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February 10, 2026

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  • Paul John Hook | Obituary | Statesman-Examiner | Colville, WA

    Paul John Hook | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Paul John Hook 63 Feb 24, 1962 - May 7, 2025 Paul John Hook was born on February 24, 1962 in Spokane, Wash. He loved his family with all of his heart. He was sweet, faithful and dependable. Paul had an excellent work ethic and he instilled that value into his children. He was an uncomplicated man who didn’t have many wants or needs. He found joy and contentment in everyday activities like watching movies in the comfort of his home, telling stories followed with his delightful laughter, working in the yard, eating pizza, and the cherished time spent with their two fur babies. Paul had a genuine passion for anything that was made out of wood. He loved to be out in the woods. He worked in the sawmill for most of his life and he did not shy away from difficult tasks. One of Paul’s favorite outings was going for drives. He always knew where he was and never ceased to amaze his family when he reached his intended destination. Even when his family was certain that they were lost, he would always find his way back. On May 7, 2025, Paul entered into his rest in Loon Lake, Wash. He was preceded in death by his son, Paul Hook, his parents, Lois and Pete Hook, his brothers; Jim Hook and Merv Hook, his sisters; Kathy Murphy, Susan Kimbell, Judy Phillips and Linda Christensen and his nephew Brett Murphy. Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Jeannie Hook, of Loon Lake, Wash., his son Travis Hook, of Warrensburg Mo., his daughter, Chantilly Hook of Billings, Mont., seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was a wonderful man. His memory will live on in our hearts and through our love. We will miss him always. Previous Item Next Item

  • Submit a Display Ad | Statesman-Examiner

    Submit display advertising artwork and details for print or digital ads with the Statesman-Examiner. Submit a Display Ad Promote your business or event in the Statesman-Examiner . Use the form below to submit your print-ready display advertisement. After submission, a member of our advertising team will contact you to confirm sizing, placement, pricing, and publication dates. Submission Deadline Display ads must be received by Thursday at 4:00 PM to be included in the next issue. What to Submit We accept ready-made display ad files in the following formats: PDF (preferred) JPEG Please upload the highest-quality version available. If your ad was created by a designer or agency, request the print-ready file before submitting. Quality Guidelines Because print quality depends heavily on source files, please send the highest-resolution version available. While we do not require advertisers to meet specific dimensions, the following guidelines will help ensure your ad prints clearly: Recommended (but not required) best-practice specs These are industry standard recommendations – not requirements: Resolution: 300 dpi or higher Color: CMYK preferred (RGB accepted) Minimum Size: 1200 px on the shortest side File Type: PDF or high-resolution JPEG Avoid: Screenshots, web images, or low-resolution artwork If you’re unsure about your file quality, simply submit your best available file. Our production staff will review and size your artwork for print. Need Help Designing or Resizing an Ad? If you need assistance with creating, updating, or resizing your ad, note that in your submission. Our team can help and will follow up with options and pricing. Display Ad Price Calculator Use this tool to enter your ad dimensions, publication selection, and color preference. The calculator provides an estimated cost, and the values you enter will also be included with your submission, allowing our advertising team to begin processing your request immediately. Please complete the calculator before submitting the form. Your selected options (columns, height, publication, and color) will be saved with your submission and reviewed by our staff when confirming final pricing. Choose publication Statesman-Examiner The Sun Combo (Statesman-Examiner + The Sun) Ad width (in columns) Ad height (1" - 20") Color (adds $10 per column inch, capped at $260) Column inches: 0 Base price (black & white): $0.00 Color add-on: $0.00 Total estimated price: $0.00 Approximate size: 0.00" × 0.00" Contact Information First name Last name Email Phone Example: 509-555-1234 Business/Organization name Ad Upload Upload Your Display Ad (PDF or JPEG) Upload File These are industry standard recommendations – not requirements: DPI: 300 dpi (or higher) Color: CMYK or RGB accepted Size: At least 1200 pixels on the shortest side File Type: PDF or high-resolution JPEG (no screenshots or images pulled from websites) Requested Publication Date * required Number of Weeks to Run Additional Notes / Instructions Column inches Color add-on Approx size I agree to the Statesman-Examiner's terms and conditions I understand that a member of the Statesman-Examiner’s advertising team will contact me to confirm ad placement, sizing, and pricing before publication. Submit Event Total price Base price An error occurred. Try again later Your ad submission has been successfully submitted!

