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Marcia Renee Dupuis | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Marcia Renee Dupuis 71 Apr 8, 1954 - Sep 9, 2025 Marcia Renee Dupuis passed away on Sept. 9, 2025 in Colville, Wash. She was born on April 8, 1954, in Colville, Wash., to her parents Francis Eugene Dupuis, and Etta Marie (Buckley) Dupuis. Marcia was one of four siblings, her sister Linda Marie, her brother Rodney Ross, and her brother Anthony Christopher. Marcia went to school in Kettle Falls and graduated from Kettle Falls High School in 1972. After school she went to work for Plum Creek Mill. Later in life, Marcia joined the company Always caring and enjoyed providing care for our Stevens County residents. Marcia loved spending time with her close friends and family, especially if it involved shopping. Her favorite holiday to share with friends and family was Thanksgiving. She looked forward to Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, and the kid’s birthdays. Marcia also enjoyed picnics, fishing, hunting, cooking, and any opportunities to spend more time with her nephews and nieces. Marcia is preceded in death by her mother Etta Marie Buckley, her father Francis Eugene Dupuis, and her sister Linda Marie. She is survived by her brother Rodney Ross, (Kathy Dupuis), her brother Anthony Christopher, her nephew, two great nephews, nieces, two great nieces, friends, all of whom she loved Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory has been entrusted with her care. We will be holding a graveside service for Marcia Renee Dupuis on Sept.16 at the Calvary Cemetery in Colville, Wash. at 1 p.m. Previous Item Next Item

Local Dancers Qualify for Regionals at Spokane Feis Competition - 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 Dancers Qualify for Regionals at Spokane Feis Competition October 1, 2025 By: Emma Lee Conyer From left to right, RyanRose Robinson, Claire Worley, Kylee Espenhain and Brittany Robinson. Photo courtesy Claire Worley. The Haran School of Irish Dancers, located in Kettle Falls, and its sister school in Spokane, held the fourth annual “Feis at the Falls” and “Deirdre Abeid Memorial Feis” Sept. 14-15. Originally founded in 1990 by Deirdre Abeid, the Kettle Falls school was taken over by her daughter, Claire Worley, in 2004 following her passing. Prior to that, Claire’s older sister, Caitlin Trusler, opened a second school in Spokane. The Haran School of Irish Dance holds the title of the first certified Irish dance school in the Inland Northwest. The Haran Irish Dancers have been hosting two feisianna, or Irish dance competitions, titled “Feis at the Falls” and “Deirdre Abeid Memorial Feis” since 2022. Located at the Spokane Convention Center, these are Spokane’s only feisanna, with placements determining whether dancers are eligible to compete in regional, national, and world championships. Four of the dancers from the Kettle Falls school qualified for the western U.S. regional championships, Oireachtas. Kylee Espenhain placed first in both the Hard Shoe and Set Dance categories for ages 17 and over. She also took first place overall in the Preliminary Championship for her age group. RyanRose Robinson swept the Under 17 division, taking first place in Soft Shoe, Set Dance and the Preliminary Championship overall. Espenhain placed third in the Championship Special Traditional Set Dance for dancers aged 15 and over, and earned third place in the Open Championship Soft Shoe dance for ages 18 and over. Brooklyn Thompson took first place in the Adult Advanced Championship and also claimed first in the Adult Special Championship Treble Reel event. Amalie Pancoast placed second in the Adult Advanced Championship and later earned a first place finish in a solo category. In honor of Lucas Pancoast, who had previously danced for the school before his passing, a dance-off was held, where judges picked based on stage presence and how they made them feel, according to Worley. Oireachtas will be hosted in Spokane Nov. 21-23, where several hundred dancers from across the western U.S. will travel to compete. 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

Carl W. McDaniels | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Carl W. McDaniels N/A - Join friends and family as we celebrate the life of Carl W McDaniels 11 a.m., Saturday, August 2, at 874 Vanasse Rd. Kettle Falls Wash. We will be having a potluck barbecue. This is an informal event, come as you are, share stories, and a laugh. Please call or text Shaina to RSVP at 509-680-6171 (please leave a message). Previous Item Next Item

