MV Biathlon on podium
Recycle and roll
Team finds success in BC event
Winthrop woodworker crafts guitars out of cigar boxes
STORY Page B1
Methow Valley News
STORY Page A6
PUBLISHED WEEKLY SINCE 1903
TWISP, WASHINGTON
VOL. 118 NO. 32
Coho have banner year
December 8, 2021
In the complex world of salmon recovery, coho are something of a success story right now. This fall, a record 25,000 coho salmon passed over Wells Dam, the highest number since records have been kept, said Rick Alford, supervisory biologist for the Yakama Nation Mid-Columbia Coho Reintroduction Program. The previous record was set in 2019, when
only about 12,000 came back over Wells. Coho spawn from mid-October to early December. This year, the easiest place to see coho spawning is in the shallower pools in the Methow River below the Spring Creek Bridge in Winthrop. Coho were once the most abundant anadromous species in the Methow basin. (Anadromous fish spend part of their life in freshwater and part in the ocean.) Locally adapted, or
County’s economic outlook improves
Record-breaking warm spell gives way to snow
BY MARCY STAMPER
native, stocks were extirpated in the early 20th century due to overfishing, habitat loss, past hatchery practices, and the construction of dams. They were completely gone from the Midand Upper Columbia and from tributaries in the Methow Valley, Alford said. There were no native coho in 1996 when the Yakama project started, with a goal of reestablishing the lost, naturally
WWW.METHOWVALLEYNEWS.COM
See SALMON, A3
Photo by Natalie Johnson
Coho salmon swam upstream last week below the Spring Creek footbridge in Winthrop.
Unemployment rate at record low BY ANN MCCREARY
Okanogan County’s economic picture shows continued improvement in the wake of COVID-19 setbacks, with unemployment rates dropping through October this year, according to recently released state employment figures. Okanogan County’s unemployment rate for the month of October was 4.3%, the lowest rate for that month in more than 30 years and a sign that the county is continuing to rebound from the economic damage caused by the pandemic. “This is an extremely low unemployment rate for the month of October,” said Don Meseck, a regional labor economist for the Washington Employment Security Department. “In fact, this 4.3% unemployment rate is the lowest rate for October in Okanogan County since data began to be recorded electronically in 1990 – good economic news,” Meseck said. The October unemployment rate of 4.3% compares to 5.9% in October 2020 – when the county was struggling with layoffs and business closures – and 4.6% in October 2019, prior to the pandemic. State data on county jobs numbers also show an encouraging trend, Meseck said in his analysis of Okanogan County’s economy. “Between October 2020 and October 2021, total
See OUTLOOK, A2
Photo by Marcy Stamper
The Methow Valley saw a more seasonably expected snowfall just a couple of days after a record-breaking 71 degrees.
Winthrop hit 71 degrees, thanks to ‘Chinook winds’ BY MARCY STAMPER
It was a beautiful, balmy – and somewhat unsettling – day, with the temperature hitting a record-breaking 71 degrees in Winthrop on the first day of December. Then – within a couple of days – the Methow was blanketed with a few inches of snow and barely got above freezing. That spring-like temperature is more than twice the normal high of 33 degrees recorded on Dec. 1 over the past 30 years, said Service Hydrologist Robin Fox with the National
Weather Service (NWS) in Spokane. The low this Dec. 1 was 37 degrees. The normal low is a frosty 19. Omak also set a record, at 74 degrees, but other areas, while warm, didn’t rival Winthrop. It was 68 in Moses Lake and 69 in Ephrata, Fox said. “When you get 70 degrees in the Methow Valley, that isn’t too good for cross-country skiing,” noted another NWS meteorologist. While December’s start shattered records, November was also warmer than usual, with temperatures in Winthrop 1 to 3 degrees above average for the month, Fox said. By early morning on Dec. 2, things had normalized somewhat. People across the val-
ley woke up to snow on Saturday (Dec. 3) and again on Monday. The temperature dropped into the low 20s and didn’t get above 29 degrees on Sunday. A few factors contributed to the anomalous warm spell. The jet stream was exceptionally far north, well north of the Canadian border, and was accompanied by vigorous winds from the south, NWS Weather Forecaster Greg Koch said. While it’s not unheard of for the jet stream to veer north in the winter, last week was really unusual, he said. The effects of the jet stream were magnified by strong, Chinook winds blow-
See RECORD, A3
State grant will fund Horizon Flats Road improvements Project a high priority for Winthrop BY DON NELSON
Thanks to an unexpected grant from the state, Winthrop’s most-pressing street repair project will finally get underway next year. T he Tow n of Wi nt h rop learned last week that the
state Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) has offered a grant of $810,715 through its Small City Arterial Program to fund widening and repaving of a .7-mile stretch of Horizon Flats Road, from its intersection with Twin Lakes Road to the top of the hill. The town has been seeking state support for the repairs for several years. Design of the project will take place next year with construction likely in 2023, Winthrop Public Works Director ADDRESS LABEL
Jeff Sarvis said in an interview this week. Sarvis said the late notice of the grant would not leave enough time to adequately design the project so that it could be bid in early 2022. The degraded Horizon Flats Road pavement has been a concern for several years, particularly as plans proceeded for the new Okanogan County Fire District 6 fire station currently under construction on Horizon Flats Road. Methow Trails also recently moved its headquar-
ters to a site on the road, so an increase of vehicular and other traffic was anticipated. Total cost of the Horizon Flats project is estimated at $853,385, with the town expected to come up with a 5% match, or about $42,670. Fire District 6 has committed to providing $10,000 toward that match, Sarvis said. The town also learned that a separate TIB grant of $377,416, through the Small City Sidewalk Program, has been allocated for the extension of sidewalks
along Castle Avenue and Corral Street, the continuation of a sidewalk improvement effort that the town launched several years ago. With the town’s match, total cost of that project will be about $397,280. Sarvis said the sidewalk project also will be designed next year with construction expected in 2023.
Unexpected news
Since the town has been apply-
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Valley out of 12th District in new map State supreme court OKs late submission to lawmakers
BY NATALIE JOHNSON
After a midnight vote and a review from the state Supreme Court, Washington State has new Legislative and Congressional district maps — which have frustrated both sides of the political aisle in North Central Washington. Though the Methow Valley has been in the 12th Legislative District since 1972, with Chelan and Douglas counties, the new maps place it with the rest of Okanogan County in the 7th district along with Stevens, Pend Oreille and portions of Ferry, Douglas and Grant counties. “The proposed 7th district is huge. … It’s really hard to imagine how one representative could represent that huge of an area effectively,” said Katie Haven, chair of the Okanogan County Democrats. “I think people from every side of the spectrum are really frustrated with what happened.” Aside from concerns about the new 7th District’s geographic size, area leadership said Okanogan County’s culture and economy fits more closely with central Washington communities in Chelan and Douglas counties, rather than the northeastern counties it’s now clustered with. Rep. Keith Goehner, a 12th District Republican, said Okanogan, Chelan and Douglas counties generally agree on policy, which makes it easier to represent all of their interests. “Personally I’m really disappointed for Eastern Washington,” Goehner said. Brad Hawk ins, R-East Wenatchee, a current 12th district representative in the state senate, said he felt North Central Washington stakeholders were ignored. “Many organizations from North Central Washington provided extensive comments to the Redistricting Commission about keeping our region together, based on the shared natural resource, economic, and other interests of the area. I’m very disappointed that the 12th District boundaries have changed so drastically,” he said. “Our local stakeholders did everything the commissioners asked of us in providing comments and then they seemingly disregarded those comments in forming the new maps.” Two of the four proposed
See HORIZON, A3
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Wednesday, December 8, 2021
MAD FOR MISTLETOE
Methow Valley News
Health officials: Don’t panic over Omicron BY MARCY STAMPER
Photo by Natalie Johnson
Santa and Mrs. Claus visited Twisp Friday (Dec. 3) for Mistletoe Madness. The event included vendors, entertainment, carriage rides and more Christmas cheer.
911 blotter Sheriff’s Office
• At 7:47 a.m. on Nov. 30, trespassing was reported on Cub Creek Road in Winthrop. • At 11:12 a.m. on Nov. 30, a theft was reported on Bear Creek
NORDIC TEAM AUCTION UNDERWAY
The annual Methow Valley Nordic Team online auction is underway through Dec. 13,
OUTLOOK From Page A1 nonfarm employment climbed by 690 (5.7%) from 12,170 jobs last October to 12,860 in October 2021 – clearly, another step in the right direction for the local economy.” The employment outlook is good even in comparison to the pre-pandemic economy,
Road. Pearrygin Lake State Park emblems and signs each worth approximately $200 were stolen. • At 1:24 p.m. on Nov. 30, on Vintin Road in Carlton, a person reported two people were leaving junk cars on his property. A similar report came in from the same address at 5:39 a.m. on Dec. 1. • At 10:52 a.m. on Dec. 2, a U-Haul trailer was reported stolen on Forest Service Road 4150 near Twisp. featuring more than 100 items including goods, services and experiences from the Methow Valley and around the Northwest. Proceeds support the Meseck said. “On the plusside, total nonfarm employment countywide this October was … 20 jobs (0.2%) greater than the 12,840 jobs tallied in October 2019,” Meseck said. These statistics “are somewhat encouraging since they indicate that the number of nonfarm jobs in Okanogan County has recently returned to the preCOVID job level of October 2019.”
• At 11:37 a.m. on Dec. 4, a vehicle rollover was reported on Twin Lakes Drive.
Twisp Police
• At 2:28 p.m. on Dec. 1, a disorderly person was reported at a business on South Methow Valley Highway. • At 7:22 p.m. on Dec. 1, a vehicle prowl was reported on East Methow Valley Highway. Methow Valley Nordic Team, and help keep this high-quality and growing program affordable. Check it out at https://charityauction.bid/MVNT.
Adding jobs
State employment statistics indicate that “three industries appear to be leading the pack in terms of hiring in Okanogan County,” Meseck said. Retail trade, leisure and hospitality, and state and local government and education each added more than 100 jobs between October 2020 and October 2021, he said. All three industries are essential to the Methow Valley econ-
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Although the COVID Omicron variant was confirmed in three people in western Washington last week, that doesn’t change the recommendations from state health officials. They’re urging people to continue the precautions they’ve been taking to protect themselves and others from COVID – masking, distancing and, most important, being up to date on vaccines, the state Department of Health (DOH) said this week. They’re also recommending that people get tested if they feel sick, before traveling, and before gatherings, particularly if attendees are at high risk for COVID – older people or those with certain health conditions. It’s particularly important for unvaccinated people to get a test before gathering with family or friends, state Secretary of Health Omair Shah said. Omicron has been detected around the world since researchers announced the variant at the end of November, but they still don’t know much about it, DOH said. Early evidence suggests that it may be highly contagious but less apt to cause serious disease. This is a time for concern, but not for panic, Shah said, noting that the Delta variant, which has been circulating widely in Washington for months and has proven to be highly contagious, is already a significant threat. “There’s plenty of reason to be concerned about what’s in front of us – the Delta variant,” he said. Current vaccines are expected omy and are among the largest employers in the valley. Leisure and hospitality (hotels, eating and drinking places and amusement and recreation services) saw the largest growth in jobs in the county, increasing from 1,810 in October 2020 to 1,940 in October 2021. In fact, Meseck noted, leisure and hospitality employment was 50 jobs and 3.6% greater this October than October 2019. “Hence, it is safe to say that leisure and hospitality employment, which is heavily related to tourism, has bounced back to the preCOVID-related levels of 2019.” The retail trade sector in Okanogan County lost jobs in both 2019 and 2020, and was struggling even before COVID19-related layoffs last year, Meseck said. However, between October 2020 and October this year, retail trade employment grew by 7.2%, or 130 jobs. Employment in state and local education contracted for 13 months (April 2020 through April 2021) before expanding from May through October this year. Education added 100 jobs, increasing from 1,520 to 1,620 countywide, between October of last year and this year, Meseck said. “With more students back in the classroom, and relatively fewer online classes, state and local government education has been on the rise – locally and statewide,” he said.
Shrinking labor force
A ll this good econom ic news, however, “must be tem-
to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and deaths from infection with the Omicron variant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Even with a highly mutated virus like Omicron, we are not going back to square one of the pandemic,” Public Health – Seattle & King County Health Officer Jeff Duchin said. “Omicron may pose new challenges…, but compared to the early days of the pandemic, we know much more about COVID-19, and we’re better prepared for it.” Health officials are recommending boosters for everyone 18 and older, six months after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The need for boosters is consistent with how vaccines work, because effectiveness wanes over time, Shah said. In some parts of Washington, people may have had trouble finding a vaccine appointment as demand grew with the approaching holidays and the Omicron variant, but vaccines are widely available in Okanogan County.
Okanogan County stats
Okanogan County Public Health reported 61 new COVID infections for the week ending Dec. 5, continuing a decreasing trend of cases in the county. Four of the cases were in Twisp and two in Winthrop. Last week, Public Health announced five more COVIDrelated deaths. All were men, one in his 50s, two in their 60s, one in his 70s, and one is his 80s. None pered with the fact that Okanogan County’s labor force was considerably smaller in October 2021 than in October 2019,” Meseck said. The county’s Civilian Labor Force in October this year was 20,007 residents, which was 850 less than the 20,857 residents in the pre-COVID labor force in October 2019. (The Civilian Labor Force is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as people over 16, who are not in the military or an institution, who are employed or unemployed.) “There are probably several anecdotal factors, likely COVID-19-related, for the shrinking labor force in Okanogan County, which occurred up through August 2021,” Meseck said. These factors likely include more residents, especially baby boomers, retiring; childcare issues, especially in two-parent households, that may cause one parent to stay home to care for children; residents returning to full-time school or college; and residents becoming “discouraged workers” and dropping out of the labor force.
Agriculture trends
The state employment data shows longer term trends in employment, including a drop in the number of agricultural jobs in Okanogan County by almost 25% between 2010 and 2020. The share of agricultural jobs, as part of the county’s overall employment, decreased by 5.8 percentage points in that 10-year period (from 32.1% to 26.3%).