  • Colville City Council Approves Funds for Local Tourism | Statesman-Examiner | Colville, WA

    Colville City Council Approves Funds for Local Tourism - 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 City Council Approves Funds for Local Tourism November 19, 2025 By: Isidora Patrick 11/10/2025 Colville City Council Meeting. The Colville city council meeting on Nov. 10 was full of energy as the council members juggled budgets, allocated funds to local events, and celebrated the return of local volunteers. The council got straight to business, quickly approving the consent agenda, including signing off on October’s minutes and the monthly $388,000 city staff payroll. The council then powered forward with important service upgrades. Council members discussed how police officers have access to cutting-edge safety gear for their protection, and the city’s water and sewer systems will keep running smoothly, thanks to a new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system. A lively discussion centered on the 2026 Lodging Tax Funding, which can support local tourism and events. The Colville Chamber of Commerce secured $33,000, while a car show request received no funding. The Northeast Washington Fair got its full $8,600 request, and the Stevens County Historical Society’s projects were both funded as recommended. Colville Together’s support was set at $26,000, matching last year, and the Farm Jam festival was allotted a hefty $50,000 boost. As the meeting wrapped up, the council reaffirmed the commitment of several hometown volunteers, reappointing them to key city boards and committees. These residents will continue to lend their expertise to subjects such as historic preservation, aviation planning, city funding, and parking policy. The next Colville city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 6 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

  • Heroes Homestead Recognizes Loon Lake Resident with Community Leadership Award | Statesman-Examiner | Colville, WA

    Heroes Homestead Recognizes Loon Lake Resident with Community Leadership Award - 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 Heroes Homestead Recognizes Loon Lake Resident with Community Leadership Award December 3, 2025 By: Staff Report Sharon Russell (left) received the Community Leadership Award from Erin Bowers with Lithia Auto Group (right). Photo courtesy Heroes Homestead. In a ceremony aimed at celebrating “extraordinary service” and “selfless dedication,” Heroes Homestead, together with Lithia Auto Group and Camp Chevrolet, bestowed the Community Leadership Award upon Loon Lake resident Sharon Russell on Nov. 16. According to organizers, the award recognizes individuals whose actions “embody the highest ideals of civic engagement, inspiring others to persevere in service and uphold the values that strengthen our communities and nation.” Organizers said Sharon Russell’s life is a “testament to duty, resilience, and joyful service rooted in profound military heritage.” Born at Fort Ord, Calif., she spent her formative years moving between the United States and Germany, following her father’s “distinguished career” as a U.S. Army combat engineer. “Embracing each new duty station with enthusiasm, Sharon absorbed the cultural richness of European and Asian tours, shaped by her parents’ deep sense of ambassadorial responsibility and patriotic commitment,” organizers said. Her own legacy of service began with active duty in the United States Army during Operation Desert Storm, where she rose to the rank of captain, before resigning her commission to fully support her husband, Colonel Steve Russell, throughout his military career. Even while battling cancer, Heroes Homestead officials said Russell has “refused to diminish her commitment to others,” by leading the annual Loon Lake 5 Mile Walk. In conferring the Community Leadership Award, the selection committee stated, “Sharon Russell exemplifies the quiet yet powerful leadership that transforms communities. With grace, determination, and boundless optimism – even in the face of cancer – she inspires others never to grow weary in doing good, proving that one committed life can ripple outward to strengthen an entire region.” To learn more about the Heroes Awards Night, visit heroeshomestead.org/Heroes_Homestead_Awards_Night . 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 Wrestlers Earn Podium Finishes at Medical Lake Scramble | Statesman-Examiner | Colville, WA

