(STAFF REPORTS/Chewelah Independent)

The North Mill Creek fire on Thursday. (Courtesy photo)

No evacuation orders currently in place…

The North Mill Creek Fire 10 miles northeast of Colville has grown to 497 acres since being discovered yesterday. The blaze is currently burning timber in the Colville National Forest.

The fire was initially reported at 4 p.m. on Thursday and initial attack resources included engines, crews, four dozers, a hot saw, various overhead, an Air Attack, four Fire Bosses, and three helicopters. While there was an effort to knock it down early, erratic fire behavior coupled with intense downdraft winds forced the aircraft to pull back from suppressing the fire, and the Air Attack made the recommendation for all ground resources to disengage, as well. More

(STAFF REPORTS)

The Williams Flat Fire is now at 40,000 acres. (Courtesy photo)

Over 1,130 firefighters working on blaze…

After several days of hot weather, firefighters got brief reprieve on Friday as overcast weather and rain is sweeping through NE Washington. The Williams Flats Fire has grown to 40,000 acres since a lightning strike started the blaze several days ago. This new storm system is also bringing thunderstorms, and could cause more fires to pop up.

Located in the Colville Indian Reservation, the Williams Flats Fire is still on the Ferry County side of the Columbia River. Level three evacuation orders have been issued for Southwest of Wilmont Creek to Whitestone Lookout Road.

There is a Level 2 evacuation order in place for Wilmont Creek drainage, and a Level 1 evacuation advisory has been issued for all residents and campers along the shoreline of Lake Roosevelt/Columbia River from the Falls Creek/Cougar Canyon Road (the area sometimes called the Smoke Ranch) south to Wilmont Creek Road. This includes the Rogers Bar Campground. The Colville Tribes Emergency Services requests evacuees go to the Inchelium Community Center and check in. If they need a shelter, a place to stay overnight will be arranged at or near the Community Center.  More

(BRANDON HANSEN/Chewelah Independent)

Accidents on Highway 395 have their effects magnify since the roadway is a major transportation route through the area. (Brandon Hansen photo)

Rate of fatal accidents on HWY 395 normal, but closures have big effect on travel…

The sights and sounds are familiar. A flurry of sirens. A blast of Facebook posts to find out what is going on. A dribble of photos of an accident on Highway 395 and then a community response of prayers for those involved and complaints about the main transportation for Stevens County.

In the past few weeks as summer ramped up, several high-profile wrecks have locals wondering what is happening to their highway.

As the population grows both in Stevens County and nearby Spokane County, traffic grows with it. While not an exponential growth, Highway 395 is seeing considerably more traffic now than in previous years.

According to WSDOT, the highway is seeing a one percent growth in traffic every year, which may seem small but, when forecasted over a number of years, can be a big jump from what we remember 10, 20 and even 30 years ago. Loggers particularly can remember times when they would drive to work at 3-4 a.m. and they would be the only vehicles on the road. Now, they’re met with several cars on the road. More

(KS BROOKS/Chewelah Independent)

LOLA’S GOOD EATS: Laura Cockrell opens new food truck, which will be outside of Quartzite Brewing, bringing an eclectic menu to Chewelah…

On July 3, 2019, a new truck came to town. It wasn’t carrying logs – it was carrying food. Eclectic food, with a twist, to be exact. Lola’s Good Eats calls the south end of Quartzite Brewery at 105 West Main Avenue home, and has already garnered some loyal fans and customers.

Lola’s creator, Laura Cockrell, has been a chef for 25 years in Portland, Florida and Montana, which exposed her to a number of different cuisines, including fish, Cuban and wild game. Despite all her travels, Laura calls Chewelah home. She grew up here, and her mom still lives here. “I moved back to help out Mom,” Cockrell explained. And the food truck, that was “inspired by friends, family and love.” More

(PRESS RELEASE/WDFW)

Commission also acts to require guide logbook reporting, seek transparency in budget funds…

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission took action to require monthly fishing guide logbook reporting, and approved moving forward on a request to the State Legislature to increase Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) funding.

It was the first meeting for two new members, Molly Linville and James R. Anderson, who joined five other commission members to approve the department’s request to seek $24.5 million in increased operating funds, plus $26 million in capital funds, during the 2020 state legislative supplemental session. More

(BRANDON HANSEN/Chewelah Independent)

Here are some fun things you can do at the Valley Community Fair!

THE BEST LITTLE FAIR YOU’VE EVER SEEN: From food to hooves, here is how you can enjoy the Valley Fair this weekend in Stevens County…

If one would like to point out Stevens County Americana, the Valley Fair would have to be on the top of the list.

This Saturday will be the 87th year of the Valley Community Fair at the Valley Fairgrounds and Valley Grange. Everybody seems to come together for this special day, which is scheduled for August 10 from 9 .am. to 5 p.m.

It’s usually hot out, but people don’t mind as there are animals, a parade, great food, local music and even a game or two to partake in. Here are some helpful tips on how you can enjoy the Valley Fair and what you should expect this weekend. More

(STAFF REPORTS/Chewelah Independent)

The Williams Flats Fire has been pouring smoke into Stevens and Spokane County. (Courtesy photo)

Williams Flats Fire grows to 21,100 acres…

While smoke has been pouring into Stevens County for days now, the Williams Flats Fire burning on the Confederate Tribes of the Colville Reservation is now reaching a point of worry for first responders in the county.

An advisory evacuation notice has been put in place in the Fruitland area of Stevens County. This is a “get ready” notice but officials are still urging people not to panic as this is only a precaution. The fire is on the other side of the Columbia River and has grown to 21,190 acres while being 25 percent contained.

More

Lorri (Alby) Price

Lorri (Alby) Price has been missing since Friday…