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Chewelah Wrestlers Finish Strong at M2 Mallet|In their duel against Northwest Christian, the Cougars fell 47-22 but got an impressive performance from Titan Tapia at 157 pounds, who earned a 15-4 major decision over Noah Stegman. 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 Chewelah Wrestlers Finish Strong at M2 Mallet December 24, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen The Chewelah wrestling team dropped a home dual to Northwest Christian before turning in a strong performance at the M2 Mallet tournament on Dec. 20. In their duel against Northwest Christian, the Cougars fell 47-22 but got an impressive performance from Titan Tapia at 157 pounds, who earned a 15-4 major decision over Noah Stegman. Despite the dual setback, Chewelah rebounded at the M2 Mallet tournament in Spokane with multiple podium finishes against a deep field. Tapia turned in another impressive run to place second. He recorded two pins and a major decision on his way to the championship bout before falling to an undefeated opponent in the finals. Tapia scored 25 team points for Chewelah. Katzer followed with a strong third-place finish at 165 pounds. After a semifinal loss, Katzer battled back through the consolation bracket with two close decision wins to secure third place and add 18.5 team points. At 106 pounds, Taseyn Stauffer placed sixth after picking up a pin in the quarterfinals and fighting through the consolation rounds to score nine team points. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

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

Chewelah Labyrinth Gives Christmas Trees a Second Chance at Spreading Joy|The Christmas Tree Labyrinth at the Chewelah Center for the Arts wrapped up its second season this past weekend, closing after several days of post-holiday operation that stretched into early 2026. Built from more than 200 reclaimed Christmas trees, the installation invited community members to slow down and experience a moment of calm after the holidays. 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 Chewelah Labyrinth Gives Christmas Trees a Second Chance at Spreading Joy January 7, 2026 By: Brandon Hansen The Christmas Tree Labyrinth opened in Chewelah for the second year, offering a reflective holiday tradition. Courtesy photo. The Christmas Tree Labyrinth at the Chewelah Center for the Arts wrapped up its second season this past weekend, closing after several days of post-holiday operation that stretched into early 2026. Built from more than 200 reclaimed Christmas trees, the installation invited community members to slow down and experience a moment of calm after the holidays. Organizer Paula Randall said the idea was sparked during the winter of 2023, when her family waited until Christmas Eve to buy a tree and discovered how many unsold trees were simply discarded. “I was horrified,” Randall said. “What an awful way for a tree to go that was supposed to bring such joy and hope.” That moment led to a question that would ultimately reshape the theater’s winter landscape: What if those trees could be given a second life? Randall said she approached local nurseries and businesses, asking whether unsold trees could be donated instead of thrown away. The answer, she said, was an enthusiastic “Yes!” In the labyrinth’s first year, Randall said 122 trees were collected and assembled by a small group of volunteers. Despite freezing rain that lingered for the entire week, more than 300 people showed up to look at the trees. “That was the proof of concept the theater needed,” Randall said. “People came anyway.” This year’s labyrinth more than doubled in size. Randall said roughly 225 live trees were collected, along with dozens of artificial trees she had gathered as a backup in 2024. The result was a large, five-circuit labyrinth – longer than many visitors expected, according to Randall – lined with lights and the scent of fresh evergreen. From her vantage point at the organizer tent, Randall said she watched visitors enter and exit throughout the week. “People walk out with smiles on their faces,” she said. “People gather by the fires, they talk, they reflect. It’s a beautiful experience.” Children, she noted, are especially drawn to the spiraling path, often “running it with laughter,” while adults tend to walk more slowly, taking in the quiet and the scent of the trees. Though “escape holes” were built into the design for those who wanted to exit early, Randall said most people chose to complete the full circuit. The inspiration for the labyrinth reaches back years earlier, to Randall’s time in Tucson, Ariz., where walking labyrinths were created during full moons and became a regular family ritual. “It gave us moments we didn’t even know we needed,” she said. “You don’t have to decide where you’re going. You just follow the path.” That sense of peace, she said, was something she wanted to bring to Chewelah. Pulling off the installation, however, required