Methow Valley News-Gen'l Excellence-03.28.12

C

M

C

M

Y

K

Y

K

THE WEEK AHEAD – MARCH 29-APRIL 4 THURSDAY: Showers FRIDAY: Showers SATURDAY: Showers SUNDAY: Partly cloudy MONDAY: Partly cloudy TUESDAY: Partly cloudy WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy

52 53 54 54 54 55 56

32 33 28 28 29 32 32

Full tilt

Eagle-eyed

LBHS teams don’t let weather deter them

Artistry and skill go into replica feathers

The drizzlies are here.

ARTS Page A7

SPORTS Page B1

Methow Valley News

PUBLISHED WEEKLY SINCE 1903

TWISP, WASHINGTON

VOL. 109 NO. 46

75¢

MARCH 28, 2012

Twisp, Winthrop at standoff over police issues

By Methow Valley News staff The mayors of Twisp and Winthrop are each standing by their police forces in a disagreement over whether two of Winthrop’s officers should be allowed to assist Twisp officers.

Public records released last Wednesday (March 21) by the Town of Twisp contain highly critical assessments of actions by two Winthrop police officers that led to Twisp’s suspension late last year of a mutual assistance agreement with Winthrop – an action that Twisp Mayor Soo IngMoody continues to support.

Last Friday (March 23), the Town of Winthrop released public documents in which Mayor Dave Acheson, who conducted an investigation of

the concerns raised by Twisp, challenged some of the Twisp assertions and concluded that no further action was necessary in Winthrop.

Beginning last fall, Twisp Police Chief Paul Budrow and officers Mike Hartnett and Ty Sheehan, in internal memos and letters to Ing-Moody, related several incidents they claimed demonstrated lack of professionalism

by Winthrop Marshal David Dahlstrom and deputy Ken Bajema – to the point that the Twisp officers no longer wanted to work with the two Winthrop officers because they felt their safety and the safety of others was jeopardized.

In December, Twisp suspended its mutual aid pact – under which officers from each town could assist the others if necessary – without publicly

citing specific incidents. Acheson then said he would confidentially investigate the incidents by himself. He issued a statement on his completed investigation last week, in which he said “I concluded that the instances did not involve issues of officer or public safety.”

The Methow Valley News obtained documents about the Twisp complaints and about Acheson’s investigation through public records requests submitted to each town.

Several local residents made similar requests.

Any more action?

So what happens next?

The Twisp Town Council, which was to meet Tuesday night (March 27) to discuss the issue, could simply

Photo by Don Nelson

Fire District 6 firefighters burned “Emy’s place” in Winthrop as part of a training session last weekend.

Winthrop landmark provides valuable fire training

By Laurelle Walsh

Okanogan County Fire District 6 chiefs, commissioners and volunteer firefighters conducted a live-fire training on Saturday (March 24) at 414 Riverside Ave. in Winthrop – the landmark home known by many as “Emy’s place.”

Firefighters received valuable experience in the morning; filling air bottles, donning equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus, setting practice

fires inside the house, entering the burning building, learning how fire progresses through different stages, and operating fire hoses within a confined, smoke-filled space, according to Division Chief Don Waller.

The fire was allowed to burn the house to the ground starting around 1:30 p.m. Firefighters were stationed at points around the building to protect surrounding trees and an outbuilding.

Max Jones, a new District 6

firefighter with over 30 years of experience on the Orcas Island Fire Department, filmed the training and the fire as it engulfed the building Saturday afternoon. “This is a rare chance for firefighters to practice on a two-story building,” Jones said.

An unexpected explosion later in the afternoon surprised everyone, according to Chief Waller.

“Tanks that nobody had seen – probably an old radiator system – exploded,” Waller said. “It was See FIRE on Page A2

conclude in the wake of Acheson’s investigation that the matter is closed, and that the severance of the mutual aid agreement will stand.

Wi n t h ro p ’ s Dave Acheson Town Council could also choose to let the matter die by accepting Acheson’s conclusions.

But the Winthrop Marshal’s Office may have an internal problem. A reading of the Twisp documents indicates that Dahlstrom and Bajema are held in low regard by Twisp’s officers, who don’t want them in their town on official duty. The Twisp police said

they have no similar problems with Winthrop’s third officer, deputy Rory Williams.

In the Twisp documents, Budrow wrote that he was approached by both Bajema and Soo Ing-Moody Williams with complaints about Dahlstrom. Acheson and Ing-Moody each emphasized that they continue to have a good working relationship with the other and the policing disagreement won’t affect their cooperation on town matters.

Ing-Moody said earlier that she believed the decision to suspend the See POLICE on Page A6

By Marcy Stamper

On-time opening expected

Bank awaiting firm offer for golf course Cashmere Valley Bank has a “verbal agreement” in principle with a party interested in buying the Bear Creek Golf Course and is giving them a few days to put the offer in writing, said chief lending officer Greg Oakes on Tuesday (March 27).

While there is no set deadline, Oakes is giving the party – the first to contact him with a serious, highquality offer – time to produce a formal offer. “It is proceeding to my satisfaction,” he said.

The bank has been “inundated” with inquiries about the golf course since the deed of forfeiture was recorded with the county earlier this month. The bank acquired the 175acre property in December after the owner’s default.

If this deal should fall through, Oakes said he will open up the sale to others. The bank will not necessarily sell to the highest bidder, but is looking for a solid, “high-quality” offer without contingencies or delays for financing.

“I have a lot of experience with long, drawn-out offers – you waste time,” Oakes said.

Oakes said he does not know the intentions of those who have inquired about the property, but believes most are primarily interested in the golf course itself. In addition to the private nine-hole golf course, the property includes 11 other 20-acre parcels zoned for residential use, being sold as a single entity.

Oakes said he had “put the word out” that he was in a position to make a sale on the property over the past four to five months as he was negotiating with the delinquent mortgage holder.

Mike McCormack, the financial partner in McCormack Vineyard Partners, had not made a payment on the $2.2 million loan in more than a year, said Oakes.

As of last week, the bank also decided to operate the golf course on its own, working with Jennifer Northcott, the on-site manager for the past several years, rather than contracting out operational management. They plan to open on schedule, or as close to it as possible, said Oakes.

McCormack’s partner in McCormack Vineyard, Bill Sygitowicz, had overseen operations at the course for several years and was negotiating with the bank to continue in that role until the bank’s decision last week to work directly with Northcott.

Sygitowicz, who, with his wife, Louise, also runs Vineyard Development Company, a real estate developer based in Bellingham, said he had been looking for another financial partner to continue his association with the golf course. In addition to managing the golf course, Sygitowicz handled research for McCormack Vineyard with regard to development of the site.

“We were in communication and discussions with the bank when they said ‘they may be dealing with somebody else,’” said Sygitowicz, on Monday (March 26). The annual renewal of the liquor license for the restaurant at the golf course, still in Sygitowicz’s name, was signed by the Okanogan County commissioners on Tuesday (March 27). It will have to be withdrawn before a new application can be processed, according to a spokesperson for the Washington State Liquor Control Board.

Conservationists interested

Groups with an interest in conservation opportunities in the area – in particular, for more efficient irrigation at the golf course that would return more water to Bear Creek, which often dries up in the summer – have been tracking the situation as it evolves.

See GOLF on Page A3

New rates coming soon for electric co-op members

By Ann McCreary

Some final tweaking of numbers following last week’s public meeting about electric rates has produced a rate schedule for approval by the Okanogan County Electric Cooperative board of directors.

Directors held a workshop Friday (March 23) to further refine the new rate structure. The new rates were expected to be approved at the co-op’s monthly board meeting on Tuesday (March 27), after the Methow Valley News went to press. The new rates will take effect next month and will be reflected in customers’ May bills.

To avoid the sudden, radical changes in electric bills that shocked

and angered co-op members following the last rate change in 2009, the co-op board is choosing to phase in the new rates over a three-year period, reaching the final desired rate structure in 2014.

While some co-op members will see increases of 30 percent or more by 2014, the goal of the phased approach is to limit annual increases to 10-15 percent.

“The goal is to undo, in an orderly way,” the rate structure adopted by the co-op three years ago, said General Manager David Gottula. That means eliminating the controversial demand charge for most residential customers by 2014, and establishing a tiered approach that charges more

for higher electrical use to encourage conservation.

While the impact on the co-op’s 2,700-plus members will vary depending on individual use – and will result in decreases for some customers – the overall rate increase is 5.4 percent.

Co-op officials said that increase will generate about $300,000 a year, needed primarily to cover the rising cost of buying electricity from Bonneville Power Authority, which supplies all the co-op’s power.

Last week’s public meeting at the Winthrop Barn drew about 50 co-op members, who voiced a variety of concerns and opinions. Chad Patterson, owner of Cascade Concrete, See CO-OP on Page A2

C

M

C

M

Y

K

Y

K

MVN, pg 1

Photo by Don Nelson

Chad Patterson talks about co-op rate hikes at last week’s meeting.

C

M

Y

K

C Y

M

C

M

C

M

K

Y

K

Y

K

Page A2

FIRE alarming, but nobody got hurt.”

It was the first live fire for some trainees currently attending a new-recruit class, according to lead instructor John Owen. The seven men and women in the class meet three times a week until April 7 when they will take a final exam.

Jerry and Cyndy Oliver purchased the property in 2009, originally aiming to remodel the old building, according to Cyndy. After discovering that a remodel “wasn’t commercially

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 From Page A1 feasible,” they “tried to give it to the Shafer Museum, but they didn’t want it,” said Cyndy.

“We couldn’t move it over the bridge, so we decided to donate it for fire training.”

The Olivers salvaged windows, doors, and siding from the old building, and plan to incorporate original chimney bricks into a future commercial building on the site, which will combine a retail business with a small bed and breakfast, Cyndy said.

In brief Commissioner appointed

The Okanogan County commissioners have appointed Timothy Woolsey to the county planning commission.

Woolsey is a staff attorney in the Office of the Reservation Attorney at the Colville Tribes, where he advises the Colville Land Use Review Board.

In his private practice in Washington state, Woolsey was involved in land-use cases and worked extensively on matters concerning the national and state environmental policy acts.

The nine-member planning commission advises the county commissioners on growth and development issues, including approving individual developments and zoning changes. The planning commissioners also review documents that inform county policy on growth and environmental protection, such as the comprehensive plan and critical areas ordinance. Woolsey has lived in Okanogan County since 2006.

Studded tire season extended

The Washington State Department of Transportation has extended the studded-tire season through the end of the day Monday, April 16, as forecasts call for possible winter driving conditions through the heavily traveled Easter weekend, the DOT said in a press release.

Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31, unless the DOT grants an extension. DOT officials don’t anticipate any further extensions beyond April 16.

“Our crews will still be out working, but we need drivers to check the forecast, carry chains and drive for conditions,” said Chris Christopher, DOT director of maintenance operations. “Close to 100 inches of snow came down on Snoqualmie Pass between March 15 and April 15 last year, and drivers can expect to see snow in the mountains well into May.”

More study for Town Hall

In the wake of a study that found Twisp Town Hall doesn’t meet standards for earthquake safety, Town Council members spent more than an hour last week discussing prospects for the building’s future.

The seismic study conclusions are part of a growing list of inadequacies of the building that houses the administrative offices, council chambers and a public works shop.

Mayor Soo Ing-Moody said the town has asked Larry Zimmerlund, the civil engineer who conducted the seismic study, to evaluate the minimum requirements necessary to conform to seismic safety codes, and the cost involved.

Already on an extremely tight budget, the town has no funds available for work involved in meeting seismic safety requirements and “may not be in a financial position to carry the burden” of additional debt, Ing-Moody said. Council members discussed the possibility of a bond issue, but are waiting to learn how much money will be needed to solve the problems with the Town Hall building.

Ing-Moody said the council also discussed the idea of moving the Public Works shop, where vehicles and equipment are stored and serviced, out of the Town Hall building and creating a new shop at the Public Works facility on Ewell Street. Ing-Moody said the town will need to determine whether it might be more efficient in the long run to build a new shop rather than repair the one at Town Hall. A committee created by the mayor to deal with the building will meet next week to discuss the latest information, Ing-Moody said.

Methow Valley News

Highway 20 snow clearing begins Washington State Department of Transportation crews made progress from both sides of Washington Pass on Monday (March 26), the first day of snow removal on the North Cascades Scenic Highway.

According to a WSDOT release, from the east side the crew cleared a single lane about four miles up from Early Winters to Varden Creek before a mechanical problem disabled the Kodiak snow blower for the day.

The snow blower was back at work Tuesday morning (March 27).

From the west side, the crew got about three miles above Diablo Gate before they encountered a big slide that stopped their progress, WSDOT said.

Maintenance Supervisor Don Becker said the winter’s snowmobile traffic compacted the snow into “two

feet of ice” on the east side.

WSDOT’S goal is to re-open the Washington Pass route by early May. The road has been closed since last Nov. 21. Reopening work is beginning three weeks earlier than last year, which had the second-latest opening date in the highway’s history – May 25.

“Last year we opened in late May, and that means visitors coming to Winthrop’s 49’er Days festival had to use Stevens Pass to get here,” said Becker. “We know that was hard on drivers, so we’re hoping that this year we can get the highway open by the first weekend in May.” For maps, pictures, frequently asked questions and a history of opening dates, visit the North Cascades Highway website, www.wsdot.wa.gov/ traffic/passes/northcascades/.

Photo courtesy of WSDOT

Highway 20 clearing as of last week.

CO-OP

From Page A1

said he was concerned about the impact of higher electric rates on his business and other small businesses in the valley.

“We’re a family-run company and we’re having a hard enough time just staying in business,” said Patterson. He said he was also concerned that eliminating the demand charge for residential customers would shift the cost of providing electricity to part-time residents to full-time residents and commercial customers.

Rick Lewis, ranger at Pearrygin Lake State Park, said the park has 21 meters and he expected “a significant fiscal impact” on the cost of electricity for the park, which already faces cuts in state funding. He estimated an annual increase of $1,500-$2,000, but noted that “the last rate hike with the demand surcharge was $5,000.”

Some co-op members called for the electric company to cut operating costs before setting new rates, and others encouraged the co-op to explore the idea of a merger with Okanogan County Public Utility District.

Gottula said he plans to inform members about costcutting initiatives and discuss the concept of a co-op/PUD merger at the annual meeting scheduled for April 16 at the Barn.

Board president Bud Hover, the only remaining board member who served in 2009 when the last rate increase was approved, spoke in defense of the co-op and noted that the rural, residential demographics of this co-op distinguish it from other utilities.

“If you compare us to any other co-op in the nation we’re in pretty good shape financially,” Hover said. “Stop comparing us to some other co-op or PUD. We’ve got seven people per mile of line. Snohomish co-op has 200 people per mile.”

The new rate formula restructures the way customers are billed, grouping members into four classes based on the amount of electricity they use, rather than by the type of customer. Residential, seasonal and commercial classes are now grouped into General Ser-

District 6 board meeting

The board of commissioners for Okanogan County Fire District No. 6 will hold a special meeting Thursday (March 29) beginning at 7 p.m. in Twisp Town Hall. The main topic will be discussion of issues related to the Twisp Fire Department, which has a mutual aid agreement with the fire district.

C

M

Y

K

MVN, pg 2

vice classes based on how many kilowatt-hours they use per month. Irrigation is the exception, and remains a separate class. As a result of surveys and customer feedback, irrigators receive a discounted rate to help support local agriculture.

Under the rates set in 2009, commercial customers have paid a relatively lower rate than residential customers.

Co-op officials said one goal of the new rates is to eliminate such subsidies to ensure that each class, with the exception of irrigators, pays its fair share of the revenues required to provide service. By the time the final rates are in place in 2014, Gottula said, the commercial subsidies should largely disappear.

Customers will initially be placed in a General Service class based on their average monthly electric use in 2011.

A member may choose to be placed in a higher class, but must remain in that class for at least a year. Members may also move to a lower class if their average monthly use in the previous 12 months meets the

energy use range of that class.

General Service Class 1 includes customers using up to 1,200 kWh monthly; Class G2 is 1,200-5,000 kWh; Class G3 is 5,000-16,666 kWh; and Class G4 is over 16,666 kWh monthly.

Some numbers in the proposed rate schedule presented at last week’s meeting were altered slightly by co-op directors in a workshop session last week. Gottula said the adjustments in base rates, kWh and demand charges were primarily intended to equalize the increases within the different classes, so that customers at the lower and upper ends of their classes receive similar changes in their bills. In addition, the board decided to continue offering a “no-demand” rate option, which has been in place since 2010, until the demand charge for G1 and G2 is eliminated.

A rate calculator tool, created by Winthrop resident Ray Peterson, is available on the co-op website to enable members to calculate the effect of the new rate structure on their electric bills.

C

M

C

M

Y

K

Y

K

Methow Valley News

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Barber shop vandalism may be a hate crime

By Ann McCreary Vandalism of signs at Mr. J’s Barber Shop in Twisp last weekend is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

Signs outside the shop were spray-painted with anti-gay words that shop owner James Stutheit said appeared to be targeted at him. Stutheit discovered Saturday that two signs for his barber shop had been defaced some time Friday night or early Saturday morning. Stutheit took the damaged signs down. The words were “very vulgar,” said Stutheit, who opened his business in January.

“I’m scared. It makes me very uneasy. This is sexual harassment.”

Twisp Police Chief Paul Budrow said Tuesday he is investigating the incident. “Right now it

fits a hate crime because of his sexual orientation.

It meets that criteria,” Budrow said.

Stutheit said he and a friend had been confronted Friday night at a local bar by “some guys who didn’t want us there.” Stutheit said one of the men in the bar told him, “‘I’m just waiting for an opportunity to beat you up.’”

Hate crimes are prosecuted under a state “malicious harassment” law. The statute includes “physical damage to or destruction of the property of the victim” among acts punishable under the law.

Malicious harassment is a Class C felony.

Mr. J’s Barber Shop is located in the Second Avenue Courtyard, a complex of shops and businesses next to the Methow Commons. Amanda Jackson,

Naked Eye

The god of war and the lion

Photo by Don Nelson

James Stutheit at his Twisp shop. director of Methow Arts, noted that her office in the complex has been vandalized and robbed in two incidents during the past eight months. Vandals broke into the Methow Arts office last June and spray-painted graffiti on floors, furniture and artwork. Two teens were subsequently charged in the case. Two months ago

the office was broken into again and a computer was stolen, Jackson said.

“This little area here is being hit a lot,” she said.

Budrow said the area is somewhat “secluded” and he has suggested that the owner of the complex install surveillance cameras. Jackson said Methow Arts is considering installing its own cameras.

