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Wendy Rae Lloyd — 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 Wendy Rae Lloyd Wendy Rae Lloyd was born on Aug. 25, 2025, to parents Pamela and Gideon Lloyd of Kettle Falls, Wash. She weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces at birth and has two brothers, David Lloyd, age 7, and Arlyn Lloyd, age 4, as well as one sister, Judy Lloyd, age 5. Her maternal grandparents are Pamela and Carl Tenney of Northport, Wash. Her paternal grandparents are Barbara and Brian Lloyd of Kettle Falls, 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

Local Artist Produces First Album - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Local Artist Produces First Album January 21, 2026 By: Meredith Carroll Rob McGlinton and musical score. Photo by Rob McGlinton. Chewelah resident Rob McGlinton describes his music as a fusion of classic jazz with a pop twist. He said the muted trumpet, subtle bass, and the smooth swing of the piano wrap around lyrics written from “an often unreliable” narrator’s commentary on the human condition. The jazz album My Undivided Attention, to be officially released on Feb. 24 , is McGlinton’s first album – at 90 years old. “I’ve been involved in music since I was 5 years old, when my mom would set the stove timer for 30 minutes and make my sister and I play the piano,” said McGlinton. “In junior high, my jazz piano teacher said that if I wanted to be a good piano player, then I had to practice three hours a day, Monday through Friday. “I was 14 years old. I loved baseball. I wanted to be with girls. I wanted to go fishing. But I committed myself to this. All the great players practice 10 hours a day,” he said. McGlinton, along with his sister, participated in band and choir where he said he learned the value of practice. Living in Snoqualmie, McGlinton said he worked in logging and the local mills; then out of college, he earned a living as a pianist and as a creative editor in public relations. He said he moved to Chewelah in 2013 from the Seattle area with his wife, Sally, who is fifth generation Chewelah heritage. “I’ve been in music for a long time,” McGlinton said. “I did all kinds of jobs surrounding the music industry. But I’ve always been a quitter. I would put a small effort into putting my musing out there, but when I got no immediate success, I quit. Now, at 90 years old, I wanted to get serious but didn’t know how. “Why am I doing this now? Because this is something I had to do. I had to get it out into the world. Recording this album has been the most gratifying thing,” McGlinton said. To start, McGlinton said he went to Portland, Ore. where he knew of a great pianist and producer of music. “Randy Porter has won multiple awards and has been Grammy-nominated. I had made a demo, and asked him cold to look at my work. And professional jazz musicians don’t lie. When Randy said he liked it, I knew he meant it.” McGlinton said Porter produced his album as well as played the accompanying jazz piano. “I intentionally decided not to play the piano on the album, because Randy Porter is world class, and also I didn’t want to ruin my album. I was able to focus on singing and the lyrics. “This is about not placing limits on myself,” McGlinton said. “Most people impose their limits. People have a story that they tell themselves about what they can and can’t do. There is no reason why you can’t do something. Like, ‘I’m too old.’ You do not have to believe that story.” For McGlinton, the point where he decided not to believe the negative story was when he read “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield. “That book has had such an effect on me. It is about overcoming the force that gets in the way of my creative goals.” Since landing in the Pacific Northwest, McGlinton said he has written the script, music, and lyrics for the musical, “The Goshen Country Club.” He has also produced music for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival in Seattle and for the Seattle Classic Guitar Society. He has also worked as a freelance writer, a teacher, and, of course, a pianist. McGlinton’s next goals are to become a concert keynote speaker at conferences all over the country. He said, “A concert keynote speaker is just like a motivational presentation, but with musical performances blended throughout.” He said he recently completed a test concert keynote performance at Mistequa Casino Hotel in Chewelah, and called it a “success.” “Keynote speakers make good money. I’ll go anywhere in the country and do it. I have done a lot of speaking and teaching. And I have taught at the University of Washington on creativity.” McGlinton’s album will be released on streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify. He said the actual album, available on CD, was released about a month ago for a small audience and will be available at local vendors throughout Stevens County. McGlinton said, “I love it here in Chewelah. We have a strong art community here. I plan on working on my music and expressing my creativity. But, given my age, I’ll have a very short career.” For more information, contact McGlinton at robmcglintonmusic.com . Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Katie Louise Williams (Kroiss) | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Katie Louise Williams (Kroiss) N/A Jan 20, 1982 - Oct 30, 2025 On the morning of October 30th, 2025, Katie Louise Williams (Kroiss), of Bend, Oregon, passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her loving family and dear friends, after a courageous seven-month battle with metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Katie lived a life filled with connection and had a remarkable gift for building lifelong friendships, rooted in laughter, loyalty, and genuine warmth. Those who knew her carry memories of moments that left a lasting impression on their heart and helped shape and uplift the lives of everyone around her. Katie was born January 20, 1982, to Bernard (“Bernie”) Kroiss and Marilyn Dotts, and was the second of three children raised in Colville, Washington. Katie attended K-12 in Colville, graduating from Colville High School in 2000. Growing up, Katie enjoyed many sports, including softball, basketball, cross-country, and 11 years with the Colville Swim Team. As a senior, she was nominated as Student of the Month, recognizing her hard work in academics, leadership, and athletic participation. After high school, Katie attended college at Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis and later Eastern Washington University (EWU) in Cheney, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science. She later pursued additional training in massage therapy at Central Oregon Community College (COCC) in Bend, becoming a licensed massage therapist. Katie met her husband, Gabe Williams, while attending OSU. During this time, they enjoyed many adventures together and were soon engaged. On April 26, 2008, they exchanged vows on a beautiful beach in Maui. They later settled in Bend, Oregon, before welcoming their first child. On April 11, 2011, Katie and Gabe celebrated the birth of their son, Jackson. Becoming a mother was one of Katie’s greatest joys and on April 15, 2016, they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Makena. As a mother, Katie was filled with a sense of purpose and love that grounded her through many challenges. Through her children, she discovered a deeper strength, a softer tenderness, and a joy that shaped every part of who she was. For Katie, motherhood wasn’t just a role she stepped into; it was a place where her heart lived most fully. Katie loved the outdoors. She found peace in winding trails, quiet lakes, and the steady rhythm of the ocean. Whether wandering through forests, casting a line into the water, or standing barefoot on the shores of Maui, she carried a deep reverence for the world around her. Trips to the Oregon Coast, Maui, Canada, the Twickenham ranch and her childhood home in Colville were more than travels—they were moments of belonging, filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of those she loved. Katie moved through life with a gentleness that touched everyone she met. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, she showed her love in small everyday ways that reflected a life deeply and beautifully lived. Her presence was comforting, her kindness steady, and her heart was always open. Though her absence leaves an ache beyond words, the memories she gifted us—her laughter, her love, her light—remain woven into our lives. And in every sunrise over water, every rustling branch along the trail, we will find pieces of her still with us, held forever in our hearts. Katie was preceded in death by her father, Bernie Kroiss and her father-in-law, Matt Williams. She is survived by her husband, Gabe Williams; son, Jackson; and daughter, Makena, of Bend, OR; grandparents, Grant and Caroline Dotts, of Colville, WA; mother, Marilyn Dotts (Barry), of Chewelah, WA; mother-in-law Kim Williams (John) of Yakima, WA; sister, Trina Foust (Coby), of Colville, WA; brother, Chad Kroiss (Jana), of Colville, WA; brother-in-law, Josh Williams (Molly) of Dayville, OR; sister-in-law, Trista Williams (Tyler) of Twickenham, OR; nieces and nephews, Kamber, Clay, Ansoldo, Merrit, Brodie, Roanan; and many other beloved family members on both sides of the family. Previous Item Next Item

Colville Interact Club Champions Peacebuilding with New Peace Pole Installation - 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 Interact Club Champions Peacebuilding with New Peace Pole Installation September 17, 2025 By: Emma Lee Conyer Colville High School’s Interact Club’s meeting on Sept. 12 included the installation of a peace pole in front of the school. The group thanked school staff, Rotary Club leaders, and community members for their support and celebrated the installation with cake. Peacebuilding was chosen as the club’s 2024-2025 theme, “inspired by Rotary International’s focus areas; to support this, they learned peace literacy skills and decided to install a peace pole at their high school,” said Amy Cobos, an Interact liaison. Cobos said that it took time to receive the pole and the club was unable to install the pole last school year, so they decided to install it at the beginning of the 2025-26 year. According