Methow Valley News September 15, 2021 by Methow Valley News

Hot rods ride again

Wins all around

Winthrop Vintage Wheels Show attracts car-loving crowd

Liberty Bell teams win in four sports

Methow Valley News

PHOTOS Page A6

STORY Page B1

PUBLISHED WEEKLY SINCE 1903

TWISP, WASHINGTON

VOL. 118 NO. 20

“Okanogan County Hospitals Have Exceeded Capacity.” That devastating statement came from Okanogan County Public Health on Friday (Sept. 10), in a news release that asks people to seek care at emergency rooms only in a genuine emergency. The hospitals are overburdened by people needing care for COVID-19. All th ree hospitals in the county — Three Rivers in Brewster, Mid-Valley in Omak, and North Valley in Tonasket — have exceeded the capacity of beds in their emergency rooms more than once in the past week. Not only is there no space in the county’s hospitals, but beds aren’t available in the rest of the state either, meaning there’s no place to transfer patients, they said. As a result, patients end up being cared for in emergency rooms, hallways and spare offices. The crisis stems from a shortage of both beds and doctors and nurses, according to Public Health. This means that there are long waits for all patients

September 15, 2021

HOGGING THE SPOTLIGHT

County hospitals hope to avoid rationing care as ERs exceed capacity BY MARCY STAMPER

WWW.METHOWVALLEYNEWS.COM

to be seen, long waits to be transferred for critical care, and the inability to easily provide patients the treatment they would normally receive, Okanogan County Health Officer James Wallace said. The hospitals are on the verge of moving into what was once unthinkable — crisis standards of care. Under crisis standards, there aren’t enough space, supplies or staff to give the best care to every patient in a hospital. As a result, providers must make decisions about who gets the scarce resources. “This means that some patients might not get the life-saving care they need,” Public Health said. Washington residents don’t have to look far to see the consequences of the crisis — hospitals in Northern Idaho have been rationing health care for the past week. The shortage of hospital beds in Idaho has already affected Washington, since some patients have been transferred to hospitals across the border.

See COVID, A3

COVID tests COVID tests are available at local clinics and hospitals and at other locations for people with symptoms or a known exposure. If you need a test, call: Aero Methow Rescue Service: 997-4013. Tests given Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. Confluence Health COVID-19 Hotline: (509) 663-8711 Family Health Centers, Twisp: 9972011

The Methow Valley School District is offering free, voluntary testing for students with parental consent. Interested parents should contact School Nurse Adriana Vanbianchi at avanbianchi@methow.org or the student’s school secretary to arrange a date and time. Elementary school: 996-2186; Liberty Bell High School: 996-2215. For more testing information and options, visit okanogancountycovid19. org/symptoms-testing.

Photo by Natalie Johnson

Sam Patterson, of Methow Valley Cascaders 4-H club, won a reserve champion ribbon for his hog, which sold at the livestock auction Saturday for $6.25 per pound. Look for more fair results in a future edition of the Methow Valley News.

LBHS teaches empathy and inclusivity after student destroys Pride flag BY MARCY STAMPER

Middle-school students at Liberty Bell High School (LBHS) got a lesson in inclusivity, empathy and belonging last week after a student destroyed a Pride flag belonging to another student. The rainbow f lag is a symbol of support for LGBTQ rights. After the student removed the f lag from another student’s locker

and ripped it in half on Tuesday (Sept. 7), 30 to 40 students decided to wear rainbow-themed clothing and staged a peaceful parade th rough the school the following day — to significant applause, LBHS principal Crosby Carpenter said in an interview. “I think that’s pretty bold for a g roup of m iddle -school st udents to take an action like that in a high school,” Carpenter said.

“The students wearing the Pride clothing were really proud of themselves — they felt empowered,” he said. That same day, a handful of students elected to wear Americanf lag paraphernalia in what some called a “counter-protest,” Carpenter said in a letter to parents and families that was also posted on

See PRIDE, A3

Okanogan Superior Court establishes Eviction Resolution Pilot Program Photo by Natalie Johnson

A small group gathered Saturday morning to remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

Twisp American Legion members urge ‘service to others’ as a way to honor 9/11 victims BY NATALIE JOHNSON

Twe nt y ye a r s af t e r t he Tw i n Towers fell, a small group of people gathered at Twisp’s American Legion post for a moment of silence, prayer and a few thoughtful words about the reverberating effects of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. “For me, it’s difficult to wrap my mind around the immensity of the event and the immensity of how it changed America,” said Capt. Barth Merrill, recently retired from the

U.S. Navy and the post’s new public affairs officer. Twisp’s American Legion post members realized last week that no memorial was scheduled in the town, and while it’s not an anniversary of a military event, they decided that it was important to come together for a short ceremony, Merrill said. “I believe when most people think of 9/11, they conflate it with everything that came after and there’s emotions

ADDRESS LABEL

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Part of new state landlord/tenant law BY NATALIE JOHNSON

As state and federal eviction moratoriums created during the COVID-19 pandemic expire, organizations and governments are working to address an anticipated increase in court filings from landlords and requests for assistance from renters. On Aug. 11, Okanogan County Superior Court Judge Chris Culp signed a standing order in Superior Court establishing an Eviction Resolution Pilot Program — modeled on similar programs pioneered by six counties starting last year — which is intended to keep the courts from being inundated with eviction proceedings and to encourage landlords and tenants to work things out through mediation. Counties are allowed to create the programs under a new landlord-tenant

law approved by the state legislature earlier this year. It’s estimated that more than 220,000 households in the state are behind on rent and face eviction at the end of the moratorium, according to the order. “It is in this court’s interest in managing its docket, facilitating just outcomes, and wisely utilizing scarce judicial resources to divert not-yet-filed cases away from the contested unlawful detainer process in court to an eviction resolution pilot program where there is a reasonable likelihood of a just resolution,” the Okanogan order reads. In the Methow Valley, Room One’s One Stop Support Program often hears from renters in need of advice, information or assistance. “Housing has been an issue for many years and I think with the added layer of COVID what we had seen in this past year … I think there’s a lot of fear, or frustration or uncertainty around the what ifs,” said Erin Flahive, One Stop Support Program Manager.

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Fires over the summer also contributed to income losses in the valley, Flahive noted, and the Methow Valley has an ongoing shortage of rentals and affordable housing. Since March 2020, Room One has provided rental assistance 138 times to local residents with limited income, who are homeless and working to find housing or who would be facing homelessness without assistance. “During COVID, we had a large emergency fund stemming primarily from generous community donations — one of the many ways our community showed up for each other during challenging times,” Flahive said. “We also manage homeless-prevention funds from the county and Salvation Army emergency funds, which we’ll help people connect with if they are eligible.”

Moratorium ended

The federal eviction moratorium,

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INSIDE ... OPINION . . . . HARTS PASS . . SPORTS . . . . . CLASSIFIEDS . ARTS . . . . . . . COMMUNITY . VALLEY LIFE . .

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Wednesday, September 15, 2021

9/11 From Page A1 and there’s beliefs tied up with wars and politics. That’s not what I really want to talk about,” Merrill said. “So for a few minutes I want to try to forget … anything tied up with everything that came after and just think about the humanity.” About 3,000 people died during the attacks, and about a third have still not been identified. Most of them were civilians traveling or going to work, Merrill said. “What I ask you to do is to think about yourself, think about the last 20 years of your life,” he said. “Marriages, births, kids’ birthday parties, promotions, career changes, deaths of family members, meeting new friends, graduations. … Think about all the friendships you’ve made, the relationships. All the people you’ve helped, the times people have helped you, the incredible richness of everyone’s life for the last two decades.” For victims of 9/11, none of that ever happened.

EVICTION From Page A1 originally put into place in September 2020, officially expired on July 31, 2021. However, on Aug. 3, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced a limited eviction moratorium lasting through Oct. 3, 2021, for renters in areas experiencing a COVID-19 surge. According to the CDC, that moratorium covered 80% of counties in the United States and 90% of renters. The new moratorium covers people who have made efforts to obtain government assistance to pay for their rent, and who earn less than $99,000 per year or $198,000 as a couple, were unable to pay rent or a mortgage due to substantial loss of income, has made efforts to make timely partial payments and if eviction would leave them homeless, among other requirements. The federal government has allocated $46.5 billion to state and local governments in Emergency Rental Assistance, according to the Biden Administration. On June 24, 2021, Gov. Jay Inslee issued a “bridge” proclamation through Sept. 30, which was described as not an extension of the moratorium, but as interim regulations allowing for a transition to the state’s new tenant protections established in Senate Bill 5160, passed in April. The bill made a number of

PARDNERS MINI MARKET

“Then think about that gaping whole in humanity and multiply it by thousands. I think that’s what the real cost, the real cost of 9/11 was.” Legion members raised the U.S. flag, then set it at half mast during the short ceremony. Earlier that morning they raised flags throughout Twisp. Chaplain Carolyn Groninger closed the memorial by offering a prayer for the people who died on Sept. 11 and leaving a bouquet of flowers at the flagpole. “Today we remember the worst attack on America,” she said. “We pray for the lost [and] forever injured, we pray for the families and remember the victims.” Merrill urged people to remember one of the core tenets of the American Legion — service to others — and put it into practice. “We can’t replace, we can’t fill the emptiness of lives that were taken too early, but we can honor them,” he said. Putting up flags and gathering is one way, he said. “I think another way is rededicating ourselves to service to others.” changes to landlord-tenant law, particularly surrounding nonpayment of rent during the eviction moratoriums. Among other provisions, the law requires that landlords work with tenants on repayment options before pursuing eviction. “Beginning August 1, renters are expected to pay full rent, reduced rent negotiated with landlord, or actively seek rental assistance funding,” according to Inslee’s office. “Landlords may only evict a tenant if none of those actions are being taken but must offer the tenant a reasonable repayment plan before beginning the eviction process. Tenants must also be provided, in writing, the services and support available.” The law also states that landlords may not charge late fees and can’t hold it against a prospective renter that they couldn’t pay rent at some point between March 1, 2020 and Dec. 30, 2021. “If you have remaining unpaid rent that accrued between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2021, your landlord must offer you a reasonable schedule for repayment of the unpaid rent. For the repayment schedule to be considered reasonable, your monthly payments under the repayment plan cannot be more than onethird of your monthly rental charges at the time you were unable to pay,” according to the state Attorney General’s office. In order to facilitate this communication and cooperation

C U T T H ROAT PAC E

Photo by Steve Mitchell

Runners competed Saturday in Methow Trails’ annual Cutthroat Classic. For results, go to https://results.raceroster.com/en-US/results/ sqgygvwbmqxkgp6r. between landlords and tenants, the law adopts a court-based Eviction Resolution Pilot Program model operating since November 2020 in Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane and Thurston counties. The pilot programs, adopted by individual counties through standing orders such as Okanogan County Superior Court’s, require that landlords and tenants work together on a repayment plan through the county’s Dispute Resolution Center before landlords are allowed to file an unlawful detainer action to evict the tenant. Okanogan County Superior Court Judge Henry Rawson will serve as the “procedural point person” to help implement the pilot program, according to the county’s order. Finally, the law gives tenants a right to legal counsel in unlawful detainer proceedings if they are indigent, meaning they are on public assistance or make less than 200 % of the federal poverty level, similar to rights to legal counsel in criminal proceedings. In addition to these provisions, the Legislature set aside $658 million for rental assistance payments to tenants and landlords, according to Okanogan County’s order. “Any additional access to legal support is a benefit, so people can get the information they need to feel informed,” Flahive said.

Clearing a backlog

One of the goals of the program is to keep people from becoming

homeless in an ongoing pandemic that is still affecting the state and country’s economy. Flahive said it’s difficult to quantify how many people will be in danger of eviction proceedings in the near term. “We anticipate more calls for support with legal referrals for individuals navigating renter’s rights and also needing financial assistance,” she said. “We’ve been helping tenants understand the new bridge proclamation and directing them to information on their rights under the new laws.” Another reason, according to Okanogan Superior Court’s order, is to prevent additional strain on an already overburdened court system. In the past year and a half, Superior Court has had to curtail operations to comply with mandatory COVID-19 precautions and safety protocols, and to protect its staff and visitors. Most recently, all jury trials have been postponed until October due to rising COVID cases in the county. “This has resulted in a continuing substantial backlog of civil, criminal, juvenile and child welfare matters,” the Okanogan order reads. “Given the administrative backlog this court is facing, the anticipated deluge of unlawful detainer filings … presents a continuing threat to the ability of this court to timely hear and fairly decide such cases consistent with statutory deadlines, due process and mandated procedures.”