Jeffrey Ryan James | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Jeffrey Ryan James 53 Mar 9, 1972 - Jun 25, 2025 Jeffrey Ryan James passed away on June 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and quiet strength. Known for his unwavering sense of humor and a big heart, Jeff was the kind of man who showed up when you needed him most. Many friends described him as selfless. He was the first person his mother would call to help fix anything around the house, and he would do so with a smile and a tool box in hand. Jeff had a passion for collecting, whether it be rocks, trucks, or tools. Each piece held a story and a memory. He had a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life and a strong connection to the outdoors. Jeff's recent goal was to travel the U.S. and see every state, soaking in the beauty and serenity of nature. As a child, Jeff lived in Alaska, where he earned money pumping gas and spent one summer panning for gold along the Yukon river. Those early adventures sparked his love for nature, hard work, and the thrill of exploration.„ traits that remained with him throughout his life. More than anything, Jeff cherished time with his sons. Whether they were boating, hiking, fishing, shooting or even mowing the lawn together, those shared moments meant the world to him. He found purpose in passing down his passions and values, especially the importance of family, fun, and getting your hands dirty. Jeff is preceded in death by his adopted father, Red; his half siblings, John and Jenny; his brother-in-law, Joe Allred; and nieces, Ashlyn James and Jamie Allred. He is survived by his sons, Dalton (Jessica), Tristan (Jaira), and Trevor (Megan); his grandchildren Dawson, Blakely, Noah, and soon-to-arrive baby Flynn. He is also survived by his mother, Sandie; brother, Chris (Becky); and sister Jess; and half-sister Julie Allred. To know Jeff was to laugh with him, to lean on him, and to love him. He will be remembered for the joy he brought, the help he gave, and the love he shared so freely. A memorial service to honor Jeff's life will be held on July 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Hope Vineyard Church in Colville. All are welcome to attend, eat a meal and share fond memories and stories that capture Jeff's spirit. Previous Item Next Item

Lorelai Kay Nullet — 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 Lorelai Kay Nullet Lorelai Kay Nullet was born on July 29, 2025 to parents Kailee Fata and Micahel Nullet of Colville, Wash. She weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces at birth, and has one sister, Brielle Nullet, age 2. 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

David Wayne True | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. David Wayne True 70 Jun 8, 1955 - Dec 20, 2025 David Wayne True, age 70, passed away on the morning of Dec. 20, 2025, in Spokane, Wash., surrounded by his loving family. Dave was born on June 8, 1955, in Everett, Wash., to Richard and Doris (Fitzthum) True. He graduated from Snohomish High School. He married Nickie Minemeyer (divorced 1996) and they moved to Republic, Wash., in 1978. Partnering with his parents for several years, they owned Tiffany’s Resort on Curlew Lake. During those years Brandon and Carissa were born. After selling the resort, the family moved to Colville, where Dave worked as a Realtor at Century21. He finished out his working years at Walmart in Colville, where he was the manager of the sporting goods department. On Sept. 11, 1999, Dave married Robin Russell. They had met on a dancefloor, and he loved to dance with her – especially the two-step. They also enjoyed traveling together. Trips included cruises to Alaska and Mexico. They loved to visit Robin’s children in California and go to the beach. The two of them enjoyed watching baseball, especially if the Dodgers were playing. Dave had a keen eye for a good bargain and loved spending weekend mornings at yard sales. He took pride in finding inexpensive items and reselling them for a profit. Over the years, he accumulated hundreds of treasured finds and proudly displayed a sign that read, “It’s not hoarding if your stuff is cool.” His family joked that he walked a fine line between collecting and hoarding. Dave loved to be outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He spent countless hours hunting deer and grouse with his son and grandchildren. He also created many cherished memories fishing at Starvation Lake with grandkids. Dave loved cutting firewood, often spending full days with family gathering and stacking wood – there was never such a thing as having enough. He took great pride in maintaining a large garden, a neatly mowed lawn, and a substantial woodpile. Twenty years ago, Dave made the life-changing decision to get sober. His family was deeply grateful. Strained relationships were restored, and everyone enjoyed being around the healthier, happier version of Dave. He treasured being present for his grandchildren, faithfully attending their games and events until his health declined. Dave will be remembered as someone who was great to spend time with. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and always had a story to share. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Dave was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Robin; son Brandon (Brandi); daughter Carissa (Josh) Morgan; bonus children Jamie Foti and Jeannette (Darius) Mikenas; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and sister Deborah (Larry) Dean. A memorial service will be held at The Hub in Colville, Saturday, Jan. 10, at 11:30 a.m. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory has been entrusted with David’s care. Please sign his guest book at danekasfuneralchapel.com. Previous Item Next Item