an enormous amount of labor – and community trust. With little notice, volunteers were asked to help retrieve trees, build more than 100 wooden stands, string lights, and assemble the labyrinth in winter conditions that included rain, freezing temperatures and high winds. “We ran out of lumber. We ran out of screws. The batteries of all the drills died in the cold,” Randall said. The response, she said, was overwhelming, adding that residents brought scrap wood, pallets, extension cords, tools, and food. One local Zip’s employee arrived with steaming cups of hot cocoa on the coldest workday of the season, Randall said. “I was asking the outrageous of my community,” Randall said. “And they said yes.” Lighting the labyrinth presented its own challenges. While many lights were donated the first year, mixing incandescent and LED strands proved problematic, Randall said. This year, the theater invested in 50 new boxes of LED lights, but even that wasn’t enough for the expanded layout. Randall said she ultimately made a last-minute trip to Spokane Valley to purchase remaining LED lights from Windermere Ace Hardware to complete the circuit. As the labyrinth comes down, live trees will be chipped by a local arborist, while stands, lights and artificial trees are carefully stored for future years. Randall said much of the infrastructure is now in place, making future builds more manageable – though she said she’s already planning ahead for more lights. In reflecting on the project, Randall said the labyrinth is as much about community as it is about contemplation. “This community stands together,” she said. “I am so humbled by the gift so many people gave to make this happen.” 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

Northport Boys Surge to 3-0 in League Play Behind Strong Week|The Northport boys basketball team continues to establish itself as a contender in Northeast 1B play, rolling to two league victories last week to improve to 3-3 overall and a perfect 3-0 in league action. 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 Northport Boys Surge to 3-0 in League Play Behind Strong Week December 17, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Pete Beardslee goes up for a score against Medical Lake. Photo by Fiona Laughton. The Northport boys basketball team continues to establish itself as a contender in Northeast 1B play, rolling to two league victories last week to improve to 3-3 overall and a perfect 3-0 in league action. The Mustangs capped the week with a 76-56 home win over Cusick on Saturday, Dec. 13, using balanced scoring and steady offensive pressure. The victory followed an even more dominant 69-28 league road win at Columbia (Hunters) on Friday, Dec. 12. Earlier in the week, Northport faced a significant nonleague challenge against Medical Lake, a Class 1A program, falling 91-64 on Dec. 9. Despite the loss, the Mustangs showed flashes of offensive capability against a larger-school opponent. Northport was led by Beardslee, who scored 16 points, while Smith added 14 and Young finished with 11. The Mustangs knocked down seven three-pointers, but Medical Lake’s perimeter shooting proved decisive, as the Cardinals connected on 14 three-pointers and pulled away in the second half. The team hosted Inchelium on Tuesday, Dec. 16; game results were not available at press time. They are scheduled to visit Curlew on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m., then host Republic on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Kettle Falls Boys Basketball Opens Season With Convincing Win Over Selkirk|The Bulldogs boys basketball started their season with a statement. Kettle Falls powered past Selkirk 65-29 in their home opener on Nov. 28, using an aggressive defensive effort and balanced scoring attack to control the game from start to finish in nonleague play. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Kettle Falls Boys Basketball Opens Season With Convincing Win Over Selkirk December 3, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Kettle Falls' defense buckled down against Selkirk, powering the Bulldogs to a big win over Selkirk on Saturday, Nov. 28. Photo by Shelly Adams. The Bulldogs boys basketball started their season with a statement. Kettle Falls powered past Selkirk 65-29 in their home opener on Nov. 28, using an aggressive defensive effort and balanced scoring attack to control the game from start to finish in nonleague play. “I’m happy with the defensive effort,” Kettle Falls head coach Cameron Stewart said. “The guys were connected out there, playing with energy and confidence. We were able to dictate the tempo because of our defense and rebounding.” The Bulldogs forced 25 turnovers, which is exactly the gameplan Stewart wants to see implemented. “We want to be disruptive,” he said. “There were a few breakdowns that we will learn from, but for the most part I liked how we competed on the defensive end.” The Bulldogs wasted no time setting the tone, racing out