Prescribed burns set
The U.S. Forest Service is preparing to conduct fall prescribed burns on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, including several areas in the Methow Valley. Up to 14,026 acres are planned for treatment as conditions allow. Burning may begin in late September and continue into. Smoke may be visible in various areas depending on weather and burn locations.
The fall burning project areas in the Methow Valley Ranger District total 3,315 acres. They include:
• Nickel Canyon, 183 acres in South Fork Libby Creek.
• Mission Creek, 974 acres in Mission Creek.
• Hornet Draw, 526 acres in Libby Creek.
• Smith Canyon, 372 acres.
• Mission Piles, 500 acres in Mission Creek.
• Twisp Piles, 550 acres within Buttermilk, Newby, Poorman and Alder Creeks.
• Upper Rendezvous, 210 acres, South of Rendezvous Mountain, North of Rendezvous Pass.
County burn ban reduced
The Okanogan County burn ban will be reduced on Thursday (Oct. 1), reverting to a countywide burn restriction allowing campfires only. The burn restriction prohibits all field/pile/rubbish/rule/slash/yard vegetation and non-emergent agricultural burning on private lands in the county.
Health & Wellness Fair
The annual Methow Valley Health & Wellness Fair — a free community event designed to help you stay healthy, informed, and connected — will be Thursday (Oct. 1) from 1-3 p.m. at the Winthrop Barn.
Visit with representatives from more than 20 local hospitals, medical clinics, and community organizations offering information and support for healthy aging. Free services and resources include blood pressure checks, balance testing, hearing screenings, flu shots and advance care planning information. Enjoy complimentary coffee and treats, and enter a raffle for a chance to win prizes. For information, email donna@methowathome.org.
The event is sponsored in part by the Methow Valley Elder Care Coordination Network, Methow At Home and Room One.
Fundraiser for fireworks
Want to help raise money for the annual Christmas at the End of the Road fireworks show? Head out to “Sparks on the River,” a benefit event at the River Run Inn in Winthrop on Saturday (Oct. 3) from 5-7:30 p.m. Music will be provided by local bluegrass band Gobblers Knob, and wine will be poured by Lost River Winery. All donations, plus a percentage of every glass of wine, go toward supporting the fireworks display, which is coordinated by the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce. Bring a chair or blanket.
Candidates’ forum Oct. 13
The Twisp Valley Grange will host a candidates’ forum for Okanogan County commissioner and sheriff candidates on Tuesday, Oct. 13, starting with a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. The forum will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Scheduled to appear are incumbent District 3 County Commissioner Jon Neal, and his challenger Trinity Stucker. Also scheduled are incumbent Sheriff Jodie Barcus and her challenger, Gisbert Gonzalez.
Candidates will answer questions collected from the audience or submitted prior to the forum. Visit twispvalleygrange.org for information. A recording will be available after the forum on the grange website.
Insurance commissioner sets town hall
The state insurance commissioner will be in Winthrop Oct. 19 to participate in a town hall about wildfire risk and home insurance.
Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Winthrop Barn. Panelists will include Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, Winthrop Mayor Robert Grim, Twisp Mayor Hans Smith, Winthrop planner Rocklynn Culp, Twisp Town Council member Tim Matsui and Sam Israel of Fire Adapted Methow.
Time will be set aside for members of the public to talk one-on-one with public officials about their specific concerns.
“The gist of this is a listen-and-learn session for both us and the commissioner, with regard to keeping home insurance in a high wildfire-risk area,” Matsui said.
Kuderer, a Democrat, supported two unsuccessful bills in the state Legislature this year that would have protected homeowners from higher insurance rates or cancelations if they took steps to reduce fire risk on their properties.
Twisp Ponds trail closures
The Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation (MSRF) advises that some trail closures will be in place on the west end of the Twisp Ponds through mid-October while the organization conducts a habitat restoration project within the ponds system. The east end of the trail system will remain open throughout the construction period. Trail signs are in place where trails are closed and a map is posted at the trailhead.
For more information, visit our website at www.methowsalmon.org or email grace@methowsalmon.org.
Medicare Open Enrollment
To help local residents navigate their options, two Medicare Open Enrollment assistance events will be held at the Winthrop library on Thursday, Oct. 29, 8-10 a.m., and Thursday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-noon. 12:00 p.m. Trained volunteer Medicare counselors from SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to answer questions and provide personalized guidance. Bring your laptop or tablet or smartphone if you are interested in navigating the Medicare.gov system yourself or a with a bit of assistance. For more information about Medicare Open Enrollment, go to https://www.insurance.wa.gov/insurance-resources/medicare.
Medicare’s Open Enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, giving beneficiaries the opportunity to review their current coverage and make changes for the coming year. In September, Medicare beneficiaries receive notices from their insurance providers about updates for 2027. These notices include important information about Medigap Supplements, Prescription Drug Plans, or Medicare Advantage Plans. Reviewing these updates carefully is essential to ensure that your coverage continues to meet your needs and remains affordable.