Karen Frances Loible Nichols | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Karen Frances Loible Nichols N/A - Aug 19, 2025 Karen Frances Loible Nichols, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Aug. 19, 2025, at home in Stevens County, Wash., surrounded by her loving family. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Karen carried a vibrant spirit, creativity, and love wherever life took her. She was the daughter of Henry Joseph Loible VI and Emily Frances Ansel Loible Stalder Schmitt. In her youth, Karen was a cheerleader and flag twirler at Narbonne High School, and she shared a lifelong bond with her sister, Jan, born just 13 months apart. As young girls, they loved roller skating with their best friend Marcy Capanale, creating joyful memories that lasted a lifetime. On July 4, 1963, she married Allan Nichols, a devoted fireman and bomb technician, who made her feel like a queen every day. Together, they shared a life full of adventure, laughter, and deep devotion, building memories that spanned decades and crossed countless miles. Karen’s heart was as creative as it was generous. She was a gifted artist, painting in oils and watercolors, crafting beaded jewelry and crystal angel earrings, and sewing delightful dresses and matching family apparel. Her handmade treasures, shared at craft fairs and among loved ones, reflected her joy and artistry. She treasured family adventures, from camping and fishing trips with her sister-in-law Marcia and brother-in-law Gary to NASCAR outings and annual trips to Hawaii to visit her beloved grandchildren. Her laughter, warmth, and curiosity left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Karen was deeply committed to community, participating in Rotary, Soroptimist, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. After Allan’s passing, she was honored with a lifetime membership in the Elks, a testament to the love and respect she earned throughout her life. She is survived by her daughter Angela (Mike) Wethered; grandsons Timothy and Johnathon; siblings Tangi Holbrook (Bruce), Janice Farnham, Jesse Loible, Henry J. Loible VI, Suzanne Loible; brother-in-law Gary Nichols; sister-in-law and best friend Marcia Nichols; and lifelong best friend Marcy Spidel Osborne Capanale. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Allan Lee Nichols and her parents Henry Joseph Loible V and Emily Frances Ansel Loible Stalder Schmitt. Karen’s legacy of love, creativity, adventure, and generosity will continue to shine through the family and friends who carry her memory in their hearts. Previous Item Next Item

Congressman Baumgartner Takes Stock of First Year in D.C. - 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 Congressman Baumgartner Takes Stock of First Year in D.C. December 24, 2025 By: Cami Krema Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) gives a tour to Wilbur-Creston High School teacher Stacey Nash, before attending the president’s address to Congress. Photo courtesy Baumgartner’s team. In an interview with the Statesman-Examiner, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) discussed his time as a U.S. House Representative for Washington state’s 5 th district, reflecting on accomplishments and hurdles faced throughout his freshman year in Congress. Before entering Congress, Baumgartner was first a Washington state senator, then Spokane County treasurer. “I’ve been privileged to work in both the public and private sectors,” Baumgartner said, adding that a sense of service is something he felt in the Senate and as the county treasurer. He said one of the biggest differences since becoming a congressman is his number of coworkers. “The numbers are bigger; you go from one of 49 (in the Senate) to one of 435 in the House,” he said. When passing legislation, Baumgartner said, “you got to get at least 218 people to agree with you.” Talking about his top priorities over the year, Baumgartner listed safety, improving the economy, and providing better education. “I’m concerned about the southern border and fentanyl entering (the country),” he said, adding that those issues have, in his view, impacted safety in eastern Washington communities. Baumgartner also spoke about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how he believes it will help to keep taxes low and better the economy overall. “[The bill] was supported by almost every small business and agriculture entity,” he said, adding that it also improves Medicaid by allowing less waste and abuse of the system. “It prohibits illegal immigrants from being on Medicaid and now has work requirements.” He said other benefits of the bill include no taxes on tips for service industry workers, a $6,000 tax deduction for senior citizens, and $1,000 investment accounts for babies (born from 2025-2028), which Baumgartner called “important for creating a culture of saving and investment.” Baumgartner said the bill was “politically challenging” because there was so much in it, and his democrat counterparts “didn’t want to work with us.” Turning to education, Baumgartner said he has been focused on “getting universities back to core education” and “moving away from ‘woke.’” He also said he wanted to protect the rural way of life, which encouraged him to help pass the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. According to the federal legislature, the act provides funding to rural counties and schools, especially those with federal lands such as National Forests, to offset lost timber