Methow Valley News - April 24, 2024

Methow Valley

State’s wolf count increased

Four packs thriving in Methow Valley area

BY ANN MCCREARY

The number of endangered gray wolves in Washington increased last year by 20%, with at least 42 wolf packs in the north central and eastern part of the state.

An annual survey of wolves found four wolf packs with territories near the Methow Valley last year, the same as in the 2022 population survey conducted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

The 15th annual gray wolf count by WDFW, conducted as part of the state’s management of the endangered species, found that the number of individual wolves had grown from 216 wolves at the end of 2022 to 260 wolves at the end of 2023, an increase of 44 wolves.

The number of wolf packs increased from 37 in 2022 to 42 in 2023. The number of packs with successful breeding pairs, however, dropped from 26 in

2022 to 25 in 2023. A breeding pair is a measurement of a pack’s reproductive success and is important to overall recovery of the species. It is defined as an adult male and

RiversMeet project draws big crowd for public hearing

Most support request to install solar array

BY DON NELSON

An overflow crowd packed the Winthrop Town Council’s public hearing on the RiversMeet mixed-use project last week, and commenters offered mixed opinions about how the town’s Westernization code should apply to the new building.

The hearing was to consider recommendations from the Westernization Design Review Board (WDRB) to the council as to how the town’s Westernization code should be applied to RiversMeet, which will be built on the Riverside Avenue site of the former Methow Conservancy building.

The testimony generally split into two points of view: the need to consistently apply and enforce the existing Westernization code and its traditional goals; and the need to make the code more flexible to reflect current realities. There was spirited support for each position.

That said, public sentiment was clearly in favor allowing the solar power array that is proposed for the building — and which could be disallowed under a strict interpretation of the Westernization code.

The new structure will be a threestory building that would include two, two-bedroom apartments on the first floor, which would face the Methow

River and would not be visible from the street; space for commercial tenants such as restaurants and other service providers on the second floor, which would front Riverside Avenue; and small to medium-size office spaces on the third floor.

Lots of interest

For last week’s hearing, more than 50 people filled the tiny Hen House room in the Winthrop Barn, where the council typically meets, and some spilled into the corridor that connects the room to the rest of the building.

Most of the discussion and testimony centered on three topics: whether RiversMeet should be allowed to have a solar array on its roof; whether the building should be fitted with aluminum-clad windows; and, less contentiously, whether it can be painted in two different colors.

Owner and developer Peter Goldman had asked that RiversMeet be permitted to install solar panels to save energy, and substitute longer-lasting aluminum-clad windows rather than strictly wooden windows. The WDRB recommended against both of those requests in its report to the council; the board was split on the color question.

Another topic was how construction of the building would affect traffic on RiverSide Avenue. The WDRB recommended that work on the building be allowed to continue through June. Riverside Avenue construction is typically

female wolf that raised at least two pups that survived until the end of the year.

Among the four packs in the Methow Valley area, successful breeding pairs were found in the Lookout pack, which

had 10 members, the Loup Loup pack, with five members, and the Sullivan Creek pack, with seven members. The Chewuch pack, with five members, did not have a successful breeding pair.

The survey found two new packs and four packs that became re-established last year in Washington. A pack is defined as two wolves traveling together during winter. One of the re-established packs, called Beaver Creek pack, is in the eastern part of Okanogan County and has two members.

Pack sizes range from two to 11 wolves. The Methow Valley’s Lookout pack is among the largest with 10 members. The Lookout pack is the oldest documented pack in the state, first discovered in 2008 occupying territory southwest of Twisp. Over the past 15 years the Lookout pack has survived poaching and wildfires.

Gauging recovery

Wolves are counted annually through tracking and aerial and camera surveys.

The survey results represent a minimum count of wolves, WDFW said, due to the difficulty of accounting for every animal, especially lone wolves traveling without a pack.

The annual wolf count is conducted

Methow Ranger District seeks comments on two proposed trail projects

Revised Cub Creek Trailhead, new Devin’s Trail are in the works

BY SANDRA STRIEBY

The Methow Valley Ranger District is inviting comments on a proposed trail project with two components: one in the Rendezvous area and the other at the base of Sandy Butte near Timberline Meadows.

The district proposes to “construct a new year-round Cub Creek Trailhead, and incorporate a new trail segment (‘Devin’s Trail’) into the network of groomed Nordic ski trails managed by Methow Trails,” wrote District Ranger Chris Furr in an April 4 letter to stakeholders.

Methow Trails proposed both components of the project to the district, said district recreation staffer Rosemary Seifried, who is serving as the project lead, in an email.

Both the Cub Creek trailhead and Devin’s Trail reflect “a community-gener-

ated need that comes up with a lot of our trail projects,” said Methow Trails Executive Director James De Salvo. Before undertaking a project, Methow Trails will “listen to the community about what they want and what’s needed, and look at the quality and safety of the trails” in order to plan improvements that will enhance users’ experience, said De Salvo.

Cub Creek trailhead

Cub Creek Road provides access to a network of roads and trails that are used year-round for motorized and non-motorized recreation. Currently, there is no permanent, formally established trailhead.

Under an agreement between Methow Trails and a private landowner, winter users park on land adjacent to Cub Creek Road, De Salvo said. The size of the parking area is inadequate, said Furr in his letter announcing the scoping process, and does not allow for safe operation of maintenance equipment.

Methow Trails maintains a portable toilet on the site during the winter. In the summer, recreationists park “at various pullouts and informal parking places

along the road,” wrote Seifried. Methow Trails has been seeking a site for a year-round trailhead on Cub Creek for at least a decade, De Salvo said, as both winter and summer use have grown. The area is popular for snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking in winter, and for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and running in summer, he said.

The Cub Creek component of the project “would address the need to ensure safe and adequate year-round access for motorized and non-motorized recreationists to existing winter and summer system trails,” said Furr in his letter. Cub Creek is “one of the colder places” in the valley, said De Salvo — the drainage tends to retain snow, which attracts winter recreationists when snow is sparse, as it was last winter.

“The Cub Creek Trailhead will also support the popular Buck Mountain Trail, which will be a great improvement for access to this area,” according to Seifried. Shared concerns

“The District shares Methow Trails’

Photo courtesy of the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual survey of the state’s gray wolf population showed increases in both the total number of wolves and the number of established packs.

Photo by Steve Mitchell

The North Cascades Scenic Highway opened to vehicle traffic at 10 a.m. last Friday (April 19), a relatively early opening date for the popular route. Above, early arrivers passed through the Silver Star gate west of Mazama.

Photo by Don Nelson Darold Brandenburg, standing far left, addressed the audience at last week’s Winthrop Town Council hearing on the RiversMeet project.

From Page A1

concerns that maintaining access to this high use winter recreation area is very important. In addition to the Nordic trails, this trailhead also serves as a hub of operations and the only access point for the special use permittee who operates Rendezvous Huts,” wrote Seifried. “Methow Trails and the District have both discussed the project with the Methow Valley Snowmobile Association, Mountain Trails Grooming Association, and the Methow Valley Trails Collaborative. The Methow Valley Trails Collaborative includes some of the same groups, along with other membership organizations who are interested in the trailhead, such as equestrian and mountain bike organizations.”

Every user group that Methow Trails has approached about the project is interested in “somehow being a part of it,” said De Salvo. The proposed trailhead would provide a large parking area designed to accommodate a variety of users and their vehicles. According to Furr’s letter, “The trailhead would be roughly 2.5 acres in total size and would accommodate approximately 120

WOLVES

From Page A1

to help wildlife officials gauge the recovery of gray wolves, which were hunted and trapped into virtual extinction in Washington by the early 1900s. The surveys show the wolf population has grown by an average of 23% per year since the population monitoring began after the Lookout pack was found in 2008, WDFW said.

While wolf numbers grew last year, reported depredations on livestock or other domestic animals didn’t increase correspondingly, WDFW said. There were 23 confirmed or probable livestock depredations involving nine wolf packs last year, and only two packs were involved in two or more attacks on livestock, WDFW said.

The majority of wolf packs — 79% — were not involved in any attacks on livestock, even though many of the pack territories overlap livestock operations, WDFW said. The agency credited collaboration with livestock operators for limiting conflicts with wolves.

“Livestock producers have worked closely with WDFW staff in the past year, along with community partners and range riders, to use non-lethal methods to discourage wolves from negatively interacting with domestic animals,” said Ben Maletzke, WDFW statewide wolf specialist.

In addition to assisting with protective measures like range riders and fencing, WDFW also provided livestock producers with wolf location data to help identify high wolf-activity areas. The information enables producers to move livestock away from areas of high wolf activity and monitor livestock more closely.

“These proactive and reactive efforts require significant investments in time and resources by livestock operators and others but have reduced the number of wolf depredations and lethal removal of wolves,” Maletzke said.

vehicles, including 15-18 trailer pull-through parking spots and 4 accessible (ADA) parking spots.

“The proposed trailhead would also house a double concrete vault toilet and covered sheds for Methow Trails equipment such as the groomer and plow truck, and associated fuel storage. The trailhead would also include staging areas for guests of the rental huts and other users, a warming hut and ski waxing shed, hitch rails, and informational signage,” Furr wrote. Seifried is not aware of any conflicts among different types of users in the Cub Creek area. “[T] he Cougar Bait Trail has always been a shared use trail open to snowmobiles as well as Nordic skiing, but use by snowmobiles is light, given the difficulty parking at the current Cub Creek Trailhead,” she wrote. “Skiers will likely see more snowmobilers on [that] section of trail. After that, the snowmobile and Nordic ski routes go their separate ways.”

Site development and maintenance

Methow Trails will pursue funds to develop the sheds and other planned structures at the Cub Creek Trailhead, and the ranger district will support Methow

Two wolves were killed by WDFW last year in response to wolf-livestock conflict, and another wolf was killed by a livestock owner while caught in the act of attacking livestock, WDFW reported. In 2022, six wolves were killed under WDFW authorization due to livestock conflicts. All lethal removal of wolves took place in eastern Washington.

Another 33 wolves died in 2023, including 22 that were killed by tribal hunters of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, which permits hunting, trapping and snaring of wolves on tribal lands.

Five wolves were killed by vehicles and one was killed by a cougar. Of the remaining five known deaths, four are under investigation and one died of unknown causes, WDFW said.

WDFW said investigations into the killings of wolves from the Smackout pack and Wedge pack in 2021 in the eastern part of the state have reached the statute of limitations and the investigations are closed. The investigation into the unlawful poisoning of six wolves from the Wedge pack in 2022 has also reached the statute of limitations and the investigation is closed.

Monitoring wolves

WDFW said it spent over $1.6 million on wolf management activities in 2023, including research, working with livestock owners, contracting for range riders, paying claims for livestock losses, and lethal removal.

Biologists captured 33 wolves from 22 different packs in 2023 and placed radio collars on them, making a total of 52 radio-collared wolves from 25 packs that were monitored during the year. The collars allowed biologists to track the movements of 11 wolves that dispersed from their packs.

Two of the dispersing wolves were from the Loup Loup pack near the Methow Valley. One

Trails in seeking funding, wrote Seifried. At this stage, said De Salvo, Methow Trails is focused on securing the permits and permissions needed to develop the site. Finding funding will follow.

De Salvo hopes to apply for a grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) this fall. Although last winter left Methow Trails with few financial reserves, the organization typically uses the proceeds from more lucrative seasons to support new projects, as well as summer and long-term maintenance, and a good winter next year may allow Methow Trails to invest resources in developing the trailhead, De Salvo said.

Methow Trails may also ask other groups whose members are likely to use the trailhead if they will contribute financially, he said.

Funds permitting, the new trailhead could be ready for use in the winter of 2025-’26, said De Salvo. Methow Trails would maintain the new facilities.

Devin’s Trail

Devin’s Trail “would respond to the need to connect winter trails located on privately owned land to the existing Nordic trail system managed by Methow Trails,” said Furr in his scoping

was killed by a vehicle while attempting to cross I-90 near Cle Elum, and the other traveled north into British Columbia and then moved back south into the Lookout pack territory.

Several other collared wolves dispersed south of I-90 last year, although the southern part of the state had no established packs as of the end of 2023.

As part of Washington’s wolf management and recovery plan, created in 2011, the state is divided into three “recovery zones” — Eastern, Northern Cascades (which includes the Methow Valley), and Southern Cascades and Northwest Coast.

Both the Eastern and Northern Cascades recovery zones have exceeded minimum recovery goals outlined in the state wolf management plan during the past two years. Those goals require at least four successful breeding pairs in the recovery zone for three consecutive years.

In its 2022 survey, WDFW found two wolves in Klickitat County, which was the first pack identified in the Southern Cascades and Northwest Coast recovery region. By the end of 2023, however, only one wolf was found in the region. WDFW officials hope that wolves will become established in all regions to meet recovery goals.

Proposed downlisting

Since 1980, gray wolves have been protected under state law as an endangered species throughout Washington. The status of gray wolves under federal law has been debated and litigated for many years, and the level of protection for the species has changed several times.

Wolves in the lower 48 states were listed as a federally endangered species in 1978. Under the Trump administration in 2021, wolves were removed from federal endangered species listing. That was reversed in February 2022, when a federal court ordered wolves relisted as endangered or

letter. Most of the trail would be on private land, with short segments on public land where the trail alignment crosses the National Forest boundary.

A local landowner has been grooming trails in the area off and on for several years, said De Salvo, and had expressed interest in establishing a connection to the Methow Trails system.

De Salvo considers Devin’s Trail a logical extension of the system. It would connect with the existing John’s Way loop, traversing well-shaded land east of Sandy Butte and providing the neighborhood through which it would pass with access to the upper valley trail network.

All of the affected landowners appear to be on board with the proposal, said De Salvo, noting that the scoping process provides an opportunity for the project’s proponents to hear from anyone who may not be in favor. The ranger district has also discussed the proposal with adjacent private landowners, wrote Seifried, but Methow Trails has been the primary point of contact for those owners.

Project review and comments

The Cub Creek Trailhead-Devin’s Trail project is sub-

threatened under federal law across the continental United States.

However, wolves in the eastern third of Washington are considered part of a distinct population of northern Rocky Mountain wolves, along with wolves in Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon and northern Utah. Wolves in these areas lost federal protections in 2011 as a result of legislation passed by Congress, and have been managed by the states.

As a result, wolves in the western two-thirds of Washington, including the Methow Valley, are managed under federal jurisdiction (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and listed as endangered under both federal and state law.

Wolves in eastern third of Washington — where the majority of the state’s wolves (33 of the 42 packs last year) are found — are managed under state jurisdiction (WDFW) and listed as a state endangered species.

Under the state’s Wolf Conservation and Management Plan, wolves can be removed from the state’s endangered species list when at least four successful breeding pairs are present in each recovery region, and there are three additional breeding pairs anywhere in the state for three consecutive years; or when there are at least four successful breeding pairs in each recovery region and six additional breeding pairs anywhere in the state

ject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The project qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion — the least extensive form of NEPA review — because it involves changes to improvements at an existing recreation site, to U.S. Forest Service roads, and to trails, all of which fall into categories of action that the Forest Service has already reviewed and determined to be unlikely to cause significant environmental effects.

For projects that qualify for Categorical Exclusion, scoping is the only opportunity for public comment. During scoping, the Forest Service seeks public comments so staff can consider any new information and modify the project if warranted.

for a single year. Although the annual survey shows continued overall growth in the state’s wolf population, the increase is not enough to justify a recommendation by WDFW to reclassify gray wolves in Washington as a “sensitive” species rather than an endangered species, said Amaroque Weiss, a wolf advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity.

In February this year, WDFW announced a proposal to downlist gray wolves, as a result of a periodic status review that is required every five years for wildlife species that are listed by the state as endangered, threatened or sensitive.

WDFW said it based its decision on 14 years of data and wolf population trends, and on a new population model developed at the University of Washington. In the western two-thirds of Washington (including the Methow Valley) where wolves are currently protected under the ESA, the proposed change in the state listing would not affect wolves’ federal status.

Weiss said downlisting wolves not warranted because Washington has not met its statewide recovery goals, since no breeding pairs are established in the Southern Cascades and North Coast recovery zone.

“Real progress requires a continued commitment to provide strong protections to wolves so

The deadline for public comments on the Cub Creek Trailhead-Devin’s Trail project is May 4. You can read the District Ranger’s letter and learn more about the project at www.fs.usda. gov/project/?project=65644. Comment letters should be addressed to the attention of Rosemary Seifried, Methow Valley Ranger District, 24 W. Chewuch Road, Winthrop, WA 98862, or can be hand-delivered to that address Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., excluding federal holidays. Electronic comments can be submitted to Rosemary Seifried, project lead, at rosemary.seifried@usda.gov.

they can safely disperse into all three recovery regions and establish territories and families there,” Weiss said.