Cascadia Music, The Confluence, Methow Arts, TwispWorks, & The Twisp Chamber of Commerce Present

STORE OPEN LATE

Winthrop • 996-2005

& studio tour

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Saturday, September 25th, 1-5 pm

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HARVEST TIME! LOCALLY SOURCED PRODUCE APPLES TO ZUCCHINIS

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ART MUSIC COMMUNITY FUN Free Event Tour maps available @ any participating organization or scan QR code below

FEMA awards $244,150 grant to Fire District 6 The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded $244,150.17 from its Assistance to Firefighters Grant, intended to support operations and safety, to Okanogan County Fire District 6, which covers the Methow Valley. “Our firefighters are working under immensely dangerous and difficult conditions throughout our district in what is shaping up to be a landmark fire season. These grants will enable them to continue their critical work,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse in a news release. “Our first responders are heroes, and it’s imperative we ensure they stay safe and have the tools they need to continue protecting our communities.” Douglas County was also awarded $271,472 from the same

grant, Newhouse reported. Fire District 6 Chief Cody Acord said it’s less than what the district requested, but is expected to fund a complete replacement of the district’s breathing equipment — 36 sets of tanks, harnesses and face masks. The equipment has a 15-year lifespan, Acord said, and must be replaced to maintain safety for firefighters. Firefighters need the oxygen tanks and breathing systems to enter a burning structure safely. “Those are one of the things we need to have,” he said. “We have a few years left before ours get to that outdated end.” The f ull cost is about $252,000, Acord said. The district is expected to pay a 5% match.

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $25.85-$27.50 per month and business services are $35.00$40.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request. CenturyLink participates in a government benefit program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone or broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers are those that meet eligibility standards as defined by the FCC and state commissions. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or broadband service per household, which can be on either wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or faster to qualify. A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Lifeline service is not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline telephone or broadband service can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from the program. If you live in a CenturyLink service area, please call 1-800-201-4099 or visit centurylink. com/lifeline with questions or to request an application for the Lifeline program.

Methow Valley News

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

PRIDE From Page A1 the school’s Facebook page. Still, Carpenter said in the i nter v iew t hat he wa sn’t sure that their action was an intentional counter-protest, and that the groups of students were not at odds with each other. “Some people will suggest that if you’re uncomfortable with, or don’t agree with what the Pride flag stands for, you should fly an American flag in protest,” Carpenter said on Facebook, calling that notion “misguided.” “The Pride f lag and the American flag are symbols of inclusivity and freedom. This is not a zero sum game. Both can coexist,” he wrote. There were several other i nst a nces i n recent d ays where students on both sides of the divide were singled out for their beliefs and values, Carpenter said in the Facebook post.

Lots of listening, conversations

Carpenter and other staff

members conducted multiple discussions with advisory classes and met individually with students and with small groups of students and families. Staff members encouraged students to slow down, practice empathy and grace, and to put themselves in others’ shoes, Carpenter said. The primary goal was to lead with empathy to understand where the students were coming from. Staff members listened and asked questions to comprehend why the incidents had occurred. The discussions were all well received, he said. The discussions included concepts of ident it y a nd individuality. Every student should feel dignified and that they have a place at Liberty Bell, Carpenter said. “One of our primary goals at Liber t y Bell continues to be fostering a school climate and culture of inclusivity, empathy, and belonging, where every individual feels dignified. With this goal in mind, there is no place for bigotr y and hatred — zero tolerance,” Carpenter said on Facebook.

Carpenter noted that the students involved are 12- and 13-year-olds, who learn from their mistakes, particularly when surrounded by caring adults. These matters and conflicts typically become less of an issue as students mature and become more comfortable with their own identity — and less reactive to others’ identity, Carpenter said. In such a small community, we can’t divide into camps, he said. “I stand with all students regardless of their political or social views, I stand with what the American f lag is intended to represent, I stand with what the Pride f lag is intended to represent, I stand with all people,” Carpenter said on Facebook. T h e s c h o ol h a s t a ke n some punitive action and is in discussion with the students about using the restorative-justice process, which requires both parties to opt in, Carpenter said. “When you take the time to slow down and ask why, you get a better understanding of where kids are coming from,” he said.

H E Y, B O O B O O

A black bear forages for snacks in the Methow Valley.

Photo by Lincoln Loehr

JOIN RESILIENT METHOW FOR CLIMATE ACTION WEEK

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COVID From Page A1 In addition to asking people not to go to emergency rooms, hospitals are imploring people to avoid risky behaviors and activities that could land them in the hospital, to get routine care from a primary care provider, and to protect themselves from COVID by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask. Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee is also overwhelmed. They were treating 54 people for COVID, including 12 in the ICU and 14 on a ventilator, as of Sept. 14. Most of those patients — 25 — are f rom Chela n Cou nt y, a nd eig ht a re f rom Ok a noga n County. But they are also caring for patients from counties across Washington, and one from Uinta County in Wyoming. Eighty-four percent of those being treated at Central Washington for COVID are not vaccinated.

Highest case rate yet

Okanogan County is facing its worst COVID crisis in the 18 months of the pandemic. “We have never been this busy with cases. It’s impacting our health care resources and many community resources across the county,” Wallace said. Businesses, long-term care facilities and schools are all seeing high numbers of COVID cases. They’re doing an excellent job of screening people and identifying cases, and have been working with Public Health to keep the cases from spreading. “It’s an impressive display of community collaboration,” Wallace said. Many groups and businesses are voluntarily closing, he said. The Okanogan School District closed in-person instruction for sixth grade because of the number of COVID infections among staff and students, Okanogan County Community Health Director Lauri Jones told the Board of Health on Tuesday (Sept. 14). The Okanogan County Fair was held last week with protocols recommended by Okanogan County Public Health and the county’s emergency manager. Fair organizers posted signs at entrances and throughout the fairgrounds telling people to wear masks, even outdoors; to practice social distancing; and to wash their hands regularly. Reports and photos from some events at the fair show almost no attendees wearing masks and people crowded together to watch events. The

OKANOGAN COUNTY STATISTICS Okanogan County recorded 231 new COVID infections in the week ending Sept. 13. Although that included the county’s highest daily case count ever, at 89, there were 41 fewer total cases for this week than last. There were eight cases in Twisp, eight in Winthrop, and one each in Carlton and Methow. Still, the county’s infection rate for 100,000 population over 14 days is nearing 1,200, Okanogan County Health Officer James Wallace told the Board of Health. fair advisory committee had a good plan and compliance with protocols improved after reminders, Jones told the Board of Health. Masks are required in all public indoor spaces in Washington. Gov. Jay Inslee expanded the requi rement last week to include outdoor gatherings with 500 or more people.

Proven treatments

A lt houg h COV I D ca se s have been su rg i ng across the countr y because of the extremely contagious Delta variant, there are now effective prevention and treatment measures. Monoclonal antibodies have proven effective at reducing hospitalization and death, and local medical providers are working to expand capacity to offer that treatment, Wallace said. Because it’s a resourceintensive therapy, it requires considerable staffing, he said. Drugs including Dexamethasone and Remdesivir continue to be mainstays in severe cases to prevent further progression to intubation and death, Wallace said. “The best treatment for this disease is prevention, and we know that we have high success rates in the prevention layers of vaccination, masking, and avoiding indoor gatherings and large, crowded gatherings,” Wallace said. It’s not clear if county residents are turning to Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug used in humans and animals, which has been touted in some circles as a treatment for COVID. But local feed stores report more requests for the drug. Omak Feed & Supply said they’ve sold more Ivermectin than usual. They don’t ask customers how they plan to use the drug, according to the clerk.

That number is “through the roof” — few places in the country have rates that high, he said. Public Health calculates the incidence rate for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals once a week. As of Sept. 9, the rate for the unvaccinated population was 2,225 per 100,000, and for the vaccinated population, it was 293. The county is also seeing more cases of “long” COVID, where debilitating symptoms linger for months, Wallace said. Twisp Feed & Rental has had more inquiries for Ivermectin than normal, but they don’t typically carry a large inventory and are currently out of stock, owner Katrina Auburn said. Their supplier is also out of stock of the basic Ivermectin, she said. Ivermectin is needed in the animal world, Auburn said. While there are other drugs to control worms and parasites in livestock, Ivermectin is “the Cadillac,” she said. No p a t ie n t s h ave b e e n admitted to Central Washing ton Hospital for issues related to Ivermectin, according to Director of Marketing & Communications Andrew Canning. “That said, it is very i mp or t a nt for com mu n it y members to know prescribing Ivermectin for prevention and/or treatment of COVID19 is NOT recommended,” he said by email. Confluence Health practices evidence-based medicine, and although Ivermectin in a test tube in the laboratory exhibits very weak anti-viral activity, subsequent clinical trials have failed to show a benefit, Canning said. The medicine can be potentially harmful and Confluence won’t use it to manage COVID-19 at this time, Canning said. Wallace, who’s participated in local and statewide conversations about Ivermectin, said the drug is one of many ideas that’s been circulated as a hope for simple, safe, easily accessible and low-cost treatment that would be the “silver-bullet” for COVID that everyone desperately wants to find. It’s not a treatment that he uses for COVID and not something he would recommend for the public, Wallace said.

The North Cascades is Bear Country!

9/20 6pm - Screening of 2040, a film about climate solutions at Barnyard Cinema 9/23 4pm - Virtual Community Climate Action Discussion with Methow at Home and KC Golden

Did you know: Black bears can hibernate for up to seven and a half months without drinking water, eating food or producing waste! Grizzly bears typically hibernate between five to seven months. Before they hibernate, these bears go through hyperphagia – a constant state of eating and drinking when bears can consume over 20,000 calories per day! Tips to recreate successfully in bear country:

Surprising a bear while it is feeding is more likely during late summer and into fall. Hike and travel in groups when possible. Groups of people are noisier and smellier than a single person. Bears often become aware of groups of people at greater distances, and because of their cumulative size, groups are also intimidating to bears.

9/25 12:30pm - Climate Action Celebration with valley partners, community updates, tables and activities, and new OSB "Clear the Haze" IPA at Twispworks Art Walk Visit resilientmethow.org/events for more info!

This ad sponsored by Methow Valley Citizens Council, National Parks Conservation Association, and Defenders of Wildlife.

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Opinion Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Note to readers from Publisher Don Nelson

I don’t have a lot to say this week, and wish I could say that I’m just taking some time off. Instead, I’m writing this from a hospital bed thanks to a difficult-to-diagnose, hard-to-pronounce but treatable autoimmune system condition that is not COVID-related (I’m vaccinated, and tested negative three times in the past 10 days). It’s been a difficult week. That said, I’m under very attentive care and making progress. And the paper is in excellent hands. I’ll write more about the experience as I’m able. Meanwhile, stay healthy and thanks as always for your much-appreciated support of the Methow Valley News. CLARIFICATION: A story in the Sept. 1 issue about cutting trees to combat this summer’s wildfires said that tens of thousands of trees had been cut. A U.S. Forest Service employee who was the heavy-equipment boss on this summer’s fires said the operation involved 300 to 400 truckloads, with 20 to 30 trees per truck, meaning that 6,000 to 12,000 trees had been cut.

Elected officials District 12 legislators

Sen. Brad Hawkins Olympia: 107 Irv Newhouse Building, PO Box 40412, Olympia, WA 98504 (360) 786‑7622 • brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov Rep. Mike Steele Olympia: 122F Legislative Building, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504 (360) 786‑7832 • mike.steele@leg.wa.gov Rep. Keith Goehner Olympia: 122C Legislative Building, P.O. Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504‑0600 (360) 786‑7954 • keith.goehner@leg.wa.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; 110 E. Second Ave., 98856; www.townoftwisp.com Town of Winthrop: Mayor Sally Ranzau; 996‑2320; 206 Riverside Ave., 98862; www.townofwinthrop.com

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 Ryan Edwards, DESIGN 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 week‑ ly 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 ad‑ dress 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

Kiwanis appreciates

Dear Editor: Our annual Winthrop Kiwanis Duck Race held on Labor Day was a great success this year due to the help and support of many people. First, our community members purchased many duck tickets for the chance to win the race. We appreciate the Tenderfoot, NAPA Auto Parts, Winthrop Physical Therapy & Fitness, and Windermere Realty Methow Valley for making tickets available for purchase. Next, we had wonderful help collecting the ducks following the race. Thanks to members of the Mountain Lion football team for patrolling the riverbanks and finish line to recapture the ducks. Finally, we appreciate K-Root and Methow Valley News for promoting the race prior to the big day. This is a major fundraiser for Kiwanis and the funds will allow us to continue providing service projects to the children of the Methow Valley. Thanks to all for your support! Rick Jones Kiwanis President

Braver Angels needed

Dear Editor: I have been involved with Braver Angels (http://braverangels.org) for the past year, working to bridge the political divide and to foster civil discourse. I have come to believe that this work is absolutely vital to the future health of our country. I believe we owe it to our children. Braver Angels is based on Abraham Lincoln’s model of looking to find common ground and respecting each other’s humanity, no matter how difficult the issues. One of our main activities is to provide skills workshops on how to listen to and talk with people who disagree with us politically, how to depolarize ourselves within, and how to talk to friends and family with whom we are at odds. We also offer civil debates, common ground workshops, town halls and lots more. Our Eastern Washington alliance is offering “Families and Politics,” a workshop on Zoom, on Saturday, (Sept. 25) from 6:308:30 p.m. Our goals are insight into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging; recognition of common roles that family members play in political conversations and strategies and skills for handling family political differences in a constructive way. We will learn and practice, and the skills we teach can be used to deal with other nonfamily difficult relationships too. Here is the Eventbrite link for more info and to sign up: www.eventbrite.com/e/families-politics-wacentral-eastern-washington-alliance-registration-161851308621 This is hard work, but so necessary, and it takes lots of practice to get better at it. I hope you will consider attending. Janice Dickinson Winthrop

