By Gina McCoy Bad news first: The Methow Valley is at ground-zero for wildfire risk. As recently reported in the Methow Valley News, Methow, Winthrop and Twisp are ranked first, sixth and seventh most at-risk communities in the entire state. The good news: We have the astonishing good fortune of having the means to reduce […]
My Turn
Mountain pine beetle threatens eastern Washington forests
By Sarah Crumrine Characterized by their long lives and steady growth, trees are a stable force within our forests. However, their resistance grounds them in harm’s way as disturbances like drought, fire and insects strike. Climate change and the accompanying anomalous temperatures and periods of precipitation expected to hit the Pacific Northwest will increase these […]
The time for climate change action is now
By Cece Odell We are currently in a climate crisis. Our modern economic and industrial systems are detrimental to the health of our earth and the future of humankind. We are in need of massive changes in environmental policy and the reevaluation of our current industrial economy. As a member of “Gen Z,” I am […]
A few things for active citizens to consider
By Isabelle Spohn Dr. Don Johnson’s March 7 letter seems to have turned few heads yet. He asked what a citizen should do if neither the controlling governmental agencies nor non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are addressing important environmental concerns, listing local and regional organizations claiming to represent interests of the Methow Valley. It’s a good question […]
Critical time for Twisp Civic Building funding at Legislature
By Soo Ing-Moody Mayor, Town of Twisp Last week I traveled to Olympia to connect with our 12th District legislators and other state officials working on issues important to the Town of Twisp and our Methow Valley community. We’re fortunate to have dedicated elected officials serving us in Olympia at this dynamic time for our […]
Setting the record straight about Planned Parenthood
By Susan Gallagher and Wilson Hicks We were very distressed to read Chrystal Perrow’s letter in the Methow Valley News, titled “Planned Deception” because it is her letter, not Planned Parenthood, that deceives. In fact, her letter repeats accusations and inflammatory statements about Planned Parenthood that in our opinion go beyond simple deception into evil […]
Learning disabilities do not define us
By Neela Mitchell I am a friend, a daughter, a sister, a cousin, a girlfriend, a niece and a granddaughter. I am Indian, I wear glasses and I’m 5 feet tall. I like to paint, draw and listen to music. I am a lover of cats, a poet, an artist and a writer. I believe women’s […]
Headwaters mineral withdrawal would prevent adverse effects
By Robert W. Thorpe This is a formal response about the mineral withdrawal for Methow Headwaters from the Washington Fly Fishing Club in coordination with other related organizations. All contacted fishing/conservation groups including conservation chairs for local clubs support this withdrawal. A number of various organizations’ members are year-around or part-time residents in Methow Valley — including myself […]
Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Manger Mall are community efforts
By Jennifer Elden, Diane Johnston and Kathryn Eisenhauer As we settle in to the New Year, we have had time to sit back and reflect on the incredible generosity of this community. This year, Neighbors Helping Neighbors delivered holiday food baskets to 130 families feeding at least 500 people in our valley. The Manger Mall provided […]
Make your voice heard in comp plan process
By Isabelle Spohn Do your family roots in the Methow extend back for decades or more? Are you a former or seasoned wildland firefighter here in the valley — or a resident questioning the stability of that steep drainage behind your home? A gardener or farmer who cannot grow food without water? Perhaps a lower […]