to a 19-2 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. They continued to push the pace into halftime, taking a 36-14 advantage into the break. Stewart said that the team had a solid rebounding effort for it being the first game. “We keep emphasizing the importance of limiting opponents shot opportunities on one end, and getting extra possessions on the other end,” Stewart said. “Still room for improvement but I’m happy with the team’s commitment to rebounding so far.” Cody Adams led Kettle Falls with 19 points while Alex Mazanek added 15 points and Mace Thivierge chipped in 8 points. “It was great to see Alex and Cody in double figures,” Stewart said. “We are looking for guys to step up on offense, and there’s a few other guys who are capable of scoring in double figures [as well].” Stewart noted that Thivierge will shine in other games but in this contest he really showcased his passing. “Selkirk paid special attention to [Thivierge] and rather than forcing contested shots, he found his teammates for open shots,” Stewart said. “He had 10 assists, and just one turnover to go with a team leading eight boards. That shows maturity.” Strong contributions came throughout the roster, however, as the Bulldogs got seven points from Cooper McKern and six each from Zac Burch and Jaxon Fondrey. The Bulldogs knocked down 29 field goals and shot 3-for-5 at the free-throw line. With the Bulldogs logging in only10 practices, it could have been a sloppy mess of a matchup. Kettle Falls, however, was excited to play. “Some of our older guys have reached a point where they are just gamers – they don’t worry about doing everything perfectly, they just play hard,” Stewart said. “Cooper McKern is one of those guys. He’s not afraid to make mistakes, because he’s out there to compete.” Stewart added some of the younger players are still trying to get things right, but are working hard at it. Fluidity in the game will come and it’s hard to ignore that Kettle Falls’ defensive pressure limited Selkirk to single digits in three of the four quarters. “At the end of the day we want all our guys to play fast and free, but we also have to be able to execute our offense,” Stewart said. “Every possession counts.” 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

Springdale Girls Basketball has Solid Foundation|Head coach Drew Curry said,"Our expectation is to be a fundamentally sound team that gives ourselves a chance to win in every game by mastering the basics." This year’s roster leans heavily on juniors and freshmen, most of whom return with valuable experience gained last season. Curry said that familiarity should help the team step forward competitively. 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 Springdale Girls Basketball has Solid Foundation December 3, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Springdale is heading into the 2025-26 girls basketball season with a veteran core of players as the Lady Chargers compete in the challenging NE 1B league. Head coach Drew Curry said,"Our expectation is to be a fundamentally sound team that gives ourselves a chance to win in every game by mastering the basics." This year’s roster leans heavily on juniors and freshmen, most of whom return with valuable experience gained last season. Curry said that familiarity should help the team step forward competitively. A strong junior class will set the tone, including E’Moni Wallette, Ashlynn-Mae Ford, and Savannah Smith. The Chargers are also excited to welcome newcomer Kazlin Rainer, who is returning to basketball for the first time since middle school. Two key contributors from last year’s eighth-grade group – Nevaeh Wallette and Asa Cannon – return ready to play bigger roles. Curry said he expects that mix of experience and up-and-coming talent to be one of the Chargers’ strengths. As the players continue developing, Curry said the Northeast 1B League will once again provide tough competition, with familiar programs battling for the top spots. "We have had a couple years of growth and this year we are focused solely on cutting our mistakes down to give us a chance to win every game," Curry said. "Our league is always tough and the usual group will be fighting for the top spot." Springdale hopes to open the season with confidence and a determination to turn that progress into wins, Curry said. 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: 09/17/2025|100 Years Ago— The annual fair at Yep-Kanum opens next Wednesday with a gorgeous street parade and pageant at 1 o’clock. From then until midnight on Saturday will be a joyous time in Colville – for this is the seasonal reception which Colville gives to the surrounding country. 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: 09/17/2025 September 17, 2025 By: Stevens County Historical Museum The remaining Chloride Queen mine buildings. Photo courtesy Stevens County Historical Society. 