    Colville Wrestlers Earn Podium Finishes 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 Colville Wrestlers Earn Podium Finishes at Medical Lake Scramble December 10, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen The Colville wrestling team opened its winter campaign with plenty of podium finishes and a championship run from Bryce Davis on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Medical Lake Scramble. Davis dominated his 138-pound bracket, going 5-0 and capping his day with a technical fall victory in the championship match. He recorded three pins and a decisive semifinal win on his way to first place. In another standout effort, Andy Ussery advanced to the 113-pound finals behind a pin and a tight semifinal decision. He finished as runner-up. Asher Culler put together a resilient performance at 106 pounds, bouncing back after a semifinal loss to win twice in the consolation bracket. He claimed a third-place finish with a first-period pin, ending the day 4-1. Colville had several wrestlers battle deep into their brackets. Vincent Canada earned three wins by fall at 132 pounds, while teammate Neven Eslick also collected a pin during the same division before the two met head-to-head in consolation action. At the mid-range weights, Trent Seitters, 157 pounds, rolled through three straight matches by pin, reaching the late rounds of the consolation bracket. In the upper weights, Braedon Heater turned in a 5-1 performance to secure third place at 190 pounds. Heater stormed through the opening rounds with a pin and a technical fall before regrouping after a semifinal loss and closing the day on the podium. Colville also picked up wins from Ashton Donaldson, Caesar Stuart and Coen Burns, each earning pins in their opening matches and gaining valuable early-season mat time. The Medical Lake Scramble featured a deep field with wrestlers from across eastern Washington, and Colville coaching staff cited the event as an important test for their developing lineup. The Crimson Hawks continue non-league tournament action next week as they build toward the heart of the winter season. Colville girls wrestler Haiden Sackman put together a dominant opening performance to claim the 120-pound championship at the Lady Lancer Tournament in Spangle on Saturday, Dec. 6. Sackman finished 3-0 on the day, with every win coming by pin. After receiving a first-round bye, she wasted no time setting the tone in the quarterfinals, earning a fall against Lewis and Clark’s Morianalynn Henson in just over two minutes. In the semifinals, Sackman stayed in control from the opening whistle, defeating Rogers’ Ellodie Flanagan by first-period fall to punch her ticket to the title match. The championship bout proved to be her toughest test of the day, but Sackman continued her aggressive style and closed out the bracket with a third-period pin over Lewis and Clark’s Maci Benson to secure the gold. 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

  • Quartzite Mini-Con Brings Pop Culture to Chewelah | Statesman-Examiner | Colville, WA

    Quartzite Mini-Con Brings Pop Culture to Chewelah - 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 Quartzite Mini-Con Brings Pop Culture to Chewelah November 5, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen For one day this fall, dragons, wizards, and superheroes will descend on Chewelah. The Quartzite Mini-Con 2025 will take over the Mistequa Casino Hotel on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with organizers promising a celebration of fandoms, fantasy, and fun – all for a good cause. The convention, organized by Nancy and Steven Cross, is a first-of-its-kind event for Stevens County. “It was Steven being insane honestly – no one else is crazy enough to try this,” Nancy joked. “It’s just the crazy Cross family working on it right now.” The Quartzite Mini-Con isn’t about corporate booths or big-name celebrities. It’s about community. “We don’t really have a goal honestly,” Nancy said. “We wanted to just have something fun that celebrates the ‘nerdy’ side of life. There aren’t a lot of opportunities for people who love fandoms, TTRPG [tabletop role-playing games], fantasy, etc., to express their love of it.” This year’s event will feature a mix of fantasy and local flair. “We have mostly fantasy authors who will be there doing signings, and one romance author,” Nancy said. “The vendors range from a custom hat bar, coffee samplings, D&D [Dungeons & Dragons] dice, 3D prints, local artists’ work, comic books, and custom TTRPG maps. We also have the Friends of the Loon Lake Library coming out to offer a great selection of fantasy and sci-fi books.” Many participants are expected to hail from the region. “Almost all of the businesses are from the surrounding communities,” Nancy said. “We did reach out to a couple of friends from other states to come in and bring specialty items such as The Man Behind the Comics and Will-o-Wisp with her amazing collection of carved rock figurines, crystals, and pendants.” For fans of dressing up, the cosplay contest offers prizes of $50, $25, and plaques for top entries. “We don’t have categories this year as we don’t know what the turnout will be,” Nancy said. “However, next year, if this event goes well, we hope to have youth and adult categories separate from one another.” Fantasy gamers can join D&D one-shots run by two local dungeon masters: Kody, 19, and Mickey, 25; both asked for their last names to be anonymous. “A menacing chaotic goblin and an unexpecting, seemingly sweet chaos coordinator,” Nancy described. “We’ll have sheets and pencils available, but we recommend bringing your own dice. You can create a level 1 or 2 character, or use one of our pre-made sheets.” Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon fans will also find a home at the convention. It will be open play, but there will also be experienced players on hand to run the games and offer assistance. The Quartzite Mini-Con is free to attend, with organizers instead encouraging attendees to bring nonperishable food donations for the Chewelah Food Bank. “It is paramount,” Nancy said of community involvement. “There is no way around it. The community is what makes or breaks any event. We hope people see this as something unique and come to take a look.” While there won’t be workshops or panels this year, the Cross family hopes the Mini-Con can grow into a recurring event. “Unfortunately, this year there are no [workshops],” Nancy said. “We’re doing this pretty much by ourselves and with our own cash. If the event takes off, we hope to offer those types of con experiences later.” For Steven, the excitement is simple: “To see the creativity of people’s costumes and hopefully their excitement of being able to have a pop culture experience in their own backyard.” Nancy added, “I can’t wait for the kids in the community who love gaming, fandoms, fantasy, etc., to have a place to come hang out, shop around a little, and get their first comicon experience, even though it’s a little smaller than most.” 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