GET YOUR VACCINE
Free vaccination events are scheduled this week and every week throughout the county. For details and to register, go to okanogancountycovid19.org/covid19-vaccine. Friday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Winthrop Barn, all vaccines available for ages 12 and above. Tuesday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Pateros Fire Station, all vaccines available for ages 12 and above. Register on site. Friday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Okanogan County Fairgrounds, all vaccines available for ages 12 and above. Pfizer available for ages 5 to 11. Pre-register through link at okanogancountycovid19.org/covid19-vaccine. were fully vaccinated, according to Public Health. The county’s incidence rate per 100,000 population was 213, with a rate of 438 per 100,000 for unvaccinated individuals and 37 per 100,000 for vaccinated. Three Okanogan County residents are hospitalized at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. The hospital is treating 23 people for COVID, with nine in the ICU and seven on a ventilator. None of those in the ICU is fully vaccinated. The percentage of the county population that’s vaccinated increased by only a tiny amount last week, from 56.1% to 56.2%. On the other hand, the agricultural payroll showed an increase in wage growth in the agricultural job sector from $82.3 million in 2010 to $115.7 million in 2020, a 40.5% increase. But the share of agricultural wages, compared to total job payroll in the county, was virtually stable, comprising 18.7% in 2010 and 18.5% in 2020. These agricultural employment trends “showed that the agricultural industry has become less influential in Okanogan County’s economy” when compared to total employment, Meseck said in his economic analysis. “Certainly agriculture is still a seasonal industry in Okanogan County, but anecdotal evidence indicates that more agricultural workers are being hired into full-time year-round positions, with relatively fewer hires into part-time/seasonal positions,” Meseck said. “Plus, automation in the picking, packing and sorting of fresh fruit and vegetables appears to have reduced the need for labor.” Those factors, Meseck said, may account for why the share of agricultural jobs in the county’s overall employment has dropped, while the share of wages paid to agricultural workers remains almost unchanged. The data provided by the state Employment Security Department is not seasonally adjusted, meaning the statistics have not been adjusted to remove effects of seasonal patterns, such as construction, tourism and holiday retail sales.
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Methow Valley News
DISTRICT From Page A1 maps moved the Methow Valley from the 12th to the 7th district. One increased the amount of Okanogan county in the 12th district. “It was pretty shocking to see that [final] map, I have to say,” Haven said. “There was one map that was proposed that showed basically Okanogan, Chelan and Douglas county together … and they opted not to do that.” The 7th district is currently represented by Sen. Shelly Short and Reps. Jacquelin Maycumber and Joel Kretz, all Republicans. The 12th district is also represented by three Republicans in the state legislature — Hawkins in the state senate and Goehner and Mike Steele in the House of Representatives. The 12th District has also undergone concerning changes, representatives said. The district now stretches across the cascades from Chelan to Monroe, covering portions of Snohomish and King counties, as well as Chelan County and a portion of Douglas County on the east side. “Either way, if our current legislators remain and get elected, how well are they going to represent people from the west side and vice-versa?” Haven said. Okanogan County will stay in the 4th Congressional District,
HORIZON From Page A1 ing to the state for support of the Horizon Flats project for several years. Sarvis said it was a “total surprise” to learn of the TIB grant when it was announced. A major goal of the project, Sarvis said, “is to get the water away from the road” — that is, to divert stormwater runoff away from the pavement so it doesn’t cause continued degradation. To that end, the street will be widened from 22 feet to 26 feet, and resurfaced, Sarvis said. The wider road will be beneficial for not only vehicular traffic but also for pedestrians and bicyclists, Sarvis said. The state-funded project will connect with an earlier Horizon Flats Road repaving project the town has already completed, Sarvis said. The Castle Avenue/Corral Street project will add a total of about 2,500 feet of 5-foot-wide sidewalks on those streets, with the Corral Street portion extended to Bluff Street, Sarvis said. The Castle Avenue portion will include a shoulder wide enough to accommodate bicycle traffic, and snow storage in the winter. Town Planner Rocklynn Culp said “we are absolutely thrilled” with the state grants for the road and sidewalks, which the town has been routinely seeking for years with little indication of when or if the applications might be successful. The TIB examines the applications with “pretty specific criteria” in mind, Culp said. Sarvis said the TIB reviews the project proposals from towns around the state to develop its own rating system for funding.
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Page A3
now represented by Republican Dan Newhouse. The maps will be voted on by the state Legislature at the beginning of 2022. The Legislature can make small changes with a two-thirds majority.
Last-minute debate
Every 10 years, the state Legislature convenes the Washington State Redistr icting Commission to use new census data to make sure Washington’s Legislative and Congressional districts have equal populations and keep areas with similar interests together. T h is yea r’s com m ission was made up of April Sims, the House Democratic Caucus appointee; Brady Piñero Walkinshaw, the Senate Democratic Caucus appointee; Paul Graves, the House Republican Caucus appointee and Joe Fain, the Senate Republican Caucus appointee and a fifth, non-voting chair. Each of the four representatives drafts a legislative and congressional map, then tries to reconcile the four of them with public comments and other input by the Nov. 15 deadline. This year, the committee took it down to the wire. While they debated until midnight, the commission reported Nov. 16 that it was not able to come up with an agreement by the deadline, meaning the final responsibility to draft maps was sent to
Image courtesy Washington State Redistricting Commission
All of Okanogan County is in the 7th Legislative District in the new map approved by the Washington State Redistricting Commission. the state Supreme Court. “The late release of the 2020 census data and the Legislature’s 2019 shortening of the commission’s deadline for submission, combined with tech-
With cold weather in early November, the mountains got From Page A1 considerable snow. But, by the end of the month, the warmer ing across the Cascade ridges, weather dropped rain instead, which significantly warmed melting much of the snowpack. At the end of November, the downslope side, Koch said. Without those phenomena, the there were 37 inches of snow Methow is too far north – and at Harts Pass, down from a days are too short – to warm the high of 41 inches earlier in the air with sunshine alone, he said. month, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Warm and wet Service (NRCS), which mainNovember brought more pre- tains 70 mountain SNOTEL cipitation than usual to most of sites around the state. And it’s Washington, although that effect a soggy blanket of snow, with wore off in the eastern part of the density at 36%, compared the state. The western slopes of to a normal of about 25%, said the Cascades saw record-break- NRCS Water Supply Specialing precipitation – mostly rain, ist Scott Pattee. The snow had because it was so warm. But, compressed to 34 inches by east of the mountains, the wet Dec. 3 before adding 5 inches weather was confined mostly to from the weekend snowfall. the Methow Valley and the east Although total precipitation slopes of the Cascades. East- for the water year, which starts ern Okanogan County actually on Oct. 1, is above normal in received less precipitation than many basins, snow-water equivusual, Fox said. alent is low almost everywhere.
RECORD
SALMON From Page A1 spawning populations. Because there are no longer native fish here, coho are not considered “endangered” like spring Chinook and steelhead are. “It’s exciting stuff to see fish coming back in these numbers,” Alford said. All the returning coho are from parents that returned to spawn in the Methow, Chewuch and Twisp rivers, Alford said. Biologists collect broodstock at Wells in October – about 700 fish in all, half female and half male – and spawn them at the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery. In addition, the remainder
thousands of returning adults — — are allowed to pass through to reach the spawning grounds. The hatchery keeps enough fish for releases from the hatchery and for two acclimation ponds in the upper Methow. The remainder are shipped to Lower Columbia River hatcheries (a small contingent goes to the Wells Fish Hatchery) to be reared to the pre-smolt stage at 1 1/2 years old. They’re then transported back to the Methow and put into acclimation ponds for release. Since 2019, the Yakama coho project has released 1 million smolts each year, twice as many as in previous years, to initiate natural production in the Twisp, Chewuch and upper
Commissioner Approved Legislative District Map November 15, 2021 nical challenges, hampered the state Supreme Court. The court upheld the comcommission’s work considerHowever, in a decision filed mission’s maps met the statuably,” redistricting commission Dec. 3, the Supreme Court ruled tory timeline, but didn’t rule on chair Sarah Augustine wrote in that the commission had reached whether the maps are compliant a letter to Chief Justice Steven a conclusion, only missing the with any other requirements or C. Gonzalez of the Washington deadline by a few seconds. voting rights laws.
For precipitation alone, Harts Pass is at 140% of normal and Rainy Pass at 152% of normal, Pattee said. But Harts Pass, with a snowwater equivalent of 110%, is one of just three SNOTEL sites – those at the highest elevation – above normal. In most basins of the state, including the Central and South Puget Sound and the Olympics, the snow-water equivalent was just a third of normal on Dec. 6. In the Lower Yakima basin, it’s only 4% of normal. Still, because it’s early in the season, there’s plenty of time for them to catch up, Pattee said. The December runoff is less concerning than accelerated snowmelt in the spring, since there’s plenty of snow in the mountains to absorb any rain. Particularly once colder temperatures set in, the mountain snow should provide a good base throughout the winter, Pat-
tee said. While no single weather event can be attributed to climate change, climate change does cause more extreme weather events, Fox said. The long-term forecast is for weather east of the Cascades to be normal – or warmer than normal – in the first half of December. Later in the month it could be cooler than normal, she said.
Surging rivers
Rain and melting snow have caused rivers to surge, aquatic ecologist John Crandall said. “It’s not unprecedented to have a high flow, but these are very, very high flows for this time of year,” Crandall said. Flows in the Methow River at Pateros reached 3,230 cubic feet per second (cfs) on Dec. 2, before cooler weather brought the flows down to 2,260 cfs as of Dec. 6.
The highest recorded flows for this time of year were in 1996, when the river reached 5,770 cfs on Nov. 30, before dropping to 3,300 by Dec. 2. The lowest recent flows were in 2003, at 267 cfs, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The mean flows for the first week of December range from 528 to 583 cfs. Spring and summer Chinook, coho, and bull trout have all deposited their eggs in riverbed gravel, where they’ll remain until they hatch in the spring. Because high flows and rapid velocity can pull the redds apart, they pose a potential threat to the eggs, Crandall said. These fish evolved to deposit their eggs in the water at the right time of year, when rivers are typically calm and flows are low. If rivers run high in the winter more often, it could affect reproductive potential over the longer term, Crandall said.
Methow rivers.
they spawned. By returning to certain spots in the Methow, Chewuch and Twisp rivers, the fish are teaching the biologists. “What’s exciting about the program now is that in the years of broodstock development, Lower Columbia stocks have adapted. Now we have our own Upper Columbia– adapted hatchery fish,” Alford said. “We’re jump-starting the natural production so there are enough fish to return as adults and to spawn in the river, to complete the life cycle again.” The high coho returns also benefit other fish and aquatic organisms. Since coho are the last salmon to spawn, as their carcasses decompose over the winter and into the spring
they generate important nutrients from the ocean to support zooplankton, insects and other salmon, Alford said. “Returning salmon are incredibly important for the food base,” he said. “Still, it’s wise to be cautiously optimistic. A lot of things can happen. As we know, our environment is changing rapidly,” Alford said. The Yakama project’s success relies on partnerships with federal, state and local agencies, and on support from private landowners, since most acclimation ponds are on private property. The program promotes tribal fisheries and tribal salmon-management goals.
Predictable life cycle
Coho have a shorter – and more predictable – life cycle than steelhead or spring Chinook. They leave as juveniles at 1 1/2 years and mature in the ocean, returning at age 3 the following fall to spawn, Alford said. Adults weigh 4 to 8 pounds. Because spring Chinook return to the Columbia River in the spring, they’re especially susceptible to predation by sea lions. But the sea lions have moved on by the time the coho come through in the fall. Since coho were extirpated from this area, there’s no historic knowledge about where
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Opinion
Page A4
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
EDITORIAL
A plan with possibilities
A couple of years ago, when the Twisp Parks and Recreation Commission was charged with updating the town’s parks and rec plan, commission members came to a quick conclusion: there was no plan. At least nothing that could be called “comprehensive.” What existed when the all-volunteer group started its work in 2019 was a 2014 document that focused predominantly on trail development ideas, few of which have been notably advanced since then. The commission agreed that “comprehensive” really should mean “comprehensive,” and proceeded on that basis. The result — a 35-page, dense-packed plan that offers specific goals across the town’s entire range of parks and rec opportunities — was recently delivered to the Town Council for review. It’s a lot to absorb, but worth the effort. “We revisited the objectives of that [2014] plan and also broadened the scope of our revision to include not only trails and paths but also town parks and related facilities, open space, and river access — all of which are, or should be, parks and recreation priorities,” the commission said in its introductory letter to the council. It’s not just a plan. It’s a statement — one the council should heed and then begin laying the groundwork for meaningful action. It’s also a vision — inclusionary, ambitious and forward-looking. The commission’s members should be commended for being proactive and insistent on expanded community involvement in parks-and-rec decision making. Their work represents citizen involvement at its best. As the commission noted, the town has valuable assets, most notably Twisp Park, with more potential. Beyond that, the commission regards the town as an integral part of the valley’s recreational offerings, with the opportunity — the obligation, really — to integrate Twisp’s existing or potential trails with other valley recreation corridors. Connectivity is essential. Great ideas, of course, and who doesn’t like parks and trails? As Twisp grows — and there is every indication that it will, based on existing development proposals that would boost the town’s population —recreational opportunities would be an attractive amenity for people who want to live closer to services but still be physically active and engaged. The bigger question is how to move from planning to execution. This is not a plan that should be parked for another seven years, like the previous one. Money will be involved, and the town isn’t plush with resources. There are some possibilities out there, including creation of a valley-wide recreation district; and more aggressive proposals for state Recreation and Conservation Office funding, which has been crucial to several large projects in Winthrop. Looming large is the question of how to replace the Wagner Memorial Pool, which will be a costly project that deserves valley-wide interest and support. The parks and rec commission will soon be reaching out for public feedback. We’ll let you know how to participate when we have more details. Commission members will likely be looking not only for your thoughts, but also some sense of prioritization. Ultimately, responsibility for realizing the plan’s goals will be handed off to the town’s elected officials and staff, but it won’t go anywhere without residents’ strongly expressed support and commitment to action.
