By Marcy Stamper
After months of studies and meetings with ratepayers who assailed rising costs, the PUD has raised electric rates by 9.5 percent for next year, effective Sept. 1.
NEWS
PUD drops appliance rebates
The Okanogan County Public Utility District (PUD) is discontinuing its appliance rebate program at the end of August. The purpose of the rebate program has been to encourage customers to buy Energy Star appliances and to provide an incentive to retailers to sell them, according to Don Coppock, the PUD’s director of finance and auditor. […]
State board: PUD must protect fish, visual impact at Enloe Dam
By Marcy Stamper A state board has agreed with a coalition of environmental groups that the PUD’s plans to significantly reduce water flows over Enloe Dam and a nearby waterfall may not be adequate to protect both aesthetics and fish. The Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) has ordered the district to monitor the effects of […]
Campfires prohibited in state parks
Washington State Parks is now prohibiting campfires in all state parks until further notice to help prevent human-caused wildfires during the hot, dry season on both sides of the Cascade Mountains, the agency announced last week. Campers will be allowed to use propane and liquid gas stoves appropriate for camping and backcountry use; propane barbecue […]
State sets training schedule for health care reform classes
The Washington State Health Care Authority will send trainers on the road this month to offer free classes in how to assist applicants for an expansion in Medicaid/Apple Health that will add up to 325,000 new clients next year under the Affordable Care Act. The one-day training sessions will include a working lunch for all […]
More delays on Highway 20 this week
Drivers may encounter delays of up to 10 minutes from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Highway 20, about five miles west of Loup Loup Pass, through Thursday (Aug. 8) as crews install new fiber optic cables on existing poles. Also, crews will be doing shoulder repairs through Thursday, from 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day, on Highway […]
Changes afoot at Methow Valley Community School
By Marcy Stamper The Methow Valley Community School is adding staff and shifting responsibilities for the next school year. After 15 years with the Community School – and five as head of school – Deb Jones-Schuler will return to the classroom to teach health and to support a new music program. She will share administrative […]
Isabella Curtis’ cancer in remission
By Marcy Stamper The Curtis family is resettled in Twisp and is celebrating the health of their daughter Isabella, who has completed all treatments for leukemia, which has been declared in remission. The family just returned from a special camp in Gig Harbor for families of children with cancer. “It was healing and amazing – […]
New cross to wear
Barry Stromberger, left, and Wayne Mendro affixed a new cross on the bell tower of the Methow Valley United Methodist Church early Thursday morning, although not until they had expelled wasps from the tower. Stromberger made the sand-blasted aluminum cross – a 9-foot replica of the church’s logo – for the congregation. Photo by Marcy […]
Student news
Wenatchee Valley College recently announced its 2012-13 graduates who earned degrees or certificates. Methow Valley residents included: Krysten Port, Twisp, associate of arts and sciences degree. Bryce Kipp, Twisp, associate in nursing degree and practical nursing certificate. Heidi Desimone, Winthrop, associate in nursing degree and practical nursing certificate. Paula Evans-Duncan, Twisp, associate of technical science […]