“I’m pleased to see the agency (WDFW) greatly reduced its own killing of wolves this year,” Weiss added. “Instead of bending to political pressure from wolf opponents, the department should continue to focus on nonlethal (conflict) prevention measures and education.”

Downlisting wolves from endangered to sensitive would maintain prohibitions on hunting and malicious and intentional harassment of gray wolves. However it would change management and protection for wolves, including reducing criminal penalties for killing wolves, and loosening restrictions on permits for lethal control and actions that can be taken in critical habitats.

WDFW is taking public comment on its recommended downlisting until May 6. Information on the proposal and how to comment is available at: publicinput. com/sepa_graywolf.

WDFW submits its annual report on wolf population and management activities to the federal government as a requirement of the Endangered Species Act. Contributors to the annual report include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and tribes. The full report can be found on WDFW’s website at: wdfw. wa.gov.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Forest Service Plans are underway to create a new Cub Creek Trailhead, as a jumping off point for trips into the Rendezvous.

RIVERSMEET

not permitted during the summer months when more traffic is expected.

A staff report from WDRB Administrator Gretchen Landin noted an apparent discrepancy in code provisions as they apply to solar: the Westernization code strictly prohibits solar arrays in the downtown district; while another section of the code allows such arrays while specifying from which streets and highways that solar arrays cannot be visible.

A comment from Town Planner Rocklynn Culp in the memo to the council recommended that the Town Council clarify the discrepancy. The comment added, “whether certain uses (solar, EV charging, etc.) are allowed in a particular zone is the domain of the Zoning Code, and whether they are allowed to be visible or need to be covered, painted, screened, etc., is the domain of the Westernization Code. In other words, what is allowed is a land use function, while how it appears is a design review function. I think that things that are not visible and are otherwise allowed under zoning should not be subject to prohibition under the auspices of an esthetic code.”

In the staff memo, town attorney Scott DeTro was cited as defining the issue as a case of “statutory interpretation. “He [DeTro] suggested allowing the solar panels for this project (since they are not adjacent from an adjacent public way) and to clarify the code for future applicants,” according to the memo.

The material provided to the

council included written comments from 14 people, nine of whom specifically supported the proposed solar array while suggesting compromise solutions that maintain the spirit of Westernization.

Goldman’s presentation

Goldman’s own presentation to the council emphasized that he and his architects “have designed RiversMeet in strict accordance with the letter and spirit of the Westernization ordinance in effect today.” He noted that the project has received all necessary zoning and shoreline development approvals from the town and the state Department of Ecology.

Goldman also pointed out that the council has the discretion to make final decisions about conditions attached to the development. And he referenced a Supreme Court decision which concluded that “vague, ambiguous of conflicting land use ordinances or regulations (such as certain aspects of the Westernization code) must be interpreted in favor of the regulated party.”

Goldman reiterated that the proposed solar panels will not be visible from the highway or adjacent streets. And he said that “there are compelling environmental and efficiency reasons justifying aluminum clad windows,” which are more durable and do not require frequent maintenance. The two-tone color scheme is consistent with code, Goldman maintained.

Public testimony

In the public comments portion of the meeting, WDRB members Nilsine Harris and Lance Rider

testified against the solar array proposal. Harris said the WDRB reviewed RiversMeet in more than half a dozen meetings and said the proposal “has been challenging because of the nonconformity requests.” Rider said the WDRB has “bent over backwards to accommodate” Goldman’s requests “but can only go so far.”

ance.

However, Trent Whatley said he’s concerned that one change in the code requirements could open the door to a cascade of others.

IN OTHER BUSINESS AT LAST WEEK’S MEETING, THE TOWN COUNCIL:

BY MARCY STAMPER

A body found during seasonal clearing of the North Cascades Highway has been identified as William Summer, age 52, by the Skagit County Coroner’s Office. The body was found by a Washington State Department of Transportation employee on March 20 near milepost 150, about

Longtime Winthrop resident Roxie Miller said she admires the WDBR’s work but “time does not stand still.” She said it’s time to look at modernization that can be achieved without diminishing the Western theme. Visitors will still appreciate “the ambiance and the illusion,” she said.

Other residents testified in favor of the solar proposal. Rebecca Castner said, “I want a real community that’s not just a façade for tourists,” and called the arguments against solar “ridiculous.”

Sam Lucy, co-owner of Bluebird Grain Farms, pointed out that “change is going to happen” and the community should embrace it.

Erik Bjornsen, co-owner of Winthrop Mountain Sports — a few doors down from the RiversMeet project — supported both the solar array and aluminum-clad window proposals.

The same sentiments were echoed by Sarah Brooks, executive director of the Methow Conservancy — which used to be headquartered on the RiversMeet site. She said Westernization should find ways to support businesses by supporting “controlled flexibility” without threatening local tourism.

Conservancy Associate Director Ashley Lodato said the town can use creative solutions to meet community needs without compromising the town’s appear-

Body found in North Cascades Highway clearing is identified

7.5 miles west of Rainy Pass. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation, Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding said in a press release last week.

911 blotter

Road, Winthrop.

• On April 15, a caller reported that a vehicle damaged in a collision was still parked at a location on Twisp Airport Road.

• On April 16, an assault was reported at a location on Gold Creek Loop Road. Winthrop Marshal’s Office • On April 15, a disabled vehicle was reported on Riverside

From Page A1 EVERGREEN LOOP IN TWISP*

OPEN HOUSE

FRIDAY MAY 3RD 4-6PM

* follow event signs the day of to 114 Evergreen Loop, Twisp, WA

WHY BUY An MHT HOME INFO SESSION 5:00-5:30pm during the open house

Bart Bradshaw, owner of an accounting business and the Pardners Mini Market, said he had “jumped through all the hoops” to construct three Westernization-compliant buildings in Winthrop, and urged that the WDRB’s recommendations “should not be circumvented.”

Contractor Darold Brandenburg said he supported the use of aluminum-clad windows. “We are developing ways to build … and preserve the Western look,” he said.

Simon Windell, a member of the Winthrop Planning Commission, commended Goldman’s proposal. He said Westernization is “not under attack” but needs to be defined in 2024 terms. Windell noted the “ambiguity and absurdity” of holding the town to some aspects of historical accuracy but not others. He said Westernization can retain its value “and you can maintain that vibe while achieving modern building standards.”

Cory Lester, whose family owned the White Buck Trading Company building, supported the WDRB’s recommendations and said the RiversMeet project could be built and still retain compliance with Westernization requirements. John Lester and Carol Lester said the town is obligated to follow its existing ordinances and should not make changes for the benefit of one developer.

Gavin Wengerd and Reed Wengerd said they supported maintaining the town’s Western theme and warned about the consequences of not adhering to it.

The council did not discuss the

• appointed Erin White to the Westernization Design Review Board, which now has all seven of its positions filled. Other members are Marti Darling, Kyrie Jardin, Jodi Dean, Duncan Bronson, Nilsine Harris and Lance Rider.

• appointed Abbey Bennett to the Winthrop Planning Commission, which also has a full roster of seven members. Other members are Brooke Bourne, Greg Wright, Simon Windell, Art Campbell, Rita Kenny and Peter Goldman.

• approved applications to the state Recreation and Conservation Office to provide funds supporting the proposed Kay Wagner Riverwalk trail, and replacement of the chiller at the Winthrop Rink.

WDRB proposals at last week’s meeting, but instead scheduled a May 1 “closed record” session to review all the arguments and documentation. That means the public hearing is technically continued, but no more public comment will be taken or additional materials accepted.

The May 1 council meeting will be moved to the Winthrop library community room because the annual Zumiez sales training meeting will take over the Barn. It starts at 7 p.m.

Other considerations

Separately, Goldman has asked that the town reconsider existing B-2 commercial zoning that allows only overnight rentals in the Westernization district. Longterm rentals such as apartments are generally not allowed. Citing the valley’s need for rental housing, Goldman asked the town to consider revising the code to allow the residential apartments. That decision is not within the WDRB’s purview.

In another separate action not related to the Westernization code, RiversMeet earlier reached a “parking mitigation” agree-

ment with the Town of Winthrop that will allow the project to have fewer parking spaces than existing code requires. Per the parking mitigation ordinance, the town granted an exemption from the 10 parking spaces the code would require, and will allow Goldman to instead have eight parking spaces on the site.

In return, Goldman will pay $3,000 to the town that will go into the parking procurement and maintenance fund.

The development would not extend to the adjacent Methow Rafting building, which Goldman and his wife, Martha Kongsgaard, also own.

Goldman is an attorney who founded the Seattle-based Washington Forest Law Center, a nonprofit public interest environmental law firm. He and Kongsgaard have been Methow Valley property owners since 1985, and now live here nearly full-time, he said. They purchased the Methow Conservancy and Methow Rafting (formerly the home of Methow Trails) properties in the early 1990s. Goldman and Kongsgaard own the Gunn Ranch property in the Rendezvous area.

Photo by Marcy Stamper

An early opening of the North Cascades Highway offered inspiring views of snow-capped peaks. Many people made the trek to the Washington Pass overlook to gawk at the mountains and valley below.

EDITORIAL

The solar standoff

The crowd began filtering in early. Well before the Winthrop Town Council’s 7 p.m. meeting started last Wednesday (April 17), available seating was taken and more chairs were brought in to the small Hen House room where the council convenes at the Winthrop Barn. Some people were dispersed to the hallway; the council members moved their meeting table back to make more room for the arrivals. There were greetings and conversation. By the time the public hearing started, there was standing room only. It was the largest attendance in recent memory, since a former mayor’s firing of a former police chief stirred up public interest a few years back.

This time the topic was both specific and general. The present issue is whether the RiversMeet mixed-use project on Riverside Avenue should be allowed some departures from, or variations on, the town’s existing Westernization code.

More broadly, the ongoing efficacy of a code that is intended to maintain a purposefully defined appearance for the town was also under discussion, directly or otherwise. It’s not the first time. The detailed Westernization regulations specify how buildings must look, and what materials they can use, to conform with the expectations of the town’s Western theme. The code has been periodically revised — most recently in 2023 — and debated almost continuously since Westernization became Winthrop’s thing more than 50 years ago. There has been a steady back-and-forth about what real authenticity means if you want to create the genuine ambience of a late-1800s frontier town.

The Westernization Design Review Board (WDRB), a volunteer group tasked with overseeing the code’s provisions and enforcement, has always been at the middle of the discussion — and not always happily. A few years ago, the board’s entire membership resigned after the town council reversed one of its recommendations. It’s a tough place to be: answering to the code, honoring the spirit of Westernization, and at the same time adjusting to the prevailing political and social climates.

The town, and Westernization, are at the junction again. Among other considerations, RiversMeet’s developer is asking to install an energy-saving solar array on the roof of the building, an addition that would not be visible to strollers or motorists on Riverside Avenue (see story, page A1).

There is some acknowledged ambiguity in the Westernization code, which either entirely prohibits solar arrays, or allows them under specific circumstances. The WDRB has adopted the stricter interpretation. It’s not precisely a case of common sense versus tradition, but close. Either way, the majority of people who have commented on the issue support solar.

At last week’s public hearing, there was articulate passion on both sides of the issue, but people were respectful, civil, and listened to each other. Everyone who wanted to be heard had their say, without interruption. It was a wonderful contrast to reports we read about raucous, even dangerous public discussions in other parts of the country, and a positive reflection on this community.

There is powerful and understandable sentiment for preserving Westernization against encroachment. Winthrop’s viability as a destination for tourists is at stake. At the same time, as many pointed out, there should be room for compromise that would allow modernity where it makes sense without tearing down the façade. Solar power is just such a case. The Westernization code has evolved over time. It can again.

To the strict constructionists, we might hypothetically ask: Who among you is going to tell the Rowlands they have to get rid of their gas pumps at the Winthrop Store? The pumps are clearly not period-compliant, and can be seen from everywhere — as opposed to a solar array hidden behind a parapet on a roof two stories above the street. We’re not really suggesting that, just making a point. The pumps are fine. Westernization should be a comfortable coat, not a straight-jacket.

CORRECTION:

An article about mule deer in the April 3 issue gave incorrect information for the total number of deer hunters in Washington. In the past decade, the number of deer hunters in the statewide general season dropped from 119,277 in 2013 to 90,690 in 2023, according to data from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Although it was not a steady year-over-year decline, 2023 had the lowest number of hunters for the decade.

The data for the total deer harvest was also inaccurate. Although that number has fluctuated, the total harvest, for antlered and antlerless deer, decreased from 31,094 in 2013 (26,674 antlered and 4,420 antlerless) to 22,724 (21,167 antlered and 1,557 antlerless) in 2023. The peak in the past decade was in 2015, when 35,407 deer (29,709 antlered and 5,698 antlerless) were harvested. The News regrets the errors.

Methow Valley News

OPINION

Box 97: Letters to the editor

Room One says thanks

Dear Editor:

What a community we have! We are tremendously grateful for every community member who spent time in our old building during its lifespan. And on April 13, our community again showed up and found all kinds of ways to repurpose different parts of that building.

We heard great stories of how the materials were going to be used: replacement doors for bedrooms, shelves for a senior in her garage, and even wood for a dock! Everything went: furniture, kitchen cabinets, sinks, toilets, carpet, flooring, blinds, and so much more. Some local nonprofits were able to reuse tables and chairs. Some exterior items, such as windows and doors, will wait until the final week before demolition so the structure can remain safe, and all have been spoken for at this point! While we have mixed feelings about seeing our old building go, we are delighted that so much of it is able to be used to bring new life to many households and organizations around the valley.

Thank you to local carpenters Paige Heron, Eric Portman and Scott Peters who helped us prep the building for the open salvage day. And a huge thank you to the foundation that awarded us the infrastructure

HELLO?

Ramiskey Solveig Torvik Dave Ward

Seemingly surprised, the New York Times recently noted that Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, secured $1 billion for child care and early childhood education in the latest contentious budget bill. Hello? Of course she did. She chairs the all-powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. Yes, this did come amid a spending freeze and the six-month mis-governance meltdown of the House Republicans’ Crackpot Caucus.

Still, no surprises here: Patty Murray has stubbornly championed children since Eve bit into the apple.

Last month, once again nearly unnoticed, the 73-year-old Murray made serious political history.

She had vowed to help steer federal spending into investment in children, families and education. Her persistence in the face of petty patriarchy paid off: In the last nine years alone she’s guided $6.3 billion into child care and Head Start; she helped push $39 billion into the 2021 stimulus bill for spending on children.

This time she also found an unprecedented $3 billion for Hanford nuclear waste cleanup, which is billions over budget and decades behind schedule.

Third in line for the presidency, Murray is Senate President Pro Tempore, the first woman to hold that job. She’s chaired the budget committee, the health, education, labor and pensions committee and the veterans’ affairs committee.

None of this was widely expected of the low-key, low-profile Patty Murray in 1992, when

grant that made our new building (soon to be buildings!) possible and to Methow Recycles for inspiring the cycle of reuse and repurpose, helping to keep many materials out of our landfills.

Room One staff and board Twisp

Not restorative

Dear Editor:

Today’s Seattle Times warns of impacts on drinking water, agriculture, hydropower, and fish (endangered spring chinook salmon, steelhead and bull trout).

Those drought concerns are the same impacts that will result from the U.S. Forest Service’s watershed management “restoration” projects that feature timber sales

By Len Baublitz

(commercial logging), “controlled” burning, and “opening” the overstory by thinning oldgrowth trees.

Those actions will also reduce the forest’s capacity to store carbon, forestalling climate change, as well as reducing critical habitat for spawning and rearing endangered fish.

The planned and ongoing actions will accelerate spring runoff, increasing stream sediment and summer water temperatures, while decreasing downstream summer flows.

Those “restoration” projects should be stopped or radically changed to avoid additional drought impacts.

Thank you for bringing these concerns to the attention of the public.

Don Johnson Libby Creek Water Association

Patriarchy, persistence and Patty Murray

the self-described “Mom in tennis shoes” improbably decided she belonged in the U.S. Senate.

That came in the wake of the infamous 1991 Clarence Thomas Supreme Court confirmation/Anita Hill sexual harassment hearings, when committee chairman Sen. Joe Biden and his all-male cohort — with such grievous consequences — failed to meet the moment.

Belittling questioning, as famously imposed on Hill by Sen. Howell Heflin, D-Alabama, ignited a political feminist firestorm: “Are you a scorned woman?”

Then, Sen. Brock Adams was accused of engaging in criminal sexual behavior involving women. Murray filed for his seat.

One of seven children, Murray was a preschool teacher with a physical education degree from Washington State University whose parents received food stamps when her father, a Purple Heart veteran, was disabled by multiple sclerosis. She served on a school board and one term as state senator.

Underestimated

Her consequential U.S. Senate career certainly wasn’t what the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s publisher, the late Virgil Fasio, for one, expected of Patty Murray. She’s always been under-estimated, as women openly were.

