Hicks to report it to law enforcement. The county commissioner meetings on Monday, Nov. 10, were cancelled due to “no quorum available;” it was noted on the agenda that Stobart was “out of office.” Stobart did not respond to request for comment. 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

Ainslee Marie Green — 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 Ainslee Marie Green Ainslee Marie Green was born on July 3, 2025 to parents Hope Green and Jeremiah Baker of Republic, Wash. She weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces at birth, and has two brothers: Ezekiel Baker, 6, and Malekai Baker, 3. Her maternal grandparents are Amber Green of Republic, Wash., and Charles Schultz of Spokane, Wash. Her paternal grandparents are Naomi Lovett and Dale Baker of Republic Wash. Her maternal great-grandparents are Diane and Kevin Green of Republic, Wash. Her paternal great-grandparents are Linda Lovett of Republic, Wash., and Letha Baker. 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

Carol Lawayne (Knott) Karaba | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Carol Lawayne (Knott) Karaba 86 Oct 17, 1938 - Jun 20, 2025 Carol Lawayne (Knott) Karaba, 86, passed away June 20, 2025, in Port Angeles, Wash. Carol was born October 17, 1938, in Cle Elum, WA, to Lila B. (Crowe) Knott and Ernest W. Knott. Raised with two older brothers, Carol was bold and independent from an early age. She completed high school at Roosevelt High School in Seattle in 1956 and studied at UW while working at Boeing. At this time, she married James Giulietti Sr. and had two sons, James Giulietti Jr. and Michael Giulietti, before ending the marriage in 1962. In 1966, Carol married Ray Ackenhausen and moved to Port Angeles, where she raised and fostered several children and ran Em’s Hobby & Cycle Shop until her divorce from Ray in 1978. In 1994, she married her longtime friend Joseph Karaba and moved to Ft Worth, Texas, to support his career at American Airlines. In 2003, they retired to Kettle Falls/Colville, wishing to live a simpler life in the fresh air of Carol’s childhood home. Carol could often be seen in Colville with her signature blue heeler dogs, sporting bandanas. Her, Joseph, and their dogs lived happily until Joseph’s passing in 2021. In 2024, she moved to Port Angeles to be closer to family. Having accomplished her goal of outliving everyone, she passed away peacefully on a sunny June day when she was ready. Carol is survived by her sons, James Giulietti Jr. and Michael Giulietti Sr., several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and longtime friend Christy Burdick. Following her wishes, a viewing will be held July 8, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Evergreen Washelli in Seattle, Wash., followed by a burial at 1 p.m. Previous Item Next Item

Out of the Past: 08/13/2025 - 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: 08/13/2025 August 13, 2025 By: Stevens County Historical Museum Fishing at Kettle Falls. Photo courtesy Stevens County Historical Society. 100 Years Ago— Carl Johnson of the R. E. Lee Company succeeded in landing a 30 ½ pound salmon at Kettle Falls on Sunday. The Yep-Kanum parade, the opening day of the Yep-Kanum and Fair celebration, will depict as nearly as possible the progress of the Colville country from the year 1825, the time when old Fort Colvile was located on the Columbia River at Kettle Falls, to the present time. Excavation work started on Tuesday for the new building for the Colville Bakery next to the R. E. Lee Company on Main Street. The Marshal oven for the bakery arrived Thursday weighing 27,000 pounds. 75 Years Ago— Two barns and a chicken house were destroyed by fire at the Melvin McCarthy place in Echo Valley last Friday. The fire was one of 11 battled by the state forestry service during the week. Construction of a new aluminum cattle barn was begun at the district fairgrounds in Colville this week. An announcement was made this week of the inauguration of a new bus line between Colville and the Utah Construction project near the Little Pend Oreille Lakes, according to Ernie Keinbaum, manager. The 32-passenger bus will make one round trip daily, leaving Colville in the morning and returning in the evening. 50 Years Ago— Subscribers to the Statesman-Examiner will receive the supplement the “Addy Souvenir Edition” this week. This edition, which has been in preparation for over a year by the Statesman-Examiner , tells the history of this now famous Stevens County community. It includes early stories and photos, plus an aerial view of Addy and of the Northwest Alloys plant. While rummaging in the basement under Millie’s Shoes in Colville, Howard Oens, newspaper plant foreman for the Statesman-Examiner , found a package of old vintage pocketknives. The knives themselves are single bladed with a cheap metal handle. On the blade of good steel, has “Saxonia Cutlery Co., Germany” inscribed on it. Cindy Perryman, age 7, of Colville, will reign as the Queen of the first annual Pee Wee Rodeo, sponsored by the Deer Park Fair Association. 25 Years Ago— Colville city council gave city staff the okay at the Aug. 8, council meeting to go ahead with the design on Phase Two of the Colville 2000 Project. In keeping with the idea that the Stevens County Historical Society Museum is a family-oriented place to visit, the Society is planning a good old-fashioned “Family Fun Day” on Sunday. 10 Years Ago— Lightning strikes late last week, combined with high winds, stoked dozens of fires around the northwest and burned northeast Washington into something of an inferno. At the Tuesday Colville city council meeting, long-time senior citizen activist and community volunteer Glenda Pittman was honored with a proclamation declaring Aug. 22, “Senior Citizen’s Day” in Colville. West Elep Street was also honorably dubbed Glenda Pittman 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

