(By Staff Reports/Chewelah Independent)

Chewelah students placed their robot into the pool at the Whitworth Aquatic Center on May 13, 2017 competing against Lakeside, Mt. Spokane, Mead and Riverpoint Academy for robot supremacy. (Courtesy photo)

Jenkins students get their feet wet at Underwater Robotics Competition at Whitworth…

Chewelah students went to Whitworth University last month to test the might and the waterproofness of their robot creations as part of Jenkins Junior Senior High School robotics program, headed by Tim Slater.

Anytime students are introduced to something new, there’s going to be some natural apprehension,” Slater said. “They broke through that barrier pretty quick. Each kid on a team had a specific role, and I think that helped the overall process. Personally, I think our underwater robots are the easiest thing we’ve built since there are less moving parts and it’s a simple design with basic materials.” More

(By Sally Beane/Chewelah Arts Guild)

Some new faces will be among the artists and musicians participating in this year’s “Taste of Chewelah” scheduled for Thursday, June 15. These folks are not new to our area, but they will be adding a new flavor to Taste. Following is a roster of who they are so far, where they will be, and a little bit about them. More

(By Valley Schools/For The Independent)

Valley School student Daylin Logan has a passion for reading that seems to drive him crazy if he isn’t actively doing it. Daylin’s teacher, Kenny Rindlisbacher, points out that, to achieve what he has, he must have had a book in his hands most of the time while away from class; he certainly does at school.

(By Brandon Hansen/Chewelah Independent)

Janet McLaughlin is stepping back from the high school theatre job she’s held for many years but will still be doing Stagetime.

Janet McLaughlin spent over 20 years inspiring Chewelah students…

For many years Jenkins Junior Senior High School hasn’t had a theatre.

But it has certainly had a theatre program.

From the many productions the high school puts on to raucous applause, to the dance tours around area schools, to the StageTime shows that have parents falling over each other to snag a photo of their child and finally theatre students that find themselves prepared properly for the next level at universities.

At the center of all this is Janet McLaughlin, who is retiring this year after more than 20 years as Chewelah School District’s theatre teacher.

Not one to want the spotlight, but rather create the spotlight for someone else to take, McLaughlin has been a teaching force in Chewelah for decades — helping foster the artistic environment that is both unique and vibrant in a town of this size.

Janet McLaughlin with her final high school theatre class before she retires at the end of the year. (Brandon Hansen photo)

More

(By Staff Reports/Chewelah Independent)

Margo Sety’s Nash Metropolitan voted as Favorite Orphan. (Brandon Hansen photo)

Saturday is beautiful day for annual car show in the park…

Classic car enthusiasts enjoyed a beautiful day in Chewelah’s Jenne Memorial Park last Saturday, May 27 for the Nostalgia Days Car Show presented by the Chokes ‘n Spokes Car Club.

Owners displayed approximately 125 cars in the park and visitors voted on their favorites in 14 categories. Chewelah’s Mayor pro tem Payton Norvell attended the event to select and present the Mayor’s Choice award. More