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Colville Boys Basketball Eyes Top Seeds and Fast-Paced Attack - 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 Boys Basketball Eyes Top Seeds and Fast-Paced Attack November 26, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen After back-to-back seasons of growth and a strong summer showing, the Colville Crimson Hawks boys basketball team enters the winter with the confidence needed to challenge for the top of the NEA. Head coach Josh Morgan, now in his third year leading the boys program, said the team’s mindset is clear. “We are looking to carry forward the momentum that we built the last two seasons and during our summer season,” Morgan said. “We have a group of guys that compete for each other and play extremely hard. During summer ball we really pushed the ball hard and played hard on the defensive side of the ball. I think we have a team that can really compete this season and look to compete for the one or two seed and get into the crossover games.” Colville’s numbers are up significantly this winter, much more akin to the turnout of a small school football program, and is something Morgan said he believes will fuel competition across all levels of the program. “We have a large turnout of players this season with 40 players trying out (we typically carry 28-30 players) so will have a tryout process the first few days this week,” he said. That group includes a strong upperclass core and one of the largest freshman classes in recent memory. “We currently have five seniors, 10 juniors, eight sophomores, and 17 freshmen trying out for the teams,” Morgan said. Colville will rely on an experienced senior class, including returning standouts Brock Benson, Jet Bateman, and Quentin Huggins, along with junior guard Parker Darnold, Morgan said, adding that this year’s team should be one of the fastest he has coached. “I think we will be a fast team this year looking to push the ball, we are pretty deep off the bench with a large group that can compete,” he said. “We will really be looking to get out and run on teams which starts with our defensive pressure.” The NEA’s small but tough four-team lineup offers no easy games. Morgan said he expects another tightly contested league season. “With a league of four teams, we have seen all four teams be very competitive the last couple of seasons, I look for that to be the case again this year,” Morgan said. “I think Medical Lake looks to be very competitive this year, but I think it will be a very competitive season overall and really boil down to who is playing their best basketball by the time we get into league play.” Morgan said the group feels prepared, motivated, and excited for the winter ahead. “We look forward to the season and hope to get great turnout from fans into the stands,” he said. “The boys are ready to really compete this year and it should be a fun year to route them on.” Morgan previously coached two seasons as an assistant on the girls team before taking over the boys program, and he believes this team’s work ethic and experience gives them a strong foundation heading into 2025–26. 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

Chewelah Boys Basketball Aims to Climb the NE2B Under New Head Coach - 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 Chewelah Boys Basketball Aims to Climb the NE2B Under New Head Coach November 26, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen The Chewelah boys basketball team enters the winter season with a familiar core, a large group of upperclassmen, and a new coach. First-year head coach Tom Skok said he’s taking over the program with the goal of building momentum and a team identity centered on toughness and chemistry. “I would like to build on the momentum our team gathered last year,” Skok said. “We have a number of returners and a solid group of sophomores; the trick will be to build some continuity with our group so that we play as a whole and not individuals.” Turnout is slightly smaller than in recent years, but the roster brings a healthy mix of returning experience and developing talent. “We only have three seniors but that is pretty well balanced out by eight juniors, which gives us 10 upperclassmen,” Skok said. “We also have 14 underclassmen, so we are pretty even amongst the grades.” Having the numbers is key in the 2B ranks, according to Skok, and Chewelah will be able to juggle lineups and work on its developmental pipeline. Skok said he isn’t looking to center the offense around a single star. Instead, he hopes the Cougars can become the kind of team that forces opponents to guard every player on the floor. “Ideally, I would like to play as a team and make it hard for our opponents to zero in on any one player,” he said. Still, Chewelah returns a proven scorer in junior Ryen McMillan, who will be a focal point of opposing defenses. “Our most experienced scorer is Ryen McMillan, so people will have to pay attention to him, or he is capable of putting points on the board,” Skok said. The NE2B doesn’t offer many easy nights and Skok said he expects that trend to hold. “Our league is stacked,” he said. “We will look to climb up the ladder this year as compared to the last years, but every game will be a battle. I would imagine that Reardan will still be