Better than a lump of coal
You could call them unexpected stocking-stuffers, if you think nearly $1.2 million worth of state grants might fit in a stocking. The Town of Winthrop got an early Christmas gift surprise package recently when the state Transportation Improvement Board announced two grants: one for long-awaited improvements to Horizon Flats Road, and one for extension of sidewalks along Castle Avenue and Corral Street. (See related story, on the front page.) Like Santa, the state can work in mysterious ways. The sidewalk and Horizon Flats Road projects have been on the town’s wish list for a long time, and Winthrop officials have patiently been resubmitting grant requests after not making the cut in previous years. Seems like it pays to be persistent and nice. Twisp and Winthrop have consistently taken advantage of state and federal grants to support vital infrastructure projects that the towns could not afford on their own. The next time you’re inclined to gripe about what government does for us, take a look around. The evidence is everywhere, right here in our little communities.
Exercise your freedom Letters must be fewer than 350 words and may be edited for libel, grammar and taste. Send to: Methow Valley News P.O. Box 97, Twisp, WA 98856 FAX: (509) 997-3277 email: editor@methowvalleynews.com or drop by 502 S. Glover St., Twisp
Methow Valley News PUBLISHED WEEKLY SINCE 1903
502 S. Glover Street • P.O. Box 97, Twisp, WA 98856 (509) 997-7011 • FAX (509) 997-3277 editor@methowvalleynews.com • www.methowvalleynews.com Don Nelson, PUBLISHER/EDITOR Natalie Johnson, MANAGING EDITOR Marcy Stamper, REPORTER Rick Lewis, SPORTS Sheila Ward, SALES ASSOCIATE Tera Evans, OFFICE MANAGER Paige Wolfe, DISTRIBUTION
CONTRIBUTORS: Joanna Bastian Erik Brooks Shelley Smith Jones Len Baublitz Ashley Lodato Rosalie Hutson Sarah Schrock Solveig Torvik Ann McCreary Dave Ward
Display advertising deadline for this newspaper is on the Thursday previous to publication at 5 p.m. Classified advertising deadline is Monday at noon. The deadline for news items is Monday at noon. THE METHOW VALLEY NEWS (USPS Publication No. 343480) is published weekly by MVN Publishing, LLC, 502 S. Glover St., Twisp, WA 98856. Subscription rates: $39 inside Okanogan County, $50 outside of Okanogan County and $65 outside of Washington state per year (in advance). Periodical class postage paid at Twisp, Washington, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE METHOW VALLEY NEWS, P.O. Box 97, Twisp, WA 98856. THE METHOW VALLEY NEWS does not refund subscription payments except to the extent that the newspaper might fail to meet its obligation to publish each week of the individual subscription period, in which case the prorated cost of those issues missed would be refunded. Member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Front page banner photo by Natalie Johnson.
Methow Valley News
Box 97: Letters to the editor
Thanks for coverage
Dear Editor: I wish to express my heartfelt thanks for your approach to coverage of the global pandemic. Your dedication to facts, reliable sources and the common good has been a beacon of light in an otherwise dark media landscape. I particularly wish to commend you for calling out the “traditional sense of fairness” that has hurt not just our news media, but also our entire country for far too long. Having had direct correspondence with such reporting luminaries as Scott Simon and indirect correspondence with editorial staff at Morning Edition, it is appalling the level of mental gymnastics national news desks perform in order to avoid facing the fact you state so eloquently. Please, continue in your dedication to factual representations over false balance. When popular online “news” websites advertise for reporters by quoting “Glengarry Glen Ross,” it’s clear we need papers like yours more than ever. Murray Sampson Winthrop
A heroic act
Dear Editor: For many of us, the holidays mean com-
By Len Baublitz
ing home. With all the joys of being reunited with family and friends, you might also be figuring out how to avoid certain topics of conversation with people you love but don’t always agree with. It’s okay if you change the subject when Uncle Ron starts telling you about his most recent alien encounter, but one topic that can’t be ignored if it shows up is impaired driving. If you’re at a gathering where someone intends to drive impaired, the greatest gift you can give them this holiday season is an alternative to driving. Impaired drivers make up a small portion of drivers on our roads (in a Washington study of nighttime drivers, only 2% of drivers had a blood alcohol
content over .05), but impaired driving was a factor in 60% of all traffic fatalities last year. Most of us agree that it’s unacceptable to drive impaired by alcohol or other drugs, and most of us, when in a situation to intervene, take action to prevent impaired driving. That might look like giving someone a ride, ordering a cab or ride share, letting them sleep on your couch, or even calling 911 if your offers go unaccepted. It might feel uncomfortable to come between an impaired friend and their car, but it’s a heroic act that can save lives. And we can always use more heroes. Eveline Roy Target Zero manager, Region 12 Wenatchee
GUEST COLUMN
More national parks won’t solve overcrowding BY JONATHAN THOMPSON, HIGH COUNTRY NEWS
Neither the Pack Creek Fire nor two weeks of triple digit heat could keep the crowds from Arches National Park this past June. A record-breaking 8,000 people per day, on average, passed through the entrance gate, overflowed the parking lots, and jammed up the trails. Nearly three times as many folks thronged Zion National Park that month, also setting a new record. The same trends were seen at Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands. Over the last decade, crowds have inundated many of the West’s national parks. Pretty much everyone can agree on that. What to do about it — if anything — is a more contentious topic. Some National Park Service officials lean toward permitting or advance reservation systems to limit visitation numbers, while others suggest diverting visitors to less-crowded parks. But the so-called solution drawing the most traction so far comes from Sen. Angus King (I), of Maine, who sees a simple supply-demand issue: The supply of national parks is inadequate to meet the burgeoning demand. Therefore, we should just create more national parks. This concept was fleshed out more eloquently and with a tad more nuance in a New York Times opinion piece by Albuquerque freelance journalist Kyle Paoletta, who writes: “Going to a national park in 2021 doesn’t mean losing yourself in nature. It means inching along behind a long line of minivans and R.V.s on the way to an already full parking lot. … The best way to rebalance the scale? We need more national parks.” Paoletta makes some good points. He argues that limiting visitation to a place like Arches will only push the crowds onto nearby public lands that aren’t equipped to handle them, a phenomenon we’re already witnessing. And setting aside more public lands to keep future mining claims, oil and gas drilling, and other development at bay, while providing a framework for better managing recreation and tourism on those lands, is a good idea. But turning around and designating those relatively unknown areas as national parks — thereby increasing visitation — will only bring more impacts, more infrastructure, and will do little to alleviate crowding at other parks. King seems to believe that Americans are inclined to visit national parks, in general, rather than specific parks. If that were
Contact your elected officials Sen. Patty Murray (D) Washington, D.C., : 173 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2621
true, then every national park in the nation would be overrun with visitors. Yet Carlsbad Caverns National Park was far busier in the 1970s and 1980s than it is now, and visitation has plateaued or even declined over the past couple of decades at Chaco Culture National Historical Park and at Mesa Verde, Olympic, Petrified Forest, Guadalupe Mountains and Kings Canyon National Parks.
They keep coming
People keep coming to the popular places in increasing numbers despite the fact that they could be visiting far less-crowded national parks nearby. That would indicate that simply increasing the supply of national parks won’t work unless the new parks have Zion- or Grand Teton-like traits. I would argue that those places — the Ice Lake Basins or Lower Calf Creek Falls or Conundrum Hot Springs of the world — are already inundated, and designating them as national parks only would bring more hordes and more damage. The core issue is, according to Paoletta: “There are too many people concentrated in too few places.” Perhaps this is true. But do we really want to draw people away from Zion and Arches and send them to a new Bears Ears or Natural Bridges National Park, instead? What purpose would this serve except to put too many people into more places, albeit in a less concentrated form? More importantly: Who does it serve? Certainly not the environment. The Virgin River running through Zion will be sullied whether one million or five million people walk through it each year. The alpine meadows in Grand Teton will be trampled just as ably by 3 million people as by 3.5 million people. One million people driving to Arches is going to have the same climate impact as if they were dispersed around the West. And yet, diverting just 100,000 additional people away from one of these big parks to Natural Bridges National Monument would double visitation there with serious ramifications for the monument and its ecosystems. The main victims of national park overcrowding, it seems, are the crowds themselves — not the parks or their resources. The latter were fated to be damaged as soon as the park was designated, its associated roads and visitors centers and parking lots were constructed, and visitation hit the 500,000-per-year mark. So the main beneficiary of dispersing the Zion and Arches crowds to lesser-known monu-
D.C. toll-free: (866) 481-9186 Fax: (202) 224-0238 website: murray.senate.gov Sen. Maria Cantwell (D) Washington, D.C.: 511 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-3441 Fax: (202) 228-0514 Toll free: (888) 648-7328 website: cantwell.senate.gov Rep. Dan Newhouse (R) Washington, D.C.: 1641 Longworth House Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5816
ments or parks are, again, the visitors, who may have to wait in the shuttle-line for 20 minutes instead of 30 or will have a bigger range of parking places from which to choose. That’s assuming a significant number of would-be visitors would choose to go to a new national park rather than one of the ultra-popular ones — and I’m not sure they would. Zion’s 4.5 million yearly visitors clearly aren’t afraid of overcrowding and aren’t all that interested in “losing themselves in nature.” The contrary may even be true. With that in mind, I have an alternate proposal: Let the crowds go to Zion, Arches, Grand Teton and Yellowstone, since that’s what they want. Meanwhile, up funding for all of the parks to help mitigate damage and to control the crowds. Zion already has a shuttle system to its most popular areas to alleviate car traffic. Arches should do the same, shutting off the entire park to private, motorized vehicles and ferrying visitors via bus from Moab the park. Enact permit systems with limits for more remote, fragile areas of the parks. If park campgrounds can’t handle demand, then build more (supply and demand!) either inside or just outside the parks’ boundaries. If park staff can’t handle the numbers, then hire more people.
Preemptive measures
Meanwhile, public lands officials should work to anticipate where the disaffected parks visitors might overflow, and take preemptive measures to manage the coming crowds and stave off potential impacts. This may include administrative moves such as updating resource management plans; building new trails, campgrounds, or toilets; restricting access to sensitive areas; or higher-level actions such as designating the area as a national monument, a conservation area, a national park, or even a wilderness area — the latter two being up to Congress. Sen. Angus says the national parks present a paradox: They’re intended to protect a place, yet they’re also supposed to provide an enjoyable experience for visitors. Maybe so, but protection should always take priority over recreation. Jonathan Thompson is the editor of The Land Desk and a contributing editor at High Country News. He is the author of “River of Lost Souls: The Science, Politics and Greed Behind the Gold King Mine Disaster.” This story was originally published by www.landdesk.org and is republished here by permission. Copyright High Country News.
Fax: (202) 225-3251 website: newhouse.house.gov Governor Jay Inslee Office of the Governor PO Box 40002 Olympia, WA 98504‑0002 (360) 902‑4111 Okanogan County Board of Commissioners 123 Fifth Ave. N., Room 150 Okanogan, WA 98840 (509) 422‑7100; fax (509) 422‑7106 District 1, Chris Branch:
cbranch@co.okanogan.wa.us District 2, Andy Hover: andy.hover@co.okanogan.wa.us District 3, Jim DeTro: jdetro@co.okanogan.wa.us Town of Twisp: Mayor Soo Ing-Moody; 997‑4081; 118 S. Glover St., 98856; www.townoftwisp.com Town of Winthrop: Mayor Sally Ranzau; 996‑2320; 206 Riverside Ave., 98862; www.townofwinthrop.com
Methow Valley News
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Page A5
Little Star’s Reynaud leaving executive director role Next adventure fulfills lifelong dream
her resignation at the end of this school year, in June. Reynaud and her family – sons Marcel, 11, and Rainier, 9, and her husband, Ray Sanders, who teaches physical education at Methow Valley Elementary School – are moving abroad for a two-year assignment at an International Baccalaureate school, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Still, Reynaud called her departure “bittersweet.” “I’m looking forward to a wonderful year and to soaking up all the Little Star goodness I can,” she said. While in its 40 years Little Star has grown in many ways to fill the needs of the broader community, it remains true to its original mission, Reynaud said.
BY MARCY STAMPER
The Little Star School has been a constant in Dani Reynaud’s life. When she was 4 years old, Reynaud was in the very first class of the new Montessori school in Winthrop. Then, 10 years ago, after working as development director at the Seattle Girls’ School, Reynaud moved back to the Methow to become the school’s executive director. In the decade since, both of her sons have attended the school. It’s been a fruitful decade in many ways. Reynaud led the school in a major expansion, adding the Little Star South Collaborative on the TwispWorks campus and a second school facility in Winthrop, and offering an enriching child care program for infants and toddlers. Little Star now accommodates 130 children a day, from infants to age 6. Now Little Star and Reynaud are looking toward the next phase, since Reynaud announced
context learning environment,” Reynaud said. The late Little Star founder Rayma Hayes played a key role in the expansion, working closely with Reynaud even after she became ill. “Rayma is still with us,” Reynaud said. “Even with all the growth, Little Star feels like the same place, built on love, relationships, childhood and community.”
New challenges
Early memories
REAL ESTATE
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.
This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1 – 800 – 669‑9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1 – 800 – 927‑9275.
4.27 Acres, Walk to Winthrop $239,950
Photo courtesy Dani Reynaud
Little Star School director Dani Reynaud is leaving to work abroad at an International Baccalaureate school. When all the valley’s other child care providers closed half a dozen years ago, Little Star partnered with Room One and the Methow Valley School District to conduct a needs assessment. That led to Little Star developing the first-ever licensed infant-care facility in the Methow. The needs assessment evolved into a community-wide effort to create programs centered on working families, leading to Little Star Twisp, with hours
that accommodate parents’ work schedules, Reynaud said. They added a second building in Winthrop, which has three classrooms and a large, flexible space for music, dance and other activities. All the facilities incorporate outdoor spaces for play and exploration. “It’s a magical place, a home away from home,” she said. Little Star also tripled financial aid in the past decade to make the school accessible to
all who want to attend, Reynaud said. Tuition is 20% below cost, and Little Star fills the gap by fundraising for scholarships. Since Reynaud took the helm, the school has more than doubled the number of children it serves. Today, Little Star serves 170 families a year and has 36 staff members, who bring experience from a range of educational and personal backgrounds. Some have been with the school for 25 years. “It’s a really rich-in-
Environmental impacts of comprehensive plan could affect county for two decades Two days left to comment on EIS BY MARCY STAMPER
There’s still time to comment on the potential environmental
impacts of the county’s comprehensive plan, which will guide development and land use in the Methow Valley and across the county for the next 20 years. The public has one more opportunity to weigh in. Com-
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One of Reynaud’s earliest memories is playing with the color-coded Montessori cubes that teach young kids about colors and spatial arrangement – and are later used to teach math. “I had a sense of doing something important, and I was excited. I just believe so much in the power of early childhood education and what it can do for families, communities and the world,” she said.
