Select a news topic from the list below, then select a news article to read.
Mountain Spirits Liquor Store will be closing in approximately two weeks as owners Judy and Roger Huguenin are retiring after 25 years. They have operated the contract liquor store since 1988.
The building, located at 205 North Park Street, is owned by Bob and Joy Gardner.
Dear Editor,
What do you get when you have an experienced citizen heading up a project with a committee of passionate, enthusiastic people who send out letters and emails to businesses, call upon five organizations, a few individuals and they all show up with smiles, gloves on, brooms, shovels, leaf blowers, hoses, and garbage bags to sweep sidewalks, pull weeds, and wash away old man winter’s dust?
You get Chewelah’s Community Cleanup Day! It was sunny and warm. We worked downtown, along Highway 395, down past the Bowling Alley, the information kiosk in the park, on Webster toward the Hospital and around the City’s Utility Building for three hours and then were treated to a lunch at the American Legion Hall, provided by the Kiwanis Club.
We would like to thank EVERYONE who cared enough to spend their morning, this past Saturday, Earth Day, participating in this, now annual event (hopefully). It was great to have so many young people, including local Scout troops, show up to help in a big way. Thank you, too, to the City of Chewelah, for partnering and supporting this idea and for sweeping the streets early Monday morning. All this made for a wonderful event!
Sincerely,
Chewelah Chamber of Commerce
Beautification Committee
Roberta McMillin
Diane Evans
Sherri Hansen
Kacey Frizzell
Kevin Herda
A new state-licensed day care facility recently opened in Chewelah to offer pre-school children a chance for a full day of learning year-round.
Happy Trails Learning Center and Child Care, LLC opened on March 12 as a full-time day care that emphasizes education. Manager Fran Jenne said she opened the new facility because she saw a need for working parents looking for all day care even in the summer. She said they are not in competition with other preschool or day cares, but act as more of a complement to what they already offer in Chewelah on a part-time basis.
The learning center is open all year from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and is licensed for 20 full-time children ages 2 and a half to five years old.
Lead Teacher and Director Candy Kristovich said although the hours are long, they provide a fully structured day that focuses on child-directed hands-on, exploratory learning.
Kristovich, who is certified to teach preschool through eighth grade, creates the days’ lessons around specific topics that they learn about through activities like reading, making food and playing. She also asks many questions throughout the process to help prepare them for kindergarten.
“If kids are critical thinkers they will do well in school,” Kristovich said.
She teaches the Zoo-Phonics curriculum, which she said is an interactive way of learning to read by focusing on letter sounds.
During the day, they provide a breakfast, lunch, a mid morning and mid afternoon snack. Kristovich said she prepares the food family-style and does not use processed foods. Once enrollment grows, they will have two part-time cooks, as well as teacher aids and a nurse.
Jenne said the mission of Happy Trails is to “assist parents on getting kids on the happy trail of life.” The name is based off the song of the same name by Dale Evans Rogers.
Jenne grew up with role models like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Rogers, so when they learned that the values of the Roy Rogers Riders Club reflect their own values for the learning center, “it really resonated with us,” she said.
Those values include being neat and clean, courteous and polite, listening to your parents and being kind to animals.
Happy Trails is currently building enrollment, and since the center is not based on a semester timeline, parents can apply anytime. Right now they are willing to take children that need part time care, but Jenne said they will give full-time applicants priority. There are no eligibility requirements to enroll.
They charge $3.50 per hour for each child, which Jenne said is a competitive rate for any day care. They can also work with state financial assistance.
Happy Trails is located at 1101 W. Lincoln, which was a former veterinary office until 2009. With the help of a friend with contracting experience, Jenne started a full interior renovation of the building in October 2011. They now have full kitchen, bathroom with kid-sized fixtures, and a large classroom for kids to learn, play and eat.
Jenne works in Chewelah at HUB International, formerly AIA Insurance. She grew up in the community and said she always wanted to find a way to give back and do something for families and kids.
Kristovich taught at the Head Start program in Wellpinit before joining Happy Trails, and has worked in a variety of other teaching settings.
“Kids are little sponges,” Kristovich said. “I love to help them through that learning process.”
For more information, or to enroll your child at Happy Trails, call 509-935-0123.
By Kellie Trudeau
The Independent Staff
Dear Editor,
So often, a call for volunteers goes out and the same few people respond to try to do the work of many. Not in Chewelah! Last Saturday (April 21) promised to be the first sunny Spring day of the year– but that did not stop them. The job for the volunteers included cleaning up years of dirt, dust and garbage – but that did not stop them either. They started arriving in the NAPA parking lot at 9 a.m. wearing their gloves and armed with rakes, shovels, brooms and big smiles. They greeted one another with hugs and friendly teasing and then dispersed to appointed areas to begin the community wide clean up. Three hours later, our Chewelah shined!
How does the Chewelah Chamber of Commerce begin to thank all those that gave up their Saturday morning to help beautify our City? How do we thank the students that started things on Friday with a cleanup of the Middle School grounds and Lincoln Avenue? How about all of the Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and the families that worked to eliminate some of the city’s worst eye sores? There were also many individuals who woke up the next day with sore shoulders and aching backs from all the sweeping and raking. Then there is the Kiwanis Organization and American Legion who provided us with a place to rest and a delicious lunch.