the team to beat, even though they have lost a couple great high school players.” Though new to the boys basketball position, Skok is far from new to coaching. After years as an administrator prevented him from leading teams, he said he saw this as the right moment to step back onto the sideline. “When I became an administrator in the Chewelah School District I was no longer able to coach,” he said. “So now that I am back to filling a teaching role, I wanted to get involved with coaching again. I felt this was a great opportunity, so I put my name in the arena and was fortunate enough to land the job.” His coaching philosophy is rooted in fundamentals and character. “I would like to instill teamwork, hustle, and hard work in our players,” Skok said. “There is a great group of kids playing basketball this year, and I hope to make the experience for them as good as possible.” Skok has taken several Chewelah teams to state in different sports and has created solid programs in softball and girls basketball when he was holding the clipboard. “Barring these last three years of not coaching, I have coached three sports a year for almost 20 years, so I am very excited to get back at it with the boys team,” he said. With a veteran scorer, a deep junior class, and a coach eager to return to the sideline, Chewelah aims to move up a crowded NE2B ladder this season. 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

Colville Girls Soccer Falls the Lakeside in NEA District Title Match - 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 Girls Soccer Falls the Lakeside in NEA District Title Match November 5, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen The Colville Crimson Hawks battled to the final whistle but couldn’t crack Lakeside’s defense in the District 6 Northeast A championship on Nov. 1, falling 3-0 to the top-seeded Eagles at Spokane Falls Community College. Lakeside (10-2-4, 7-0) struck just one minute into the match on a goal by Tea Simonson, then added second-half tallies from Izzy Delzer and Lainee Huggins to pull away. The Eagles peppered the Colville defense with 17 shots, while the Crimson Hawks were limited to one shot on goal. Colville goalkeeper Joslyn Craddock turned in a busy performance with eight saves, keeping her team within striking distance until late in the match. The loss came just days after Colville also fell to Lakeside, 3-0, in their regular-season finale on Oct. 28, in Nine Mile Falls. In that contest, Delzer, Simonson and Saige Karsten provided the scoring for the Eagles, who have not lost in league play this fall. The Crimson Hawks (4-10-2, 3-4 NEA) faced Riverside in a loser-out District 6/5 crossover qualifier on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Results from the match were not available at press time. Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Kettle Falls Girls Soccer Split Final Regular-Season Games - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Kettle Falls Girls Soccer Split Final Regular-Season Games November 5, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen The Kettle Falls girls soccer team closed out its regular season with a win and a narrow loss last week, earning the Bulldogs a postseason berth in the District 6 2B/1B playoffs. Kettle Falls defended its home field with a 2-1 victory over Newport on Oct. 28, improving to 5-9-1 overall. The Bulldogs battled through a tight Northeast 2B matchup, edging the Grizzlies. Two days later, the Bulldogs hit the road to face Chesterton Academy in Spokane and fell just short, 2-1. Despite the setback, Kettle Falls earned the No. 6 seed in the District 6 2B/1B tournament and faced third-seeded Davenport on Monday, Nov. 3, in a loser-out opening round game at The Hub in Liberty Lake; results were not available at press time. 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

Chewelah Hospital Cuts Patient Services; More Closures Could Follow - 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 Chewelah Hospital Cuts Patient Services; More Closures Could Follow August 13, 2025 By: Cami Krema Cuts to Medicaid as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, may cause hospital closures across the country, including 14 in Washington state. Of these 14 hospitals at risk, Providence St. Joseph’s in Chewelah is among them, which has already announced closures to two of their patient programs. Providence St. Joseph officials acknowledged these cuts, stating, “We are focused on the potential overall impact of the cuts while continuing to serve the health care needs of our communities.” According to the bill’s language, cuts will roll back increases in Medicaid reimbursement rates, which are the money hospitals receive for providing health care services to Medicaid patients. Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) officials stated, “To be very clear, the cuts to Medicaid will be devastating to Washington’s hospitals, rural and urban alike.” Officials added, “We are absolutely concerned that hospitals will close. For those that do not close, we expect a significant contraction of services, and it will negatively impact every patient in Washington through reduced access and longer wait times for care.” WSHA officials also cited data that suggested approximately two-thirds of the payer mix comes from Medicaid or Medicare, with higher levels in rural eastern Washington. According to Mai Hoang’s article, “14 Rural WA Hospitals Deemed at Risk of Closure from Medicaid Cuts,” published by Cascade PBS, Medicaid officials stated that reimbursements typically go back to the hospitals to help cover Medicaid-funded services. Hoang also quoted officials who stated that hospitals have an obligation to treat uninsured patients and patients on Medicaid, regardless of the rate, which means the declining reimbursements could become financially unsustainable, leading to staffing cuts or closures. In Chewelah, Providence St. Joseph officials stated that, “The passage of H.R. 1 (also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) by Congress poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of our communities, placing essential health programs and services at risk while stripping access to health care for millions of Americans.” They added that these reductions will limit health services, lead to care delays and longer wait times, especially in emergency departments, and place undue strain on overburdened health care providers. Just days after making these statements, Providence St. Joseph officials released another statement on Thursday, Aug. 7, saying that the hospital will officially close its DominiCare and the outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy clinics on Oct. 3. There will be 60 positions impacted by these closures, according to Providence. “This decision, though difficult, is a necessary step to ensure that Providence remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of our community,” said Chief Executive Susan Stacey, RN. Providence officials said that Orthopedic Physical Therapy services will continue at Providence Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville. A former employee of Providence St. Joseph, not authorized to speak on the record, expressed the opinion that it’s not always feasible for Chewelah patients to travel out of the area to receive care. “Many people in our community are elderly or low-income and will have difficulty traveling, especially in winter.” The former employee also spoke of the consequences of losing these services. “Some [patients] won’t get therapy. More people will likely have falls or impaired mobility that impact their function. All will have to find a way to overcome the travel obstacle to obtain care.” Chewelah resident Chuck Ritchie spoke about how essential the physical therapy clinic has been for his own recovery. After suffering a serious illness that caused significant impacts to his nervous system and left him unable to walk, Ritchie relied on the clinic’s services for his recovery. “The therapy team at St Joseph's was absolutely crucial to my recovery. It was months of hard work, sweat, and tears as I learned to cope with my new body, then slowly, as I regained strength and my nervous system healed, I learned to walk again,” Ritchie said, adding that “the care team at St Joseph's weren't just my therapists, they became family. They were there cheering me on when I had success, and picking me up when I fell. I truly owe my life to them.” Ritchie also said the closing of the physical therapy clinic could have negative impacts on the community. “I'm not alone, I run into people who have their own stories of the care team changing their lives. It is absolutely heartbreaking to hear the physical therapy department at St Joseph's won't be there for the next person that needs them. This is a huge loss for our community. I can't express in words the value of what we've just lost.” The cuts could also mean fewer people are covered under Medicaid or any insurance program. According to Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy Center for Children and Families, 2023 data showed that 23.3% of Stevens County residents rely on Medicaid. 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

Lady Chargers Close Regular Volleyball Season Strong - 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 Lady Chargers Close Regular Volleyball Season Strong October 29, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen The Springdale Lady Chargers closed out their regular season in dominant fashion last week, sweeping both Wilbur-Creston-Keller and Chesterton Academy to lock down fifth place in the NE 1B standings. The wins pushed Mary Walker’s record to 8-4 in league play and 13-8 overall as they head into this week’s district tournament with plenty of momentum. The Chargers handled visiting Wilbur-Creston-Keller on Oct. 21, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16 behind a balanced offensive attack led by Kaylin Gines, who tallied 12 kills and three solo blocks while hitting .478. Ashlynn-Mae Ford and Kazlin Rainer each added six kills, while McKinley Schroeder chipped in five kills on a .500 hitting percentage. Setter duties were split between Kameron Cloninger and Addisyn Matherly-Stricker, who each dished out 12 assists. Defensively, Gines anchored the back row as well, collecting 21 digs, while junior Imani Hutchinson added five. At the service line, Rainer led the way with four aces and 11 points, while senior Aubrey Ferguson added a steady nine points and Schroeder served up two aces. The team served at a 93% clip overall. Springdale carried that momentum into their road trip to Spokane on Oct. 23, where they swept Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame 25-22, 25-12, 25-23. The Lady Chargers used strong serving runs and steady net play to put away the Saints in straight sets. With the pair of wins, Mary Walker finishes the regular season riding a two-match winning streak and the Lady Chargers will open district tournament play this week, aiming to extend their postseason run and build on a strong finish to an impressive 2025 campaign. Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Kettle Falls Boys Basketball Brings Back Experience for 2025-26 - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Kettle Falls Boys Basketball Brings Back Experience for 2025-26 November 26, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen After a rebuilding year that saw just five wins, the Kettle Falls boys basketball team enters the 2025-26 season with some hunger; their coach emphasized the team is ready to eat in the competitive Northeast 2B North. While he’s steering clear of specific benchmarks, head coach Cameron Stewart said the tone is clear. “As far as win totals or where we will finish in the league, I don’t like to make predictions,” he said. “I will say that I expect improvement from last season.” Steward said the Bulldogs returned only one starter last year; this year, Kettle Falls has 20 players turning out, giving the Bulldogs their strongest numbers in several years. Stewart said he expects to carry two seniors, five juniors and one or two sophomores on varsity. The lineup will be anchored by a trio of veteran seniors who logged major minutes a year ago. Mace Thivierge, a 6-foot-2 senior guard and second-team all-league pick, is expected to be the team’s focal point. “He was also our sixth man the previous season, so he’s very experienced,” Stewart said. “Mace is very competitive. He loves to win and hates to lose even more. He’s very skilled, can really shoot the ball, and has a high basketball I.Q. He’s really matured over the last year, and I look forward to seeing him become a stronger leader. I know he’s ready for that challenge. He’s going to receive a ton of attention from opposing teams, so other guys have to step up and make plays on a consistent basis.” In the paint, 6-foot-5 post Jaxon Fandrey brings strength and experience after starting every game last winter. “[Fandrey’s] a smart kid, very strong, and works his tail off,” Stewart said. “He was a difference maker for us last year and I’m excited about his progress going into his senior season.” Senior guard Cooper McKern returns after starting 20 games last year – most of them while playing through a broken shoulder suffered during football season. “Up until then, he was probably our best on-ball defender, and his offense was starting to emerge,” Stewart said. “Cooper has a big-time motor, and his skills and athleticism have improved in the off-season. Offensively, he attacks the basket, and he’s developing a nice jump shot. Defensively, he’s just relentless. He has that Dawg in him that you love to see.” Sophomore guard Zac Burch is one of the team’s emerging talents. “[Burch is] athletic and scrappy, has great hands and a nose for the basketball,” Stewart said. “He still needs a lot of refinement but he’s a kid who’s going to get us extra possessions and fill the stat sheet with his hustle. He really excels in transition, and we intend to play faster this season.” A strong junior class – Alex Mazanek, Cody Adams, Ben Higgins and Zander Johnson – adds athleticism and depth, each bringing “a different dynamic” to the lineup, according to Stewart. Versatility may also define this year’s team. “I think we can be versatile defensively because we have some quickness and, hopefully, some quality depth,” Stewart said. “We can play man or zone, fundamental half court defense, or trap and press. I think our guys will execute our offense much better this season. Our returning guys are pretty familiar with our concepts, and we will be faster in transition this season.” With an experienced roster and, elsewhere, heavy roster turnover across the Northeast 2B North, Stewart said he sees opportunity. “We feel like the North is pretty wide open, but it’s safe to say that Reardan is the favorite,” he said. “They have size, athleticism, and great shooters. More importantly, they play excellent defense.” Northwest Christian remains a contender with a returning all-league standout, while Saint George’s – despite graduating its trio of all-league seniors – remains dangerous. “I have a ton of respect for their coaching staff. They always get the best out of their players,” Stewart said. Davenport returns one of the league’s top scorers in Cage Colbert. Chewelah brings back dynamic senior guard Ryen McMillen. Newport, meanwhile, enters with a new staff and several new faces. Kettle Falls won’t be leaning on predictions, but with veteran leadership, athletic depth and more experience under its belt, Stewart said he believes the Bulldogs will look much more like the program that won 17 games two seasons ago. “I think our guys are hungrier this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing who steps up,” Stewart said. 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