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Methow Valley News
'Tis the Season! Our community’s second-graders are busy drawing their visions of winter wonder for the 2021 Holiday Card edition of the Methow Valley News!
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ments on the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) are due on Friday (Dec. 10). An EIS lays out key details to help the public and decision makers – the county commissioners – make an informed decision about whether the principles in the comp plan will produce the lifestyle, landscape and economy desired by county residents. The comp plan sets out the county’s vision. Other ordinances, including the zoning code and documents that protect critical areas and rivers, lakes and shorelines, put those principles into effect on the ground. The county’s current comp plan was adopted in 2014 and was almost immediately challenged in court by conservation groups and the Yakama Nation. In separate lawsuits, the plaintiffs alleged that the plan didn’t do enough to protect water quality and quantity. The conservation groups, the Methow Valley Citizens Council (MVCC) and Futurewise, also said the plan didn’t protect county residents from the risk of wildfire nor adequately conserve agricultural and forest lands. Now, after years of revisions and public input, the county commissioners are poised to adopt a new plan. An agreement reached in court in the Yakama case commits the county to adopting a new plan by the end of the year, according to Okanogan County Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Gecas. The county missed an earlier deadline to sign off on an updated plan with MVCC and Futurewise. The two groups are tracking the progress of the plan but aren’t part of the current court stipulation, Gecas said.
Artwork by Posey Hannigan
Comparing alternatives
The DEIS describes four alternative approaches considered for the plan. The alternaw-
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Reynaud and Sanders have both been offered positions at the same international school, but because they are still finalizing the arrangements, they aren’t at liberty to say where they’ll be going. Reynaud would be the deputy principal of the school’s early-years program, for children age 3 to first grade, and Sanders would teach elementary school. “I’m ready for a new challenge and adventure, and then returning to the Methow Valley,” she said. “We’re really excited. I think it’s a good fit, and it’s similar to what I’ve been doing here.” The Little Star board has already chosen a search committee and they’re hoping to select a successor in time for that individual to work with Reynaud before the school year is out, board president Korrie Bourn said. “I can’t speak highly enough about Dani. Parents, teachers and board members are all honored to have had time with her. She welcomed as many people as she could,” Bourn said. “I’m optimistic about the future.”
Winthrop • 996-2005
READ THE COMP PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The plan, DEIS and maps are on the Planning Department website at www. okanogancounty.org/government/planning/index. Go to “Projects & Plans” in the blue bar at the left, then click on “Comprehensive Plan Update.” The documents are in the gray bar at the bottom of the page. S e n d c o m m e nt s o n the DEIS to mallen@ co.okanogan.wa.us by Friday (Dec. 10). tives include the “no-action” alternative, which keeps the 2014 comp plan as is. Alternative 4 was proposed by MVCC. After making a slight modification, the county’s planning com m ission recom mended alternative 3 in March. That alternative directs most growth to towns and cities and their expansion areas, whereas the county’s existing plan anticipates more growth in rural areas. Alternative 3 uses larger lot sizes to avoid conflict with agriculture and to minimize wildfire risk to residences. And it says the availability of water should help guide growth. Compared to the existing comp plan, the new plan and alternative 3 will reduce impacts on water supplies, since new growth will be served more by municipal water and sewer systems, according to the county’s analysis. Alternative 3 could also reduce wildfire risk by discouraging additional development in far-flung rural areas that would be harder for emergency services to reach. It would require fewer upgrades to primitive roads. Alternative 3 increases the amount of land designated for agriculture. It encourages larger lot sizes to avoid conflicts between residential and agricultural uses and to minimize risk to residential structures from wildfire. The DEIS notes that water is likely to become more scarce because of climate change. Only alternative 4 included provisions intended to preserve air quality, such as encouraging use of cleaner heat sources.
Page A6
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Methow Valley News
Recycled rock and roll
Winthrop woodworker’s instruments are throwbacks to earliest country music BY NATALIE JOHNSON
Johnny Cash called it a Tennessee flat-top box. At its heart, an acoustic guitar is just some strings and a box to resonate their sound. Drawing on a tradition dating back to the first American country music, Winthrop resident Mel Cooke has spent the past year learning how to make guitars out of real cigar boxes. He was inspired to begin crafting the unique instruments after learning about them in a Ken Burns documentary about country music. “People in Appalachia had no money, and they could find old boxes. Some of these are made out of tin cans,” he said. “There was no rules on it, it was whatever they could come up with.” That’s still true today, Cooke said. First he started with a kit and Google. He found help and hardware from resources like cigarboxnation.com — a website bringing together many people with interests similar to Cooke’s. Now he has his own templates and designs each instrument himself. He buys some of the boxes from websites like Etsy, and sources others straight from cigar shops. The design of the unique instrument starts with the cigar box as inspiration. “And I’ll sit around and just
play with them, with where would I want to put the sound holes, or what type of neck would I want to put with it,” he said. “... Some of these boxes are solid wood, some of them are made out of pressed cardboard.” All of Cooke’s guitars have three strings, and unlike traditional guitars, have no frets — like a violin, or stand-up bass. They’re also tuned to an open G chord and the strings are placed high above the neck, making it ideal to play with glass or metal slide. Open tunings allow a person to play any major chord the same way — with a single finger depressing, or barring, all six strings between two frets on a standard guitar, or all three strings on Cooke’s guitars. “It’s a really good guitar for non-guitar players, which is me,” he said. Since learning to make the guitars, he’s also learned to play them, he said. Standard tuning for a six and 12-string guitars is E-A-D-G-BE, or the key of E. “If you know how to play guitar, you would pick it up really easily,” he said. The strings are attached to each end of the wooden neck, extending the full length of the guitar at each end of the box. Cooke said he has dabbled in woodworking for decades, and doesn’t consider himself a fine instrument maker. His cigar box
Photo by Natalie Johnson
Mel Cooke, of Winthrop, makes these three-string guitars out of old cigar boxes. guitars are mostly functional crafts or art pieces. Of the 16 he’s finished and put up for sale at Methow Valley Goods in Twisp, some have been bought by musicians and others by people looking for a unique piece of local art for their home. “It doesn’t require a lot of specialty tools; it’s mostly hand tools to put them together,” he said Cooke’s finished products are for sale at Valley Goods in Twisp. For more information, go to methowvalleygoods.com/ Photo by Natalie Johnson
The design of the guitars is partly based on the style of the cigar boxes.
ARTS BRIEFS CASCADIA MUSIC PLANS VIRTUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT
Instrumental and vocal ensembles are polishing their performances of festive music for Cascadia Music’s annual holiday concert. To keep musicians and the community safe, Cascadia has decided to present a virtual concert again this year. The video will be released on Dec. 20 and links will be available on Cascadia’s website at www.cascadiamusic.org. The concert will also be broadcast on KTRT, 97.5 FM, “the Root.” Details about the music selections and radio broadcast will be available in early December.
OVOC CHRISTMAS CONCERT ON SATURDAY
The Okanogan Valley Orchestra and Chorus (OVOC) offer their annual Christmas Concert in a live performance at the Omak Performing Arts Center on Saturday (Dec. 11) at 2 p.m. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. The orchestra, directed by Matt Brown, will play “A Christmas Festival” and “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson, and “An Outdoor Overture” by Aaron Copland. Students from Paschal Sherman will sing “The Okanogan Song.” The Waterfall Immersion school students will sing “The Little Drummer Boy” in their
native Salish language. “Because it’s Christmas,” arranged by Ed Lojeski, and “Bells of Joy,” arranged by Larry Clark and Rae Moses, will be sung by the OVOC chorus. A Gaelic folk song, “Einini,” and “Hine Ma Tov,” a Hebrew folk song, will also be sung by the OVOC chorus. The chorus is directed by Derek Pulsifer. Cost at the door is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors. Youth 15 years and younger attend free. COVID protocols will be in place. The concert will also be live-streamed. For more information, call (509) 846-4773. The Omak Twilight Parade will follow at 4:30 p.m. in downtown Omak.
The Winthrop Chamber of Commerce We would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their generous donations, making this year’s fireworks possible. Brown’s Farm
Les Schwab Tires
Riverside Printing
Carlos 1800
Little Dipper Café & Bakery
Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe
Cascades Outdoor Store
Little Star School
The Inn at Mazama
Catherine and Philip Davis
Marshal Doug Johnson
The Outdoorsman
Chewuch Inn
Methow Cycle & Sport
Copper Glance
Methownet.com
East 20 Pizza
Methow River Lodge & Cabins
Farmers State Bank
Methow Valley Ciderhouse
Fresh Greens 21+
Mitchell Image
Friendship Alliance Church
Old Schoolhouse Brewery
Glassworks of Winthrop
Pine Near RV Park
Hank’s Harvest Foods
Pinetooth Press
Virginian Resort
Head and Heart
Pony Expresso
Winthrop Inn
Inside Out Home and Garden
River Pines Inn
Winthrop Mini Storage
Karen’s Family Salon
River’s Edge Resort
Winthrop Store
Three Fingered Jacks Three Rivers Training Timberline Tee Shirts Trail’s End Bookstore TTT Construction & Roofing Twisp NAPA Auto Parts
And a Very Special Thank You To This Year’s Corporate Sponsor:
Winthrop
‘MIDDLETOWN’ AT THE MERC
The Liberty Bell Drama Company (LBDC) production of “Middletown,” by playwright Will Eno, opens Wednesday (Dec. 8) with additional performances on Thursday (Dec. 9), Saturday (Dec. 11) and Sunday (Dec. 12) at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp. “Middletown” explores a small American town, according to a Merc press release: “As a friendship develops between longtime resident John Dodge and new arrival Mary Swanson, the lives of the inhabitants of Middletown intersect in strange and poignant ways in a journey that takes them from the local library to outer space and points
Live music this month Methow Music Monthly, compiled by local musician George Schneider, is a free compilation of live music events in the valley. Email Schneider at MethowMusicMonthly@gmail.com to be included in the listings. Following are the events listed for December. • Every Thursday and Friday
through Dec. 16, from 6-8 p.m. at the Sun Mountain Lodge dining room, Lynette Westendorf plays solo jazz piano. Dinner reservations required; call 996-2211. Indoor mask requirements in place. No cover charge. • Every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 12, from 6-8 p.m. at the Sun Mountain Lodge dining room, Terry Hunt plays solo guitar. Dinner reservations required; call 996-2211. Indoor mask requirements in place. No cover charge. • Friday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at the
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between.” The LBDC is comprised of students from Liberty Bell High School and the Independent Learning Center. Three of the principal roles are filled by seniors: Alex Eslava, who plays John Dodge; Hazel Culpsmith, who plays Mary Swanson; and Sophia Newton, who plays “Librarian,” a source of knowledge about the workings of Middletown both past and present. “Middletown” runs at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Tickets are $5/ students and $15/adults. Masks required for audience members. Twisp River Tap House, local guitarist-singer-songwriter Rich Brisbois performs originals, classic rock and alt-’90s. No cover charge. Indoor mask requirements in effect. www.twisprivertaphouse. com. • Saturday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m., at the Twisp River Tap House, Rock ’n’ Roll Soul performing originals and covers from Blues Travelers to Rusted Roots, Dylan and beyond. No cover charge. Indoor mask requirements in effect. www. twisprivertaphouse.com.
Methow Valley News Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Sports
B Section
& Recreation
Methow Valley biathletes claim podium spots at B.C. event Eight biathletes representing Methow Valley Biathlon traveled to Silver Star, B.C., over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend for the B.C. Biathlon Season opener at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, where they made impressive showings in competition against seven Canadian teams. Dylan Sands (age 8) and Sisu Clark (11) of Mazama made their biathlon race debuts, and each posted strong races taking silver medals in both the Novice and U13 divisions. Aidan Sands (13) of Mazama raced up a division with the Senior Boys (15- to 16-yearolds) and earned the top shooter award for all divisions, took the gold on the Hill Climb Challenge, and captured the Senior Boys Division gold medal with a commanding 6-minute lead at the finish over the second-place finisher. Thorsen Yahrees (10) and Scott Waichler (masters), both of Winthrop, took gold in the Novice and Masters divisions with solid performances. The Junior Girls (13- to 14-year-olds) race featured the largest field. Mazama’s Maren Sands (11), racing
Photos courtesy of Colin Sands
Above: Aidan Sands of Mazama claimed the top podium spot in the B.C. Biathlon Opener, finishing with a 6-minute lead. Right: Jose Bollinger and Maren Sands of Mazama battled it out at the finish line in the Junior Girls division. up a division, and Josie Bollinger (13), also of Mazama, had
a great race that featured a tight finish with Bollinger edging out
Sands by .02 seconds, taking 9th and 10th place respectively.
Erin Martin did not finish in the Para race. Aidan, Maren and Dylan Sands along with Josie Bollinger
will be competing on Saturday (Dec. 11) in West Yellowstone, Montana, in the WYSEF/Altius firearms Biathlon Race.
On the courts and mats: LBHS winter sports underway BY RICK LEWIS
The Liberty Bell High School boys’ basketball team opened the season with a weekend split, Thursday night (Dec. 2) traveling to Omak and edging the Pioneers, then falling to the perennially tough Davenport Gorillas at home in the Lions’ Den on Friday night (Dec. 3). • Liberty Bell 46, Omak 42: Junior forward Isaiah Stoothoff led the Mountain Lions with 19 points and 9 rebounds, and freshman Morgan Spellman added 10 points in the season opener for both teams. Liberty Bell outscored the Pioneers 13-4 in the first quarter, then held off the home team for the final three quarters to win by four points. Both teams struggled shooting the ball while playing tough on the defensive end. The Mountain Lions’ defensive speed and discipline drew a total of five offensive charging fouls against Omak, earning the accolades of first-year coach Nate Chrastina. “I was real proud of the efforts to take charges,” said Chrastina. Quick-footed freshman Lucien Paz was on the receiving end of three of those charges. • Davenport 70, Liberty Bell 46: Stoothoff once again led the Mountain Lion offensive effort with 12 points, and Kyler Mitchell tallied 9 points. Stoothoff, Mitchell and Brayden Schmekel each pulled down 5 rebounds and eighth-grader Remi Paz dealt out 5 assists. The Mountain Lions stayed with Davenport in the first quarter, completing the period down only two points at 15-13. The Gorillas warmed up though, outscoring Liberty Bell 21-11 in the second quarter, adding another 10 points to the lead with an 18-8 third quarter. The Lions’ record dropped to 1-1 on the season.