Fasio favored her opponent, Republican Rep. Rod Chandler, who had Congressional experience and was what a senator should be: a man.

Not that Fasio was hopelessly uneducable. Earlier he cheerfully

Sen. Patty Murray (D)

Washington, D.C., : 173 Russell Senate

Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510

Phone: (202) 224-2621

D.C. toll-free: (866) 481-9186

Fax: (202) 224-0238

website: murray.senate.gov

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D)

Washington, D.C.: 511 Dirksen Senate

Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510

Phone: (202) 224-3441

Fax: (202) 228-0514

Toll free: (888) 648-7328 website: cantwell.senate.gov

Rep. Dan Newhouse (R)

Washington, D.C.: 1641 Longworth

House Office Bldg., Washington, D.C.

20515

Phone: (202) 225-5816

shipped me off to Washington to inaugurate daily P-I coverage of our Congressional delegation. But enabling female reportage is not to be confused with enabling female governance.

Fasio was, well, a traditional Italian gentleman. He did not fully share his Editorial Board minions’ enthusiasm for gender equity, though they penned his newspaper’s unsigned candidate endorsements. As one of those minions, it fell on me to write this one.

In those days, readers of Seattle’s two dailies routinely entered voting booths on election day clutching their newspaper’s list of endorsements. Who we endorsed mattered.

Just a little hitch: Fasio wanted Chandler; his board wanted Murray.

Awkward.

I re-interviewed Murray, hoping for something we’d overlooked that might break the endorsement stalemate.

Bemused, the candidate gamely reiterated her case: national spending priorities must shift to investment in children, families and education; this wouldn’t happen without more women senators.

The board tried again; Fasio graciously relented. Why he agreed is unknown to me. But a suggestion that his newspaper was about to bypass the chance to back a winner seemed to resonate.

Murray defeated Chandler by 8 points. Dubbed the Senate’s “Year of the Women,” this meant four new women were elected to the 100-seat Senate. So then there were six. Today there are 25. With 26 more, we’ll reach proportional gender parity.

History-making

Meanwhile, a history-shatter-

Fax: (202) 225-3251

newhouse.house.gov

ing moment arrived last month: Murray led four other women negotiators who, for the first time in American history, were final deciders of how our tax money is spent.

Cultivating the re-allocation of Congressional political power that gave women the last word on spending priorities took the unassuming “Mom in tennis shoes” 32 years. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Connecticut, Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, plus White House Office of Management and Budget head Shalanda Young were the other negotiators.

“These are serious legislators. They know how to get things done,” said G. William Hoagland, senior vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center. You think?

Early on, Murray had to stand up and wave from the far end of a long table to catch the attention of male deciders during spending negotiations. Now, she told the Spokesman-Review, “I can put my hand down and go, ‘No, that one’s not going anywhere.’”

Like all successful lawmakers, Murray looks across the aisle for co-sponsors of legislation. Child care subsidy is a three-fer: children, low-wage working parents and their employers all benefit.

“You don’t get a bipartisan deal unless everyone walks out and says, ‘I won,’” said Murray, now recognized as a skilled negotiator. And what win were Republicans such as 4th District Rep. Dan Newhouse celebrating when they voted for this $1.2 trillion spending bill? Cutting $100 billion from President Biden’s budget. Works for me.

Solveig Torvik lives near Winthrop.

Solveig Torvik

Save our public forests from ill-planned experiment

BY RIC BAILEY

Massive commercial logging projects are being proposed allegedly to “restore historic conditions” and reduce wildfire risk in the Methow Watershed. The next federal project will encompass the entire Twisp River Drainage.

These hastily devised schemes are advancing even though there’s no scientific evidence that homes and communities are made safer with commercial logging. Plans for the Methow Watershed include the Twisp, Midnight, and Upper Methow Projects, covering a combined 140,000 acres. Sadly, ongoing logging in the 50,000-acre Mission Proj-

ect along Libby and Buttermilk Creeks shows how much damage these projects do.

We actually have little evidence of what historic forest conditions really were. In fact, we can only look back a maximum of around 100 years, using a handful of old photographs. To say we know what conditions existed 100 years ago is a myth, and it’s a grave mistake to assume those are an “ideal condition” that always remains unchanged.

Yes, many of the fires that used to naturally thin forests have been suppressed, leaving dense, fire-prone stands in some places. But this fuels buildup issue cannot be solved with old-style commercial

timber sales. We need to explore new, more innovative solutions. Keep in mind that commercial logging does not replicate natural fire.

One need not be a scientist to know that logging operations build erosive roads; remove large, commercially valuable trees; disturb topsoil and ground water; reduce wildlife habitat; leave flammable slash on the ground; and promote weed spread. Conversely, fire thins out ground fuels, replenishes soil nutrients, creates wildlife and plant habitat, and reduces invasive plants.

Better options

It’s common knowledge that climate change has altered the entire fire equa-

tion, and fires are going to be bigger and more intense despite modern technology. But the best option for protecting our homes and communities is to ensure that houses are fireproofed.

Let’s focus efforts on thoughtful fuels reduction, including bona fide thinning and prescribed burning in areas immediately around homes and communities. We should also apply community-focused solutions with projects employing stewardship contracts rather than promoting commercial timber sales that have incentives to cut large, fire-resistant trees.

It’s hubris to suggest that tens of thousands of acres of forest can be “restored” with a single logging project. Besides,

the forest won’t stay in the condition these projects change it to. We need to stop pretending we can permanently reconstruct the forest ecosystem as a way to protect ourselves from wildfires. The Forest Service’s logging plans are an unproven experiment, not a science-based solution. Do we really want to sacrifice our viewshed, recreation quality, water, and fish and wildlife habitat on a lopsided roll of the dice? We ought to recognize that a large and growing body of scientific evidence refutes the argument that we can log our way to a fire-safe future.

Ric Bailey is a former logger and U.S. Forest Service firefighter. He lives in Winthrop.

The rancher’s life: branding cows, bringing community together

BY ASHLEY AHEARN

If you’ve been out driving along Twisp-Winthrop Eastside Road recently you may have heard the loud mooing of cows or seen folks on horseback escorting herds into various corrals for the annual ritual of spring branding. It’s a special time of year, and a special part of this valley, that I have come to cherish. Before cows can be turned out to graze on the range, they must be branded and have their ears tagged. The males are castrated. The females are pregnancy-checked. They are vaccinated. And, as you might imagine, getting hundreds of cows through that process is quite the undertaking. In fact, it takes a community. A community like this.

People here in this beloved valley come together every year, rain or shine, to keep this important remnant of our ranching history alive. The work starts early — in the cold mist of an April morning — and it continues until the job is done. One person works the head-catcher of the chute, another handles the vaccines, others push cows through the alleyway up to the chute, someone else holds the brand that marks the cow as quickly and painlessly as possible. It’s not always pretty. There’s sweat, blood, poop and singed cowhide. There’s some cursing and bruising and frustration. There’s the ornery young bull that gets away and knocks someone over, or the green horse that spooks and dumps their rider. It can be a rodeo or it can be smooth sailing — and you never quite know what you’re going to get until you

sip that well-earned whiskey at the end of the day.

But everyone shows up with a good attitude and a willingness to learn and support one another, even if they don’t agree on any of the larger issues our country is wrestling with right now. In these moments, it’s about getting the cows through the chute as quickly as possible so they can be put out to pasture for a relaxing summer in our beautiful valley.

The rancher’s life

I am a newcomer — I’ve only been here for six years — but I have come to respect the hard work of the ranchers in this community. I understand why the fences are held together by baling twine, the pickup trucks and tractors are old and the money is tight. Whether we know it or not, we live in a society that doesn’t value the small rancher anymore.

At the big grocery chains our dollars support large-scale rainforest-clearing beef operations that bring us cheap cuts of meat at rock bottom prices. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, four firms now handle nearly 80% of all beef cattle slaughter in the U.S. and much of that beef is raised abroad. I choose to invest my time and money here, helping the ranchers I know raise the beef that I eat. It feels like a small act of defiance, supporting the folks who have managed to hang on in this valley, despite the larger trends in the cattle ranching world.

To be clear: this is not to deny that cattle contribute to our greenhouse gas emissions, but that is just part of their story. If managed well, they can reduce

wildfire risk, increase soil health and provide a healthy, local food source. Just ask the Devaney’s, owners of Lightning River Ranch up the Twisp River. So this spring, if you drive down the Eastside Road, past Deed Fink or Craig Boesel’s ranches, or up Twisp River past the Devaney’s, know that these folks are outliers in the cattle ranching industry. They are small operations who survive mainly on their own sweat and the support of volunteers — many of whom

have been helping out for decades. They have also all chosen to put conservation easements on their lands, a legal agreement that ensures that the majority of their pastures will never be subdivided or developed. And sure, a slow cattle drive may make you late for a meeting in Twisp or Winthrop, and some of the driveways and yards along the road may receive a bit of extra “fertilizer,” but this way of life has brought folks together in this

valley, and fed us, and kept open space open, for generations. May it continue long into our future.

Valley resident Ashley Ahearn is an independent science/environment audio journalist and award-winning NPR podcast producer. She recently released “Mustang,” an eight-part series for NPR, and also published a children’s book, “The Little Black Mustang.” She is on the board of the

vancy.

Methow Conser-

Photos by Gail Marion

From left: Ted Lindsey, Dave Hughes, author Ashley Ahearn, and Lane Darwood: keeping history alive.

Affected water users may get assistance

BY ANN MCCREARY

A meager snowpack and forecasts for a hotter and drier than normal spring and summer prompted state officials last week to declare a drought emergency for most of Washington.

The Methow Valley has been under a drought declaration that was issued by the Department of Ecology last July.

The new drought emergency declaration is a continuation of 2023’s drought emergency, which covered 12 basins in Washington, including the Methow, Ecology said. With the new drought declaration that includes most of Washington, Ecology is preparing to provide assistance to water users affected by the drought throughout the state.

Officials had warned last fall that it would take an unusually wet winter to make up for water deficits, but a warm and dry El Nino weather pattern throughout winter brought little relief. The statewide drought declaration, issued April 16, will continue into next year, Ecology said. After an exceptionally dry start to the

winter, Washington’s snowpack made up some ground in February, March and April.

But with little hope for significant snowfall this spring, there is not enough water contained in mountain snow and reservoirs to prevent serious impacts for water users in the months ahead, according to Ecology.

With many watersheds projecting low water supplies and planning for emergency water right transfers, Ecology declared a drought to make assistance available before those impacts become severe.

“As our climate continues to change, we’re increasingly seeing our winters bring more rain and less snow,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “We depend on that winter snowpack to meet the needs of Washington’s farmers, fish and communities during the dry summer months. And this year, it’s just not at the level we’re accustomed to and rely on.”

No mandatory measures

While the drought declaration puts people on notice that water supplies are already perilously low, it doesn’t restrict water usage or impose mandatory conservation measures.

The Methow River watershed is among the 12 basins across the state that were included in the drought emergency last summer. But the low snowpack

prompted Ecology to include virtually the entire state in its recent drought declaration, excluding only limited areas in Seattle, Tacoma and Everett. Utilities in those cities have reservoir storage and water management strategies that make them more resilient to drought than other systems, Ecology said.

The mountain snowpack is especially low this year. At the beginning of April, when snowpack is usually at its peak, the snowpack for the Methow watershed was only at 61% of the 30-year median, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). By comparison, at the beginning of April last year, the Methow River watershed snowpack was at 95% of median.

Snowpack, which measures the amount of water held in mountain snow, is what hydrologists use to forecast how much water the valley will get as snow melts and flows into rivers and streams.

Although snowstorms in early March brought new snow to some areas of the Cascade crest, they weren’t enough to reverse the trend, water managers said.

Ecology is making $4.5 million available in drought response grants to qualifying public entities to respond to impact from current drought conditions.

“By moving quickly to declare a

drought, we can begin delivering financial support to water systems with drought impacts, and work with water users to find solutions to challenges before they become a crisis,” said Laura Watson, Ecology’s director.

Ecology said it is working with other state agencies to coordinate a drought response.

“Snowpack, rainfall and irrigation from major rivers provide the necessary water supply to sustain our communities and the agriculture industry,” said Derek Sandison, state Department of Agriculture director.

“The anticipated drought conditions this year emphasize the importance of building drought resilience into water management strategies throughout the state,” Sandison said.

Wildlife concerns

The impacts of low flows in rivers and streams raise serious concerns for fish and other species, said Kelly Susewind, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“With decreased snowpack and the potential for low flows and warmer water conditions this summer, it could be a difficult year for fish and other aquatic wildlife,” Susewind said. “We’re

working together to mitigate drought impacts on fish, wildlife and the habitat they depend on to survive.”

In Washington, drought is declared when there is less than 75% of normal water supply and there is a risk of undue hardship to water users. Declaring a drought emergency allows Ecology to distribute drought response grants and to process emergency water right permits and transfers.

Statewide, snowpack was at 68% of median as of the middle of April, although some areas, including the Olympic Mountains, Lower Yakima and north Puget Sound, have significantly lower snowpack, Ecology said. Streamflows in many basins are already below 75% of normal. Forecasts for April through September predict streamflows in the Methow, Stehekin and Okanogan rivers will be only 59% of normal, and the Chelan River will have only 52% of normal, Ecology said. Individuals can help conserve water during drought by following practices as simple as turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or running the dishwasher only when it’s full. Ecology provides information about conservation on its website, ecology.wa.gov/issues-andlocal-projects/education-training/whatyou-can-do/water-conservation.

Methow Housing Trust transfers land to county housing authority

Part of Cascade Meadows North development

BY DON NELSON

The Methow Housing Trust has transferred ownership of a portion of the Cascade Meadows North affordable housing project in Winthrop to the Housing Authority of Okanogan County (HAOC), which will develop some of the housing on the site.

The transaction closed April 1, marking “the realization of a longstanding vision between the Methow Housing Trust (MHT) and the Housing Authority of Okanogan County … to develop and manage a mixed-income housing community as partners,” the housing trust said in a press release.

MHT purchased a 7.93-acre, unimproved parcel near the Cascade Condominiums development in Winthrop just months after the organization’s inception in 2017, anticipating the need for added affordable housing of some type down the road, the release said.

“By 2019, the housing trust began to imagine a neighborhood that included the resale-restricted homes that are the cornerstone of MHT’s affordable homeownership program, as well as affordable rentals,” the release said. “That’s when the HOAC was invited to the neighborhood planning table.”

“Seven years ago this spring, Nancy [Nash-Mendez, director of HAOC] and I were taking a walk as housing colleagues, on MHT’s

first neighborhood site on Canyon Street,” Housing Trust Executive Director Danica Ready said. “We discussed community housing needs and ideals, and ended up scheming about a lofty vision to collaborate in some way, someday, to create a mixed income community in the Methow Valley.”

Joint development

HAOC and MHT agreed to a “memorandum of understanding” that defined how MHT would develop the property with the infrastructure already installed, an arrangement that would help leverage HAOC’s commitment to building and managing 22 rental units for local residents earning 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) or less, the release said. A cost-share agreement allowed MHT to make the upfront infrastructure investment that would have cost more, and taken much longer, for HAOC to accomplish with the funding sources available to them, the release said.

The Cascade Meadows North Planned Development received final approval by the Town on Winthrop in November 2023, making the sale of the parcel intended for the housing authority’s Wildrose Apartments possible. HAOC has spent the past two years putting together a funding package for design of the 22 rental units, purchasing the improved land, and funding the majority of the cost to build Wildrose Apartments. “Our (HAOC) success in securing public grants can be directly attributed to the fact that we have secured land and installed infrastructure, both

thanks to the partnership we have with MHT,” Nash-Mendez said.

MHT expects to break ground on the 24 single-family homes this summer, completing them over the next two to three years. Nash-Mendez said the housing authority needs to secure an additional $1 million to have the full $10.5 million for its Winthrop project in hand. HAOC anticipates securing the final funding and break ground by spring of 2025.

State funds helped

Earlier this year, the Cascades Meadow North developments got a big financial boost with the award of more than $8.7 million in state funding for construction and infrastructure costs.

HAOC received $8.5 million in from the Washington Housing Trust Fund for construction of its 22-unit multi-family rental complex. The Wildrose Family Housing project will be the second affordable rental housing complex in the Methow Valley owned and operated by the housing authority.

The multi-family housing development will provide rental units primarily for people who qualify as “low income,” which means earning 50% of the county’s average median income or less. Average median income for Okanogan County was $58,218 in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

But the housing authority will also designate five of the 22 units as “work force housing” for people who exceed low-income guidelines but still struggle to afford housing in the comparatively high-priced Methow Val-

ESTATE

ley market, Nash-Mendez said. Those units will be available to people earning up to 80% of the average median income, she said.