GOLF Friends of Bear Creek, which formed after McCormack Vineyard purchased the golf course and seeks to encourage stewardship in the area, wrote to the bank last week, explaining the group’s concerns and potential interest in assembling a group of conservationists to buy the property, according to board chair Sam Owen. Because there is a waiting list of interested parties, Oakes essentially told Owen it was not worth the group’s time to put together a group of purchasers, she said on Tuesday.

Owen asked Oakes why the bank would not entertain an offer from someone who walked into his office with cash, since there is no signed paperwork. Oakes told her, “Because I gave my word,” she said by email on Tuesday. “He said we wouldn’t all be in limbo much longer and that he would let everyone know when ‘it’ happens,” she wrote.

Since McCormack Vineyard bought the golf course in 2007, the Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation has explored ways to work with the developers to restore flows to Bear

Page A3

From Page A1 Creek, according to MSRF president Chris Johnson. But because MSRF has a list of prioritized projects, most relating to habitat improvement on the Methow River, they do not have the flexibility to act on a situation such as this, said Johnson.

Bank’s obligations

Cashmere Valley Bank is looking only at a bulk sale of all 12 lots and hopes not to be forced to sell them individually, said Oakes. “Banks are not in the business of developing land or selling lots on a retail basis,” he said.

Regulators carefully monitor these holdings and want to see the bank dispose of them as quickly as possible. The bank does not have the luxury of aligning its interests with those of the community or a particular purchaser, said Oakes.

The value of all 12 parcels on the Okanogan County assessor’s site is just over $2 million. McCormack paid $3.5 million in 2007 and subsequently acquired several smaller adjacent parcels for $250,000.

Foreclosure documents obtained

from the county auditor’s office show McCormack still owed more than $2 million on the principal, $163,000 in interest, and close to $10,000 in legal and other fees in December. A foreclosure sale of the property, scheduled for March 9, was averted after McCormack negotiated a forfeiture with the bank, directly transferring the property. McCormack had an interest-only loan, pending the company’s development plans, which is common, said Oakes.

Oakes would not say what price they hope to get for the property but acknowledged it would be less than $2.2 million. The bank has a fiduciary responsibility to stockholders to make reasonable decisions, in terms of what the market will bear and the time frame, he said.

“We’re interested in selling to anyone with the ability to close – that’s our only criterion,” said Oakes.

The bank will probably contact a real estate company to market the property if they are not involved in promising negotiations for a sale by May 1, said Oakes.

C

M

C

M

Y

K

Y

K

MVN, pg 3

Looking up into the southeast can see with the naked eye. At its sky on a clear April evening, you equator it is tearing around at the will probably notice a bright red- dizzying speed of 700,000 miles per dish-orange colored object floating hour. If it spun any faster it would up there. That is the planet Mars, tear itself apart. The star lies about named for the Roman god of war. 77.5 light years from us in our neighThe reason it is so bright right now borhood of the galaxy. If you book is because it is quite close to us in an Alaska Airlines flight to Regulus, allow about 80 million years for the the solar system.

If you imagine each of the plan- trip, and that is only one way!

There are still other bright planets on a racetrack, the Earth is on an inner track and just passing Mars ets to be seen in April. One constellation to the east, Saturn on the next track out. is hanging out with As the month of April Virgo the Virgin. Look progresses, Mars will for it and the bright dim as we pull away star Spica making a from the red planet. pair visible later in the Just to the right of evening one of these Mars is a fairly bright April nights. white star, Regulus, David Ward In the west, Jupiter the brightest star in the constellation Leo, the Lion. In and Venus have now traded places Greek mythology Leo is associated and Jupiter is racing westward into with the Nemean lion that Hercules the sunset glow. By the end of the killed as one of his 12 labors. month it will be too low in the west This lion was believed to have to easily see. fallen to Earth from the moon as a Venus dominates the evening meteor and was ravaging the coun- sky in the west and it is still climbing tryside in ancient Greece. It could higher into the sky. At the beginning not be harmed by any weapon so of the month it sets four hours after Hercules had to kill it with his bare the sun. Watch the goddess of love hands. Hercules skinned it with the flirt with the seven sisters as she creature’s own claws since no knife cruises through the Pleiades star could cut it. Then he made himself cluster on April 2 and 3. Binoculars a cloak out of its skin, which was will help you to pick out the sisters impervious to any arrow or sword. who will be out-shined by the brilTo see the constellation Leo the liant Venus.

The goddess of love is a beautiLion, look to the right of Mars for a sickle or backwards question mark ful sight in our twilight skies, but representing the mane and head would not be a fun place to visit. of the lion. To the left and slightly With a surface temperature of over above Mars, a large triangle depicts 600 degrees, hot enough to melt the hindquarters of the beast. Leo lead, she is one hot babe! Add to that used to have a fluffy tail but that clouds made of sulfuric acid heavy was cut off and put into another enough to flatten a car and you can constellation about 2,000 years ago. cross it off as a vacation destination.

The moon will cruise along just The brightest star, Regulus, is from a Latin word meaning the below Mars on April 3 and then the “little king.” The star shines about full moon will make a straight line 350 times brighter than our sun and with Saturn and Spica on April 6.

Say goodbye to all those bright actually has three more companion stars revolving around it that can stars of winter. They will be headed into the sunset glow this month, not only be seen with a telescope.

Regulus’s claim to fame is that to be seen again in the evening skies it is the fastest-spinning star that we until next winter.

C

M

Y

K

C Y

M

C

M

C

M

K

Y

K

Y

K

Page A4

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Opinion Editorial

Painful but necessary

We’ve all known for a few months that the Twisp Police Department no longer wants the Winthrop Marshal’s Office backing them up or helping them out on calls in Twisp. That significant decision by Twisp raised obvious and legitimate questions about what was going on to cause such a rift.

Such mutual aid agreements are common, especially in small towns like ours that have only a few officers. One of the most important things to a cop is absolute assurance that other cops have got their back in a potentially dangerous situation. When that trust is gone, it’s difficult to restore. Some incidents in Twisp that involved Winthrop officers led Twisp Police Chief Paul Budrow to ask Mayor Soo Ing-Moody to suspend the mutual aid agreement with Winthrop because Twisp officers feared for their safety and the safety of citizens.

Winthrop Mayor Dave Acheson’s own detailed investigation of Twisp’s concerns produced, not surprisingly, a different point of view, one that puts his town’s officers in a more favorable professional light while not entirely rejecting Twisp’s concerns.

So – is Twisp over-reacting? They don’t seem to think so.

Is Winthrop’s police force – or at least two of its three officers – really that undisciplined and unreliable? Acheson doesn’t seem to think so. Each group is confident in their views. As Ing-Moody suggested, maybe it’s not a matter of right or wrong but rather a disagreement over approach – although it does seem to be a lot of disagreement for an eight-mile separation of jurisdictions.

Some harsh things were said in recently released public documents whose authors probably thought they would never be read outside of town hall, but they have the ring of unalloyed candor. We did not publish some other things that were even harsher, that were potentially hurtful in a more personal way, or were simply speculative. There’s enough static in the air without cranking up the volume.

This is not fun stuff for anyone. People’s livelihoods and reputations are at stake, in a community where everyone knows who the officers are and the names of their children and dogs. If we can take anything hopeful away from the public documents that were released, it’s that very little of it is personal – it’s about professional actions and expectations, and honest disagreement over what is required.

Still, the stories about that disagreement surely are uncomfortable for the officers’ families, friends and supporters. So why publish them at all? In large part, because police protection is a core service in our communities, and residents have a right to know about how their law enforcement teams are doing. Some resolution is called for, and it doesn’t look like we are there yet. It’s more important in the long run to air things out and let them be dealt with rather than let them fester. Whatever the wound, it can’t heal if it’s not exposed to air.

We’re not seeing any bad actors here. Acheson and IngMoody are honorable people doing what they believe is best for their towns. The police officers are all trained, dedicated professionals who want to do their jobs well. All the players are people of good intent doing the best they know how.

At the same time, some questions remain open-ended.

It may be useful, as some in the community have suggested, to ask a third party to review the whole episode. That would prolong the discussion, but it also might provide some good direction for both towns.

–Don Nelson

Correction The page A1 story in the March 21 issue about the Alder Mill site should not have characterized the work there as a cleanup. No cleanup plan has been submitted for review.

Work at the site was halted by Okanogan County because of concerns about applicable county ordinances. NH&L Rare Earth LLC, which owns property at the site, wants to extract metals from tailings there.

Box 97: Letters to the editor Dear Editor: Sincere thanks to everyone at the Confluence Gallery and to the 12 terrific workshop instructors for the effort and generosity that went in to creating the International Women’s Day celebration in Twisp on March 10. Many enthusiastic participants, the Methow Valley Inn, Twisp Works, the Studio, and Corazon Scarves contributed to the day’s rousing success.

We enjoyed lively camaraderie and learned new skills from raising chickens to herbal remedies to belly dancing.

Donations from community participants and proceeds from the sales of Corazon Scarves provided almost $500 to Room One’s emergency fund for women. It was a fun and educational day, celebrating amazing women in the Methow and the world over. A special thank you to Nicole, Donna, and the Confluence Gallery for making it all happen.

Cathy Davis Room One Board Member Winthrop

Levies benefit community Dear Editor: Although I am not a parent or grandparent, I plan to vote in favor of the school levies on April 17. In general, I believe that all citizens benefit from an educated populace. In particular, I am enthusiastic about the Methow Valley School District. I read every word of the Methow Valley Pride, the school district’s newspaper. Through it I have become impressed with the vision of Superintendent of Schools Mark Wenzel, the devotion and talent of the administrators and teachers, the atmosphere of honor and respect they have fostered, and the wide range of programs they have taken from dream to reality in order to make an excellent educational experience for the valley’s students.

Even more specifically, I want to support the valley’s children who benefit by having an education that prepares them for further opportunities to make their own dreams become realities.

Congratulations to you all for earning the Washington State Achievement Award, which proves that you and your strategies have brought our junior and senior high schools into the top 5 percent statewide.

Sincerest thanks to all of you who are involved in providing such a high-quality education for our children.

Marcia Butchart Twisp

PUBLISHED WEEKLY SINCE 1903

Dear Editor: The twenty-first century is complicated enough, what with people trying madly to be themselves, then working against each other. Instead there is something to do astoundingly different in our common social space. First, fill it with a rugged web of friendship, obtained by seeking out the worth in others and by exploring trades and exchanges. Then discuss wants and needs with each other, cooperate in learning relationship techniques, and appreciate how we can “source” each other’s needs.

In this way we can turn from “rugged independence” to being surrounded by a sort of molten liquid support structure that frees us from society’s problems. We can help each other with becoming productive by suggesting ways of adding value, rather than competing for opportunity. We can become conscious of how quantities are limited and interrelated in nature. We can turn away from materialism toward joy in experiencing wonders of life. We can see how much is possible through trial and error, as we look upon the unpredictability of life, and the variations of what is out there. Most especially, we can feel a sense of “us” that counters the divisive cultural aloneness that befalls corporate media immersion.

Doing these things will help our younger citizens realize that there are

contributors

Bill Biddle, Erik Brooks, Tania Gonzalez Ortega, Sally Gracie, Patrick Hannigan, Jim & Jane Hutson, Rosalie Hutson, Ashley Lodato, Patrick McGann, Sam Owen, Joanna Smith, Bob Spiwak, Solveig Torvik, Dave Ward

Display advertising deadline for this newspaper is on the Friday

previous to publication at 5 p.m. Classified advertising deadline is Monday at noon. The deadline for news items is Monday at noon.

Member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association.

THE METHOW VALLEY NEWS (USPS Publication No. 343480) is published weekly by MVN Publishing, LLC, 101 N. Glover St., Twisp, WA 98856. Subscription rates: $30 inside Okanogan County, $40 outside of Okanogan County and $50 outside of Washington State per year (in advance). Periodical class postage paid at Twisp, Washington, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE METHOW VALLEY NEWS, P.O. Box 97, Twisp, WA 98856.

THE METHOW VALLEY NEWS does not refund subscription payments except to the extent that the newspaper might fail to meet its obligation to publish each week of the individual subscription period, in which case the prorated cost of those issues missed would be refunded.

C

M

Y

K

more fulfilling happiness methods, and less fulfilling happiness methods. It is possible to turn one’s thinking. We can learn to see things as not what they are, but as what they can be made to be. Power and control are not virtuous heroes of history, rather they are the lowest energy state that inhuman society falls into. So if you are like me, recognize your hunger for something more exciting. A kinder, wiser human Earth can begin right here.

Andy Mills Twisp

Our schools work

Methow Valley News Don Nelson, PUBLISHER/EDITOR Marilyn Bardin, OFFICE MANAGER Robin Doggett, ADVERTISING MANAGER Sue Misao, THIS 'N' THAT Callie Fink, ADVERTISING Marcy Stamper, REPORTER Janet Mehus, OFFICE ASSISTANT Ann McCreary, REPORTER Dana Sphar, AD DESIGN/PRODUCTION Mike Maltais, SPORTS Linda Day, AD DESIGN Laurelle Walsh, REPORTER/

PROOFREADER Jay Humling, DISTRIBUTION

Tania Gonzalez Ortega

Women’s Day thanks

Something more exciting

101 N. Glover St., P.O. Box 97, Twisp, WA 98856 Telephone: (509) 997-7011 FAX: (509) 997-3277 Email: editor@methowvalleynews.com Homepage: www.methowvalleynews.com

Methow Valley News

Dear Editor: We are retired, live on a fixed income, and have never had children in the Methow Valley school system. We believe in quality education. We are voting yes on the upcoming school levies and bond.

The administration, teachers, staff and parents of Methow Valley School District continually demonstrate a dedication to fostering academic excellence as well as creating an environment where students learn and develop life skills.

This school district produces articulate and confident students.

Over the years we have heard many students speak at Winthrop Kiwanis meetings. They are there to talk about school projects and community service they are performing.

Sometimes they are seeking financial support for activities such as Close Up, Knowledge Bowl or sports. Standing in front of a group of adults at 6:30 a.m. to explain their goals and, sometimes ask for money to help reach those goals, would be in our minds, a bit awkward and nerve wracking. But we have always been impressed with their presentations, ability to field questions, and their composure.

The high percentage of LBHS graduates who go on to higher education is further evidence that our school programs work.

In the Methow Valley excellence like this should continue and a yes vote on the school levies and bond will go a long way to making it happen.

John and Sam Owen Winthrop

Salmon and debris Dear Editor: I read with interest Patrick McGann’s note of concern about salmon restoration and the program to place “large woody debris” (LWD) in the Methow River and its tributaries to enhance salmon recovery.

One point which seems to be missing in the conversation is who owns the lands on which the root wads, trees and other LWD enhancements are being located. I make this point only because I was told in one program where I asked a question, “‘not to worry, the state owns the bed of the river . . .”

While on most major rivers in the state that may be true, it is certainly not a given on the Methow. The state owns the lands of the beds of the rivers to the line of ordinary high water where, at the time of statehood in November 1889, the waters of the river were used in the ordinary course of commercial navigation.

Where rivers such as the Methow were not navigable for ordinary commercial purposes in November 1889, the bed of the river is in private ownership belonging to the adjoining riparian owners.

Thus if the state or the tribe owns the adjoining lands to a LWD site, or where an adjoining property owner has given consent (an easement or license) to locate the

MVN, pg 4

material on their river bed, the LWD pile may be lawful. But where such consent has not been given, placing large woody debris on the bed of the river is both trespassing and a nuisance to the reasonable use of the unconsenting abutting land owners and can be required to be removed.

A second question to be addressed is the competition between the salmon recovery efforts through placing obstructions in the river and the “jus publicum” arising from the rights of the public to use the waters of a stream free from entangling obstructions even when the bed is in private ownership. Salmon recovery is a noble and proper goal, but it is not to be accomplished in a vacuum. As Patrick indicated a number of other considerations must be weighed in the balance as well.

Sandy Mackie Winthrop

Wonderful experience Dear Editor: Throughout my life, attending school in the Methow Valley has been an excellent experience. I had a wonderful time in first through sixth grades at Methow Valley Elementary and am continuing to have a wonderful time learning more about the world and myself at Liberty Bell Jr./Sr. High School. Both the close-knit community of our small school and the extraordinary quality of the teachers and staff have created an ample environment for my growth.

Of course the core classes such as English and mathematics are rich and fulfilling at Liberty Bell, but just as important are the electives offered that allow students to broaden their academic horizons. For example, the junior high drama class taught by Jane Orme is ultimately what jump-started my interest in theater. Also a vital part of the Liberty Bell experience are the myriad of extracurricular activities offered. I myself have participated in the high school drama club, Knowledge Bowl, and most recently speech and debate, to name a few, all of which have further helped me to grow and explore my interests.

Of course, all of this wouldn’t be possible without the outstanding support from the Methow Valley community. The elections to renew the levies and bonds that keep the school running are on April 17, so remember to go out and vote yes for schools. All of us involved with the school system really appreciate the support.

Tom Zbyszewski Carlton Junior at Liberty Bell High School

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 e-mail: editor@methow valleynews.com or drop by 101 N. Glover St., Twisp

C

M

C

M

Y

K

Y

K

Methow Valley News

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Page A5

More opinion More letters to the editor Thanks for the cage Dear Editor: I would like to thank the Kiwanis Club and all the community members who helped to fund our batting cage. I appreciate that you are involved in our baseball program. Come watch a game!

I would especially like to thank Don Calvert for his many years of dedication and generous contribution to youth baseball.

Finlay Holston Age 11 Winthrop

Standards of behavior Dear Editor: One has to wonder about the support the Swezeys are getting. Can their supporters really believe that watching a child die (probably in agony, which is the usual result of a ruptured appendix) when he could have been saved is justifiable because they believed in the “power of prayer?” (Keith Hole, Methow Valley News, March 21 among others).

Supposedly, Zachery said he didn’t want to see a doctor. Many people, including myself, would call that suicide if it were true. It follows that his parents’ support for Zachery’s “decision” was the moral equivalent of assisted suicide. Both actions might be justifiable for an adult with an incurable disease. They are not for a 17-year-old with a curable infection.

If you live in America you have to accept that our laws prohibit many dangerous behaviors around children. You may not leave a gun or poisons in ready reach of children and say that your god will determine the consequences.

Grown men may not have sex with 12-year-old girls in the name of religion-approved pluralistic “marriage.”

Most important here, you may not allow your child to die if you could have sought medical attention. Whether you believe in a god or are an atheist, that has to be considered a fundamentally moral and ethical standard of behavior.