Colville Seniors Shine in Win Over Northwest Christian - 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 Seniors Shine in Win Over Northwest Christian October 29, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen On a night filled with emotion, the Colville Crimson Hawks sent their seniors out in style Friday, Oct. 24, defeating perennial 2B powerhouse Northwest Christian 44–35 in a thrilling back-and-forth battle at home. The non-league victory capped Senior Night with fireworks on both sides of the ball, as Colville used a dominant rushing attack and key defensive stands to fend off a late Northwest Christian surge. Senior quarterback Brock Benson led the charge with 138 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries, while completing nine out of 11 passes for 82 yards and two scores. Fellow senior Mason Beardsley added 92 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, including a clutch fourth-down conversion late in the game that helped seal the win. “Mason has been a great player for us all year,” said head coach William Benbrook. “He did a great job running behind the excellent blocking of the O-line. We knew he was going to be getting the ball a lot this game. His 4 th down conversion helped us seal the game! It was a very pivotal play that kept NWC's offense off the field and set up a touchdown later in that drive.” After falling behind 7–0 early, Colville erupted for 22 unanswered points in the second quarter, with Beardsley and Benson finding the end zone multiple times. Benson connected with junior Baxter Phipps on a short touchdown pass and later hit senior Bridger Lewis for a key two-point conversion. The Hawks added two more scores in the second half, including a 38-yard Benson touchdown run to secure the victory despite a furious 28-point fourth quarter from Northwest Christian. For Benbrook, the win was a reflection of the team’s maturity and determination on a night that can often be distracting as it's the final home game for some players. “All week we talked about making the best possible memories on senior night,” he said. “We leaned into the atmosphere and challenged the seniors to do everything they could to win on possibly their last home game. The challenge for the underclassmen was to do everything they can and play for the seniors. It was a great win against a team that beat us last year.” The Crimson Hawks’ defense, led by Benson (10 tackles), Lewis (12), and Beardsley (eight), came up with timely stops throughout the night. It wasn't easy as the Crusaders big play ability was on display. Colville's defense, however, kept the game under wraps until a late surge by Northwest Christian made it interesting. Benbrook credited his players’ resilience and focus through a challenging schedule. After two league games, Colville had two straight games against 2A squads – both losses – and then returned home to take on a 2B powerhouse. “Our focus has always been to be playing our best football when we have league games,” he said. “With our schedule built the way it was this year, it has allowed us to grow and get better every week. As a team, the boys have been very focused on getting to week nine and playing to our full potential. Every game has been to help us get ready for this week.” Colville faces Lakeside in Suncrest on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. The winner will be crowned NEA League champion. The Crimson Hawks won the same matchup last year in a 13-12 donnybrook. 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

Busy Year for Colville Farmers Market - 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 Busy Year for Colville Farmers Market September 3, 2025 By: Isidora Patrick Farmers Market wrap-up. W ith just a month left of farmers' market season,. Kelli Lippert, farmers' market coordinator for Colville, gave some insight on the market this year. According to Lippert, this year has been busier than the previous, with more vendors participating as well. She also said that Wednesday markets seem to see more customers as community events on Saturdays sometimes detract from the market. Many v endors stated that July through September is the busier part of the season, according to Lippert; this may be due to most produce being at max harvest during these months. Lippert discussed how some of the longer-standing vendors have chosen not to participate in the market next year, but for good reason. These vendors are planning to open shops of their own, Lippert said, which could supply them with a more consistent profit. W hile growth may be an overall goal for many vendors, when asked what their favorite part of the farmers market was, a majority spoke about the joy their products brought customers, along with the social connections they are able to make. According to Lippert, the farmers market has participated in many programs this season as well, including EBT and SNAP food benefits. She noted that Providence has had a booth every Wednesday, offering free blood pressure checks for patrons. She also discussed how the Rotary Club of Colville has participated in the “no produce left behind” program. This program allows the Rotary Club of Colville to use grant funding to purchase unsold produce at the farmers market and donate it to local food banks. Lippert added that the Rotary Club of Colville is planning to do aPumpkins for Polio fundraiser in September. She said the club will have a booth every Saturday, selling decorative pumpkins; the funds raised will go towards polio v accines in other countries. For more information, visit newfarmersmarket.org . 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

