District 6 one of top fundraisers Eight Okanogan County Fire District 6 firefighters have already raised more than $24,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s annual Firefighter Stairclimb at Seattle’s Columbia Center, and there’s still time left to donate. This year’s event takes place on March 13. Participating local firefighters include Zack Gurney, Jeremiah Fosness, […]
R&B Festival back after two-year COVID hiatus
Early ticket sales heavy for popular summer event For the past two years, fans of the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival have had to make do with virtual concerts due to COVID-19 restrictions, but this year, festival organizers have announced the in-person event is back on. The 2022 festival is scheduled for July 15-17 at […]
Jail bookings down, domestic disputes up: Sheriff’s Office stats show COVID impacts
Statistics kept by the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office — such as information on arrests, 911 call volume, and charges filed — help the office plan for the future and allocate resources. “We do get some trends — you can kind of see how things are going,” said Sheriff Tony Hawley. “It creates some conversations with […]
Despite big January snowfall, agency says Eastern Washington likely to stay in drought status this year
The National Resource Conservation Service is reporting Eastern Washington will remain in drought status this year after snowfall numbers plummeted following the record-breaking early January storm. “January started off with e bang with snow accumulation of +/- 200% of normal, building the statewide pack to 133% of the long-term median,” Water Supply Specialist Scott Pattee […]
Reactions to coach’s suspension include campus protest
Coach’s wife asked to leave game In the weeks since the Methow Valley School District suspended the varsity boys’ basketball coach, community reaction has included incidents that district staff say are a distraction from education and from the success of student athletes. The incidents included a protest on the district campus by as many as […]
Brew a cup of the Methow Valley
Local tea blender grows, forages for ingredients When you drink a cup of Methow Valley Tea, you may be taking a sip of some of the area’s iconic native plants. Along with herbs he grows himself or sources from local and Northwest growers, Skip Mackintosh heads out into the hills in the Methow Valley’s springs […]
Jamie’s Place hopeful for residents to return soon
Extensive flood damage repairs underway Since a broken sprinkler pipe caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage at Jamie’s Place in Winthrop last month, staff have been scrambling to continue providing care to seniors now spread throughout the Methow. “All in all, we’re lucky. Nobody was injured, our residents are safe,” said Rana Clarke, […]
Webster Furniture changes hands after 73 years
In March 1949, Frank and Mary Webster opened Webster Furniture. Today, their son Dan is still there, though he’s helping new owners Rachel Dreyer and Glenn Grovenburg take over the Brewster institution. Over the years, the business grew to triple its footprint on Main Avenue, changed its offerings with home decor fashions and the needs […]
Sarah Brown named TwispWorks ED
A little more than three months after taking on the role of interim executive director at TwispWorks, Sarah Brown has been named the nonprofit’s permanent executive director, the organization announced earlier this month. At first, Brown wasn’t planning on staying in the role in the long term, but wanted to help TwispWorks transition after the […]
Twisp sourdough baker expands to grow, mill own grain
Pursues ‘regenerative farming’ model Methow Valley Farmers Market staple Twisp River Sourdough is becoming Twisp River Grain & Mill as owners Neil and Kasey Gibb continue to pursue the development of their Twisp River land and regenerative-farming goals. Though they said the project is still in its infancy, 3 acres of their land is planted […]