to May Peace Prevail On Earth International, the founders of the Peace Pole Project, peace poles serve as symbols of hope and global unity, with more than 200,000 installed worldwide. To represent the Colville High School community, the Interact club chose English, Spanish, Russian and Japanese. “Jay Shepperd and Janey Howe from Rotary District 5080 generously donated $300 for the pole,” said Cobos. According to the Rotary District 5080 website, “In May 2022, the club partnered with the Colville Rotary Club to plant and dedicate a Peace Pole at the District 5080 Annual Conference in Colville,” making this the second Peace Pole to be placed in Colville. Continuing the Rotary International Club’s tradition of “paying it forward,” the Colville Interact Club “plans to gift another peace pole, likely to Sandpoint Interact Clubs,” stated Cobos. 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: Dannie McNeil - 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: Dannie McNeil October 29, 2025 By: Tamara Lee Titus Dannie McNeil. “I have no regrets. I have been really blessed,” Dannie McNeil said when reflecting on his life. "I am gonna be 80 years old, and I look at other people that old and I think, do I really look that bad?” He chuckled. The Colville native, born in 1945, said he spent his early childhood in the mining town of Bossburg, Wash. He was one of four children in a family where his mother was a homemaker and "the best mom in the world.” His father was a decorated WWII veteran who worked at Evans Quarry and later at Boise Cascade. “I spent a lot of time with him. He took me hunting,” McNeil said. He grew up on McNeil Rd, along the Columbia River, which was named after his father. McNeil said he drives out there once or twice a year to reminisce, visiting his nephew who now lives in his childhood home. He shared memories of an era when he could buy a candy bar for a nickel and of the small schoolhouse in Bossburg he attended for grade school with only 12 other students, that had been the same school his parents also attended. “The teacher lived in a small apartment right next to the school,” he explained. “We did most of our work on a chalkboard and there was a phonograph you wound up to play records. I’d love to have that now,” McNeil remarked nostalgically. He said when he was in the fifth grade, his dad took a job in Spokane and McNeil got a paper route there as his first job that earned him $10/week. “It was a lot of money. I had to get up in the dark and deliver it on foot, seven days a week.” Later, they moved back and McNeil attended Marcus High School before it was consolidated into Kettle Falls High for grades six to 10. Offering some local history, he shared, “In the 1980s, my uncle bought the Marcus school after it closed for $35,000 and turned the cafeteria into an apartment. He lived there for a few years, but then it burned down.” He said that the cause of the fire was unknown, and all that remains is the foundation. Junior year was the switch to Kettle Falls High School, yet he didn’t graduate because he left to join the Air Force. McNeil said, “I had to, because I was only 17 and my wife was 16. And at 17, you can’t get a job, and she was pregnant.” McNeil said he married Frankie in 1963 after the two met his sophomore year, and they have been together ever since. “We fell in love. She was meant to be my wife,” he said. While in Vietnam, he shared that he wrote to his wife every day, sending letters via Air Mail. He became a jet engine mechanic in the Air Force and was later stationed in New Hampshire, Taiwan, Japan, Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam and finished his service in Michigan. He said he worked on B47’s, C130 E-models, HH43B Helicopters and T53 jet engines doing flight line maintenance. McNeil said he came home in 1967, even though he was encouraged to remain enlisted. “I just wanted to go home. This is my home. I have been everywhere and if someone said to me, ‘I will give you a free trip anywhere in the world,’ I would choose Spokane. I don’t want to go anywhere,” he stated. “When I got home from the Air Force, we bought a house built in the 1800s in Bossburg for $3,500. It had been moved up from when the (Grand Coulee) Dam came in and flooded Old Kettle; $350 down and $35/mo and no interest. I got a job at Boise Cascade plywood plant,” he recounted. McNeil would work at Boise Cascade for 41 years, seven days a week. “We grew up really poor and to me a day off was money lost,” McNeil explained. “I was kind of a workaholic; I liked working by the sweat of my brow and the jobs I had were very hard, and I loved it.” According to McNeil, in 1967 he made $2.63/hour at Boise Cascade, which was a good wage at the time. “I am not bragging about it, I like working. I wasn’t a sit around person. I had so many blisters, on top of blisters! I did everything in that plywood plant for 41 years. It was like my home away from home. I retired to let someone else have a job who needed it,” he said. When McNeil retired from the plywood plant in 2008, he went to the Veterans Affairs and discovered he was eligible for benefits due to his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam which caused him to get Type 2 Sugar diabetes. “I didn’t want to go, but my brother-in-law convinced me to go and check into these benefits,” he continued. It was then he was also diagnosed with PTSD. “I get startled really easily.” He shared that while in Vietnam, “I was scared out of my mind.” Fun memories in his life include camping at the Evan’s Campground in the summers with his family. He said he bought a trailer for them to stay in during vacations. McNeil and his wife have lived in Chewelah for the last 21 years. “I love this town, it’s a nice, quiet town. It’s closer to Spokane, near the kids and grandkids. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.” He and Frankie had three children: Dannie Jr, Sandie, and Barbie, who have given them 29 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. His oldest son passed away of an autoimmune disease in 2023, and is buried in Bossburg cemetery, where his entire family has been buried. He also noted, “The Statesman-Examiner has been around forever, as far back as I can remember. I feel like it’s part of me. All of our cemetery notices are in there. My dad’s in there, my mom, my uncle’s; I got all the clippings in my bible. I clip them out and save them.” When asked about his philosophy for life, McNeil said, “I never had a bad day because someone in this world would give me their best day for my worst. I know that, and I have seen it. And you will never hear me complain. I don’t know why the Lord blesses me and blesses me every time I turn around. Why me? The windows of heaven are open and I don’t think I deserve it.” He said that the joy of life is his family. “My wife is a prayer warrior. She is such a blessing to me. I can’t imagine life without her. She is just a year younger than me. She is the best grandma and great-grandma in the world. When it comes to holidays, we have one bedroom stacked high with presents for all the kids!” McNeil also expressed gratitude for his spiritual life. “I didn’t find the Lord until I was in my 30s. I was in church at Kettle Falls Community Baptist Church and the preacher did the invitation to come up. The pastor was my next door neighbor and led me to the Lord. I wasn’t raised in the church. I just went there one Sunday and when he gave the invitation, I went forward. In that moment, nothing could keep me from going forward to accept the Lord.” His advice for young people is to “join the military. That’s where you will grow up. I think everyone is obligated to join the military. It will make you a better person.” 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

William “Bill” Thomas Scrimsher | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. William “Bill” Thomas Scrimsher 83 Oct 2, 1941 - Jul 25, 2025 William “Bill” Thomas Scrimsher, age 83, a longtime resident of Colville, Wash. area passed away on July 25, 2025 at his home, surrounded by family. Bill was born in Spokane, Oct. 2, 1941, to Corey and Jacoba (Tromp) Scrimsher. He joined his brother, Roger, and two sisters, Nancy and Martha. The family lived on a large ranch at Idaho Falls. By Bill’s fifth birthday, his parents had separated. Bill and Martha lived primarily with their mother in Idaho Falls for a short period and then they moved to Walla Walla, Wash., where Bill attended public school Kindergarten through grade 12. There he graduated in 1959. After completing 12th grade, Bill joined the Navy’s Kiddy Cruze, Sept. 1959-1962. He enjoyed seeing the world and serving his country on the USS Wilhoite. He was discharged a few weeks early so he could begin his studies of Animal Husbandry at the U. of I. Bill married Gladys Crane in Lewiston, Idaho, on July 11, 1964. After the Oct. 1964 harvest was completed, Bill was hired by the Winchester, Idaho lumber mill. In Feb. of 1965, Bill began a 35-year career with Washington Water Power utilities, now Avista, working in both Lewiston and Kettle Falls, Wash. He worked in several departments and retired in 2000, as a Journeyman from the Kettle Falls steam plant, which he helped construct. Bill and Gladys have owned a little farm in Culdesac, Idaho since 1967. Their great-grandchildren enjoy the family farm to this day. Following his retirement, Bill and Gladys furthered their volunteer missionary work in various countries including: Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, Haiti, and several years in Vanuatu. Bill enjoyed hunting, including bear, and fishing locally and on the Oregon coast. In recent years, he learned pickleball. He enjoyed keeping up his one acre yard in Arden, Wash., and traveling in the U.S. which included working on missionary projects. In the spring of 2025, Bill quickly became very ill and was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and other serious health problems. He was at peace and knew his future was secure in his Savior’s love. Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Roger Scrimsher and one sister, Nancy Freeman. Bill is survived by his wife, Gladys Scrimsher, of Colville, Wash.; three sons, Brian Scrimsher (Tamara) of Sandpoint, Idaho, Bryce Scrimsher (Mindy) of Culdesac, Idaho, and Todd Scrimsher (Rachel) of Colville, Wash.; daughter, Kristine (Nat) Baker of Colville, Wash., 21 of grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one sister, Martha Jones (Johnny) of Spokane, Wash.; several nieces and nephews; Bill and Gladys also helped raise Gladys’ younger brother, Rick Crane, two foster sons, Alan and Dan, and a bonus daughter, Hono of Vanuatu. Together this family has grown to 45 people! Bill’s hope was you would find his funeral clearly explaining God’s plan for salvation. Please join us for Bill’s funeral service at First Baptist Church, 915 South Cedar St., Colville, WA beginning at 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 31. Everyone is also invited to attend the military service at Normal Hill Cemetery ,1122 7th St., Lewiston, Idaho, on the same day at 3:30 p.m. Danekas Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Previous Item Next Item

Colville Pilot’s Plane Lost in 2019 Crash Located in Sullivan Lake - 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 Pilot’s Plane Lost in 2019 Crash Located in Sullivan Lake December 17, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Terry Coleman's airplane before its crash six years ago. File photo. A years-long mystery surrounding a fatal 2019 plane crash involving Colville resident Terry Coleman has taken a step toward resolution after a team of volunteers located the missing aircraft in Sullivan Lake last month. Kirk Neumann and a volunteer search team discovered a Cessna 182 Skylane resting on the lake bottom north of Metaline Falls on Nov. 11. The following day, officials confirmed the aircraft to be the same plane Coleman was piloting when he disappeared on Nov. 13, 2019. Coleman was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was confirmed deceased after his body was located on the lake, according to law enforcement. After confirming the discovery of the plane, Neumann said he notified Coleman’s daughter, the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office in Newport, and the Federal Aviation Administration in Spokane, which then referred the matter to its Seattle office. Pend Oreille County Sheriff Glenn Blakeslee said the discovery is an important development for the family and the community. Authorities said when Coleman went missing six years ago, his general flight path had no indication of trouble. There was no radio distress call and no activation detected from the aircraft’s emergency locator beacon. According to law enforcement, search crews combed the terrain and waterways in the days following the disappearance; Coleman’s body was ultimately recovered from Sullivan Lake on Nov. 16, 2019, but the aircraft itself was never found. Neumann said he has followed the case closely since the beginning and felt a personal motivation to continue searching. Using a drop camera system, Neumann said he and his team were able to identify the aircraft at a depth of approximately 270 feet. The plane was found sitting upright on its landing gear. While the camera system has limitations at such depths, Neumann said the team is confident the aircraft is Coleman’s, as there are several indicators on the plane that match the Colville man’s aircraft. Attention is now turning to what comes next. Officials said the plane is believed to be largely intact, and its recovery would require coordination among multiple agencies with jurisdiction over the lake and surrounding lands. According to officials, the logistics of a salvage operation are complex and still under review, but the discovery itself marks a significant moment for Coleman’s family and the Colville-area community that has waited years for answers. 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

Jesse Arthur Arrington | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Jesse Arthur Arrington 78 Jun 7, 1947 - Dec 24, 2025 Colville resident Jesse Arthur Arrington, age 78, passed away Dec. 24, 2025, in Colville, Wash. Jess was born June 7, 1947, in Omak, Wash., to Arthur and June (Reeves) Arrington. Those who knew him well described Jess as being “larger than life.” He was a big man in stature and personality. He could be somewhat intimidating like a grizzly bear, but underneath, he was a Big Jolly Guy…super spontaneous. He had no filter. Jess just said what he needed to say. He loved to play, party, and have fun, often going to extremes. In his early years, Jess wanted experiences and to have nice things. Over time, all of that seemed trivial. Jess became more sentimental and nostalgic. He knew he couldn’t make up for lost time with his children, but he tried to make things better despite not always knowing how to do so. An avid outdoorsman, Jess loved being in the woods. He was a hard worker and worked as a successful logger and logging contractor for many years. He often smelled of chopped wood and Irish Spring soap. When he wasn’t working in the woods, he was playing. Jess loved to hunt, fish, and just experience the outdoors. He also enjoyed his boat, spending many hours on Kootenay Lake and cruising up and down the Columbia River. Jess was known for being particular about how things should be done. And in most instances, “being done” referred to being done his way. He was meticulous in many ways, but that