Fire relief appreciated
Dear Editor:
Much has happened since the Kaiser Canyon Fire was ignited by lightning the morning of July 16. Homes have been destroyed, communities evacuated, and smoke has filled our lives. More and more resources have been called in to fight this and the many other devastating wildfires in our state. And neighbors have shown up to help, support, and take care of one another in the many ways that people do in such situations.
This isn’t new for those who lived here during the Carlton Complex (2014) and Okanogan Complex (2025) fires — this is what we do in such situations, help our neighbors in whatever ways we can whether they are here in our valley or farther away in places like Omak, Nespelem and Inchelium. I want to thank everyone who has donated clothing, camping gear, toiletries, generators, air filters, furniture, and so much more. Thank you to those who have donated money directly to fire relief efforts or through our organization. And thank you to all who have volunteered to load hay, sort items or drive donations to Omak, Coulee Dam, and Nespelem. Your kindness and generosity travel with the donations.
Your good hearts ease the minds, touch the hearts, and uplift the spirits of those who have been affected by these fires. Many lives and places will never be the same but what gives me hope is knowing that we show up when needed most and that we are all in this together. Thank you dear Methow Valley for all you have given so far and for all that you may give in the coming weeks and months as we continue to support one another in returning home, cleaning up, and building a better future together!
David LaFever
Executive Director
Methow Valley Interpretive Center
Are we better off?
Dear Editor:
According to Education Week, K-12 education spent approximately $30 billion dollars on technology in 2025, including hardware, software, digital curriculum, learning platforms, networks/connectivity, devices, and related IT services. Global AI in K-12 education market size was valued at $390.8 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from $901.3 million in 2026 to over $7 billion by 2033. North America dominated the market, accounting for a revenue share of 39.3% in 2024. That represents almost a tripling of the investment by 2033 (“AI in the K-12 Education Market, 2025-2033”, Grand View Research). And keep in mind that, for us, those are mainly tax dollars.
Aside from positive impacts on some special populations, where’s the big bang for the big bucks? We have long assumed (incorrectly, it now appears) that education was the great leveler. But it can’t be if the game remains zero-sum. Can it?
Has this huge transfer of public wealth been worth it, or, damn, did we just buy another bill of goods? New tech attracts us like shiny things attract pack rats, and we’ve yet to ask ourselves or the pack rats if the accumulation of either tech or tin foil is making our respective species better off (I can tell you that I’ve seen pack rat nests with lots of shiny stuff in their nests and it hasn’t stopped the rats from sticking their necks out for a lick of peanut butter — hokey smoke, Bullwinkle … That’s a metaphor!).
Are we becoming better human beings? Is the country, the world, more just? Is the wealth spread more evenly? Has what we are learning become more meaningful to us, to our children or grandchildren? Has it opened doors previously closed to millions of youths? Where will people go when AI eliminates all the entry level computer jobs? And what about all those customer service jobs in the Philippines?
All this shiny, 21st century tech — how are we doing at owning up to our 21st century problems?
David Asia
Twisp
Many questions
Dear Editor:
I am distinctly disappointed by the recent approval by the Twisp Town Council of the Milltown Project. Many concerns were voiced through the process including increased density, wood smoke, access/egress around fire, lack of other resources in town to support more residents (school, health care, let alone water!), and increased traffic on the streets. I personally concur with many of them, and yet recognize the need for more affordable housing. Will the project make that happen? It is unclear!
My main question at this point is whether the Town Council could have put a short moratorium into place as we all, council and town residents, work to craft a sorely needed updated Comprehensive Plan with updated zoning. This should take into account the qualities of the town and valley that we appreciate and wish to nurture, and human and environmentally friendly policies that we wish to advance. Can we think outside the box, thoughtfully but quickly, pausing any more development permits, so we can grow with wisdom? I hope so!
Louise Suhr
Twisp