Randy Brook Twisp

Support Community Center Dear Editor: This week the Methow Valley Community Center will mail our annual membership flyer to every household. Please take a moment to reflect on the value the center has to you. Over the last 34 years a volunteer association has maintained and improved this facility for the community at large. Membership benefits include reduced pricing for gym rentals, roller skating parties, free memorials, clean restrooms, and a handicap accessible restroom.

We are one of the busiest places in the valley where you and your children come to dance, be involved in music, drama, soccer, basketball, or to use the gym for safe walking. Do you come to the Community Center for the farmers market as a vendor? A $20 membership per year for an individual or $40 per family helps us keep this facility clean and maintained. We are celebrating the 100th birthday of the Twisp School being built! Help us stay open another 100 years by becoming a member today!

Kirsten Ostlie, Manager Methow Valley community Center

Hello?

One of the visiting balloon companies at this month’s visually thrilling Winthrop Balloon Roundup was accompanied by some special equipment to that magical event: drones. In a fine example of cutting-edge technology put to happy use, the camera-equipped drones recorded a wedding party floating over the valley.

But as we’ve learned to our sorrow with the Internet, cutting-edge technology tends to come with high negatives as well as high positives.

The negatives should command your attention. A new federal law soon will allow private and commercial drones to fly pretty much at will, apparently with nearly unfettered freedom to invade your privacy and collect images of your home and activities – sans privacy protections clearly delineating who has legal control of the images or what’s done with them. Once again, our technology threatens to outrun our common sense.

Lightweight, camera-equipped drones can be had for as little as $5,000. They promise to be a bonanza to all manner of commercial enterprises such as Realtors, crop dusters, filmmakers and farmers.

Drones already have been used, for example, by rice growers to guide hunters killing feral pigs at night.

Drones likely will prove useful in monitoring oil spills and wildlife, finding lost hikers or missing children. They could help police manage massive freeway pileups and natural disasters and locate marijuana farms in our forests. Just as in our foreign war zones, they can be invaluable aids to domestic law

Droning on

enforcement.

So does all this mean that if you live, say, in a third-floor condo in Seattle, a privately owned drone can hover outside your window and “film” into your living room at will without your permission? Or record your behavior while communing with nature in the Pasayten Wilderness?

M a y b e yes, maybe no.

Solveig Torvik Courts generally have permitted surveillance of private property from public airspace. But some experts think the coming onslaught of drones, which portend routine airborne surveillance of our everyday lives, may cause us to re-think that.

“As privacy law stands today, you don’t have a reasonable expectation of privacy while out in public, nor almost anywhere visible from a public vantage,” (italics mine) Ryan Calo, director of Privacy and Robotics at the Center for Internet and Society at Stanford University, told the New York Times. “I don’t think this doctrine makes sense, and I think the widespread availability of drones will drive home why to lawmakers, courts and the public.”

Perhaps. But we’re a society obsessed with “sharing,” ceaselessly photographing the mundane minutia of our private moments and, sheep-like, willingly flinging the images – and personal information – into cyberspace for the express profit of the rapacious latter-day

robber barons of Silicon Valley.

So expecting public outrage that our privacy is being invaded and monetized by others is probably too much to hope for.

Moving right along, then, to ponder the implications of this potential outrage: do corporations have more right to kill than individuals do?

That’s the underlying question now before the U.S. Supreme Court, and never did that court get a case it more richly deserves.

You may recall that the court ruled in the infamous Citizens United case involving political campaign donations that corporations are people. Equating speech with money, the court ruled corporations are entitled to the same free speech individual citizens have – never mind that the real-world effect in that case was to give corporations far more “free speech” than most individual citizens can have. In that ruling, the court clearly and unequivocally bestowed personhood on corporations.

But the justices may rue that day, because now comes before the court Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum.

The plaintiffs are members of the Ogoni people in Nigeria’s wretched Niger Delta. Royal Dutch Shell in the 1990s held contracts with Nigeria’s brutal military dictatorship. The company is accused of assisting the regime in torturing and, through sham trials, executing Ogonia activists who threatened to disrupt Shell’s operations, which the plaintiffs say caused devastating health and environmental damage because of Shell’s unregulated drilling prac-

tices, as Peter Weiss, vice president for the Center for Constitutional rights, recently recounted in the New York Times.

The plaintiffs are suing the oil company for gross human rights abuses under a 200-year-old law, the Alien Tort Statute, which allows cases to be brought in American courts against foreigners who do business on our soil. In 2004, the Supreme Court ruled that the statute is constitutional. But that was back when only individual bad actors, not corporations, had been brought to the bar of justice under that law. In 2010 a divided Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that corporations cannot be sued under that statute.

So before courts can address the merits of the accusations against Shell, the Supreme Court has to sort out whether corporations can be prosecuted under the Alien Tort Statute.

Corporate supporters of Dutch Shell argue that human rights standards set by the United Nations and other entities are mere guidelines, not legally enforceable norms on corporations. That’s their story.

But if the justices read their own Citizens United story, the only rational conclusion the court can reach is to apply the Alien Tort Statute to corporations. Otherwise, we’ll have laws that say corporations are people who can make unlimited political contributions but who are not people when it comes to being held accountable for crimes against humanity.

Isn’t this a no-brainer? Hello?

Solveig Torvik lives in Winthrop.

My turn

Roller derby is about teamwork – and community

Two times a week, 20 Methow Valley women gather for a special meeting.

They smile and chat as they strap on knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, helmets and, the final touch, roller skates. Then they roll into the gym for an intense workout that includes sprints, falls, jumps and hits.

When they lace up their skates, these women are no longer business owners, clerks, mothers, accountants or artists. They are athletes.

Roller derby has hit the Methow, friends.

When most folks think of roller derby it’s often filed in their minds with WWF pro-wrestling and gladiator-style spectacle. But the banked-track brawling of the last century is a far cry from the sport that roller derby is today.

Roller derby reemerged in Aus-

tin, Texas, in 2001. Within 11 years it has blossomed into a legitimate competitive sport with more than 1,200 derby leagues around the world. Every year, the finest athletes compete in world championships.

The 21st century renaissance of roller derby has taken huge strides to legitimize itself in the world of sports. The hard work of the modern derby pioneers paid off last year when the International Olympics Committee retained roller derby as a possible addition to the 2020 Olympic Games.

But what makes this derby renaissance so miraculous is how each team emerges. Today’s teams are built from the grass roots up with little more than big dreams and countless hours of volunteer support. The sport is pay-to-play and maintained through volunteer administration.

Roller derby is a full-contact sport predominantly played by women. Much like women’s hockey, it caters to a demographic that doesn’t always get the opportunity to experience team sports. Furthermore, the team is also a built-in support system and a community of friends that get to go shoulderto-shoulder in competition with each other.

However, as a women’s sport roller derby does not turn its back to eager men that want to join. Men are often encouraged to join as referees, non-skating officials, or event support staff. Every bout (game) requires seven skating officials, and at least 12 non-skating officials.

But the sport isn’t the only part of roller derby. As an amateur league, many are nonprofit organizations that take their role within the community very seriously. Many

teams volunteer at animal shelters, provide scholarships for high school seniors, or assist in community functions.

With community service and practice, weeks can be filled with derb y - a ff i l i a t e d functions. It’s true, roller derby takes time, Rose Weagant m o n e y a n d commitment.

But the camaraderie, friendship, and support the participants receive in return are well worth it.

Rose Weagant-Norton, whose nickname is Brass Chuckles when she skates, is a jammer and blocker on the Methow team. Photo courtesy of Stephen Mitchell.

MVNews

The only independently-owned weekly newspaper in North Central Washington The Merc Playhouse

Children’s Theater presents

A Midsummer

N ight’s Dream

Methow Conservancy

adapted from the play by William Shakespeare directed by Julie Wenzel

On behalf of our volunteer Board of Directors, thank you for helping us to inspire people to care for the land of the Methow Valley! www.methowconservancy.org

March 23 - April 1, 2012

Methow Conservancy Board Members: (back row) Phil Davis, Richard Hart, Craig Boesel, Gordy Reynaud, John Sinclair, Tom Doran, Kevin van Bueren, Scott Jennings, Vic Stokes; (front row) Jane Gilbertsen, Char Alkire, Kristin Devin, Beth Sinclair, Carrie Stokes, Mary McCrea.

Thurs, Fri, Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm. Adults $12, Youth 18 & under $5 Pay what you can Thurs March 29. Tickets online or at the door. www.mercplayhouse.org

C

M

C

M

Y

K

Y

K

MVN, pg 5

C

M

Y

K

509-997-PLAY (7529)

101 S Glover St, Twisp

C Y

M

C

M

C

M

K

Y

K

Y

K

Page A6

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Methow Valley News

POLICE mutual aid agreement was justified.

“It’s not about a right or a wrong.

Different towns or cities can have different opinions about what they feel risk or liability is,” Ing-Moody said.

“Dave and I agree to disagree.”

Twisp Town Council members were expected to consider this week whether the suspension of the town’s mutual aid agreement with Winthrop should be permanent. (The Tuesday meeting was after the Methow Valley News went to press. Look for updates on www.methowvalleynews.com.)

“At this point it’s in the council’s hands,” Ing-Moody said Monday (March 26).

Concerns go back months

Twisp officers began having concerns as far back as last August, according to the public documents.

In an Oct.19 memo to Budrow, Hartnett outlined several concerns about the Winthrop officers including their approaches to possibly dangerous calls. “Winthrop is not ‘Mayberry’ and Marshal Dahlstrom is not ‘Andy’ and [the] Deputy Marshal is not ‘Barney Fife.’ Anything can happen anywhere and we as police officers must remain vigilant and protect ourselves and others in the course of our duties,” Hartnett wrote.

In an Oct. 16 memo to Budrow, Sheehan said, “The problems with Dahlstrom and Ken have gone far beyond being an embarrassment or an annoyance. Dahlstrom and Ken are a danger to themselves and anyone else on the scene with them.”

In a Nov. 29 letter to Ing-Moody, Budrow detailed several incidents that he said led him to recommend that Twisp revoke its consent for Winthrop to respond to calls in Twisp, because of potential liability to the Town of Twisp and its police department.

Ing-Moody wrote a letter to Acheson dated Dec. 6, in which she said that “I have received several complaints from our chief and Town of Twisp officers regarding unprofessional law enforcement conduct under the direction of Winthrop Marshal Dave Dahlstrom. As a result of Marshal Dahlstrom’s actions and directions while on duty, our officers have voiced their concerns for personal safety.”

Ing-Moody informed Acheson on Dec. 20 that Twisp was suspending its mutual aid agreement. On Dec. 28, Acheson sent a memo to the Winthrop Town Council summarizing Twisp’s concerns and action, and advised council members not to talk to the media.

Some incidents cited by Twisp included: • On Oct.11, Budrow responded to a call of a possible overdose and

From Page A1 domestic violence situation in Twisp, with dispatch reporting an agitated man who possibly had weapons including knives, machetes and a shotgun. When Budrow arrived, he said, Dahlstrom and Bajema from Winthrop were already there, as well as an Aero Methow Rescue ambulance.

Budrow said the Winthrop officers were dressed in gym clothes and neither had any form of police identification, and lacked any “duty gear” such as bulletproof vests or guns. Budrow said the EMT on the call was “so scared for everybody when she saw how the Winthrop Marshal and his Deputy responded (unequipped to deal with the situation) that she locked herself and the patient inside the ambulance.”

• Dahlstrom and Bajema improperly provided a “civil standby” in Twisp without a court order, according to Budrow. In a civil standby, officers are asked to witness a citizen transaction to make sure it occurs lawfully. Budrow said case law related to standbys without a court order “would be a good reason for a lawsuit to be brought against anyone doing and/or allowing such to occur.”

• Budrow said both Winthrop deputy marshals “have come to me numerous times asking what they should do” about Dahlstrom, and Budrow said he advised them to “go through chain-of-command and if that is not working they need to go to their Mayor.” Williams is mentioned only a few times in the documents. In a memo from Sheehan to Budrow, in which Sheehan said he was speaking for Hartnett and himself, he indicated that the Twisp officers had no problem working with Williams.

Budrow said he had also “received several complaints from citizens of both the towns of Winthrop and Twisp about how police work is handled by the Winthrop Marshal’s office.”

Budrow said he advised people to take their complaints to the Winthrop mayor or council members.

Differing accounts

Details from Acheson’s investigation indicate that he heard different accounts of the events in question when he interviewed Dahlstrom and Bajema.

Acheson also interviewed Budrow and Aero Methow Rescue EMT Vicki Buzzard as part of his investigation.

In a summary document, Acheson said “Although indicating concerns were raised by numerous incidents, specific, verifiable, investigable detail was provided for only one, some detailed information for another, and vague, generalized references to others.”

Acheson wrote, in relation to one incident cited by the Twisp Police Department, “[Twisp Police] Chief [Paul] Budrow’s provided information about ‘civil standbys’ of concern is inaccurate and in one case vague at best.”

In relation to the Oct. 11 incident, in which Twisp officers reported that Dahlstrom and Bajema showed up to assist on a call but were not properly equipped, Acheson wrote: “Chief Budrow’s version of the medical assist in his report and described in his interview does not indicate that [Winthrop] officers took any action ‘unequipped.’

This version also does not match the information provided by the [Winthrop] officers themselves.”

In a memo that Bajema wrote that was intended for the Twisp officers – but which was not delivered –Bajema said that “at no time did I feel I did not have control of the scene or was putting myself or anyone else at risk.”

Later in that document, Bajema said “I am very disturbed to think that ‘other officers’ see me as a liability especially if they haven’t spoken with me or understand the situation in its entirety. This is how rumors start and judgments start. I appreciate your being honest with me, but I would hope in the future before passing judgment you would take the time to talk with me or the individuals about the situation.”

In one exchange of memos, Budrow told Acheson that he was not able to provide specific information about the dates of some of the incidents in question. In a later memo to Acheson, Bajema told the Winthrop mayor that since all local agencies use the same software for filing reports, that information should have readily available.

“The fact that they didn’t take the few minutes that it would have taken to give you specific case numbers so that we could pull them up tells me that point was not to give back specific information but to simply make accusations due to the damage it would cause,” Bajema said. “Making general vague accusations was apparently more important to them than giving us specific information that could be investigated.”

In his summary memo, Acheson said that the Marshal’s Office has changed its procedures to lessen the chance of officers responding without equipment, and that Bajema passed along that information to Budrow in a “chance conversation.”

“Improved on-scene communication and general communication with other agencies should be a goal of WMO personnel,” Acheson wrote.

Acheson said that “other agencies” cited in some of the documents – which would include Aero Methow Rescue – had not contacted him or the

Marshal’s Office about any concerns.

Responding to the civil standby concern, Acheson said “Chief Budrow is concerned about liability resulting from violations of case law, but in his own report on the [Oct. 11] medical assist, indicates that he threatened a parent with calling CPS and directed them to send their children to the children’s grandparents for the day while the parent cleaned up their apartment.

Doesn’t this expose Twisp to liability flowing from interfering in parental custody issues without a court order?”

Acheson suggested that similar civil standbys should be discontinued

by Winthrop officers because they may be construed as use of officers for what are “essentially privatesector tasks.”

row told Acheson that he personally liked all the Winthrop officers and thought they were “great guys,” but questioned their experience.

Of Dahlstrom, Budrow said the Winthrop chief “does an amazing job with community outreach activities but can have troubles separating that role from a policing role when responding to calls.”

More investigation needed?

Before the documents were released last week, little information about the disagreement between Winthrop and Twisp was publicly available. Citizen interest apparently sparked some residents to also seek copies of the public documents.

One of them was Larry Higbee, who served on the Winthrop Civil Service Commission for 10 years before leaving the commission two years ago. He also served two terms on the Winthrop Town Council in the 1980s, was with Aero Methow Rescue for 25 years, was a reserve police officer with the Town of Winthrop in the 1970s and currently serves as Three Rivers Hospital board president, and deputy coroner for Okanogan County.

“The Civil Service Commission has authority only if a police officer faces disciplinary action and requests a hearing,” Higbee said this week.

“Then the commission’s ruling is final.

No officers have been disciplined so the commission wouldn’t be involved in this investigation. The commission doesn’t get into how to run the police department.”

Higbee requested records from the Town of Twisp, but had not made records request from Winthrop as of early this week.

“I’ve talked to [Chief] Budrow and the Twisp Police Department,” Higbee said. “I haven’t been able to talk to Winthrop – they won’t talk.

I’m going to continue to look into this issue. I want facts, not rumors.”

“I believe [Mayor] Acheson should have had a third party conduct the investigation,” Higbee continued.

“I don’t think he has the knowledge to go about it properly. I still think it should totally be investigated by some other law enforcement agency.

Now that he [Acheson] has come out publicly and made a statement, I think the council should be able to talk about it. I can see the gag order during the investigation, but now the council members should be able to give their opinions.”

“To me it all boils down to attitude on the part of the Winthrop police department, not opinions on police procedures,” Higbee said. “I don’t believe the Winthrop police department is taking things seriously.”

The overdose incident

In separate interviews, Acheson asked Budrow, Dahlstrom, Bajema and Buzzard to go over the Oct. 11 incident, which involved an apparent drug overdose by a woman whose boyfriend was nearby in an apartment building and possibly armed.

Buzzard confirmed that Aero Methow personnel secured the patient in the ambulance, having been advised that there might be weapons in the apartment. Buzzard told Acheson that in her view, the two Winthrop officers “didn’t appear to take the call seriously.”

Bajema told Acheson that, although he was on the way to a workout and was not in uniform, he responded to the Oct. 11 incident because he was nearby and could be there quickly, whereas the nearest county sheriff’s deputy was about 45 minutes away and no Twisp officers were in service. Bajema said that his first priority was to focus on the patient’s welfare and to secure the bottle containing the overdose drugs, which was thought to still be in the apartment. “He [Bajema] felt that taking time to fully gear up would have unnecessarily delayed retrieving the bottle and that approaching the [victims’] boyfriend in full gear may have unnecessarily escalated the situation . . . ,” Acheson wrote. Bajema said his police ID was in his patrol car.

Dahlstrom reiterated what Bajema had said about the drug overdose incident: Because the Winthrop officers knew the identities of the parties involved, they did not run them through a computer background check, and focused on retrieving the medication bottle.

Asked about other problematic incidents, Budrow told Acheson that he had concerns about civil standbys.

Asked his opinion about the Winthrop officers by Acheson, Bud-

Health Care Directory Service & Health Directories ~ Deadline for ad placement & changes is Friday at 5 pm for insertion in the next Wednesday’s paper.

Directory ads are $8 per column inch. Additional charges may apply for color. To have your service listed please call 997-7011.