100 Years Ago— The annual fair at Yep-Kanum opens next Wednesday with a gorgeous street parade and pageant at 1 o’clock. From then until midnight on Saturday will be a joyous time in Colville – for this is the seasonal reception which Colville gives to the surrounding country. The Chloride Queen – for many years but a prospect – is now a producing mine. The ore bodies are being mined, the values are concentrated at the property, and Colville now has a regular shipper in its territory – a shipper which has passed from the prospecting to the mining stage permanently. The Chloride Queen Mine is on Clugston Creek, 14 miles north of Colville. It was located in 1885 by the Kearney brothers, original operators of the Old Dominion Mine. About 1890 the property was passed to Paul LaPlant and R. E. Lee. 75 Years Ago— The long-anticipated opening of Barman’s new store at Main and Astor Streets was scheduled this week to be Nov. 1, or sooner, according to Louis Strauss, owner. The curfew law will go into effect in Colville, Wednesday night. Police Chief Merle Carr announced this week that the curfew bell will be sounded nightly beginning next Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. Chief Carr said that all children under 16 years old will have to be off the streets at that time. “Cinderella,” Walt Disney’s famous technicolor cartoon production, will head the double feature bill at the Alpine Theater Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 50 Years Ago— Lee W. Cagle and Vern Hotchkiss will square off in the November general election for the position of mayor of the city of Colville. Cagle drew the largest number of votes in the five candidates race with 322 votes, while Hotchkiss collected 176. “Colville is the right size community to turn drug abuse around,” Capt. Ed Braun of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department told Colville Chamber of Commerce members Tuesday. “Your community still has three important things. It has the family, the church and the neighborhood; you can talk to the youth of your city.” 25 Years Ago— METALINE FALLS—The Cominco Ltd., through its American subsidiary, Cominco American Inc., plans to spend $70 million in U.S. funds to rebuild the old Pend Oreille Mine north of Metaline Falls. The target date for re-opening is sometime within two years. KETTLE FALLS—A second fire within a time frame of just over a week has claimed yet another local area business. This time, a building across the street and used by Fuhrman’s Feed and Supply in Colville was consumed by fire. Lindquist Grocery and Shoes, located in the heart of Kettle Falls reportedly caught fire at a time after 2 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to Mrs. Lindquist, owner. 10 Years Ago— Construction on the handsome new Saundra’s Furniture and Design home in downtown Colville is getting closer to the finish line. The new store will open late this fall. The downtown “anchor” business was destroyed by fire in February 2013. The new store was relocated to a refurbished warehouse on Wynne Street during new construction. Hannah Johnson of the Stevens County Stompers recently competed in the USA National Clogging Championships in Nashville, Tenn. Johnson is now a two-time “National Choreographed Solo Clogging Champion. She also won first place in her age division in Masters Traditional. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Kettle Falls Wrestling Takes Third at NE2B Duals in Davenport|The Kettle Falls Bulldogs wrestling team powered through a busy Saturday to finish third at the Northeast 2B Duals on Feb. 7 in Davenport, posting a dominant win over Chewelah before dropping a hard-fought dual to Newport. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Kettle Falls Wrestling Takes Third at NE2B Duals in Davenport February 11, 2026 By: Brandon Hansen Kettle Falls' Landon Tyron takes on Newport Gavvin Carter in the 165-pound bout on Saturday, Feb. 7, in Davenport. Photo by Brandon Hansen. The Kettle Falls Bulldogs wrestling team powered through a busy Saturday to finish third at the Northeast 2B Duals on Feb. 7 in Davenport, posting a dominant win over Chewelah before dropping a hard-fought dual to Newport. Kettle Falls opened the day with a commanding 66-17 victory over Chewelah, rolling up pins and bonus points across the lineup. The Bulldogs recorded falls in eight weight classes, setting the tone early and never looking back. Lee Fowler (106 pounds) started the dual with a fall at 3:09, followed by pins from Joseph Young (132 pounds), Braden VanPelt (138 pounds), Charlie Hood (144 pounds), and Zhaine Herrera (285 pounds). Kettle Falls also picked up key forfeits at 113, 120, 126, 175, 190, and 215 pounds, while Aiden Fowler (190 pounds) and Hunter Smith-Rowe (215 pounds) capitalized to keep the scoreboard moving. Later in the day, Kettle Falls faced Newport Grizzlies in a matchup that proved decisive for tournament placement. Newport edged the Bulldogs 46-36 in a dual that featured momentum swings and multiple quick pins on both sides. Kettle Falls again came out strong early, as Lee Fowler pinned Acein Johnston in just 25 seconds at 106 pounds. Michael Winn (120 pounds), Gideon Evans (126 pounds), Joseph Young (132 pounds), and Ezekiel Evans (150 pounds) each added falls to keep the Bulldogs within striking distance. Newport countered with pins at 138, 157, 175, 190, 215, and 285 pounds, along with technical falls at 144 and 165 pounds, to pull ahead late. Despite the setback, Kettle Falls’ overall performance across the two duals secured the Bulldogs a third-place finish at the tournament. 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

