REMEMBER WHEN: Vandals hit Valley in 2001, first Maytag washing machine for sale in 1951

Here is Remember When for March 25, 2021…
10 years ago – 2011
This year’s Chewelah Distinguished Young Woman contestants are Kathy Trudeau, Jessica Olson, Makayla Earl, Alysha Roach, Katie St. John and Nina Nixon.

All 28 Jenkins Middle School Science Olympiad students have qualified to compete in the state tournament. First place event winners at last week’s district competition at Spokane Community College were Sammi Trudeau and Josh Adlesperger, Bradleigh Earl and Blake Owens, Alison Stevens and Abriana Belle-Town and Josh Hanley and Noah Richmond.

Gess Elementary School announced the date for this year’s Science, Social Studies and Engineering Fair. Students should be developing ideas for their projects.

The Chewelah Cougars opened their baseball season with a pair of wins over Springdale behind the bat of Nick Naccarato, who stroked three home runs. The Cougars finished the day with 18 hits, including four from Calvin Connall and three from Derek Smith. Caleb Weibe, Joey Baker, Cody Sweat and Naccarato shared time on the mound.

Zach Bowman, age 6, brought in this year’s first buttercup.

A complaint has been filed with the Office of Civil Rights stating that Chewelah’s wrestling program is not a coed sport. However, Superintendent Rick Linehan assured the school board that this is a false claim, because Chewelah has even had a girls’ state champion, Chel-C Bailey.


20 years ago – 2001
The Jenkins High School Knowledge Bowl qualified for the State Knowledge Bowl Tournament. Matt Ryan and Bryan Tanner took 4th place in the regional competition. Pictured on the front of the Independent was advisor Matt McClain, Matt Ryan, Payton Norvell, Eli Ewens, David Buckbee, Lisa Pease, Bryan Tanner, Alisha Peaker and Eileen Chan. Stephen Ewens and assistant coach Laura Rutherford were also on the team but not pictured. The group traveled to Camas, Washington on March 24.

Kallie Monasmith starred as Becky, and Kris Herda as Tom Sawyer, in the Stage Time Theatre production of Tom Sawyer. Other characters included Aunt Polly played by Cindy Hogan, Joe played by Bill Golden and Huckleberry Finn played by Grahm Wiley. The play was directed by Janet McLaughlin.

Residents of Valley woke up Sunday morning to discover vandals had wreaked havoc througout the town. Pop machines were tipped over, the Valley Fair sign was torn down and smashed, while other things were also vandalized. Witnesses said they saw youths in pickup trucks.


30 years ago – 1991
Two women and a 4-year old were killed in an autombile accident near Deer Park. Slushy roads contributed to that mishap and three other accidents in the area.

After 20 years laying dormant, the old Van Stone Mine was reopened and 75 people were put to work last week.

Ron Lee delivered a check from Safeco Insurance for $947 to John May for the purchase of a computer for May’s high school drivers education class.


40 years ago – 1981
State patrol officers Steve Groth and Scott Dotson escaped injuries when they totaled their WSP vehicles near Addy last Friday morning. The pair collided while trying to catch a suspected speeder on Highway 395.

A 19-year-old Reardan man was killed late Saturday night when he attempted to hit a wounded coyote with the butt of his gun. The rifle discharged as he struck the coyote.


50 years ago – 1971
Governor Dan Evans will be the main speaker at the annual Chewelah Chamber of Commerce banquet scheduled for April 16.
The town theme will be voted upon at the next meeting of the sterring committee next Monday. Will it be a “Turn of the Century” or “Apline” theme? Stay tuned for the results.


60-years ago – 1961
Teenage drivers in Chewelah organized a car club dedicated to courtesy and safety. The “Blue Angels” car club, with Dean Frizzel as its sergeant at arms, plans to construct a dragster for competition. The club hopes to qualify as a member of the National Hot Rod Association.
A $5 cash prize is being offered by the chamber for the best story on some historical recreational or other phase of life in Chewelah.


70 years ago – 1951
The Maytag Master washingt machine was on sale for $189.95 at Empire Electric.

The Ford V-8 took first place in the 1951 Mobilgas Economy run by delivering 25.9 miles per gallon over a grueling 840-mile test drive from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon.

Easter hams were on sale for 59 centers a pound at Safeway


100 years ago – 1921
Right of way purchases have been wrapped up for the state highway between Chewelah and Colville. Construction bids will be called for within the next week.

The Colville Oil Co. received word that there would be a delay before drilling can commence on the 2,000 foot oil well near Chewelah. The contractor has had problems assembling parts for the machinery.