- Children welcome - Oral surgery - Implants & dentures

Ask us about the ideal orthodontic option and how you can improve your smile.

Call us for a FREE Invisalign Consultation

911

%ODFNELUG &OLQLF

3//&

Kristen Klein, ARNP, FNP

Naturopathic and Nutritional Medicine Dr. Andrea Black Naturopathic Physician 509-422-3700

C

M

Y

K

MVN, pg 6

Aero Methow Rescue Office: 997-4013

C

M

C

M

Y

K

Y

K

Methow Valley News

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Page A7

Arts Culture and

Fine feathers

Twisp resident Kirtis Wright has quietly become a renowned creator of replica eagle feathers

By Mike Maltais When you see Twisp resident Kirtis Wright going about his work at Hank’s Harvest Foods, nothing in his friendly demeanor conveys his reputation as one of the world’s finest craftsmen of replica eagle feathers. Many years of dedication to his art have elevated Wright’s finished products to that of the finest available anywhere, according to those who purchase his work. As one impressed customer phrased it: “You’re giving the Creator a run for his money.”

Wright is a descendent and member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Native Americans, a tribe of Chippewa/ Cree lineage whose home ground is now the Turtle Mountain Reservation in Belcourt, N.D. He was born in Sundance, Wyo. – the inspiration for his email address sundancingeagles@ gmail.com – but spent most of his life in Bozeman, Mont., and came by his attraction to eagles as an extension of a heritage that reveres the eagle as a messenger between the spirit world and the human.

“From the time I was quite young I was fascinated by eagle feathers,” Wright said from his home in Twisp last week.

His grandfather’s ranch in Montana was liberally stocked with many kinds of domestic birds. So with ready access to a supply of feathers, Wright as a pre-teen began trying to fashion an acceptable likeness of an eagle feather from non-eagle samples.

“At first I used whatever I could get my hands on to color them,” Wright said of his early experiments.

“Leftover paint, wood stain, water colors, dyes, you name it.”

As Wright became older, the special role the eagle played in Native American society made a deep impression on him as he witnessed first-hand the healing and burial ceremonies. Those experiences left him both shaken by and drawn to the profound traditions of his heritage.

That awareness, in turn, motivated Wright to continue experimenting with techniques to create a feather replica that not only looked identical

to an eagle feather but also maintained its shape and characteristics.

Wright moved to the Methow Valley in 2002 upon the recommendation of his sister, Tina (Mrs. Steven Konrad). He hired on at Hank’s and there met and married Christine Willoya, who had also moved back to the Methow to be closer to parents, Sharon and John Stevie. The couple have three children: Bakari, 5; Orion, 3; and Shantelle, 1.

Continuing his craft, Wright narrowed his preference for raw material stock to white turkey feathers as his “canvases” while he refined his pursuit of the perfect replica. Along with eagle feathers, he also reproduces many species of hawk and owl feathers, though eagle remains the most valued.

Getting everything correct is a tall order, and customers noticed Wright’s attention to detail when he started selling his wares through personal contact about 10 years ago and later on the Internet. At first his feathers sold for about $5 apiece. Now they average $30 to $35 each and a pair can fetch as high as $200.

Last year, the quality of Wright’s work caught the attention of renowned feather artist Ross Sletten in Phoenix, Ariz., whose Facebook site, Superior Regalia, specializes in replica feathers and related items. Sletten became Wright’s mentor in developing a highly proprietary coloring process that allows the finished feather to not only look like, but also respond and recover like the real McCoy. Wright and Sletten now share the distinction of being regarded as the two finest feather artists working today.

“The process takes about six hours,” Wright said of his current creations. “So I do a batch of 12 at a time.”

And now it’s even getting more difficult to acquire the raw materials.

“The bird flu epidemic has pushed most turkeys indoors,” Wright said of his source growers. “Under those close conditions the feathers get damaged much more easily, making usable blanks harder to come by.”

The eagle’s significance in Native American culture makes its use in rituals and ceremonies a pivotal part of the ancestral traditions. Though

Photo by Sue Misao

Kirtis Wright creates replica eagle feathers at his home in Twisp. the bald eagle was delisted in 2007 under the Endangered Species Act, bald and golden eagles still fall under the guidelines of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act that closely monitors their welfare.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 protects eagles along with more than 800 species of other birds from all manner of hunting, killing, capturing or commerce dealing in live or dead birds or bird parts. An exception to that act allows federally recognized Native

C

M

C

M

Y

K

Y

K

MVN, pg 7

American tribes the regulated use of golden and bald eagle feathers and body parts for religious ceremonies.

In an unusual departure from its rigid policy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently granted a permit to the Northern Arapaho tribe to allow tribal members to kill two bald eagles for religious purposes.

The catch phrase “federally recognized” implies that not all tribes are so certified and not all Native Americans can legally acquire or keep eagle feath-

C

M

Y

K

ers or parts. In Washington state, for example, the Colville Confederated Tribes and the Yakama Nation are among the 29 federally recognized tribes in the state; the Chinook and Snohomish are among the seven that are not.

For those who can legally acquire the sacred items, the application process is detailed and the waiting period long; for those who cannot, realistic replicas are the default choice.

“It takes about a year to get [eagle] wing feathers,” Wright said. “A head or pair of feet also takes about a year since the repository has a backlog of those parts. Tail feathers can require three to four years and an entire eagle body four to five years.”

All of the feathers come from the National Eagle Repository at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge located near Denver, Colo. Under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the repository is the official facility where all eagle remains are received, stored and distributed.

A bald eagle that will be heading in that direction was recently collected

by Cal Treser, enforcement officer for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. On March 17, Treser responded to a call that reported a bald eagle found dead at the base of a cottonwood tree along the Methow River between Twisp and Carlton.

Aside from signs of malnourishment, the deceased raptor showed no indications of trauma, Treser said, and added that any number of factors including age, the stress of migration or lack of food could have contributed to the bird’s death.

En route to its final destination at Denver, the eagle will first be sent to the USFW’s forensics lab at Ashland, Ore., for closer analysis to determine the probable cause of death.

Back in Twisp, Wright is finding the intermediary market for highquality replicas a brisk one. Just last week he received an order from one customer for a custom-made eagle feather fan.

Confluence Gallery in Twisp has also expressed interest in displaying a sampling of his work at an upcoming show, possibly later this month.

C Y

M

C

M

C

M

K

Y

K

Y

K

Page A8

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

What’s Happening

Methow Valley News

Meetings & suchwhat Wednesday 3/28

Photos by Sue Misao

Theater

It’s a dramatic week in the Methow Valley with plays for all ages. Left, Sam Ketcham, as Sister Amnesia, puts on a show with Sister Mary Annette in Methow Valley Theater’s adult comedy production of Nunsense at the Community Center Thursday through Saturday. Right, Eliza Kamerling Brown portrays Oberon, the dark fairy of the forest, and Ariana Sprauer is Puck, who shoots a mean arrow, in a Children’s Theater production of Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Merc Playhouse Thursday through Sunday.

Wednesday March 28 VALLEY TEEN CENTER: Community open house at the new Teen Center in the TwispWorks office building. Bring questions and ideas, etc. 997-9211.

6pm

Thursday March 29 MASSAGE FOR SENIORS: Free 15-minute massages at MV Senior Center, Twisp. 923-1965. 10am-3pm CHILDREN’S THEATER: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. 997-PLAY. Pay-what-youcan. 7pm MV THEATER: Nunsense at MV Community Center, Twisp. $15-$25. 997-7062.

7:30pm

Friday March 30 FREESTYLE DANCE: Heart-centered dance at The Studio, Twisp. $5. 9962017. 5:45-6:45pm CHILDREN’S THEATER: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. 997-PLAY. $5-$12. 7pm BLUES: The Vaughn Jensen Band performs at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm MV THEATER: Nunsense at MV Community Center, Twisp. 997-7062. $15$25. 7:30pm

Saturday March 31 FRIENDS OF MUSIC: Vocal duets

by Steve Cockfield and Joel Yelland at Omak First Presbyterian Church. Donation. (509) 422-2456. 3pm FERMENTED FOODS: Learn to make sauerkraut, kimchi, creme fraiche and cultured butter with Kari Bown at Glover Street Market. $40. Register 997-1320. 6:30-9:30pm CHILDREN’S THEATER: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. 997-PLAY. $5-$12. 7pm BLUES: The Druthers perform at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop.

Free. 996-3183. 7pm MV THEATER: Nunsense at MV Community Center, Twisp. 997-7062. $15$25. 7:30pm

Sunday April 1 SPIRITUAL: Darrell Gantt, wisdom coach/spiritual director and past minister of the MV United Methodist Church, will

speak at the MV Unitarian Universalist meeting in the MV Community School, Winthrop. 996-4105. 10am CHILDREN’S THEATER: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $15-$25. 2pm ROLLER GIRLS: Practice session for newbies at MV Community Center, Twisp. Skate rental $3. (509) 795-6544.

6-8pm

Kellogg) of Pangbuk Ri on the Nepal/ Tibet border. Twisp River Pub. Free.

997-6822.

OPEN MERC: Open mic hosted by Egon Steinebach at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. Free. 7pm

Wednesday April 11

Monday April 2

DEMENTIA: Community outreach for nonprofessional caregivers and families at Community Covenant Church, Twisp.

(509) 679-7300. 6-8pm

LINE DANCING: Join others in the Twisp Valley Grange. $4. 997-8805.

6:30pm

Thursday April 12

Tuesday April 3 STORY TIME: Listen to stories at the Twisp Library. 997-4681. 1pm FIRST TUESDAY: “Iditarod and Saving Wild Lands” with Scott White at Twisp River Pub.Free. 996-2870.

7-8:30pm

Wednesday April 4 STRESS REDUCTION: Mindfulnessbased stress reduction with Sharon Cohen at Winthrop Fitness. Free. 9968234. 1-2pm STORY TIME: Stories read aloud at the Winthrop Library. 996-2685. 1:30pm DEMENTIA: Community outreach for nonprofessional caregivers and families at Community Covenant Church, Twisp. $10 for 4-week series. Register (509) 679-7300. 6-8pm

Saturday April 7 EASTER EGG HUNT: Bring your basket to Pearrygin Lake State Park, Winthrop. Also, the Easter Bunny and free BBQ. Need Discover Pass (available at park) or volunteer for free day pass. 997-8229. 11am FLAMENCO: Eric and Encarnacion perform at Twisp River Pub. $5. 9976822. 8:30pm

TRASHION FASHION: Get ready for Spring Trashion Show in a drop-in open studio hosted by Lisa Doran and Donna Keyser at Sweatshop Studio and Studio D at TwispWorks. $10. 997-2787. 1-8pm

Friday April 13 FOLK ROCK: Tim Snider and Redwood Son perform at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 9963183. 7pm FLAMENCO: Eric and Encarnation perform at the Twisp River Pub. $5.

997-6822. 8:30pm

Saturday April 14 FARMERS MARKET: Produce and crafts in the MV Community Center parking lot, Twisp. 996-2747. 9am-noon FOLK & SOUL: Josh Clauson performs at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

Sunday April 15 DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS: Carlton, Twisp, Winthrop and Mazama precincts meet at the MV Community Center, Twisp. Pateros and Brewster precincts meet at the Pateros Public Library. (509) 422-3723. 1pm

Wednesday April 18

EASTER: Sunrise service in the Twisp Commons. 997-4904. 7am

DEMENTIA: Community outreach for nonprofessional caregivers and families at Community Covenant Church, Twisp.

(509) 679-7300. 6-8pm

Tuesday April 10

Friday April 20

Sunday April 8

FIRST ASCENT: Mountain climber David Gottlieb presents a slide show of his first ascent climb (with Chad

OBO ADDY: African dance and drumming at the Omak PAC. $5-$25. (509) 826-8323. 7pm

Closet Quilters: Open studio, 309 Highway 20, Twisp. Free.

997-7020. Noon-5pm Family Planning Clinic: Room One, 315 S. Lincoln St., Twisp. Info: 997-2050. 2-5pm Noxious Weed Control Board: Meeting in the commissioners’ hearing room, County Courthouse in Okanogan. (509) 422-7165. 4pm Community Action: Council board meeting at 424 S. 2nd, Okanogan. (509) 422-4041.

5:15pm MV School Board: Meeting at MV Elementary School board room. 996-9205. See agenda: www.methow.org, click “school board and staff.” 5:30pm MV Eagles Aerie #2584: Meeting at Eagles Hall, Twisp.

997-8133. 7pm AA: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the Calvary Church, Twisp. 997-0356. 7pm

Thursday 3/29 Spinners & Weavers: Meets at 137 Old Twisp Highway. 9975666. 1pm Food Bank: “More than just food” at The Cove, 128 Glover St., Twisp. 997-0227. 1-4pm Career Path Services: Meets at Room One, Twisp. 997-2050.

3-4pm MV Snowmobile: Potluck (6pm) and meeting (6:45pm) at the MV Senior Center, Twisp. 996-2220.

Pipestone Orchestra: Rehearsal at MV Community Center, Twisp. 997-0222. 6:30pm Firefighters District 6: Training and meetings at local fire halls.

997-2981. 7pm AA: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the Friendship Church, Winthrop. 996-8174. 7pm NA: Narcotics Anonymous meets at Horseshoe Mobile Home clubhouse, 305 Magers St., Twisp.

(509) 826-6371. 8pm

Friday 3/30 Doctor: Free health care to uninsured people 18 and under at The Country Clinic, Winthrop. Appointment: 996-8180.

School Retirees: Okanogan County School Retirees Association meets at Koala Street Grill, Omak, for no-host luncheon meeting. Speaker: Carol Payne, docent volunteer at Virginia Grainger Elementary. (509) 422-3393. 11am Bingo: Play at the Eagles Hall, Twisp. 997-8133. 6pm AA: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the Friendship Church, Winthrop. 996-8174. 7pm

Saturday 3/31 TaiChi/QiGong: Gentle practice at The Studio, Twisp. $3. 9962017. 9-10am AA: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the Forest Service building, 24 W. Chewuch Rd., Winthrop. 9968174. 7pm

Sunday 4/1 NA: Narcotics Anonymous meets at Horseshoe Mobile Home clubhouse, 305 Magers St., Twisp.

(509) 826-6371. 4pm AA: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the Masonic Hall, Twisp. 9970356. 6:30pm

Monday 4/2 County Commissioners: Open meeting, Okanogan County Admin. Bldg., 123 Fifth Ave. N., Okanogan. (509) 422-7100.

9am-5pm Pool & Poker: Billiards (free)

and poker ($5 buy-in) at the Eagles Hall, Twisp. 997-8133.

3pm-close Speak French: Revive or improve your French in the Hank’s deli. 997-0717. 4:30-5:30pm Al Anon: Support group for families of those with chemical dependencies meets at the Masonic Hall, Twisp. 997-9805. 5pm NonViolent Communication: Meets at Room One, Twisp. 9972050. 6pm AA: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the Masonic Hall, Twisp. 9970356. 6:30pm Winthrop Barn: Board meeting.

Info: 996-2117. 6pm

Tuesday 4/3 TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly at MV United Methodist Church, between Twisp and Winthrop.

997-0102. 8:30-10am County Commissioners: Open meeting, Okanogan County Admin. Bldg., 123 Fifth Ave. N., Okanogan. (509) 422-7100.

9am-5pm TwispWorks: Tour the site in Twisp. 997-3300. 11am Healthy Steps: Classes in therapeutic exercise, with instructor Nancy Farr at Twisp Valley Grange. 996-2017. Noon-1pm Herbal Health: Consultations at Room One. $0-$50 sliding scale. Appointment (509) 5573660. Noon-4pm Free Pool: Play billiards at Three Fingered Jack’s. 996-2411.

6pm AA: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the Masonic Hall, Twisp. 9970356. 6:30pm

Wednesday 4/4 The Mothering Group: Support for mothers of young children at Room One, 315 S. Lincoln St., Twisp. 997-2050.

10:30am-12:30pm Closet Quilters: Open studio, 309 Highway 20, Twisp. Free.

997-7020. Noon-5pm Eagles Auxiliary: Meeting at Eagles Hall, Twisp. 996-3869.

1pm Family Planning Clinic: Room One, 315 S. Lincoln St., Twisp. Info: 997-2050. 2-5pm Winthrop Town Council: At the Winthrop Barn Hen House.

996-2320. 7pm AA: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the Calvary Church, Twisp. 9970356. 7pm Eastern Star: Meets at Masonic Hall in Okanogan. 997-2071.

7:30pm

Thursday 4/5 Women, Infants & Children: WIC help with nutrition, health care and food. Room One, 315 S. Lincoln, Twisp. 997-2050. 9am4pm Spinners & Weavers: Meets at 137 Old Twisp Highway. 9975666. 1pm Food Bank: “More than just food” at The Cove, 128 Glover St., Twisp. 997-0227. 1-4pm Pipestone Orchestra: Rehearsal at MV Community Center, Twisp. 997-0222. 6:30pm MV Backcountry Horsemen: Meeting at MV Senior Center, Twisp. 997-4802. 7pm Firefighters District 6: Training and meetings at local fire halls.

997-2981. 7pm AA: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the Friendship Church, Winthrop. 996-8174. 7pm NA: Narcotics Anonymous meets at Horseshoe Mobile Home clubhouse, 305 Magers St., Twisp.

(509) 826-6371. 8pm

Submit to the calendar “What’s Happening” is a free listing of events in (and sometimes around) the Methow Valley. Submissions are most happily received by e-mail to: sue@methowvalleynews.com, but will also be accepted by phone (997-7011), post (P.O. Box 97, Twisp, WA 98856) or in person (101 N. Glover Street in Twisp), and most grudgingly accepted by our ancient but loyal and trusty old fax machine (997-3277).

Priority is given to free and nonprofit events, followed closely by wildly entertaining or educational events. Deadline is Friday at 5pm.

All submissions must include: 1. the title of event 2. a short description 3. date of event 4. name of venue

5. address of venue 6. time of event 7. cost of event 8. phone number METHOW VALLEY

TS AR ST IDAY FR

Baptist

TS AR ST IDAY FR

OUTREACH

If you are interested in learning the Bible and knowing what God says please contact us for free classes

Telephone ............... 509-341-4361 Website ........... methowbaptist.org E-mail .......... methowbaptist@yahoo.com

94 min PG

If you would like a FREE Preaching CD please call or write 111 min R

109 W. 2nd Ave Suite A P.O. Box 1158 Twisp, WA 98856

C

M

Y

K

MVN, pg 8

C Y

M

C

K

Y

Sports

Methow Valley News

and

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Sign up to play Babe Ruth ball Registration is now open for kids 13 to 15 years old interested in playing Babe Ruth Baseball this year.