Inchelium Basketball Faces Close Contests |The Inchelium boys basketball team closed out a busy stretch with a dramatic home win, narrowly edging Selkirk 60-59 on Saturday, Dec. 20, to move to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in Northeast 1B North play. 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 Inchelium Basketball Faces Close Contests December 24, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Inchelium boys and girls each have wins and losses. Inchelium girls battle league leaders in close losses, highlight week with road win. The Inchelium boys basketball team closed out a busy stretch with a dramatic home win, narrowly edging Selkirk 60-59 on Saturday, Dec. 20, to move to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in Northeast 1B North play. Inchelium trailed by three points entering the fourth quarter but rallied down the stretch to secure the one-point victory. Gaige Stensgar led the Hornets with 14 points, providing steady scoring as Inchelium outscored Selkirk 18-13 in the final period. Keaton Arrastio paced Selkirk with 14 points. Inchelium suffered a 66-65 road loss at Republic on Dec. 19. The Hornets stayed within a possession throughout the contest but came up just short as Republic held on for the one-point win. The week began with a 79-60 loss at Northport on Dec. 16, which was Inchelium’s first league setback of the season. The boys team has a bit of a break, scheduled to play next on Dec. 30, against Mary Walker at 7:30 p.m. The Inchelium girls basketball team had a mixed week in the Northeast 1B North, earning a road win while narrowly missing victories in two tightly-contested league matchups to move to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in league play. The Hornets were edged 43-42 at home by Selkirk on Dec. 20, in a defensive battle that came down to the final minutes. Selkirk held a slim one-point advantage entering the fourth quarter and did just enough to remain unbeaten in league play. Marianna Agapith paced Inchelium with 19 points. Inchelium dropped a 55-50 road decision to undefeated Republic on Dec. 19. The Hornets were outscored in the second quarter but stayed within reach the rest of the way. Agapith led Inchelium with 24 points in the loss. The week opened with a statement win on Dec. 16, as Inchelium defeated previously undefeated Northport 57-37 on the road. Agapith delivered a dominant performance, scoring 35 points and knocking down six three-pointers to fuel the Hornets’ victory. The Lady Hornets are scheduled to also play Mary Walker on Dec. 30, at 6 p.m. 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

Ring the Bell|There are some who might say that a church isn’t complete without its bell. According to Dolores Smyth’s article, “What Is the Origin and Purpose of Church Bells?” church bells have been associated with churches since the fifth century, when they were used to call the community together for church services, as well as to alert for danger, births, and deaths. 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 Ring the Bell July 16, 2025 By: Meredith Carroll Current view of church bell. Photo provided by Meredith Carroll. There are some who might say that a church isn’t complete without its bell. According to Dolores Smyth’s article, “What Is the Origin and Purpose of Church Bells?” church bells have been associated with churches since the fifth century, when they were used to call the community together for church services, as well as to alert for danger, births, and deaths. “The church bell has been a part of the Free Methodist Church in Colville since 1898,” said Elly Huguenin, who is a member, a volunteer, and subject matter expert on her church’s history. She has also been the church’s children’s ministry director. “Our church was founded in Colville in 1895 with only six members. In 1898, Mrs. Dingle raised the money to buy a church bell.” The woman who raised money for the church bell – known only as Mrs. Dingle – supplied the remaining money herself. According to Huguenin, “No one knows what the original cost of the bell was or where it came from. “On June 6, 1966, just after midnight, the church caught fire and burned to the ground,” said Huguenin. “The bell fell clear through to the basement, but it wasn’t damaged. We thought that in the fire, it had lost its sound. It was saved through, and wasn’t hurt. We think that the furnace caused the