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Freelance writing, photography, and journalism opportunities with the Statesman-Examiner serving Stevens County. Freelance Opportunities Join our network of local writers, photographers, and contributors. The Statesman-Examiner is always looking for passionate, community-minded individuals interested in contributing to our local coverage. Whether you’re an experienced journalist, an emerging writer, or a photographer with an eye for storytelling, we welcome your interest in helping us share the stories that matter to northeast Washington. Submit your information below, and our editorial team will reach out when freelance opportunities become available. Contact Information First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Professional Details Area(s) of Expertise* News & Community Government Business Sports Coverage Arts & Entertainment Photography Opinion / Columns Other (please specify) Short Bio or Background* Upload Samples or Portfolio Upload File Accepts: .pdf, .docx, .jpg, .png (Limit 3 files) Link to Online Portfolio or Website Availability Are you available for on-call assignments?* Yes No Preferred Coverage Area* Kettle Falls Colville Chewelah North Stevens County Central Stevens County South Stevens County Eastern Ferry County Other Areas I understand that freelance opportunities are offered on an as-needed basis and may be project-based or seasonal. Submit

Uncertainty Persists After Government Shutdown Ends - 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 Uncertainty Persists After Government Shutdown Ends November 19, 2025 By: Emma Lee Conyer Although the federal government shutdown has concluded, certain programs and departments still face uncertainty in the upcoming weeks. After a record 43-day shutdown, the federal government reopened on Wednesday, Nov. 12, after President Donald Trump signed a funding package. The U.S. House approved Resolution 222-209, funding parts of the government through January, and others through fall 2026. According to the resolution’s language, the agreement will also reverse the mass federal layoffs that occurred during the shutdown. One concern voiced by officials during the shutdown was how, and if, states would be able to fund programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. According to officials, some states briefly issued full SNAP benefits before the Supreme Court paused a lower court order that required the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fully fund the program. Other states, including Washington, began sending full and partial benefits to some residents, officials said, although it is unclear what the criteria were. Lexie Kuznick, director of policy and government relations for the American Public Human Services Association said many states could distribute full SNAP benefits within one to three days, though some might take up to a week. In an interview with CNN, she added that states that initially issued partial benefits would need to calculate the additional amounts owed to recipients, a process expected to take approximately one week. According to Rep. Baumgartner (R-Spokane), the funding package aims to provide full-year allocations for agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, military construction, and legislative branch appropriations, “marking significant wins for eastern Washington.” Baumgartner stated that his vote helped secure funding for several local projects under the Agriculture Appropriations Bill, including: $1 million for Washington State University’s Agricultural Research Service building furnishings project. $2 million for NEW Health Association’s Chewelah expansion and regional workforce development center. $1 million for Tri-State Health’s family medicine residency project. The funding package received support from Republican representatives Dan Newhouse and Baumgartner, along with one Democratic breakaway, Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez. The other seven democratic representatives from Washington state voted against the package, according to officials. Although the shutdown has ended, delays are still expected as departments catch up on research grants, economic reports and six weeks of missed communications. Officials said that with funding for some agencies only guaranteed through January 2026, similar disruptions could arise in three months. 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

Jace Alexzander Kade Ruiz — 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 Jace Alexzander Kade Ruiz Jace Alexzander Kade Ruiz was born on Jan. 9, 2026, to parents Jennifer Buffan and Jose Ruiz-Stroder of Colville, Wash. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce at birth, and has two brothers, Okecr, age 3, and Damon, age 3, and one sister, Phoebe, age 11. His maternal grandparents are Pamela and Daniel Miller of Colville, Wash. His paternal grandparents are Mary Ruiz-Rodriguez and Chris Barns of Valley, 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