In seeking funding for the Wildrose development, the Housing Authority was successful in convincing the state Housing Trust Fund of the need to provide some housing for people above the designated “low income” threshold usually required to qualify for funding.

The Housing Trust Fund “allowed that flexibility to go up to 80%” of average median income for a portion of the development, opening the housing to a broader range of residents, Nash-Mendez said. The Housing Trust Fund, which is part of the state Department of Commerce, also awarded the Housing Authority of Okanogan County $3.5 million more than maximum award of $5 million for this funding cycle, Nash-Mendez said.

The Housing Authority also received a separate grant of $120,000 from the state Department of Commerce to help with infrastructure costs of Wildrose Family Housing. The MHT also received an infrastructure grant of $156,000.

The grants are part of a “Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program” or “CHIP,” and help pay infrastructure costs and connection fees for affordable housing developments. The Town of Winthrop applied for the CHIP funding for the Cascades Meadows North project on behalf of MHT and the housing authority.

MHT has completed roads, water, sewer and stormwater systems for the 24 homes that will be

built near the Wildrose apartment complex. The CHIP grant will cover the cost of connection fees to town water and sewer services, allowing the town of Winthrop to waive the usual connection fees.

That will save the Methow Housing Trust $6,500 per house, Ready said.

The savings will help fund future home construction by the Methow Housing Trust, she said.

“This grant means our community gets another permanently affordable house.”

This is the second CHIP grant awarded to the Housing Authority for the Wildrose project, which received $100,000 in 2022 for infrastructure and development charges such as hookup fees, water and sewer connections.

The Housing Authority is an independent, public agency that owns 13 affordable housing developments, which it calls “communities,” throughout the county,

are subsidized to make them affordable. The Housing Authority also manages 415 rental assistance vouchers provided through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. In the Methow Valley, the Housing Authority owns Twisp Gardens. MHT has completed 47 homes in five neighborhoods in Twisp, Winthrop and Mazama. The trust follows a community land trust model, where the trust owns the land and sells houses, leasing the land the house is on to the homeowner. Homeowners agree to sell their homes at a restricted price to keep it affordable in perpetuity. Work on 12 homes currently underway at the Evergreen Loop affordable housing development in Twisp is expected to be completed by this summer, Ready said. Ann McCreary contributed to this article.

Trail’s End exemplifies independent

BY SHELLEY SMITH JONES

Saturday (April 27) is the 11th Annual Independent Bookstore Day. Amanda Gorman, known for her reading at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, speaks as the Indie Bookstore Ambassador (202324): “Independent bookstores are vital hubs of creativity and community.”

With names like Nook & Cranny Books, Secret Garden Books, and Browsers Bookshop, independent bookstores continue to flourish — even after the threat that big box bookstores would steamroll the indie bookseller. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks portrayed that struggle in the 1998 film “You’ve Got Mail,” in which she owned an independent book shop, and he was a book superstore magnate.

Between 2000 and 2007, more than 1,000 independent bookstores across America did close their doors. The prediction of their demise appeared to be coming to fruition. Then things changed when Borders filed for bankruptcy in 2011 and Barnes & Noble closed dozens of stores in the 2010s. Their biggest competitor: Amazon. Meanwhile, independent bookstores experienced a revival. There are reasons why readers are drawn to the small, cozy stores.

The Methow Valley is home to an independent bookstore that has “gone through a few owners, growth spurts and reloca-

ARTS BRIEFS

tion within town,” according to Christine Janikowski, who along with Abilene Hagee co-owns the store.

Trail’s End Bookstore moved into its current location in 2016. Janikowski and her husband, Patrick, had purchased the bookstore business in 2013 from Ken Libby and Julie Tate-Libby. The store had been in the smaller space now occupied by the Meza restaurant. Two other locations on Riverside Avenue — The Wine Shed space and the former Nordic Ultratune building — had been earlier homes to the bookseller.

Book lovers, puzzle and game lovers, and kids alike find the store comfortable and cozy. Shopping at an indie book bookstore offers an experience where physical books line the shelves and invite one to pick up and read the cover. Although e-books are still popular, many people want to be in a store that sells “real books.”

Friendly outreach

The well-read staff at Trail’s End Bookstore is one of the most valuable resources a small bookstore offers. If one follows Trail’s End on social media, you will see what book employees recommend for the week — one they have read and the reasons why they recommend it. Checking the website or stopping into the store, the “Staff Picks” is a special touch that a big box store or the internet cannot replicate. Like other small bookstores,

JAZZ AT CONFLUENCE

Cascadia Music presents an evening of modern jazz with Martin Budde, Dylan Hayes and Will Lone at The Confluence: Art in Twisp, on Wednesday (April 24) starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Visit www.cascadiamusic.org for information.

ARTIST’S OPEN HOUSE AT LOST RIVER WINERY

Lost River Winery in Winthrop will host an open house for local artist Jessica Da Costa of Copper Maiden Art on Friday (April 26) from 3-5 p.m. Her art features copper sculptures, weathervanes and wall pieces, drawing inspiration from the natural world and the imagination, according to a press release. Snacks provided and discounted wine for purchase. For more information, email info@ lostriverwinery.com.

JAZZ AT THE WINTHROP LIBRARY

On Tuesday (April 30) at 5:30-7 p.m., George Schneider and Marcus Duke present a variety of classic jazz and original compositions at the Winthrop library.

PHOTOGRAPHING UKRAINE

Local photographer Shiah Lints will share his photography of daily life in Ukraine during the early days of the Russia-Ukrainian conflict on Tuesday, May 7, at the Winthrop library, starting at 5:30 p.m. He will discuss his experience as a wartime photographer living among the people of Ukraine. Lints will also display a selection of prints.

CASCADIA CONCERT

The Cascadia Chorale and Pipestone Orchestra are now in rehearsals for a spring concert, “Inspired by Nature,” on May 10 and 11 at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp. For information, email cascadiamv@gmail.com.

OVOC PRESENTS ‘LOVE LETTERS’

The Okanogan Valley Orchestra and Chorus (OVOC) will stage “Love Letters,” a poignant play by A.R. Gurney, in a special Readers Theater format in May.

“Love Letters” will be staged at two different venues: at the Omak Performing Arts Center on May 11 and 12, and at the Tonasket Community Cultural Center on May 18 and 19. Saturday performances start at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. For the Omak shows, which have a seating capacity of 135, audi-

Trail’s End depends on book sales for its bread and butter, but it also carries stationery, cards, games, and puzzles along with gift items. Diversifying is another of the reasons that independent bookstores continue to thrive. During the pandemic, Trail’s End depended upon phone and internet purchases with contactless delivery. With the loss of tourist traffic, it was a trying time for almost all local brickand-mortar stores, but Winthrop’s indie bookseller survived to see another day.

Perhaps the primary reason for success is that independent bookstores such as Trail’s End foster community. The store hosts author readings and book launches — the most recent on April 19. Charlie J. Stephen, a PNW author, read excerpts from his debut novel “A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest” and signed copies for purchase. Events such as this provide a place for readers to commune and exchange ideas and recommendations.

Trail’s End made news in what is known as “the bible of the book business.” Publisher’s Weekly (PW), a news magazine that covers the international book publishing business, wrote about how Trail’s End Bookstore “benefited from an unplanned shipment of the ‘Fourth Wing’ special edition.” A photo of the quaint western-themed storefront graced the article.

Hagee described how the store had mistakenly received the shipment of 112 copies of a special edition of Rebecca Yarros’

bestselling book, the first in the “Empyrean” fantasy series. “They showed up, and I almost cried, because we’re more a touristy-based store in the North Cascades and not a high traffic

ence members will have the opportunity to be seated on the stage itself. The Tonasket venue has a capacity of up to 200 people. Tickets are $15 and available at www.ovocmusic.org/category/ musical.

SERKO DISCUSSES ‘HATTIE’S WAR’

Methow Valley novelist Peter Serko will host a book talk and reading at the Winthrop library Community Room on Thursday, May 16, at 7 p.m. He will talk about his historical novel, “Hattie’s War.” The story’s main character, Hattie, is Serko’s great-great grandmother, Harriet Howell Phelps. The event, titled “What Family Stories Lie Hidden in Your Closet?” will explore the role family artifacts and memorabilia played in writing the book. Books will be available for purchase on the evening of the event. Find out more at hattieswar.com.

CALL FOR LGBTQIA++ ARTISTS

The Confluence: Art in Twisp has issued an exhibit call for LGBTQIA++ artists under the age of 24 to submit artwork for the gallery’s upcoming art show, “Out There,” which opens in June in the Community Gallery.

If you live in Okanogan County and identify as LGBTQIA++, complete a 3-minute survey to participate in the collaborative art installation. The show is curated by Laura Gunnip. Contact her at fireweedprintshop@gmail.com for information about how to participate.

LIBERTY BELL DRAMA PRODUCTION

Tickets are on sale for the Liberty Bell Drama Company production of the musical “Ride the Cyclone,” which will be staged at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp on May 14-19.

The play will be performed at 7 p.m. on May 14, 15, 17 and 18, and at 2 p.m. on May 19. Tickets are $15 for general admission. There will be limited free tickets available at the door for students and for the families of the cast and crew. Tickets can be reserved online at mercplayhouse.org. Doors open 30 minutes before show time.

The show is rated PG-13 and may not be suitable for young children. The drama company is using the high school-adapted script for the musical.

According to information from the drama company, “In this hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived!”

The performance is supported by the Public School Funding Alliance, Methow Arts and The Merc Playhouse.

‘DAUGHTERS OF RIGA’ BOOK GROUP

Join author Marian Exall for a free discussion about her latest book, “Daughters of Riga,” in the Your Space building on the TwispWorks campus on Wednesday, May 22, from 3-5 p.m.

urban shop,” Hagee told PW. Through the magic of a viral video on social media, “We sold everything within two days,” said Hagee. “We shipped all over the world — to Australia, to France,

Inspired by a true story, Exall’s WWII family saga traces the lives of two daughters who lose their mothers in the chaos of wartime. For information, email tracy@methowathome.org.

‘HALF-LIFE OF MARIE CURIE’ IS BACK

The Merc Playhouse Readers’ theater production of “The Halflife of Marie Curie” will, by popular demand, be back for a return engagement on June 6-9.

The play, written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Carolanne Steinebach, has a two-woman cast: Gwen Vernon will read the role of Marie Curie; Curie’s fellow scientist and friend Hertha Ayrton will be read by Cindy Williams Gutierrez.

A summary of the play’s premise: In 1911, Curie won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. By 1912, she was demoralized by press gossip about an alleged affair. Marie’s friend, an electromechanical engineer and suffragette, brings Marie to England to recover. The production explores the power of female friendship.

Show times will be 7 p.m. on June 6, 7 and 8, and 2 p.m. on June 9. Donation is by admission; there will be no presale tickets. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

For information, visit www.mercplayhouse.org.

JAZZ WEEKEND RETURNS

Methow Music Monthly will stage the second annual Jazz Weekend in the Methow, on July 6-9.

Events will include a concert, workshops and classes, jam session, Mazama Public House show, and a Sunday morning jazz “service.” All events will take place at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp, with the exception of the Tuesday show at the Mazama Public House.

Performers will include:

• the trio Friendship, from New York City, consisting of pianist Jenny Xu, bassist Ben Feldman, and drummer Kofi Shepsu, who appeared at the 2023 Jazz Weekend

• longtime Methow resident and vocalist Nancy Zahn, who returns home with her quartet, including top-rated Seattle pianist Bill Anschell.

• longtime Methow valley resident and pianist Lynette Westendorf, who will team up with poet Greg Wright and Cindy Williams Gutierrez to present Sunday Morning Music, with jazz and poetry in a spiritually uplifting program.

• a Community Jazz Jam Session will be hosted by local musicians including Marcus Duke, Wayne Mendro, Terry Hunt, Kirk Schumacher, and Dave Nolet.

• the local jazz band Goad-Lone-Nolet-Schneider will perform at the Mazama Public House to wrap up the event on Tuesday, July 9.

More details will be forthcoming. Organizers are looking for artist housing, ushers, ticket takers, bartenders financial supporters and more. Email methowmusicmonthly@gmail.com for information. The event will be free for all students, Senior Center clientele and Jamie’s Place residents and staff.

2023

everybody wanted it.” Trail’s End Bookstore turned out to be the little engine that could. Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with Winthrop’s hometown treasure.

Photo by Shelley Smith Jones

Trail’s End Bookstore has persevered thanks in part to its efforts at building community.

Celebrate conservation at Methow Recycles’ Earth Day Festival

Methow Recycles stages its third annual Earth Day Festival — which offers music, food and conservation-related activities for all ages — on Saturday (April 27) at the John Doran Ranch just north of Twisp.

The event, a fundraiser for Methow Recycles, will be from 2-7 p.m. The focus will be on supporting repair, sharing and reuse, promising fun along with information.

Musical headliner will be Tacoma-based Island Bound, a five-piece reggae band. Local Methow Valley favorites The Crunk Monks will open the festivities with their blend of funk and rock.

Local food trucks, beer and wine will be available. There will be an education village with demonstrations and activities from conservation organizations around the region, and a poetry tent with readings from local poets. Also look for an upcycled kids’ costume booth, crafts, a special kids’ parade, and plenty of outdoor space for dancing. Bring a chair and a blanket.

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC IN THE VALLEY

The information below was provided by Methow Music Monthly and other sources. For more information, visit www.methowmusicmonthly.com.

• First Sundays, Methow Acoustic Musicians Association gathers at The Cove in Twisp, or at the Twisp Park in good weather, from 3-5 p.m. All are invited.

• Mondays, locals night with music by Ken Bevis (May 6), Hank Cramer (May 13), Danbert Nobacon (May 20), Emele Clothier (April 29) and others at Sun Mountain Lodge, 5-8 p.m. at Sun Mountain Lodge. No cover.

• Tuesdays, Methow Ukulele Group meets at various locations around the valley from 3-5 p.m.; April 30 at the Winthrop library. More information at geraldebell@yahoo.com.

• Wednesdays, dance instruction from the waltz and salsa to the two- and 10-step and everything in between, with Debbie Bair at Twisp River Tap House, ages 12 and up, 5:30-8:30 p.m. $5.

• Wednesdays, Zumba 101 with Tani at Winthrop Physical Therapy & Fitness, 9:30 a.m.

• Wednesdays, The Apostles (Paul

Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 at the door; kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets. com/event/6256182, www.methowrecycles.org/events/earth-day, or in person at Methow Recycles.

Gitchos, John Almquist and Peter Neitlich) entertain at 1908 Barbecue and Bourbon Twisp, 5:30 -7:30 p.m. No cover.

• Thursdays, Zumba with Tani at Methow Valley Community Center, 5:30 p.m. By donation

• Fridays, open mic jam with Gregg Hardy at Twisp River Tap House, 6 p.m.-closing. No cover.

• Fridays (first, third and fourth), ecstatic dance lessons at Wellspring in the Methow Valley Community Center, 5:30-7 p.m. $12 per session.

• Thursday, April 25, Kris Borgias offers rock, blues and folk at OSB Taproom, TwispWorks, 5:30-8:30. No cover.

• Friday, April 26, “Uncle Doug” Cooper offers country, folk rock and more at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop, 6-9 p.m. No cover.

• Tuesday, April 30, guitar and drum duo Greg Goad and Will Lone at the Mazama Public House, 5:308:30 p.m. No cover.

• Saturday, April 27, karaoke hosted by KJ, April Peterson at Twisp River Tap House, 6:30 p.m. No cover.

• Saturday, May 4, DJ Insite Sounds offers Trashion Show afterparty at Twisp River Tap House, 9:45 p.m. No cover.

will once again host a day of activities, including food, drink, music, poetry, crafts and informational

REPAIR CAFÉ

Methow Recycles’ monthly Repair Café will also be held during the Earth Day Festival. A team of expert fixers and menders are volunteering to get your things working again, whether it’s mechanical or electrical fixes, bicycle maintenance, tool and knife sharpening, sewing, mending, and darning, or wood repairs.

Items must be small enough to be carried and not be leaking fluids or hazardous in any way. You must stay with your item during its repair. Bring any parts you may have to complete the fix. The sewing team only mends items, no custom alterations. For information, email aspen@methowrecycles.org.

NEWS BRIEFS

DEPOLARIZATION

WORKSHOP WILL BE REPEATED

Spaces remain available for the Eastern Washington Braver Angels Alliance’s repeat offering of its popular “Depolarizing Within” workshop on Saturday, May 2, from 2-5 p.m. at the Winthrop library.

An earlier workshop on Feb. 17 drew a full house. In the workshop, people will learn and practice listening and speaking skills in a safe and highly structured setting. For more information visit https:// methowvalleynews.com/2024/02/01/ learn-to-get-along-in-braver-angelsworkshop/.

To register for the free event, visit www.eventbrite.com or email jdickinson@braverangels.org.