fire.” The church, erected after the fire of 1966, was built between 1966 and 1969 and is located on the corner of Elm and First Street. The Colville Free Methodist church occupied the building until 2019, when it purchased what is now the current location on the corner of Hawthorne and Madison. Restoration on the current church site was completed in 2022, according to Huguenin. The Elm and First Street location still stands today, and it is now owned by another congregation. “Restoration was completed in time for Palm Sunday Service,” said Dale Kaufman, pastor of the Colville Free Methodist Church. “This was also my first service as pastor. More additions have been completed since, and in the next several years, the hope and plan is to construct a Ministry Center with a gymnasium and more classroom and worship spaces.” “We finally hung the bell this spring,” said Huguenin. “Why did it take so long? Well, there’s been a lot of questions about that. Mostly, it’s because there have been other priorities.” “These other priorities were that our building needed complete restoration and renovation before it could be occupied,” said Kaufman. “Also, the field where the bell sits was overgrown with weeds, so it needed to be brought into shape before the bell could be displayed in a good manner. All of that takes time and money, which needed to be raised and the work completed, all of which was done without our church going into debt or borrowing any money at all. Our people are pretty proud of this.” “Our church bell is restored and hanging outside of our building,” said Huguenin. “The only thing missing is a clinger. We are not allowed to put a clinger inside of the bell. The city won’t let us ring it.” She added, “We restored the bell quietly, without celebration or honors. We just wanted people to know the story of the bell.” “The church has plans to erect a plaque memorializing the bell in the next couple of months,” said Kaufman. 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

Perennial Wisdom|It is important to clean and protect gardening pots, containers, and tools when they are not in-use. Improperly stored pots may crack or break when exposed to winter’s freeze and thaw cycles, and dirty garden containers and equipment may transfer pests and diseases to other plants. 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 Perennial Wisdom November 12, 2025 By: Christine Gile, WSU Extension Master Gardener, Stevens County When You Have 99 Problems But a Pot Ain't One How to Clean and Store Pots and Tools for the Winter. Cutline: Garden pots should be cleaned annually. Photo by Christine Gile. It is important to clean and protect gardening pots, containers, and tools when they are not in-use. Improperly stored pots may crack or break when exposed to winter’s freeze and thaw cycles, and dirty garden containers and equipment may transfer pests and diseases to other plants. Here are autumn tips on how to clean and store garden supplies for the winter so you can keep calm and pot on when spring comes around. The primary method to clean pots and tools is to use bleach. Clean all the debris off the tool or container using warm, soapy water, and a brush or rag. Make enough of a bleach solution, using one part bleach and nine parts water, to immerse part or all of an item, preferably for at least 10 minutes. Once all of the item has been in the bleach water, rinse it with water and fully dry it before storing. Pots should be dried in an upside-down position. Some may want another option as bleach is not recommended for tools that require a sharp edge because it may corrode it. Alternative methods include steam or dry heat (180-200°F for 30 minutes under a cover to contain the heat), rubbing alcohol (70% or higher, dip or swab and then let dry without rinsing), or hydrogen peroxide (dip, spray, or brush on or soak). All plant containers could have an extended life if placed in storage or under protective covering rather than outside. Unglazed clay or concrete pots should be stashed in a protected, dry area that stays above freezing. Place lighter pots inside heavier ones, using dividers made of foam or cardboard to prevent them from getting stuck or breaking one of the pots. Plastic pots should be stored upside down in an enclosed area or covered with a tarp outside to protect them from the elements and direct sunlight. Grow bags should not be exposed to sun or moisture during storage, and should be hung out of reach from pests. Remaining containers of fertilizer and potting soil should be stored in airtight containers or tightly sealed to keep them dry. Tools should be stored in a dry location. You can oil your tools to prevent them from rusting using plant safe oil. The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program trains volunteers to be effective community educators in gardening and environmental stewardship. Master Gardeners provide information generated from research at WSU and other university systems. Christine Gile, a biologist who lives in Loon Lake, is a current Master Gardener. 