attention to detail didn’t always follow logic. It didn’t matter one’s experience or training; Jess always had a plan as to how to proceed. Jess is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Arrington (Joan Arrington) and June Francisco (John Francisco). He is survived by his sons, Troy Arrington (Tammy Arrington) of Costa Mesa, Calif., and Kyle Arrington (Randee Arrington) of Spokane, Wash.: daughters Corie Kelly (Ryan Kelly) of Kennewick, Wash., and Carla Palpalatok (Paul Palpalatok) of Spokane, Wash.; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; sister, Sally Pierce (Ralph Pierce) of Northport, Wash.; stepbrothers John McGill (Gena McGill) and Pat McGill; and numerous extended family members and friends. Jess will be laid to rest in the Washington State Veterans’ Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. A Memorial service is being planned for this summer, 2026. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Please visit the online memorial website and sign his guestbook at danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with his care. Previous Item Next Item

Local Wrestlers Shine at Springdale Girls League Meet - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Local Wrestlers Shine at Springdale Girls League Meet December 24, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Area girls wrestlers battled last Thursday, Dec. 18, at a Mary Walker League meet hosted in Springdale, with athletes from throughout the region, including Chewelah, Colville, and host Mary Walker, who all earned podium finishes. Chewelah’s Naomi Haden dominated the 130-pound weight class. Haden went 3-0 on the day, recording three quick falls to claim first place and score 24 team points. She opened with a 13-second pin, followed by falls in the semifinals and championship match to cap her run. Colville produced several notable finishes, highlighted by Haiden Sackman’s first-place performance at 120 pounds. Sackman pinned all three opponents to take the title and score 24 team points. Kayden Ross added a second-place finish at 190 pounds, reaching the championship bout before falling to Newport’s Clover Tannehill. Ross scored 18 team points for Colville. Jasmine Wolfe placed third at 110-115 pounds, while Kirya Zier finished third at 125 pounds. Host school Mary Walker also saw multiple wrestlers reach the podium. Miley Baker placed second at 100-105 pounds, while Mia Choi and Emilie Simpson each earned second-place finishes at 105 and 110 pounds, respectively. Christina Mead delivered one of the stronger performances for the Wildcats, placing third at 120 pounds after winning two matches by fall. 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

Nana’s Closet Soon to Offer Back-to-School Essentials - 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 Nana’s Closet Soon to Offer Back-to-School Essentials August 13, 2025 By: Meredith Carroll Patty Adamson organizing donations for Nana’s Closet. Photo provided by Patty Adamson. Operation Santa of Kettle Falls is expanding outside of the holiday season. The same outfitter that has been helping families in need, since Judy Davis founded it in1982, is broadening with a new initiative: Nana’s Closet. “Nana’s Closet is a branch of Operation Santa,” said Patty Adamson, longtime volunteer with Operation Santa and manager of Nana’s Closet. “There is a huge need for kids going back to school. Kids will need clothes and back to school supplies.” Adamson added, “Nana’s Closet will outfit kids with everything they need from head to toe. This will include clothes, underwear, school supplies, backpacks, hygiene items, and shoes.” Nana’s Closet plans to be open for three weeks before school starts, from August 20 through September 3. “It will operate like a little store, where a family can come in, browse the shelves and racks, and try things on,” Adamson said. “The difference is that we will be open by appointment only. This is to ensure the privacy of the family. Also, it is a small space, and we want the family to have a nice shopping experience with no pressure.” The merchandise will be geared toward kids, Adamson said, but Nana’s Closet will carry clothing from baby to adult. Volunteers will be available to help folks try on clothing. “Each person will be able to choose three to four outfits, and then they can leave. If we run out of inventory, then we plan on setting up a donation drive.” Adamson, who is known as Nana to kids all over the community, said that Nana's Closet was named after her because everyone thinks of her as a grandma. “I love that I get to be a part of this,” she said. “I love that Kettle Falls is a community that comes together for everything.” Adamson moved to Kettle Falls five years ago from Snohomish; as soon as she moved to the area, she saw a Facebook ad looking for volunteers for Operation Santa. “Chuck and Shelby Omit run Operation Santa now that Judy passed. Christmas time here is magical. The things that happen during December are magical,” said Adamson, adding that, “If someone says they need something, it magically appears. We all work together to make this happen, and we’re going to do the same thing with Nana’s Closet. “Most