Hunters' Education Available Before Fall Season - 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 Hunters' Education Available Before Fall Season August 6, 2025 By: Staff Report The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is encouraging new hunters to complete the mandatory hunter education course as soon as possible during the summer offerings. “Many WDFW volunteer instructors hold hunter education classes in the summer, making it easier to get into a class,” said Dave Whipple, WDFW hunter education section manager. “In the fall, those same volunteers are out hunting, which means we have fewer courses available. Completing the course now ensures you will be able to participate in hunting seasons this fall and beyond.” According to Whipple, WDFW offers in-person hunter education courses as well as hybrid courses that combine online and in-person learning. Per Washington state law, all hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course to buy a hunting license. To learn more, visit the WDFW hunter education webpage at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/basic . 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

Springdale's State Run Ends One Win Shy of Trophy Round After Strong Showing in Yakima - 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 Springdale's State Run Ends One Win Shy of Trophy Round After Strong Showing in Yakima November 19, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen The Springdale Chargers conclude the 2025 volleyball season. The Springdale Chargers wrapped up an impressive season at the State 1B Volleyball Tournament on Nov. 13, finishing 14-8 after a two-day run that included a commanding first-round win, a gritty quarterfinal appearance, and a hard-fought battle in the consolation bracket. “I felt really good about the bracket going in,” Springdale head coach Matt Gines said. “I felt that my team was playing well ending the season in our tournament play and felt we matched up very well with our opponents.” Gines said the pressure of a state tournament was his worry, considering the young players on his roster, including his setters. He did, however, feel like the weekend could turn into a big run through the bracket. Springdale opened the tournament Nov. 12, with a poised four-set victory over Northwest Christian (NWC), earning their way into the state quarterfinals. The Chargers took the first set 25-17 after holding narrow leads at 10-10, 17-15 and 20-16, pushing ahead with steady serving and strong attacking. NWC responded in the second, jumping out to leads of 9-1 and 20-13 before taking the set 25-15. The match turned again in the third, where Springdale erased deficits of 12-11 and 17-14 before storming back to win 25-20. The Chargers closed out the match in dominant fashion, rolling out to leads of 12-5, 19-9, and ultimately taking the set 25-13 to move into the quarterfinals. Junior Kaylin Gines led the way with 25 kills while Kazlin Rainer notched 10 kills. “Our energy was simply unmatched,” Rainer said. Gines also dished out an incredible 10 aces in the matchup. Rainer, meanwhile, menaced the net with four total blocks. Kameron Cloninger dished out 18 assists as a freshman, while Addisyn Matherly Stricker had 14 assists. This advanced Springdale into the quarterfinal on Nov. 12, Springdale came out swinging against Fellowship Christian, holding leads of 10-8, 15-10, and 21-20 in the opening frame. But Fellowship closed the set on a late run to win 25-22, then carried that momentum into the next two sets, taking them 25-17 and 25-14. “The defining moments I felt in this tournament were the first sets in both the second and third matches,” Gines said. “We had a good lead in both of our first sets and were not able to finish, which allowed doubt to creep into the youth of my team. I feel that if we would have been able to win those first sets, we would have won both matches.” Gines and Rainer again led the assault with Gines posting 11 kills and Rainer having nine. Trinity Farnsworth also had four aces. Rainer posted four blocks again, while Gines anchored the back row during rotation with 10 digs and received 22 serves from Fellowship Christian. Farnsworth also had five digs. Cloninger set nine assists up while Matherly-Stricker had seven. Despite the loss, Springdale’s early pressure highlighted the competitive edge the Chargers brought to Yakima –a theme that carried into the elimination match on Nov. 13. With a trophy-bracket berth on the line, Springdale met Wilbur-Creston-Keller (WCK) in one of the tournament’s most competitive consolation matches. The Lady Chargers had defeated them twice in the regular season, but both had already had competitive days of volleyball under their belts and this was a morning matchup with plenty on the line. Springdale led much of the first set – up 11-8, 14-8, 19-16 – before WCK rallied late to tie the score at 23-23 and edge out a 27-25 win. WCK carried that energy into the second set, building leads