Howard Vernon Goede | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Howard Vernon Goede 78 Apr 23, 1947 - Oct 18, 2025 Howard Vernon Goede, age 78, a longtime resident of Colville, Wash., passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2025 at his home. He was born on April 23, 1947 in Tonasket, Wash., the son of Orval LeRoy and Viola Ilene (Morris) Goede. Howard attended first grade in Tonasket then continued grade school in Oroville, Wash. He completed Junior High School in Omak, and in 1966, graduated from Selkirk High School. Howard then entered the National Guard and served until 1972, when he was discharged in Lewiston, Idaho. Howard then began a career in truck driving with TWT. He met Carolyn Bradeen while at the home office and they began dating. Their lives and love grew together and they created a home that was always open to family and friends. He then worked in construction and was a member of the Laborers Union #238. Howard worked for the Bouten Construction Company until his retirement. In 2003, he and Carolyn moved to Colville to be close to family. She preceded him in death in 2007. Howard has remained in Colville since that time. He was a man with a love for the four seasons. He enjoyed the adventures that unfolded with each new season. He traveled countless miles on the backroads, trails and open terrain on his 4-wheeler. When winter fell upon the trails, Howard traded his wheels for snow tracks and continued exploring. He enjoyed hunting both small and large game and continued his search for sheds, especially moose sheds in the off season. He had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to his garden and then traveling to his brother Orval’s to pick raspberries. Howard enjoyed hosting and would spend the entire day creating his one-of-a-kind meals to share with family and friends. Howard would often drop by with aged cheese, dried apples, and occasional pickled eggs. He was intent to leave with a good story and a smile when he departed. He enjoyed panning for gold and traveled the banks and creek beds of local streams looking for the elusive gold nugget. Howard was a car buff and spent many hours at car shows appreciating the hot rods, especially those kept and re-built in great care. He was a man always on the go with plans to “do something.” Howard had a cantankerous personality, always offering a smirk and a pearl of wisdom. He loved to poke fun and create a chuckle. Howard was a great father and grandpa figure. He loved to spoil those around him, and his love for others was his legacy. e will be dearly missed. Howard is survived by brothers Orval Goede Jr., Gary Goede (Sandra), Tim Bradeen (Carol), Dan Bradeen (Monica), Sherri Dotts (Harry), Terri Danielson (Barry), Tawnia Groves (Michael), Rob Goede (Kim), Brian Nolan (Amanda), Eric White (John), companion, Eloise Weaver; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends. Howard was preceded in death by his parents Orval and Viola Goede, wife Carolyn Goede, son, Jim Bradeen and daughter Leah Artz. In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be given to the charity of your choice. The graveside service for Howard V. Goede will begin at 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 10, at the Mountain View Park Cemetery, Colville Wash., where he will be laid to rest with his wife, Carolyn. 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

Jewel Elaine Zeihen | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Jewel Elaine Zeihen 97 Jan 3, 1928 - Aug 25, 2025 Jewel Elaine Zeihen passed away on Aug. 25, 2025 in Spokane Wash. She was born on Jan. 3, 1928, in Wilbur Wash. Jewel went to school in the communities of Wilbur, Spokane, Valley, and Chewelah Wash. In high school at Chewelah, she met the love of her life, Frank Zeihen, and they graduated in 1945. After Frank came back from World War II, they married in 1947, and lived in Chewelah for the rest of their lives. Jewel was a home maker. She took pride in designing her own kitchen cabinets as well as building their home together. As her children grew up, she served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and was active in the 4-H Club. Jewel and Frank owned their own business together, known as Chewelah Log and Post, for 38 years. Jewel was a member of the Chewelah city council as well as a member of the Chewelah police commission. Jewel loved spending time with her family, loved music, and participated in the local Sweet Adelines Harmony. Sweet Adelines are a group of women who join together for a-cappella singing and are associated with a worldwide organization. Jewel Elaine Zeihen is preceded in death by her son Peter Zeihen, and her husband of 58 years Frank Zeihen. She is survived by her two daughters Diane Zeihen, and Joanne Daniel. A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 8, at 2 p.m. at the Abundant Life Fellowship. There will be 4x6 card stock for writing a personal memory of Jewel to share with the family. Abundant Life Fellowship is located at 203 North Second Street East, Chewelah (one block North of the traffic light and one block East). Instead of flowers, please consider donations be given to Chewelah Rural Ambulance, 215 West Main Street, Chewelah, WA 99109, and Stevens County Fire District 4, PO Box 190, Valley, WA 99181. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with her care. Previous Item Next Item

Valley's Little White Schoolhouse Restoration Moves Forward - 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 Valley's Little White Schoolhouse Restoration Moves Forward September 10, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Photo courtesy Valley Historical Society. The Valley Historical Society is celebrating another milestone in its ongoing restoration of the Little White Schoolhouse, thanks to the support of a local business. Chewelah Flooring – recently renamed Chewelah Floor & More – donated labor to install a vintage-style vinyl floor in the schoolhouse office. According to the Valley Historical Society, the contribution stretched restoration funds further as the nonprofit works to bring the historic building back to life. “Wow! Thank you so much…this donation gets us closer to the finish line of restoration,” the Valley Historical Society stated. The next steps in the project include refinishing the original wood floors in the main part of the schoolhouse, according to Valley Historical Society members. Once restoration is complete, the building will open as Valley’s first museum and art gallery, providing a new community space to showcase local history and art. 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

Camdyn Helen Christensen — 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 Camdyn Helen Christensen Camdyn Helen Christensen was born on Aug. 27, 2025 to parents Kimberly Rios and Zach Christensen of Colville, Wash. She weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces at birth, and has two sisters, Lydia, age 10, and Henley, age 8. Her maternal grandparents are Mike Rios of Silverdale, Wash., and Genna Wickett of Graham, Wash. Her maternal grandparents are Dana and Larry Christensen of Colville, Wash. Previous Next LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Ellie Jean Suckow — 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 Ellie Jean Suckow Ellie Jean Suckow was born on July 25, 2025, to parents Cassidy Knowles and John Suckow of Northport, Wash. She weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces at birth and has one sister, Abigail Grace Suckow, age 5. 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

