Senior Center sees similar problems The Methow Valley Community Center has been plagued by a rash of break-ins, petty theft and vandalism in the past month. Community Center Executive Director Kirsten Ostlie encountered someone in the kitchen who had stuffed several items into a backpack, including utensils, food and popcorn. After she caught him, the […]
Variety of grants boost several MV School District programs
Students will have additional opportunities to learn science and music and develop problem-solving and social skills, thanks to several grants obtained by the Methow Valley School District. Fifth graders will learn how animals derive nutrition and energy from food through a hands-on project where they dissect owl pellets and reassemble the bones to reveal a […]
One year into the Methow climate plan
Some action items already underway Switching to energy-saving appliances for heating and cooling. Building a water bank to preserve water for local agriculture. Adding charging stations for electric vehicles. Planting more trees in Twisp. These are just a few of the programs already underway to lessen the impacts of climate change on the local level. […]
Heat pumps to be required for all new construction in state
All new commercial and residential construction will be required to have energy-efficient electric heat pumps for water and space heating starting July 1, 2023. Once the new codes are in effect, implementation occurs on the local level, with cities and counties enforcing them, according to Linda Kent, public affairs director for the state Department of […]
OK County property owners see big spikes
in valuation notices
Appraisals increase by 30% to 50% or more in some areas When property owners across the county received notices of their property value last month, some experienced a unique version of sticker shock — the price of something they already own. Amid a tight real estate market and active bidding wars, appraisals by the Okanogan […]
WDFW acquires shrub-steppe lands in Rendezvous area
220 acres provide habitat for mule deer, other wildlife Mule deer and other wildlife will benefit from an additional 220 acres of protected shrub-steppe in the Rendezvous area recently purchased by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The 200-acre property called Rendezvous West is accessed via Gunn Ranch Road, where it connects with […]
OK County honored with state award for financial reporting
Staff cited for ‘impressive’ stewardship The financial team in Okanogan County government — the auditor, treasurer, deputy treasurer and their staffs — have been honored with the State Auditor’s Stewardship Award for accurate financial reporting, for being good stewards of public funds, and for their overall commitment to excellence. “We’ve only been giving these out […]
Statewide COVID emergency declaration ends after 32 months
After 32 months, the COVID emergency in Washington state has ended. As of Oct. 31, the only orders still in effect are the requirement for face masks in health care settings and long-term care facilities. Masks are also required in correctional institutions in counties with medium or high community transmission of COVID, as determined by […]
Buckhorn mine violated Clean Water Act thousands of times
Court agreement sets stage for penalty, remediation Crown Resources has admitted liability for thousands of violations of the Clean Water Act in its operation of the Buckhorn Mountain gold mine near Chesaw. The admission is part of a stipulation entered in federal court in a lawsuit filed by the Okanogan Highlands Alliance (OHA) and Washington […]
Burn ban lifted throughout county
People can now burn natural vegetation and brush piles in Okanogan County, but they are reminded to burn responsibly. “Do not be the one trying to explain how your controlled burn turned into an uncontrolled burn, and be a good neighbor and don’t let it smolder,” Okanogan County Emergency Management admonished in its announcement of […]