  • Kenneth James Martin | Obituary | Statesman-Examiner | Colville, WA

    Kenneth James Martin | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Kenneth James Martin 73 Feb 13, 1951 - Nov 19, 2024 Kenneth James Martin was born to Ernest E. Martin and Genevieve Michael Martin on February 13, 1951, and passed away unexpectedly November 19, 2024 in Boise, Idaho. He was the third of nine children. He is survived by his daughter Vesca/Jessica Grace of Boise, Idaho, and seven siblings: Lorraine Allen of Seattle, Wash.; Barbara (Roger) Lofts of Colville, Wash.; Bonnie (Ron) Frostad of Kettle Falls, Wash.; Lloyd Martin of Spokane, Wash.; Patty (Roger) West of Chewelah, Wash.; Glen (Janet) Martin of Sequim, Wash.; and Theresa Martin (Vincent) Labrucherie of Ocean Shores, Wash.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas (Linda) Martin of Colville, Wash. He graduated from Colville High School in 1968, after which he joined the Marine Corps serving in Vietnam. His work career included working in sawmills, then many years at Hewlett Packard, and, after retirement, auditing for the census department. A private ceremony was held at the family cemetery near Rice, Wash., on June 21. Previous Item Next Item

  • Mark D. Friend | Obituary | Statesman-Examiner | Colville, WA

    Mark D. Friend | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Mark D. Friend 72 Oct 4, 1952 - Aug 27, 2025 Mr. Mark D. Friend, age 72, passed away August 27, 2025 at his home in Chewelah, Wash. Mark was born October 4, 1952 in Pasco, Wash. After graduating from high school Mark entered into the United States Marine Corp. He would serve our country from 1972-1976. Semper Fi! Mark was an avid long-distance runner. He competed in many road races throughout the area including several marathons. He found great peace when running. When he wasn’t working, you could find him pounding the pavement. Running was Mark’s passion. He coached the varsity cross-country team at Jenkins High School in the fall and the varsity track team in the spring for years. Mark met the love of his life while living in an apartment in Addy, Wash. His beloved Nora lived in the same building. They would talk often. Over a period of time, they fell in love and were married in 1981. Soon after they were married, they moved to Chewelah, Wash., where they made their lifelong home. Mark would tell people that he married the girl next door. The couple would welcome their beautiful daughter, Shelby, into their family. Mark was a hard worker. He worked at a local saw mill. Nora worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital. They attended St. Mary of the Rosary Catholic Church in Chewelah. Mark was a lector – proclaiming the word of God. The church community was a central part of his life. Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Melford and Jo Jesok; daughter Shelby; brother Mike Jesok and sister Marsha Wood. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Nora, brother Dan Jesok of Addy, Wash., sister-in-law, Mary Shovell and Robert of Colville, Wash., and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at St. Mary of the Rosary Catholic Church in Chewelah, Wash. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery also in Chewelah, Wash. Any former Cougar Cross-Country and/or Track member is encouraged to wear their “Cougar Wear” in honor of Mark. All are invited to return to the church for a luncheon and a time to share stories after the interment. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with his care. Please visit the online memorial website and sign his guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com . Previous Item Next Item

  • Colville's Davis the King of the Backwoods Brawl in Idaho | Statesman-Examiner | Colville, WA