Looking ahead
The Mountain Lions are young, quick and enthusiastic. They have no seniors on a roster that includes two juniors, two sophomores, four freshmen and one eighth-grader. Besides the normal losses to graduation, several letter winners from the past two years have not returned to the team, and the family of incoming freshman Quincy Scott has moved away to the Tri-Cities area. But this year’s group, while young, has an uncommon collective passion for the game, and several of them come from a successful youth program that knows how to win games and tournaments. Look for sophomores Kyler
Mitchell and Isaiah Stoothoff to anchor the post/forward positions at both ends of the court. Junior Madison Strauss has added a couple of inches and could contribute off the bench inside. Incoming freshmen Lucien Paz, Morgan Spellman, Mac Surface and Bradyn Schmekel are all quick on the break and can shoot from the perimeter. Paz’ younger brother Remi has been called up to service and will get plenty of playing time this year as an eighth-grader. The elder Paz seems to be showing a tendency to run the offense from the point as a capable ball handler, shooter and floor leader. The boys have a couple of early tests coming up when they face a tough, veteran and experienced team in the Brewster Bears this coming Friday (Dec. 10) in the Lions’ Den. Brewster comes in as the defending state champion, having won the 2B State Tournament in early March 2019 before COVID-19 shut down the competitive format in the 2020-21 season. The rest of the North Central Washington 2B League continues to be one of the more competitive leagues in Washington as there are no “gimme” games on the Mountain Lion schedule. The Lions host Republic on Tuesday (Dec. 14), and then hit the road for a month before returning to the Den on Jan. 21 for a four-game home stand. Head coach Nate Chrastina takes over the reins this year and is assisted by Ryan Surface. Chrastina comes from a self-made basketball background, playing at a now-extinct small private high school in Dallas, Texas. He played as a walk-on at Ouachita Baptist College and has a blend of coaching experience. If early-season practices are an indication, the boys are going to push the ball up the floor on offense and play a tough, hustle style of defense. Surface is an alum of Liberty Bell and the Mountain Lion basketball program, serving as a junior high coach, assistant coach at the varsity level, and most recently as one of the coach-dads on the Methow Mustangs traveling AAU team that won several age-category state championships just a few years ago.
Girls’ basketball
The Liberty Bell Girls jumped out to a 1-1 start on the 202122 season with a loss at Omak against the Pioneers and a win at home versus the Davenport Gorillas on Dec. 2-3. Both games were non-league contests, Omak from the 1A Caribou Trail League and Davenport in the 2B
Bi-County League of northeastern Washington. • Omak 53; Liberty Bell 42: The Omak Pioneers spoiled the season opener for the Mountain Lions, working their way out to a 25-21 halftime lead, then extending that lead through the second half to the final 11-point margin of victory. “We just had too many turnovers to get the win,” said head coach Stephanie Mitchell. “But it was the first game of the season and it was a great game to show us what we still need to work on.” Senior Jadyn Mitchell secured her first double-double of the season, nabbing 14 rebounds and leading the Mountain Lions scoring 20 points. Classmate Caitlyn Cooley dropped in 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to compliment Mitchell’s effort. Joslyn Rispone (9 points) and Shae Taylor (2 points) were the only other Lions to find the bottom of the net. Taylor led the Lions in assists, doling out 6 passes. • Liberty Bell 42, Davenport 27: Mitchell hit for 15 of her game-high 22 points in the first quarter as the Mountain Lions got out early and led wire-towire in defeating the Davenport Gorillas. She also corralled 14 rebounds to score her second double-double in as many nights. “She came out on fire,” coach Mitchell said of her senior class daughter. “Caitlyn Cooley is playing great in the post and Sandra Hernandez came off the bench and played great defense.” Cooley got to double figures in points with 10 for the second time this season and collected 8 rebounds. Hernandez hustled to grab 6 rebounds while contributing 2 points, and Shae Taylor added 3 assists. Junior guard Ruby McCarthy emerged from the concussion protocol to score 4 points. Rio Lott and Joslyn Rispone each added 2 points to complete the book for the Mountain Lions.
The coming season
T he 2021-22 version of Mountain Lion girls’ basketball will look suspiciously like the COVID-19 version with lots of the same faces and only a few changes. Leading scorer and rebounder Jadyn Mitchell returns for her senior season, looking to lead the girls back to the district tournament, and maybe beyond. Liberty Bell was one win from qualifying for the state regional brackets in the last real season, 2019-20, and looks to try and better that experience by qualifying for the state tournament slated for late February in Spokane. Caitlyn Cooley looks to
anchor the post effort, and has the experience and toughness to be a force inside. She is capable of scoring and should be close to averaging in double figures this year, but her strength is on the boards, clearing the lane and rebounding. Shae Taylor is a gritty player who isn’t afraid to join in the rebounding fray, but can also dish the ball inside to both Cooley and Mitchell for opportunities to score close in. Senior Joslyn Rispone can also scrap for the ball defensively and is a hustle player who can score when called upon. Junior Ruby McCarthy, a solid defender and all-around athlete, has been slowed so far this season, but has been going through light duty workouts and returned to the floor for the Davenport game. The point guard position might be a fit for incoming freshman Rio Lott, who has Mountain Lion basketball genes as both parents are former skilled players at Liberty Bell. Eighthgraders Helaina Remsburg and Anah Klemmek have been called up from the junior high squad. Remsburg can handle and pass the ball. Klemmek showed some great speed and athletic ability on the soccer pitch this fall which should translate well to the indoor courts. Mitchell is in her fifth year as head coach on the Mountain Lion program, serving previously as an assistant under former coach Ed Smith. She also played for Liberty Bell in the mid-1990s on teams that were repeat participants in the state 1A Tournament in Tacoma when the Mountain Lions were in the Caribou Trail League.
Wrestling
A small group of five will represent the Mountain Lions on the mats this winter, anchored by Senior Noah Holston. Holston qualified for state as a freshman in the 2018-19 season and wrestled at the Mat Classic that year. He fell short at the regional qualifier during his sophomore year and there was no tournament last year, so his ambitions are lofty. Qualifying for state is only one step in Holston’s ambition to make the podium and, perhaps, win the individual title at the 195-pound level of the 1B/2B classification in February. Noah is the third of three Holston wrestlers. Older brothers Milo (Liberty Bell 2014) and Finlay (class of 2018) both had success at the state level. Wrestling at the Omak Invitational this past Saturday, Noah swept through the tournament, winning all four of his matches, one by
Photo by Rick Lewis
Mountain Lion eighth grader Yolo Salas went up strong against Brewster’s junior high team last week. Liberty Bell’s eighth graders lost this game 35-25, but have a 7-2 record so far this year. decision and three by fall, when he pinned his opponent. “My last match was against a really good wrestler, Charlie Payne,” said Holston. “And he had me down two points late in the third round. I was able to get leverage, flip him over and pin him.” New to the program, coming over from basketball, is senior Grey Patterson. First-year coach Joe Downing thinks Patterson will be fine as he learns his new sport. Patterson didn’t wrestle this past weekend, so it will have to wait until he gets a few matches in to see where he is against competition. Another newcomer to the program, Brady White, has no wrestling experience, and so it is wait-and-see where he will be in his first match. Damien Spears opened some eyes this past weekend, taking second place in the 170-pound division, winning to by a fall and a decision, and losing in the final match to Genaro Reyna of Cashmere. Cassidy Mowen-Jones wrestled four matches not recorded on the tournament’s website. Downing reported that she won all of her matches, all via falls, and all in the first round. Downing hails from the Arlington area, where he wrestled for Arlington High School and qualified and placed at state a couple of times in 2001 and 2003. He moved here full-time
from the Snohomish area and is a diesel mechanic by trade. His coaching experience goes back to Arlington High School, where he coached alongside long past Mountain Lion Ben Mendro, a teacher and coach at Arlington. With only five wrestlers, the Mountain Lions will not be in contention for team titles or trophies this year. Still, Downing is excited for the year. He looks forward to some solid performances from the Mountain Lions, and at least two or three that could make it to the Tacoma Dome in mid-February for the Mat Classic.
Lion tracking
Mountain Lion alumni Liam Daily and Willy Duguay are teaming up to coach the junior high basketball boys this late fall. They played basketball together in the mid-2010s, and ran on several state-bound cross country teams … Other former Mountain Lions currently dabbling in coaching include Korrie Bourn (high school basketball assistant for girls) and Jonathan McMillan (wrestling) … Sam Naney takes over for Leslie Hall as coach for the youth Nordic skiing program … Mountain alum Tim Lewis (2013) was on the officiating crew as the back judge for the 2A Football Championship at Puyallup’s Sparks Stadium this past Saturday. That is the fourth state title event in three sports he has worked since 2018.
Page B2
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Methow Valley News
CLASSIFIEDS 31. . . . . . . . . EMPLOYMENT
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TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking two Rad/CT Techs to produce CT scans and assist the Radiologist with interventional procedures that require CT guidance and to provide the best diagnostic images possible for the providers. Registered by the ARRT and Certified WA State. Graduation from an AMA – approved school of Radiologic Technology. Minimum of one year CT experience. (Technical staff can be crossed trained). Current BLS certification. Prefer ARRT certification in CT. Sign-on Bonus: $5,000. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http://www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital.net, EOE. TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking a Radiology/ Mammography Tech to provide the best diagnostic images possible for the Radiologists, Physicians and ER Providers. Requirements: Registered by the ARRT and Certified by the State of WA. Graduation from an AMA – approved school of Radiologic Technology. Must have ARRT advanced certification in mammography, and completed an accredited program in radiology or imaging and have a minimum of 1 year experience as a Mammography Tech. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http://www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital.net, EOE. TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking an Ultrasound Tech responsible for the independent operation of sonographic equipment, and for performing and communicating results of diagnostic examinations using sonography. Candidate must have an active ARDMS, ARRT, RDMS or RDCS certification and a minimum of one year clinical experience. Graduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program or Cardiovascular Technology Program that is accredited by CAAHEP. Candidate must be able to perform general, OB and abdomen studies; vascular studies (i.e. Echo, Carotid, Arterial) and Cardiac capabilities are required. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 6892517 http://www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital. net, EOE. TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking a COVID-19 Coordinator to work in our medical clinic. This position performs essential tasks, which includes answering and returning phone calls to patients related to questions around the COVID vaccine, testing, results, and general questions; administrator COVID-19 vaccinations. High school graduate or equivalent, must have valid WA State MA License. Required: ability to communicate in English and Spanish. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 6892517 http://www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital. net, EOE. TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking a full-time Dietary Cook/ Aide. This position is responsible for preparing food in accordance with established menus, recipes, and sanitary standards in a healthcare facility. High School Diploma or equivalent required and previous experience in food service is preferred. Food Handler’s permit is required and ServSafe certification is preferred. Rotating schedule, will include some weekends. Sign-on Bonus: $2,500. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http:// www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital.net, EOE.
TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking a Dietary Manager responsible for directing and assisting dietary staff with food preparation, helps with establishing patient menus and monitors departmental compliance with federal/ state guidelines and sanitary practices. Candidate must have one year food service management experience or a bachelor’s degree in related field. CDM and ServSafe Certification, CPR and Food Handler’s permit are required. Sign-on Bonus: $5,000. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 6892517 http://www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital. net, EOE. TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking an ER Nurse to provide nursing assessment, treatment and evaluation of ER patients and outpatients. Current WA State RN license required. Current BLS / CPR, ACLS, TNCC and PALS certifications. Two years’ Med/Surg experience or one-year ER experience preferred. Rotating days and includes some weekends. Sign-on Bonus: $5,000. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http:// www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital.net, EOE. TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking two Med/Surg RNs to perform general nursing duties in an acute care setting with adequate supervision. Current WA State RN license and must have current BLS/CPR & obtain ACLS certification within one year. Rotating days and includes some weekends. Sign-on bonus: $5,000. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http:// www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital.net, EOE.
TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking a Lab Tech to perform various technical, clerical and information systems related procedures in Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Blood Bank. A.S Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or related scientific field with a one-year internship or one year of clinical experience. Professional certification as a MLT (ASCP) or equivalent is highly recommended. Monday – Friday, 10:00am-6:30pm. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http:// www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital.net, EOE.
TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking an OR Circulator Nurse (part time). Current WA State RN license. Two years’ experience as a full-time circulator. BLS and ACLS certifications. Basic computer skills. Days will vary, 8-hour shifts. No call time. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http:// www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital.net, EOE. TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking an OR Manager to oversee the OR nursing staff and the surgery department. Candidate must have current WA State RN license and ACLS & BLS. Must be proficient in orthopedic, general and OB/GYN surgeries. Should have 2-3 years of progressively responsible experience in hospital nursing, including leadership assignments. Excellent communication and discretional skills. MondayFriday, 8-hour shifts. No call time. Sign-on bonus: $5,000. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http:// www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital.net, EOE. TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking a Program Manager-RN to oversee the Utilization Review and Discharge Planning Department, Infection Control Program, Employee Health Program, and provides support to the Quality Improvement Department. Current WA State RN license and three years’ experience in Infection Control, Utilization Review, and Quality in a healthcare setting. Sign-on bonus: $5,000. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http:// www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital.net, EOE.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 997-7011 E-MAIL frontdesk@methowvalleynews.com DEADLINE: MONDAY, NOON • ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE PREPAID Weekly: $6.75 for 15 words or less. $8.75 with email or web address. 20 cents for each additional word.
