The Winthrop Ice Rink is one of three projects funded by the Washington State Legislature. File photo by Sue Misao BY LAURELLE WALSH Three local projects, to the tune of $2.25 million, may now go forward thanks to the Washington State Legislature, which included funding for the 2013 Capital Construction Budget in its down-to-the-wire […]
NEWS
Dogs get shock from rattlesnake exposure
Bailey, a German shorthair pointer, gets a first whiff of Washington’s only poisonous pit viper, a Northern Pacific rattlesnake. A shock administered moments later conditioned Bailey to give these reptiles a wide berth when encountered in the field. Photo by Mike Maltais BY MIKE MALTAIS Some 76 owners of pet and sporting dogs braved […]
Co-op to begin installing new lighting to protect ‘dark sky’
File photo by Sue Misao BY ANN McCREARY To protect natural nighttime darkness in the Methow Valley and save energy costs, the Okanogan County Electric Cooperative will replace about 100 street and yard lights with new fixtures that direct light down toward the ground. The street and yard lights, owned by the co-op, will […]
State audit cites hospital’s financial challenges
File photo by Sue Misao BY ANN McCREARY A recent state audit has found that Three Rivers Hospital in Brewster has “insufficient funds to cover operating expenses,” a conclusion that comes as no surprise to hospital officials. “We don’t disagree with the … finding. That’s not rocket science,” said Bud Hufnagel, the hospital’s chief […]
State ATV bill wins last-minute approval; awaits gov’s signature
File photo by Sue Misao BY MARCY STAMPER A bill designed to expand opportunities for people to ride off-road vehicles by clarifying rules about opening roads to their use and requiring registration tags and safety features such as headlights and mirrors passed the state House and Senate by wide margins on Saturday (June 29). […]
Sharp eyes in the woods
Up to his antlers in tumble mustard, this young mule deer buck in late June velvet will be a sore temptation to law-bending nimrods if he is still strolling private property along the valley floor when hunting seasons open this fall. Photo by Mike Maltais Citizens trained to be on lookout for lawbreakers BY […]
First day of school for Tom Venable
Methow Valley schools Superintendent Tom Venable, left, confers with Methow Valley Elementary School principal Brian Patrick and Liberty Bell Junior/Senior High School principal Deborah DeKalb during Venable’s first day on the job. Photo by Marcy Stamper New superintendent gets his bearings BY MARCY STAMPER School Superintendent Tom Venable had no signs of first-day jitters, despite […]
A rainbow of pride
More than 100 Methow Valley Pridefest participants paraded through Winthrop Sunday afternoon in a march that began at the River’s Edge Resort and ended in the Winthrop park, after all of nine minutes. There were speeches, cookies, a clown and music by Laura Love. “It exceeded all my expectations,” said April Wertz, who organized the […]
Will federal delisting impact state’s wolves?
WDFW says no, but conservationists concerned An image from a video taken in May of a female wolf in the Lookout Pack territory shows teats that appear to be filled with milk, indicating she has given birth. Photo courtesy of WDFW BY ANN McCREARY Removing gray wolves from federal endangered species protection – as proposed […]
Accolades for retiring teacher Jane Orme
Retiring teacher Jane Orme, front row center, got a standing ovation from her colleagues, former students and the community at this year’s high school graduation ceremonies. Photo by Marcy Stamper BY MARCY STAMPER A standing ovation from the crowd in the Liberty Bell High School gym at graduation was probably the most fitting send-off […]
