Kathy Starr, born in December 1947 in Garden City, Kansas, passed away surrounded by family. She devoted her life to her faith, her family, and her community. Kathy met David Starr at Western Baptist Bible College, and together they built a life of ministry and service.
Albert “Al” Stevens was born to Warren and Luella Stevens on December 4, 1937. He graduated from Deer Park High School in 1955, attended EWU for two years, and served in the Army National Guard. Like his late brother Donald, he worked for the Department of Natural Resources as a firefighter but spent most of his career in sales.
Cecil Emil Tobeck, 96, of Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026. Born December 9, 1929, in Clayton, Washington, Cecil lived a full and meaningful life devoted to family, hard work, and community.
Traffic is moving again on US-395, but the investigation into today’s serious motorcycle crash is far from over.
As of 5pm today, all lanes of US-395 have been reopened to traffic. Earlier today, a serious collision involving a motorcycle and a white pickup truck at the intersection of Highway 395 and H Street, which is near Henery Hardware, forced a complete closure of the highway, resulting in significant gridlock through the heart of Deer Park.
The “Dream a Little Dream” 2026 scholarship program has officially named the young leaders who will represent the heart of our community this year. This production served as a brilliant showcase of local talent and poise, celebrating the ambition and grace of ten exceptional young women.
William “Bill” Nichols, age 90, passed away peacefully on December 28th 2025. He was born in 1935 and lived a long life marked by devotion to family, service to his country, and quiet strength.
Denette Leeann March was born on 08-21-2002 to Lonnie and Tracy March in Spokane, WA. She grew up in Deer Park, WA where she spent her childhood on her family dairy goat farm and Animal rescue, traveling extensively and enjoying all things school with an influence in FFA, 4-H , and production.
In all the cracks of Denette’s life from 6 years old to shortly prior to passing she was an avid and passionate concert attendee and traveler, in her short time in this life she traveled to 15 countries with some of her favorites destinations including Ireland, London, Hawaii, Belize, New York, Forks, La Push, Montana, and countless Caribbean islands.
FRED R. MILLER, passed away at home on Jan 14, 2026. Fred was born in Spokane WA, on April 4,1944. He grew up in Spokane attending Central Valley High School until his senior year, graduating from Deer Park High School in 1962. Fred enlisted in the Navy out of high school, spending time in San Diego and Annapolis. He later graduated from WSU with distinction.
Shirley Eleanor (Kintschi) McRae, 91, of Spokane and formerly Deer Park, passed away on December 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley was born to Morris Kintschi and Anna (Tanner) Kintschi on April 29, 1934, in Edwall, Washington. She graduated from Edwall High School in 1952, where she met her husband-to-be, John McRae. John and Shirley were married in 1954, and they lived in Redondo Beach, California, while John served in the U.S. Navy. They returned to Spokane in 1955, living on Five Mile Prairie, then at Dartford, and finally in the house that John designed and built in Deer Park in 1976, where the family lived for over 42 years.
Hometown Animal Hospital has been named the 2026 Winterfest Honored Organization, in recognition of years of compassionate service that extends far beyond veterinary care. From rescuing overlooked animals to supporting local events and businesses, the clinic is making a profound impact on the community.