revenue for education, roads, and public safety, with recent reauthorization ensuring continued support for vital community services. Baumgartner said this act helps schools in areas such as Colville and Republic. “I feel really proud of that,” he said. Thinking about obstacles faced over the last year, Baumgartner said being away from his family has been hard. “It’s a long way from eastern Washington to Washington, D.C.,” he said. “I fly eight hours both ways, twice a week…it’s challenging, that time away from family, I have a wife and five kids.” He added that the time change has also taken a physical toll on him. When discussing the highlights he’s experienced, Baumgartner cited one as, “Being with President Trump on the 4 th of July for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signing.” He pointed to the passing of his bill, the Deterrent Act, as a notable success. The bill, which passed March 27 of this year, aims to increase transparency for foreign gifts and contracts at U.S. universities, lowering the reporting threshold and focusing on "countries of concern" such as China. He said other highlights included having his family visit him in Washington, D.C. to see him sworn into office and giving tours of the capital to visiting constituents. Baumgartner said a memorable visit was with Stacey Nash, a teacher from Wilbur-Creston High School, who was nominated by her students to be his guest for the president’s address to Congress. He shared that another special visit took place when a Washington State University student contacted him about helping him arrange a special proposal in Washington D.C. Baumgartner recalled how the student, Ethan Keogh, “asked us if we could arrange for him to surprise his girlfriend with a marriage proposal. The setup was that I was leading them on a tour they had won by drawing their name out of a Coug helmet. We had a secret code word for the big moment and had the Rotonda cleared.” Over the year, Baumgartner said he has hosted 11 town halls, responded to over 82,000 emails and 12,500 phone calls, and held 289 constituent meetings. “I’m surprised by the number of constituents that visit Washington D.C.,” he said, adding that he has offered groups from Washington State University and Eastern Washington University to visit as well. According to Baumgartner, issues that have been brought to him include border and fiscal issues, taxes, concern that Washington is a sanctuary state, immigration, healthcare, and “whatever the current national democrat talking point is.” He also said he’s been asked about the release of the Epstein files, stating that he is “in favor of releasing them.” Heading into 2026, Baumgartner said he will “continue working for the people of eastern Washington,” by tackling a number of goals, including cracking down on fentanyl, securing the border, increasing manufacturing jobs in the state, getting parents more involved in education, and more. “It’s been a privilege to be a congressman for eastern Washington,” he said. “I’m really proud of the work we’re doing.” 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

Local Plans for the Country’s 250th Anniversary in the (Fire) Works - 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 Plans for the Country’s 250th Anniversary in the (Fire) Works December 31, 2025 By: Tamara Lee Titus The nation is approaching 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Lori Matlock, Northeast Washington Fair/AG Trade Center manager, discussed how she is in the beginning stages of planning a big celebration on July 4, 2026, to commemorate this historic moment in American history. “I was approached by lifelong friend Dick Nichols, who asked me to put on a fireworks show for the 250 th celebration of the signing of the [Declaration of] Independence. I am not sure why he asked me, maybe because he knew I would not turn him down,” Matlock said. She continued, “After he left, I got to thinking that I needed to do more than shoot-off fireworks, as that can't happen until dark in July. So, it sent my little wheels to thinking of what should be included.” Discussing how this event will compare to ones in the past, Matlock said, “When I took my management job in 2007, I was given the task to put on the 4 th of July fireworks. I did try to have a ‘day of events’ a couple times, but most people are out on the water enjoying the summer. This one will start about 4 p.m. in the afternoon, with no real ‘start,’ unless people want to be part of the opening ceremony and the speakers. The fireworks and/or drone show will go off at about 9:30 p.m.” Matlock stated that she is a huge supporter of the military and those that protect and serve, and plans to include both military and law enforcement in the festivities. “I will be inviting all that have served in the military to come and be recognized, along with all those that protect and serve. I come from a background to serve. My dad is a retired World War II B-25 pilot, my oldest brother is a retired Lieutenant General, and my other brother is a retired county deputy and retired State Trooper. There were so many that fought and remain fighting for our freedom,” she said. According to Matlock, some of the goals of the event are “to give people not only a history lesson, but to give people a sense of