Respect seniors

Dear Editor: My 74-year-old mother dedicated the whole of her adult life to educating children. She cared for and loved our most vulnerable. On Saturday she spent the entire day sitting alone in the hallway of a west side emergency room after breaking her hip. All beds were occupied, the majority of them were full of COVID patients. Please consider the needs of our senior citizens and others needing emergency medical attention. It is very likely that many of these seniors made sacrifices in their pasts for the well-being and safety of others. They deserve the same of us. Please get your vaccine. Brynne Edwards Twisp

Many to thank

Dear Editor: After reading the Sept. 8 edition of the

Harts Pass

By Len Baublitz

Methow Valley News, I was inspired to respond out of gratitude to the many folks in the news and to some folks who were not in the paper but who make this community a wonderful place. Thank you to Rick Lewis and the Liberty Bell Booster Club. I served as president when my son was in high school, and continued to serve on the board until the pandemic shut us down. Selling food at sports events, cheering on our wonderful student athletes, and offering both financial and moral support to young people in the Methow has been very rewarding, and I’m confident parents of current and future students will step up and get involved. Special thanks to Pam Purtell, Lisa Whatley, and Jim and Alisha McMillan. And to coaches like Stephanie Mitchell and Jeff Lidey who encourage parents (and grandparents!) to get involved. Thank you to Marcy Stamper. How do you have time to do excellent research on so many topics? And to play your flute and support Cascadia Music? Thank you to Elise Walker and Joe Toledo. Your Facebook posts allow me to stalk my husband when he is out on fire calls. And thank you Okanogan Fire District 6 volunteers — for your devotion to duty and your many hours of labor, and your families who carry on when you are away from home! Thank you to Judge Culp. I was called to jury duty at the end of August, and despite being fully vaccinated, I was concerned for my safety, the safety of my family, and the safety of my patients. I will look forward to reporting to jury duty when the pandemic subsides. Thank you to Don Nelson. Sorry you’re not feeling well. You have written consistently great editorials and live up to your mission and vision statements. Thank you to Katie Haven and to the Methow Conser vancy for cancelling events that could be hazardous to our community. Thank you to my patients who are fully vaccinated against COVID, and to everyone who courteously, respectfully and empathetically responds to me and my wonderful co-workers at Family Health Centers in Twisp as we work during a pandemic Allison Fitzgerald, MD Twisp

Vaccinations matter

Dear Editor: I am writing this to thank members of our community who have chosen to be vaccinated against COVID. Today at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, where I work as a hospitalist, there are 56 patients hospitalized with COVID. The five-floor hospital accommodates 42 patients on each of the top four floors, fewer on the first floor. Over a quarter of our hospitalized patients have COVID. While it is true that having only 53% of the U.S. population immunized against COVID does not contain the highly contagious Delta variant from spreading largely amongst the unvaccinated, without that immunized half of the population our hospital would be hosed. We would be flattened. I thank those who have chosen to vaccinate. I urge those of you who have not been vaccinated to just do it — for yourself, and for your community. Today 46

of our 56 hospitalized patients are unvaccinated, 10 of our 12 ICU patients are unvaccinated, and six of our seven patients on a ventilator are unvaccinated Chris Hogness, MD Wenatchee

Use common sense

Dear Editor: At some point in the past, we all tacitly agreed that obeying a set of prescribed traffic laws would help prevent injuries and deaths, while still allowing drivers to freely move about, and allow all people the right to live their lives according to their own choices. For example, when it comes to obeying those traffic laws, we all have the “freedom” to not wear a seatbelt. If a driver chooses not to wear one, it’s likely that only that driver would have an increased risk of injury. But if a driver chooses not to honor traffic lights, yield or stop signs, speed limits, lane laws, or laws against drug and alcohol use while driving, that driver is much more likely to injure or kill someone else. That’s where the individual driver’s personal freedom ends and the collective good of the greater community outweighs her or his personal freedom to choose. Why is it so different when it comes to the pandemic? Since when does the individual “freedom” to ignore mask and vaccination mandates become more important than the well-being of everyone else? It’s not about politics — it’s about our health and the health of our loved ones. It’s about compassionate consideration of not only friends, neighbors, and our own communities, but about the well-being of all of us, even those strangers we will never even meet. Have we really lost the ability to think through a simple question of common sense? Mask up! Get the shot! Let’s get on with our lives Lynette Westendorf Winthrop

Where are the deer?

Dear Editor: Where have all the mule deer gone? A winter or two ago, WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) f lew helicopters over the Methow and several other outlying areas, shooting nets onto mule deer, allegedly to “collar and assess” them. Now this was winter, mind you, deep snow, cold. Since then, mule deer sightings have been almost nil. We no longer see them grazing in alfalfa fields as we drive into town, no longer see them as we drive over the Loup. No longer see them when I walk up behind my home or go for a drive in the woods. Where have all the mule deer gone? Doesn’t anyone wonder about this? I see the state is going ahead with deer hunting season this year. After two monthsplus of forest fires, trucks, chemicals, equipment and people in the forests, now we’re going to hunt down the animals? Have mercy. Other countries are trying out wild dogs to help re-balance their ecosystems. We are avidly and rapidly killing off our wildlife. Let’s close all hunting for a period of five years or more, then lessen the length of the season forever. There are not enough left to hunt. Give our animals a chance. When they are gone, we are next. Jeanie North Carlton

By Erik Brooks

Methow Valley News

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

L AT E S U M M E R B L O O M S

Page A5

Locals, conservation groups question extent of logging during firefighting

Photo by Ann McCreary

A butterfly visits a flower recently, as summer begins to turn to fall.

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.

blue sky real estate Home in the Heart of Twisp $419,000

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Twisp Home 31 Acres with Irrigation $750,000

Photo by Marcy Stamper

Logs are stacked at the smokejumper base near Winthrop. Some are questioning how many logs were removed during firefighting efforts on Forest Service land this summer.

Twisp Restoration Plan on hold BY MARCY STAMPER

The prolonged closure of roads and areas in the national forest because of wildfire risk and still-ongoing fire-line repair has raised questions about the nature and extent of logging carried out during the firefighting. Although the areas are still off-limits, people have seen full logging trucks and massive piles of trees near the North Cascades Smokejumper Base and the Goat Creek Sno-Park, which have stoked suspicions. “I hate to figure the worst, but if they’re using the fire as an excuse to bypass environmental laws, that’s just unacceptable,” said Ric Bailey, a member of the North Cascades Conservation Council (NCCC). Bailey, who lives in Winthrop, has been trying to get an accounting from the Methow Valley Ranger District about logging, especially in the Twisp River drainage. U.S. Forest Service personnel staffing a roadblock on Twisp River Road about 12 miles west of Twisp said there was still a lot of heavy equipment working on restoration and repairing fire lines, which made it unsafe for people to travel in those areas. Roads that lead up drainages from Twisp River, including Little Bridge Creek, are also closed. Residents of Twisp River Road who’ve had front-row seats for a month as logging tr ucks, chippers and other heavy equipment lumbered along the road daily also wondered about the operations. Some of those residents reached out to the ranger district for details, but the district didn’t yet have a tally of how many trees had come out of that drainage, they said. Most logs appeared to be of fairly small diameter, one resident said. Guidance from ranger district resource advisers instructed fire crews to limit the cutting of live trees greater than 25 inches in diameter, according to records from the district. Bailey has a keen interest in the area because of the Twisp Restoration Project (TRP), which proposes to treat 77,000

acres with thinning, logging and prescribed fire. Much of the area covered by the project coincides with areas burned or threatened by the Cedar Creek Fire. Bailey even submitted an alternative proposal to the Forest Service for the TRP that he says would provide ecosystem restoration without having to log large trees to fund the project. “I’m very disturbed about the TRP,” Bailey said. As the fire progressed, it seemed to him that the district wasn’t fighting the fire, but was instead implementing the Twisp project without the appropriate public process, he said. Bailey, a former logger and firefighter, said he has great respect for firefighters and understands that their safety is the top priority. Still, he questions why they were logging along the Twisp River, 5 miles from the fire front. Bailey wants the ranger district to open the area to the public for a tour. “The lack of transparency just kind of makes you wonder what’s going on,” he said. Trees are cut to enable firefighters to work safely in an area and to reinforce control lines by burning out vegetation ahead of the approaching fire. Some trees were cut to reduce immediate hazards to firefighters, while others were removed after the fire passed through to take out hazard trees, according to Methow Valley District Ranger Chris Furr.

Fire as pretext?

Questions about the tree removal “have r isen ver y quickly to the top of our list of concerns,” NCCC president Phil Fenner said. “It looks like logging, using the fire as a pretext,” he said. Aerial photos and reports from the Forest Service would go a long way toward helping people understand the process, said NCCC board member Dave Fluharty. NCCC, an all-volunteer group founded in 1957 to promote wilderness, wildlife and recreation, doesn’t take a position on the recent work done to contain the fires — they’re simply raising concerns, Fluharty said. “It’s all being done under this emer-

gency silence, rather than more transparency,” he said. Even if they cut only small trees, heavy equipment could compact the soil, making it harder for the area to recover, Fenner said. If fire breaks were constructed in roadless areas, which are candidates for addition to designated wilderness, it would be very concerning, Fluharty said.

Forest health collaborative

The North Central Washington Forest Health Collaborative works with the Forest Service to increase the pace and scale of restoration in the OkanoganWenatchee National Forest. The collaborative hasn’t been involved in the Methow Valley wildfires and doesn’t expect the Forest Service to consult with them about fire suppression or post-fire restoration, collaborative co-chair Mike Anderson said. Okanogan County Commissioner Chris Branch, Anderson’s co-chair, said he and Anderson had informally discussed the fires and their potential impacts on the forest, but hadn’t raised the issue with the collaborative. Branch considered asking the ranger district if they could get a look at the operations in the Twisp River drainage, but said he hadn’t pursued it while the work was still underway. Branch, who has also worked as a firefighter, said he understands that firefighters build contingency lines far from a fire in an area they know they’ll be able to defend. In the past, the collaborative has toured areas used as a fire break, where they learned about how fire crews make decisions, Branch said. The collaborative may consider policies for wildfires and after-fire actions but, because it’s such a diverse group, developing any guidance takes time, he said. The Okanogan County commissioners also talk with the Forest Service during wildfires – for example, to urge them to hire local contractors – but they don’t get involved in firefighting or forest practices, Branch said. Many say that having more information would enable people interested in the forest ecosys-

tem to evaluate the net benefit. Are some fire-prevention strategies causing more harm than a fire would? Fluharty said. NCCC understands the need to protect homes and property, but the organization wants to be sure that it’s done in a smarter, comprehensive way, he said. Some of NCCC’s concerns relate to larger conservation issues. The group would like to see firefighting practices planned on a forest-wide basis so they’re most effective, Fluharty said. For example, forests provide crucial habitat and are increasingly important for their carbonstorage capabilities to combat climate change, Fenner said.

Impact on Twisp Restoration Project? Because the Twisp watershed is a high priority for restoration, the forest health collaborative has been working closely with the Forest Service to address issues with the TRP, Anderson said. They’re concerned about the potential impacts of the Cedar Creek Fire on both terrestrial and aquatic areas, he said. The TRP has been put on hold, both because ranger district staff have had to focus on the fires and because much of the area was affected by the Cedar Creek Fire and will have to be re-evaluated, Furr said. The collaborative is eager to hear from the Forest Service about the fire’s impacts and how the agency intends to move forward with the Twisp project in the coming weeks and months, Anderson said. At base, NCCC wants to ensure that the Forest Service follows laws that require the agency to present a proposal, look at alternatives, and take public input. “This is public land, and they are entrusted to manage it for us,” Fenner said. Once the roads are open and people can see the condition of the forest, NCCC hopes that information will be taken into account during the review of the TRP, and lead the Forest Service to adapt prescriptions accordingly, Fenner said.

Wildlife areas and state lands to reopen this week Ina Clark & Brian Colin, Owners Kathy Curtiss, Carol K. Johnson, Susie Gardner, Micki Thomas, Didi Burrington, CB Thomas

Next to the Arrowleaf Bistro

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The Methow Valley News:

Wildlife areas in Eastern Washington are reopening for over night use on Thursday (Sept. 16) after being closed since June because of extreme f ire risk from severely dry conditions. The change covers areas managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Campgrounds in the Methow Wildlife Area will reopen on Friday (Sept. 17), when the

U.S. Forest Service plans to reopen East and West Chewuch roads. The burn ban is still in effect on all state-managed lands in Washington, including campgrounds and lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The ban includes campfires and barbecues, outdoor burning and prescribed burning. Other parts of the emergency closure are still in effect for all

WDFW lands east of the Cascades. The following activities are still prohibited: • Fires and campfires, including those in fire rings, and charcoal barbecues. Stoves and lanterns fueled by propane, liquid petroleum, or liquid petroleum gas are allowed. • Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle. • Welding and operating chainsaws, including the use of an acetylene torch or other

open flame. • Operating a motor vehicle away from developed roads and on dry grass and vegetation. Parking is prohibited on dry vegetation. • The discharge of f irearms for target-shooting or other purposes by anyone not engaged in lawful hunting. DNR lands are open for hunting on Sept. 16. See wdfw. wa.gov/hunting/regulations for details on hunting season.

