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Lorraine Adelle (Dyer) Haynes | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Lorraine Adelle (Dyer) Haynes 88 May 22, 1937 - Dec 17, 2025 In Loving Memory of Lorraine Adelle (Dyer) Haynes Lorraine Adelle (Dyer) Haynes passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Dec. 17, 2025 in Spokane, Wash., at the age of 88. She was born in Nespelem, Wash., on May 22, 1937 to Charles and Emma (Etue) Dyer. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and sons, William and Daniel. The adored wife of William "Jolly" Haynes for 59 years until his death in 2014 and is survived, and loving remembered, by her children, Sheryl (Mark) Moyer, Wendy (Ron) Armes, Ron (Diana) Haynes, Laurie (Ron) McMillan, Rich (Amber) Haynes. Known as “Gramma Rain” to her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, she always had a hug at the ready and cinnamon rolls for a treat. She was a graduate of Kettle Falls High class of 1955, excelling in athletics, and was the captain of the basketball team and a Majorette. Lorraine enjoyed traveling, socializing with friends, and playing cards with her family during the annual 4th of July family camping trips. She retired from JC Penny's after many years and enjoyed being a part of the local quilting community, earning many ribbons for her creative works. A love like Lorraine’s was big, beautiful and extended to everyone who knew her. She is loved beyond measure and missed beyond words. A memorial service honoring her full life will take place after the first of the year. Previous Item Next Item

Harold Edward Rothwell, Sr. | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Harold Edward Rothwell, Sr. 83 Nov 20, 1941 - Jul 13, 2025 Mr. Harold Edward Rothwell, Sr., age 83, passed away July 13, 2025 in Spokane, Wash. Harold was born November 20, 1941 in Herminie, Pa. to Charles and Dorothy (Ropey) Rothwell. Harold was an avid outdoorsman and a bit of a cowboy at heart. Harold spent most of his career as a state park ranger on the westside of the state. He loved hunting and especially fishing – salmon! He and daughter, Mary attended multiple Mountain Man Rendezvous events and he competed in muzzle loader competitions. Harold was highly competitive. Harold loved the water and especially sailing. While living on the Puget Sound, he could be found sailing regularly. His sailing skills would be used even on the east side of the state. Many summers he was asked to skipper the sailing excursions of his friends, the Wilkinsons and their grandchildren. Harold was an accomplished cook. He will be remembered for his beef stew, pork verde and his chili. Harold enjoyed woodworking and creating things with wood. To those who knew Harold and to those who encountered him, he will be remembered for being a story teller. His stories often left the listener wondering if the story was true or fictional. Nonetheless, they were entertaining! Despite being rather rough around the edges and outdoorsy, Harold was an excellent dancer. Harold is survived by his wife, Susie; children, Mary (Daniel), Harold Jr., Susan, and step sons, Aaron (Lorraine) Gardner and Brian Gardner; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A rosary service is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, at 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Colville. A funeral mass will be held Friday, July 25, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church as well. Burial will follow at Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with his care. Please visit the online memorial website and sign his guestbook at danekasfuneralchapel.com. Previous Item Next Item

Out of the Past: 12/17/2025 - 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: 12/17/2025 December 17, 2025 By: Stevens County Historical Museum Avey Brothers Lumber Co. in the 1960's. Boise owns it now. Note the log pond and the Teepee burner in the photo. Both are part of sawmill history now. Photo courtesy Stevens County Historical Society. 100 Years Ago— The Minzell-Randall Co.: new Ford agency opened for business this week on North Main Street, between Second and Third Streets. The discovery of a rich deposit of zinc ore was reported at the old Royal Gold property west of Northport. High grade zinc ore 2 or 3 feet in width was opened at a depth of 10 feet in an old shaft. The property was incorporated 30 years ago by A.H. Styles and good assays of gold were there, it was reported. Radio station KFOA of Seattle broadcasted a description of the natural resources of Stevens County Monday night. 75 Years Ago— Members of the Stevens County Sportsmen’s Association will meet on Tuesday night in the Elks lounge to elect officers for the coming year. The association has a membership of over 600 sportsmen in the area. The county jail could be mighty small and crowded come Jan. 1, if a lot of county drivers don’t get their new license tags pretty soon. Stevens County has 77 students enrolled in Washington State College this semester, according to tabulations made by registrar Harry Chambers. 50 Years Ago— Official announcement of Boise Cascade’s purchase of Avey Bros. Lumber Co. of Kettle Falls from its owners Pack River had not been made at press time. Last week, Avey Bros. employees were informed that Boise Cascade had purchased the mill. The State Department of Agriculture will hold a public meeting in Colville on Monday on the application of new owners of the Colville Livestock Market to continue to conduct a weekly Wednesday sale. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Maier and Ted Morris have acquired the Colville Livestock Auction, Inc. from the previous owner, Mrs. Mallnee Pehrson. 25 Years Ago— A 338-page historical perspective that chronicles Colville of another era has just been printed by the Statesman-Examiner . The expansive book, titled “Little Journeys Around The Town,” was written by noted Colville newspaperman and historian, J.C. Harrigan. The book was compiled and edited by the Northeast Washington Genealogical Society. The book’s co-editors are Shirley Dodson and Susan Dechant. Colville city council members voted at last Tuesday’s meeting to proceed with preliminary engineering for Phase Three of the Colville 2000 Project, the Truck Route. 10 Years Ago— The Colville Chamber of Commerce held their Gala Dinner on Dec. 12, and pulled the winning tickets for this year’s Christmas Tree Extravaganza. According to the Chamber, all 10,000 tickets were sold. Talking about the disposal of contaminated occurrences at the Stevens County Landfill, what has recently been out of the ordinary is an unprecedented quantity: 7,200 tons from one source, according to Dennis Durbin, Stevens County’s Solid Waste manager. 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