ELECTION FILING

Filing for local offices that will be on the Nov. 5 general election ballot opens on May 6 and concludes May 10. Of interest to Methow Valley residents:

• Congressman Dan Newhouse, representing the state’s 4th District, is up for re-election.

• The two state representative posi-

tions in District 7, which includes the Methow Valley, are up for election.

Jacquelin Maycumber, the Position 1 representative, is not seeking re-election and instead intends to run for the 5th Congressional District seat being vacated by Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Joel Kretz, who holds Position 2, will not seek re-election.

Sen. Shelly Short is not up for re-election in this cycle.

• Two of the three Okanogan County commissioners, Chris Branch (District 1) and Andy Hover (District 2, which includes the Methow Valley) are up for re-election. Jon Neal (District 3) is not.

• Both of Okanogan County’s Superior Court judges, Kathryn Burke and Robert Grim, are up for re-election.

• Okanogan County PUD District 1 board member Bill Colyar is up for re-election. For election information, visit the Okanogan County Auditor’s page on the county’s website, www.okanogancounty.org/government/auditor/ index.php.

There will be an Aug. 6 primary election in the event there is need for a runoff to determine the top two can-

Visitor Information

NEED A TOW?

CLASSIC TOWING, TWISP: 997-2333

POST OFFICES

CARLTON: 997-6091; 2274 Highway 153

METHOW: (509) 923-2759; 34 Main St.

TWISP: 997-3777; 205 Glover St. WINTHROP: 996-2282; 1110 Highway 20

PET PROBLEMS?

METHOW VALLEY VETERINARY

HOSPITAL: 910 Highway 20, Winthrop: 996-3231; www.methowvalleyvethospital.com

INFORMATION CENTERS

TWISP: 997-2926; 201 Methow Valley Highway (Methow Valley Community Center)

WINTHROP: 996-2125; 49 Highway 20

NEED A PLACE TO STAY?

METHOW RESERVATIONS: 996-2148 or (800) 422-3048; www. methowreservations.com; info@ methowreservations.com

OPEN LATE

HANK’S MINI MARKET: 410 E. Methow Valley Highway, Twisp; 997-4332; until 10 p.m. every day; 24-hour fueling

MAZAMA STORE: 50 Lost River Road, Mazama; 996-2855; 24-hour fueling

PARDNERS MINI MARKET: 900 Highway 20, Winthrop; 996-2005; until midnight every day; 24-hour fueling

TWISP CHEVRON: 126 N. Methow Valley Highway; 997-3181; until 10 p.m. weekdays and Sunday, 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 24-hour fueling

AIRPORTS

TWISP MUNICIPAL AIRPORT: 40 Wagner Road, Twisp; 997-2311

METHOW VALLEY STATE AIRPORT: Twisp-Winthrop Eastside Road; (360) 618-2477

VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC: 20335 Highway 20, Twisp; 9978452; www.valleyveterinaryclinictwisp.com

WINTHROP VETERINARY CLINIC: 523 Highway 20, Winthrop; 9962793; www.winthropvetclinic.com

NEED TO CHARGE YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

TWISPWORKS: 502 S. Glover St., Twisp; 997-3300; twispworks.org

PINE NEAR RV PARK: 316 Castle Ave., Winthrop; (509) 341-4062; www.pinenearpark.com

INN AT MAZAMA: 15 Country Road, Mazama; 996-2681; www. innmazama.com

SUN MOUNTAIN LODGE, WINTHROP: 996-2211; www. sunmountainlodgecom

TWISP RIVER SUITES: 140 W. Twisp Ave., Twisp; 997-0100; www. twispriversuites.com.

EAST 20 PIZZA: 720 Highway 20, Winthrop; 996-3996; https://east20pizza.com

ABBYCREEK INN: 1006 Highway 20, Winthrop; 996-3100; www. abbycreekinn.com

TWISP TOWN HALL: 118 S. Glover St.

WINTHROP LIBRARY: 112 Norfolk Road; 996-2685; www. ncwlibraries.org/locations/ winthrop-public-library

CAB & SHUTTLE

METHOW MOTION SHUTTLE SERVICES: 996-2894; www. methowmotion20.com; reservations@methowmotion20.com

TRANSIT

OKANOGAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY (TRANGO): www.okanogantransit.com; (509) 557-6177

POLICE/EMERGENCY/911

TWISP POLICE DEPARTMENT: 997-6112; townoftwisp. com/index.php/departments/ police-department

WINTHROP MARSHAL’S OFFICE: 996-2160; www.winthropmarshals.com

OKANOGAN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: (509) 422-7232; www. okanogansheriff.org

WASHINGTON STATE PATROL: (509) 422-3800

OKANOGAN COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 6: 997-2981

AERO METHOW RESCUE SERVICE: 997-4013; www.aeromethow. org

LIBRARIES

TWISP: 997-4681; 201 Methow Valley Highway (Methow Valley Community Center); www.ncwlibraries.org/locations/twisp-public-library; wireless hot spot

WINTHROP: 996-2685; 112 Norfolk Road; www.ncwlibraries.org/ locations/winthrop-public-library; wireless hot spot

NEED TO CLEAN UP?

LAUNDROMAT, SHOWERS AND FREE WI-FI AT WASHWORKS: 325 E. Highway 20, Twisp; 997-0336; www.hwy20washworks.com

RECREATION INFORMATION

U.S. FOREST SERVICE: 9964000; 24 W. Chewuch Rd., Winthrop

METHOW TRAILS: 996-2387; 21 Horizon Flat Road, Winthrop; www.methowtrails.com

WINTHROP RINK: 996-4199; www.winthroprink.com

PEARRYGIN LAKE STATE PARK,WINTHROP:

996-2370; www.parks.wa.gov/563/ Pearrygin-Lake CASCADE LOOP SCENIC HIGHWAY: www.cascadeloop.com

NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK: Newhalem visitor center, (206) 386-4495 ext.11; www.nps. gov/noca/index.htm.

WASHINGTON DEPT. OF FISH & WILDLIFE: (360) 902-2200; www. wdfw.wa.gov

LOUP LOUP SKI BOWL: https:// skitheloup.com; (509) 557-3401

CAR WASH

CASCADE KING’S: 1421 Methow Valley Hwy S., Twisp; 997-2513; www.kingstire.biz

BANKS NORTH CASCADES BANK: 101 Methow Valley Highway N., Twisp; 997-2411; www.northcascadesbank.com

FARMERS STATE BANK: 159 Riverside Ave., Winthrop; 996-2244; www.farmersstatebankwa.com

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE TWISP: 997-2020; https://twispwa.com

WINTHROP: 996-2125; www. winthropwashington.com

OMAK: (509) 826-1880 or (800) 225-6625; www.omakchamber.com

OKANOGAN: (509) 422-4034; www.okanogachamber.com

BREWSTER: (509) 689-3464; www.brewsterchamber.org

PATEROS: (509) 923-9636; www. pateros.com

RECYCLING

METHOW RECYCLES: 997-0520; 12 Twisp Airport Road; www. methowrecycles.org

GOVERNMENT

CITY OF PATEROS: (509) 9232571; www. pateros.com

TOWN OF TWISP: 997-4081; 118 S. Glover St.; www.townoftwisp.com

TOWN OF WINTHROP: 996-2320, 206 Riverside Ave., www.townofwinthrop.com

didates who have filed for a position. COUNTY FIRSTHALF TAXES

Pam Johnson, Okanogan County Treasurer, reminds taxpayers that payments of first-half property taxes for 2024, as well as irrigation assessments, are due and must be postmarked by Tuesday, April 30. Interest will begin accruing on Wednesday, May 1, at 1% per month. If you have 2021 year or older in property taxes or irrigation assessments owing, you could be subject to tax foreclosure. Contact the Treasurer’s Office at (509) 422-7180 for more information. If you are mailing your taxes or assessments, send your payment to: Okanogan County Treasurer, PO Box 111, Okanogan, WA 98840. If paying by credit card or debit card, go to www.okanogancounty. org/government/treasurer or call 1-877-737-4772. For customer service call 1-888-891-6064 and choose option 2. When using a credit card or debit card, a processing fee by a third-party vendor will apply. The Treasurer’s office will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting April 22 through April 30.

HEALTH CARE

THREE RIVERS HOSPITAL, BREWSTER: (509) 689-2086; www. threerivershospital.net

MID-VALLEY HOSPITAL, OMAK: (509) 826-1760; www.mvhealth.org

CONFLUENCE HEALTH METHOW VALLEY CLINIC, WINTHROP: 996-8180

FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS MEDICAL CLINIC, TWISP: 997-2011 BREWSTER CLINIC: (509) 826-1800

SAWTOOTH DENTAL CARE, TWISP: 997-7533

ULRICH’S PHARMACY, TWISP: 997-2191

HIGHWAY INFORMATION WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: www.wsdot.wa.gov

INFORMATION & MEDIA METHOW VALLEY NEWS: 9977011; 502 S. Glover St., Twisp; www. methowvalleynews.com; frontdesk@methowvalleynews.com

WWW.METHOWNET.COM

WWW.METHOW.COM

KTRT, 97.5 FM KCSY,

File photo by Steve Mitchell

The John Doran Ranch near Twisp

displays, on Saturday from 2-7 p.m.

SPORTS & RECREATION

LBHS kicks soccer skid with three wins

BY RICK LEWIS

After a four-game losing streak against the power of the NCW2B boys’ soccer league, the Mountain Lions got off the schneid in a big way last week — first with a 3-0 win over the Pateros Billygoats on Wednesday (April 17), then a gutsy 4-2 upset of the league’s No. 2 Manson Trojans on Thursday.

Both matches were played on the home turf at Liberty Bell High School. The Lions then capped a perfect week with a 2-1 home over Okanogan on Saturday.

The win over the Trojans avenged a sour 2-1 loss just five days earlier at Manson, where Liberty Bell dominated the first half, and most of the second half, only to give up two late goals.

Asked if it was like getting a monkey off the back, Liberty Bell Coach Mark Crum said, “No. Bigger. More like an elephant,” after the Manson win on Thursday.

Aidan Sands, the sophomore midfielder who has been shooting more at frosty biathlon targets in Norway than soccer nets in the Methow the past few weeks, scored two goals for Liberty Bell against Manson in his return to the lineup.

Things got off to an early rocky start for the home team on Thursday as Manson struck quickly, scoring at 1:32 into the first half. A rush on the net, a deflection and a hard close-in shot silenced the crowd almost immediately, but the resilient Lions didn’t take long to respond.

Bradyn Schmekel found himself the unexpectant recipient of the ball immediately in front of the goal. Schmekel tapped a quick pass out to teammate Baker Smith, who loaded and fired rapidly, zipping the ball past Schmekel’s ear and into the net for the 1-1 tie at about the 5:45 mark.

From that point on, the Mountain Lions were in charge, holding the ball in the Manson end of the field for extended periods, and playing tough, hard-nosed defense.

Liberty Bell took the lead 11:45 into the match when Finn Simmons found Ely Talbert with a nifty pass. Talbert

drilled a shot into the net from about 20 yards out on the left side. A couple more shots on goal resulted from the continuous Mountain Lion pressure, including a shot by Simmons that pounded off the left side goal post, shaking the net and reverberating around the bowl.

Manson broke the momentum briefly with an equalizing goal at 19:50 left on the first half clock. Two shots were efficiently rejected by Mountain Lion netminder Raiff Reichert, but a third shot was the charmer for the visitors, tying the score at 2-2.

A quick strike was the answer earlier for Liberty Bell. Aidan Sands took a corner kick from Oliver Peplow-Shaw and fired from 20 yards out on the right side. The ball flew over the head of the Manson keeper into the net and the Mountain Lions took the lead, this time for good, with 15:30 remaining in the first half.

With the 3-2 lead at the break, the emphasis in the halftime break was on continuing the defensive pressure, and

the boys responded, shutting out the Trojans in the final 40 minutes. Sands added his second goal of the game, again 20 yards out on the right side. That goal ran the score to the eventual final of 4-2 Liberty Bell. It could have been more. The local boys continued to apply offensive pressure, dominating time of pressure with controlled passing and creating some opportunities to play add-on.

Simmons had three shots on goal in the final period, Leatham Peterson added one and several others got off some shots that fell victim to excellent net play.

On Saturday, the Mountain Lions completed a regular season sweep of the Okanogan soccer program with a 2-1 win on the pitch at Mountain Lion stadium. Two first-half goals, one by Ben Kaufman off an extraordinary assist from Brodi Barber, and a second by Mountain Lion captain Finn Simmons, were all Liberty Bell would need. Again, the story was an assertive defen-

sive game plan complimented by a controlling offense.

The current three-game win streak put the brakes on that freefall in the league standings. Liberty Bell was in fifth place with five games, all on the road, and two weeks left in the regular season. They were favored to pick up their fourth consecutive win at Oroville on Tuesday.

On Thursday (April 25), the Mountain Lion look to avenge an earlier, rather contentious and bitter loss to the Tonasket Tigers, one of five teams within two games of each other in the standings. There were a pair of yellow cards issued, one to each team, in the

fairly physical game.

The Liberty Bell boys can still win the regular season league championship and a high seed into the 1A/B District playoff, even from their currently fifthplace standing. They need some help, but a Bridgeport loss combined with a Lion run of the table could provide the necessary formula for the top post-season seed.

That picture will clarify significantly over the next week. On April 27, it’s on to Brewster, then at Bridgeport on April 30 — both teams the Mountain Lions pushed to the limit before losing tight matches earlier. They close the regular season at Pateros on May 1.

Mountain Lions set new personal marks at Manson, Quincy meets

BY RICK LEWIS

It was a day of trying new track and field events, resulting in a bevy of personal records — 21 to be precise — for the Mountain Lions at the Manson Small School Invitational on April 16. A number of Liberty Bell High School athletes debuted in new events, just to try something different, and a few Mountain Lions recorded some new personal bests in their practiced events. Notable among those were senior Will Halpin and freshman Taylor Hover. Halpin set a new PR in the 1,600M at 4:29.87, beating his previous PR (4:36.38) set last year at the CW2B League championships. Hover, who set a new PR last week in the 200M, took the top spot at Manson in the 100M with her 13:30, nipping Brewster’s Isabella Tolen by two-tenths of a second. Hover’s time beat her previous high school mark, set just last week, by a full second, and vaults her into third place on the all-time Mountain Lion list. Halpin’s 1,600M run also placed him third in the all-time record book, only Liam Daily (2014; 4:29.57) and Dexter Delaney’s 4:25.50 run a month ago at Bridgeport are ahead of the Mountain Lion senior. Senior Aksel Thomson is one of those who stepped out of his normal lane to take on the 300M hurdle event. Thomson, who is normally part of the distance team and typically saves his sprinting work for the final meters of the 800M, 1,600M and 3,200M runs, tied for first place with a time of 46.63 in a photo finish with Chelan’s Carter Lambright. His time cracked the top 25 in the state’s 2B rankings at No. 22. Five Liberty Bell girls ran the 100M at Manson, all setting new personal bests. Audrey Roman placed fourth with a time of 13:65, Kady Hammer was 10th at 14.29, Anna Liebe was 15th at 14.73 and Nova Gehring was 31st at 15.70, each one a new personal record. Roman, just a sophomore, dashed her way into the top 10 at ninth on the all-time Liberty Bell list.

Senior Sandra Hernandez took first place in the girls’ 400M with a new senior season mark at 1:05.25, out-striding Brewster’s distance specialist Kaydence Carrington by two seconds to the tape. Liberty Bell freshman Ingrid Venable (1:10.81) placed sixth among the 12 starters. It was a double at the top of the girls

1,600M as senior Leki Albright crossed the line in first at 5:41.83 and sophomore Samra Newton came home in second place, her 5:57.99 a new personal record. The Mountain Lion girls won both of the relays Liberty Bell entered. The 4x200M team of Roman, Venable, Hover and Wynter Woras carried the

baton around the 800M in 1:57.12. The 4x400M team of Hernandez, Woras, Albright and Roman covered the metric mile in 4:45.80, a solo flight with no other entries. It was on to Quincy for the CLA Quincy Invitational Saturday at the 1A Caribou Trail school on the northern fringes of the Columbia Basin. Schools were limited to specific numbers of athletes participating in events because of the size of the field, with 17 1B, 2B, and 1A schools in attendance.

Top-five placers in Quincy included Kyler Mitchell’s 55.27, fifth-place finish in the 400M, Will Halpin’s 9:58.75 first place in the 3,200M, Morgan Spellman

(152 feet, 7 inches) and Aksel Thomson (144 feet, 6 inches, personal record) placing second and third in the javelin, Taylor Hover placing third in the 200M with a new personal best of 27.69, Wynter Woras taking third in the 400M with a new PR of 1:04.95, Leki Albright taking fifth in the 800M (2:39.36) and first in the 1600M at 5:38.50, and Samra Newton’s second-place 3,200M run with a personal best 12:34.90.