Applications are available at Liberty Bell High School and at Winthrop Physical Therapy at 202 White Ave., Winthrop.

Bret Alumbaugh and Myron Wengerd will handle coaching duties this season. Wengerd said he hopes to begin practices right after spring break, April 8, at the LBHS ball field and those will be held after the varsity team workouts.

More information is available from Wengerd at (509) 429-2030.

Hunter education offered Young nimrods born after Jan. 1, 1972, who are interested in taking the field to hunt this year will need to complete a mandatory firearms safety training course being offered this month.

Dates, times and registration information for the free course is available online at http://my.register-ed.com.

Instructor Ken Carwile said this week that materials for the upcoming class will be handed out Tuesday, April 10, and instruction will commence on Wednesday, April 11, and run through Wednesday, April 18.

For more information, contact Carwile at 996-3179 or cell (509) 341-4106.

Photo courtesy of David Gottlieb

David Gottlieb makes his way up the mountain.

Photo by EA Weymuller

Saturday Women’s Slalom:

Claire Wallis 2nd Cailin Chandler 31st Hannah Weymuller 45th Ali Palm 57th

1:19.67 1:34.45 1:40.41 1:43.97

Sunday Women’s GS:

Claire Wallis 7th 1:41.34 Cailin Chandler 44th 1:53.66 Ali Palm 80th 2:07.25 Hannah Weymuller DNF

Saturday Men’s GS:

Bram Wathen 5th 1:38.69 Blake Chesledon 54th 1:55.29 Simon Studen 80th 2:07.49 Bergen Patterson DSQ

Sunday Men’s Slalom:

Bram Wathen 9th 1:19.79 Blake Chesledon 58th 1:36.48 Simon Studen 67th 1:39.59 Bergen Patterson DSQ

B Sports shorts

Loup Loup Alpine Ski Team member Claire Wallis rocketed to a second place in the women’s slalom and seventh in the giant slalom to tie for second place overall at the Buddy Werner Championships at Schweitzer, Idaho, last week.

Wallis led the charge for the Loup skiers who competed among 125 boys and 114 girls comprising 21 teams of 9-to12-year-olds during the three-day event. Each team was allowed to bring up to seven boys and girls.

“Friday (March 23) was skills quest day,” said coach Ingrid Patterson. “Each team and team member was tested and scored on various drills.”

On Saturday (March 24) the boys competed in the GS and the girls skied slalom.

Sunday (March 25) the course order reversed, girls on GS, boys on slalom.

Claire Wallis takes second at Buddy Werner.

K

Section

Recreation

Wallis leads the way at Schweitzer

M

Gottlieb will talk of travel, climbing Last November, Libby Creek resident and world peak buster David Gottlieb, and partner Chad Kellogg, made a first ascent climb of 22,000foot Pangbuk Ri on the border between Nepal and Tibet. The two scaled the previously unclimbed peak in a 50-hour camp-to-camp push.

On Tuesday, April 10, at the Twisp Pub, while Kellogg is off scaling Mt. Everest, Gottlieb will present a slide show, with short video segments of the climb and speak about travel to far-off places and exotic destinations. The Pub, normally closed on Tuesdays, will open its doors at 6 p.m. for refreshments and Gottlieb’s presentation will

commence at 7 p.m.

“Most people tend to think ‘Oh, that’s so far away, difficult and expensive,’” Gottlieb said earlier this week about travel to some of the world’s more remote regions. “Really, it’s not that difficult and while there is an expense involved it’s not beyond the abilities of most people to do.”

Gottlieb said much of what he will discuss will focus less on the technical side of the climb and more on the preparation and pleasure aspects of world traveling.

There is no charge to attend the event but a pass-the-hat period will accept donations for Methow Recycles.

Register for Killer Whales Young swimmers interested in joining the Killer Whales Swim Team have a registration window from April 1-21 to sign up. No late applications will be accepted so interested parties are advised to mark their calendars and obtain registration forms and information online at www.mvkillerwhales.com.

Completed registration forms can be mailed to Margell Umberger, P.O. Box 614, Winthrop, WA 98862. Questions can be directed to Umberger at 996-4244 or mumberger1@ yahoo.com.

The Killer Whales team season runs from June 11 to July 31.

Soccer Lions drop two The Liberty Bell High School varsity soccer team gave up losses to a pair of schools from the 1A Caribou Trail League last week.

On March 20 the Mountain Lions lost on the road, 5-1, to the Tonasket Tigers.

The score didn’t improve but went in the other direction when Liberty Bell traveled to Omak last Thursday (March 22). The Pioneers showed no mercy as they shut out the Lions 8-0. The Mountain Lions were scheduled to play the Hornets on the road at Oroville in their first league game Tuesday (March 27).

Fast pitch girls start strong against Tonasket

By Mike Maltais Coming off last year ’s trip to the state playoffs, the Liberty Bell High School girls’ varsity fast pitch softball team opened its season with a strong start against the 1A Tigers at Tonasket March 20.

The Mountain Lions were well on their way to handling their Caribou Trail League rivals with a hot-hitting first inning that put Liberty Bell up 6-1. In the fourth inning the Lady Lions added three more runs and led their non-league opponent, 9-4. But coach Lee

Pilkinton was there to see that all his players got some sorely needed field exposure since Tonasket was the first chance any of his team had to play outdoors. Accordingly in the fifth inning Pilkinton began to substitute his second-stringers to give every girl some experience.

And that wasn’t the coach’s only consideration.

“We only play two nonleague games this year,” Pilkinton noted of a schedule almost bereft of non-league opponents. “Our first was against Tonasket and the other is at

Okanogan on April 19.”

That fact combined with no opportunity for pre-season outdoor practice means the coach has to have his players ready in a hurry for a league doubleheader at Waterville Saturday (March 31). The girls appear to be adapting well to the short window of preparation.

“Our pitching and catching positions are strong,” said Pilkinton alluding to the vacuum left by seniors Amber Reggiatore and Ashley Pennock.

However, Tonasket took advantage of Pilkinton’s lib-

eral substitutions to gradually catch Liberty Bell and win by three, 15-12.

Hitting and scoring highlights included Cierra Ebbert who batted two-for-four with two runs; Korrie Perryman with two hits and two runs in five trips to the plate; Kelsie Lenz with two hits and one run in four at-bats; and Baylee Canedo with a run on two hits in her four tours of the batter’s box.

Liberty Bell travels to Waterville Saturday for its first league game, a doubleheader against the Shockers.

This week in sports Thursday, March 29

Tennis: LBHS @ Lake Roosevelt, 4:30pm

Friday, March 30

Photo courtesy of JoAnn Metzler

Alpine skier Delilah Cupp, (center) shown here flanked by some of her teammates, placed third in the Western Region J3 Championships held recently at Bozeman, Mont. At Alpental last weekend Cupp won the Pacific Northwest Ski Association J3 women’s overall championship. She had top-three finishes in all nine races comprising the PNSA J3 series this year. She will be back at Mission Ridge in Wenatchee this weekend to compete in the Northwest Cup. Then it’s off to Park City, Utah, where Cupp has been selected as one of 10 girls to participate in the U16 National Assessment Project next month.

C Y

M K

Track: LBHS @ Cashmere, 4pm

Photo by Howard Betty from MV News archives

Forty years ago this month the Twisp Yellowjackets varsity basketball team went to the state playoffs for the first time in the school’s history. Back row from left are coach Bob Delle, Dave Cotner, Charlie Remsberg, Larry Ayers, Bob Stephens, Keith Strickland and Ned Betty. In the front row next to manager Kevin Healam are Vic Stokes, Daryl Ferguson, Rick Kartevold, Phil Remsberg, Mark Hutson and Tom Day.

C Y

M K

MVN, pg 1

C Y

M K

Saturday, March 31

Softball: LBHS @ Waterville(DH), 11am

C Y

C

M

Y

K

Methow Valley News

C

M

Y

K

M K

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Page B2

More sports

Lions win opener against Bridgeport, lose to Cashmere

By Mike Maltais The Liberty Bell High School varsity baseball team started their season with two easy wins over a rebuilding Bridgeport program before taking a doubleheader loss at Cashmere last week.

At Bridgeport March 20 and again on Thursday (March 22) the Mountain Lions defeated the Mustangs 39-3 in the first game and 22-1 on the return trip.

“Bridgeport is just coming back from not having a team for the past seven years,” said coach Don Calvert noting that the coach there is trying to rekindle the sport with a bunch of kids “who haven’t played baseball in a long time.”

Because Liberty Bell jumped out to a commanding league early in both games it gave everybody on the squad a chance to see some action.

“Every single member of our team got a hit on both days,” Calvert said.

Catcher Cody Cupp hit a perfect six-for-six in Tuesday’s game with two doubles, a triple and six RBIs. Pitcher Andrew Ryan hit fourfor-six with five RBIs including an inside-the-park home run.

David Lone slammed five-forsix with two doubles, a triple and five RBIs. In Thursday’s game Mikey Michael batted three-for-four with four RBIs including another inside-thepark homer.

At Cashmere Saturday (March 24) the Mountain Lions met the junior varsity team of the 1A Bulldogs for a doubleheader that Cashmere won, 5-2 and 10-0.

“Andrew started out pitching well,” Calvert said. “But we committed errors in the first inning that gave Cashmere four unearned runs and forced Andrew to throw 25 to 30 extra pitches in that inning alone.

Had it not been for errors we should have won the game 2-1.”

Game two of the DH was all Bulldogs, 10-0 in six innings.

Considering the limited exposure they’ve had to a full, dry field the Mountain Lions were working hard to improve their timing and fielding before their scheduled game against the Hornets at Oroville Tuesday (March 27).

Liberty Bell will play its first home game April 10, following spring break when the Mountain Lions host the Waterville Shockers.

Tennis team splits road games in season opener

By Mike Maltais The girls stand at one win, two losses and the boys two wins, one loss as the Liberty Bell High School varsity tennis team enters its second week of competition.

The Mountain Lions opened their season last week with three games, two against 1A Caribou League schools and the third against 2B White Swan.

At Chelan March 20 the Goats “completely won everything” against the Liberty Bell girls team, said coach Dave Schulz.

The boys lost also, 2-3, with the only wins coming from Manual Perez and Carlos Perez in singles play.

At Omak, Thursday (March 22) the No. 1 girls’ doubles team of Christina Purtell and Jessica Dominguez won their two of three matches shortly after which Purtell turned

an ankle and will be off the courts for a week.

Larkin Hubrig was the only winner in singles play.

Both Manuel and Carlos Perez both won their singles games while the duo of Zack Austin and Stoney Hulon won their doubles match to give the Liberty Bell boys a 3-2 victory over Omak.

On Saturday the Mountain Lions traveled to Eastmont to meet up with

White Swan, their first B opponent of the season.

Hubrig, Saleya Miller, and Keanna King all won their singles contests while Megan Falcon, replacing the injured Purtell, teamed up with Dominguez to win as No. 1 doubles.

Manuel Perez, Eli Klemmeck and Fletcher Rickabaugh each won in singles play to offset losses by both doubles teams to give the boys the 3-2 edge over the Cougars.

Schulz said that seeing his team play on a competitive level with Caribou Trail League teams with practically no preseason court practice confirms his belief that the Mountain Lions will just get stronger as the season progresses.

Liberty Bell was scheduled to be on the road to play the Devils of Wilson Creek Tuesday (March 27). On Thursday (March 29) the Mountain Lions travel to Lake Roosevelt.

Watson, Daily lead Lions into 2012 track season

By Mike Maltais

Lingering March snows kept them off the practice field at Liberty Bell High School for the entire preseason, but when sophomores Austin Watson and Liam Daily finally set foot on the real thing at the Bridgeport track meet last Thursday (March 22) they made it appear as if they owned the place.

Daily clocked the best metric mile of his career and Watson uncorked a long jump that landed him in a first-place tie for the longest 2B leap so far this year.

Daily’s time of four minutes, 56 seconds in the 1,600 meters beat the rest of the field by almost a third of a minute and clipped a second off his best time from last year.

Watson’s leap of 19’ 7-3/4” tied a jump of the same distance by a La Conner athlete. The two Mountain Lions led a list of other notable performances by members of Liberty Bell’s varsity track and field team.

Competing against teams from Entiat, Bridgeport, Waterville, Mansfield, Brewster and Pateros, sophomore Cesar Dominguez won the 200M in 24 seconds flat.

Veterans Dominguez, Watson, and Justin McMillan were joined by freshman Jaymis Hanson to finish first in the 4x100M relay in a time of 47.17.

McMillan teamed up with Daily and Dominguez, and brother Jonathan McMillan, to win the 4x400M relay in 3:51.86.

Freshmen Chloe LaChapelle and Sarina Williams made impressive varsity debuts as well. LaChapelle crossed the

finish line in the 200M with a first-place time of 31.14 and Williams, in addition to coming in second in the 200M, outdistanced everyone in the long jump with her leap of 13’6.5”.

4x100 Relay 1 Justin McMillan Jaymis Hanson Cesar Dominguez Austin Watson 47.14

Mens Results

4x400 Relay 1 Cesar Dominguez Justin McMillan Jonathan McMillan (12) Liam Daily 3:51.86

100 Meters 2 Austin Watson (10) 11.86 9 Jaymis Hanson (9) 12.78 20 Gage Cotner (9) 14.03 200M 1 Cesar Dominguez (10) 24.00 8 Justin McMillan (11) 26.84 10 Gage Cotner 28.53 13 Quinn Shelby 30.54 800M 3 Kyle Putnam (12) 2:25 8 Morgan Ott (10) 2:40 1600M 1 Liam Daily (10) 4:56 3 Kyle Putnam 5:26 5 Morgan Ott 5:37 7 Taylor Woodruff (11) 5:42 9 Quinn Shelby 5:58 3200M 2 Taylor Woodruff 12:11.13 110M Hurdles 5 Garrett Dornfeld (9) 24.06

800M 3 Johnnie Duguay (11) 2:57 4 Lilly Schlotzhauer (10) 2:58 9 April Oakes (10) 3:23.50 1600M 2 Johnnie Duguay (11) 6:28 3 Lilly Schlotzhauer 6:42 6 April Oakes 6:56

Shot Put 6 Jonathan McMillan 32’09”

100M Hurdles 4 Jessica Johnson (9) 21.03

Javelin 2 Jonathan McMillan 131.0 Long Jump 1 Austin Watson 19-07.75 8 Jaymis Hanson 16-09.25

Womens Results 100M 4 Sidnee Glenn (12) 14.78 5 Zoey Marchiney (10) 14.92 6 Chloe LaChapelle (9) 14.94 7 Ashley Watson (9) 14.97

5 Hannah Hogness (9)

200M 1 Chloe LaChapelle 31.14 2 Sarina Williams (9) 31.40 5 Zoey Marchiney 31.84 400M 4 Estrella Corrigan (10) 1:08.40

C Y

M K

MVN, pg 2

22.38 4x100 Relay 2 Cheyenne Ott (12) Ema Manzo (12) Sidnee Glenn Ashley Watson 58.78 4x200 Relay 2 Cheyenne Ott Chloe LaChapelle Ema Manzo Sarina Williams 1:59.18 4x400 Relay 2 Zoey Marchiney

Hannah Hafsos (10) Johnnie Duguay Estrella Corrigan 5:04.84 Discus 9 Sidnee Glenn 59-02 Long Jump 1 Sarina Williams 13-06.5 2 Cheyenne Ott 13-04.5 4 Ashley Watson 12-09

C

M

Y

C

K

Y

Methow Valley News

M K

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Page B3

From Back Issues 20 years ago - March 26, 1992

40 years ago – March 30, 1972

TIP Program to Begin in County

T.I.P – the proposed “Turn In a Pusher” program will begin shortly in Okanogan county, according to John Abrams, drug program chairman for the Twisp Kiwanis club.

Only half of the needed funds have been raised but this will allow the program to run at least half of a year, Abrams noted.

The program will be set up so that a person having knowledge of a hard drug pusher can anonymously turn them in.

If the information leads to an arrest the informer will receive a reward.

60 years ago – March 27, 1952

Winthrop ‘49er Days Royalty – Queen Carrie Smith, a senior, is flanked by Princess Kim Scharf, a junior, left, and Princess Misty Maples, a senior, right. The queen and princesses were again selected by the All American Legion Auxiliary #120 of Winthrop to reign over the ‘49er Days celebration and participate in the Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee.

The quilt behind Queen Carrie, Princesses Kim and Misty will be raffled to help pay for the coronation ceremony and partly pay for the $500 scholarship the auxiliary gives each year to a graduating senior.

Tickets may be purchased from any Auxiliary member or wherever the quilt is displayed.

Present Mail Service Inadequate!

Compiled by Janet Mehus

lowing day, arriving at Pateros at 9:30am.

However, this mail does not leave Pateros until 4:30pm, arriving at Wenatchee at 7pm – too late to be delivered to the merchants until the following day. Thus it requires 39 hours from the time of mailing at Twisp until reaching the merchant at Wenatchee, a distance of only 100 miles!

On parcel post the return is almost as slow as there is only one parcel post scheduled out of Wenatchee daily, leaving at 7am each morning. Under this arrangement a merchant receiving an order after 7am will not be able to get it out of Wenatchee by parcel post until the following day at 7am. This delivery arrives at Twisp at 11:30am the same day. Thus, a farmer wishing repairs is forced to wait 67 hours from the time of ordering until possible delivery date.

80 years ago – March 25, 1932

At a recent Methow Valley Chamber of Commerce meeting the desirability of getting a morning mail delivery service into Wenatchee from the Methow valley was discussed. As a result, the following petition will be circulated to present a united front in asking for this service: We the people of the Methow valley would like to get a better mail service, especially on the out going mail. For instance a letter mailed after 3pm and before 5pm leaves Twisp at 7am the fol-

Irrigators to Oppose Fish Screen – Apparatus Inefficient, Impossible

First Meeting Brings Out Opposition – Declare Contraption Would Put Much Irrigation Out of the Picture.

The meeting called last Friday afternoon to discuss the subject of installing fish screens in irrigation ditches, turned out to be a most unanimous success, irrigators from throughout the valley

attending and taking active part in the meeting, with the result that there were nearly a hundred people jammed into the council chamber of the town hall.

There were few preliminaries in getting the meeting started off on the main subject, and there was no dissenting voice in opposition to compliance with the law, which was declared unjust, and the efficacy of the proposed screen installation being seriously questioned.

It is hoped the unanimity of the opposition to the screens, under the circumstances, will deter public officials from insistence.