Page A6

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Methow Valley News

Vintage rides cruise again Above: A Lotus Elise with Hawaii plates was one of about 50 cars that participated in Saturday’s event, which used a rolling format due to COVID-19. Below: Emcee Don Carlson announced each car that participated in the rolling Vintage Wheels Show, put on by the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce.

Photos by Natalie Johnson

After taking a year off due to COVID-19, the Winthrop Vintage Wheels Show was back Saturday with a different format. About 50 cars cruised down Riverside Avenue, where spectators eagerly waited to see custom paint, hear roaring engines, and smell burning rubber.

Attendees cheered on their favorite cars at the the Winthrop Vintage Wheels Show Saturday.

Shafer Historical Museum It’s Apple Harvest Time

About 50 cars, trucks, station wagons and hot rods cruised down Riverside Avenue Saturday.

Ripe apples signal autumn in the Methow Valley.

Come visit your local museum before it closes for winter!

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Methow Valley News Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Sports

B Section

& Recreation

Liberty Bell secures commanding wins in four sports Soccer Pounds the Pioneers 7-2, Nails Nannies 5-1

always tough Colfax Bulldogs of the Southeast 2B League. A three round, single elimination tournament concludes the festival with the corresponding seeds from each court’s four team pool round robin sets (Seed #1 from court 3 would go into the championship round with the other three #1 seeds from courts 1, 2 and 4). That could result in a six-match day for the Mountain Lions, a taste of what lies ahead at District and State Tournament time later this Fall. More SunDome Volleyball Festival information is available at https://yakimavalleyvolleyball.com/. First home action for Liberty Bell is set for Tuesday, (Sept. 21) when the Manson Trojans enter the Lions’ Den, JV at 5 p.m., varsity action scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

BY RICK LEWIS

In an abrupt and noticeable turnaround from the delayed and adjusted 2020 season played the following spring, Mountain Lion girls’ soccer opened their 2021 campaign with two solid home field routs, 5-1 over Pateros on Tuesday, followed by a 7-2 thrashing of the Omak Pioneers on Saturday. While starting out 2-0 on the young season might be surprising for some, former coach Lincoln Post, who helped out at practice on Monday, was not one of those. “They have all of their players back and there are some good players out there,” said Post. Still, with a total winning margin of 12-2 over the first two matches, it seems things have turned a huge corner since the 0-5 COVIDaltered 2020 campaign last spring. “Girls soccer showed up with their full potential on Saturday against Omak,” stated Coach Katie Overbeck. “We have several strong players and their combined talent is going to make for an outstanding season.” Senior McKenna Kurtz broke a scoreless tie just before the ten minute mark of the first half, scoring the first goal of her senior season. The Pioneers put a shot in the net a few minutes later, and then it was all Mountain Lions after that, the equalizer “woke the team up,’ according to Overbeck. “Once the team found their groove, they dominated the passing game and would score another five goals.” Liberty Bell controlled the midfield area, keeping the ball in the Omak end, thereby keeping the pressure on the Pioneer defensive unit, eventually wearing them down with excellent ball handling and passing by Maisy Shaw, Lillian Overbeck, Wyatt Albright, Adee Smith and Marit Nelson. Extra pressure in the offensive end forced an Omak mistake — the Pioneers accidentally hitting their own goal, resulting in an additional tally for the Lions. Elke Wathen garnered notice as a key offensive player, moving the ball up the sideline with numerous passes into middle and across the field, helping to apply pressure on the Omak goal. Chloe Sprauer was equally noticeable in the defensive end, turning away the Pioneers with quickness and aggressive defensive play. A Saturday second-half ankle turn sidelined senior Maisy Shaw for practice on Monday. “Paul (Niccolazzo, assistant coach) said that if I want to play Tuesday, I have to rest it today.” While Shaw described her status as day to day, she was pretty definite about Tuesday’s match at home versus Bridgeport. Describing the two opening games, Shaw said the wins “definitely feel good, especially after last season.” Probably feels better than having to sit and watch practice, too. The Mountain Lions were scheduled to face Bridgeport in their third straight home match before heading out onto the road Thursday to Chelan. The Tuesday, (Sept. 21) upcoming match at home versus Oroville has been canceled and not rescheduled.

Football cements victory over Concrete

Sawyer Crandall intercepted three Concrete passes, one for a touchdown, and Riley Lidey, with his feet and his arm, led the Mountain Lions as they rolled

Cross country gears up at Sehome

Liberty Bell soccer players celebrate after a goal Saturday. The team beat the Omak Pioneers 7 to 2. past the Lions 46-6 on Friday night under the lights at Mountain Lion Stadium. It was the first game on the local field since early November of 2019. Lidey, the junior quarterback for Liberty Bell, led the way offensively throwing for 172 yards, completing 11 of his 22 attempts, including a pair of touchdowns. He was intercepted only once, on a pass into the end zone, ending a potential touchdown drive. The two teams exchanged early short drive possessions before Liberty Bell took the ball and opened the scoring on a 73 yard touchdown pass by Lidey to Connor Arndt. The extra point conversion attempt was denied by Concrete and the local boys were up 6-0. Concrete responded with a rather lengthy second drive of their own, but Nicholas White intercepted Owen Aamot’s pass at the Liberty Bell 27 and raced it 73 yards for an apparent touchdown. However, as can happen occasionally on sudden changes of possession, one of the wouldbe blockers in White’s convoy caught a Concrete player too much on the backside and was flagged for the penalty, wiping out the touchdown. But LBH maintained possession on the turnover. Lidey scored on a 42-yard scamper around left end to open up a two-touchdown lead and the Mountain Lions were on their way to a 20-0 first quarter lead, capped by Sawyer Crandall’s 35-yard pass interception return to the Concrete end zone. Crandall added a second interception on the first play of the second quarter, and after a 55-yard connection from Lidey to Arndt was nullified by penalty, Lidey hit Lucien Paz for a touchdown. The quarterback called his own number on a 6 yard jaunt into the end zone as time ran out in the second quarter, giving the home team a 34-0 halftime lead. Merek Johnson joined the scoring parade in the third frame with a late quarter 11-yard touchdown run, Concrete striking quickly with six seconds left in the quarter on a 49 yard pass and run play from Aamot to Josiah Rider for the Lions’ only score of the night. Johnson added a second TD run late in the game and the 46-6 score became the final. Defensively, the Mountain Lions were pretty stingy. Noah Holston led the way with 11 tack-

Riley Lidey led the Mountain Lions to a 46-6 win last week.

Photo by Natalie Johnson

Photo by Rick Lewis

les, several for loss and one quarterback sack. Nicholas White added six tackles to go with his first quarter interception, and freshman Quincy Scott had eight solo tackles. Crandall’s three interceptions are the most in recent history for a single game, and he was all smiles in his post-game comments. He didn’t play football as a freshman, this was his first true home game on the turf in Mountain Lion Stadium. “I’ve never played here before” he said with an ear-to-ear grin. It seemed, in the emotion of the moment, it was all he could say as he nodded his head and went to celebrate with teammates on the track in front of the grandstand. Coach Jeff Lidey was obviously pleased with the effort. He was struggling early in fall camp to fill some positions, particularly in the offensive and defensive lines. “It seems like I went from having no backups to very talented backups,” said the third year coach. “Right now I have depth in every position. Not just depth, but talent.” The road gets a little tougher this week as the Mountain Lions travel to Pomeroy Friday to take on the highly ranked Pirates, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. Pomeroy exited the 2020 COVID season ranked third in the state

B-8 Coaches Poll, one spot ahead of fourth ranked Liberty Bell. A coaches’ poll hasn’t been published yet this year, as far as Lidey knows, but he suspects the Pirates will be just as good as they have been historically. “It’ll be a good early season test for us”, he said in an earlier interview with the Methow Valley News. For now, they will take this win over the usually powerful 11-man team from Concrete. “We are only two weeks into the season but these boys only have one goal: Playoffs!,” stated the coach. If first impressions are anything of an indicator, that goal may well be attainable this year.

The Mountain Lions traveled to Bridgeport for their season opening Central Washington 2B League match and swept past the Fillies 3-0 on Tuesday, (Sept. 7). Set scores were 25-12, 25-14 and 25-17, the Mountain Lions leading wire to wire and disposing of the Fillies in short order. Senior Jadyn Mitchell led the way for Liberty Bell with 13 kills, hitting on 16 of 17 service points including four aces and tallying 11 assists. Caitlyn Cooley went 13 of 13 from the service line and added eight kills, as did Shae Taylor and Joslyn Rispone added

nine assists to the effort. Coach Christine Scott was pleased with the effort. “The girls really played well, especially for the first match of the year,” said the fifth-year coach. While this year’s team is senior-heavy, there are some younger players who have caught the coach’s attention. M.J. Mihalic, Rio Lott and Neve Harmon have made the varsity as first year players. Lott and Harmon are freshman, Mihalic is a transfer in from Korea who, according to Scott has never played high school volleyball before. She is very athletic and has helped us out, a lot, so far.” All three are immediate contributors in practice and matches. The Mountain Lions headed for Oroville on Tuesday, after press time, for a match they would seem to be favored to win, and then travel to Brewster on Thursday for an early season test against the perennial league favorite Bears. Start time for the Brewster match has been bumped up to 4pm for JV and 5:30 pm for varsity. Early Friday morning the Mountain Lions travel to Yakima for the SunDome Volleyball Festival, a single day affair that has them playing in the court 3 pool (of four designated pools) against Yakama Tribal at 8 a.m., West Valley’s (Yakima) JV and the

PARK FREE ON STATE LANDS SEPT. 25.

Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will offer free entrance to state

lands on Saturday, Sept. 25. Visitors to Washington state lands will not need a Discover Pass to park. Discover Pass free days apply to all visitor parking

Volleyball sweeps Bridgeport

Freshman Dexter Delaney sent an early season message to his team and to the state that he is ready to make the jump from middle school to the big courses by taking individual honors in the freshman race at the Sehome Gear Up season opening meet in Bellingham this past Saturday. His time of 10:38.64 over the 2 mile course was just good enough to defeat Hudson Atrosh of Seattle Prep (10:39.23) and places him at the top of the B school classification in the 2 mile distance after the first weekend of statewide meets. “Dexter had perhaps the battle of the meet with a fellow freshman from Seattle Prep and the two runners pressed each other hard with various lead changes through the whole second lap,” reported head coach Erik Brooks. “Overall the kids ran terrific. Every single person set a new PR for a XC two mile course and we were competitive and racing hard from our youngest to oldest and most experienced to least.” On the girls’ side, only four runners participated in the Gear Up. Senior Jori Grialou led that group with a 13th place finish in the senior division. Her time turned out to be the third-fastest statewide in the B classification for two miles. Grialou is an early season favorite in the Central Washington B League. The junior high team showed well at the Manson Invitational on Saturday, with Liberty Bell’s Ingrid Venable taking first place honors in the girls’ race and eighth-grader Bodie Thomson finishing first in the boys’ race. Venable’s time of 11:14.67 was 5 seconds ahead of Brewster’s Julissa Najera, followed by six more Mountain Lions, in a race where only LBJH had enough runners to field a scoring team. Ben Kaufman was the only other Mountain Lion in the top ten for boys, but the boys did score a second place 39 points to Okanogan’s 30. “All of our kids ran really well, and really smart races,” said coach Liam Daily. The junior high program has expanded to include sixth-graders this year, and fields a combined 445 athletes on this year’s team. This weekend’s Wenatchee invite at the 5k Walla Walla Point Park course will be the first true indicator of where the Mountain Lions are regionally and statewide. A large meet, schools from the 1B class all the way up to meet host 4A Wenatchee will be in attendance, including most of LBH’s CWB league and District rivals. The first of the junior high runners go at 10 a.m., the rest follow at half hour intervals throughout the day.

SPORTS BRIEFS BIKE RIDE

Methow At Home hosts a free bike ride led by Ted Young on Sept. 13, star ting from the Winthrop Town

Trailhead at 10 a.m. E-bikes are welcomed. Route will be determined by those who show up. Register at methowathome.org.

In recognition of National and Washington Public Lands Day, Washington State Parks,

on DNR and WDFW lands and in day-use areas at Washington state parks. The remaining 2021 State lands free days are Nov. 11 and Nov. 26.

Page B2

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Methow Valley News

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIED SPECIAL: BUY 3 WEEKS, GET 4TH WEEK FREE.

31 . . . . . . . . . EMPLOYMENT

10. . . . . . . . . . . . . FOR SALE 1998 WINNEBAGO MOTORHOME, 35 ft. Needs TLC. Make a reasonable offer. 360-6317726.

