‘Not over peak yet,’ health officials say The toll of the coronavirus in Okanogan County intensified this past week, with the number of confirmed cases nearly doubling, and the county reporting the first death attributed to the virus — a 44-year-old woman with no known underlying health conditions. On Monday (April 27), Okanogan County Public Health reported […]
French Creek Road gate is unlocked per court ruling
Compromise led to opening disputed road The gate that’s blocked French Creek Road on and off for half a century is unlocked, following a ruling in Okanogan County Superior Court in December that found the road has been an Okanogan County road since it was formally established and surveyed in 1889, before Washington became a […]
County commissioners balance reopening vs. public health
Will propose local control, with guidelines Business owners anxious to reopen. Residents anxious about getting sick. A steep rise in new COVID infections in the county. And not enough tests to know what’s really going on. The three Okanogan County commissioners spent hours weighing those concerns in virtual meetings this past week with representatives of […]
Outside is off-limits
All state lands closed to the public, USFS trails open Closed public lands Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) wildlife areas, water-access areas and boat launches: Closed through at least April 7. Pearrygin Lake State Park (and all state parks): Closed through at least April Washington State campgrounds: Closed through April 30. Washington Department of […]
School’s out: kids, parents learn to cope with prolonged closure
At-home strategies focus on creativity, variety, planning Phoenix Doran has been assembling hundreds of pounds of rocks and logs in his backyard so he can keep up with his powerlifting while the weight room at Liberty Bell High School is off-limits. Doran, a junior at the Independent Learning Center (ILC), typically works out four or […]
Staying in touch – from a distance
Schools reach out with food, laptops, child care, videos Eight hundred meals a day. Four hundred and thirty bags of food for weekends. Daily videos and prompts to inspire art and writing. Laptops on loan for all students who need them. Science, math and language arts worksheets. When schools closed two weeks ago, the staff […]
Okanogan County Public Health reports first confirmed case of COVID-19
Okanogan County reported its first positive COVID-19 case on Wednesday (March 25). The individual is following medical guidance and doesn’t present any health threat to the public at this time, according to Okanogan County Public Health. With the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order and limited testing supplies, it would not provide any additional protection […]
Francisco Morales released, returns to valley
Had been detained by immigration officials Francisco “Frank” Morales is home in the valley with his wife and two children, released from the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center on the first day of spring (March 19) after 43 days in detention. “Yes, he is home! We are all beyond thrilled,” Morales’ wife, Brenda Lopez, said by […]
Methow Valley School Board considers gender identity policy
Would bring district into compliance with state law All students in Methow Valley School District will be able to use the name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity and expression, along with school facilities like restrooms, if the school board adopts a policy and procedure about gender-inclusive schools. Adopting the policy, which ensures equal […]
Educators honored for excellence
Two educators at the Methow Valley School District have been recognized by their peers for excellence and dedication to their students. Second-grade teacher Hana Baker and paraprofessional Lotty Ekblad were nominated and elected by their colleagues for the Okanogan County Excellence awards, where all 11 school districts in the county honor school employees. The nominations […]