Perennial Wisdom - 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 Perennial Wisdom November 12, 2025 By: Christine Gile, WSU Extension Master Gardener, Stevens County When You Have 99 Problems But a Pot Ain't One How to Clean and Store Pots and Tools for the Winter. Cutline: Garden pots should be cleaned annually. Photo by Christine Gile. It is important to clean and protect gardening pots, containers, and tools when they are not in-use. Improperly stored pots may crack or break when exposed to winter’s freeze and thaw cycles, and dirty garden containers and equipment may transfer pests and diseases to other plants. Here are autumn tips on how to clean and store garden supplies for the winter so you can keep calm and pot on when spring comes around. The primary method to clean pots and tools is to use bleach. Clean all the debris off the tool or container using warm, soapy water, and a brush or rag. Make enough of a bleach solution, using one part bleach and nine parts water, to immerse part or all of an item, preferably for at least 10 minutes. Once all of the item has been in the bleach water, rinse it with water and fully dry it before storing. Pots should be dried in an upside-down position. Some may want another option as bleach is not recommended for tools that require a sharp edge because it may corrode it. Alternative methods include steam or dry heat (180-200°F for 30 minutes under a cover to contain the heat), rubbing alcohol (70% or higher, dip or swab and then let dry without rinsing), or hydrogen peroxide (dip, spray, or brush on or soak). All plant containers could have an extended life if placed in storage or under protective covering rather than outside. Unglazed clay or concrete pots should be stashed in a protected, dry area that stays above freezing. Place lighter pots inside heavier ones, using dividers made of foam or cardboard to prevent them from getting stuck or breaking one of the pots. Plastic pots should be stored upside down in an enclosed area or covered with a tarp outside to protect them from the elements and direct sunlight. Grow bags should not be exposed to sun or moisture during storage, and should be hung out of reach from pests. Remaining containers of fertilizer and potting soil should be stored in airtight containers or tightly sealed to keep them dry. Tools should be stored in a dry location. You can oil your tools to prevent them from rusting using plant safe oil. The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program trains volunteers to be effective community educators in gardening and environmental stewardship. Master Gardeners provide information generated from research at WSU and other university systems. Christine Gile, a biologist who lives in Loon Lake, is a current Master Gardener. 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

Elda Lorraine Johnson-Murrow | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Elda Lorraine Johnson-Murrow 87 Mar 3, 1938 - Dec 19, 2025 Elda Lorraine Johnson-Murrow, age 87, a 67-year resident of Colville, Wash., passed away on Dec. 19, 2025. She was born on March 3, 1938 in Allen, S.D., the daughter of Van and Delia Viola (Bartlett) Simmons. Elda was raised in Martin, S.D., where she attended school and graduated in 1956 from Bennett County High School. Following high school, Elda married Jack Johnson and they resided in communities across South Dakota and North Dakota following Jack’s work in road construction. They began a family and moved to Colville, Wash. in 1958. Elda worked in the home raising her growing family and later worked retail sales at JC Penney store in Colville. She worked there for several years before purchasing the House of Fabric in Colville. Elda sold the fabric store after a couple of years. She then worked alongside her husband, Jack, in their ownership and operation of J & J Automotive. She assisted with towing, shop work and kept the books. They retired and became snowbirds to Yuma, Ariz., in the winter. They traveled south for a few years and eventually nestled in for the winters in Colville. Jack preceded Elda in death in 2008. Colville was her home and so she remained close to family in the community. Elda’s retirement job lasted over two decades as she ran parts and helped customers find parts and place orders at CarQuest/Empire Auto Parts. She retired at the age of 86. Elda was known by many as “Mom” and “Grandma,” a list of individuals that extended well beyond her own children and grandchildren. Her “How ya doin?” will be recalled fondly by the countless individuals she greeted. Elda