But as a necessity, the irrigators declare their intention of opposing the law in the courts.

100 years ago – March 29, 1912

Money in the Bank.

Assets of the town [of Twisp] with liabilities are as follows: Cash on hand – $1,440.73, Uncollected taxes – 44.83, Fire equipment 412.61, Street improvements 469.12, Jail (equipment) 27.40, Pound 46.20, Furniture 50.90.

Total assets $2,491.79.

Note: At the time of the examination there were warrants outstanding to the amount of $30.80. The report shows that the finances of the town are accumulating the rate of about $1000 per year and that the “administration of the town’s affairs was on a very economical basis.”

Service Directory Service & Health Directories ~ Deadline for ad placement & changes is Friday at 5 pm for insertion in the next Wednesday’s paper.

Directory ads are $8 per column inch. Additional charges may apply for color. To have your service listed please call 997-7011.

ATTORNEYS

CONTRACTORS

BYRO CONSTRUCTION Specializing in Concrete • Foundations • Slabs • Daylight Basements • Retaining walls • & More

GRAVEL & SAND

CONTRACTORS, cont.

509-923-2477

STORAGE

ALL VALLEY INSULATION, LLC Office (509) 422-0295 Cell (509) 429-0417

For All Your Concrete Needs

996-2435

Installed Insulation & Garage Doors

Boom Truck Services Available Brian Baseler, General Contractor

PROPANE SALES, cont.

casconcrete@methownet.com

ELECTRICIANS

Horizon Flats, Winthrop

Lic. #BYROCI*01OJE

TREE SERVICE

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

AUTO PARTS/TOWING

HEATING & COOLING

House

Watch 996- 2883

Caretaking, Security, Cleaning/ windows Landscape / handyman Licen./Bonded/Insured

SHULL’S TOWING

EXCAVATION

“We buy wrecked cars”

Quadra-Fire • Vermont Castings Dovre • Pads & Pipes

Auto Wrecking • New & Used Parts

WATER WELL SERVICES

Cascade Pipe

Hours: M-F 8am-5:30pm; Sat 9am-1pm

Brewster

RECYCLING

STOVES

1-800-822-5761

Twisp Mon-Sat 8-5:30 997-0720 All your excavation & construction needs.

996-2884 cell 509-322-3032

MASONRY

Over 20 years local experience

PALM*GL125P6

www.palmconstructioninc.com

B & B Excavating, Inc. Backhoe Dozer Dump Truck Excavator

ROOFING

997-0082 Lic. #BBEXCI*000PL

Serving the Methow Valley for Over 25 Years

H

O

M

E S I N C in the valley since 1999

The DirT DocTor

Excavation Foundations Framing Interior finish Roofing Remodels BUILDING DESIGN

PEST CONTROL

Kris Labanauskas 997-1899

methowmountainhomes.com #METHOMH990BC

WELL DRILLING

Complete Excavation Service 509-996-2033 Locally owned and operated since 1995

MeMber: better business bureau • wa Lic. #doughe1003jn

FEED DEALERS

TWISP FEED & RENTAL

BUILDING SUPPLIES

ALL

YOUR BUILDING NEEDS

Feed, Seed, Ranching, Fencing & Garden supplies Rental Equipment & Small Engine Repair

North Valley Lumber

996-2264 www.nvlumber.com Horizon Flats, Winthrop

C Y

M K

SMALL ENGINE REPAIR

997-3621 Corner of Highway 20 & 2nd Ave., Twisp

GARBAGE COLLECTION

Boom Truck WE DELIVER

PROPANE SALES

997-8862

TWISP FEED & RENTAL

Full Service Garbage Collection Reasonable rates, flexible pickup schedules

C Y

M K

MVN, pg 3

C Y

M K

C Y

C

M

Y

K

Page B4

C

M

Y

K

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

M K

Methow Valley News

Classifieds CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING - 997-7011

STATEWIDE ADS

LEGAL ADS, Cont.

LEGAL ADS, Cont.

LEGAL ADS, Cont.

E-MAIL TO frontdesk@methowvalleynews.com

ADOPTION WE’RE LOOKING To Adopt: Happily married loving couple desires to give your newborn Warm Happy Home, Love & Security. Expenses paid. Kristine/David 888-869-2227 ADOPT -- California Music Executive, close-knit family, beaches, sports, playful pup, unconditional love awaits 1st miracle baby. Expenses paid.

1-800-561-9323

against you according to the demand of the Complaint, which has been filed with the Clerk of said Court.

The object of this action is to quiet title in certain real property in Okanogan County, Washington, to-wit: The Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 17, Township 34 North, Range 22, East W.M., Okanogan County, Washington EXCEPTING the West 500 feet of that portion lying Southerly of the State Game Department Roadway easement as described in instrument recorded under Auditor’s File No. 510345, Okanogan County Records.

Dated: February 17, 2012.

David Ebenger, WSBA #4939, Attorney for Plaintiff, PO Box 217, Winthrop, Washington 98862.

Published in the Methow Valley News February 22 and 29, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2012.

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Application: Shoreline Substantial Development Permit WIN SDP 11-3.

Notice Is Hereby Given that George Baumgardner, 599 N Siwash Ck. Rd., Tonasket, WA 98855, has submitted application for a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit to complete development of the Winthrop Town Lights project, including renovation of existing buildings, construction of 1 new building, paving of parking areas, stormwater drainage, landscaping and site restoration. The project is within the shoreline area of the Methow River, within the urban shoreline designation. No structures will be placed, nor will work occur below the ordinary high water mark, nor within the conservancy area. The project is located on tax parcels 3421020016 and 3421110009, at 716 East Highway 20, in the Town of Winthrop.

Information Available: A JARPA form, SEPA Checklist and other application materials are on file at Winthrop Town Hall, 206 Riverside Ave. Persons wishing to view project information or receive notice of the action taken on the application may contact Winthrop Town Hall between the hours of 9am and 4pm, Monday – Friday. For further information contact Rocklynn Culp at (509)996-2320.

SEPA Determination: A threshold Determination of Nonsignificance was issued for the project on March 15, 2012.

The comment period for the SEPA Checklist and Threshold Determination ends on April 6, 2012. The Town of Winthrop (lead agency) has determined that this project does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of the information described above, which is available upon request.

The DNS has been issued under WAC 197-11-340(2).

Comments: All persons are welcome to submit written comments concerning this application and the related SEPA Checklist and Threshold Determination. Comments or requests for notification of the action taken on the application must be submitted to the Town Planner, Town of Winthrop, PO Box 459, Winthrop, WA 98862, no later than 4:00pm, Monday, April 30, 2012.

This notice is given pursuant to RCW 90.58.140, Winthrop Shoreline Master Program Chapter 7.09 & Winthrop Municipal Code Chapter 19.06.

Dated: March 15, 2012.

Rocklynn Culp, Town Planner.

Published in the Methow Valley News March 21 and 28, 2012.

LEGAL NOTICE Public Hearing Notice. The Town Council of the Town of Twisp, Washington will be holding a public hearing on the Annexation of two parcels located at the Twisp Municipal Airport in accordance with Chapter 35.13.180 RCW on

April 10, 2012 at 7:00 pm, at the Twisp Town Council Chambers located at 118 South Glover Street, Twisp, Washington.

Clerk/Treasurer Jackie Moriarty – 997-4081.

Published in the Methow Valley News March 28 and April 4, 2012 LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Application.

Shoreline Substantial Development Permit WIN SDP 11-2. Notice is hereby given that Richard and Dolly Stahl, PO Box 1301, Winthrop, WA 98862, have submitted application for a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit to complete development of the Methow River Lodge, including possible construction of a hot tub/swimming pool. The project is within the shoreline area of the Methow River, within the urban shoreline designation. No structures will be placed, nor will work occur below the ordinary high water mark, nor within the conservancy area.

The project is located on tax parcels 3421020509, 110 White Avenue, in the Town of Winthrop.

Information Available: A JARPA form, SEPA Checklist and other application materials are on file at Winthrop Town Hall, 206 Riverside Ave. Persons wishing to view project information or receive notice of the action taken on the application may contact Winthrop Town Hall between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday – Friday. For further information contact Rocklynn Culp at (509) 996-2320.

SEPA Determination: A threshold Determination of Nonsignificance was issued for the project on March 23, 2012.

The comment period for the SEPA Checklist and Threshold Determination ends on April 13, 2012. The Town of Winthrop (lead agency) has determined that this project does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of the information described above, which is available upon request.

The DNS has been issued under WAC 197-11-340(2).

Comments: All persons are welcome to submit written comments concerning this application and the related SEPA Checklist and Threshold Determination. Comments or requests for notification of the action taken on the application must be submitted to the Town Planner, Town of Winthrop, P.O. Box 459, Winthrop, WA 98862, no later than 4:00 pm, Monday, May 4, 2012.

This notice is given pursuant to RCW 90.58.140, Winthrop Shoreline Master Program Chapter 7.09 & Winthrop Municipal Code Chapter 19.06.

DATED: March 23, 2012, Rocklynn Culp, Town Planner Published in the Methow Valley News March 28 and April 4, 2012 LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Public Hearing.

The Okanogan Board of County Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing to consider the request by the Methow Valley Sports Trail Association (MVSTA) to extend the nonexclusive franchise to operate a recreational trail program on county owned portions of the trail system.

The hearing is scheduled for April 9, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room in the Virginia Grainger building at 123 5th Ave. N. in Okanogan Washington. Verbal testimony will be taken at the hearing. Written comments may be presented at the hearing

or submitted in writing or electronically to Lalena Johns, Clerk of the Board at the address listed below.

Information is available at the Office of Planning and Development. Direct questions to: Perry Huston, Director, Okanogan County Office of Planning & Development, 123 5th Ave. N, Suite 130, Okanogan, WA 98840, (509) 422-7118. phuston@co.okanogan.wa.us Comments may be submitted to: Lalena Johns, Clerk of the Board, 123 5th Ave N, Suite 150, Okanogan WA 98840 ljohns@ co.okanogan.wa.us.

Published in the Methow Valley News March 28, 2012 LEGAL NOTICE Twisp Public Development Authority Notice of Consultant Roster. In accordance with RCW 39.80, the Twisp Public Development Authority (PDA) is accepting applications for a Consultant Roster.

The purpose of this roster is to select qualified consultants for future assignments. The Twisp PDA is seeking a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) from qualified consultants to perform various services including but not limited to: architectural services, engineering services, design and planning services, environmental consulting services, energy (renewable and other), legal services, communication and media, marketing, and financial services.

Statements shall include 1) description of the firm 2) a listing of types of services the firm provides 3) description of the consultant’s team including references 4) description of relevant project experience related to the services listed above and 5) firm references. Statements of qualifications will be used as a source from which to select one or more qualified firms from whom a detailed proposal will be requested for any specific project. Three copies of the SOQ shall be submitted to the Twisp PDA, PO Box 417, 502 S. Glover St., Twisp, WA 98856. The Twisp PDA is an equal opportunity employer; disadvantaged or minority or woman owned businesses are encouraged to submit statements of qualifications.

Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to the Twisp PDA, 509 997 3300, email: info@twispworks.org.

Published in the Methow Valley News March 28, 2012 LEGAL NOTICE Twisp Public Development Authority Notice of Small Public Works Roster. In accordance with RCW 39.04.155, the Twisp Public Development Authority (PDA) is accepting applications for a Small Public Works Roster.

The purpose of the roster is to solicit bids for future small public works projects not to exceed $200,000. Proposals will be accepted from qualified licensed and bonded contractors who request to be on the list by submitting a completed application. Twisp PDA Small Public Works includes but is not limited to: construction, building demolition, electrical, renovation and remodeling, alteration, repair, snow removal, sewer and water system work, landscaping and excavation.

A Small Public Works Roster application is available at the Twisp PDA Office, 502 S. Glover St., 509-997-3300 or via email: info@twispworks. org or at http://twispworks.org/ contracts. The Twisp PDA is an equal opportunity employer; disadvantaged or minority or woman owned businesses are encouraged to apply.

Published in the Methow Valley News March 28, 2012.

All classifieds to be prepaid. Deadline: Monday, Noon.

Weekly: $6.75 for 15 words or less. $8.75 with email or web site address.

20 cents for each additional word.

CLASSIFIED SPECIAL: Buy 3 weeks, get 4th week free. No refunds or changes please.

Prepayment required to qualify.

Classified display ads: $10.00 per column inch.

Deadline for CLASSIFIED DISPLAYS & LEGAL NOTICES: Friday, 5 p.m.

Directory FOR SALE ................................10 YARD SALE ..........................14 FARM EQUIPMENT ..............15 AUCTIONS ............................16 REAL ESTATE ..........................20 MOBILE/MFD. HOMES ........22 FOR RENT ............................24 WANTED TO RENT ..............25 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ..30 EMPLOYMENT .........................31 WORK WANTED ..................32 SERVICES ............................34 CARS & TRUCKS .....................40 RVS .......................................42 ANIMALS ..................................50 LIVESTOCK ..........................52 HORSES ...............................54 PETS .....................................56 MISCELLANEOUS ...................70 WANTED ...................................75 THANK YOU .............................80 COMMUNITY EVENTS .............83 PERSONALS ............................85 FREE .........................................90 LOST & FOUND........................95

10.................................FOR SALE

SUNFLOWER CAFE selling equipment, tables, chairs and much more.

Email kathyb@methow.com for a complete list.

47 FRUIT TREE PRE-SEASON special. Order now for bare-root in April and get 10% off. Also blueberry, strawberry, & asparagus plants avail. at Zen Gardens, 4 mi. south of Carlton. 509.923.2380.

46 20.......................... REAL ESTATE

PUBLISHER'S NO TICE: 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 1-800669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

BY OWNER- SHY 5 ACRES, septic, well, and power in and functional. Full set-up for RV plus spare power, septic dump and water hook-ups. 8X12 storage building. Large, level building site. Backs to FS land, SF Gold Creek Road maintained by county - $99,500. 509.679.8873 Twisp.

43tf (3) COMMERCIAL I LOTS. 100’ (on Hwy 20) X 150’-plus deep (across from Hank’s) - $327,000.

509.997.3962.

46 OLDER 3BR on Burgar St., Twisp $150,000. 509.997.7777.

21tf 24................................ FOR RENT

WINTHROP, RIVERFRONT, 3BR 1.5BA, attached 2-car garage, recent paint & carpeting - $800/mo, 1st, last + damage deposit. Avail. May 1. Call 509.996.2373.

49 SPACIOUS FURNISHED studio apt in Edelweiss - $475/mo, great views of Mt. Gardner/Valley. Avail.

Apr. 1, 509.996.8238.

49 OFFICE/COMMERCIAL SPACE available in downtown Winthrop. 300 sq ft. w/ ½ bath, $300/mo., utilities included. 360.378.4802.

49 WINTHROP BOARDWALK 1000 sq.ft. commercial space available in Purple Sage Building across from Glassworks. 509.996.9969.

48 BASEMENT OFFICE space or small business start-up w/or w/o kitchen.

Call MVCC 509.997.2926.

49 TWIN LAKES spacious, nearly new 3BR 2BA with access to pool and trails. Looking for long-term tenants w/refs. No smoking, pets negotiable - $800/mo., 1st/last/dep.

509.969.3073.

46 TWISP: 2+BD 1BA, nice floor plan, master suite, fully finished basement, laundry room, carport, fenced yard $850/mo. includes city water/sewer, no pets. 509.421.3729.

48

24.....................FOR RENT, Con’t.

THE METHOW VALLEY Dining and Recreation Room is available to rent for meetings, dinners, memorials, wedding receptions and other such uses. Fully equipped kitchen, tables, chairs and utensils. Seats about 70 persons. This facility is located on the lower level of the Masonic Center is Twisp, handicap accessible. Call Don Wilson at 509.997.5423 for scheduling info.

47 2 BRAND NEW HOMES avail., with 2BR/2BA, gas fireplaces, in North Village close to the town of Winthrop - $1,200/month, 1 year lease, no-smoking. 1,438 sq.ft. commercial building available, located on Hwy. 20, Sunflower Cafe building in Winthrop, with 1,000 sq.ft. downstairs and 438 sq.ft. upstairs. 2-3 year lease, rent negotiable. Contact Kristin Devin, RE Broker at 509.996.4400 or email at info@kristindevin.com .

47 DOWNTOWN TWISP. Furnished 2BR full BA - $375/mo + $150 dep. Includes all utilities & internet.

509.997.0209.

46 RV STORAGE – Enclosed and secure, 3 miles south of Winthrop.

509.996.3431.

47 OFFICE SPACE avail. in Chewuch Professional Bldg., Winthrop. Highspeed internet, fiber optics, conference room, PLUS gorgeous river views and common kitchenette.

509.996.2820.

34tf 31......................... EMPLOYMENT

ENJOY PEOPLE, outside PT work?

MRR looking for person in charge of sales yard, Saturdays. 18 or over.

Get applications at Twisp/Winthrop Libraries. 509.996.3711, PO Box 182, Winthrop 98862.

46tf NOCA COFFEE HOUSE now hiring for a part-time barista position, possibility of full time in summer.

Must be 21. Food service and barista experience required. Good customer service skills a must. Please send resume listing relevant experience to PO Box 297, Winthrop, 98862 or drop off at Noca Coffee House.

46 THE COURTYARD QUAIL and French Quail are looking for an energetic, friendly person to join our team. Send resume or application to PO Box 932, Winthrop, WA 98862. 48 CINNAMON TWISP BAKERY is now accepting applications for counter/barista, day prep, and evening prep. Applicant must be avail. weekends. Pick up details and an application at the Bakery, 116 N. Glover St. 509.997.5030.

46 34.................................SERVICES

FENCING. DEER, COW, horse, dog, rattlesnake. New construction, maintenance. Free estimates. Call 509.996.2373 or 509.991.3986. 49 CARPET CLEANING. Professional, licensed and insured, serving the Methow Valley. Call Alejandro, 509.429.6524, 997.7272. We are also pruning fruit trees.

49 TREE FRUIT. Professional advice and help to produce fruit you can be proud of. 30 yrs experience. No job too small. Methow Valley area.

509.421.2696.

48 GOT PROBLEM TREES? You need expertise! So call the feller, who aims to please! He’ll shape ‘em up or take ‘em out! No fuss for you -- never a doubt! Without delay call Dennis today! Dennis Jones, complete tree service, including stump grinding. Licensed/Insured CCRF DENNIRJ905NZ, 509.997.2007, 449.1022.

49

56......................................... PETS

CHESAPEAKE BAY Retriever.

Female, 5+ yrs old. Loves a close relationship w/her owner and going for walks. Needs to be an only dog.

