Studded Tire Removal Date Extension

March 21st, the first day of spring, was filled with sunshine and the hope of warmer weather on the horizon. March 24th it snowed three plus inches and left Deer Park and surrounding areas covered in a blanket of heavy snow and slush.

I could blame specific individuals who had already taken off their snow tires or were Instagramming pictures of their grassy yards, but reality is that this is what the weather is like here, and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) understands this full well.

The WSDOT, not being surprised by our weather, issued a press release on March 23rd (a day before the winter storm) stating that based on long range weather predictions, the 2018 studded tire removal deadline has been bumped to April 15.

Even with this extension, all studded tires need to be removed no later than the end of the day (11:59 p.m.) Sunday, April 15. Starting Monday, April 16, drivers with studded tires on their vehicles face a $136 traffic infraction.

The Washington law applies to all vehicles in the state, even those visiting from elsewhere. There are no personal exemptions or waivers beyond the extension date. Remove studded tires by the deadline to avoid fines, and prevent road damage.

Snow Tires, WSDOT

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New Midway Market Opens Along Highway 395

July 31, 2026

Shoppers traveling along the Highway 395 corridor now have a new grocery and fueling option in Colbert following the soft launch of Midway Market last weekend. The 18,000-square-foot facility houses ten specialty departments, including an artisan bakery, full-service meat counter, and an on-site coffee roastery. Management is preparing for an official grand opening event on August 5 to showcase the full operation to the community.

In Memory of Don/Donnie Gilmore

July 18, 2026

Donald “Donnie” Eugene Gilmore of Deer Park, Washington, passed away on June 12, 2026, at the age of 73. He was born in Spokane, Washington, on August 22, 1952. In 1973, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty for two years. In 1983, he graduated with a degree in education from Eastern Washington University. Don was a beloved teacher at Springdale Elementary for 25 years. He even got to teach his two sons when they were in the fifth grade (much to their chagrin!). He retired in 2015. Don was married to Denise
Wurz (Lesmeister) from 1983 to 1995.

US 395 Lanes Reopened After Collision Near Monroe Road

June 16, 2026

A traffic collision at the intersection of North US Highway 395 and West Monroe Road temporarily blocked northbound traffic. Emergency crews, including multiple fire units and ambulances, responded to the scene to treat individuals and manage traffic flow. All lanes have since been cleared and reopened to regular traffic.

Roberta Anne Cade

June 12, 2026

Roberta A. Cade, 81, of Deer Park, Washington, passed away on April 19, 2026. Roberta was the oldest of eight siblings, a role she carried with strength, care, and a deep sense of responsibility throughout her life. She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and for giving so freely to her friends and family.

Deer Park Kicks Off Summer With Packed Weekend

June 12, 2026

Deer Park area residents can look forward to a busy weekend filled with community events, fundraisers, and live entertainment starting this Friday. Activities ranging from a downtown block party to a charity golf tournament offer something for every member of the family. The multi-day lineup includes local businesses, musicians, and charitable organizations working together to welcome the summer season.

Luitgard Margrete Griffin

June 8, 2026

One of a kind is what most people stated about Luitgard (Margaret), and that is truly what she was! She was born in Bamberg, Germany, to Johann and Betty Wagner, as the second child. She had an older brother, Hans, and a younger sister, Elfriede.

Luitgard was trained as a seamstress in school and worked making men’s suits, among other things. She met the love of her life, Albert Leroy Griffin, in 1951, and they were married on December 6th, 1952.

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Delayed – Loon Lake Roundabout

Paving remains on schedule for the 12 miles on Highway 395 in Stevens County between Loon Lake and Hafer Road for completion in October, the start date for roundabout construction will be delayed. An anticipated start date for the State Route 292 and Garden Spot Road detours will be Monday, September 19th. Roundabout construction and detours will still last about two weeks once construction begins.

September 12, 2022

Single Car Crash on Highway 292

Emergency responders in Stevens County responded to a serious crash, March 5th, on Highway 292. According to the Stevens County Fire District No.1 Facebook page, “A suspected medical event caused the driver to crash directly into a guardrail at highway speed. Approximately 6-8 feet of the guardrail ended up in the passenger compartment, trapping the lone victim”.

March 7, 2020

Deer Park