never spoke ill of others and had a constant smile that lifted hearts and caused uncontrollable grinning around her. She loved to garden and sew and could also create needlepoint and embroidery accoutrements. Her room was filled with novels of mystery and romance and every topic in between. She spent many weekends boating and camping with her growing family over the years. Elda was a “Spunky Saint” who was outgoing, joyous and on a regular occasion “a bit ornery.” She had a wonderful wisdom of the years past and a fondness of the years ahead. Elda was preceded in death by her husband, Jack and her siblings, Earl Simmons, Alvin Simmons, Beatrice McCoy and Doreen. She is survived by her children; Douglas Johnson (Barbara) of Spokane, Wash., Leslie Harrington of Kettle Falls, Wash., DeVonne Smith (Brian) of Deer Lake, Wash., Pat Johnson of Colville, Wash., Eric Johnson of Deer Lake, Wash., Warren Johnson of Colville, Wash., William Johnson of Colville, Wash.; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and two great-great grandchild; siblings, Walter Simmons (Sandy) of Nebraska, Vernon Simmons of Martin, S.D. and Elmer Simmons of Martin, S.D., numerous nieces, nephews and a host of extended family. There are no services scheduled at this time. Memorial contributions may be given to the Diabetes Foundation. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements. Previous Item Next Item

Chewelah's First Quartzite Mini-Con Draws Hundreds, Blending Creativity, Community and Rural Fandom Culture - 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 Chewelah's First Quartzite Mini-Con Draws Hundreds, Blending Creativity, Community and Rural Fandom Culture November 19, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Chewelah's First Min-Con sees an unexpected turnout. What started as an idea between Steven and Nancy Cross became one of Chewelah’s most successful events, as the first-ever Quartzite Mini-Con packed the Mistequa Casino Hotel on Saturday with cosplay, gaming tables, local authors, families, and fans from across the region. Attendance swelled to an estimated 500 people over the course of the day, an overwhelming response that organizers worried might draw only modest interest as Steven Cross admitted he wasn’t sure what to expect at the opening. “After not getting a lot of comments or responses from posts on social media… I wasn’t sure what the turnout would be,” he said. But once the doors opened, “People were excited about an event like this to be in our county.” He said what surprised him most was the creativity on display. “The most surprising thing was the talent and creativity of people who said they have never participated in a costume contest but there were costumes that would compete in Lilac City Comicon’s cosplay contest.” Nancy Cross said the mix of ages stood out from the start. “The biggest surprise to me, aside from a really amazing turn out, was the age span,” she said. “People brought in their babies, and their grandparents and they were all having fun.” The event welcomed attendees from Kellogg, Wallace, Post Falls, Ione, Addy, Valley, Colville and beyond, which was proof, Nancy said, of how much the region needed a space for fandoms to gather. “It was insane having people say they traveled all the way,” she said. “That really just goes to show how much these types of events are needed.” Drawing on their work as vendors at conventions around Washington, the Crosses set out to bring more than a shopping experience. Steven said their goal was simple. “People attend these events for the experience and not just to buy things,” Steven said. “They attend for a sense of a place that they feel welcomed and are allowed to express their excitement for their chosen fandoms.” Nancy echoed that vision. “One thing we will never change is that this is not simply a vendor fair. It is a themed event,” she said. “We want people to come in and be able to not only shop, but make friends, hang out, have some food and just enjoy themselves.” The event featured gaming tables, book signings, original artwork, cosplay, and themed foods – elements the couple had seen resonate at larger shows but wanted to share with a rural community. “We wanted the community to have a chance at cosplay even if it was on a smaller scale,” Nancy said. “Having authors on hand to do book signings was huge for us.” A major motivation for the Crosses was providing a space for teens and young adults who often feel disconnected in rural communities. Nancy said one interaction highlighted exactly why the event mattered. “We had a young man from Flat Creek express how grateful he was because he had nothing like this and felt this was the first time he was able to make friends and feel like he belonged,” she said. “Sometimes even the nerds need to feel celebrated and seen.” Steven agreed, noting how isolating large conventions can be for rural residents. “Some people don’t like to or can’t afford to travel very far but they want the experience of a show like this,” he said. “Hearing teens and even adults excited that this was here and that they were able to make new friends… lets me know that this has been needed in our area for a very long time.” With space running out this year, the