She has all her shots and they are up to date. Free to approved home. Contact for more info: 509.556.2753.

48

CAREER TRAINING ATTEND COLLEGE online from home. *Medical *Business *Criminal Justice. *Hospitality. Job placement assistance.

Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 866483-4429. www.CenturaOnline.com EVENTS-FESTIVALS ANNOUNCE your festival for only pennies. Four weeks to 2.7 million readers statewide for about $1,200. Call this newspaper or 1 (206) 634-3838 for more details.

FINANCIAL LOCAL PRIVATE INVESTOR loans money on real estate equity. I loan on houses, raw land, commercial property and property development.

Call Eric at (800) 563-3005. www.fossmortgage.com FOR SALE SAWMILLS from only $3997 -- Make and save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800578-1363 Ext. 300N HELP WANTED INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL Exchange Representative: Earn supplemental income placing and supervising high school exchange students. Volunteer host families also needed. Promote world peace! www.afice.com/reps NOW HIRING: Companies Desperately Need Workers to Assemble Products From Your Location. No Selling, Any Hours. $500/Wk Potential.

Info 985-646-1700 Dept WA-5990 Peoples Lifestyle HELP WANTED -- DRIVERS $2,000 SIGN ON bonus!! RV, motorized, Haul N Tow and low boy units needed! Deliver trailers, boats, RVs and anything on wheels! Go to horizontransport.com DRIVERS -- Flexible Hometime! Up to $.42/mile plus $.02/mile quarterly safety bonus -- Daily pay -- New trucks --CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com DRIVER -- New to Trucking? Your new career starts now! * 0$ Tuition cost * No Credit Check * Great Pay & Benefits. Short employment commitment required. (866) 306-4115 www. joinCRST.com DRIVERS -- Inexperienced/Experienced. Unbeatable career Opportunities. Trainee. Company Driver. Lease Operator Earn up to $51k. Lease Trainers earn up to $80K. (877) 369-7105 www.centraldrivingjobs.net HELP WANTED -- SALES NATIONAL NUTRITION Company seeking local reps for placement of Immune Health Newspapers in high traffic locations. Excellent income potential with residuals. Call today (800) 808-5767 HELP WANTED UP TO 30K, Breeding program. We buy everything you raise. 4’ space 2 hours week. Free animal with appointment.

Trades as good as cash 509-720-4389 LEGAL SERVICES DIVORCE $135. $165 with children.

No court appearances. Complete preparation. Includes, custody, support, property division and bills. BBB member. (503) 772-5295. www.paralegalalternatives.com divorce@usa.com LEGAL ADS

LEGAL NOTICE Superior Court of Washington, County of Okanogan.

JOSEPH E. REID, a single person, Plaintiff, vs. GENE B. WILLIAMS and MAXINE D. WILLIAMS, husband and wife, and their unknown successors and/or heirs and also all other persons or parties unknown claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described in the Complaint herein. Defendants. No. 122-00009-5 Summons By Publication.

The State of Washington to: Gene B. Williams and Maxine D. Williams and their unknown successors and/or heirs and all other persons or parties unknown claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described in the Complaint herein.

You Are Hereby Summoned to appear within sixty (60) days after the date of the first publication of this Summons, to wit, within sixty (60) days after February 22, 2012, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled Court, and answer the Complaint of the plaintiff above described, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorney for plaintiff, David Ebenger, at his office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered

C Y

M K

MVN, pg 4

Expand your campaign marketing coverage by advertising in 106 community newspapers across the entire state of Washington at a low cost.

It’s quite easy...

Buy a Region or the Entire State

ONE CALL • ONE BILL • STATEWIDE Request a free information kit:

(509) 997-7011

C Y

M

C

K

Y

Methow Valley News

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Okanogan County District Court Amanda Noell Tomatich, 25, of Twisp pleaded guilty to third-degree Driving While License Suspended. She was sentenced to 90 days with 85 suspended and fined a total of $858.

Daniel S. Andritz age 38 from Twisp pleaded guilty to Reckless Driving. He was sentenced to 180 days with 180 suspended and fined a total of $1,318.

Cyrus Benjamin Bustard age 34 from Winthrop pleaded guilty to Driving Under the Influence and fourth degree Assault. He was sentenced to 364 days with 359 suspended and 180 days with 179 suspended. He was also fined a total of $1,931.

Criminal Disposition David Isaac Arlotta, 31, of Carlton, was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,550, payable in the amounts of $1,250 to a citizen of Carlton and $5,300 to Mutual of Enumclaw.

March 18 ANIMAL ABUSE: Reporting person said they witnessed a man scream at a dog and then throw the dog.

March19

Decrees of Dissolution The court dissolved the marriage of the petitioner Katrina Dees from Winthrop whose name shall change to Katrina M. Helleson and the respondent Joshua Dees.

Okanogan County Sheriff March 16 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: A person on Twisp-

911 ABUSE: Abuse of a 911 call was reported on Yellowjacket Road, Twisp.

VICIOUS ANIMAL: A person who was riding a bike on West Chewuch Road north of Winthrop reported that two dogs chased him.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE: A woman reported that she was in her car in front of a residence on Rust Road, Winthrop, where her ex-boyfriend had put her furniture in the yard, part of an on-going dispute after the end of a 10-year relationship. Offi-

K

Page B5

News of Record

Carlton Road reported fingerprints on their kitchen door, and told officers they believe the person who left them is the male subject who was reported in a complaint a year ago.

THEFT: A person on Kelli Lane, Carlton, reported that their son has been breaking into their house and taking items for the past several months.

INJURY ACCIDENT: An accident was reported at the top of Spokane Grade on Twisp River Road, where a truck had rolled over. The truck was believed to belong to a man with three prior DUIs, and who appeared to be intoxicated. The driver was extricated from the truck to be transported to MidValley Hospital.

ALCOHOL OFFENSE: Multiple persons were reported drinking after hours on North Glover Street in Twisp.

M

Compiled by Don Nelson

cers separated the parties for the evening.

would burn for a few days.

March 20 EXTRA PATROL: An extra patrol was requested near Beaver Creek Cemetery because of juveniles partying nearby.

AGENCY ASSIST: Officers attempted to local a person on Twisp-Carlton Road who was the last registered owner of a boat trailer in Soap Lake. No phone number was found for the person, and officers made calls to several people in the area. None of them said they knew the person.

March 21 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: A caller reported a newer full-sized pick-up parked on Twisp-Carlton Road since the previous day, and that no one had been seen near the vehicle since then.

March 22 DISABLED VEHICLE: A disabled vehicle was reported on Highway 20 near Twisp.

BURGLARY: A person on Highway 153 near Methow reported that a subject came to her home that day and took a vacuum cleaner, and she thought it might be her son. The reporting person’s son was contacted and indicated that he is the woman’s caregiver and that the vacuum cleaner was still at her house.

CIVIL ISSUE: A person near Twisp called asking for options for dealing with her teenage son, who did not want to go with his father at a time that was not part of the parenting plan for the boy.

FIRE: A fire burning on Benson Creek Road, Twisp, was determined to be a large brush fire that

Twisp Police Department March 17 ACCIDENT: A non-injury accident was reported on E. Methow Valley Highway. The vehicle had been pulled out of the ditch and there was no damage.

BURLGARY: A burglary was reported on Highway 20.

SUICIDE ATTEMPT: A man who was reported to be bipolar and possibly not using his medications told officers that he might commit suicide because of mood swings.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: Suspicious activity was reported near an apartment building on East Second Avenue.

UNSECURE PREMISES: An open door was reported on Cascade Loop Drive.

March 19 VEHICLE PROWL: A vehicle prowl was reported in the town.

Winthrop Marshal’s Office March 20 SICK ANIMAL: An injured deer was reported in the ditch on Highway 20.

March 21 UNSECURE PREMISES: An open door was reported at a building on Castle Avenue.

Methow River summer projects would improve fish habitat

By Marcy Stamper Two projects intended to improve salmon habitat in the Methow River by enhancing side channels – adding pools where salmon can rest and removing a levee to restore natural flows – are under review for construction this summer.

The projects, on the west side of the Methow River across from the Methow Valley State Airport, are part of a larger series of restoration efforts being proposed by the Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

The larger of the two projects slated for construction this year is on 55 acres owned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, where engineers would place woody debris

to narrow an existing side channel to improve the functioning of the channel and adjacent floodplain, according to MSRF president Chris Johnson. The other project, owned by MSRF, is a 17-acre parcel along Witte Road.

Because the side channels at both sites have widened to 50 to 60 feet, they have become very shallow, only several inches deep, and too warm to support salmon, said Johnson. Adding wood and vegetation along the banks will cut the width of the channels in half, creating resting pools for small fish, said Johnson.

At the WDFW floodplain site, engineers would also remove a 1,100-foot-long riprap levee on the main river channel to restore more natural flows to the side channel, said Johnson.

The agencies are studying five alternatives, from modest revegetation through complex restoration that includes removing the levee. While the projects would be done over the next six years, they are interrelated and are being reviewed now to assess their overall impact, said Johnson.

The agencies hope to do the first phase of construction in July. There may be additional construction in subsequent years, depending on the extent of the projects approved. The projects are located on public and private land and have received approval from the landowners, said Johnson. They still require permits for work in the river, said Johnson.

Public comments from neighboring property owners submitted on the draft environmental impact statement

last year include concerns about weeds, ground disturbance from increased travel on unimproved roads, mosquitoes and changes to the shoreline. One person questioned the risks to river rafters and boaters from more logjams and said she had found the agencies’ plans to provide additional funding for search and rescue “alarmingly inadequate.”

In response, MSRF said they would follow best practices to avoid bringing in weed seeds and would work with designers to place logjams within lines of sight of boaters to minimize risk. They also eliminated plans for some pools within wetlands to decrease mosquito-breeding areas. The agencies have issued an environmental checklist based on their revised project design, said Johnson.

The estimated cost is $2.5 million for design, construction and permits, with some additional costs for engineering, said Johnson. The Bureau is handling project design and paying for permits and outreach. Construction will be paid for by the Bonneville Power Administration in conjunction with mitigation for endangered salmon. MSRF is coordinating the projects.

The Okanogan County Planning Department is accepting comments on the proposals and alternatives through April 25. Project information is available on the Planning Department website at www.okanogancounty. org/planning.

For more information or to submit comments, contact natural resource planner Char Schumacher at (509) 4227090 or cschumacher@co.okanogan.wa.us.

Community gathers in appreciation of The Barn

By Laurelle Walsh Grown men and women got far-away looks in their eyes as they shared memories of teenage dances, graduation parties, community dinners, and years of volunteer dedication at the Winthrop Barn.

Fifty people turned out for the Winthrop Auditorium Association’s annual Barn Appreciation Dinner on Monday (March 26). Board members were there, ready to renew memberships, arrange potluck dishes, or regale the audience

with stories and song.

The evening started out with the presentation of two 500-dollar donation checks to the Barn – one from Farmers State Bank and one from the Buell and Adams families.

“It was kind of a miracle,” board member Janet Verkuyl recalled as she told the story of a recent encounter with Georgia Adams at the Winthrop post office, which resulted in donations by the bank board and the two families.

“This place is so much a part of the valley,” said Adams.

Photo by Laurelle Walsh

Board members Susan Stone, left, and Mary Kay Johnson served up ham and good cheer from the Barn kitchen at the Winthrop Auditorium’s annual Barn Appreciation Dinner on Monday (March 26).

C Y

M K

“My son’s 1986 Liberty Bell High School graduation was here. We thought there was something we could do to help.”

Board member Carl Miller told the story of the day the original auditorium building collapsed in the early 1970s.

“It was after a heavy snowfall and the weight of the snow caved in the roof,” Miller recalled. “The mayor at the time – your dad,” Miller said, gesturing toward Dennis Gardner, “didn’t know it was his responsibility to keep the roof shoveled. The guys over at Sam’s Place said Al [Gardner] was a newcomer who had only been here 17 years and didn’t know any better.”

Community members Rob Sigler, and Karen and Richard Lundgren, along with Miller, acknowledged pitching in to help build today’s Winthrop Auditorium, which was completed in 1980.

Board President Dennis Gardner thanked new members and noted, “A lot of people live in the Methow Valley. If we could get them all to join, we could really get someplace.”

After dinner, and music provided by the Lazy R Pickers, board member Frankie Waller conducted annual elections, adding Kris Strand to the vacant secretary’s position. Agi Ottlyk, Susie Gardner and Karen Lundgren conducted the lively raffle that followed.

Barn manager Susan Philbrick thanked the community for continuing to use the Barn for its weddings, anniversaries and public events. “Just give us a call if there’s anything we can do,” she said.

Philbrick summed up the sense of the evening saying, “The Barn just has a spirit to it, a magical feeling.”

That spirit was reflected in the eyes of all who honored the venerable building Monday night.

C Y

M K

methow valleynews.com MVN, pg 5

C Y

M K

C Y

C

M

Y

K

Page B6

C

M

Y

K

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Twisp is edible and medicinal

Chris’s big birthday

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Chris Doran’s “big” birthday Saturday (March 31) at the Eagles Hall in Twisp. The evening begins with a spaghetti dinner at 5 p.m., followed by a party at 6 p.m., complete with karaoke, pool, dancing and more. Questions? Call Emily at (206) 595-0297.

Wisdom coaching

Darrell Gantt, a wisdom coach and spiritual director who works with individuals and groups to help people address life challenges, will speak Sunday (April 1) at the 10 a.m. Methow Valley Unitarian Universalist service to be held at the Methow Valley Community School in Winthrop.

Gantt’s topic will be “Earth and the Rape of Eros – Recovery of Balance and Harmony for a New Age.” The service is free and open to the public. For more information, call 996-4105.

Democrats caucus

Crime victims information

The Crime Victim Service Center (CVSC) program, including SAGE of Wenatchee/Douglas counties and The Support Center of Okanogan County, will hold open meetings to discuss services for victims of crime and the funding that supports this program on April 11.

The Okanogan County meeting will be at the County Sheriff’s office at 123 Fifth Ave. in Okanogan starting at 2 p.m.

The Crime Victim Service Center provides both immediate and sustained advocacy services for adult, child, and juvenile victims of crime.

For more information call (509) 663-7446 or 1-888826-3221.

the Methow Valley News on Facebook

K

Methow Valley News

Community briefs

The Democratic caucuses for Twisp, Winthrop, Mazama and Carlton are Sunday, April 15, at 1 p.m. at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp. Anyone wishing to help shape the Democratic platform or be a delegate at the county convention must attend the precinct caucus.

Brewster and Pateros caucuses are the same day and time at the Pateros Public Library. The Democratic County Convention will be April 29. For more information, call Jackie Bradley at (509) 422-3723.

M

Photo courtesy of Shannon Skibeness

Members of Methow Valley Elementary School’s fifth grade Math is Cool team pose with ribbons and trophies the human calculators won at regional competition in Wenatchee last week. Pictured back row from left, Nicholas Fitzmaurice, Emerson Worrell, Lilly Cooley and Ravyn McCrary. Bottom row, from left are A’Leigh Priest, Daryn Schrum, Wyatt Scott, McKie Caesar and Evan Grant.

Math team takes second at regionals The Methow Valley Elementary fifth grade Math is Cool team took the secondplace trophy at the regional Math is Cool competition held in Wenatchee last Friday (March 23).

Team members Emerson Worrell and Nicholas Fitzmaurice also turned in the highest individual scores among all schools in the Division I and Division II level. According to assistant coach, Shannon Skibe-

ness, Worrell’s score of 75 “was higher than the first-place score for the larger Division I schools” and Fitzmaurice’s 72 for smaller Division II schools “actually tied the first-place score, 72, for Division I.”

Clinical herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt will lead a plant walk in Twisp on Thursday, May 5, to celebrate International Herb Day. Participants will discover the abundance of edible and medicinal plants to be found in the town, and learn recipes including dandelion root coffee, rose hip honey and plantain healing salve.

The walk will begin at 10 a.m. and last about two hours.

A donation of $10 to $20 is suggested to help support the Methow Herbal Health Center at Room One in Twisp, where de la Forêt offers consultations.

Register in advance by calling de la Forêt at (509) 557-3660.

Iditarod, wild lands on Tuesday “Iditarod Racing and Saving Wild Lands” will be the topic at the Methow Conservancy’s April 3 “First Tuesday” program at the Twisp River Pub. Scott White will share the real life experiences of Iditarod racing, training and caring for a long-distance dog team, wildlife encounters in a snowy landscape, and the changes to the natural environment he’s witnessed over his 15 years of racing sled dogs in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Minnesota and Alaska.

The event, which begins at 7 p.m., is free and open to everyone. The pub will open at 6 p.m. and drinks and a buffet dinner will be available for purchase. For more information, call 996-2870 or email info@methowconservancy.org.

Harts Pass

by Erik Brooks Photo Courtesy Ann Chandler

Spell check Sixth-grader Liliana Hart-Beck and fifth-grader Cailin Chandler competed against 58 other students in the regional spelling bee in Wenatchee last week, deftly spelling words including ‘fandango’ and ‘gardenia.’

The two Methow Valley Elementary students were up against fourth through eight graders from around North Central Washington, spelling words from the Scripps National Spelling Bee list and with foreign origins, including German, Latin and Chinese. HartBeck slipped up in the second round and Chandler in the third. The winner will go to Washington, D.C.

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.

ice

New Pr

WINTHROP REALTY

800-321-4482 all listings at:

cbwin.com #1 in the Methow Valley!

C Y

M K

MVN, pg 6

C Y

M

C

K

Y

Methow Valley News

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

We tried our hardest to usher spring in with our sale, but it’s just not cooperating.

We want to thank everyone who came and joined us at the tea and shopped for summer clothes, even if it didn’t look very summery.

Little girls all dressed up in their frilly dresses were having a good time at the tea.

Thanks to Randee Colyar for the decorating and hosting, and Ruth Dalhin for the hours that she put into making all the goodies. The little mouse and bunny cookies were a big hit and so cute.

And a big thanks to all the volunteers for helping set-

up and take-down – it takes a lot of hours and work to put on a big sale.

The next big sale is the Western Sale Memorial Day weekend.

On Monday the preschoolers from the Covenant Church came and sang us some songs at lunchtime.

They did a great job, thank you and come again. Each was rewarded with a mouse or rabbit cookie.

We received news today that Rudy Schade passed away Saturday. A memorial is planned in June. Our condolences to the family.

Obituaries

Miles!