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 Residents Receive State Recognition|A local student and a school volunteer have received awards and recognition by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), an organization formed to promote leadership in communities, provide legislative support for education, and assist in the development of excellence in both student learning and opportunities for leaders (wasa-oly.org). 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 Residents Receive State Recognition July 2, 2025 By: Meredith Carroll Gines wins medals at district track meet. Photo provided by Kaylin Gines. A local student and a school volunteer have received awards and recognition by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), an organization formed to promote leadership in communities, provide legislative support for education, and assist in the development of excellence in both student learning and opportunities for leaders ( wasa-oly.org ). WASA presents annual, statewide awards to those who show excellence in certain categories, two of which have been given to local recipients. The first honor is the Community Leadership Award which was given to Elissa Dyson, of the Onion Creek School District. “The award is a nice recognition for those who exhibit leadership in the community,” Dyson said. “I have served as Onion Creek School District board chair for more than 20 years. I assist with facilities and transportation, have facilitated the successful coordination with other districts, and I have a long history of service.” In addition to serving on the board, Dyson has worked with the students to publish a newsletter, participated in summer programs, and has had a hand in educational activities. Dyson started her long career of volunteering with Onion Creek in 1985, after her family relocated from Seattle. “During my entire service, I have never been a paid staff member,” Dyson said. “I’ve always volunteered my time.” She added that, “This award is special to me because between 1998 and 2018, I was the chair of WASA’s partner organization, the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA). Every school district in the state of Washington is a member and participates in legislation and lobbying.” Dyson said she is proud to have visited every school in Washington with fewer than 2,000 students. “It took me 12 years to visit more than 200 schools,” she said. Dyson’s award comes with her decision to retire from service. “I actually made the decision in 2021 that I would not run for reelection in 2025,” she said. “I’m almost 78 years old. It’s time for me to have a little more freedom to travel and do other things. It will be hard, though. I’ve done this longer than I’ve done anything in my life.” Some of the best aspects of Dyson’s time with the Onion Creek School District, she said, was because of the people. “There are a lot of really great people involved in public education. I appreciate getting to know wonderful people, administrators, students, and teachers. There have been so many rich experiences.” But the last few years have been very challenging, according to Dyson. “It seemed like the first 35 years I was on the school board, everyone was unified in terms of goals and beliefs. And then, once we got into the pandemic, things fractured. Politics came into play. All of a sudden there was a rift. Politics has no place in education.” Dyson continued, “One thing I learned is how important schools are in the life of small communities. I plan on continuing my involvement with the district. I will still work with students on the newsletter and stay involved with what’s going on.” Kaylin Gines of Mary Walker High School in Springdale was given the WASA Student Leadership Award. This award recognizes outstanding student leaders who exhibit a leadership role in their school and promote social justice in their community. “I was nominated by the superintendent, because I do a lot of leadership,” said Gines. She is involved in a peer mentorship program, participates in public speaking and community service, and is a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). “I also participate in the Tree of Sharing, which is a charity that helps people in need during the holidays.” Gines is also on her school’s volleyball team and trains her horse outside of school, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. “I really like being busy,” she said. “That’s how to make school more enjoyable. It means a lot to be able to mentor eighth graders as they prepare for high school. And since I love volleyball, I help out with that, coaching little kids. I’m actually being recruited by colleges for volleyball.” Gines added, “There aren’t a lot of negatives to the things I do, but sometimes it can be a lot to handle.” For more information about WASA, visit their website, wasa-oly.org . 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