    Colville's Davis the King of the Backwoods Brawl in Idaho - 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's Davis the King of the Backwoods Brawl in Idaho January 7, 2026 By: Brandon Hansen Colville's Bryce Davis captured the 120-pound Backwoods Brawl Tournament in Priest River. Photo courtesy Colville Athletics. The Colville boys wrestling team got a first place finish from Bryce Davis at the Backwoods Brawl Tournament in Priest River, along with plenty of other podium visits by Crimson Hawks wrestlers on Jan. 3. Colville was led by Bryce Davis, who captured an individual title at 138 pounds. Davis went 3-0 on the day, earning two pins and an 8-2 decision in the semifinals before closing the tournament with a first-round fall in the championship match. Andy Ussery added a runner-up finish at 113 pounds, advancing to the finals with a major decision before falling to Priest River’s Tadhg McLaimtaig. At 150 pounds, Trent Seitters reached the championship match after back-to-back pins in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Seitters finished second after facing an undefeated opponent in the finals. Colville also picked up several third-place finishes. Kyler Klauder battled through the consolation bracket at 120 pounds, recording three falls and a major decision to take third. Jacob Klauder placed third at 126 pounds, highlighted by two pins, while Caesar Stuart earned third at 175 pounds with three falls in his final four matches. Tegan Martin finished fourth at 132 pounds, after a string of consolation-round pins before dropping a tight 4-5 decision in the third-place bout. Neven Eslick also placed fourth at 126 pounds. 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

  • Robert Gary Merrick | Obituary | Statesman-Examiner | Colville, WA

    Robert Gary Merrick | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Robert Gary Merrick N/A Nov 3, 1946 - In Loving Memory of Robert Gary Merrick Gary was born on Nov. 3, 1946, at the Sand Point Naval Hospital in Seattle, Wash., to Dora E. Merrick. Gary grew up in Ballard (in Seattle), where he was active in Boy Scouts and DeMolay and attended Ballard High School (1964). He worked from graduation until 1995 at Washington Grange Printing (Valco Graphics) in Seattle. He married Sheri L. Matchett in 1968 and had two daughters. He was active in the PTA, Girl Scouts, Job’s Daughters, and Masons. He was very active in his daughter’s activities, driving everyone around and volunteering all his free time to help. He spent summers camping with his family, where he loved to boat and water ski. His favorite spot was Steamboat Rock (on Banks Lake in eastern Washington), where, over the span of 45 years, he met a ton of lifelong friends. He was a founding member of the infamous Steamboat Rock Swim Club. He was most at home with his feet in the sand and shoulders in the sun! In 1996, he married Heidi Droter Merrick and moved to her hometown of Colville, Wash. There, he worked at Aladdin Steel, Hearth and Home, and the Statesman-Examiner until retirement. The couple traveled throughout Washington for various gatherings of the Job’s Daughters as well as Australia and Mexico. Gary and Heidi entertained frequently. Gary loved grilling and cooking, playing cards, and spending quality time with friends and neighbors. Gary was always reaching out to help others in his neighborhood. He will be remembered for snow-blowing neighbors’ walks and drives throughout the winter season. Not one to bundle up from the cold, Gary would often be seen clearing snow wearing a pair of shorts and his moon boots! Gary loved his Seahawks, Mariners, boating on the Columbia River with friends, fishing and hunting, and spending time with his family. He was well known for his willingness to help anyone who needed it. He had many great stories, and you would often find him in lengthy conversations with people that he barely knew, who would end up becoming his friends – something that made him very special. He had a fabulous sense of humor and loved fiercely. Through genetic testing very late in life, he found out that he had three half-brothers and a half-sister that he never knew about. He was fortunate enough to have met one of those brothers before he passed, a day that was very special to him. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Heidi Droter Merrick, daughters Heidi Merrick and Liesl Merrick Brooks (Laurice), stepson Sean Preston (Ally), grandchildren Robert Adin Brooks, Annelise Preston, Axel Preston, and Lucy Preston, sisters and brothers-in-law, and several first cousins. A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1-4 p.m. at the Colville Elks Lodge. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit danekasfuneralchapel.com to sign in on Gary’s Memorial Site. Previous Item Next Item