Crosses are already brainstorming ways to grow. Nancy said she hopes to add more vendors and artists, introduce cosplay divisions for different age groups, and expand categories to separate store-bought and handmade costumes. She also hopes for author panels or Q&A sessions – something Steven is exploring as well. “We don’t have the budget to bring in panels and celebrities like the bigger shows,” Steven said. But inviting regional authors to speak, or even a “local celebrity” to host a discussion, would help elevate next year’s event while keeping it free for the public. Keeping the event accessible is a priority. “I feel the entry fee to get into some of the bigger events in the area is what keeps people away,” Steven said. “The community really appreciated that they had more money to spend with the vendors and on the awesome con merchandise that Nancy made!” For Nancy, the event’s name came from looking out a hotel window during early planning meetings, Quartzite rising against a clear sky. For Steven, the event’s purpose was on full display Saturday. “Seeing the smiling faces and people having fun made my day,” he said. “Bringing the community together… to let them know that even though we might live in a rural community… that does not mean that you can’t enjoy the wide variety of fandoms out there. We all have a little nerd in us.” 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 and Ferry Counties Certify Election Results - 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 and Ferry Counties Certify Election Results December 3, 2025 By: Emma Lee Conyer Local results for the general election. The general election results for Stevens and Ferry Counties were officially certified on Nov. 25. The results include: STEVENS COUNTY City of Chewelah Lindsay Baxter won the election for the Chewelah Mayor, finishing with 606 (67.11%) of the total 903 votes. The other candidate, Tracy Ling, held 260 (28.76%) votes, while 37 (4.1%) votes were written in. The candidates for Chewelah City Council Position 1 were Katie Roberts and Shane Fairweather. Roberts won the race with 563 (65.93%) out of 854 total votes, while 158 (18.5%) were write-ins and 133 (15.57%) votes were for Fairweather. The candidates for Chewelah City Council Position 2 were James B. Caruso and Sharon Ludwig. Ludwig won the election with 512 (56.33%) of the 909 total votes cast. Caruso came behind with 395 (43.45%), and the last two (0.22%) votes were write-ins. Jon Hardy-McCauliff won the election for Chewelah Council Position 3, ending with 566 (63.74%) votes. Out of the 888 total votes, 316 (35.92%) were for Ronald L. McCoy, and three (0.34%) were written in. Lonnie Hoxie and Tim Dollar ran for Chewelah City Council Position 6. A total of 897 votes were cast, with 670 (74.69%) going for Hoxie, 225 (25.08%) for Dollar and two (0.22%) written in. The candidates for Chewelah City Council at Large were Candice Capoeman and Paula Randall, with Randall coming in first with 645 (80.32%) of the 803 total votes. Capoeman finished with 149 (18.56%) votes, and nine (1.12%) were written in. City of Colville Muriel S. Meyer and Thomas Carpenter were the candidates for the Colville City Council at Large, where a total of 1,047 votes were cast. Meyer won with 698 (66.67%) votes, Carpenter ended with 341 (32.57%) votes, and eight votes (0.76%) were written in. Town of Marcus Chris Fox and Ethan Jennings both ran for Mayor. Fox finished the race with 45 (62.5%) votes and Jennings with 27 (37.5%). The total number of ballots cast was 72. Town of Northport The candidates for the Mayor were Karene Balcom and Phillip Naylor. Balcom won the race with 77 (85.56%) of the 90 total votes, while Naylor garnered 13 (14.44%) votes. Northport School District The candidates for the Northport School District Director at Large 5 were Lisa (Fry) Warner and Chad R. Arcand. The race ended with 265 (59.02%) votes for Arcand, 180 (40.09%) votes for Warner , and four (0.89%) write-ins.. Mary Walker School District Jedd Canfield and Thad Stenlund were the candidates for the Mary Walker School District Director, District 1. Canfield finished in the lead with 614 (72.15%) votes, while Stenlund ended with 229 (26.91%) of the 851 total votes. Out of those votes, eight (0.94%) were written-in. Onion Creek School District Deryk Lamb and Jennifer Leone Miller both ran for the Onion Creek School District Director Position 1. Ninety-eight votes were counted with Miller coming out on top with 61 (62.24%) votes, 35 (37.51%) for Lamb and two (2.04%) written in. Stevens County Fire Protection District 4, Proposition 1: Levy Citizens of Stevens County were called to vote on a Fire District Levy this year. The levy passed with 642 (55.49%) of votes being “Levy Yes” and 515 (44.51%) being “Levy No.” Fire District 12 Sharyl McBride and Duggan Harman ran for Fire District 12 Commissioner 1. Out of 304 total votes, McBride won with 219 (72.04%) votes, while Harman secured 82 (26.97%) votes. Three votes (0.99%) were written-in. FERRY COUNTY Fire District 3 The Fire District 3 Commissioner 3 candidates were Al Kowitz and Jake Cook. Out of 259 total votes, Kowitz finished with 184 (57.14%) votes, and Cook with 138 (42.86%). 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