The only way to do this is simply say a HUGE THANK YOU! You exceeded all of our expectations. You confirmed what we believed – that the citizens of Chewelah really do care about their community. Because of your hard work, our City looks proud – our City IS proud. Chewelah is a great place to do business, a wonderful place to visit and the very best place to live. Thank you again. We hope to see you all out with us again next year!
Sincerely,
Tracy Ferrell
Chewelah Chamber President
Editor,
I am so proud to be a part of the Chewelah community! The turnout at Saturday’s ‘work party” to spruce up our city by sweeping sidewalks, picking up garbage, pulling weeds, etc. was truly amazing with a large number of workers ranging in age for 4 to 80. Thank you to the Kiwanis for providing lunch and most important Thank You Roberta McMillin for inspiring us all to do our part-you are an inspiration!
Cindy Fullmer
Chewelah
The Valley School staff is pleased to announce the debut of “The Big Bad Musical” for one night only, May 3 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Valley School. It promises to be a raucous, song-filled mash-up of every fairy tale you’ve ever heard. This production features teachers, administrative assistants, para-pros, and even a principal singing and dancing. What’s not to love? Plus, Dave Tupek returns as the Big Bad Wolf. Tickets are $5 at the door.
The Cast of Characters include Dave Bergman as Sydney Grimm; Theresa Carr as Fairy Godmother; Anna Pitt as Little Red Riding Hood; Gabriele von Trapp as Grandmother Hood; Amy Gilbert as Pig One; Peggy Neal as Pig Two; Wendy Farquharson as Pig Three; Barb Proszek as Bill Woodcutter; Melissa Church as Boy Who Cried Wolf; Doug Coates as Shepherd; Loren Gilson as Judge Wise Old Man; Jennifer Arquette as Evil Stepmother; Gail Churape as Miss Muffit; Dave Tupek as Big Bad Wolf; and Michele Danly, Kim Goot, Melanie Gray, and Tami Mesecher as The Wolfettes.
In This Photo: Valley School staff practicing for their big debut. The Big Bad Wolf (Dave Tupek) and the Wolfettes (Front row) Melanie Gray and Kim Goot, (Back) Michele Danly and Tami Mescher looking fierce. Valley School District photo
For Chewelah residents doing their Spring tree trimming, the City of Chewelah will be offering free chipper days on Tuesday, April 24 and Wednesday, April 25, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This service is offered to City residents only. Please be prepared to show your City bill or another
proof of residency.
The drop off site is located at the Waste Water Treatment Plant at 120 S. Hunt St. (end of West Main Ave.) Maximum limb size is ten feet long by 12 inches diameter. Please no garbage, treated lumber or lawn clippings.
Customers with questions may contact City Hall at 935-8311 or Public Works at 935-8313.
Phyllis Fitzgerald is the featured quilter for this year’s Chewelah Quilt Show and Tea Room sponsored by the Chewelah Arts Guild on Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27 at Chewelah’s Jenkins High School. A long time seamstress starting as a child, she will be displaying quilting projects made over the past 20 years.
Phyllis began sewing at a very early age. Her mom would give her scraps as she sewed and Phyllis would make doll quilts and doll clothes. When she was nine she joined 4-H and for the next ten years learned many sewing skills from her leader, June Harmening. “Do your best” and “take it out and do it again” are two pieces of advice that really stuck. Through high school and college she made most of her clothes.
Phyllis’ first quilts were squares as large as you could get from the scraps with old thermal-type blankets as batting. In 1994 she took a Northwest Sampler class from Cathe Timmons and has been making “fancy” quilts ever since.
A member of Cabin Fever Quilt Club since its beginning, she has made many block of the month quilts and challenge projects.
Phyllis likes trying new things and is active in all types of fiber arts. She raises animals with Brad, her husband of over 40 years on their farm near Valley, Washington. They have six children and thirteen grandchildren. She is a Sunday School teacher and a 4-H leader, passing her knowledge on to the next generation. Her activities also include spinning, knitting, tatting, basket making, and bobbin lace.
You can be sure that you have many things to look forward to on Memorial Day weekend Saturday May 26, 10-5 and Sunday May 27, 11-3 at the Chewelah Quilt Show and Tea Room sponsored by the Chewelah Arts Guild. Along with hundreds of quilts, quality vendors and the fabulous goodies you will have the opportunity to visit with Phyllis Fitzgerald as she shares her beautiful quilts and their stories.
The Chewelah Chamber of Commerce and City of Chewelah have partnered to declare this Saturday, April 21, as Chewelah’s Community Clean-up day. The Chamber is hoping that every business, as well as individuals and community organizations, will participate and show their pride for our city.
Everyone who wants to participate should meet in the parking lot of Napa Auto Parts, 107 E. Main, on Saturday morning, April 21 at 9 a.m. Everyone will divide up to target five areas in town that have been identified as needing attention by the Beautification Committee.
“Please bring ‘tools of the trade’ including brooms, shovels, gloves, hoses, and sprayers. Those would be much appreciated,” Committee chairwoman Roberta McMillin said.
McMillin also encouraged any businessperson who just wants to concentrate on their own storefront to do so. “If you can help with one of the target areas, great! If you wish to spend that morning working on your own business, that’s great too!” McMillin said. She said that the sidewalks in front of each business should be swept, leaving the dust and dirt in the street. According to McMillin, the City crew will sweep the streets on Monday morning, April 23.
In addition to sweeping, the committee suggests that each business pull weeds, wash the winter dust off their building, paint, or whatever it takes to brighten up their part of town.
The Chamber wants to thank everyone, in advance, for their effort, support, and pride. “Let’s make 2012 our most beautiful ever!”
By Jared Arnold, The Independent Staff
The tennis team attacked the courts after spring break and showed that hard work in practice can actually make matches look easy. The boy’s team got two sweeps to remain undefeated after their first round of league play.
On Tuesday against Lakeside, they won a total of 60 games while only losing 9. Ben Johnstone played #1 singles after winning a challenge match the day before and walked onto the court with a new sense of determination and walked off with a 6-1, 6-1 win which looked like he was giving a clinic on serves and ground strokes. Jeff Petersen also had a hot serve and ended with a 6-2, 6-1 victory. Lefty, Braeton Dainty played at his level without letting his opponent win even one game and ended with a 6-0, 6-0 shutout.
Both doubles teams won 6-0, 6-2, dominating in the first set and letting up a bit in the second. Tyler Monasmith and David Vilchiz poached a lot of net shots slamming them over the fence. Collin Kirk Patterson and Mason Miller combined for great team play and blazing cross court shots.
On Thursday the team earned their second sweep, against Riverside. The grudge match continued from last year, but “we came into this season with the goal of defending our league and district championships and these sweeps show just how hard we’ve worked to do so”, said captain, David Vilchiz.
Johnstone played Brambilla who had gotten a big win earlier in the week, but Ben played his most consistent match of the year, capitalizing on Brambilla’s errors for a 6-1, 6-4 victory. Petersen dug himself a hole early by missing his first serves and making unforced errors and had to fight back for a first set 7-5 win. By taking a little off his serve and being more consistent, his next set was 6-4. Dainty averaged at least one ace per game in his match, got to the net often for the kill and dominated with an easy 6-2, 6-0 victory.
Monasmith and Vilchiz looked like a well oiled machine and stepped their game up a level or two with a 6-1, 6-1 match. Kirk-Patterson and Ryan Sisco had an off first set and kept shooting themselves in the foot but pulled out a 7-5 set. After deciding tennis was a game of mental toughness they turned around and won 6-0 showing what they were really capable of, which include a few aces and some nice net shots. So, after the first round of league play, Johnstone, Dainty, Monasmith and Vilchiz, Kirk-Patterson and Miller remain undefeated.
The girl’s team also stepped up their level of play with two league victories, the first victim being Lakeside 3-2. #1 singles, Naomi Miller played with tenacity and determination against a very tough opponent for a 6-4, 6-4 win. Kayleigh Hansen lacked energy and was defeated 0-6, 1-6. Playing #3 was Tenika Smith who consistently got her first serve in and steadily returned shots to defeat a player who looked to be a tough competitor during warm ups 6-2, 6-2.
In doubles, Becka Kenney and Bethany Kofmehl knew they had a tough match against the duo “Nicky and Susie”, who they faced a few times last year. The match was a tight one with teams exchanging leads and was interrupted while one of Lakeside’s fans had a seizure and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The first set was lost in a tie breaker and the second one was also close with lots of long nail biting rallies, but the Eagles won 6-4. Ryann Richmond and Kelley Riese also had trouble with consistency and unforced errors, but came from behind knowing a win was a win and it doesn’t always matter by how much, 7-5, 7-5.
Against Riverside the girls had a 4-1 win. The lone loss was for Miller who played her heart out in a two and a half hour, three set match which ended up in favor of the Rams. Hansen got her first league win of the season 6-1, 6-2 and said, “it felt good”. Smith got her second win of the week 6-2, 6-1 by moving her feet and maintaining a higher level of play. Both doubles teams adjusted well to anything the opponents threw at them and used their experience and good attitudes to win all 24 games and not let the opponents move even one ball up on the score keeper. Richmond and Reise remain undefeated after the first round of league play at the #2 doubles position
This week, Chewelah will host Davenport on Monday and Reardan on Thursday in non-league matches to ready themselves against a few players they will face at Regionals, as both teams consistently have some of the top players around. Wednesday the girls will travel to Colville.
Submitted by Denise Smith, JHS Tennis Coach
In This Photo: The boy’s tennis team (Ben Johnstone, Jeff Petersen, Mason Miller, Ryan Sisco, Braeton Dainty, Collin Kirk-Patterson, Tyler Monasmith and David Vilchiz) could barely find enough brooms to represent the two sweeps they got last week over Lakeside and Riverside. Denise Smith photo