The girls’ relay teams sparkled again at Quincy. The 4x200M team of Woras, Ingrid Venable, Sandra Hernandez and Hover carried the baton around the track in 1:53.96 while the 4x400M team took 4:34.20 to complete the four-lap race. Kady Hammer set a new personal

record in winning the ambulatory (parasport) division of the shot put with a throw of 23 feet.

Other personal records were set in Quincy by Holden Riggs in the 100M (13.16), Elijah Knox in the 400M (58.75), Sam Kaltenbach (1,600M, 5:38.79), Damien Spears (discus, 101 feet, 10 inches), Penny Palinska (200M, 30.88), Lucy Riggs in the shot put (16 feet, 10 inches), Ingrid Venable (long jump, 13 feet, 10 ½ inches) and Gabby Studen (triple jump, 26 feet, 8 inches).

Full coverage of this Tuesday’s Liberty Bell Small School Invite will appear in next week’s edition of the Methow Valley News.

Above photo by Rick Lewis. Right photos by Josh Thomson

Above: Bodie Thomson headed the ball against Manson as Bradyn Schmekel (left) and Baker Smith looked on. Top right, Schmekel’s breakaway led to a goal against Okanogan. Bottom right, Finn Simmons put a shot on the Okanogan goal.

Photos by Erik Brooks

Left: Liberty Bell’s Kaden Borowski launched the javelin at the Manson meet, where he finished 10th. Right, Taylor Hover elevated in the long jump competition at the Quincy meet, where she took eighth place.

CLASSIFIEDS

Hearing Room located at 123 5th Avenue North, Okanogan, Washington. Persons wishing to comment may attend the hearing in person or via Zoom to be called on for comment or submit comments in writing to the Commissioners’ Office at 123 5th Avenue North, Rm 150, Okanogan, Washington 98840, or by email to ljohns@ co.okanogan.wa.us.

Published in the Methow Valley News April 17, 24; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune April 18, 25, 2024. OVG994725

accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), commits to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, in all of its programs and activities. This material can be made available in an alternate format by emailing Public Works at pw@ co.okanogan.wa.us or by calling collect (800) 833-6388.

is secured by a January 1, 2022, Deed of Trust recorded January 12, 2022, under Auditor No. 3260856, records of Okanogan County, Washington, DOUGLAS WEAVER AND JASMIN LORENA VERGARA, husband and wife (collectively “Grantor”), the beneficial interest in which is now held by ELEGMENT DREAM ACRES LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

said written notice of default was posted on the 23rd day of November, 2023, in a conspicuous place on the real property described in paragraph I above, and the Successor Trustee has possession of proof of such service or posting.

downtown Winthrop at 134 Riverside, Unit B Approximately 900 sf $1000/mo plus power/water Call or text Bill Percich at 360-298-4370 NEED MEETING SPACE? Host your event in YourSpace at TwispWorks! Go to twispworks org/ on-campus/host-an-event or email info@twispworks org

31 EMPLOYMENT

LOOKING FOR AN upbeat fun work environment that’s family owned and operated? Need some extra cash or something to occupy your time? THE WINTHROP STORE has year-round positions available Looking for motivated self-starter to work in Guido’s Deli, make espresso drinks and retail Must be 21 or older Hourly wage is $18/hr DOE + tips, with discounts and employee shift meal Must be available to work weekends Email your resume to: winthropstore@ gmail com or stop by and pick up an application

ARE YOU A cook or a prep cook? Are you chill, creative, and work well under pressure? Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon is looking for you for the summer and beyond. Give us a call at 996-2411 and arrange a time to drop off a resume and learn more about the jobs.

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY for responsible, highly organized, yet easy-going, compassionate, fun and flexible person Seeking fulltime caregiver for bright, easy-going, fun, active and engaged elder Some medical training preferred but not required Duties include assistance with activities of daily living, dressing, cooking, light cleaning, help w/ exercises, walks, driving to PT, doctor’s appts, grocery shopping, the park, etc Flexibility, kindness and strength are essential Warm, friendly home environment References, clean driving record, and current driver’s license req Min 6-month job Prof or family caregiving experience preferred Housing avail if needed, as part of package Salary $40-$60K/yr- DOE Please send inquiries to methowcaregiver@gmail com METHOW CYCLE & SPORT is hiring for a seasonal bike assembler and technician $20/hour, parttime, seasonal, flexible work days and hours Great industry benefits! Email juliem@methowcyclesport com with a brief letter of interest and experience

JAMIE’S PLACE IS looking for a Director of Nursing

Join the Jamie’s Place family and help the Elders of our beautiful Methow Valley to live a meaningful life with dignity and respect Responsibilities include; Care Coordination

Medication Management

Training and supporting Caregiver staff 0 75 FTE flexible schedule, remote work a possibility Salary 35-40/hr depending on experience Please call Jessica Kulsrud 509 996 5964 ARE YOU LOOKING for work where you can listen to YOUR music all day uninterrupted? Like free food? Like rockin’ in soap and water? Come work at Three Fingered Jack’s and be the ultimate hero as a DISHWASHER washing dishes and sh*t We’ve got full-on weirdos to work with and a couple of “interesting” bosses Full or part time, $16-18/hour (and tips) depending on experience Come in to talk with us and fill out an application

83 COMMUNITY EVENTS

LBHS CLASS OF 1994 will be hosting their 30 year class reunion by having a campout 10 miles up the Twisp River – May 17th thru 19th We welcome any other classes (and faculty) that went to school with us, and we also welcome students (and faculty) that went to school with our class at any point along the way who might have moved before graduation Please join us! Contact Justin Gilsoul at jgilsoul@hotmail com for more information or if you have any questions

METHOW VALLEY EAGLES New Membership Drive Weekend!

All are welcome! 205 Hwy 20 Twisp WA May 4th Kentucky Derby 150th Anniversary Party 1 pm Race at 3:45pm Hat Decorating, Mint Juleps, Potluck, Trashion Prefunc! May 5th Cinco de Mayo! Enter the best salsa competition, learn salsa dancing, margaritas and more! 3 pm STATEWIDE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADVERTISE STATEWIDE with a $325 classified listing or $1600 for a display ad Call this newspaper or 360-344-2938 for details

DONATE YOUR CAR, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-225-8568 today!

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today 20% off Entire Purchase 10% Senior & Military Discounts Call 1-888-360-1582 STOP OVERPAYING FOR HEALTH INSURANCE! A recent study shows that a majority of people struggle to pay for health coverage  Let us show you how much you can save  Call Now for a no-obligation quote: 1-877-765-1117 You will need to have your zip code to connect to the right provider PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 money down + low monthly payment options Request a FREE Quote Call now before the next power outage: 1-888-674-7053 LEGAL NOTICES PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BUDGET SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Okanogan County Commissioners that a Public Hearing is set 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024 and will be held in person and via ZOOM, in the County Commissioners’ Hearing Room. Those wishing to attend may do so in person or via the following Join Zoom Audio and Video https://us02web.zoom. us/j/85243019263

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

BUDGET SUPPLEMENTAL

APPROPRIATION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Okanogan County Commissioners that a Public Hearing is set 10:35 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024 and will be held in person and via ZOOM, in the County Commissioners’ Hearing Room. Those wishing to attend may do so in person or via the following Join Zoom Audio and Video https://us02web.zoom. us/j/85243019263 Meeting ID: 852 4301 9263 or Join by phone Audio Only +1 253 215 8782 Meeting ID: 852 4301 9263

The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment for or against the consideration of a budget supplemental appropriation within the Emergency Communications Fund #161. The funds are from Reserved Ending Fund Balance and will be used for ER&R Payments, Radio Tech Salary and payroll taxes, Machinery & Equipment and Professional Services in the amount of $227,565.

The hearing will be held in person or remotely in the County Commissioners’ Hearing Room located at 123 5th Avenue North, Okanogan, Washington. Persons wishing to comment may attend the hearing in person or via Zoom to be called on for comment or submit comments in writing to the Commissioners’ Office at 123 5th Avenue North, Rm 150, Okanogan, Washington 98840, or by email to ljohns@co.okanogan. wa.us. Published in the Methow Valley News April 17, 24; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune April 18, 25, 2024. OVG994729

PUBLIC SERVICE

ANNOUNCEMENT:

A Solid Waste Advisory Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, May 6th, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. Meetings are held at 1234 A 2nd Ave. S in Okanogan. If you would like to attend, please email jsklaney@co.okanogan.wa.us or call 509-422-7304. Published in the Methow Valley News April 24; May 1, 2024; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune April 25; May 2, 2024. OVG995080

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids for CRP No. 942526 Loomis-Oroville Road Drainage, will be received by Okanogan County at the Office of the Board of County Commissioners, located on the first floor of the Grainger Administration Building, 123 Fifth Avenue North, Room 150, Okanogan, Washington. Mailed proposals must be received by no later than the last working day prior to the bid opening date. Hand carried proposals will be received only by the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners at the address stated above until 11:00:59 A.M. Pacific Time, Tuesday, May 14, 2024 and will then and there be opened and publicly read. No facsimiles or electronic proposals will be accepted.

All bid proposals shall be accompanied by a bid proposal deposit in the form of certified check, cashier’s check or surety bond in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount of such bid proposal. Should the successful bidder fail to enter into such contract and furnish a satisfactory performance bond within the time stated in the specifications, the bid proposal deposit shall be forfeited to Okanogan County. Maps, plans and specifications are available upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of $15 per USB Flash Drive or $65 per hard copy set, at the office of the County Engineer, 1234A 2nd Ave. South, Okanogan, WA 98840 or contact the Contracts Administrator at 509-422-7300. Bid proposals must be submitted on the original documents provided in the accompanying bid packet. Informational copies of the maps, plans and specifications will be on file for inspection at the office of the County Engineer at the address noted above, the County website https://okanogancounty.org/bid_detail_T8_R33.phpand in various plan centers located in Washington.

The County of Okanogan in

The County of Okanogan in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 26 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex, in consideration for an award.

Translation esta disponible a pedido. Por favor enviar un correo electronico a pw@co.okanogan. wa.us para solicitor este aviso en espanol.

The Board of Commissioners of Okanogan County, reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities in the bidding. The award of this contract, if made, will be to the lowest responsible bidder.

This is a State Funded project that provides for the improvement of *** the replacement of three old deteriorated 30” culverts. The new culverts are 112-142” span arch pipes. The road surface will be repaved at each location and minor guardrail modifications. Location at Okanogan County Road No. 9425 Loomis Oroville Road from MP 0.280- MP 0.660. Work will include removal of existing 30” culverts, installing new span arch pipes, temporary roadway detour, stream diversion, removing and resetting guardrail, clearing & grubbing, excavation including haul, crushed surfacing base course, seeding, fertilizing and mulching, project temporary traffic controls, trimming and cleanup, *** and other work, all in accordance with the attached Contract Plans, these Contract Provisions, and the Standard Specifications. Published in the Methow Valley News April 24; May 1, 2024; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune April 25; May 2, 2024. OVG995092

OKANOGAN COUNTY

NOTICE OF FINAL DECISION

Boundary Line Adjustment: (parcels 3927212003, 3927220006, 3927220002 & 3927222004) Proponent: Connor & Lacey Treat Decision: Approved The Okanogan County Office of Planning and Development made a final decision on the above-noted projects. Within 20 days of publication, parties with standing may appeal these decisions to the Okanogan County Hearing Examiner at 123 5th Ave. N. Suite 130, Okanogan, WA 98840, pursuant to OCC 2.67.010. An appeal must include the $1,250.00 appeal fee. Published in the Methow Valley News April 24, 2024; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune April 25, 2024. OVG995093

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE PURSUANT TO R.C.W. CHAPTER 61.24 THIS NOTICE IS THE FINAL STEP BEFORE THE FORECLOSURE SALE OF YOUR HOME TO: DOUGLAS WEAVER AND JASMIN LORENA VERGARA, husband and wife:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned Successor Trustee will on May 24, 2024, at the hour of 9:00 a.m., in the lobby of the Okanogan County Superior Court, 149 3rd Avenue North, 3rd Floor, Okanogan, WA 98840, City of Okanogan, State of Washington, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder, payable at the time of sale, the following described real property, situated in the County of Okanogan, State of Washington, to-wit: THE WEST HALF OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 36 NORTH, RANGE 27 EAST W.M.; SITUATE IN THE COUNTY OF OKANOGAN, STATE OF WASHINGTON. Tax Parcel No. 3627111007 the postal address of which is more commonly known as: 395 MCLAUGHLIN CANYON RD, TONASKET, WA 98855, which

II. No action commenced by the Beneficiary of the deed of trust or the Beneficiary’s successor is now pending to seek satisfaction of the obligation in any court by reason of the Borrower’s or Grantor’s default on the obligation secured by the deed of trust.

III. The defaults for which this foreclosure is made are as follows:

a. Missed / partial payments from March 15, 2023, through January 15, 2024: $ 10,877.60

TOTAL PAYOFF AMOUNT $ 10,877.60

OTHER CHARGES, COSTS AND FEES:

In addition to the amounts in arrears specified above, you are or may be obligated to pay the following charges, costs and fees to reinstate the deed of trust if reinstatement is made before recording of the Notice of Trustee’s Sale:

a .Notice of Default: $600.00

b. Appt of Successor Trustee:

$230.00

c. Service of Notice of Default:

$120.00

d. Postage: $60.00

e. Prepare and Serve NOF - NTS

$f. Trustee’s Sale Guarantee

$1,029.30

g. Posting Notice of Sale

$150.00

$-

g. Publish Notice of Sale (est)

TOTAL OTHER COSTS

$2,189.30

In addition to the amounts in arrears specified above AND below, you are obligated to pay the following charges, costs and fees to reinstate the deed of trust if reinstatement is made before recording of the Notice of Trustee’s Sale: PAY ALL UNPAID REAL PROPERTY TAXES DUE TO THE OKANOGAN COUNTY TREASURER. PROVIDE A FIRE AND LIABILITY INSURANCE BINDER LISTING BENEFICIARY AS LOSS PAYEE. TOTAL CURRENT ESTIMATED REINSTATEMENT AMOUNT: $13,066.90

IV. The sum owing on the obligation secured by the deed of trust is principal of $69,000.00, together with interest as provided in the note or other instrument and such other costs and fees as are due under the note or other instrument secured, and as are provided by statute. V. The above-described real property will be sold to satisfy the expense of sale and the obligation secured by the deed of trust as provided by statute. The sale will be made without warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances on May 24, 2024. The default(s) referred to in paragraph III must be cured by May 13, 2024 (11 days before the sale date), to cause a discontinuance of the sale. The sale will be discontinued and terminated if at any time on or before May 13, 2024 (11 days before the sale date), the default(s) as set forth in paragraph III is/are cured and the Trustee’s fees and costs are paid. The sale may be terminated any time after May 13, 2024 (11 days before the sale date), and before the sale by the Borrower, Grantor, and any Guarantor, or the holder of any recorded junior lien or encumbrance paying the entire principal and interest secured by the deed of trust, plus costs, fees, and advances, if any, made pursuant to the terms of the obligation and/or deed of trust, and curing all other defaults.

