Fire danger remains extreme in county, region The Methow Valley’s first noteworthy wildfire of the season, the Burma Road Fire, was contained at 159 acres after the blaze broke out on Saturday (Aug. 1) about 5 miles north of Pateros. Crews from several agencies including the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Okanogan County […]
Businesses miss foreign workers this summer
Students blocked by suspension of visa program Foreign exchange students have been blocked from coming to the United States, leaving a variety of Methow Valley businesses that rely on those seasonal workers short-staffed for the summer. “I don’t know anybody that couldn’t use more help right now. Everybody I’m talking to in the valley is […]
MV Mountain Bike team pedaling hard for trail project
The Methow Valley Mountain Bike Team is in the final push to raise funds for the construction of a multi-purpose trail on the Liberty Bell High School campus. “It’s pretty unique,” said coach Hanz Scholz, noting that the project may be the first on-campus mountain bike trail in the country. “I don’t think most schools […]
Churches take it outside as restrictions ease
In-person services require face masks Methow Valley churches have continued to provide online services through the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on indoor gatherings. Now, with the loosening of some restrictions, many churches have begun to offer outdoor services as well. Last Sunday marked the fourth outdoor service at the Community Covenant Church in Twisp, where […]
Hiker etiquette: responsible recreating
Coronavirus containment measures haven’t kept hikers off of Methow Valley trails this season, although behaviors have changed. “Some of our trailheads have been incredibly busy, maybe busier than I have ever seen them,” said Erika Kercher Halm, outreach and access manager at Methow Trails. “Although the trailheads have seemed more crowded, people have been able […]
Season is picking up for Farmers Market
Craft vendors now allowed in Phase II The Methow Valley Farmers Market looks a little different these days thanks to coronavirus containment measures. But turnout has not been much different than in years past, as the allure of shopping for local produce and crafts has not diminished. The Saturday gathering at the Methow Valley Community […]
Relaxed guidelines open more outdoor recreation possibilities
Opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Methow Valley and beyond are increasing under relaxed coronavirus guidelines. Under Phase II of the state’s “Safe Start” guidelines, allowable outdoor recreation has been broadened, from the existing trailhead access and day use to include camping on state and federal lands, along with a restart of guided outdoor activities. […]
Trail work begins around valley, with precautions
As spring advances and summer looms, the valley’s trail users – hikers, runners, bikers, horse riders, and climbers – are looking for opportunities, and trail work has begun in earnest. On May 5, Gov. Jay Inslee re-opened outdoor recreation on state lands, giving the green light to Methow Valley residents to get out on the […]
First phase of broadband access study completed; provides ‘map’ of local infrastructure
Sets stage for improved internet service in valley A recently completed consultant’s report details broadband access issues in the Methow, and will serve as a baseline for efforts to create improved internet service throughout the valley. Access to reliable internet service is an ongoing issue for many valley residents, which prompted TwispWorks to facilitate the […]
Methow Valley’s outdoor stores stay open, but business uneven
Owners hopeful summer brings more customers Methow Valley outdoor stores have stayed open, in a variety of capacities, throughout the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order. However, business has been varied. And looking forward to the summer tourism season, business owners feel uncertain. Methow Cycle & Sport’s doors have been open as bicycle repair and […]