how we got here, and why it is important to do everything we can to remain free.” Encouraging unity, she said, “We don't have to agree, but we need to be able to reach across the table and work back-to-back to see everything that may take this away.” Matlock said she hopes this event can bring people together to create solid communities, saying, “You never know with an event, you just open the doors and welcome people in, and it takes on a life of its own.” As far as the specifics of the plans, she shared, “I have several thoughts – I applied to the City of Colville for funds to pay for fireworks and some celebratory events. I have reached out to the Boy Scouts to put on the retiring of the flags, as I don't think a lot of people understand how that ceremony takes place. We will also have the folding of the flag (demonstration) and (talk about) what that means. Again, I don't think a lot of the public knows why this is important. Dick Nichols will speak on the history of the signing of the declaration.” Matlock confirmed that there will be a couple fellows parachuting in with the American Flag and she is working on a fly-by from Fairchild Airfare Base. She said that some people are putting together a barbershop quartet, and that the bell choir and the local orchestra are performing. “I have spoken to a few musicians that will be performing as well. Everything is preliminary of course, but the wheels are turning,” she related. Matlock said she would like to have sponsorships to offset the food vendors’ costs to the public. “For example, if your hot dog is normally $5, I would hope to have it free or maybe at $1. I have several ideas on vendors. I will have kids games and some adult games as well, with the help of those I have not yet asked.” Old-fashioned events will be highlighted, including: a three-legged race, corn hole tournament, pie-eating contest, tug-a-war, “and anything out of the box,” she said. Matlock said that she has reached out to Chewelah and Kettle Falls officials, and plans to get in touch with officials in Northport, Republic, and Pend Oreille County as well, about collaborating on a scavenger hunt between the towns. “I am hoping that people will get behind this event,” Matlock said. “I struggle with people taking advantage of thousands of people in town for the Rodeo or the Fair to put on sales or ‘Welcome to Town’ signs. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to put on a great face and coordinate.” For more information, contact Matlock at LMatlock@stevenscountywa.gov . Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Alan James Trusler | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Alan James Trusler 70 Sep 29, 1955 - Oct 8, 2025 Born in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sept. 29, 1955, Alan passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on Oct. 8, 2025, surrounded by family at his home in Spokane, Wash. Alan began his life in Van Nuys, Calif., where he lived with his father, Noel, his mother, Lucretia, and his sister, Tia. In his youth, Alan was active in both the Boy Scouts of America and in Demolay International where he met his life-long friend Garrison Russell. In the summer of 1975, at the age of 19, Alan and Garrison made the decision to postpone continuing their college education, and instead travel to a budding rural community located 40 miles north of Colville, Wash. There they met with numerous other young individuals who were all seeking a quieter life and searching for deeper meaning. This Cedar Creek community was centered around a piece of property that Dan and LaDonna Henry had recently purchased and Uncle Dan, as he was affectionately known, welcomed these younger individuals and enthusiastically shared with them his Christian faith. Alan spent his time participating in nightly bible studies and busied himself with manual labor work on the community farm. As that initial summer stretched into years, Alan’s faith grew and he became a spiritual mentor in the community. During those early years, Alan met Esther Henry, a niece of Dan Henry. Sharing a common bond of faith, they fell in love and were married in the fall of 1978. Alan proved quite handy, and in 1979, with little more than a high school woodshop education, he built a home for his family in the growing Cedar Creek community which included a large, detached shop. Within this shop, he and Dan Henry’s son, Dan Henry Jr., began to fabricate stoves, and Aladdin Steel Products was born. Over time, Aladdin Steel grew, and in 1987, Alan moved the business and his family into the town of Colville. Alan’s talent toward the business-side of the company helped elevate him to a position of managing Aladdin Steel as its president. After many years of growing the business in the Colville community, Aladdin Steel reached a point in 1998, where it made sense both financially and for the continued growth of the business to sell it to HON Industries based in Minnesota. Alan worked quite hard during the merger to consider the impact it would have on the Colville community and its workers. In the end, HON Industries agreed to invest in the Colville area by keeping the business local. HON helped finance the construction of a new large, modern manufacturing plant to support the growing business. As part of the