VI. A written notice of default was transmitted by the Beneficiary or Trustee to the Borrower and Grantor at the following address(es):

DOUGLAS WEAVER

395 MCLAUGHLIN CNYN RD

TONASKET WA 98855

YASMIN LORENA VERGARA

395 MCLAUGHLIN CNYN RD TONASKET WA 98855

OCCUPANT

395 MCLAUGHLIN CNYN RD TONASKET WA 98855

DOUGLAS WEAVER

185 W 12TH ST STE D103

OGDEN UT 84404

YASMIN LORENA VERGARA

185 W 12TH ST STE D103

OGDEN UT 84404 by both first class and certified mail on the 20th day of November, 2023, proof of which is in the possession of the Trustee, and

VII. The Trustee whose name and address are set forth below will provide in writing to anyone requesting it, a statement of all costs and fees due at any time prior to the sale. VIII. The effect of the sale will be to deprive the Grantor and all those who hold by, through or under the Grantor of all their interest in the above-described property. IX. Anyone having any objections to this sale on any grounds whatsoever will be afforded an opportunity to be heard as to those objections if they bring a lawsuit to restrain the sale pursuant to RCW 61.24.130. Failure to bring such a lawsuit may result in a waiver of any proper grounds for invalidating the Trustee’s sale. Service of process of any lawsuit or legal action may be made on the Trustee, whose address is 7 S. Howard Ave., Ste. 218, Spokane,

has the same rights to reinstate the debt, cure the default, or repay the debt as is given to the Grantor in order to avoid the trustee’s sale; (3) the Guarantor will have no right to redeem the property after the trustee’s sale; (4) subject to such longer periods as are provided in the Washington Deed of Trust Act, Chapter 61.24 RCW, any action brought to enforce a guarantee must be commenced within one year after the trustee’s sale, or the last trustee’s sale under any deed of trust granted to secure the same debt; and (5) in any action for a deficiency, the Guarantor will have the right to establish the fair value of the property as of the date of the trustee’s sale, less prior liens and encumbrances, and to limit its liability for a deficiency to the difference between the debt and the greater of such fair value or the sale price paid at the trustee’s sale, plus interest and costs. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. DATED this 19th day of January, 2024. ROBERT R. ROWLEY, P.S. /s/ ROBERT R. ROWLEY, Successor Trustee, 7 S. Howard St., Ste. 218, Spokane, Washington 99201, (509) 252-5074 NOTICE TO ALL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTS OF THE PROPERTY SUBJECT TO FORECLOSURE THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS HAS BEGUN ON THIS PROPERTY, WHICH MAY AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO CONTINUE TO LIVE IN THIS PROPERTY. NINETY (90) DAYS OR MORE AFTER THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, THIS PROPERTY MAY BE SOLD AT FORECLOSURE. IF YOU ARE RENTING THIS PROPERTY, THE NEW PROPERTY OWNER MAY EITHER GIVE YOU A NEW RENTAL AGREEMENT, HONOR THE REMAINDER OF YOUR EXISTING LEASE WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER OR PROVIDE YOU WITH A NINETY-DAY NOTICE TO VACATE THE PROPERTY. YOU MAY WISH TO CONTACT A LAWYER OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OR HOUSING COUNSELING AGENCY TO DISCUSS ANY RIGHTS THAT YOU MAY HAVE. FDCPA Debt Validation Notice The undersigned on behalf of your lender hereby demands payment of monies allegedly due and owing arising out of you the loan

LBHS baseball ounces back, sweeps Okanogan

BY RICK LEWIS

Liberty Bell High School’s baseball team put the one-win, two-loss series to Brewster quickly in the rear-view mirror with a three-game sweep of the Okanogan Bulldogs, winning at home on Tuesday 12-1 and taking both games of a Saturday double-header, 5-1 and 8-1, this past week.

The Mountain Lions were propelled by strong pitching performances from Mac Surface, Damon Alumbaugh and Lucien Paz.

On Tuesday at Mountain Lion Field, the home team jumped out early, posting five runs in the second inning, adding three more and then finishing it off with a four-run fourth inning for the 12-1, 10-run mercy rule inning. The visitors mustered a single tally in the top of the fifth inning to avert the shutout.

Until that final Okanogan at bat, junior pitcher Mac Surface held the Bulldogs at bay, allowing only one hit and six base runners, three via walks and two by error.

Liberty Bell tagged Okanogan for 10 hits in their four offensive innings, also taking advantage of five Bulldogs errors. Greyden Paz was 1-1 at the plate, walking twice and scoring all three times he reached base. Jake Grady was a perfect three-for-three hitting, all singles, scored twice and played error-free defense at second base.

“We’re just so young,” said Okanogan coach Steve Brown. “We’ve got several eighth-graders starting. It’s just going to take time, but they’re a good group of kids and are going to come along fine.”

Liberty Bell skipper David Aspholm was all smiles. “Yes, it’s a great way to recover,” he said. “We played a lot better. Smarter today. Didn’t make as many mental mistakes. We were patient at the plate, got some hits and had good defense behind Mac.”

The Mountain Lions continued their dominance over Okanogan on Saturday with the double-header sweep. Damon Alumbaugh gave up only three hits and struck out 10 on his

way to the opening-game victory. Alumbaugh provided his own run support, smacking a two-run single in the Lions’ four-run third inning. Remi Paz sent Alumbaugh around to third with a double to center field. Both Lions scored when Grady Thrasher ripped a double to right field.

Liberty Bell added an insurance run in the sixth inning. Surface scored an unearned run on a misplay by the Okanogan right fielder of an Alumbaugh single.

In the 8-1 nightcap, Liberty Bell broke out the bats early, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning, highlighted by Remi Paz’s two-run single. They added one run in the fourth inning, three in the fifth, and one more in the seventh. Okanogan’s sole run came, again, in the first inning.

Lucien Paz limited the Bulldogs to just two hits and the single tally for the seven-inning win.

The new three-game winning streak has put the Mountain Lions back in control of their own destiny as the season

enters the last two weeks. As of Monday, they have a one-game lead on Brewster in the loss column at 8-2 to the Bears’ 9-3. Win out and they secure the No. 1 seed into the District 6 tournament. Manson leads the league at 8-1, but based on last year’s final standings, is in the Tier 2 scheduling division. If the Trojans win out, their best possible seed is No. 3 going into districts.

Tuesday the Mountain Lions traveled to Tonasket for a crucial single game. As of Monday, the Tigers were four games behind Liberty Bell at 6-6. The Tigers come to Liberty Bell this Saturday for a Senior Day double-header, first pitch at 11 a.m., the second game scheduled for 1 p.m. Before that, Oroville is at Liberty Bell on Thursday, starting at 4:30 p.m.

Liberty Bell will pay tribute to its only senior baseball player, Brody Barnhart, between games on Saturday. Barnhart, a four-year, three-sport Mountain Lion, also played basketball and was a receiver on the two-time state champion Liberty Bell football team.

SPORTS BRIEFS

BACK COUNTRY

HORSEMEN

‘SPRING FLING’

The Methow Valley chapter of the Back Country Horsemen hosts its “Spring Fling” horse ride and campout on April 26-27, at the Beaver Creek campground. There will be a potluck on Friday, along with a campfire and music. On Saturday evening there will be a food vendor on site, campfire and more music. To register, call Betty Wagoner at (509) 2798717.

OUTDOORS WITH METHOW AT HOME

Methow At Home hosts a bird walk with Craig Olson on Sunday, April 28, starting from the Methow Valley Community Center at 7 a.m. to carpool to Dead Horse Lake. Bring everything you need for a 2- to 4-hour outing, and binoculars if you have them. To register, visit methowathome.org.

Methow At Home hosts a walk around Patterson Lake with Carolyn Loren on Fri-

day, May 10, starting at 9:30 a.m. Get more information at methowathome.org.

MULE DEER FOUNDATION BANQUET

The Okanogan Trails Mule Deer Foundation Chapter’s 2024 spring banquet, which will include live and silent auctions as well as raffles and games to help raise awareness for the foundation, will be on May 4 at the Omak Elks Lodge, starting at 5 p.m. There will be a catered dinner. Cost is $75. For information, email josh@muledeer.org or call (509) 470-1767.

MOUNTAIN

BIKE MEET

Join the valley’s junior and senior high school mountain bike riders for the annual Washington High School Cycling League meet on Sunday (April 28) at Liberty Bell High School. Racing starts at 9:30 a.m. About 450 riders from around the state are expected for the event, which is divided into age groups.

(3) Unless you, within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice, dispute the validity of the debt, or any portion thereof, the debt will be assumed to be valid.

(4) If you notify Robert R. Rowley, P.S. in writing within thirty (30) days that the debt or any portion thereof, is disputed, they will obtain verifi cation of the debt or a copy of a judgment against you and a copy of such verification or judgment will be mailed to you.

(5) Upon your written request within the thirty (30) day period, Robert R. Rowley, P.S., will provide you with the name and

address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor. Published in the Methow Valley News April 24, 2024; Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune April 25, 2024 OVG994794 SALE OF SURPLUS MOWER The Methow Valley Irrigation District (MVID) is accepting sealed bids on the following surplus mower: 2016 Rankin ERM-617 mower Used for irrigation right-of-way maintenance Available for viewing at MVID’s pump station, located near the north edge of the orchard behind Hank’s Market MVID’s Board of Directors, by Resolution 24.03, dated March 11, 2024, has determined the above-described personal property item in its inventory to be surplus and no longer required for use by MVID. Pursuant to RCW 87.03.135, said item will be sold to the highest and best bidder, i.e., to the highest bidder able to provide immediate and full payment upon acceptance of the item, no later than

5:00 p.m. on May 10, 2024, in the form of cash, money order or cashier’s check. THE ITEM FOR SALE IS BEING SOLD IN “AS IS, WHERE IS” CONDITION, EXPRESSLY WITHOUT WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE OF ANY SORT.

Sealed bids must be clearly marked and received by MVID at PO Box 860, Twisp, WA, 98856 by 5:00 p.m. on May 3, 2024. For more information, call the MVID office during business hours at (509) 997-2576. Published in the Methow Valley News April 10, 17, 24; 2024. IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON OKANOGAN COUNTY

In re Estate of Richard P. Hamel, Deceased No. 24-4-00044-24

PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS under RCW 11.40.020, .030 Christopher Hamel has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable

statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address state below a copy of the claim and filing the original claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) 30 days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and RCW 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and non-probate assets.

Date of First Publication: April 17, 2024.

ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: PO Box 3059, Winthrop, WA 98862

Attorney for Personal

Representative: Natalie N. Kuehler, WSBA #50322, The Kuehler Law Firm, PLLC Court and Case Number: Okanogan County Superior Court – No. 24-4-00044-24

Published in the Methow Valley News April 17, 24, May 1; 2024. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Okanogan County Electric Cooperative (OCEC), an equal opportunity and affi rmative action employer, is seeking an experienced, qualifi ed firm to contract for combined design, engineering, and construction of the “Okanogan County Connect” fiber to the home project funded by the Washington State Broadband Office. This project is (funded/partially funded), by federal award number CPFFN0145 (ARPA Capital) awarded to Washington State Broad Band Offi ce by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Per the grant program, OCEC will use funds to construct an aerial & underground fiber optic system. OCEC requests firms who are licensed in the State of Washington to conduct business, to provide qualifications for design,

Liberty Bell softball swept by Okanogan, but puts up some runs

BY RICK LEWIS

The Mountain Lion softball season has been one of growth, experience and long-term development. “It’s hard, sometimes,” said first-year coach Jacob McMillan after his charges lost game one of a double-header on Saturday to Okanogan. “We just have to keep learning and building on that, looking for the good stuff, and gaining experience.”

That first game was a 18-0 loss at the hands of the Bulldogs, the No. 2 ranked team in the Washington 2B classification. Okanogan placed fourth in last year’s state championship tournament.

But in looking for the small things, those positives to take toward next year, the second game final score was 24-11, as the girls bats came alive in that nightcap. While the Bulldogs

posted three runs in the top of the first, the Mountain Lions showed signs of resiliency in the bottom of the frame scoring four runs of their own and taking a 4-3 lead into the second inning. A truly “get a shot of the scoreboard” moment for Liberty Bell. Helaina Remsberg led off the first with a triple to left field. Katy Surface followed with a walk and Kierra Treise singled in Remsberg. Abby Wengerd drove in Surface and Treise with a triple again to left, then scored on a throwing error.

Okanogan added five more runs in the second to take a 9-4 lead and retired the Mountain Lions in order after Katelyn Budrow was hit by a pitch and stole second base. But the inning expired with Budrow on second as Remsberg, Surface and Kaylee Mitchell were not able to reach base safely. Things fell apart for Liberty

Bell in the Okanogan half of the third inning as eight Bulldogs crossed the plate, putting some additional distance on the scoreboard at 17-4.

But resilience is a good sign, no matter what the score, and the Mountain Lions battled back to score four runs in the bottom of the third. Treise opened with a double to left, Wengerd walked, Olive Frady knocked a single, and Budrow reached safely, all four coming around to score.

The Lions would add two more in the fourth inning and one in the fifth before the game was called on the 10-run rule.

Liberty Bell faced the always tough Tonasket Tigers on the road Tuesday. Oroville comes to Liberty Bell on Thursday this week, followed by a home double-header with Tonasket on Saturday closing out the home season with Senior Day, first game at 10 a.m.

Blank, Lott lead LBHS tennis boys over Tonasket

McMillan, Haurte earn wins for girls

BY RICK LEWIS

Gavin Blank, Leven Lott and Kara McMillan each picked up straight-set wins in tennis singles over Tonasket at Liberty Bell High School on April 15.

Jana Huarte earned a tough three-set match and the boys’ doubles team of Malcom Bosco and Connor Gonzalez also went three sets for a win over the Tigers, as the two schools split the 10 varsity matches, five wins apiece.

Blank, who is in line for a high seed at this year’s District 6 tournament, defeated Lukas Godwin, 6-4, 6-4, in a closely fought match of teams’ No. 1 singles players. Kara McMillan, also playing in the No. 1 slot for the Mountain Lion girls, swept Milana Pilkinton, 6-0, 6-0, for her match win.

In the No. 2 slots, Leven Lott of Liberty Bell defeated Abran Guzman, 6-2, 6-0; Mira Hirsch fell to Daisy Vasquez, 6-7, 2-6. Boys’ No. 3 player Sunny Rickabaugh lost his match to Luis Flores, 3-6, 4-6, while Liberty Bell’s No. 3 girl, Jana Huarte, defeated Ariana Castro, 2-6, 6-3, 10-7, in a tie-breaker set.

The Liberty Bell team of Malcom Bosco and Connor Gonzalez took the No. 1 pairs match, 6-0, 0-6, 6-4. Boys’ No. 2 pair Rylan Burnette and Zack Dubowy dropped their match 1-6, 3-6.

singles win over her Tonasket counterpart, as the boys’ and girls’ teams split with the Tigers.

Friday (April 19) found the Mountain Lions at Oroville for an abbreviated match, as the Hornets were short on players. Gavin Blank continued his winning ways, easily defeating Michael Fulmer, 8-0, in a pro-set match. Sunny Rickabaugh found the same result in his match against EZ Pruett. Blank and Levin Lott teamed up to win a doubles match, 8-2, over Fulmer and Pruett.

and Geovanna Perez lost to Entiat’s Kaia Tucker, 1-8. Girls pair

Maeve Belsby and Cuileann Wilmot fell to Araya Clark and Sofia

Tucker, 5-7, 6-1, 4-10, and the team of Clara Ramsey-George with Adeline Humling dropped their pro-set, 5-8, to Tigers Ashley Ostrow and Stayce Pedroza. Blank and Lott won their doubles match, 8-1, while Rylan Burnett and Zack Dubowy suffered

the opposite result, losing 1-8. The Mountain Lions still have two matches at home remaining — Friday (April 26) against Manson, and Wednesday (May 1) against Pateros). Post-season play happens for the

On the girls’ side, Mira Hirsch easily defeated Izzy Stokes, 7-2 and 6-2, while Cuileann Wilmot and Maeve Belsby teamed up to defeat Steven Brand and Geoff Malone, 9-8, in an exhibition pro-set. It was on to Entiat on Monday(April 22) for a typically competitive afternoon between the two programs. The first match canceled at Liberty Bell earlier this month, with rain the culprit. Trent Renslow, one of the top players in North Central Washington, handed a rare loss to Blank, 6-7, 0-6. Levin Lott went three sets before besting the Tigers’ Karsun Cole, 6-2, 1-6, 10-5; and Malcom Bosco defeated Levi Renslow, 8-5. In girls’ singles, Kara McMillan picked up another win, getting the best of Nevia Sax, 7-5, 6-1. Mira Hirsch dropped her pro-set, 5-8, to Denise Laurel,

Photo by Rick Lewis

Liberty Bell’s Abby Wengerd wound up for a pitch against Okanogan. The Mountain Lions dropped a double-header to the powerful Bulldogs.

Photo by Rick Lewis Gavin Blank is having a great season for Liberty Bell, and is seeting his sights on the district tournament.

Photo by Alisha McMillan Liberty Bell’s Kara McMillan earned a straight-sets

boys on May 11, for he girls on May 15.

Cowboy hats and boots are not required, but will certainly be appropriate for the 79th annual Winthrop ’49er Days celebration, three days of events revisiting the town’s pioneer heritage that will take place May 10-12. The celebration is presented by the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Outfitters and Guides Association (WOGA). While the 2024 schedule resembles those of recent years, this year’s lineup includes a test of strength — for a good cause.

Things will kick off as usual on Friday, May 10, with the arrival of the Ride to Rendezvous wagon train in Winthrop at noon, as participants finish a week of horseback adventure. It’s an authentic way to introduce what’s coming the next few days. Saturday’s events include the annual parade at 11 a.m., preceded by performances by the Western Vigilantes (a goofily entertaining cadre of Old West

gun-toters) and, for the 26th year, the West Coast Country Heat line dancers. Along with an unpredictable mix of floats, vehicles, horseback riders, packers and community groups, the parade will feature appearances by 2023 Grand Marshal and Grand Lady Buz and Sherry Broze, and junior royalty Queen Helaina Remsberg and Princess Lilly Belcher. The parade will be followed by old-fashioned games in front of Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe including egg toss, pie eating, hula hoop, rock-paper-scissors and gummy bear spitting contests. There will also be mechanical bull rides.

