The planning phase for replacing Winthrop’s aged wastewater treatment facility, which is in violation of its state permits and frequently generates unpleasant odors, is underway. But actual construction is still several years, and at least $30 million, in the distance. The Winthrop Town Council held a required public hearing on the replacement facility’s design at […]
Winthrop to consider requiring more fire-resistant building materials
The Winthrop Town Council will consider possible code changes that would require the use of more fire-resistant building materials in the downtown area where Westernization guidelines apply. Council member Marisa Monterde suggested the possible changes at last week’s council meeting. Building code changes would not affect the esthetics of Westernization, the council was told, but […]
No Bad Days – Our killer tomatoes
We’ve grown a variety of herbs every summer in the planter box at the Mazama hangout, which we (meaning Jacqui) use for cooking, snipped fresh and deployed immediately. They are typically cohabitating with a mixture of flowering plants. We get a lot of enjoyment out of our limited gardening plot, although it’s nothing compared to […]
Marshal: ‘Pool Hall Hill’ construction eased traffic
After several weeks of closure for construction, the “Pool Hall Hill” portion of Bridge Street in Winthrop is open to traffic again — but Town Marshal Ty Sheehan is suggesting that there are times when the one-block stretch might be better off closed, or limited to one-way traffic. Some work remains to be done on […]
No Bad Days – I’m not ‘late’ yet
I was saddened when I learned that Don Nelson had died last week. That would be the guy I referred to, immodestly, as “the other Don Nelson” — who was a lot more famous than I’ll ever be. Don Nelson (older by 10 years, taller by about 10 inches) was a college and professional basketball […]
Winthrop Town Council OKs consulting contract, with caveats
The Winthrop Town Council has reluctantly agreed to a revised contract with SCJ Alliance for engineering services related to current construction of the Chewuch River bridge pedestrian underpass. But that may not be the end of the discussion. At the July 15 Town Council meeting, council members and staff expressed surprise at unexpected cost increases […]
Aug. 4 primary election ballots will be mailed this week
Ballots for the Aug. 4 primary election will be mailed to voters by the Okanogan County Auditor’s office by this Friday (July 17) and should arrive within a few days. If you have not received a ballot by Friday, July 24, contact the Auditor’s Office to request a replacement ballot. Although most of the candidates […]
No Bad Days – Still independent
It’s a big year for anniversaries in the Methow Valley, and 15 years isn’t in the same impressive league as the 30-, 40- and 50-year celebrations we are noting in 2026. But the Fourth of July was a special day for me, marking 15 years of owning the Methow Valley News. As far as I […]
Winthrop Town Council backs Aero Methow request for excess levy
Winthrop has joined the Town of Twisp in endorsing a proposal by Aero Methow Rescue Service to put an emergency medical services levy increase request on the November ballot. At its meeting last week, the council heard from Aero Methow Executive Director Derek Van Marter, who made a similar presentation to the Twisp Town Council […]
4th of July weekend events offer full spectrum of fun
There’s a parade, an arts fest — and more The Methow Valley celebrates the country’s 250th birthday this weekend with some traditional events, plus a variety of other activities that will engage a range of ages and interests. You can show the flag in a variety of ways, including at the weekly demonstration along Highway […]