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 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . FOR RENT WINTHROP FURNISHED HOME for rent. 1 acre, riverfront, 2 BR, 1 BA, washer/dryer. $2,000/month. 805-770-0677. RV RENTAL SPOT available now.1 mile from town of Twisp. 50&30 AMP full hook up. Includes power, garbage, and snow plowing. One year lease, $575 per month, on 3 acres. No smoking and no dogs. References and job info required. Call for interview 509-997- 2128. AVAILABLE 10-15-21 TO 4-15-22, possibly longer. 2 BR, bath and a half, plus sleeping loft. Covered parking, completely furnished, very private. No drugs or smoking. Pets negotiable, with deposit. Personal references a must. Serious inquiries only. $2,500/ month, plus damage deposit. 360-701-8443.

31 . . . . . . . . . EMPLOYMENT

We’re hiring to fill the position of Universal Banker. For more information, visit http://www.farmersstatebankwa. com or call 509.996.2244 “WORK SMARTER! RENT our conference room for your next meeting. The Rendezvous Room is available by the day, or by the hour, 7 days a week. Call: (509)731-3768 for more details, email: leasing@mtnannex.com, or visit: mtnannex.com to learn more about what we can do for you.” METHOW VALLEY SCHOOL District is accepting applications for a High School Softball Assistant Coach. Visit the district website for a full job description, and to submit an online application. (509) 9969205. http://methow.org/district/ employment/. Position is open until filled. EOE

GLOVER STREET MARKET has seasonal and year-round positions open! We sell products that are healthy and organic, and we are looking for team members who are hardworking and committed to customer service and are excited to work in a natural grocery store with a super fun and supportive team. Part-Time or Full-Time possibilities.

Currently Offering Great Pay, 401k matching fund, paid vacation and generous grocery discount. Please drop off or email a resume to denise@gloverstreetmarket. No phone calls please.

We are offering an exciting career opportunity in sales! This is a year-round, full-time employment opportunity in a thriving industry, with a fun and professional team atmosphere. Hoping for a candidate with strong customer service and/ or sales experience that is willing to be trained. $18-24/ Hr DOE, Mon-Fri (no weekends), and benefits (Health and Retirement). Please stop by our store for an application or email a resumé/ cover letter to Nick Brandenburg, nick@northvalleylumber.com. TRANGO IS LOOKING for t wo (2) full-time transit drivers (36 – 40 hours per week); one (1) position based in Okanogan and one (1) based in Twisp. These positions are hourly non-exempt. Compensation is $19.06$20.62 per hour. Benefits include health, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement, sick leave, vacation. Must have a minimum Class B CDL with Passenger Endor sement. Plea se visit www.okanogantransit.com for required qualifications, application, and job description. A complete application including a resume and cover letter must be submitted in order to be considered for the position. E-mail your completed application to clerk@okanogantransit. com Application Deadline: Application review will begin September 3, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled. Okanogan County Transit Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

34. . . . . . . . . . . . . SERVICES

Pennock Excavation, LLC

Tree Removal Full Site Development Toby Pennock Lic #PENNOEL831D2

pennockexcavation.com (509) 429-2695

l’ n

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

DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED DISPLAYS & LEGAL NOTICES: MONDAY AT NOON

“D

No refunds or changes. Prepayment required to qualify. Classified display ads: $10.00 per column inch.

”

Weekly: $6.75 for 15 words or less. $8.75 with email or web address. 20 cents for each additional word.

34. . . . . . . . . . . . . SERVICES

E-MAIL frontdesk@methowvalleynews.com DEADLINE: MONDAY, NOON • ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE PREPAID

CASCADE CONCRETE IS looking to hire a mechanic and CDL drivers. Full time, benefits, pay DOE, Call 996-2435 for info FARMERS STATE BANK is hiring to fill the position of Universal Banker. For more information, visit http://www.farmersstatebankwa. com or call 509.996.2244. METHOW VALLEY SCHOOL District is accepting applications for a Preschool Paraeducator, Integration Media Specialist Paraeducator. Visit the district website for a complete job description and application procedure. Submit application by October 28, 2013 to Methow Valley School District, 18 Twin Lakes Rd. Winthrop WA 98862, (509) 996-9205. http:// www.methow.org/district EOE. LOOKI NG FOR WORK? Training provided! Jamie’s Place is an l Adult Family Home in Winthrop. Caregiving experience preferred. We are looking for a full-time Evening position. HCA or CNA preferred; willing to train the right person. The starting wage depends on experience. $19-$22.50/hr. $1,500 SIGN ON BONUS for full time caregiver with experience. Please stop by 109 Norfolk Rd, Winthrop, to pick up an application. Or download an application at https://www.jamiesplacehomes. org Please call Jessica @ 509996-4417. JAMIE’S PLACE IS an innovative Adult Family Home specializing in dementia, looking for a full-time housekeeper. Competitive wages, and generous PTO. Pick up an application at 109 Norfolk Rd in Winthrop or call Jessica at 509-996-4417. THE WINTHROP STORE has yearround positions available, both assistant manager and part-time, to assist with Deli, Espresso & Retail. Looking for motivated self-starter who enjoys making espressos and Guido’s Deli menu items and provide great customer service. Hourly wage is DOE/DOQ. Employee discounts. Training available. Send resume to: winthropstore@gmail. com or apply in person. GLOVER STREET MARKET has seasonal and year round positions open! We sell products that are healthy and organic, and we are looking for team members who are hardworking and committed to customer service and are excited to work in a natural grocery store with a super fun and supportive team. Part Time or Full-Time possibilities, Saturdays required. Currently Offering signing bonus, 401k matching fund, paid vacation, grocery discount and possible housing available. Please drop off or email a resume to office@gloverstreetmarket. No phone calls please. FRO NT D ES K P OS ITI O N now available at River’s Edge Resort. Requires ability to multitask in a fast-environment - check in/out guests, answer telephone, use Microsoft Office suite & hotel management software, show cabins, problem solve situations, perform light maintenance and be a team player. $15-20/hr DOE. Contact heidi@riversedgewinthrop.com. METHOW VALLEY LUMBER has immediate opening for the following positions - counter salesperson, part to full time, and customer service yard attendant/forklift operator, full time. Must have valid driver’s license. Please stop by for an application.

31 . . . . . . . . . EMPLOYMENT

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 997-7011

with Full site prep, Septic systems, Road grading, Fire hazard reduction, Tree removal

509-341-4109

CLEAN UP HAUL away wood debris, logs, tree clearing, old pallets, fencing, lumber, brush, lawn clippings, recycled materials separated, metals, aluminum, etc. Or just plain garbage hauled to the dump. Call 509-997-2128 Randall for free estimates. LEUSCHEN CONSTRUCTION, LLC • New Construction • Custom Homes • Remodels & Additions • Garages & Carports Give us a call! 509-429-5626 #LEUSCCL811M9

STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED WANTED: LICENSED BATH remodel contractor looking for more business. Team with American Standard. Earn $3,0 0 0+ weekly. Sign-on bonus up to $5,000. Contact us now: 800215-5680. ANNOUNCEMENTS ADVERTISE STATEWIDE WITH a $325 classified listing or $1,575 for a display ad. Call this newspaper or 360-344-2938 for details. DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details, 855635-4229. ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-888360-1582. FREON WANTED: WE pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

GENERAC STANDBY GENERATORS provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-888-674-7053. LONG DISTANCE MOVING. Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Call to speak to a Relocation Specialist, 855-337-8535.

LEGAL NOTICES

OKANOGAN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held on September 21, 2021 at 11:00 A.M., in the Okanogan County Commissioners hearing room, located at 123 5th Ave North, Room 150, Okanogan Washington regarding an application for a 50year franchise by Methow Valley Irrigation District, to construct, operate, and maintain an irrigation water line. Franchise is located within the county right-of-way of the roads listed below all within Okanogan County: • OCR# 9105, Twisp Carlton Rd. (entire length) within T32N., R22 EWM & T33N., R22 EWM • OCR# 1595, Twisp Airport Rd. (entire length) within T33N., R22 EWM • OCR# 1597, Ayers Rd. (entire length) within T33N., R22 EWM • OCR# 1573, Mundy Rd. (MP 0.8703 – 0.34) within T33N., R22 EWM • OCR# 1578, Iris Lane (entire length) within T33N., R22 EWM • OCR# 1585-Lower Beaver Creek Rd. (MP 0.00 – 0.18) within T33N., R22 EWM • OCR# 9129, Twisp Winthrop Eastside Rd. (MP 0.475 – 1.73) within T33N., R22 EWM • OCR# 1059, Alder Rd. (MP 0.00 – 0.40) within T33N., R22 EWM Members of the public may comment on this proposal. All written comments must be received prior to the start of the public hearing in order to be entered into the record. Testimonies will be heard during the Public Hearing at the above time and location. Please send written comments to Okanogan County Department of Public Works, Jo Ann Stansbury,

Health Directory CONVENIENT WHOLE PERSON HEALTH

We offer

Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy (with licensed therapist) along with Audiology & Podiatry Services, Skilled Nursing Care & Respite Care Samuel P. Van Meter, Ph.D. Administrator Wendy Hernandez Director of Nursing

(509) 689-2546

River Plaza, Brewster

Methow Valley Clinic 1116 WA-20 Winthrop, WA 98862

AA MEETINGS TWISP

800.660.2129

Twisp Group (O):

Sun. 9:30 a.m. at Masonic Hall Twisp Group (O):

Open: M - F: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mon. 6:30 p.m. at Masonic Hall

509.996.8180

Wed. 6:30 p.m. at Masonic Hall

Twisp Group (O):

Tues. 6:30 p.m. at Masonic Hall

Twisp Men’s Group (C)(M):

WINTHROP

Thur. 7 p.m. at Friendship Church

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!

O=Open, H=Handicap, C=Closed, M=Men

Methow Valley Group (O): What’s Normal Group (C):

Fri. 7 p.m. at Friendship Church

888-674-7053

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

Limited Time Offer - Call for Details

Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval

*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.

For more info, call 509-429-1683 or 206-734-7107

AL-ANON

Fridays, 8:30 a.m. Conference Call 602-580-9460 Pin#8760429 For more info, call 509-997-0356

ALATEEN

Services • Mental Health • Substance Use Disorders • Developmental Disabilities • Psychiatric Services • Therapeutic Housing

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

Phone number & 24-hour crisis line:

Alateen is not meeting at this time For more info, leave a message at 509-429-2065

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LEGAL NOTICES

1234A 2nd Ave. S., Okanogan WA 98840 or email to jstansbury@ co.okanogan.wa.us. Dated September 1, 2021 at Okanogan, Washington. Josh Thomson, P.E. County Engineer Published in the Methow Valley News September 8, 15, 2021; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune September 9, 16, 2021. OVG937536 OKANOGAN COUNTY NOTICE OF FINAL DECISION Project: Boundary Line Adjustment: (parcel 8820100100 & 3828293010) Proponent: Kenneth & April Austin and Keith & Julia Kladnik 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 September 15, 2021; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune September 16, 2021. OVG938106 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS TOWN OF TWISP BIOSOLIDS DEWATERING AND LIFT STATION NO.2 IMPROVEMENT’S PROJECT Sealed bids will be received by the Town of Twisp, Washington (Owner) at the Town Hall, 110 E. 2nd Ave, until September 23, 2021, 1:00 PM, local time. At that time the Bids will be opened and read aloud virtually via the following link: https://meet.google.com/ hgv-sdub-bfu You can also dial in using your phone to United States:‪+1 414-858-7165‬‬ Access Code: ‪934 096 923#‬‬ A bid summary will be issued after opening, emailed to all bidders and posted on the Varela website. The Project includes construction of the Screw Press Dewatering Addition, Lift Station No.2 Improvement’s, and Pre-Engineered Metal Building. Major elements of work generally include: Schedule A: B i o s o l i d s Dewatering The work generally consists of the following elements: • Construction of an approximate 1150 sf cmu and wood frame addition to the existing dewatering building for biosolids storage. Addition includes under slab piping, and electrical improvements • Removal of existing

Fridays, 7 p.m. The Cove II, Twisp For more info, call 509-341-4737

509-826-6191 Toll free: 866-826-6191 www.okbhc.org

Aero Methow Rescue Office: 997-4013

HEALTH DIRECTORY Directory ads are $8 per column inch. Call 997-7011 to have your service listed.

EMERGENCY

Methow Valley News

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

911 Blotter

COMMUNITY BRIEFS STUDENT-LED FARMERS MARKET

Fourth graders at Methow Valley Elementary School are inviting the communit y to a St udent-Led Far mers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, (Sept. 22.) Fresh produce will be for sale, along with sample recipes featuring some of the fresh ingredients available. The event is located at the Classroom in Bloom Garden at 18 Twin Lakes Road in Winthrop. For more information, go to classroominbloom.org, call 996‑2368 or email classroominbloom@gmail.com

VACCINATION EVENT SCHEDULED

Mid-Valley Hospital has scheduled a COVID-19 vaccination event from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday, (Sept. 17) at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds. The event will offer first, second and third doses (for im mu nocompromised pat ie nt s) a nd a n ap p oi nt me nt is not required. For more information about the COVID19 vaccine and where to get it in Okanogan County, go to https://okanogancountycovid19.org/covid-19-vaccine/.