Out of the Past: 10/29/2025 - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Out of the Past: 10/29/2025 October 29, 2025 By: Stevens County Historical Society Barman’s Department Store. Photo courtesy Stevens County Historical Society. 100 Years Ago— The Upper Columbia Company is finishing picking and packing apples this week, having had about 50 people picking and 25 people in the packing sheds. The apples have been shipped as fast as they were packed. The apples will go into a diversity of markets, some to Sweden, some to England, a part to Georgia, and some to Chicago for storage. “Barmans—Colville’s Economy Center”—9-ounce White King granulated soap, 10 cents; Holdfast mouse trap, each 4 cents; Spring clothes pins, three dozen for 19 cents; Shredded Wheat, 12 cents; Instant Postum, 43 cents; bulk macaroni, 4 lbs., 2 cents; 10-lb. White Crystal syrup, 93 cents; Hill’s Bros. Blue Can Coffee, 1 lb., 50 cents. 75 Years Ago— Barman’s new department store will open here Nov. 3, Louis Strauss, co-owner of the business with his son, Bob, announced today. The store, which has been under construction since April, will open with a complete line of new merchandise in every department, Strauss said. The story of a 14-year-old babysitter who braved flames three times to save four children from a fire which claimed lives of four others, was told today by her parents, the only persons to talk with her since the tragedy. Margaret Frye, two-thirds of her body burned in the blaze, told the story between blackouts of pain and shock as doctors battled to save her life in the Mount Carmel Hospital. 50 Years Ago— Room rates at Mount Carmel Hospital increased by $5 a day effective Nov. 1, according to Sister Eva Sullivan, administrator. Semi-private room rates have increased from $59 to $64, and private rooms from $64 to $69. Mount Carmel’s rates are still among the lowest in the state. Lee W. Cagle will be Colville’s new mayor, defeating his opponent Vern Hotchkiss in Tuesday’s General Election. Colmac Coil in Colville has been named contractor to build three types of coils as standard equipment aboard the United States Navy’s new destroyers and logistic helicopter assault ships. 25 Years Ago— The City of Kettle Falls is currently in the process of applying for a General Purpose Grant provided through the Community Development Block Grant Program. The federally funded grant provides smaller cities and counties with up to $750,000 of its $8 million available annually. Plans for a successful Colville High School Project Graduation party for the class of 2001 are underway. Since 1988, Project Graduation has hosted drug and alcohol-free all-night parties full of games and entertainment for Colville seniors on graduation night. 10 Years Ago— Colville High School (8-1, 7-0) beat Lakeside 41-28 last Friday night at Nine Mile Falls to annex their second straight Northeast A League Football Championships, and earn District 7’s top seed to the State 1A playoffs that will begin Nov. 13 and 14. In the city of Colville budget draft for 2016, Mayor Lou Janke highlighted the need for technological improvements to the city’s departments. To start with, the police could use more equipment. “Police cars are going to be in need in 2017 and 2018,” Janke explained. “So it’s positioning to fill the pot to meet that need.” 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

Jameson Judd Heidinger — 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 Jameson Judd Heidinger Jameson Judd Heidinger was born Aug. 11, 2025, to parents Kylee and Kaleb Heidinger of Colville, Wash. He weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces at birth. His maternal grandparents are Keith Frazer of Yelm, Wash., and Grace Frazer of Tacoma, Wash. His paternal grandparents are Brandon and Heather Judd of Colville, Wash., and Jacob Heidinger of Marcus, 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

Ida Janet Jewhurst | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Ida Janet Jewhurst 84 Aug 12, 1941 - Oct 16, 2025 Ida Janet Jewhurst, 84, Colville, Wash., passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 16 surrounded by loved ones Born Aug. 12 1941, in Harper, Kan., to Lee and Arietta Sheridan, she grew up in Thermopolis, Wyo., and later moved to Washington. Lovingly known as “Gma Nut,” she was admired for her big heart, strong will, and “The Look” we all came to know. She touched many lives managing at the Redbull and the Elks. She especially loved crafting, cooking, holidays, and cheering on Gonzaga basketball. Survived by her children Bridgette (Ron) Borders, Kelly (Christine) Timmons, Jeff (Trudy) Jewhurst & Debbie (Scott) Ellis; her 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Charles “Chuck” Jewhurst; son Terry Corkill; and granddaughter Lyndsey White A memorial service will be held on Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery. All are welcome. Her legacy of love, strength and tenacity will live on in all who knew her We will miss you Grandma Nut. Previous Item Next Item

Scarlett Rose Gray — 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 Scarlett Rose Gray Scarlett Rose Gray was born on July 8, 2025 to parents Aubree McCoy and Michael Gray of Curlew, Wash. She weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces, and has one sister, Violet Gray, age 2. Her maternal grandparent is Steve McCoy of Inchelium Wash., and her paternal grandparents are Donald Gray of Amboy, Wash., and Dove Lee of Bremerton, Wash. Her maternal great-grandparents are Dean and Sherri Murray of Yacolt, Wash., and her paternal great-grandparents are Carla and Jerry Lee of Poulsbo, 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