Jeremy James Kienbaum Lightfoot | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Jeremy James Kienbaum Lightfoot N/A - Born the son of Catherine Jackson and James Kienbaum in Spokane, Wash., Jeremy’s life was marked by extraordinary resilience and unwavering strength. At just 13 years old, he met his angels after dying twice in a bicycle accident that left him in a coma for nine weeks, unable to walk or speak. Through three years of intensive therapy-and the steadfast love and support of his mom and stepdad, Catherine and Robert Lightfoot, Jeremy fought his way back. Though he faced permanent challenges, he lived with a normalcy, humor, and strength that inspired everyone around him. Jeremy went on to raise two boys, Timothey and Zachary Lightfoot, whom he loved unconditionally, no matter how far their adventures took them. His infectious laugh and sharp sense of humor could light up any room. In 2018, Jeremy met the love of his life, his spouse Nicky. From the moment their eyes met, they were inseparable. Together, they built a home in Colville, where they shared every single day side-by-side with their three beloved cats: Sax, Smokey, and Bandit. Jeremy found joy in the simple magic of life: hunting for gold and rocks in the hills, seeking out hot springs, and attending concerts. Deeply attuned to nature, he nurtured the land around their home with care, gentleness and gratitude. Jeremy was a force of resilience-never simply surviving, always rising. His light, warmth, and presence will be missed beyond imagination. Previous Item Next Item

Out of the Past: 01/21/2026 - 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: 01/21/2026 January 21, 2026 By: Stevens County Historical Museum The Hofstetter Building sat on the corner of Main and Birch from 1883 to 1917. Photo courtesy Stevens County Historical Society. 100 Years Ago— For 37 years, the Hofstetter two-story frame store building stood on the northeast corner of Main and Beech (Birch). It was the first substantial building erected in the town of Colville after the platting and dedication of the town early in 1883. It was erected by John U. Hofstetter who owned much of the land embraced in the original town of Colville. Thomas L. Savage, an early merchant of three towns in Stevens County, died in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jan. 20 at the age of 62 years. He became a merchant in Colville in 1886, in Kettle Falls in 1890, and was Northport’s first merchant in 1892. 75 Years Ago— Everyone in Stevens County should have received a defense questionnaire by now. County commissioners began mailing the forms last week and the final batch was expected in the mail by Thursday. The final mailing was made to voters in Colville. Fred Wilson, county defense coordinator, urged persons in the county to fill out the forms promptly. “We’re in no position to urge or coax voters to fill out the forms. It’s strictly voluntary. But we can’t do anything further with defense plans until we receive a greater percentage of the needed information.” Snow removal has cost county taxpayers an estimated $15,000 in the last two weeks. 50 Years Ago— Northwest Alloys, Inc., this week made the first tap of ferro-silicon from its 24,000 ton a year ferro-silicon furnace. “Stevens County mines are in a dormant state right now, but exploration in this area has been intense,” Ted Liovingston, state geologist with the Department of Natural Resources from Olympia, told Colville Chamber of Commerce members on Tuesday. Stevens County commissioners approved a pre-application for a government grant for $63,535 to remodel the former Valley View Infirmary on Monday. Dave LaDuke of Fogle Motor Co., Inc., has recently joined the sales force as their new and used car salesman. 25 Years Ago— CHEWELAH—Jenkins High School junior Katie Kinyon is the new Washington State Junior Miss. Miss Kinyon was crowned Saturday night in Pullman’s Gladish Community Center. She was among 35 high school juniors, including Colville Jr. Miss Stephanie Oswin, who competed for the coveted title. Miss Kinyon will be featured in a Statesman-Examiner story in next week’s edition. The tapping, crafting and simmering going on around Onion Creek betrays it: It’s time for the sixth annual Onion Creek Outhouse Race and second annual Chili Cookoff. Racers, spectators, cooks and tasters are all invited. Outgoing Colville Fire Chief Rick Naff handed over the chief’s hat to incoming fire chief Scott Carter this week. Naff has served as fire chief for nearly eight years. 10 Years Ago— COLVILLE—For Providence Northeast Washington Medical Group patients who have been frustrated by an inability to schedule timely appointments, the medical purveyor has some good news. Providence Northeast Washington Medical Group said it is now able to provide same day appointments at its main clinic 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

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