deal, Alan also was able to retain and continue most of his previous job functions at the helm of Aladdin Steel which would later become part of Hearth & Home Technologies. Alan loved working in the hearth industry. Alan was such a generous and charismatic person. His laughter came easily, and his smile was constant and warm. He found joy in bringing people together and often took it upon himself to make gatherings possible. Affectionately known as “Uncle Al” by much of his extended family, he was the kind of person who made everyone feel safe and at ease when he was around. Alan was always considerate of others’ needs and went out of his way to ensure that everyone was having a good time. He had an uncanny ability to connect with almost anyone he met, quickly turning strangers into friends. Everyone who knew him was drawn to his magnetic personality, his joy for life, and his “pearls of wisdom,” which he generously shared with anyone willing to listen. Alan lived fully – traveling widely, finding joy in every journey, and cherishing the people who shared it with him. He was a devoted father, a loyal friend, and one of the most generous souls you could ever meet. Alan was a tremendous presence in his community and family. He filled our lives with warmth, and his lessons will live on in the countless individuals he touched. As Alan often said when raising a glass to loved ones who had gone before him, “Until we meet again.” Alan is survived by his wife of 47 years, Esther, his children, son Phil, his wife Caitlin, daughter Melissa, her husband Chris, daughter Julia, her husband Nick, and his grandchildren; Ethan, Nolan, Olivia, Jeffrey, Deirdre, and Theodore. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery in Colville, Wash. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Cancer Society in Alan’s name. Previous Item Next Item

Out of the Past: 12/24/2025 - 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: 12/24/2025 December 24, 2025 By: Stevens County Historical Museum Keller House Christmas Santa 2024. Photo courtesy Stevens Country Historical Society. 100 Years Ago— Next Monday, Dec. 28, will be observed throughout the nation by dinners and meetings as the birthday anniversary of Woodrow Wilson, the apostle of world peace, who died in his struggle to attain world peace. The first real snow of the season came Monday, to a depth of about 4 inches, dispelling any ideas that December might pass without a white covering for the ground. A greeting card at the beginning of the New Year is a pleasing reminder of friendship. Hundreds of beautiful new cards for New Year’s greetings are in the Examiner line of greeting cards. Many varieties of sentiment and design, 5c and 10c: The Colville Examiner . 75 Years Ago— Florida or California has nothing on Colville. They play golf here on Christmas. Golf course manager, Paul Burgeess, reported play on the local course all through the holiday. The greens were in excellent shape, he reported. Civil defense forms will go into the mail next week. Fred Wilson, county defense coordinator, said volunteer workers will begin mailing forms Tuesday. Individuals will be asked to give information on available firearms, housing, transportation, heavy machinery, miscellaneous equipment and livestock. “It’s unlikely that any part of the county will become a major bombing target,” Wilsdon explained. “Our first job will probably be assisting other areas by handling evacuees from larger cities in the state.” 50 Years Ago— Letters to Santa Claus winners were named by the Statesman-Examiner this week. They included first place: Ricky Ghramm, Kettle Falls; second place: Valerie Nullet, Kettle Falls; third place: Susan Bertlow, Colville; honorable mention, Grace Leaf, Addy; honorable mention, Lorianne Schernitzki, Kettle Falls; honorable mention, Becky Droter, Colville. Santa Claus came to Addy early Saturday afternoon when the local volunteer firemen gathered the children of the community to their firetruck and drove them around town. Fifty sacks of treats were distributed to the youngsters. A Christmas Tea honoring the Sisters of Mount Carmel Hospital was the highlight of the December meeting of the Hospital Auxiliary held Dec. 8, at the hospital. 25 Years Ago— Workers earning minimum wage in Washington will make $6.72 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2001, a 22 cents-per-hour increase over the current minimum wage. At Thanksgiving time, the average for a gallon of self-service unleaded gas was $1.70. Now, the price is $1.64. Mid-grade and premium at self-service pumps is also six cents lower. The Colville Piecemakers Binky Patrol will be hosting its next “Bink-A-Thon” serving get-together on Dec. 29. Binky Patrol quilts are donated to local shelters to help the homeless and needy, especially teens and children. 10 Years Ago— Carter Toyota in Colville has once again stepped up to be the primary sponsor for this year’s Fireworks Show at the Northeast Washington Fairgrounds. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rogers announced last week that former Stevens County Commissioner Malcolm Friedman will serve as her Northern Region Representative. The office is in Colville. 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

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