Climate event could mean less snowfall Historically speaking, snow levels in the Methow Valley couldn’t get much worse than they were last winter. But the dire warnings of a coming “super” El Niño have some state climate experts wondering whether this winter will be a bummer, too, for snow enthusiasts and the local recreation economy. […]
Methow Arts takes big ‘Steppe’ in a new direction as it expands regional mission
Nonprofit rebranding, adding another site Methow Arts Alliance is getting a new look, a new location and even a new name. The prominent slate-blue facade of the Methow Arts building on the corner of Glover Street and Second Avenue in Twisp is gone, replaced by a vibrant mural of shrub-steppe blooms painted by Carlton artist […]
Historic downtown Twisp bar has a new owner
Mick & Miki’s sale marks ‘end of an era’ The downtown Twisp building that was home to Mick & Miki’s Red Cedar Bar for almost 40 years sold on Aug. 28 to a local LLC, according to Okanogan County assessor’s records. Former owner Miki Eiffert announced the sale Wednesday (Sept. 2) on Facebook and in […]
Propane explosion injures 2 on Twisp River Road
Larger wildfires in region stay calm A propane tank on a travel trailer exploded Thursday (Sept. 3) at a residence on Twisp River Road, injuring two people and burning the trailer and an outbuilding, Okanogan County Fire District 6 Chief Cody Acord said. The fire spread to nearby brush but was quickly contained. “There were […]
Raising lambs for the fair is wild, woolly fun
14 in Cascaders 4-H to enter sheep this year If you want to learn patience, responsibility and tenacity, try raising sheep for the Okanogan County Fair. By the looks of it, the not-so-little lambs that were gathered in late July at a small ranch off Twisp-Carlton Road didn’t enjoy being led around a lawn by […]
Rains cool off area wildfires
Saturday brought lightning but no confirmed starts A storm on Saturday morning (Aug. 29) brought plenty of lightning but no confirmed fire activity to the Methow Valley, according to the local fire district. Meanwhile, the largest wildfires in North Central Washington have slowed after a cool, wet week. Copious rain on Saturday appeared to put […]
Town of Twisp, police union to enter new contract negotiations
Chief: Higher pay may be necessary Twisp’s new police officers — whenever they are eventually hired — could get pay raises next year, as the town must negotiate a new contract with the police union that would go into effect in January 2027. The Twisp Town Council on Aug. 25 selected two of its members […]
TranGO gets federal go-ahead for Omak operations center
Transit hub project could break ground next spring TranGO crossed a major hurdle in its plans to build a transit facility in north Omak, after a federal agency completed its environmental review of the project. The Okanogan County Transportation Authority (OCTA), which operates the countywide bus system, announced on Aug. 18 that a Federal Transit […]
Liberty Bell to offer Nordic trail-building class
Methow Trails wins grants for training A new class offered this upcoming year at Liberty Bell High School has the Methow Valley written all over it. Starting this fall, Chris “Flash” Clark, a former coach of the Methow Valley Nordic Team, will teach a cross country and mountain bike trail-building course at Liberty Bell, in […]
Twisp Town Council weighs development moratorium requests
Town may hold public forum on growth next year Twisp leaders have heard it loud and clear from a handful of vocal residents: They don’t want unchecked growth in town, and the town’s development rules need to be rewritten in a way that makes sure that doesn’t happen. Some community members are even calling for […]