  • Out of the Past: 12/10/2025 | Statesman-Examiner | Colville, WA

    Out of the Past: 12/10/2025 - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Out of the Past: 12/10/2025 December 10, 2025 By: Stevens County Historical Museum Great Northern Railway clock from around the turn of the century. It moved from the Marcus depot to the Kettle Falls depot in 1940. Photo courtesy Stevens County Historical Society. 100 Years Ago— Colville has a chance to gain fame throughout the nation by being the place of origin of a new apple, an improvement on the Delicious which is probably the most popular eating apple on the market. J.M. Scroggs, living two-and-three-quarters miles northeast of Colville, has propagated a new apple by means of select grafting. He raised two boxes of this new variety in the fall of 1921, and his trees have been bearing ever since. It was five years old when it bore its first crop. The Haun building south of the Rickey building on Jan. 1, will be occupied by a Piggly Wiggly grocery, operating on the plan of customer selecting and carrying of goods. The lease is for five years. 75 Years Ago— Charles Hodde, state representative from Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties, was virtually assured re-election as Speaker of the House of Representatives in Olympia this week. Colville residents were reminded this week that an ordinance forbids the leaving of sawdust and wood sawing refuse in the streets and alleys of the city. KETTLE FALLS—The Kettle Falls football team, co-champions of the Tri-County Football League, will be guests of the Kettle Falls Lions Club Thursday at the grade school. 50 Years Ago— Burlington Northern has informed Jim McMillan, president of the Stevens County Historical Society, that the offer for the old clock at the Kettle Falls station is still good. Students of the Baptist Christian Academy were visitors to the Statesman-Examiner last week to see how a newspaper was put together and printed. Visiting were Mike McPhee, Gordon Mace, Dale House, Carma House, Cynthia Mack, Toni Gallo, Dan Spring, Lydia Greenwood, Marty Koker, Matthew Koker, Rhonda Gallo, Becky Greenwood, Beth Vincent, Ricky Schuimaker, Randy Mack, David Rogers, and Lawrence Mace. 25 Years Ago— A county budget has yet to be approved but Stevens County auditor Tim Gray said that it is already apparent that the county will be plagued by a shortfall of approximately $1.6 million. Individual departments have been instructed to adjust their budgets as close as they can to their 2000 budgets. It was a great week for the Colville High School wrestling team. Colville won five straight matches last week to kick off the regular season. 10 Years Ago— Lou Janke secured his first full mayoral term in Colville when Stevens County 2016 election results became official on Nov. 24. OLYMPIA—Road usage charging as a potential transportation funding source will be a focus of discussion when the State Transportation Committee meets. The commission will hear feedback from its 25-member steering committee on road usage charging as it considers next steps for the state to pursue whether, when, and how to establish a road usage charge system in the future. 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

  • Sharon (Carson-Charette) Boyd | Obituary | Statesman-Examiner | Colville, WA

    Sharon (Carson-Charette) Boyd | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Sharon (Carson-Charette) Boyd N/A Nov 4, 1952 - Sharon (Carson-Charette) Boyd was born November 4, 1952, in Nespelem, Wash., to Barbara Laramie and Donald Carson of Inchelium. She and sister Diane spent their early years in Inchelium. Their mother remarried to Francis Charette and the family grew, adding sisters Frances and Gerrie. The family moved to Omak and later back to Inchelium where Sharon spent many years growing up in the Hall Creek area. Sharon met her husband of 55 years, Lanny Boyd, in high school at Inchelium. As a young couple they lived in Chicago and Portland while Lanny studied HVAC. Their firstborn, Lanny Jr. was born in Chicago. The family came home to Inchelium. Their second child, Erika, was born in 1972. Sharon loved following Lanny Jr. and Erika’s sports and activities throughout all their school years. When the kids were old enough for school, Sharon worked at the Inchelium daycare, store, youth camp and summer youth program. She then became a teacher’s assistant and worked 17 years at the Inchelium Elementary School. She loved her time there with the students. After retirement, Sharon babysat grandbabies and a niece for years. She was an avid Mariners and Seahawks fan. She loved crocheting, her pets, berry picking, and spending time with her kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren. She and Lanny liked movie nights in Spokane, going to Mariner’s games and riding his motorcycle. They went to Sturgis and other rallies. Sharon was a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes. For the past six years she endured numerous complications with kidney failure and dialysis. She quietly passed on Sept. 3, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents and by siblings Michael, Steven and Allen Carson. Sharon is survived by her husband, Lanny, son Lanny Boyd Jr., daughter Erika Zacherle (Willy), siblings: Diane, Francie, Gerrie, Marlene, Tony, Donna, Jackie, Punkin, and Lynette, grandkids: Tyler (Leah), Maraia, Emily (Josiah), Joelle, Payton (Kylie), Jordis and Bryson, great-grandchildren: Kelix, Kamlyn, Violet, Eva, Millo, Ellee, Leti, Nora, Oakley and Tuff, and numerous nieces and nephews. Previous Item Next Item

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