of the donations come from the community, but Boise Cascade has donated brand new school supplies,” said Adamson. “Walmart has also given us a lot of new items. And all of our hygiene supplies and makeup are brand new and come from Project Beauty Share. They help us to do more than give out clothes. We want kids to feel good and confident when they return to school.” Nana’s Closet continues to accept donations and volunteer help ahead of their opening. “We are working hard at getting everything set up so that we will be looking like a department store when we open on August 20. We save the best of the best items for back to school,” Adamson said. For information call Patty or Tom Adamson at 509-419-8682, Chuck and Shelby Omit at 509-769-8997, or visit Operation Santa or the Kettle Falls Community Resource Page on Facebook. Nana’s Closet is available by appointment only. 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

Veterans’ Pride Band Performs for Firefighters at Northeast Washington Fairgrounds - 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 Veterans’ Pride Band Performs for Firefighters at Northeast Washington Fairgrounds September 10, 2025 By: Staff Report Photo courtesy Marvin O’Hearn. The Veterans' Pride band, of American Legion 146, performed a concert Sept. 8, for firefighters at the Northeast Washington Fairgrounds. According to post commander Marvin O’Hearn, the Veterans' Pride band aims to help disabled veterans through music, and they had the idea of sharing their music with firefighters. “We received rave reviews from the firefighters and have been asked to play again in the future,” O’Hearn said. “We just can't explain the joy we feel when we see the smiles on the faces of the people we perform for.” Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Kettle Falls Boys Basketball Starts Season 3-0 - 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 Boys Basketball Starts Season 3-0 December 10, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen The Bulldogs boys basketball improved to 3-0 on the season, taking a long road to pick up a 53-26 victory over Oroville in nonleague boys basketball action on Friday, Dec. 5. Mace Thivierge scored 23 points and hit two three-pointers. The defense was the star in the first three quarters, holding the Hornets to just single digits in each frame. “What stands out to me about our team is the competitive fire,” Kettle Falls Head Coach Cameron Stewart said. “That’s the identity that we are striving for. That’s our edge. I think the guys are starting to embrace it.” Thivierge had been a facilitator for other scorers in the previous two contests, but in this matchup, he shone through by hitting nine field goals total. “I think our guys are trying to make the right play,” Stewart said. “They want to execute, but they also want to make good reads when we are playing fast and free, because it’s rewarding to know that effort creates good opportunities. You can’t do that alone. So I think our passing is just a result of playing as a team. We want everyone on the floor to be a threat, just by moving as the ball moves.” The Bulldogs snagged a seven-point lead in the first quarter and then headed into the locker room at halftime with a 28-12 advantage. They opened up the second half on a 15-4 run to put the finishing touches on the victory. “We take pride in our defensive principles,” Stewart said. “We hate to get scored on. We also take pride in earning extra possessions. That’s the mindset. The reality is that you make mistakes and learn from them, but stay aggressive, keep competing, always bring energy.” Cooper McKern added seven points while Alex Mazanek and Zac Burch each had six points. A few days earlier, the Bulldogs posted their biggest offensive performance of the season, thanks largely to a mid-game surge. Kettle Falls outscored Republic by 11 points in the second quarter, then opened the second half, tallying 21-6 en route to a 73-36 victory over Republic on Dec. 2, in nonleague basketball action. Mazanek led the Bulldogs with 21 points, hitting three three-pointers along the way. He hit nine field goals in all, while Zac Burch drained six buckets to finish with 15 points. Thivierge added eight points to Kettle Falls’ total. The offense was humming for the Bulldogs as they had 31 field goals total and a 34-17 lead at halftime. Through these three games, Kettle Falls has outscored its opponents 191-93. While these wins are coming against 1B foes, not the 2B foes they’ll have to beat for postseason success, Steward said the Bulldogs are already well on their way to matching or beating last year’s five-win season. “We haven’t done anything yet, except what we needed to do, which was take care of business against the 1B schools to start the season, build depth, and create our own identity,” Stewart said. “It only gets harder from here. We have to stay healthy and hungry, and that’s the message our team is getting from the coaches. Right now we’re on schedule.” The Bulldogs played Tonasket Tuesday, Dec. 9; results were not available at press time. The team is scheduled to host Northwest Christian on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES