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News in review

Fire dominates the headlines in 2014

By Don Nelson

In 2014, there was The Big Story, and there was everything else.

The Carlton Complex Fire started with a flare-up in mid-July, blew up into the worst conflagration in the state’s history, and dominated the headlines through the rest of the year.

But before, during and after the fires, the valley was exhibiting its usual newsworthiness in many ways. Our annual year in review story touches on some of the highlights, month by month, that helped shape 2014. What follows is a quick overview. Portions of this story are excerpted from the timeline in our special publication, Trial by Fire.

For more retrospection on 2014, see pages A5, A6, A7, B1 and B2.

JANUARY

The valley’s real estate market continues its recovery from the depths of 2009, with the most sales transactions and dollar value since the peak year of 2007.

Bud Hufnagel, CEO of Three Rivers Hospital in Brewster, announces that he will resign in April.

Antlers Saloon and Café closes in Twisp after one last party on New Year’s Eve.

Methow Valley Community Center launches a campaign to improve conditions for performers.

Cougar sightings, encounters continue to add up in the valley.

Proposal to create a recreation district for the valley is certified for the April ballot.

The “1890s Side Channel Restoration” project to re-create a historic side channel of the Methow River north of Twisp is scoped out for work in the summer.

August trial date is set in the legal dispute over a small cabin built on the brow of Flagg Mountain near Mazama.

Town of Winthrop considers a zoning amendment related to the retail sale of marijuana.

Winthrop building official Dave Sandoz retires.

Okanogan County commissioners exempt smaller projects from environmental review across the county.

Loup Loup Ski Rental Shop in Twisp expands.

East 20 Pizza in Winthrop completes expansion project.

FEBRUARY

Logan’s Steakhouse plans to open in Twisp.

Remodeled, larger Rocking Horse Bakery opens in Winthrop.

Twisted Knitters store opens at TwispWorks.

Methow Institute of Sports Traumatology opens clinic in Winthrop.

Methow Valley Citizens Council sues county over environmental review ordinance changes.

Winthrop explores options for reducing glare from lights at Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink.

Judge denies motion to dismiss Flagg Mountain cabin case.

Winthrop Town Council OKs part-time help for under-staffed marshal’s office.

Liberty Bell High School student Liam Daily wins regional Poetry Out Loud contest, heads for state competition.

Proposed recreation district draws full slate of board candidates.

Methow Valley School District considers propane-powered buses.

Permits issued to hunt cougars with hounds in the valley.

Sudden break in weather patterns brings a solid month of snow.

New Okanogan County Transit Authority gets a loan to jump-start its operations.

More cougars shot, tally reaches 10 for the winter.

MARCH

Judy Brezina Camp, charged with dog theft, says she was on a rescue mission.

County commissioners repeal two contested ordinances related to all-terrain vehicle usage.

Three new radio stations plan to fill Methow airwaves.

One year after wolf attack, dog fends off cougar at Carlton home.

Welborn brothers purchase Classic Towing.

Cougar shot after killing dog at home near Twisp.

County, employee unions in mediation over new labor contracts.

Methow Made marketing effort by TwispWorks expands beyond agricultural products to include arts and crafts.

Concerns are raised about a potential marijuana business in downtown Winthrop.

Recreation district information meeting draws supporters and skeptics.

Donations allow Room One to buy its building in Twisp.

U.S. Forest Service decides it will allow all-terrain vehicles on roads in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Winthrop burglaries attributed to reduced police coverage.

Winthrop levies a fine to enforce its Westernization policy.

Three Rivers Hospital names Scott Graham as its new CEO.

Twisp-area dog escapes wolf attack with injuries.

Okanogan County Fire District 6 hires Russell Stamps as new division chief.

APRIL

Judy Brezina Camp found not guilty of pet theft in Okanogan County District Court trial.

County commissioners reorganize county fair, recreation boards.

Wildfire burns 25 acres near Pearrygin Lake.

Nectar Skin Bar opens new shop in Winthrop.

Twisp learns that town will get no state money for Town Hall repairs in 2013.

Aspen Grove home and gift store reopens under new ownership in Winthrop.

County tourism-promotion funds from hotel/motel taxes awarded despite questions about how the money will be distributed.

Environmental groups challenge Forest Service decision about ATV access in national forest.

New restaurant featuring Mexican and Cuban food, Rey Emmanuel, opens in Twisp.

Body found near Twisp believed to be man missing since 2012.

British Columbia company indicates it will explore the possibility of mining for copper on Flagg Mountain near Mazama.

County proposes opening additional 600 miles of roads to ATV use.

Winthrop Town Council rejects appeal of ruling on retail marijuana sales in Horizon Flats area.

Proposed recreation district is soundly defeated by valley voters.

Wine Shed opens in Winthrop, offering wine, beer and “top-shelf” spirits.

Boulder Creek Deli in Winthrop begins a complete remodeling of interior space.

New owner of Java Man in Winthrop makes changes.

Shotgun Nellies home décor shop opens in Winthrop.

MAY

North Cascades Highway opens on May 8.

Rikki Schwab is hired to be Winthrop’s town marshal.

Methow Valley Elementary School principal Brian Patrick resigns.

Twisp Gym opens on Glover Street.

“Lightning Bill” Austin moves from Goat Peak Lookout to Leecher Mountain.

U.S. Forest Service sets public meeting to discuss Flagg Mountain copper mining proposal.

Rechristened Winthrop Store on Riverside Avenue (formerly Winthrop Motors) opens with deli in expanded space.

Flagg Mountain copper mining proposal criticized at public meeting.

U.S. Forest Service reinstates its ban on ATV use on most national forest roads.

Welborn brothers purchase Gabby Cabby passenger shuttle business.

Flyfishers Pro Shop sold to Jeff Lyman, owner of the Carlton Store.

Cascades Outdoor Store opens on Riverside Avenue in Winthrop.

WasteWise requests rate hike from state.

Northwest MedStar introduces medical transport by helicopter from Brewster base.

Winthrop Town Council decides to consider a conditional use permit for retail marijuana sales in the Horizon Flats area.

JUNE

Conservation groups appeal Okanogan County’s determination that comprehensive plan would not have major environmental impacts.

Forest Service says lack of funding may delay analysis of Flagg Mountain copper mining proposal.

Methow Valley School District decides not to renew the contract of activities director Mike Wilson.

Environmental groups appeal county’s analysis of ATV impacts.

Rescue team plucks dog from Chewuch River.

Winthrop Town Council approves purchase of two new police vehicles.

Methow Valley Community School names Crystal Bacon as executive director.

Traditional Native American pit house dedicated at Methow Valley Interpretive Center.

Suspect arrested in connection with beating, robbery of Twisp man in his home.

Human remains found near Twisp are identified as those of Nicholas Tortora, who went missing in 2012.

Anne Anderson is appointed interim principal at Methow Valley Elementary School.

Okanogan County Fire District 6 considers putting proposed tax levy increase to support a new station in Winthrop on the November ballot.

TwispWorks officially converts to a nonprofit organization.

Town of Winthrop approves conditional use permit for retail marijuana sales in Horizon Flats area.

Winthrop Physical Therapy has new owners and expanded services.

Faulty water valve causes massive leak in Twisp.

County commissioners open up more miles of roads to ATV use.

Jonathan Baker opens new business in TwispWorks, called eqpd, to manufacture multi-purpose tote and utility bags.

State regulators tell WasteWise to increase its rate hike request.

JULY

Town of Winthrop sets conditions for retail sale of marijuana in Horizon Flats area.

Clint Estes steps down from Twisp Town Council.

Twisp reinstates its mutual aid agreement with Winthrop for police coverage. The agreement was revoked in late 2011 because of Twisp Police Department concerns about the Winthrop Marshal’s Office.

Methow Valley School District adopts budget that eliminates course fees and adds a counselor position.

Methow Valley School District’s facilities task force recommends a total of $5.5 million in improvements, including new school buses.

Fresh Greens retail marijuana store in Winthrop opens in Horizon Flats area.

A lightning storm and resulting strikes set off blazes around the region. In an unrelated event, a well-known fruit stand on Highway 153 is destroyed by fire.

The Lone Mountain 1 Fire starts above War Creek. It burns most of the summer, threatening the Twisp River drainage.

Evacuations and road closures begin in what is being called the Carlton Complex Fire, at the time consisting of several separate fires in the Methow Valley, notably in the Texas Creek and Gold Creek areas east of Carlton. Smoke fills the valley as fires increase in intensity.

A Type 2 management team is assigned to the fire and a firefighters’ camp springs up at the Methow Valley School District campus on Twin Lakes Road.

The Carlton Complex Fire explodes into an unstoppable fire front that consumes about 123,000 acres in one day, nearly half the final total acreage covered by the fire.

The entire Methow Valley loses electrical power because of damage to Okanogan County Public Utility District transmission lines over Loup Loup Pass. The outage leaves 3,600 PUD customers and 3,500 Okanogan County Electric Cooperative customers without power. At the same time, Internet service and some telephone land lines are interrupted, and cell phone service provided by AT&T becomes unreliable or nonexistent. Most users of Verizon Wireless are still able to use their cell phones.

A community meeting to discuss the fires is held in the unlighted Methow Valley Community Center, and draws a standing-room-only crowd. First responder and agency representatives including Peter Goldmark, state commissioner of public lands, address the crowd and provide incident maps showing the fires’ spread, but are able to provide only general information. Fires can be seen burning northeast, east and south of Twisp from downtown.

Meanwhile, the fire has blasted over the hills east of the Methow Valley at a ferocious speed and descended as a firestorm on Pateros, where evacuation is under way.

State highways 153 and 20 into the Methow Valley are closed, leaving Highway 20 to the west over Washington Pass as the only way in or out of the valley by vehicle. Flight restrictions are in effect because of the fire and smoke.

Twisp is put on Level 2 evacuation alert as fires sweep over Balky Hill, Beaver Creek and Finley Canyon.

The opening of Twelfth Night at The Merc Playhouse is postponed, and Methow Valley Chamber Musical Festival is canceled. The Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival goes on as planned.

Highway 153 is re-opened to traffic.

The Carlton Complex Fire reaches 250,136 acres, making it the largest wildfire in Washington state history and the top-priority fire in the country.

The Okanogan County PUD power line over the Loup is repaired, and electricity restored to most of Methow Valley. But some customers south of Carlton remain without power.

AUGUST

Methow Valley School Board decides to postpone levy requests that had been planned for the November ballot.

Town of Winthrop approves animal cruelty ordinance.

Trial over the legality of the Flagg Mountain cabin called the “hanging hut” continues in Okanogan County Superior Court.

Long-time Winthrop Town Council member and former mayor Mort Banasky dies at her home.

The Merc Playhouse in Twisp launches search for a new executive director after Jane Hubrig resigns.

Paul Christen, new owner of Antlers Saloon and Café in Twisp, says the space will be completely remodeled and reopened under the same name.

The Rising Eagle Road Fire, west of Highway 20 between Twisp and Winthrop, explodes over hilly terrain. It burns more than 500 acres and destroys 10 homes. A massive firefighting effort on the ground and in the air contains the fire, but not before it threatens the fire camp at Liberty Bell High School and forces evacuations and road closures in surrounding areas. Highway 20 is closed during the firefighting efforts.

A ferocious windstorm moves through the valley, toppling trees across roads and onto buildings. The storm causes more power outages.

Little Bridge Creek Fire starts west of Twisp and raises concerns because of its proximity to Twisp River and Sun Mountain Lodge. Parts of the fire are also visible from the Mazama area.

Officials begin to compile information about fire-related losses as the basis for an application for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to be submitted to Gov. Jay Inslee. Local groups begin making plans for long-term recovery efforts.

Upper Falls Fire starts near Falls Creek in the Chewuch River drainage area northwest of Winthrop.

FEMA approves disaster declaration for public assistance to help repair public infrastructure damaged in the Carlton Complex Fire. But FEMA later denies a separate request for funds to help individuals, even after the governor appealed the decision.

The State Department of Commerce approves a $150,000 grant to help the Methow Valley and Okanogan County mount a marketing campaign to encourage tourism and draw visitors back to the region.

The Carlton Complex Fire is in the mop-up and containment phase. The fire camp is relocated to Twisp-Carlton Road.

Hank Cramer is named to head the Methow Valley Long-Term Recovery Organization; Room One is designated as the coordinating agency.

Torrential rains and resulting mudslides destroy or damage a dozen homes in the Benson Creek area, along Highway 153 between Twisp and Carlton, and on Frazer Creek along Highway 20. Fields are covered with mud and outbuildings destroyed as well. Three of the Wenner Lakes dams, between Benson Creek and Finley Canyon, collapse. State highways 20 and 153 suffer mudslide damage and both are closed for repairs.

Highway 20 is soon opened to single-lane traffic with a pilot car. Highway 153 repairs are slowed by a dispute between the state and a property owner over an easement necessary for work to continue. The state seeks condemnation of the land in dispute and eventually figures out a work-around that allows the road to be re-opened. The Highway 153 closure and a detour by way of Twisp-Carlton Road cause an enormous economic hardship at the Carlton General Store.

SEPTEMBER

Winthrop Town Council decides not to allow ATVs on town streets.

Fires delay Forest Service’s consideration of Flagg Mountain copper mining proposal.

Nicole Ringgold resigns as executive director of Confluence Gallery & Art Center in Twisp..

Okanogan County Transit Authority hires Kelly Scalf as first general manager.

3 Bears Café and Quilts opens in Winthrop.

Family Health Centers will buy Dr. Joe Jensen’s Methow Valley Family Practice in Twisp.

Purple Sage … Methow Style offers handmade art, crafts, textiles and jewelry at Riverside Avenue shop in Winthrop.

OCTOBER

C.P. Grosenick is named general manager of Loup Loup Ski Bowl.

County commissioners adopt changes to land-use applications, appeals.

Hypnotherapist Kyle Northcott opens a practice in Winthrop.

Missi Smith is named new executive director of The Merc Playhouse in Twisp.

Local landmark Tice Ranch will be auctioned off.

Methow Valley leads the county in new construction totals.

Owners of White Buck Trading Company in Winthrop say the store will close for good.

Twisp residents apparent winners in bid for Tice Ranch.

Okanogan County Superior Court Judge Chris Culp rules that Flagg Mountain “hanging hut” must be moved.

Methow Valley Sport Trails Association rebrands itself as Methow Trails.

Valley’s apple crop makes a comeback from harvest of 2013.

Methow Valley Inn in Twisp switches to groups-only business model.

Highway 153 between Carlton and Twisp is re-opened for traffic.

Claims are filed by 65 individuals against the state of Washington for damages caused by the Carlton Complex Fire.

A cracked supporting column forces closure of the Methow River bridge at Carlton, and the road is closed again. Emergency repairs allow the road to be opened again on Oct. 23.

The Okanogan County commissioners hold a public meeting to gather information regarding the management of the Carlton Complex Fire. They invite the public to express concerns or commendations about the performance of various agencies during the fire.

NOVEMBER

Chelan County prosecutor declines to file charges against former LBHS activities director and varsity coach Mike Wilson, following an investigation that began in late 2013 involving unspecified allegations.

Salyna Gracie named executive director of Confluence Gallery & Art Center in Twisp.

Aaron Studen selected to fill vacancy on Twisp Town Council.

Andrew Denham named public works director for Town of Twisp.

Peligro jewelry store in Twisp will move to Montana.

Okanogan County Fire District 6’s proposed levy increase to support a new fire hall in Winthrop is defeated at the polls; district commissioners say they will pursue another way to build the fire hall.

Dave Rodriguez is Okanogan County’s first elected coroner. Assessor Scott Furman re-elected in only other contested county race.

Sale of Tice Ranch falls through.

Weather station will be reactivated at Methow Valley State Airport.

Funding for new Twisp Town Hall will get “highest priority,” state legislator says.

After fires, one pup survives in Lookout Pack.

A new radio station begins broadcasting in Winthrop.

Just in Time Product Delivery gets going to serve Methow Valley producers.

Winthrop ice rink refrigeration project gets $75,000 boost.

North Cascades Highway closed for the winter on Nov. 23.

Vern Herrst is picked to fill a vacancy on the Winthrop Town Council.

Methow Masala food and gift store is opened in Winthrop by owners of Rocking Horse Bakery.

The state Senate Natural Resources & Parks Committee holds a hearing about the state’s most severe recent natural disasters, the Carlton Complex Fire and the Oso mudslide.

DECEMBER

Residents push back on Okanogan County Fire District 6 plans to go ahead with the same fire hall design that was proposed in a November levy request that was defeated.

Storm causes widespread power outages through Thanksgiving Day.

Blue-green algae causes fish die-off at Pearrygin Lake.

Researchers identify a “crisis” in child care, early childhood education options in Methow Valley.

Twisp librarian Terry Dixon retires.

Liz Johnson is named interim executive director of the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival.

Winthrop Marshal’s Office hires a new deputy, bringing the department to full strength.

Gathered, a boutique featuring women’s apparel, opens in Winthrop.

Canadian company’s speculation about exploratory copper drilling is “overly optimistic,” Forest Service says.

Grant, donations will help finance renovation of TwispWorks’ north warehouse.

Mary Bean celebrates her 100th birthday.

Owners of Flagg Mountain “hanging hut” say they will appeal ruling that the cabin must be moved.

County commissioners adopt a new comprehensive plan.

A 4-foot diameter culvert installed to try to contain runoff from the Leecher Creek drainage becomes plugged with mud and debris brought down by heavy rain and sends water over Highway 153 again. The highway remains open as Washington State Department of Transportation works on repairs.

Sports in review

Local athletes shine here and abroad

By Mike Maltais

Just when you think local sports achievements couldn’t get much better, along comes a group of superstars who raise the bar even higher for the next group of high achievers to clear when their turn comes.

What made 2014 special?

How about putting Winthrop on the national map as the town that — thanks to the Bjornsen and Gregg families — had a greater per capita representation at the XXII Winter Olympics than any other U.S. town?

Then there was the Liberty Bell High School varsity wrestling team that made a successful defense of the state championship title look easy.

Or consider an amazing roster of young women who nearly captured the state soccer crown and still brought home the best finish in school history.

And there is always the varsity track and field boys, who won the school’s first-ever state trophy  for second place  and, with their star sprinter and long jumper partially sidelined with an injury, came within eight points of taking first.

Even the Math is Cool kids cleaned up in their state division.

And we haven’t even mentioned the many outstanding individual performances from the likes of Kelsey Dickinson, who won the Junior Women’s title at the U.S. Biathlon Championships.

JANUARY

Methow Valley Biathlon team members Kelsey Dickinson and Paul Everett are named to the U.S. Biathlon World Junior Championship Team and the junior category of the European Championship Team by the International Competition Team of the U.S. Biathlon Association.

Methow Valley Nordic Team alumni Sadie and Erik Bjornsen and Brian Gregg are among 125 men and 109 women selected to the 2014 U.S. Olympic Ski Team, headed to the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

Earlier in the month Erik Bjornsen captures the 15-kilometer classic title at the U.S. National Championships at Soldier Hollow, Utah.

February

The Liberty Bell wrestling team makes history when the Mountain Lions become the first LBHS team to repeat as state champions. And the guys make it look easy at the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association’s Mat Classic XXVI in Tacoma.

Powered by the first-place medals of senior Milo Holston (160 pounds), junior Trent Skelton (120 pounds), junior Emmett Fink (152 pounds), and sophomore Meritt Fink (138 pounds), Liberty Bell scores 103 team points to outdistance second-place Kittitas by 35 points.

It was also the first time in LBHS history that the varsity wrestling program had four individual state champions. Along their way to the state title Holston, Skelton and the Fink brothers gave up only eight points to their rivals during the state final matches.

Sophomores Jacob McMillan, third place at 145 pounds, Danny Humiston, 126 pounds, and Ivan Johnson, 152 pounds, and alternates Danny Rodriguez and freshman Kaleb Marten, rounded out the championship team roster.

Sochi Olympics

Sadie and Erik Bjornsen and Brian Gregg compete in cross-country events at the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, as members of the U.S. Olympic Ski Team. Sadie places 31st in the skiathlon, 18th in the 10-kilometer classic and helps her three teammates place ninth in the 4x5K relay.

Erik finishes 38th in the 15K classic, 39th in the men’s sprint free, 42nd in the skiathlon and 11th as part of the 4x10K relay team.

Gregg places 47th in the skiathlon, 51st in the 50K classic, and skis a leg on the men’s 11th-place 4x10K relay team.

March

Following its second consecutive regional title, the Knowledge Bowl Team comprised of captain Kathleen Chavey-Reynaud, Patti Watson, Corey Diamond, Riley Calvert, Rowan Post and Willy Duguay places ninth at state.

Methow Valley Nordic Team members Olivia Ekblad, Claire Waichler, Ella Hall, Maya Seckinger and Taya Delong compete at the U.S. Ski Association Junior National Cross Country Ski Championships in Stowe, Vermont.

Seniors Austin Watson, Jaymis Hanson and Logan Szafas are selected for the Central Washington 2B League north division All-League Team in basketball. All three were leading scorers and starters on the league champion Mountain Lions, who finished the season with a 9-2 league record and 14-7 season.

LBHS junior and Washington National Guard private Elise Putnam competes for the Guard’s Biathlon Team at the National Guard Biathlon Championships in Jericho, Vermont.

Dashe McCabe, Hawke Huff, Stella Scholz, Walker Hall, Novie McCabe, Mariah Lucy, Zane Strome and Emerson Worrell are among Methow Valley Nordic Team members who win first-place medals at the BC Championships in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Winthrop’s Kelsey Dickinson captures the Junior Women’s title at the U.S. Biathlon National Championships at Jericho, Vermont.

May

The Methow Valley Elementary School’s Math is Cool team comprised of Maggie Moore, Ian Delong, Travis Grialou, Gedi Weidig and Dusty Patterson wins the Division II Math is Cool state championship.

The LBHS boys’ tennis team wins the regional crown. Carlos Perez and the doubles team of Daniel Sonnichsen and Fletcher Rickabaugh advance to state at Yakima Tennis Club.

Nine Mountain Lions varsity boys’ soccer players are named to the 2014 Central Washington 2B All League teams. Senior defender Willy Duguay, junior forward Marty Larsen, and sophomore midfielder Charlie Thornton-White make the All-League First Team; senior defender Garett Palm, freshman midfielder Bram Wathen, and freshman defender Leif Portman-Bown are second-team picks; sophomores Danny Rodriguez, Meritt Fink and Mikey Hafsos are Honorable Mentions in their respective positions as midfielder, defender and goalie.

Twisp’s Aaron Hammer wins the ranch saddle bronc event at the 43rd annual Methow Valley Memorial Day Rodeo.

LBHS senior Riley Dickinson shoots a final round 80 to finish fifth at the WIAA 1B/2B State Golf Championships at Oakbrook Golf Course in Lakewood. Since Liberty Bell did not have a varsity golf team, Dickinson was allowed to compete as part of Manson’s varsity golf team.

The 14-0 league champion Liberty Bell High School varsity baseball team falls to the Asotin Panthers, 6-4, in loser-out regional competition at Walla Walla. The loss ends the Mountain Lions’ bid for a return trip to the final four state baseball playoffs where, the year prior, Liberty Bell placed fourth.

The league champion LBHS varsity girls’ softball team takes its second-place district finish on the road to the opening round of state softball playoffs at Yakima. The Lady Lions defeat a well-matched Darrington team in overtime, 12-10 before losing to powerhouses Napavine, 22-2, and Kittitas, 15-3.

The LBHS varsity boys’ track and field enters the Liberty Bell record book with its first-ever team trophy at the WIAA State Track and Field Championships. The Mountain Lions pile up 47 team points to finish in second place, just eight points behind first-place Raymond.

Senior Austin Watson won Liberty Bell’s only individual first-place medal with a 22-foot, 5-inch long jump. Senior Liam Daily broke both his 800- and 1,600-meter school records with his respective second- and fourth-place state finishes. Ben Klemmeck placed third in the 3,200 meters and fifth in the 1,600 meters. Jaymis Hanson tied his personal best with a sixth place in high jump.

On the heels of its sub-district and district championships, the LBHS varsity tennis team sent singles player Carlos Perez and the doubles team of Daniel Sonnichsen and Fletcher Rickabaugh to the state championships at Yakima.

June

Former Loup Loup Ski Bowl general manager Sharla Lynn is hired as the new facilities manager at the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink.

LBHS varsity wrestler and state medalist Jacob McMillan heads to Australia and New Zealand to wrestle with Down Under Sports.

July

The Carlton Complex wildfire forces cancellations of or compromises several scheduled sporting events. A number of local athletes pass on the annual ChelanMan multisport event at Lake Chelan in favor of holding their own Methow Man version at Patterson Lake.

LBHS senior Josiah Klemmeck beats out 108 other men to win the ChelanMan Try-a-Tri, a three-part event that included a 400-meter swim, 13.1-mile bike race, and 3.1-mile run in a time of 1 hour, 7 minutes, 40.5 seconds.

Gunnar Doggett, 2012 Liberty Bell graduate and two-time state wrestling champion, defeats his opponent in his debut cage fight.

August

Wildfires force cancellation of the annual Angels Staircase high country marathon. Meanwhile, the popular 11-mile Cutthroat Classic takes place as usual on Cutthroat Pass north of Mazama.

Lincoln Post signs on as the new LBHS varsity girls’ soccer coach.

September

Aaron Hammer of Twisp wins the all-around title at the 43rd annual Methow Valley Labor Day Rodeo.

October

The LBHS varsity boys’ cross-country team wins its fifth consecutive CWB District Six title.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife opens a special coho salmon season on the Methow River.

In an effort to encourage a greater deer harvest after wildfire destroyed a large expanse of winter range, the WDFW issues 1,900 additional antlerless deer permits and adds more days to the fall season.

November

The poised and impressive Liberty Bell varsity girls’ soccer team, with over half of its numbers from the ranks of freshmen and eighth graders, fights through a tough lineup of 2B league opponents including Okanogan, Brewster and Tonasket to capture its highest finish ever — second place — at the WIAA 1B/2B state soccer championships in Sumner.

In an exciting post-season cliffhanger, the Lady Lions knock off league champion Okanogan, 1-0, in a double-overtime, sudden-death, six-ball shootout that advances them into the final four against the Friday Harbor Wolverines and Crosspoint Academy Warriors. Liberty Bell routs the Wolverines, 1-0, to meet the Warriors in the championship round.

Following their third consecutive regional title, the Liberty Bell High School varsity boys’ cross-country team placed fourth at state on the strength of personal best performances from team captain Willy Duguay, Ben Klemmeck, Eli Neilsen and Josiah Klemmeck. The team’s finish at the WIAA state XC championships in Pasco was the best since Liberty Bell won second at state in 2001.

The LBHS varsity volleyball team fell short in its bid for a district playoff spot but had three of its players voted to the Central Washington 2B All-League teams. Freshman striker Lauren Fitzmaurice was a first-team pick, senior Ashley Watson made the second team, and sophomore Erin Schuh was Honorable Mention.

December

U.S. Forest Service seeks comments on travel management proposal for Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Letter writers

Thanks to our letter writers who contributed throughout the year

Dave Acheson, Winthrop

Barbara Allemann, Twisp

Jill Allen, Twisp

Al Ames, Twisp, 3

Phil Andresen, Olympia

Mary Armstrong, Winthrop

Dan Aspenwall, Winthrop, 5

Burton E. “Bud” Bard Jr., Lake Forest Park

Marilyn J. Bardin, Twisp

Birch Berman, Winthrop

Ken Bevis, Twisp, 2

Marianne Bidart, Hailey, Idaho

Byron Braden, Carlton

Michael Brady, Winthrop

Darold Brandenburg, Fire District 6

Jim Brennan, Twisp, 2

Jim Brison, Twisp

Gerald Broadbent, Mazama

Randy Brook, Twisp, 12

Duncan Bronson, Winthrop, 3

Michael Broussard, Washington After Burn

Homer Bruneau, North F. Myers, Fla.

Lindsey Bryson, Washington After Burn

Barbara Burns, Twisp

Eric Burr, Lost Mazama, 2

Paul Butler, Mazama

Cindy Button, Twisp

Jill Calvert, WISR president

Brad Campbell, Twisp

Cecelia Campbell, Twisp

Paul E. Christen, Winthrop

Shirley Clawson, Winthrop

Joe Cole, Kamiah, Idaho

Maggie Coon, MVCC

Susan Crampton, Winthrop/Twisp, 2

Midge Cross, Mazama, 2

Betsy Cushman, Twisp

Ross Darling, Twisp

Richard DeFaccio, Twisp

Janelle Delfino, Twisp

Allison DeLong, Winthrop

Kristin Devin, Mazama

Nancy Dicus, Twisp

Ruth Dight, Gold Creek

Mark Ivan Edson, Twisp

Jennifer Elden, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, 2

Bob Elk, Carlton

Joseph Enzensperger, Oroville, 2

Susan Ernsdorff, Twisp

Gary W. Erickson, Twisp

Karen and Dick Evans, Rendezvous Road

Gary Evans, Winthrop

Dick Ewing, Winthrop

Alan Fahnestock, Winthrop, 4

Matt Firth, Twisp

Nancy (Nelson) Fischer, Vashon

Wayne Fisher, Winthrop

Melodie Fleming, Twisp

J.E. Fohrell, Winthrop

Susan Gallagher, Twisp

Susie Gardner, American Legion Auxiliary

Jane Gilbertsen, Winthrop

David Gottula, Winthrop

Sallie Gracie, Twisp

Rick Grimstead, Bow, Wash.

Anna Hammer, Twisp

Richard Hart, Winthrop

Ward Hartzell, Twisp, 3

Lee Hatcher, Twisp

Katie Haven, Methow, 2

Vern Herrst, Winthrop

Larry Higbee, Winthrop

Bob Hoffman, Twisp

Keith Hole, Methow

Chris Holm, Winthrop

Lawrence Hooper, Twisp

Dave Hopkins, Twisp

Houser family, Carlton

Bob Hunt, Renton/Twisp, 3

Pam and Terry Hunt, Twisp

Bob Jateff, Winthrop

Don Johnson, American Falls, Idaho

Scott Johnston, Mazama, 2

Buck and Nancy Jorgensen, Carlton

Bill Karro, Winthrop

Dale Konrad, Kamiah, Idaho

Mike Kutz, Winthrop

Kathleen Learned, Twisp

Jeremiah Lemont, Twisp

Randy Levine, Twisp

Janie Lewis, Carlton

Craig Lints, Carlton

Laura Love, Twisp

Sam Lucy, Winthrop

Barb and Bob Marin, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Heather Marrone, Winthrop

John Marshall, Winthrop

Michael “Buffalo” Mazzetti, Tonasket

Judy Doran McBride, Twisp

Leanna Melton, Winthrop

Linda and Wayne Mendro, Twisp

Methow Conservancy, Winthrop

Phil Millam, Winthrop

Carl Miller, Winthrop, 3

Judy Good Miller, Winthrop

Roxie Miller, Winthrop, 4

Gina Monteverde, Twisp

Adrianne Moore, Room One, Twisp

John Morgan, Mazama, 2

Mary Lee Moseley, Winthrop, 2

Karen Mulcahy, Winthrop

Sam Naney, Mazama

Charlotte Nelson, Winthrop

Mike Newman, Twisp and Mount Vernon

Patti and Rick Nordby, Winthrop

Jeanie North, Carlton

Stephen Nourse, Winthrop

Stephen O’Neil, Seattle and Mazama, 2

Kirsten Ostlie, MVCC, Twisp, 3

Gary Ott, Lower Beaver Creek

Eileen Owen, Winthrop, 3

John Owen, Winthrop

Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, Wenatchee

Jeff Patterson, Winthrop

Chrystal Perrow, Winthrop, 3

Ron Perrow, Winthrop, 4

Ray Peterson, Winthrop

Bob Pfeifer, Tonasket, 4

Judy Picard, Twisp

Mike Port, Twisp, 2

Emily Post, Twisp

Cheryl Quintana, Mazama

Lora Rathbone, Richland

Danica Ready, MVSTA

Don Reddington, Twisp

Rich Reeves, Carlton

Roy Reiber, Fire District 6

Mark Ripple, Seattle/Methow Valley

Jim Robertson, Rosburg, Washington

Olivia Rose, Winthrop

Shane Ruoss, Winthrop

Alissa Rupp, Twisp/Seattle

Steve Saunders, Twisp

Glenn Schmekel, Twisp

Sarah Schrock, Twisp

Dave Schulz Jr., Twisp

Hal Scogin, Winthrop

Dell Schweitzer, Mazama

Julianne Seeman, Lost River, 2

Vicki Simmons, Mazama

Emily Sisson, Winthrop

Paul Sisson, Winthrop

Colleen Smidt, Bremerton

Larry Smith, Twisp

Isabelle Spohn, Twisp

Bonny Lince Stephens, Twisp

Louise Stevens, Winthrop

Paula Stokes, Twisp

Mary Ellen Stone, Sammamish

Barry Stromberger, Twisp, 2

Carolyn Sullivan, Methow Valley Community Center, 3

Mike Sweeney, Twisp

Brian Sweet, Winthrop

Bill Tackman, Methow

Craig and Jenni Tissell, Twisp

Rick Todd, Winthrop/Ferndale

Dana L. Towney, Battle Ground

Nadine Van Hees, Winthrop

Betty Vaughn, Winthrop

Janet Verkuyl, Winthrop

Dana Visalli, Twisp

Don Waller, OCFD, 8

Richard J. Wasson, Winthrop

Alan Watson, Winthrop

Dick Webb, Twisp, 2

Lynette Westendorf, Winthrop, 3

John Willett, Mazama/Kitsap

Eric Wittenbach, Carlton

Patty Yates, Twisp, 3

Nuptials

Wedding announcements published in 2014

Erin Alexander Torpey and Ernesto DeGracia, on May 31

Donna Russell and Glenn Plowman, on Sept. 14

Arrivals

Birth notices as published in 2014

Sadie Grace Michelsen, on April 18, 2013

Annamarie Peyton Hutchinson, on Oct. 16, 2013

Ava Elice Smith, on Jan. 9

Paxton Lee McMillan, on Dec. 12, 2013

Harper Grace Darwood, on March 9

Astrid Lindsey Stevie, on Feb. 6

Tarrie Ellenore Marie Darwood, on Feb. 20

Cecilia Grace Darwood-Mathis, on March 31

Talon Thomas Lovette, on April 4

Kamera Rayne Crews, on March 13

Lars Koen Peterson, on June 2

Haakon Alexander Slostad, on March 27

Rosemary Christine Marshall, on June 29

Colm Oliver Godwin, on May 16

Emmett Dale Zahn, on June 26

Summer Adair Ellinger, on July 25

Raya Genevieve Johnson, on Aug. 27

Leo Golden Cole, on Nov. 11

Mars Vincent Smith, on Aug. 31

Benjamin Harding Lints, on Oct. 10

Sebastian Grant Stern, on Nov. 6

Departures

Death notices as published in 2014

Leon (Bud) Lehman, 99, on Dec. 27, 2013

John William Umberger, 83, on Dec. 26, 2013

Cecil L. Dupey, 82, on Dec. 24, 2013

Lagene “Bud” Hawkins, 89, on Jan. 3

Lily K. Beckman, 88, on Dec. 31, 2013

Catherine Annie Ritz, 88, on Dec. 30, 2013

Ruth May Webb, 87, on Dec. 21, 2013

Aloysius (Al) Joseph Kominak, 87, on Jan. 2

Freeland Preston (Pres) Hobart Jr., 76, on Dec. 20, 2013

Cindy L. Woosley, 58, on Nov. 28, 2013

Clinton Calvin Estes Jr., 86, on Jan. 14

Dan R. Johnson, 82, on Jan. 31

Sandra Magers Miller, 79, on Feb. 9

Donald “Buck” Biram, 91, on Feb. 3

Shirley Ann Lewis, 67, on Feb. 4

Charlotte Velma Gibson, 77, on Feb. 7

Ann Caldwell Buell, 95, on Jan. 30

Debra Irene Chistensen, 57, on Feb. 16

Minnie Campbell, 92, on Feb. 21

Helen Cumming Robinson, 84, on Feb. 6

James L. Yocom, 79, on March 8

Peggy J. Lloyd Putnam, 74, on March 10

Janet Lee Riley Kedrowski, 57, on March 20

Mildred Allbertine LaMotte, 84, on March 13

Patrick Henry Maloy Jr., 57, on March 25

Kelly Larrayn Hammer Powidzki, 34, on March 31

Douglas D. Heuslein, 70, on March 31

Richard Edwin Wrangle, 81, on April 7

Sharon Lee Chandler, 67, on April 19

James Allan Lofgren, 73, on Oct. 8, 2013

Anne Marie Sanborn, 76, on April 22

Grace Opal Nordang, 85, on April 27

Walter C. “Carl” Melton, 77, on April 28

Ernest J. Longanecker, 66, on April 13

David Jack Williams, 64, on April 18

Harold Herbert Heath, 91, on May 8

Elizabeth June Maki Kessel, 86, on May 21

Vernon John Bame, 79, on May 11

Helen Lucille Larson, 88, on May 15

Jean Marie Damman, 89, on May 25

Patrick (Pat) Allen Buckner, 48, on May 18

Stephanie Walker Poland, 42, on June 12

Jack L. Stoner, 74, on June 5

Sandra Kay Pease, 72, on June 23

Margot Martin Webb, 77, on May 25

Karen Filer Knapp, 77, on July 3

William R. (Bill) Morgan, 82, on June 21

Joy Irene (Martin) Watkins-Carlin, 83, on June 17

Frank Haley Austin, 81, on July 21

Frank Lowell Kenney, 93, on July 11

Frances Elizabeth Mishler, 92, on July 24

Sandy Wilde, 63, on Aug. 8

Hugh W. Moore, 79, on Aug. 7

Kathleen Mary Mellinger, 80, on April 17

Matthew Curtis Mehaffie, 25, on July 15

Terrence L. “Mick” Roark, 68, on July 27

Joan Marie (North) Jensen, 67, on Aug. 10

Hazel Alvina Mally, 96, on Aug. 7

Myrtle E. (McDaniel) Anderson, 85, on July 25

Gloria Cramer LeDuc Purdy, on July 1

W. R. “Ray” Walsh, 86, on Sept. 18

Lene Clement-Jones, 68, on Sept. 14

Wallace “Wally” Ross Eggleston, 88, on Aug. 2

Bertie Lou (Arneson) McMeans, 84, on Oct. 13

James L. “Jim” Simmons, 84, on Oct. 16

Ray Morrison, 73, on Nov. 8

Dee Ann Real, 50, on Nov. 6

Dr. Brian Krown, 64, on Nov. 1

Phyllis Maxine Moyer Boulton, 93, on Nov. 12

Char Davis, 66, on Nov. 2

Gary Lee Costello, 68, on Nov. 26

Sidney Ardell Burgess, 76, on Nov. 16

Patricia Pettelle, 89, on Nov. 29