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DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED DISPLAYS & LEGAL NOTICES: MONDAY AT NOON FOR SALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 YARD SALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 AUCTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 REAL ESTATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 FOR RENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 WANTED TO RENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES . . . . . 30 EMPLOYMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 WORK WANTED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 SERVICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 VEHICLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 ANIMALS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 WANTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 THANK YOU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 COMMUNITY EVENTS. . . . . . . . . . . 83 PERSONALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 FREE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 LOST & FOUND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
10. . . . . . . . . . . . . FOR SALE CHRISTMAS TREES FOR sale in Hank’s parking lot November 26 until sold out. 11:00-6:00 every day. Methow Christmas tree project proceeds benefit Methow Valley Community Center. Call 509322-5603
20. . . . . . . . . . REAL ESTATE PUBLISHER'S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-9279275.
Kristin Devin
Real Estate Broker 30 Years of Real Estate Experience in the Methow Valley
509-996-4400
ksdevin@gmail.com BUILDABLE LOT IN Mazama’s Lost River community ready for your dream mountain home: new 3 bedroom septic, power (including meter and 30 AMP RV outlet), water/ meter installed, RV parking, and storage shed/bunkhouse on property $219,000. Call or text (360) 898-2400.
24. . . . . . . . . . . . . FOR RENT MOTIVE YOGA STUDIO is now available for rent by the public. Rent the space by the hour for personal use, group gatherings, or special events in our beautiful studio. Contact: bree@motiveyogaco. com for more information. RV RENTAL - ONLY one parking stall available. Mountain view, privacy, extra parking, garden area, one mile south of Twisp. 50&30 AMP full hook up. Includes power, garbage, snow plowing. $575 per month, 6 month lease, then month to month. Dogs considered, cat ok. Personal references and proof of employment requested. Call Randall for appointment 509-9972128.
30. . . . . . . . BUSINESS OPS FRENCH QUAIL SELLING. Amazing local Winthrop business opportunity. Established revenue stream. Serious inquiries only. Frenchquail@ gmail.com.
31. . . . . . . . . EMPLOYMENT METHOW CYCLE AND Sport is seeking to add new team members. Requires a love for cycling, skiing and/or SUPing along with a motivation to learn new information and skills. Both positions require great customer service and ability to work as a team in a fast-paced environment. PT to FT. Position #1 Sales: Experience preferred; Position #2 Service Department: 2 yrs experience required. Email cover letter and resume to juliem@methowcyclesport.com. No phone calls please.
31. . . . . . . . . EMPLOYMENT TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking a Program Manager-RN to oversee the Utilization Review and Discharge Planning Department, Infection Control Program, Employee Health Program, and provides support to the Quality Improvement Department. Current WA State RN license and three years’ experience in Infection Control, Utilization Review, and Quality in a healthcare setting. Sign-on bonus: $5,000. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http:// www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital.net, EOE. LITTLE STAR SCHOOL is seeking a Program Coordinator to join the leadership team at the Winthrop Campus. The Program Coordinator will assist with staffing and operations of our programming during the main school year and for summer camps for children aged 0-6. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and comfortable working with diverse teams, and will have experience with program development and human resources support. Join our fun and motivated team and make a difference in the lives of children! To learn more and apply, visit https://littlestarschool.org/job-opportunities. S E C R E T A R Y/ B O O K K E E P E R : METHOW VALLEY Communications District is looking for a part time employee to handle secretarial and bookkeeping duties. Approximately 32 hours per month, $1080/month DOE. Must have good computer skills and access to a computer and scanner, be available the second Monday of each month at 4pm, and be willing to accept phone calls on behalf of the district. Must be proficient with Excel, Word, Quickbooks Desktop Pro and have payroll experience. Applications and more information are available at https://methowcommunications. org, emailing secretary@methowcommunications.org, or by calling 509-322-4038. Applications must be received by December 30th, 2021. JOIN OUR TEAM! Room One is seeking our next Finance and HR Manager! This position is central to our community-driven nonprofit organization. If you have a passion for supporting others, working with a dynamic team, and have a few years of experience with Quickbooks, payroll, and budgeting, check out more details about the position at https:// www.roomone.org under “About/ Employment”. This is a full-time position at 32-36 hours/week and we offer $26-28/hour DOE, including full benefits. Applications accepted through January 5, 2022 and additional questions can be sent to Erin@roomone.org. TOWN OF TWISP Public Works Operator - $18.05 TO $25.92 DOE. The Town of Twisp is adding a new team member to our public works department, and it could be you. Live, work and play in the beautiful Methow Valley. Applications will be accepted for certified and noncertified public works operators. WDM and WWTP certifications are preferred but we will train the right candidate. The public works team is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Town’s water, wastewater, streets, parks, pool, and airport. An application and job description can be obtained by visiting www.townoftwisp.com, mail applications and resume to PO box 278 Twisp, Wa. 98856, or email to: clerktreasurer@townoftwisp.com (Resumes will be accepted but are not required).
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THREE RIVERS HOSPITAL is seeking a Medical Interpreter to provide communication support services to hospital and medical staff, as well as hospital Limited English Proficiency patients. Required: High School Diploma, current WA DSHS Medical Interpreter Certification or obtain the WA DSHS Medical Interpreter Certification within 120 days of acceptance of position. One year experience in the medical field with use of medical terminology. Experience in the areas of cultural awareness, public speaking, translation, and interpretation is preferred. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http://www. threerivershospital.net, opportunity@ trhospital.net, EOE.
TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking an OR Circulator Nurse (full time). Current WA State RN license. Two years’ experience as a full-time circulator. BLS and ACLS certifications. Basic computer skills. Monday-Friday, 8-hour shifts. No call time. Sign-on bonus: $5,000. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http:// www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital.net, EOE.
Health Directory CONVENIENT WHOLE PERSON HEALTH
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River Plaza, Brewster
Team Based Care for YOU Physical - Emotional - Social
AA MEETINGS TWISP
800.660.2129
Twisp Group (O):
Sun. 9:30 a.m. at Masonic Hall Twisp Group (O):
Mon. 6:30 p.m. at Masonic Hall
Twisp Group (O):
Tues. 6:30 p.m. at Masonic Hall
Twisp Men’s Group (C)(M):
FREE YOGA
Book your first class FREE w/ promocode MVHEALTH
Wed. 6:30 p.m. at Masonic Hall
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Thur. 7 p.m. at Friendship Church What’s Normal Group (C):
Fri. 7 p.m. at Friendship Church O=Open, H=Handicap, C=Closed, M=Men
For more info, call 509-429-1683 or 206-734-7107
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AL-ANON
Fridays, 8:30 a.m. Conference Call 602-580-9460 Pin#8760429 For more info, call 509-997-0356
ALATEEN
Alateen is not meeting at this time For more info, leave a message at 509-429-2065
HEALTH DIRECTORY Directory ads are $8 per column inch. Call 997-7011 to have your service listed.
Services • Mental Health • Substance Use Disorders • Developmental Disabilities • Psychiatric Services • Therapeutic Housing
Phone number & 24-hour crisis line:
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Toll free: 866-826-6191
www.okbhc.org
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Fridays, 7 p.m. The Cove II, Twisp For more info, call 509-341-4737
Aero Methow Rescue Office: 997-4013
EMERGENCY
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with Full site prep, Septic systems, Road grading, Fire hazard reduction, Tree removal
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75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WANTED METHOW CONSERVANCY MAZAMA Farmland Opportunity Request for Proposal -The Methow Conservancy desires to sell or enter into a long-term lease to a local farmer for an 87-acre farmland property near Mazama. The Methow Conservancy is inviting applicants until February 1, 2022 and will select the farmland lessee/buyer that best meets the organization’s criteria by March 15, 2022. For more information and to view the complete Request for Proposal, visit https://methowconservancy.org/discover or contact Jeanne White at the Methow Conservancy, jeanne@methowconservancy.org. OPORTUNIDAD PARA TIERRA de cultivo de Methow Conservancy Mazama – Solicitud de propuestas - Methow Conservancy se encuentra en la búsqueda de venta o arrendamiento a largo plazo para la tierra de cultivo de 87 acres cerca de Mazama. Methow Conservancy invita a los aplicantes a presentar su propuesta con fecha límite hasta el 01 de febrero de 2022 y será seleccionado el arrendador/ comprador que mejor se ajuste al criterio de la organización el 15 de marzo de 2022. Para más información y para ver la solicitud de propuestas completa, visita https://methowconservancy.org/ discover o contacta a Jeanne White a jeanne@methowconservancy.org.
83. . . COMMUNITY EVENTS FREE CO-WORK DAY and Open House at the Mtn.Annex, Saturday December 18th. Come sample our Co-Work Space from 9am-5pm. Then join your friends and neighbors at our Holiday Open House from 12-5pm, featuring a Holiday Bazaar with select invited local artists, Yoga with Motive Yoga Co., Tea from Madre Tea Bar, snacks and refreshments. We hope to see you there! Email: leasing@mtnannex.com for more information.
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LEGAL NOTICES
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BUDGET SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Okanogan County Commissioners that a Public Hearing is set for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 13, 2021 and will be held via ZOOM, in the County Commissioners’ Hearing Room. Those wishing to attend may do so via the following: Join Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/83440791433 Meeting ID: 834 4079 1433 Or Join by Phone: +1 253 215 8782 +1 669 900 9128 +1 346 248 7799 Meeting ID: 834 4079 1433. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment for or against the consideration of a budget supplemental appropriation within the Building Department Fund 423 in the amount of $6,100. The budget supplemental is from Building Permit revenue and will be used for Salary, Office Supplies, Fuel and Travel. The hearing will be held remotely in the County Commissioners’ Hearing Room located at 123 5th Avenue North, Okanogan, Washington. Persons wishing to comment may attend the hearing via Zoom to be called on for comment or submit comments in writing to the Commissioners’ Office at 123 5th Avenue North, Rm 150, Okanogan, Washington 98840, or by email to ljohns@co.okanogan.wa.us Published in the Methow Valley News December 1, 8, 2021; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune December 2, 9, 2021. OVG944016 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ANNUAL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL LAKE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT #1 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be conducted by the Okanogan Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), acting as a Board of Equalization, to hear objections against the special assessment levied by Lake Management District #1 formed on August 28, 2018 by Ordinance 2018-14 around Lake Osoyoos near Oroville WA. The public hearing is scheduled for December 13, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Auditorium in the Virginia Grainger Building at 123 5th Ave N in Okanogan Washington. Objections to the proposed special assessment roll must be made in writing, shall clearly state the grounds for objections, and shall be filed with the governing body (BOCC) prior to the public hearing. Objections to a special assessment or annual special assessments that are not filed in writing as required shall be deemed waived and shall not be
Page B3
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
considered by the governing body or a court on appeal. Due to COVID participation in the hearing will be via Zoom platform. You can join the meeting by going to the following link: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/83440791433 Meeting ID: 834 4079 1433 Dial by your location +1 253 215 8782 +1 669 900 9128 +1 346 248 7799 Meeting ID: 834 4079 1433 Objections may be filed in writing or electronically to: Lalena Johns, Clerk of the Board, at 123 5th Ave N Suite 150, Okanogan, WA 98840 or at ljohns@co.okanogan.wa.us The special assessment roll for Lake Management District #1 is available for public inspection on the Okanogan County Planning Department website at www.okanogancounty.org/planning and on the City of Oroville website. A paper copy of the assessment roll is available for inspection at the following locations during the hours noted: 1) Okanogan County Office of Planning located at 123 5th Ave North Suite 130, Okanogan WA between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 2) Board of County Commissioners Office at 123 5th Ave N Suite 150, Okanogan WA between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 3) Oroville City Hall located at 1308 Ironwood Street in Oroville, WA between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Questions regarding the special assessment roll and public hearing should be directed to: Okanogan County Office of Planning and Development, Pete Palmer, Director, 123 5th Avenue North, Suite 130 Okanogan, WA 98840 (509)4227218 or spalmer@co.okanogan. wa.us. Published in the Methow Valley News December 1, 8, 2021; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune December 2, 9, 2021. OVG944045 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Okanogan County Board of Health will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 14th, 2021 at 1:30 pm in consideration of adoption of Resolution #2021-06 which pertains to the 2022 Public Health Budget. The hearing will be held at the Okanogan County Public Health office located at 1234 S. 2nd Ave., Okanogan, WA. Please visit www.okanogancounty.org under the Public Health webpage for Zoom information. Published in the Methow Valley News December 1, 8, 2021; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune December 2, 9, 2021. OVG944049 NOTICE OF CALL FOR BIDS Sealed bids will be received by the Board of County Commissioners of Okanogan County, 123 5th Ave. N. Room 150, Okanogan, Washington 98840 at their office on the main floor of the Virginia Grainger Administration Building, until 11:00 A.M. on December 14, 2021 at which time they will be opened and publicly read to furnish the Okanogan County Department of Public Works with the following: Motor Fuel Additional information and specifications may be obtained from the Okanogan County Department of Public Works, 1234-A 2nd Ave. S., Okanogan, WA 98840 (509) 422-7300. The Board of County Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Published in the Methow Valley News December 1, 8, 2021; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune December 2, 9, 2021. OVG944051 VENDOR LIST NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Okanogan County is updating its list of potential vendors for the purchase of materials, equipment, supplies or services valued between Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and Fifty thousand