ALL ABOUT METHOW AT HOME, UPCOMING EVENTS

Methow At Home hosts a “living room chat” on the Zoom platform on Sept. 16, from 4 to 5 p.m., for those thinking about becoming a member of or volunteering to help the organization. Learn about all of Methow At Home’s programs. Register at methowathome.org. Also on T hu rsd ay, f rom 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Methow At Home will host a hike and picnic starting at the Methow Trails Suspension Bridge Trailhead parking area off Goat Creek Road near Mazama. Bring lunch, a beverage and stories. Volunteer training is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday (Sept. 17) through Zoom. Contact Methow At Home to register. A geology outing with Dana Visalli is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Sept. 22. The outing involves looking at cobbles at Weeman Bridge and trying to interpret how the igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks came to be there. The outing is for eight vaccinated people

only. Contact Methow At Home to register. Climate at Home: Community action for global solutions and a healthy future is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, (Sept. 23). Dana and KC Golden will lead the conversation as part of International Climate Week in partnership with resilient Methow. Contact Methow At Home to register.

METHOW WATERSHED COUNCIL MEETING

The Methow Watershed Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 16) on Zoom. To join the meeting, go to https://us02web.zoom. us/j/851‑60396400.

RODEO QUEEN TRYOUTS

The Methow Valley Horsemen invite girls ages 13 to 18 to try out for queen of the 2022 rodeo season. Tryouts are Sunday (Sept. 19) at 1 p.m. The arena is on Brengman Road in Winthrop. Please bring your horse and be ready to ride. Call Dennis Gardner to register at (509) 846‑9880.

HEART OF THE METHOW POWWOW

A gathering to celebrate the history of the Heart of the Methow PowWow and an outdoor showing of the documentary “Two Rivers” is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 18) at the TwispWorks Pavilion. The event is sponsored by the Methow Valley Inter pretive Center and is free, but donations are appreciated. Masks and social distancing are required. The award-winning film “Two Rivers” tells the story of how people in the Methow Valley created better connections with Methow Tribal descendants. The event will also include traditional drumming and flute music. For more information, email mvinterpretivecenter@gmail.com or call 997‑0620.

MY STORY AT TWISP LIBRARY

Twisp Librar y’s My Stor y is back at 4 p.m. Thursday, (Sept. 23). Gather for an afternoon of true stories told by your friends and neighbors. The event will take place outside behind the Methow Valley Community Center in the commons. Folding chairs will be available.

Page B3

Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office

• At 10:20 a.m. on Sept. 3, the Sheriff’s Office received a report from East Bonner Lake Road in Twisp about an ongoing problem with cows wandering on her property, damaging a wetland, and coming onto her patio. • At 10:27 p.m. on Sept. 3, a domestic dispute was reported on Bear Creek Road. • At 12:41 p.m. on Sept. 4, a theft was reported on Twin Lakes Drive in Winthrop. A quad was reported missing, as well as other things taken from a shed. • At 2:57 p.m. on Sept. 4, harassment was reported on Sunnyside Drive in Twisp. • At 8:45 p.m. on Sept. 5, illegal burning was reported on Prospect Road in Winthrop. • At 6:40 a.m. on Sept. 6, a theft was reported on West Chewuch Road in Winthrop. A person reported a compressor was stolen from a motorhome and $500 in cash was missing. • At 2:45 p.m. on Sept. 6, a single-vehicle rollover crash was reported on Vintin Road in Carlton. • At 8:21 p.m. on Sept. 6, a

person on Twisp Airport Road reported harassment. She said a vehicle appeared to be following her vehicle. • At 8:52 p.m. on Sept. 7, a person on Highway 153 in Twisp reported someone was lighting fireworks in the area. • At 7:31 p.m. on Sept. 8, a burglary was reported on Twin Lakes Drive in Winthrop. A person reported a vacation cabin was broken into and an air conditioner was stolen. • At 6:59 a.m. on Sept. 9, threats were reported on Twin Lakes Road. • At 2:39 p.m. on Sept. 9, a theft was reported from a storage shed on Twisp River Road. A weed trimmer and other tools were reported stolen. • At 5:28 p.m. on Sept. 12, a trespasser was reported on Highway 153 in Carlton.

Twisp Police Department

• At 6:49 p.m. on Sept. 2, a hit and run collision was reported on North Methow Valley Highway in Twisp. A person reported a driver backed into his son’s car and left the scene. • At 1:11 p.m. on Sept. 4, a disorderly person was reported on

North Methow Valley Highway in Twisp. • At 3:44 p.m. on Sept. 4, a possible theft was reported from a FedEx box on East Methow Valley Highway in Twisp. • At 6:14 p.m. on Sept. 4, a disorderly person was reported on East Methow Valley Highway in Twisp. • At 7:13 a.m. on Sept. 6, a person reported being attacked by a dog on Magers Street and West Twisp Avenue in Twisp. • At 10:02 a.m. on Sept. 9, a person reported a theft from a FedEx box on East Methow Valley Highway in Twisp.

Winthrop Marshal’s Office

• At 1:24 p.m. on Sept. 2, a threat was reported on White Avenue in Winthrop. A person reportedly told a front-desk worker at a business that they should be shot. • At 3:22 p.m. on Sept. 2, police received a report of a man who appeared to be very angry and had a gun in his vehicle on Riverside Avenue in Winthrop. • At 9:03 a.m. on Sept. 7, a theft was reported on Highway 20 in Winthrop.

Two injured in motorcycle crash on Highway 20 near Mazama A passenger in a motorcycle crash Wednesday night near Mazama was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, and the driver was also injured, according to the Washington State Patrol. The crash was reported at 6:50 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, at milepost 170 of eastbound Highway 20. The vehicle, identified as a

2019 BMW motorcycle, was heading east when its tires began to skid, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to f lip, according to the state patrol. It is unknown what caused the tires to lose traction. The driver and passenger were thrown from the vehicle, which came to rest on the center line.

The driver was identified as a 54-year-old man and the passenger was a 57-year-old woman. No city of residence was listed for either. Both were wearing helmets. The woman was airlifted to Harborview, and the man was taken to Three Rivers Hospital in Brewster. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

LEGAL NOTICES

dewatering equipment including associated pumps, piping, concrete supports, electrical and controls • Installation of new Owner Furnished Contractor Installed (OFCI) mechanical dewatering equipment package – OFCI equipment package includes mechanical dewatering equipment, polymer mix and injection system, and electrical and controls panels. Installation includes some exposed and below slab piping modification • Removal of existing polymer injection system and associated piping and controls. • Replacing existing non-potable water piping, and installation of vfd for existing pumps, reinstallation of existing chemical injection pumps, new flow pacing flow meters, controls and appurtenances.

system, equipment, piping and valves inside an existing underground drywell pump structure • Associated electrical improvements and backup generator. • Construction of an approximate 345 sf masonry and wood frame structure to house the pump station electrical power and control panels, water supply and emergency standby generator • Site improvements including replacement of existing chain link fence, double leaf gate, storm drainage drywell and swale, site grading, hydroseeding and gravel surfacing

com under “Public Jobs”. Prospective bidders may view digital files at no cost. Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided in the Contract Documents. To Bid the project, Bidder shall be on the Plan Holders List. A full set of the BIDDING DOCUMENTS may be purchased at the office of Varela Engineering & Management, 601 W. Mallon Ave., Suite A, Spokane, WA 99201, here after referred to as the Issuing Agent, for $30.00 per set (nonrefundable, see address prior). The Town of Twisp reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive technicalities, and in its sole judgement, accept the bid which it deems is in its best interest. Additional bid acceptance and contract award provisions are specified in the Contract Documents. For additional information regarding this project, contact Jeff Moran, or Kurt Holland at Varela Engineering & Management at (509) 3286066 or jsmoran@varela-engr.com, or kholland@vareala-engr.com. For other requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders and other documents that are included in the Bidding Documents. A certified or bank cashier’s check in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid amount, payable to the Town of Twisp, or bid bond executed by a licensed bonding company is required with each bid. 100% performance and payment

bonds will be required from the successful bidder. The Town of Twisp is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Small, minority- and women-owned businesses are encouraged to submit bids. All work performed on the project will be subject to the higher of prevailing state or federal Davis-Bacon wage rates. This project is funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Washington State Community Development Block Grant program. This project is funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Washington State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and through U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDARD) program. American Iron and Steel Section 746 of Title VII of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (Division A - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017) and subsequent statutes mandating domestic preference applies an American Iron and Steel requirement to this project. All iron and steel products used in this project must be produced in the United States. The term “iron and steel products” means the following products made primarily of iron or steel: lined or unlined pipes and

fittings, manhole covers and other municipal castings, hydrants, tanks, flanges, pipe clamps and restraints, valves, structural steel, reinforced precast concrete, and Construction Materials. The following waivers apply to this Contract: De Minimis, Minor Components, Pig iron and direct reduced iron This Advertisement is issued by: Owner: Town of Twisp By: Soo Ing Moody Title: Mayor Date: August 25, 2021 Published in the Methow Valley News September 1, 8, 15, 2021 METHOW VALLEY IRRIGATION DISTRICT EQUALIZATION MEETING NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Methow Valley Irrigation District’s Board of Directors will conduct the annual equalization meeting on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the basement of the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp, Washington unless in-person public meetings are prohibited, and will include a remote-access option. If in-person meetings are prohibited, the meeting will be conducted using remote technology. Remote meeting information will be posted at the meeting site and will be available from the district Secretary. The purpose of the meeting is to equalize assessments for the 2022

irrigation season. In the event the Board concludes the business that may come before it prior to 7:00 p.m., the regular meeting of the MVID will immediately follow the equalization meeting. The preliminary assessment roll is on file in the district office for the inspection of all persons interested. Upon the day specified in this notice, the Board of Directors, constituted a Board of Equalization for that purpose, shall meet and continue in session from day to day as long as may be necessary, not to exceed ten days, exclusive of Sundays, to hear and determine such objections to said assessment roll as may come before them; and the Board may change the same as may be just. Any member who cannot attend the meeting is encouraged to submit a letter stating his or her comments to or request of the Board on or before October 4, 2021 to the district office at PO Box 860, Twisp, WA 98856. All lands will be fully assessed unless the parcel owner petitions the Board to hear and determine if a reduced assessment is warranted. No lands will be equalized after this date. Questions and requests for remote meeting information may be directed to the district office at (509) 997-2576 or mvid2019@centurytel.net. /s./ Sandra Strieby Published in the Methow Valley News September 15, 29, 2021

Schedule B: Lift Station No.2 Improvements The work generally consists of the following elements: • Temporary bypass pumping of wastewater for the duration of construction • Abandon and demolish an existing underground generator structure including salvage of existing equipment • Removal of existing electrical panels and equipment, pumps, piping and valves from an existing underground drywell pump structure, including salvage of existing equipment • Installation of new pump

Schedule C: Pre - En gineere d Metal Building The work generally consists of the following elements: • Construction of a 36 ft by 62 ft pre-engineered metal building. Building elements include: o Concrete footings, foundation wall and slab-on-grade, o Pre-engineered metal building – structure, walls, standing seam roof, insulation, vapor barrier, interior sheathing, etc., o Under-slab drainage piping, o 3 – 14 ft automatic overhead doors, o Electrical and lighting fixtures. The BIDDING DOCUMENTS may be examined at the following locations: 1. www.townoftwisp.com 2. Visit www.varelaplanroom.

