Big snowfall reversed earlier dry conditions After a bleak outlook for the mountain snowpack six weeks ago, the water supply specialist with the state’s Snow Survey Office celebrated what he called “awesome April,” when most of the winter’s missing snow accumulated in just a month. Snowpack increased across the state, “nudging out April 2011 for […]
NEWS
LBHS sophomores represent state in history contest
Documentaries explore Northern Ireland, evolution Two Liberty Bell High School sophomores are representing Washington in the individual documentary category of the National History Day contest with thought-provoking, in-depth documentaries. Leki Albright and Ayla Belsby took first and second place in the state competition. They’ll compete against 98 students in that category from across the country […]
Reading the signs of spring
Tracking seasonal birds and blooms reveals larger natural patterns Balsamroot bloomed early this year on some sunny, south-facing slopes amid warmer- and drier-than-normal weather in February and March. But an early-April snowstorm withered the tender blooms. The cool weather persisted, so it wasn’t until May that hillsides were studded with sunflowers, the emblematic symbol of […]
Twisp will use federal loan funds for civic building’s finishing touches
New facility will open later than anticipated The Town of Twisp will take advantage of a low-interest loan from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program to restore some features to the nearly completed civic building and regional communications center on Glover Street. The Town Council approved the loan agreement at its […]
Highly contagious bird flu confirmed in Okanogan County
Transmitted to backyard flocks by migrating wild birds Avian flu has been confirmed in a backyard flock of birds in Okanogan County, bringing the total number of infected flocks in the state to eight. The infections in Okanogan County were confirmed on May 12, along with another infected flock in Whatcom County. The flock owners […]
County starts work on fire protection plan
Okanogan County has started work on an update of its Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which was last revised in 2013. The county held the first of many meetings earlier this week. Organizers hope to hold future meetings in communities around the county. The wildfire protection plan isn’t required, but it’s an important tool for developing […]
Candidate filing continues this week
Candidate filing week continues through Friday (May 20) for people who want to run for any of the offices up for election in Washington this year — including many in or including Okanogan County. Candidates for federal, statewide and multicounty legislative or judicial offices must file with the Office of the Secretary of State. Other […]
Learn about Enloe Dam, tribal perspectives
People curious about Enloe Dam, the long-dormant hydropower project on the Similkameen River, can learn more about its history and options for the future at “Enloe Dam: Behind, Beneath, Below.” The Colville Confederated Tribes and Lower and Upper Similkameen Indian Bands from British Columbia are sponsoring a presentation on the dam on Wednesday (May 25). […]
Community Briefs: Repair Café this weekend, Eagles’ plant sale
Run or walk for The Cove Liberty Bell High School sophomore Aksel Thomson has organized a community fun run and walk this weekend to help The Cove food bank. The event, which includes a 5-kilometer race and the option to run or walk at leisure, is open to everyone. Instead of a registration fee, participants […]
New owners ‘thrilled’ with Sun Mountain Lodge’s unique cachet
Current employees retained at iconic Methow Valley inn When they announced their purchase of Sun Mountain Lodge this week, Seattle-based GEM Real Estate Partners celebrated the uniqueness of the lodge and the experience people have there. GEM founding partners Erich Guenther and Collin Madden said they’re excited to own the property. With 360-degree views from […]