dollars ($50,000) in accordance with the county’s policy resolution 24-2020 and RCW 39.04.190. Below is a list of general categories in which the County may make purchases in 2021. Potential vendors of any of these categories are invited to notify the County in writing if they wish to be placed on the vendors list. 1. Computer Equipment or other related Equipment or Hardware Maintenance 2. Office Equipment such as Copier/printers 3. Architectural, Engineering, or Planning Services 4. Legal Services 5. Personnel related services 6. Hardware or Building Supplies 7. Custodial and Janitorial Services 8. Maintenance Services 9. Sound Systems 10. Spray & Applicator Services 11. Herbicides and Pesticides Potential vendors of the above categories who wish to be placed on the vendors list are encouraged to write the Okanogan County Commissioners’ Office at 123 Fifth Avenue North, Room 150, Okanogan, WA 98840 or send an email to Lanie Johns at ljohns@ co.okanogan.wa.us Published in the Methow Valley News December 8, 2021; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune December 9, 2021. OVG944645 OKANOGAN COUNTY NOTICE OF FINAL DECISION Project: Boundary Line Adjustment: (parcel 4026203006, 4026200002, & 4026203007) Proponent: Rick and Enola Hambey Decision: Approved The Okanogan County Office of Planning and Development made a final decision on the above-noted projects. Within 20 days of publication, parties with standing may appeal these decisions to the Okanogan County Hearing Examiner at 123 5th Ave. N. Suite 130, Okanogan, WA 98840, pursuant to OCC 2.67.010. An appeal must include the $300.00 appeal fee. Published in the Methow Valley News December 8, 2021; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune December 9, 2021. OVG944678 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY In Re The Estate of: JOHN W. CULTON, Deceased. No. 21-4-07116-7 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) (NTCRD) The person named below has been appointed as Administrator of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: December 1, 2021. S.\Chasity Culton, Administrator S.\Eric Landeen, Attorneys for Administrator, WSBA #53824 Address for Mailing or Service: Eric Landeen, Attorney 9395 NE Shore Drive, PO Box 163, Indianola, WA 98342 Tel: 360-265-3554 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: King County Superior Court No. 21-4-07116-7 SEA Published in the Methow Valley News December 1, 8, 15, 2021
SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR OKANOGAN COUNTY Estate of JANET S. VERKUYL, Deceased. NO. 21-4-00134-24 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) PLEASE TAKE NOTICE The above Court has appointed me as Personal Representative of Decedent’s estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must present the claim: (a) Before the time when the claim would be barred by any applicable statute of limitations, and (b) In the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070: (i) By filing the original of the claim with the foregoing Court, and (ii) By serving on or mailing to me at the address below a copy of the claim. The claim must be presented by the later of: (a) Thirty (30) days after I served or mailed this Notice as provided in RCW 11.40.020(1)(c), or (b) Four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice. If the claim is not presented within this time period, the claim will be forever barred except as provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective for claims against both the Decedent’s probate and non-probate assets. Date of First Publication of this Notice: December 8, 2021 Susan Donahue, WSBA No. 43660 Attorney for Lindsay Ann Picolet, Personal Representative Published in the Methow Valley News December 8, 15, 22, 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING CHANGE Notice is hereby given that the regular monthly meeting of the Three Rivers Hospital Board of Commissioners has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 22, 2021. The meeting will take place in the conference room of the McKinley Building at Three Rivers Hospital, 507 Hospital Way, Brewster, Washington, and remotely via the Microsoft Teams application at 11:15 a.m. on the date set forth above. Call-in: 1-312-6253555 ID: 883225787#. For questions on how to connect remotely, please call 509-645-3348. Published in the Methow Valley News December 8, 2021 NOTICE OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of the Three Rivers Hospital Board of Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, December 7 2021 for the purpose of discussing the hospital’s Quality Program policies and procedures. The meeting will be held virtually from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the above date via the Microsoft Teams application. Other hospital business will not be conducted at this meeting. Dial-in: +1 312-6253555, Conference ID: 557244048# Published in the Methow Valley News December 8, 2021 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Council of the Town of Twisp, WA will be holding a public hearing regarding the 2022 Budget remotely through the Twisp Council Meeting via GoTo Meeting. Instructions to join the meeting will be posted on the Town’s website in advance of the meeting at townoftwisp.com. Said hearing shall be December 14th, 2021, at 5:30 pm. If you have any questions, or would like to submit a comment in advance, please contact Randy Kilmer, clerktreasurer@ townoftwisp.com – 509-997-4081. Published in the Methow Valley News December 8, 2021 LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Adoption – Ordinance #779 AN ORDINANCE of the Town of Twisp, Washington, amending Ordinance #723, an ordinance fixing and establishing the Municipal Judge’s salary. Dated this 23rd day of November 2021. Randy Kilmer, Clerk/Treasurer, Town of Twisp, Washington. Published in the Methow Valley News December 8, 2021
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34. . . . . . . . . . . . . SERVICES L E U SC H E N C O N S TRU C TI O N , LLC • NEW CONSTRUCTION • CUSTOM HOMES • REMODELS & Additions • GARAGES & Carports GIVE US A call! 509-429-5626 #LEUSCCL811M9 CLEAN UP HAUL away and moving services locally. Furniture, appliances, construction materials, etc., or just garbage hauled to the dump. For free estimates, call Randall at 509-997-2128.
STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS
“D
TH R E E R I VE RS H OS PITAL is seeking a Director of Quality to manage our quality program, including risk and compliance. Registered Nurse with a BSN degree is preferred; however, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Business or related field may be considered. Three to five years healthcare experience is preferred. Strong skills required: organizational, interpersonal, communication, analytical, risk assessment, computer, statistics & math, and problem-solving. Attention to detail and a high moral integrity is crucial. Interested Candidates may apply in person or by mailing their resume to: Three Rivers Hospital Human Resources Dept. PO Box 577 Brewster, WA 98812. (509) 689-2517 http:// www.threerivershospital.net, opportunity@trhospital.net, EOE. FRENCH QUAIL BOUTIQUE hiring. Part or full time. Great environment. Discounts. Call Cynthia 425-330-2756. BLUE STAR COFFEE is hiring! Production Assistant: 20-30 hours per week, year round position. Great Job, Good Pay, Fabulous New Facility. Starting wage is $17/hr plus benefits. Our Production Assistant works to support our commitment to exceptional customer service, quality and freshness by working quickly, efficiently and accurately to package roasted coffee, monitor the quality of the bags and prepare the coffee for delivery to our Customers. Additionally, they prepare, pick and fulfill orders for delivery, and assist in the daily cleaning of equipment and restocking of supplies. They may also assist with driving and deliveries from time to time. The Production Assistant works with a variety of personalities and departments to ensure that quality standards are being maintained, and maintains a respectful, professional demeanor at all times. Must be able to repeatedly lift a minimum of 50 lbs, stand on concrete floors and physically move throughout their full shift. Punctuality and dependability are a must, mechanical ability a PLUS. Driver’s license required.Interested? Email your resume to: meg@bluestarcoffeeroasters.com
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Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Methow Valley News
Making the cut — Christmas tree hunting in the wild requires some prep work, and a good saw BY ASHLEY LODATO
When I volunteered to write about venturing back into the woods to cut a Christmas tree, it was completely without guile. But those of you who have been reading my column for a while may recall that I used to specialize in writing about the Christmas tree hunt. If your kids cried, or if someone stepped in a stream, or if your tree fell off the roof and broke in half on the drive home, or if it lost its needles as soon as you brought it inside, I wanted to know about it and write about it. But since the era of social media, everyone’s Christmas tree hunts look more like custom-built happy family fests, as opposed to opportunities to create lifelong memories forged over shared misery and struggle. Since I can sum up everyone’s recent tree-cutting adventures with the proverbial “a good and photogenic time was had by all,” my Christmas tree shtick seemed to be gasping its dying breath. Still, in the interest of reportorial comprehensiveness, I decided to give it another go. Off into the woods I went.
Prerequisites
Or rather, off into the woods I went, after a whole lot of investigative journalism. The first nut that needed cracking was the conundrum of the U.S. Forest Service Christmas tree permit. Actually, this is hardly a nut worth cracking; unless you’re cutting by permission on private land, you need a permit. They’re easy to acquire at Hank’s Harvest Foods, Pardner’s, and online. Also, they’re only $5. Five dollars, for a whole tree! They just don’t make deals like that anymore, except, well, they do. The second puzzle that needed solving was the “where” of journalism. Where would I find my $5 tree? Given that my first and second choice tree-cutting locations are now completely decimated from the summer’s fires, I faced a true dilemma. Not only would I need to locate a tree, I would need to locate a forest. Fortunately, and despite what one might think after the past summer, there are actually some forests still standing in our area, filled with conifers upon whose branches nostalgia-laden ornaments of yore and twinkling environmentally-responsible-butless-aesthetically-pleasing-thanincandescent lights could gaily
TREE TIPS
Permit vendors: • www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ okawen/passes-permits/fore stproducts/?cid=fsbdev3_05 3596#vendors Guidelines: • www.recreation.gov/ tree-permits/23ca18caec54-11ea-8045369699f3be2d • Online permit: www. recreation.gov/treepermits/23ca18ca-ec5411ea-8045-369699f3be2d/ order
Ashley Lodato went on a tree hunt over the weekend. dangle. Permit? Check. Forest? Check. Handheld saw? After an earnest and lengthy critique of the benefits and drawbacks of various handheld saws courtesy of my husband, check. I now faced my chief ethical concern: Given that thousands of our local conifers went, literally, up in smoke this summer, was cutting one of their brethren to decorate my living room for two weeks morally right? For answers, I turned to the undisputed champion of forests, Smokey Bear. Smokey, speaking through his spokesperson, Methow Valley District Ranger Chris Furr, assured me that I could go cut my tree. “I would definitely encourage folks to continue to cut their trees from their National Forests despite the large fire season,” Furr said. “Many of the valley’s unburned areas are overstocked with young trees, and you can harvest your tree without guilt.” No guilt? My $5 investment was delivering increasingly favorable returns. In that Zen manner unique to Forest Service leadership, Furr suggested some ways that “you can be mindful as you look for that perfect tree this year.” Now mindfulness practice was included in the price of my $5 permit. Never before has a fiver provided so thoughtfully.
Douglas firs are a good choice for a wild-caught Christmas tree. species identification. Whereas Ponderosa pine trees have long, pointy needles, Douglas fir trees have flat, blunt, friendly, soft needles. They also answer to “Doug,” something no self-respecting Ponderosa would ever consider. Ponderosas have furrowed, scaly bark, while young Douglas firs — which are the kind we should be cutting for our Tannenbaums —
have smooth, gray bark.) Once you’ve identified your favorite Doug, Furr said, “The second consideration is picking a tree from a group. This ‘thinning’ can help reduce the stress and competition for the surrounding trees.” In short, Furr seemed to be suggesting that I could be a junior forester for an afternoon, completing an act of mindful for-
Photos by Ashley Lodato
est management public service, at no additional cost. That $5 was the gift that kept on giving.
Seen and sawn
Finally I ventured forth into the forest. After reminiscing about years past, when it took two hours to get the kids and the snacks and the hot drinks and tools ready for a meaningful
Christmas tree-cutting adventure guaranteed to end with someone in tears, I took a moment to appreciate the sun glinting off the frosty, soft, flat needles of a fir tree crowded in the middle of a group of other firs. Target identified. Using my ZÜBAT saw, which, as promised earlier in my saw briefing, delivered greater cutting speed with less effort due to its proprietary ergonomic comfort grip handle and professional, heavy-duty, mono-constructed blade, I sawed down that tree like a boss. In fact, I had done nothing quite as boss-like since last Thanksgiving, when I spatchcocked a turkey. This tree surrendered a lot easier than the breastplate of that bird, I’ll tell you. Two hours after I had begun my Christmas tree cutting adventure, I was home, in possession of a Douglas fir with a height well under the 15-foot limit. As an added bonus and as a result of having been crammed in a stand with a bunch of other, more aggressive, trees, it is completely devoid of branches on one side, which is a prerequisite for installation in our living room. Total cost $5. The experience of cutting it down? Priceless.
For the fir
Mindfulness when it comes to Christmas tree selection, Furr continued, involves species selection. “Douglas fir is a good choice,” he said. “It is a species that is encroaching and out-competing Ponderosa pines in many of our dry forest sites. Fir isn’t as resilient to fire as pine, so in the absence of frequent low-intensity fires that historically happened here it can take over.” (We pause now for a lesson in
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Page B5
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
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Appeals court ruling opens French Creek Road
Friends of Pool mobilizes efforts for new facility
New county prosecutor appointed
Suit challenges feds’ delisting of gray wolves
Cyber attack takes down county’s computer systems
Conservation group challenges feds on grizzly recovery plan One fatality in Twisp house fire USFS gets nearly 1,000 responses to Twisp Restoration Project MVSD converts to middle school format
Construction begins on new Okanogan Fire District 6 fire hall
November local elections
County comp plan nears final adoption
Konrads pursue annexation, affordable housing project
Burma Shores residential development proposal draws concerns The weather: extremes and local impacts
Twisp council considers dissolution of Public Development Authority
Gebbers reaches settlement with L&I in COVID case
Local biochar project gets legislative support
NEWS BRIEFS COMMENT ON PLANNED DEVELOPMENT CHANGE
The owner of the Outward Bound West Planned Development on Lost River Road in Mazama has applied to the Okanogan County Planning Department to move the building site for a potential future 70-by-70-foot residence. The parcel has two building lots. Proponent Dawn Conyers wants to move lot 2 from the northeast side of the 5.5-acre parcel closer to Lost River Road. There is an existing residence on the property. The proposal doesn’t change the intent of the original project nor affect the density of development on the lot, which allows just two residences. The public can comment on the proposed change through Dec. 17. For more information or to comment, contact Planner Pam Wyllson at pwyllson@ co.okanogan.wa.us.
‘FANTASTIC MR. FOX’ AUDITIONS
The Merc Playhouse will hold auditions in December to fill out the cast of The Tom Zbyszewski Children’s Theater production of “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” now scheduled to open in March 2022. About half-a-dozen roles are available. “Fantastic Mr. Fox” was ready to open in March 2020 when coronavirus protocols shut down live performances at The Merc. Some actors cast for the production will be returning for the 2022 show; other parts remain to be filled. Roald Dahl’s classic play follows the adventures of Mr. Fox as he works to outwit three dimwitted farmers, along with the help of a cadre of woodland creatures. Auditions will be on Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. at the theater and are open to kids 8 and older. No previous experience is necessary. Visit www.mercplayhouse.org for information on how to sign up for the auditions.