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Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Methow Valley News

Sally Kuperberg wins People’s Choice for ‘The Painted Trail’ BY ASHLEY LODATO

With the smok y air and demands of work, artist and Chewuch Inn & Cabins coowner Sally Kuperberg didn’t get as much time in the mountains as she would have liked, but through her art she captures the breathtaking local scenery, from photographic images, from memory, and from imagination. One new work, “The Painted Trail,” shows a lupinelined mountain trail in the Pasayten Wilderness and caught not only the popular interest of a recent art show in Anacortes, but also the “People’s Choice” award for the exhibit. Kuperberg comes from an artistic family and has been drawing and painting since she was a little girl. “Horses, horses, horses — it’s all I ever painted,” she said. She evolved into painting landscapes and wildlife, and intends to venture further into portraits, but horses still captivate her. In college Kuperberg studied commercial art and graphic design, and did freelance work in the field in her early career. “Fine art isn’t always a viable way to make a living,” she said. “Many artists around my age who have been working in commercial art and graphic design find that in retirement they’re able to paint full time and sell fine art. Having the time, plus using the internet for sales, makes it possible for them.” Kuperberg and her husband, Dan, had corporate backgrounds on the west side, as well as in New York and Chicago, before moving to the Methow Valley,

but they loved to visit Mazama for family reunions. During one such vacation they asked themselves, “What can we do to make a living here?” The Chewuch Inn was for sale and although the Kuperbergs didn’t come from a hotel background, both had worked extensively in customer service and felt like serving the public was something they could do. “Back then my creative outlet was painting the walls of the inn,” Kuperberg said. That was 27 years ago, and for a long period Kuperberg painted sporadically, whenever time allowed. But 12 years ago, Dan turned a shed into a studio for Sally Kuperberg, and since then she has been able to paint more frequently. “I can go in whenever I wanted and leave things out, not have to pack them away,” she said. Time and space to paint, coupled with support from other Methow Valley artists, has given Kuperberg the opportunity to share her work with audiences. “I credit a lot of our local artists for helping me,” she said. “Kathy Meyers and Rod Weagant were crucial in helping me develop my skills.” Local businesses have suppor ted Kuperberg as well. “Arrowleaf Bistro and the Purple Sage Gallery show my work, and their owners have given me so much motivation to continue to paint and get beyond my fears,” she said. Kuperberg said she cannot overstate how critical workshops have been to her development as an artist, although she had to get her nerve up to take classes

Sally Kuperberg’s “The Painted Trail” recently won a people’s choice award. from artists whose work she admires. She encourages emerging artists to take advantage of

the wide range of instructional talent available in the Methow Valley. “Just like any practice,”

Kuperberg said, “you can learn so much by seeing what others are doing, how they are building

professional careers in fine art.” Kuperberg said she built up her courage to start entering art shows once she launched a website for her art. She discovered Plein Air Washington Artists (PAWA), which is “dedicated to the fine art of painting on location in natural light to document the diverse and breathtaking scenery of our state” and is right in Kuperberg’s wheelhouse. “Every time I go out on a hike I want to take my easel with me,” she said. Kuperberg’s most recent award comes from the “Little Gems” show, hosted by PAWA and the Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes. The show was for paintings smaller than 11’ x 14’, she said. “It was really cool to be accepted. Eighty-three painters entered 337 paintings, and they only accepted 70 paintings from 38 artists. It was a real honor to get the People’s Choice award, which came from show audiences voting on their favorite painting.” Kuperberg sells her original works, as well as limitededition archival reproductions. When she’s not running the Chewuch Inn, she’s painting or exploring areas of the valley that she hopes to paint. In addition to domestic and wild animals and the forests and meadows of the Methow Valley, Kuperberg often focuses on landmarks like old silos or barns—“things that are starting to disappear.” “This valley is so spectacular,” she said, “I’m always interested in what’s around us.” For more information about Kuperberg and her art, visit www.sallykuperbergart.com/.

ARTS BRIEFS ART WALK COMING

TwispWorks, Methow Arts, the Twisp Chamber of Commerce, Cascadia and Confluence Gallery are partnering to present the Twisp Fall Art Walk and Studio Tour on Sept. 25 from 1-5 p.m. The organizers are reaching out to local artists to participate. Artists with booths will set up in the plaza at TwispWorks or between Second and Third avenues on Glover Street. Artists can participate at no charge. For information about participating, email kaileah@ confluencegallery.org or call 997-2787.

REDMAN BOOK DISCUSSION

Photo by Joanna Bastian

Sandra Woodbury, Wolf in the Wildflowers silversmith, and her daughter on a late summer day at the Methow Valley Farmers Market.

Wolf in the Wildflowers silversmith crafts jewelry inspired by nature BY JOANNA BASTIAN

At her workbench, silversmith Sandra Woodbury crafts elegant jewelry to sounds of Gold Creek flowing just outside the window. Inspired by nature, Woodbury creates pieces feat uring colorf ul stones and clean lines. Formally known as Wolf and Flame, Woodbury is in the process of rebranding her jewelry line to reflect a personal growth towards joy and hope: Wolf in the Wildflowers. Woodbury began silversmithing in 2017 under the expert tutelage of local artist Joanne Marracci. In the last four years, Woodbury has finessed her craft and offered her fine jewelry at farmers markets and online. Jewelry making is Woodbury’s passion project, inspired by nature. “It is the stones that I get the most excited about — holding a really cool stone and envisioning what it could turn into,” she said praises the lapidarists who supply her artisan habit. “I have a meticulous approach. Sometimes I will

spend hours on one detail to get it just right.” Woodbury’s jewelry consists of clean lines and geometric shapes encompassing natural stones with bright colors and unique features. Jade, jasper, labradorite, and turquoise reflect the greens, blues, reds, and golds found in the hidden wilds of the Methow Valley. Woodbury’s Instagram, @thewolfinthewildflowers, is a meditative gallery featuring her artwork: rings perched on stones along the water’s edge, earrings hanging from feather shafts, flower stems and icicles, a pendant posed on the page of a botanical drawing, the chain looped around a sketch of roses. Originally, Woodbury chose the name Wolf and Flame as an image of fiery strength and passion: as a woman, and also the imagery that emerges from a silversmith’s tools. “I wanted to be a strong role model for my daughter,” she said. “Life is an evolution of who you are,” Woodbury explained, as

she considered a rebranding to reflect what truly brought her joy in life. “My garden, hiking among wildf lowers — in spring I come out of my shell to connect with people at the farmers markets — that spring renewal of hope,” she said. Woodbury wanted to rebrand her jewelry to reflect her softer side and capture the hope and joy that went into the making of each piece. She has always felt a deep-rooted soul connection to wolves, and wildflowers reflect natural beauty. Wolf in the Wildflowers was a natural choice. “This is my soul project — creating a beautiful talisman that people choose to put on in the morning. I enjoy seeing people around town, wearing my pieces, having that connection.” Woodbury’s pieces can be seen on Instagram and on Etsy. She can be found most Saturday mornings at the Methow Valley Far mers Market in Twisp.

Methow At Home will host a free Zoom presentation, a book discussion with local author Eric Redman, on Oct. 6 from 9-10:30 a.m. Redman will discuss his book, “Bones of Hilo,” which is available at local libraries, bookstores and online. The book is described as “a riveting mystery novel set in the Methow Valley and Hawaii.” Half the royalties will go to the Makuakane Endowed Scholarship for students of Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo. Redman, who splits his time between Hawaii and the Methow Valley, previously authored the nonfiction bestseller “The Dance of Legislation.” Visit methowathome. org to register, and find more information at https://ericredmanwriting.com/about.

POETRY OUT LOUD RETURNS

Liberty Bell High School’s annual Poetry Out Loud competition has been scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 6, at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp, starting at 6 p.m. At least 12 students from Liberty Bell and the Independent Learning Center are expected to participate after advancing from competition in their classes. The competition returns to The Merc after it was staged virtually last year, with participants making videotapes of their recitations. Last year’s winner was then-freshman Leki Albright. She advanced from regional competition to the state finals.

Previous win ners were Cymone Van Marter (2019 and 2018), Mackenzie Woodworth (2017), Mia Stratman (2016), Lillian Cooley (2015), Claire Waichler (2014), Liam Daily (2013) and the late Tom Zbyszewski (2012). Poet r y O ut L oud is a national program to encourage appreciation of poetry. Students memorize and recite two poems and are judged on their memorization skills, as well as their confidence, projection and poise. Poetry Out Loud is presented in partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation and Methow Arts. The Public School Funding Alliance also directly supports the local program.

Rena Priest

STATE POET LAUREATE WILL VISIT TWISP IN OCTOBER

Poet Rena Priest, who was appointed the sixth Washington State Poet Laureate earlier this year, will be in the Methow Valley next month for school residencies and a public reading in Twisp on Oct. 12. A member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation, Priest is the first Indigenous poet to assume the role of Poet Laureate. Her term will run through March 2023. Priest’s literary debut, “Patriarchy Blues,” was honored with the 2018 American Book Award, and her most recent work is “Sublime Subliminal.” “I am incredibly excited and honored to take on this role,” Priest said in a press release. “I’m fascinated by the way people come together around poetry. I am always delighted by how they gather in quiet rooms and let themselves be

drawn in, lit up, and transformed by the words of other people. It’s a powerful way of connecting.” Priest will focus on two primar y goals during her term: celebrating poetry in Washington’s tribal communities, and using poetry to increase appreciation of the natural world and the threats facing it. In addition to winning the American Book Award, Priest received the Allied Arts Foundation 2020 Professional Poets Award, a 2020 Vadon Foundation Fellowship, and residency fellowships from Hawthornden Castle, Hedgebrook, and Mineral School. Priest’s work can be found in Poetry Northwest, Pontoon Poetry, Verse Daily, Poema-Day at http://Poets.org, and elsewhere. She has taught Comparative Cultural Studies and Contemporary American Issues at Western Washington University and Native American Literature at Northwest Indian College. Priest holds a BA in English from Western Washington University and an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She lives in Bellingham. The public reading will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Methow Arts office on Glover Street. Due to the sharp surge in COVID-19 cases in Okanogan County, attendees must be fully vaccinated to attend. Masks will be requi red. Attendees will be required to pre-register. Email info@ methowartsalliance.org for more information, or call 9974004.

BEETS’ CONCERT

The previously scheduled free concert by the Bitterroot Beets has been rescheduled for Oct. 2, from 7-9:30 p.m. at the TwispWorks Pavilion. Visit www.twispworks.org for more information.

‘CORONANTHOLOGY’ IN OCTOBER

The Merc Playhouse will stage its first live production in nearly two years when it presents “CoronAnthology: The year we held our breath,” on Oct. 14-17. Visit www.mercplayhouse.org for additional information, or call 997-7529.

Methow Valley News

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Service Directory Deadline is Thursday at 5 p.m. for the next week’s paper. Directory ads are $8 per column inch. To have your service listed please call 997-7011. AUTO PARTS/TOWING

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SURVEYING

Mike Real died at home August 29, 2021. Dee was known as a fabulous cook and they Mike lived full-out every day, even after his were great entertainers — Dee providing the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. food and theme, Mike enjoying the people as Mike was predeceased by his always. wife Dee Real. His sister Suzanne T hey fel l i n love w it h t he Real resides in Boulder, Colorado. Methow, like so many, after visitHe was born August 2, 1948, in ing to ski and mountain bike the Newark, New Jersey. His mother Methow trails. They built their taught him to read the instruction retirement home here. Mike orgamanual and repair ever ything. nized GASP, the Geezers ActuHer lessons stuck and served him ally Still Pedaling. GASP formed well in all his endeavors. strong friendships and welcomed As a kid he wanted more than new participants. It was important anything to have a car and to learn to him that all were welcome. to fly. He read every book on cars Mike was famous for his energy and airplanes in his local library. and enthusiasm. He ser ved on Aviation books introduced him to the boards of the music festival, history, which became a life-long Methow Trails and for the Twisp Mike Real study. Airport. He could be counted on Mike graduated from the University of Ari- to build trails and bridges or serve pancakes zona with a degree in history. Finding it had at the Fly-In. His mother’s training to repair no employment oppor tunities, he enlisted served to help others at Methow Recycling’s in the Air Force to f ly. After the service he Repair Cafe and for any of his friends and at f lew for a small airline and a glider service any time. Every day of his life was filled with in the Caribbean, the Air National Guard in both fun and work. the Sierras, and Horizon Airlines, before he After Dee’s death in November 2014, Mike started as a commercial pilot with Northwest and I got together thanks to helpful friends. Airlines. We enjoyed almost five years as partners and He loved smaller and older planes that were married on August 3, 2021, much to the surnot “automated” like the modern commercial prise of those same friends. During our time planes. He owned his 1959 Piper Comanche together I relearned to ride a bike, acquired a for many years. The plane afforded him the cat, attempted to cook and tolerate classical opportunity to explore the West from Arizona music. Mike learned to ride a mule, care for to Alaska. Any day he could share the oppor- chickens, accept disorganization and tolerate tunity to see the mountains from the air with Labrador retrievers. We danced. We traveled others was a great day. If he could save a little Norway, France and Spain on horseback and gas by flying the air currents he was a happy bicycles and f lew the west in his plane. We man. shared our excellent friends. It was grand and Mike was based out of Portland for North- too too short. west. As a long-time member of the Portland Mike leaves behind many dear friends and Wheelmen he made many lifelong friends and acquaintances here and in the Portland area. met Dee Real. Mike and Dee enjoyed 20 plus Delta COVID now prevents an open gathering years of biking long, challenging routes and of all those who would wish to be together to touring the United States, Canada and Europe celebrate his life. Only a small private memoby bicycle. They organized bike tours in the rial will be held — my apologies. I am most United States and Europe. They also worked grateful for the kind sentiments shared with the Seattle to Portland tour when not riding me. I will always appreciate a Mike Real story. the STP in one day. By Jane Gilbertsen

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Lela Lynne (Price) Wenick passed away in Odessa, Washington, on Aug. 30, 2021, after a brief illness. Born in Auburn, Washington, on Aug. 7, 1942, she moved with her family to Twisp in 1946. Her great-grandparents, Amos and Amanda Shaw, settled in Methow in 1904 and Lynne has many kin living in the valley. She attended Twisp schools and graduated Twisp High School in 1961. Lynne was a multi-media artist and has paintings published and displayed throughout several states. She was preceded in death by her parents Garl Price and Lela Alice Shaw and by two sisters, Betty and Maxine Barcelou. She is survived by three sisters: LaVerne Perry (her twin) of Altus, Oklahoma; Velma Marshall of Sandy, Oregon; and Merry Price of Wenatchee, Washington. She leaves six children and many grand children and great-grandchildren. Burial will be in the Summit Valley Cemetery in Addy, Washington.