of 11-4 and 20-10 before claiming a 25-14 victory. The Chargers refused to bow out quietly. Springdale dominated the third set, charging ahead 5-3, 14-9 and 21-12 before finishing with a decisive 25-15 win. But WCK responded in the fourth, jumping ahead 7-4 and 13-4. Springdale closed the gap to 18-14, but WCK held firm, taking the set 25-18 and ending Springdale’s tournament run just short of the medal round. “We felt we were the better team in both of those matches,” Kaylin Gines said. “However we learned that we need to do a better job of staying together and keeping our energy and positivity up.” Gines had 14 kills in the matchup, while Rainer had five and Ashlynn-Mae Ford had six. At the service stripe, Gines sent seven aces over the net while Rainer had three. The two also combined for 10 blocks in the matchup. Gines again led the team with 19 digs, while Farnsworth was also very solid with 16 digs. Senior Aubrey Ferguson also played a great defensive match in her final game as a Lady Charger with 12 digs. Gines also dished out 13 assists, while Ford and Matherly-Stricker each had five assists. While the loss ended their push for hardware, Springdale’s 14-8 season reflects one of the program’s strongest years in the past decade. “I felt coming into the season that we had talent, but was not sure how our youth and lack of experience would impact us,” Gines said. “We had a lot of ups and downs but in the end, had a very successful season. We are a bit disappointed that we did not place, but it really has motivated us going into next year.” Springdale will return everyone except their one graduating senior next year, meaning they’ll essentially have a full roster with state experience. “I really feel that we will be extremely dangerous next season,” Gines said. “This was a great season for our young kids to grow up and get the experience they needed for next season and know what we need to work on.” 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

Help Plants Beat the Heat in Your Late-Summer Garden - 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 Help Plants Beat the Heat in Your Late-Summer Garden September 3, 2025 By: Kathy Hansen, WSU Stevens County Master Gardener Perennial Wisdom, 09/03/2025. Although this summer in northeast Washington has felt comfortable to some, statistics show we had record hot temperatures in July, and forecasters speculate about the hottest September on record. September will bring some relief, but periods of high temperatures will still test your garden's resilience. Here are key strategies to maintain plant health and productivity as the harvest season continues. Watering is essential. Maintaining moist soil is a top priority. Pay close attention to areas that get full sun, as they can dry out the quickest. A good rule is to water when the top one or two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Penn State master gardener Christa Shoreman recommended an inch of water weekly for plants in the garden. For a more efficient approach, consider using watering stakes or tubes for larger plants like trees and shrubs. These deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing waste from evaporation. Similarly, a soaker hose or drip-irrigation system with a slow flow can ensure water penetrates deep into the soil where it's needed most. Mulching for moisture retention. Mulch is a gardener's best friend. It can act as a protective layer that not only helps the soil retain moisture, but also shields plants and their roots from extreme heat. Mulching materials include wood chips, bark chips, and even deciduous leaves. If you're using a soaker hose or drip line, a layer of mulch on top can further reduce water loss through evaporation. For all watering, try to do it in the morning to give the plants a good drink before the midday sun. Caring for container gardens. Plants in containers may be particularly vulnerable to heat. Their confined root systems and the rapid heat absorption of their pots mean they can dry out at an alarming rate. In the middle of summer, container plants may need to be watered as often as twice a day to keep them hydrated and healthy. Establish a consistent routine. A simple, repeated routine can help keep a garden healthy. As one Pacific Northwest gardening blogger, Erica, wrote, adopt the mantra, "Weed, water, mulch. Repeat, repeat, repeat." She also emphasized the importance of a continuous cycle of harvesting, picking, and gathering to encourage more production. Specialized care for specific plants. Some plants have unique needs that require extra attention during the heat. Keep a close eye on fruiting plants such as cucumbers, beans, and peppers. Also, any transplants or seedlings recently put in for a fall or winter garden will need consistent watering to get established. Finally, don't forget about camellias; a deep watering now is crucial to help them develop the flower buds that can bring beautiful blooms next spring. On the flip side, cut down on watering trees, shrubs and vines to harden them for winter, according to Oregon State University. 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. Kathy Hansen, an educator and writer who lives in Kettle Falls, has been a Master Gardener volunteer since 2019. 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