Winthrop town council supports Kiwanis pump track/ball field project The Winthrop Town Council has agreed to include funds in the town’s 2022 budget to help advance a Winthrop Kiwanis project to improve the town-owned pump track and adjacent ball field on Highway 20. At last week’s meeting, the council heard from Kiwanis representative Rich Jones, who said the project — first detailed in 2020 as a Kiwanis “Fund A Dream” effort, which is largely funded by the
organization’s annual Bite of the Methow event — will likely take several years. He said a first step is to provide water and electricity to the site, and asked for the council’s support. Jones said the project is being developed in partnership with other local organizations including the Methow Valley School District. He said Kiwanis will also be asking for funds through the town’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), which determines how locally collected
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In some ways, the top Methow Valley headlines erations, all stories related to the coronavirus are of 2021 were an extension of 2020, notably related included under one heading, as are the summer’s to the COVID pandemic. But the past year also wildfires. Other related stories may also be consaw its share of developing news stories, including solidated. those related to the local implications of county, Results will be included in the Dec. 29, 2021, state and national events, actions and policies. For Year in Review issue of the Methow Valley News. our annual Year in Review Issue, we’ll revisit the Here’s how to be a voter: top local stories of the year, with your help. • Email your choices to editor@methowvalIt’s simple to participate: Pick your own top leynews.com. 10 stories — you don’t have to rank them in any • Clip out and mail the ballot to P.O. Box 97, order, just pick 10 — from the list below. We nar- Twisp, WA 988556. rowed it down to about 25 possibilities, from a • Vote online by visiting www.methowvalmuch longer list. You may have your own favorites leynews.com. Add comments if you like. that you think should have been included. If so, We’ll run the ballot again over the next few you can offer write-in votes. For practical consid- weeks (please limit yourself to one ballot). Sports stories of the year will be handled separately.
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hotel and motel taxes will be used to support and promote tourismbased activities. Council member William Kilby, who represents the council on the LTAC, said a Kiwanis application for such funding would be appropriate, and the LTAC could consider it early next year. Council member Kirsten Vanderhalf said she supports the town’s participation in the project. Council member Bill McAdow suggested that the town add $10,000 to its 2020 parks budget as a place-holder amount for the town’s participation in providing water and power to the site. That motion was unanimously approved. Some of the Kiwanis project improvements would be for the ball field, in particular a larger backstop to prevent balls from flying onto Highway 20, which creates safety issue, Jones said. Other improvements included in the Kiwanis plan outlined in 2020 include a batting cage and pitching mound; irrigation and additional plantings; walking trails connecting activity areas and continuing up the hill to West Chewuch road; upgrades to the existing pump track; a pavilion for shade, rain protection and picnic tables; a children’s play area with fun and safe rides; fitness stations; music play area; a water fountain and bottlefill station; a centerfield door from the existing ball field to the batting cage and pitching mound area; patching and sealing the existing basketball court and skating/ pickleball/hopscotch area; a doggie station and bulletin board for community events and announcements; and parking to include an RV pull-through. In other business, the council approved an intergovernmental agreement with Okanogan County to provide some building inspection services to the town as needed, at an hourly rate of $120.
Valley Life
Page B6
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Andy, Jim and Victoria would very much like to have locals support the restaurant so they can offer services year round. In addition, The Inn will be featuring the work of Methow artists. Currently, they are exhibiting the work of three very different artists. Michael Caldwell’s oil paintings depict his interest in landscape as subject matter. Caldwell spent 46 years teaching, first at the University of Oregon, and then 36 years as professor of fine arts at Seattle Pacific University. Since 2006, he and his wife have lived fulltime in the Methow. He explains regarding this exhibit, “Painting, like all arts, is a physical and spiritual activity that like landscape can provide us with a sense of personal growth and understanding.” Dan Brown’s medium is carbon steel. His sculptures include “Loup Loup,” of a wolf, “The Conversation,” of ravens, “Dinner Flight,” of osprey, and “Flight,” depicting bird flight that Brown believes “is so amazing to us earthbound humans.” Brown also tells that story in conjunction with “Dinner Flight” that friends were driving between Okanogan and Omak when a salmon fell out of the sky onto their car hood. “Must have been an osprey with too heavy of dinner plans,” he surmised.
In her paintings, Tamera Abaté seeks “to share her reverence of the natural world with the viewer.” She grew up under the vast open sky and tapestry of wheat fields in eastern Washington, so she has an interest and fascination with how the horizon line separates and yet pairs fields of color. Her ancient technique of encaustic (Greek “to burn in”) uses as many as 30 layers of beeswax, tree sap and pigment that is then heated with a propane torch. Abaté’s work is held in private collections worldwide and has been published in books and magazines. All of the artwork displayed is also for sale. Make a trip to The Inn for brunch and a look at the artwork. In other good news, Jack’s Hut at Freestone Inn will reopen on Dec. 16. Yay! When approaching Mazama Junction, there’s a new resident: a very tall stop sign appeared on Dec. 3 (Friday) on the south approach to the intersection of Lost River Road and Goat Creek Road. Some westbound residents of Lost River Road expressed annoyance at the appearance of the sign without warning. It’s probably there to stay, however, so be aware of the four-way stop. Another new sighting is a big rock with the display of MAZAMA at the entrance to the trailhead. Welcome!
Two weeks ago my neighbor Kat texted to tell me that she’d just seen a raven fly out of my chicken pen with an egg in its beak. The raven flew across the road and deposited the egg in a nest of pine needles near another neighbor’s house. It wasn’t, Kat told me, the first time she’d seen the raven do that. I figured the raven was spotting errant eggs in our yard, laid by a young hen who was not yet
clear on the location or purpose of the nesting boxes attached to our coop. The next day, my husband called me over to the window in a whisper. “Look,” he said, pointing to the chicken pen. A raven was perched on one of the fence posts, swiveling its head from side to side in a manner I can only refer to as “cheeky.” All us humans were inside at that moment, and after a few moments of surveillance the raven apparently deemed the coast clear. It was time to make her move. The raven flew off the post, landing in the chicken pen in a manner I can only described as “practiced.” This was clearly not her first touchdown in this particular landing zone. At first the raven acted all casual, strolling around amidst the chickens as if she were simply just one of the flock. Had she been capable of pursing her nonexistent lips, I suspect she would have been whistling. In a manner I can only refer to as “conspicuously nonchalant,” the raven strolled
over to the ramp that leads up into the coop. Suddenly she was all business, marching up the gangway and into the coop, a corvid on a clear mission. Suddenly I understood that the eggs my neighbor had been seeing in the raven’s beak were not gleaned, but instead purloined, and straight out of the hopper. Suddenly the situation became clear; this was unambiguous, absolute, premeditated theft. I was annoyed, of course. With all the grain we invest in those chickens, each egg is worth at least 50 cents. But I couldn’t fail to be impressed, either, at this bold display of trespass and theft — fowl play at its most egregious. Mark Pavelka, who studied ravens for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said, “With other animals you can usually throw out 90% of the stories you hear about them as exaggerations. With ravens, it’s the opposite. No matter how strange or amazing the story, chances are pretty good that at least some raven somewhere actually did that.” Yes indeed.
things at Christmas time. It feels like an obligation. W hen gi f t givi ng of ten becomes an obligation it steals the joy from the spirit of giving. Compulsory gift giving can force people to think about others in new ways and the joy can bubble up eventually. This is important and why we must practice giving. But, when you feel like you have to give something because you’re supposed to, it often feels forced. One idea that might make the joy of giving a little easier when you are stuck is to form a gift group. Gather a few friends or relatives to exchange homemade crafts. I know of a group of women in the valley who started
a crafting gift exchange that is now seven years in the running. Each person makes six homemade gifts. They come together after all the crafting is done, and they each come home with six hand crafted gifts they can keep to themselves or give away to others if they chose. It alleviates the pressure and fills them with the joy of creation, giving, and receiving. According to the website whychristmas.com, the tradition of gift giving with regards to St. Nicholas dates back to the fourth century in what is now Turkey. The story goes that Saint Nicholas, born to a wealthy family, upon the death of his parents became a secret
gift giver, dolling out his family’s inheritance through secret means to the poor. One legend has it that he dropped gold coins down the chimney that landed in a stocking hung by the fire to dry in the home of a poor man who needed money for each of his three daughters for their dowry. It happened twice and on the third night, the man waited by the fireplace to see who was dropping coins into the stocking. Caught in his act of generosity, he begged the man not to reveal his identity. But in time the word got out that Nicholas was the secret gift giver. And so, there you have the tradition of the stockings and St. Nicholas, the first secret Santa.
Shelley Smith Jones
Mazama News f lash: The Inn at Mazama (formerly Mazama Country Inn) has reopened its dining room. After a long wait for furniture due to supply chain problems (another post-pandemic buzz phrase), the dining room and outdoor patio are warmly and comfortably refreshed and ready for guests. Brunch every Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. is the first opportunity to enjoy chef Eric Schade’s delightful dishes. Additional dinner nights will be added soon. Any updated changes to regular hours will be posted on The Inn’s Instagram, Facebook page, and website. The Inn’s new manager, Andy Parkinson, landed in Mazama after working internationally for many years. His last stint was in
Joanna Bastian
Lower Valley
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the gateway to the Methow! Spectacular holiday lights are on display between the town of Methow and Pateros. Sweet River Bakery is open in the evenings, serving up warm beverages and dinner items. Shoreline Trail in Pateros Park is the perfect stroll to enjoy holiday light displays. This weekend, Dec. 10-11, is Christmas in the City and Holiday Market. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the Downtown Riverwalk Pavilion. Shop the Holiday Market, chow down on chili, munch on cookies and slurp hot cocoa. Santa arrives at 6 p.m., ho ho ho! The Holiday Market continues on Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., indoors at the Pateros Brewster Community Resource Center. The Holiday Market is a pop-up event of the Pateros Community Market and features locally made products including jewelry, décor, gastric delights, apparel and more. Follow the Pateros Community Market on Facebook and Instagram.
Sarah Schrock
Twisp Tis the season for secret Santa and holiday work parties. Most workplaces participate in secret gift giving and parties during
The dining room is open again at The Inn at Mazama. Northern Mongolia, where he managed a resort and offered a fly fishing guide service. Taimen or Siberian Giant Trout can reach 6 feet in length. It’s not a surprise that Mongolia is a Mecca for fisherpersons. It’s also not a surprise that Andy and his partner Amanda fell in love with the From 9 a.m-1 p.m. on Saturday, Okanogan County Long Term Recovery is hosting the Donation for Donation event. People can donate money to disaster relief in exchange for overstocked items to help clear needed space in the warehouse. The resource center will host the Saturday Holiday Market and the Technology Center open house. The new Technology Center is open to the public. Computers, large-scale printers, professional software, conference rooms and recording equipment are available for a fee to complete large or small projects. The center hosts Wenatchee Valley College and WorkSource Okanogan courses, including early childhood education and ESL. “We have a really good partnership with Wenatchee Valley College,” said Gene Dowers, executive director of the resource center. “We have the most stable internet in town” — making the center an ideal place for professionals, students and adults to complete work and gain new skills. The Technology Center is staffed by an AmeriCorps member, Natalie Torres. Natalie is bilingual, from Brewster, has a degree in public health, and is available to assist with coursework and teach technical literacy. The Technical Center is made possible by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, Confluence Health, and generous donations from private donors. In 2021, the resource center put forth a monumental effort serving residents in Okanogan County, including the Methow Valley and along the Columbia River corridor: • 80-plus households assisted this time of year to commemorate the holiday season and spread cheer among co-workers. The range of gifts, price limits and rules seem to be arbitrarily set by an organizer who either gets appointed or willfully volunteers to take on this role. Thanks to the organizers who likely never get fully thanked. One of the best gifts I ever got was from a holiday office gift exchange. About four years ago I was gifted a safety strap for running, walking or biking at night. The contraption includes an adjustable LED headlamp along with a rear red flashing light to make me visible at night. I use it all the time. My boss nailed it, giving me
Valley Life Contacts
Methow while visiting relatives in the Pacific Northwest. Even though there are no 6-foot trout in the rivers and lakes, still, we all know how the beauty and diversity of the valley draw those who love the outdoors. Jim and Victoria Grady, new owners of The Inn, were thrilled by pandemic relief funds. • 70-plus households assisted by Salvation Army vouchers for electric bills. • 420 boxes of Department of Health pandemic relief items distributed to those in COVID quarantine throughout Okanogan County. • 150 air purifiers distributed by volunteers through the City of Pateros. • WorkSource Wednesdays offered on-site. • Partnered with RIVER Local Investment Network, riverlin.org, raising local capital for local businesses. When the resource center applied to the Department of Health for pandemic relief, they were the only provider in Okanogan County. Pandemic relief boxes included shelf stable food donated by Kroger, fresh food from the Brewster Marketplace, and hand sanitizer, soap and masks donated by Walgreens. The Department of Health will continue the program through the resource center. The resource center is the only location to host WorkSource programs between Omak and Wenatchee. On WorkSource Wednesdays in December, a representative from WorkSource is in the resource center office to assist with job searches, resume building and career counseling. Learn more at worksourcewa.com. Now through Dec. 31, Pateros Brewster Resource Center is partnering with the Community Foundation of North Central Washington in the #GiveNCW Campaign. To participate, visit www.GiveNCW.org. To learn more about the many ways PBRC supports the community, and how to get involved, visit paterosresource.com. something that I didn’t know I needed until I got it. The art of gift giving, in my opinion, comes in finding or making an object that speaks to the giver and says, “I was made for _______,” even when it’s not a birthday or a holiday. When you find an object that says, “that is the perfect thing for (fill in the blank)” you are joyful in giving it to that person. A friend recently gave me a T-shirt because she saw it and thought, “Sarah needs that.” So very thoughtful! It wasn’t my birthday or any special event, she saw it and it spoke to her. Of course, you must know the person pretty well, which is why some people dread gifting
Mazama: Shelley Smith Jones smithjonesshelley@gmail.com
Methow Valley News
Photo by Shelley Smith Jones
when Andy responded to their Methow Bulletin Board ad for a manager. Andy is excited to extend hospitality to locals and visitors alike. With the ups and downs in the number of patrons in a resort community and the continual staffing issues that come with inconsistent patronage,
A QUICK SIP Photo by Natalie Johnson
Team members took a break between plays in a hockey tournament Friday at the Winthrop Rink. For more information about the rink or to see a schedule of tournaments, go to winthroprink.org.
Ashley Lodato
Winthrop
Winthrop: Ashley Lodato 509-341-4848 or ashleylodato@alumni.stanford.edu
Twisp: Sarah Schrock sjschrock@yahoo.com
Lower Valley: Joanna Bastian MethowJoanna@gmail.com