Miles Nicholas Kirkmire was born to Dan Kirkmire and Erin Gardner, of Winthrop, at 7:37 p.m. on Oct. 19, 2011, at the Brewster hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 20 inches long at birth. He is the grandson of Jodi and Morgan Smith of Twisp; Rod Gardner of Twisp; and Coco and the late Nick Kirkmire of Avondale, Ariz. His greatgrandparents are Howard and Jeanne Day of Twisp and Bonnie Gardner of Winthrop.

Gerald L. Ames

Miles Nicholas Kirkmire

Rosalie Hutson

Senior menu Thur, March 29: Chicken and Swiss cheese quiche, green salad and tomatoes, Capri vegetables, grapes, blueberry muffin.

Fri, March 30: Tuna salad croissant with lettuce, tomato soup, spiced pears, brownies.

Mon, April 2: Ham, scalloped potatoes, trio vegetables, garden salad, Mandarin oranges, bread pudding.

Thur, April 5: Sloppy Joes, mixed vegetables, garden salad, fruit cup, sherbet.

Community news: editor@methowvalleynews.com

Zian Ezell Noe

K

Page B7

Community

Senior news

M

Zian!

Zian Ezell Noe was born to Michael Noe and Zanna Gable, of Winthrop, at 10:37 a.m. on Jan. 13, 2012 at Three Rivers Hospital in Brewster. He weighed 9 pounds and measured 21

inches at birth. He is welcomed by his grandparents, Greg and Teri Gable, and aunt and uncle Shahtese and Brian Gable, all of Winthrop.

Zian joins his 4½-year-old brother, Odin, at home.

Gerald L. Ames Sr., 75, of wind and PV technologies, he Okanogan, passed away at his constructed, with an “it works” home on March 18, 2012. Jerry approach, a fully operational was born April 17, 1936, in a off-the-grid house system in small cabin on the East County Okanogan. The system was Road two miles north of Twisp, featured in an article and on the front cover of issue No. 4 to Charles and Pearl Ames.

Jerry attended Lake City of Home Power Magazine (1988) (Seattle), Twisp and Winthrop and also published in issue No. schools and graduated as a 6 for additional developments.

His system is still fully op“Pirate” in the Winthrop class of 1955. He was notorious for erational at 25 years of service.

Jerry is also noted for his his skills in basketball and other sports, and was cred- unique abilities and credited with “witching” over ited as assisting in 52 drilled water wells a team effort waterin Okanogan County. submerged vehicle With a near-perfect rescue in Mazama at track record for hitage 19. ting water at both After high location and depth, school, Jerry enlisted Jerry never charged in the U.S. Air Force and worked as an air a fee for his services. traffic control operaHe believed it to be tor on board the four- Gerald Ames a natural God-givengine, propelleren gift intended for driven early radar detection sharing for the benefit of others.

Super Connie #30554. Jerry was Jerry is preceded in passalso noted for his basketball ing by his wife, Beverly Ames; skills, representing his squad- dad Charles Ames; mother ron in regulated inter-base Pearl; and brothers Pete and competitions. His passion for George. He is survived by first aviation included earning a wife Elaine Omachi; daughter commercial pilot rating with Debra Reynolds and family; American Flyers in June 1961. and son Gerald Ames Jr. (Jay) Ames received an honorable and family. Jerry is also surdischarge from the USAF re- vived by the families of Beverly Ames, including Cindy and serve on Sept. 7, 1961.

Post military service, Jerry Jim Lobe and family, Barbie returned to the Methow Valley and Chris Harlow and family, and farmed. With sheer deter- and Debbie and Vince Adolph.

For all who wish to attend mination and constant “pestering,” he landed an entry-level and share in the “giving life” job with the U.S. Forest Service of Jerry Ames, a viewing will be available at Precht-Harri(Department of Agriculture).

He progressed to an en- son Chapel at 2547 Elmway, gineering level in forest road Okanogan, on Wednesday construction at the Twisp (March 28) from 4 p.m. until compound and retired after 25 8 p.m. A funeral service will years of federal service while be conducted by Pastor Kevin working at the Okanogan soils Schnake at the Trinity Lutheran Church at 102 Fourth Ave W., testing laboratory.

Jerry earned additional Omak, on Thursday (March education at Wenatchee Val- 29), at 1:30 p.m. Graveside ley College with an Associates services will then be held at in Art and general studies in the Okanogan Valley Memorial 1978, and was included in the Gardens on the Conconully Dean’s List and Presidential Highway. Friends and family are invited for a luncheon Honor Roll.

Alternate energy research back at the church following and development was another the graveside service. Prechtone of Jerry’s passions. At Harrison-Nearents Chapel is the forefront of the emerging caring for the arrangements.

[\[\

Rudolph Alfred Schade Rudolph Alfred Schade, 86, passed away on March 24, 2012, in East Wenatchee. He was a resident of the Methow Valley for over 70 years, having first come to the area in 1941.

Rudy was born Dec. 3, 1925, in Spokane, to Rudolph J. and Anna M. Schade. He spent his early years in Spokane. He met his wife, Shirley Anne Mantei, in Twisp. They were married Jan. 6, 1949, in Spokane and made their home between Twisp and Carlton.

Rudy served in the U.S. Navy in WWII as a signalman and was discharged in 1946. He was a HAM radio operator and radio and television repairman. For a while he had an apple orchard and raised honeybees. He bought himself a guitar while in his teens and taught himself to play. He enjoyed music by Roy Acuff and Gene Autrey, among others, and later played a lot of Jim Reeves music. Two family favorites were “Billy Bayou” and “Snowflake.”

He played country western with other performers at various times. In 1947-48 you

would hear him and Tony Barneycastle, known as The Methow Valley Boys, on the Omak radio station. Later his group was Rudy Schade and the Boys and then with Albert Ames and Bob Stephens they became The Cascade Country Boys. They played many benefit dances, and on weekends they played in Twisp and Winthrop. In the 1990s he played at jam sessions with a small group of friends at the Methow Café.

He was also a craftsman.

He built a guitar and banjo for himself and made small toys and puzzles to sell and for his children and grandchildren.

Rudy is survived by his children: Rudolph E. Schade, Barbara Cawood, Diane Schade, John Schade, Kenneth Schade and Glenn Schade, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Shirley, his parents and siblings.

A memorial service will be held in June. Precht-HarrisonNearents Funeral Chapel is caring for all the arrangements.

Obituaries, up to 350 words, are published at no charge and are subject to editing. Charges may apply to longer submissions.

Photos may be included.

Send to: editor@methowvalleynews.com

C Y

M K

C Y

M K

MVN, pg 7

C Y

M K

C Y

C

M

Y

K

Page B8

Big day today, March 26. Rain in the forecast, but so is the initial work on clearing the North Cascades Highway across the mountains. The equipment began rolling Bob Spiwak through West Boesel late last week.

This official information comes from Jeff Adamson of the Department of Transportation in Wenatchee, with a subtitle reading “Despite another La Niña winter, crews are optimistic SR 20 could reopen by May.”

If you love The Merc, please plan to make a donation to the Capital Campaign to buy the building, and please consider making that donation – or at Sally Gracie least a part of it – before Sunday, April 1.

An anonymous donor has pledged to triple all campaign donations made by the end of the run of the current show, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. You can make your donation next weekend at any one of the four performances, or mail it today to The Merc Playhouse, P.O. Box 435, Twisp, WA 98856.

This isn’t the first production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Merc. You may remember that Ann Crain directed and Kestrel Rundle and Lillian Tucker played in a high school production several years ago. The Children’s Theater version features younger actors than the other, and very little of Shakespeare’s poetry, but there is some rhyme, the story is true to The Bard’s, and the kids had a great time with it.

When a child auditions for a part in a play, his parents commit to it as well. Once he has his part, his parents perform their roles as chauffeurs – to and from rehearsals, which in this case were three or four times a week from 4-6 p.m for a couple of months.

The closer it came to opening night, rehearsals were even longer and more frequent. Five families out Twisp River Road carpooled six actors to those rehearsals: Tova Portmann Bown (Moonbeam); Eliza Kamerling-Brown (Oberon); Stella Gunnip Hunter (Willow); Anna Post (Hermia); Haley Post (Robin Starveling), and Leo Shaw (Bottom).

Oberon is traditionally the king of the fairies, but for this production, Eliza portrays Oberon as a female fairy, who plots to get her way. She directs the mischievous Puck to place a potion in the eyes of Titania (Kira Cramer) so she can steal away Titania’s changeling child.

The choreography allows Eliza and Kira to show how well they both dance. Of the two roles, I think Eliza’s part is the most fun because her character is the tricky one, the devious one, who causes no end of trouble for the humans. Eliza captures Oberon’s spirit to make hers the starring role in this production.

It is Oberon who causes Titania to fall in love with Bottom after he is changed from rustic workman to ass. This was fifth grader Leo Shaw’s first big role on the stage, and he used his biggest voice and confident body language to achieve a very comic Bottom. Bottom got most of the laughs from Sunday’s audience. Leo should know that the ass’s head that Bruce Morrison created for him is absolutely wonderful.

Congratulations to director Julie Wenzel and choreographer Missy Smith for helping these young actors to create a memorable play and for making them love live theater enough to want to do it again. Forest Rickabaugh, a fifth grader, had just three lines in his role as Arthur, but he says he is up for another play. The fairies had few lines among them, but they shined in their dance numbers and seemed to love the experience of being on stage.

C

M

Y

K

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

snow/water content is at 107 percent of normal (four inches above). These reports were begun in the 1980s, and if this is all new to you, the water content of the snow is a barometer of the likelihood of flooding, with many other factors contributing to high water and where it goes.

Personally, I think there will be a change in the river’s course in the Edelweiss area. This is based on a winter-long supply of water in what some of us call “the lagoon,” the area at the private campground. Essentially an island, it has water in it for the first winter in three years, and even the beaver ponds downstream have a current.

May will be a landmark event for the Mazama Store, says Missy LeDuc, manager and co-owner. You may remember that the venerable

log cabin next to the store had been moved rearward on the lot during the latest remodeling/rebuilding of the store. Well, the area is slated to become a micro-mall in May when all the clothing will be moved into the (still being) remodeled cabin. Not only the clothing already in the present store, but more as well in variety and number. In addition there will be an outdoor/ mountain shop opening therein as well and the possibility of a resurrected fly shop. The areas vacated by the clothing will mainly be filled with more fresh groceries and sundry items. There’ll be no changes in the coffee and bakery departments.

To the many dedicated people who participated in the choral and orchestral concert at the Barn last Saturday evening, a big bravo! And standing ovation. You were great.

Photo by Sue Misao

Creating teen space A group of local teens and adult volunteers showed up at TwispWorks last Friday night to begin designing the look and feel of the site’s newly acquired Teen Center. Here, clockwise from left, Tiva Ward, Tyler Bergevin-Krumme, Zane Herrera, Justin McMillan, Cierra Ebbert, Kayla Higbee, Brice Butler and Asa Daniels worked on the layout of the various rooms, chose paint colors and made a wish list. Butler, an architect, projected an interactive computer-designed layout on a wall to help the kids arrange the space to scale. Tonight (March 28), at 6 p.m., the entire Methow Valley community is invited to an open house, in which the teens will share their plans and ideas and present a wish list, which includes such things as furniture, a TV, pool table, ping pong table, coffee bar, kitchen, gaming area, lamps and more. For information, call 997-9211.

Folks down valley have a new fruit stand and nursery to look forward to. Zen Gardens on the corner of Stokes Road and Highway 153 south of Carlton is set to Joanna Smith open on Saturday, May 5.

Zen Brandon started a small nursery last year with fruit trees and berry bushes. My partner Joe and I purchased several fruit trees and berry bushes from Zen that have all prospered. She provided a printed list of instructions to care for the bare root trees, and told us how to “listen” to the trees for signs of distress. We were impressed with her knowledge and pleasantly surprised when she called a few months later to check up on the health of our trees and berries.

This year, Zen is excited to introduce the next phase of Zen Gardens: a fruit stand. This is not your typical roadside booth. Oh, Zen will have the basics from local growers and artisans: fruits, vegetables, honey, garlic, eggs, flower baskets and possibly fresh baked pies but she will also have fun and educational events throughout the season.

The kick off event on May 5 will be “Owls for Rodent Control” by Debra Burnett of Chelan, the project manager of the “Barn Owl Project.” Debra and her rescued barn owl Gus will explain the benefits of barn owls near your

This is the story of Carlton, a small town that exists.

Fate continues to hurdle toward it, invisible yet sure as scrambled eggs, Sue Misao and townsfolk are in a constant state of intentional unawares. Life is an

home. One barn owl eats about 50 pounds of gophers and mice each year.

Sadly, the owls are struggling to find suitable nesting places.

Debra rescues barn owls and relocates them to nesting boxes made from recycled apple bins that are donated by local orchards and assembled by students at Chelan and Manson High School wood shops. You can help the barn owls and control rodents by placing a nesting box on your property.

Debra and Gus will have nesting boxes available for purchase at Zen Gardens on May 5. Debra will help you set it up on your property and then relocate an owl family to the nesting box. You can read more about the Barn Owl Project at www.northwestspiritwildlife.com.

Zen starts all her edibles from heirloom seeds and feeds them with

K

Methow Valley News

Valley Life The program calls for the first eight miles, from the old Early Winters Ranger Station Work Center to the Silver Star [creek] gate, and more equipment will then roll in to complete the job to Rainy Pass. It was noted that the west side crew could not yet begin clearing because there were over 10 feet of snow at Rainy Pass. This information gave me some pause, as I always assumed they began clearing in the Diablo area.

In any case, operations are beginning three weeks earlier than last year’s, when the road’s second-latest opening since 1972 was on May 25.

Currently there is snow up to 60 feet deep below the Liberty Bell avalanche zone.

From our electronic spies at Harts Pass we know that as of today the snow depth is 117 inches and the

M

organic compost. The herb and flower baskets are designed to be beautiful and delicious. One decorative pot held herbs and flowers for a savory salad of chives, basil and nasturtium.

To pre-order fruit trees, berries, asparagus or other veggie starts, call Zen at 923-2380. All preorders are 20 percent off. Potted vegetables, berries and trees will be available after May 5.

Zen is open to trade and barter and her happiness is inspiring.

“Zen Gardens is my dream. I think of the Methow Valley friends and neighbors as my family so I am trying to feed them all with fruit… boxed or in the trees,” she says. “For every tree planted I can hear the Earth and the animals all say ‘thank you’ for generations to come. So get out there and plant some trees!”

Methow Valley Elementary School students got a treat last Wednesday, when four local scientists (Mark Waechter, Susan Prichard, Kent Woodruff, and school princi- Ashley Lodato pal Brian Patrick) came and spoke to them about careers and lives of science. The program concluded with an appearance by Leonardo DaVinci, who bore more than a passing resemblance to sixth-grade teacher Steve Dixon.

A March heat wave might be sweeping much of the country, but in the Methow Valley cold temperatures are alive and well and keeping us out on the trails for some bonus spring skiing. On Sunday I saw Chuck and Robin Gleiser, who I hadn’t seen much since two winters ago when I erroneously reported that Chuck (along with Robin) reached a personal triumph with a 20-kilometer ski. Chuck has apparently endured more than his fair share of ribbing about this, so I thought I’d just set the record straight and add that this 20k loop with his wife and Stephanie Brands came in addition to the 50k that he had already skied that morning. So take that, you hecklers of Chuck.

Robin’s photo of Joan Winsor’s cats Tibby and Tabby won the cat category of the Winthrop Gallery’s pet photo contest last month and Chuck jokingly claims that Robin has been insufferable ever since. The Gleisers are headed back to the west side next week, once grooming in the Methow ceases, and Robin eagerly anticipates having a whole new captive audience for her photos over there.

The Winthrop Barn was the scene of much Okanogan Valley musical cross-pollination on Saturday night, during the Okanogan Valley Orchestra and Chorus’s premiere concert in the Methow Valley. The chorus, ably conducted by Omak’s Don Pearce, tackled some very challenging springthemed pieces, while the orchestra, which featured musicians from pretty much every town in the Methow and Okanogan valleys, played the lovely “Irish Festival Overture,” both written and conducted by Terry Hunt.

Terry has been behind the camera so often lately, filming clips for MethowTV, that it was fun to see him in the spotlight this time. It was also gratifying to see so many young kids in the audience watching their parents perform. Goodness knows those parents put in their time at their kids’ performances and sports events; time for a little payback (not to mention a chance to see mom or dad pursuing their own interests).

Sunday’s arts and culture quota for my family was met through the children’s play at the Merc – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – which showcases the talents of about 30 of the valley’s kids. If you attend the show, I predict you’ll especially love the interesting twist presented by Oberon and Titania (ostensibly king and queen of the fairies) and you will be awestruck by Donna Keyser’s glimmering one-ofa-kind moon.

A few syllables about spring

Photo courtesy of Joanna Smith

Zen Brandon will open Zen Gardens on May 5. exciting, curious thing. These are your opening statements.

I already bought my first tank of “clean gas” from the Carlton Store and boy I drove for billions of miles before needing another fillup. People will be driving from as far away as Mazama and Brewster just to get gas in Carlton.

It’s going to get crowded here. That will probably drive the longtime locals to move away, returning only for gas.

The store plans to receive its first shipment of whatever it is it will be selling sometime in the next few days, and will open, according to

C Y

M K

MVN, pg 8

owner Jeff Lyman, maybe not exactly on April 1 as orginally planned but shortly thereafter. Someone needs to take the full-time job he’s offering because I definitely want the place to be open at all hours.

In other news, due to the lackluster spring, Carlton’s annual Easter parade has been indefinitely postponed. This happens every year, yet somehow it surprised me when I just now made it up. Surprises like this can be disorienting, but eventually they settle in. After all, things can’t be any different than they are, because if

Got a spring haiku in you? The Methow Valley News is calling for submissions by local poets to be published on the Valley Life page. They will be reviewed by poetry editor Sam Owen. Deadline for submissions is April 11. Email them to editor@ methowvalleynews.com. As for the haiku form, there is some variation of opinion even among experts about what that means. According to a Wikipedia entry, “Today, many bilingual poets and translators in the mainstream North American haiku scene agree that something in the vicinity of 11 English syllables is a suitable approximation of 17 Japanese syllables ... As to the form, some American poets advocate writing in 3-5-3 syllables or 2-3-2 accented beats.” Good luck.

they were, we wouldn’t know it, and you can’t know what you can’t know.

Speed of light and all. Even people in other dimensions are resigned to this. Still, things have improved much since the days of yore, when information couldn’t go any faster than the speed of trains.

Hometown boy David Gottlieb describes his first ascent of yet another Himalayan mountain at the Twisp River Pub on April 10. Not a Himalayan mountain at the pub – they don’t have those there. A Himalayan mountain in like Nepal or something.