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Page B5

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Susan Trimble How do you say goodbye to the woman who gave you life? How do you say goodbye to the woman who was your wife for over 46 years? How do you say goodbye to the woman who helped hold your hand every step of the way as you navigated your life? Who do you reach out to now when you need to know the ingredients to the favorite family recipe or what the name of the favorite restaurant was that we went to 20 years ago? These are the questions we as a family faced as we had to say goodbye to Susan (McHugh) Trimble on July 18, 2021. An unexpected diagnosis of terminal lung cancer took her from us too soon. There is simply not enough pen and paper to describe how much she meant to our family. This tribute will provide a mere glimpse of how wonderful she was and how deeply she will be missed. Susan M. (McHugh) Trimble was born in Omak on May 20, 1946. She would move with her family to the town of Twisp and call it home during her childhood. She would later move to Spokane and attend Gonzaga University, graduating in 1969 and earning a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. Up for an adventure, she would later move to Hawaii and on a warm sunny day at the beach she would meet a man by the name of Bob Trimble who eventually would become her husband. Together they navigated his career in the Navy and traveled across the United States. They had two daughters, Jennifer (Trimble) Houghton and Ellen (Trimble) Sheridan. She supported him and would become a full-time homemaker that would include volunteering at her children’s schools as an art docent, helping out with Girl Scouts activities and softball games in the town of Silverdale. Susan wore many hats and one was as an avid seamstress, she sewed her children’s clothes, made their

first cabbage patch dolls, crocheted baby blankets for friends and family. She was a fantastic cook who insisted on expanding her family’s culinary palate — her New Year’s dinners of homemade Chinese food will be missed. She loved gardening, art, travel, music and was an avid reader. Books were her friends and she had many of them! She provided immense support to her daughters on their journey to motherhood. Susan had three grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Wesley and Celia Sheridan and Russell Houghton. On her 75th birthday this past May she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and on July 18, 2021, she passed away at Hospice House in Tacoma. She was blessed to be able to see her family and friends and was showered with cards and flowers, all of which brought a smile to her face. She was laid to rest on July 31, 2021 at Beaver Creek Cemetery with a private family gathering that included her sister Mary McHugh and brothers Mike McHugh and Tom McHugh and all of their children and grandchildren in attendance. She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Celia McHugh. Roses, hydrangeas and peonies were her favorite flowers — all of which surrounded her burial. A beautiful yellow butterf ly weaved its way through the family circle as we said our goodbyes. A s one of he r la st mu si ngs, when asked what she t houg ht would hap p e n t o he r whe n she pa sse d , she said , “ M ay b e I w i l l t u r n i nt o a b u t t e r f ly.” It is for that reason we will forever think of her when we see beautiful flowers and butterflies. As sad as it is to see her go, we are glad the pain is over. She was loved and will be missed so very much.

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SENIOR NEWS We are back to take-out meals only again. So if you want to pick up a lunch, call 997-7722. COVID is getting bad again, so please take care and be safe. The Thrift Store is still open as of now. We are having sidewalk sales of

fall jackets and lightweight clothes, and getting ready for a big Winter Sale. Let’s just hope we don’t get closed down again. We are in need of paper bags again, if you have some to spare. Rosalie Hutson

Valley Life

Page B6

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Shelley Smith Jones

Mazama Ever y once in a while, a sweet story comes along. Wi nt h rop K iwa n is Club is a group of hard-working souls whose main goal is to serve the needs of kids in the community. Every year, club members busy themselves with selling Duck Race tickets starting in mid July. Many me mbe r s a re out of t hei r comfort zone asking friends, family, neighbors, and strangers to buy a chance at a duck act ually win ning the race. On the other hand, longtime resident, retired Liberty Bell High School teacher, former Fire District 6 Commissioner and volunteer firefighter Roy Reiber is first in line for his packets of tickets to sell. Roy and his table of tickets

are a ubiquitous sight at Ace Hardware, Methow Valley Thriftway, and other places where fol k s a re gat hered. Well known in the community, Roy looks for ward to seeing familiar faces and his diligence consistently earns h i m the top t icket selli ng spot. Roy is without exception present at both pre-race activities and race day start a nd f i n ish. He await s t he announcement of the fastest ducks wondering if one of his tickets will be the winner. This year, Duck No. 1144 was the clear winner smugly paddling across the finish line way ahead of No. 2. Extracted from the river, the winning ticket was pulled from the wellorganized box of sold tickets. Audra won! Audra who? Helping out the club (as my husband is a Kiwanian and coincidentally manages the Duck Race), I have had the privilege the last couple of years of calling the winners. A phone call to “Audra” (no last name) went to voice mail where I left a message about the Duck Race and a call back number. No call back. A second phone call was placed the day after the race and a ver y hesitant female voice answered. “I am calling for Audra,” I explained.

“Who’s calling?” she replied, warily wondering who had her cell phone number and her t h ree -yea r- old d aug hter’s name and was calling a second time. Again, I spoke of the Duck Race while her replies expressed total confusion. Working further into the conversation, I spoke of the Winthrop Kiwanis Duck Race and that Audra’s duck came in first. “ O h , m y, ” t h e v o i c e expressed. “My father lives in Winthrop. Maybe he bought a ticket for his granddaughter.” I explained that the winning ticket is a $500 prize and asked if she could have her father call me. John and Francie Williams, property owners in the valley, quickly called back with utter shock that the ticket they purchased from Roy at Methow Valley Th r if t way was one of those they had bought for their grandchildren. Audra’s mother, Alexandra Hartwick from Issaquah, never heard about t he t icket be cau se, really, what were the chances that that duck would be so speedy: 1 in over 1,600 (tickets purchased). Kiwanis Treasurer Gloria Herron will send the winning ducks to all five recipients. The next four ducks arriving

at the finish line belonged to the following ticket holders: Twisp residents Jon Hawley (Duck # 804, $300) and Mary McIvor (Duck #347, $100) and Winthrop residents Brian Helm (Duck #687, $50) and Shaila Tenorio (Duck #600, $50). At least one of the winners donated the winnings back to Kiwanis. The Duck Race ran ver y smoothly this year despite low water in the Methow and Chewuch Rivers. Volunteers plucked the stuck ducks. Liberty Bell High School football team members braved the cold water to stand and catch the ducks along with Kiwanians in fishing waders at the finish line. Not a single duck was lost downstream. Proceeds will fund some of the never-ending projects that the club has on its list. Thanks to all! On another note, are we working on the 10 Plagues of Methow here in the valley this year? First we had coronavirus, then wildfires, then smoke with accompanying dirty air, then angry hornets, then Delta variant targeting unprotected, and now, what else — gnats, fruitflies, whatever you want to call them? Ever tried to drink a glass of wine through a swarm?

Methow Valley News

The winning duck, No. 1114.

REACH FOR THE WINNNER

Ashley Lodato

Winthrop In a valley dense with riches, our greatest treasure is, perhaps, our elders. Our elders offer us their perspective, wisdom, diplomacy, and tolerance. They also gift us with their memories of life in the Methow Valley. Tipped off by the Shafer Museum, I recently had the opportunity to hear a few such recollections from the memory of Frankie Waller. The first thing you should know is that Frankie is a woman, and Frankie is her real name. She was apparently supposed to be a boy, to be named Frank Jr., after her father, Frank Morse. When Frankie surprised everyone by being a girl, her grandmother had the idea to just add and “ie.” It’s not a nickname, she’s not Frances, she’s Frankie. Frankie’s grandmother helped her mother, Bertha, deliver Frankie at home, at what is now Moccasin Lake Ranch. Frankie says “They had called the doctor, but he lived all the way down in Twisp and in those days it took a while to get from Twisp to the ranch. So by the time he got there, I was already born. The doctor walked in and said to my mother, ‘good job.’” Frankie’s family raised alfalfa, grain, cattle, and, later, sheep on the ranch. “The cattle were a cash

Photo by Natalie Johnson

Kelli Evans holds a bowl of raffle tickets while her daughter Kaylee Cole, 10, picks a winner for the annual Methow Valley Cascaders 4-H pig raffle on Monday, Sept. 6. The raffle is for a butchered pig, and supports scholarships. The raffle was intended to take place at the Labor Day rodeo, but when the rodeo was canceled, they decided to do it at the end of the Winthrop Kiwanis Club’s Duck Race.

Sarah Schrock

Twisp O.K., some housekeeping is in order. First off: The class of 1971 reunion changed its 50-yearreunion venue from the Methow Valley Community Center to Jere

Seguin’s place on the Twisp River, just west of the Burgar Street neighborhood. The celebration begins at noon on Sept. 18 and runs “’til the cows come home.” Classmates and friends are welcome to bring food for a potluck. In addition, Mountain Meals will be there all day with their food cart. For more information, call or text Mike Mauk at (509) 449-0605. Second: The Twisp Fall Art Walk is fast approaching — it takes place on Saturday, Sept. 25. As in past years, this event will host local artists and crafts alongside organizations with lots of hands-on activities, all in a family-friendly atmosphere. Live music and food will be on hand. Third: Unfortunately, due to the rising number of COVID-

Valley Life Contacts

19 cases in the county, many of the sports competitions for Liberty Bell High School (LBHS) athletes have been postponed or closed to spectators. I am going to say it: Shame on those parents who have decided it’s their prerogative to skirt the mask mandate and ruin it for the rest of the fans and parents, who now are unable to watch their kids play. Kudos to Michael Wilbur, the LBHS activities director, for his swift communication regarding this ever-shifting situation. Rumor has it that the New York Times visited our school district last week to showcase the success of our COVID response to keeping kids in school. This success has much to do with leadership at the school, and compliance by

Mazama: Shelley Smith Jones smithjonesshelley@gmail.com

our parents and students with the rules and guidelines. Let’s hope this continues and that school remains open. Communication from the school district this year has been filling my in-box, as the district has stepped up its outreach in response to feedback. I receive, on average, five emails or texts per day from various administrators, teachers or coaches. If I had to estimate, it takes at least 30 minutes a day to read them all, and even more time when followup is required. This isn’t a complaint — just an observation that information overload might start setting in. Thankfully, I have a friend who is more organized, who calls me to confirm that I received an

Winthrop: Ashley Lodato 509-341-4848 or ashleylodato@alumni.stanford.edu

email and reminds me to fill out forms on time. See, it really does it take a village to raise a child (or at least to be a parent). One such email Liberty Bell parents received this week was regarding an incident involving intolerance. The defacing of a Pride flag by an individual encouraged a group of seventh graders to march the halls adorned in rainbow colors and pride-wear in solidarity with what the Pride flag represents — dignity for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. At the same time, other students donned American flags in a counter-demonstration. LBHS Principal Crosby Carpenter’s letter said it perfectly — the use of the American flag was “misguided and an attempt to fuel culture

Twisp: Sarah Schrock sjschrock@yahoo.com

Photo by Shelley Smith Jones

crop,” she says. “We didn’t eat beef, we ate venison. Everyone else in the valley ate venison as well. Deer were never shot just for fun, it was always for the purpose of feeding the family.” Frankie says that her greatgrandmother Bridget came to the United States at age 16, alone and pregnant. In those days it was not uncommon for a young man from an affluent Irish family to get involved with a young woman of lesser means, and, when the romance resulted in a pregnancy, for the man to arrange a marriage for the young woman in America. “My great-grandmother couldn’t stay unwed and pregnant by a Protestant in her Catholic community in Ireland,” Frankie says. “Her parents put her on a boat knowing they’d never see her again.” Bridget married David Morse and had 10 children with him, and three generations later, along came Frankie. Frankie’s Methow Valley memories could (and may one day) fill a book. But one story has particular relevance, in light of the Vintage Wheels event that just took place in Winthrop. On Frankie’s birthday in April 1957, she entered a contest and won a Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe. The day after she and her late husband, Paul, picked up the car, Frankie delivered her fifth child. Some of Frankie’s stories are available online (www.youtube. com/watch?v=Sx9PX28nh9I), recorded by Byron Odion in partnership with Methow at Home and journalist Marcy Stamper. Others can be accessed through the Shafer Museum, which “preserves and shares the history, culture and sense of place in the Methow Valley to inspire human connection and learning.” To learn more about the Museum’s history and projects, visit www. shafermuseum.org. wars in schools.” The American flag stands for all Americans, for all people. I noticed all the flags on 9/11 around town. Their display evoked a collective grief and a sense of unity. But the American flag should never be associated with hate, bigotry, discrimination or misguided patriotism. It’s the ultimate symbol of freedom from oppression, that we’re united by a common belief that democracy, in its imperfect forms and many evolutions, is worth defending. Patriots of all races, sexual orientations, genders, and ethnic identities have died for this flag. It’s time for all proud, tolerant, and freedom-loving Americans to take back the flag, because it’s our flag, too.

Lower Valley: Joanna Bastian MethowJoanna@gmail.com