New this year is the Fire Truck Pull fundraiser, scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday. Teams of 10 will raise $500 (or as close to that amount as possible) to compete at pulling a vintage fire truck, nicknamed “The Mammoth.”

There will be awards for the best costumes and fastest times. Proceeds will go to help fund the Kiwanis Family Park project,

being developed adjacent to the town’s ball field on Highway 20. For information about how to enter, email chamber@winthropwashington.com.

The Shafer Historic Museum on Castle Avenue will be open throughout ’49er Days, offering a close-up view of genuine artifacts and buildings from the valley’s early days.

Also on Saturday from noon-6 p.m., Mack Lloyd Park will host the annual outfitters’ displays and other vendors, the mountain man camp (try your hand at ax-throwing), live music and poetry at the band shell, packing demonstrations, and several food options including a barbecue booth staffed by Winthrop Kiwanis members. The outfitters’ cowboy steak dinner, hosted by WOGA, will start off the evening at 5 p.m. Cost is $25.

Line dancing lessons at the Winthrop Barn, starting at 6 p.m., will lead into a family barn dance from 7-11 p.m. Cost is $10. Live music will be provided by

File

The Western Vigilantes are familiar performers at the annual ’49er Days celebration in Winthrop, which will be staged May 10-12 this year.

Buckerblues and the Packstring. There will be a full bar.

There will be a cowboy breakfast in Mack Lloyd Park from 8-10 a.m. on Sunday morning (Mother’s

Day). Cost is $10. Breakfast will be followed by outfitters’ packing competition — something you have to see to appreciate. For more information, visit

https://winthropwashington.com/ event/49er-day/. There you can find a link to applications to appear in the parade. You can also email info@winthropwashington.com.

Workshop explores learning to be an ally for LGBTQ+ people

BY MARCY STAMPER

What if we thought that everyone is simply born a baby and, as children grow and come to understand themselves and their identity, they later identify as straight or gay or transgender?

That simple notion was one of the suggestions at a workshop recently hosted by Room One and Methow Pride to help community members learn to be allies for LGBTQ+ people. Room One and Methow Pride organized the April 10 workshop to affirm that all identities are valued and relevant in our community. “Being queer or trans is not a choice, and it should be celebrated,” said workshop presenter Shannon Russell (she/her), Okanogan Healthy Youth Lead for Room One. Part of the impetus for the workshop was a recent situation where some Methow Valley community members celebrating their identity met with pushback, Russell said. Russell grew up in the Methow Valley, so she understands what a special place this can be for a child to call home. But she’s also aware of what’s necessary to create a community that’s safe and affirming for all people to grow up in.

About 18 attendees at the workshop learned how to support people — particularly young people — by using sensitive and appropriate language and by putting themselves in other people’s

shoes. The participants learned how to root out cultural stereotypes so that all people have the freedom to grow and pursue their interests and identities. Being an ally is especially crucial for young people, who may not have many people in their lives with whom they can be honest, Russell said. Young people learn from us, and older people can model positive behaviors to help youths become informed and be kind to their peers. Some young people may still be exploring their identity. The workshop helped people recognize traits often ascribed to boys and men or girls and women based on long-standing cultural attitudes. Even though mindsets are changing, many of these stereotypes persist, Russell said. For example, men are seen as strong, unemotional, competent, and as the provider for a family.

Women are viewed as nurturing, sexy, emotional and submissive. Boys and men who don’t fit the mold may be called a wimp or a momma’s boy. Girls and women perceived as different may be seen as bossy, rude or aggressive.

Discrimination, limited opportunities

Russell asked participants to list the people, work and pastimes that are most important to them, and then to visualize what it would be like to abruptly lose those things simply because some people were uncomfortable.

MORE INFO AND SUPPORT

Room One is at (509) 997-2050. Their website, at roomone. org, includes links to a teen survival guide and information for teens and parents. For more information and resources, visit TheTrevorProject. org. People needing support can get help 24/7 through the TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386, theTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

For many people, receiving love and support from friends and family and being able to pursue favorite hobbies or work at a job they love are basic aspects of life that can be taken for granted. But for people who are lesbian, gay or transgender, these essential elements of life can be elusive or denied by people or official institutions.

Russell presented a timeline of major events that have had profound effects on gay and trans people and society at large. Some rights we take for granted today were won only after years of violence and laws that forced people to conceal their identity. Despite significant progress, today some of these rights are under attack.

Key developments:

• In 1974, the manual used by psychiatrists no longer defined homosexuality as a mental disorder.

• In 1998, President Bill Clinton signed an executive order prohibiting discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation. That protection didn’t apply to service in the military until 12 years

later. Most states still don’t prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ people by private employers, landlords or businesses.

• The U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage across the country in 2015. A 2020 decision by the high court protected gay and transgender people in employment, but just two years later, a federal district court in Texas found that the ruling doesn’t protect “conduct” including dress and participation in sports.

• The Parental Rights in Education Act — colloquially called the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” — was signed in 2022 in Florida. In addition to affirming the right of parents to make decisions about their children’s upbringing, the law prohibits classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity at some grade levels.

While the Methow Valley School District has policies to protect students and their identity, young people have interactions beyond the control of teachers, staff and other adults, Russell said. Kids may casually use language without under-

standing the impact, such as calling something “gay” as a way of mocking it, she said.

Particularly in a small valley where complete privacy can be hard to come by, some young people are not “out” in all situations because they don’t feel safe. That can even include their families, Russell said. Often, an uncomfortable or threatening situation is caused by ignorance, not hatefulness, she said.

Sex vs. gender

The workshop covered concepts that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable for many people, such as the distinction between sex and gender.

Sex is the classification of a person as male, female or intersex, which is assigned at birth. It’s based on sex characteristics and can include chromosomes and sex hormones. Intersex describes variations in physical sex traits or reproductive anatomy that are present at birth or that emerge spontaneously later in life, according to the Trevor Project, a suicide-prevention and crisis-intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people.

Gender is a social construct. It describes the internal experience of being a man, a woman, a nonbinary person or otherwise. Everyone experiences gender differently, and people can’t know someone’s gender from simply looking at that person. Some -

one’s gender identity can be different from the body parts they were born with, Russell said. Common genders include cisgender, in which gender identity aligns with the sex assigned at birth, and transgender, in which gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. Knowing someone’s gender doesn’t mean you automatically know their sexual orientation, Russell said. Some people identify as nonbinary, which can span different gender expressions or include a feeling that gender is fluid. Some people may not want to label themselves. Some transgender people may receive gender-affirming medical care or dress in a particular way, but gender expression can vary. Being an ally to trans people means refraining from making assumptions about their gender. It also means recognizing that you can’t tell someone’s gender simply by looking at them, according to the Trevor Project. Many people now use pronouns such as he, she or they as a way of signaling their gender identity. Indicating your pronouns — and respecting the pronouns people use for themselves — is an important way of signaling support, Russell said. Being an ally means respecting people’s choices and their privacy, and not sharing that information with others or asking questions about their body or medical history.

*

OCEC OVERNIGHT OUTAGES SCHEDULED ON MAY 1, MAY 15

The Bonneville Power Administration will be conducting two overnight outages that will effect all Okanogan County Electric Cooperative (OCEC) customers who receive power through the Winthrop substation. The first will be on Wednesday, May 1, from 11:55 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Thursday, May 2. The second will be on Wednesday, May 15, from 11:55 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Thursday, May 16. OCEC customers who rely on electricity for medical or other critical equipment should plan ahead for use of backup energy sources for these overnight outages. Refrigerators and freezers will hold cold temperatures better if not opened during the outage, OCEC said in a press release.

photo by Don Nelson

Methow Valley Lumber

Walshes sell Twisp business after 40 years of ownership

BY MICHELLE SCHMIDTKE

After 40 years as owners of Methow Valley Lumber, Larry and Heidi Walsh are passing the torch. The transition is a serendipitous one for this family-owned and family-oriented business because Brady Gardner, the Walshes’ nephew, has bought the venerable lumber and hardware store off Highway 20 on the south side of Twisp. Gardner, who lived in Coeur d’Alene with his wife, Kristie, and three children, for 19 years, had been looking for a way to return to the Methow Valley where both he and his wife were raised.

Time for a hand-off

Founded by Nick Rudd in 1955, Methow Valley Lumber started as a small lumber mill across the street from its current location. In 1958, the business was purchased by Howard Betty, who later built the iconic Methow Valley Lumber building in 1963.

In 1983, Larry and Heidi Walsh and Howard and Jeanne Day, Heidi’s parents, acquired Methow Valley Lumber. The Days had moved to the valley from Bainbridge Island in 1970 and had been looking for a way to get their daughter and her newlywed husband to Twisp. For this tight-knit family, buying a lumber business together seemed like the ideal way to stay close.

The Walshes lived in an apartment above the business with their children for 11 years. Their

With his vast experience in the construction industry and his connection to family in the area, Methow Valley Lumber was an ideal fit. Gardner said he was eager to “keep providing the same high-quality products and services delivered for the past 40 years.”

kids said it was the best memory they have of growing up. “Me — not so much,” Heidi said with a laugh. Larry thought differently: “It was great. I could run upstairs for lunch, and after dinner, run downstairs to do a little work.”

“Grandma” Day was the school bus driver and when she was running behind, she’d stop out front of Methow Valley Lumber and honk the horn. “It’s grandma,” — not the bus driver —t he kids yelled.

After 40 years in the business with minimal time off, Larry Walsh said he was done. “I’m getting old,” he said with a smile.

He could remember only one time when he and Heidi were able to get away for a month to Arizona. They couldn’t take much time off or plan things when they needed to fill in for employees who were sick or had family emergencies.

The Walshes don’t have big plans for their retirement. “Maybe some camping and hanging out with the grandkids,” Larry said.

Gardner had spent 19 years in the construction business before purchasing Methow Valley Lumber. He’s done framing, roofing, siding, concrete, and project management so he’s well-equipped to run a lumber and hardware business.

Gardner hadn’t planned on purchasing the business, but when his best friend showed

him the real estate listing for the business, he jumped on it. He contacted the Walshes and everything came together: a business in his bailiwick, a chance to live around family, and the opportunity to return to the Methow Valley.

Gardner isn’t planning on any big changes: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Jeanne Day said. His main objective is keeping Methow Valley Lumber “the one-stop-shop for everything you need to build, fix or paint.”

A month and a half after the transition, the regular customers are aware of the new ownership, and Gardner is proud to relate that he’s retained all the employees who worked for the Walshes.

Methow Valley Lumber has been painted and reroofed and has new owners, but its essential character will remain intact: a family-run lumber and hardware business offering friendly, personalized service you can count on.

Konot brings wealth of experience to new skin care practice

BY SHELLEY SMITH JONES

Methow Valley Wellness Center, located at 105 Norfolk Road in Winthrop, is a community hub of healing, wellness, and self-care. The day spa has grown to include practitioners of various specialties such as bodywork, Reiki, cosmetology, mental health counseling, yoga, and others.

One of the services now offered at the Wellness Center is esthetics — treatments that promote skin health and beauty. Now living in the Methow Valley, Angella Konot brought her skills here after working over 23 years as a professional esthetician in Seattle and Poulsbo.

Konot graduated from the Esthetics program at Seattle Central Community College in 2000. She has continued her education

in the ever-changing field of skin care by attending workshops and seminars. She has added specialized skills such as microblading -— a cosmetic tattooing technique using a tool with tiny needles to create hair-like strokes along the eyebrows — to her repertoire of treatments.

Konot’s journey with skin health began as a teen suffering from acne and scarring. Years later, when she was given a gift certificate for a facial, she loved the experience. She found a vocation where she could help others with the physical and emotional challenges of dealing with skin issues, one that she understood from her teen years.

Konot utilizes an intuitive approach to holistic skin care. She focuses on the individual needs of her clients to provide personalized guidance for the best possible skin health. Her

goal is to tailor her treatment to achieve the desired results and, at the same time, offer a tranquil spa experience.

Light therapy

LED light therapy is one of the treatments Konot offers. Researchers of LED technology — funded by NASA — were studying the use of the lighting for growing plants in space. The research had a side effect: NASA scientists who spent time working with their hands under the lighting found that abrasions on their hands seemed to heal faster than normal. This discovery of the regeneration of cells under the light created a new field of medical light therapy.

Konot uses this type of therapy to treat various skin issues where the light boosts the production of collagen — the protein that gives the skin strength

and structural support to aid in maintaining elasticity and firmness. In addition, she uses a variety of skin care products to give the best possible results.

Having lived in Methow Valley as a youngster, Konot is thrilled to be back here where her parents and sister live. As she builds her clientele at the Wellness Center, she also works as a production assistant at Blue Star Coffee. Fittingly so, as Blue Star coffee has long been her favorite and a frequent Christmas gift from her family. She also travels back to provide services to some of her long-time clients in Poulsbo.

Methow Valley Wellness Center is hosting an Open House on Sunday, April 28, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The center practitioners, including Konot, will be meeting visitors and providing demonstrations of their services. This is

an opportunity to tour the facility, meet the wellness team, and have a cup of tea. There will also be giveaways, always a drawing card.

Photo by Michelle Schmidtke

From left, Brady Gardner, Kristie Gardner, Heidi Walsh, Larry Walsh, and Heidi’s parents, Jeanne Day and Howard Day.

Photo courtesy of Angella Konot Angella Konot’s esthetics practice is part of the Methow Valley Wellness Center in Winthrop.

NAKED EYE

Bear with us as spring arrives in the night skies

David Ward

The coming of spring brings many changes to our beautiful valley. Changes also are happening in the night sky as well. Why? As the earth cruises along in its orbit, we get a different view of the stars out in the cosmos. The brilliant stars of winter are riding off into the sunset and new ones are taking their places.

A sure sign of spring in the northern hemisphere is the Big Dipper riding high in the northeast. Use the two “pointer stars” at the top end of the bowl to point to the North Star, also known as Polaris, almost in the due north. Project the curve of the handle below down and to the right to find a bright orange-looking star in the east. Its name is Arcturus, and it is one of the brightest stars in the sky.

The name comes from the Greek word meaning bear. Notice it sounds a bit like our

word Arctic which really means “land of the bears.” Arcturus means guardian of the bears. The ancient Greeks thought Arcturus kept the two bears, the Big and Little Dippers, in their tight orbits around the North Star. This was seen as a sort of punishment for the bears since they did not set in the west and get a good night’s sleep. Why did they deserve punishment? That is a long story and maybe I will get into it sometime.

Decades ago, astronomers noticed that Arcturus is moving rapidly across the background of stars in the sky. In fact, in 10,000 years it moves about the width of the moon. That may not sound like a whole lot but actually it is. The stars are so far away and our lives are so short that they do not move at all relative to one another. Of course, the spinning of the earth and the motion of the earth along its orbit cause them to move across the sky but always in relation to each other.

Astronomers are not always in agreement about why Arcturus is moving so fast but some think it is going in a different direction than the other stars. One reason this could be happening is that Arcturus is really from a different galaxy that fell into our galaxy several billion years ago. If so, we are seeing a visitor from far away that just happens to be passing by. So if you are looking at it some might be sure to shout out a “hello.”

Marriage licenses

SENIOR NEWS

The annual Over 80 lunch held last week was a huge success! A big thanks to Greta and Shelley in the kitchen. We could not have done it without you. Coming up is our first Western Sale on May 11, and the second Western Sale will be May 25. Beginning Saturday, May 4, the Thrift Store will be open from 9 a.m.-noon.

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is available again this year. The application and a davit for eligibility forms are available at the Senior Center in the dining room. More detailed information is available on the application forms. Colleen Ramiskey

LUNCH MENUS:

THURSDAY, APRIL 25: Chicken Caesar salad, sliced tomatoes, fresh fruit, focaccia bread, dessert.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26: Fish and chips, coleslaw, fruit tray, cheesy garlic toast, dessert.

MONDAY, APRIL 29: Spaghetti and meat sauce, Caesar salad, apricots, garlic bread, dessert.

Call (509) 997-7722 to reserve meals 24 hours in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for persons over age 60; charge for $10 for persons under 60.

HEALTH DIRECTORY

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

HOME AND GARDEN SHOW IN TONASKET

The Tonasket Community Cultural Center presents a free Home and Garden Show on Saturday (April 27), at 411 S. Western Ave., from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be 27 vendors, pottery, plants, planter boxes, jewelry, glass art and more. For information, email info@communityculturalcenter.org.

SCHOLARSHIP DINNER

The Methow Valley Eagles host a spaghetti feed dinner to benefit the Liberty Bell High School senior scholarship fund on Saturday (April 27), from 4-7 p.m. at the Eagles hall, 205 Highway 20 South, Twisp. Cost is $14. For information, visit www.facebook.com/MethowEagles/.

WELLNESS CENTER/ SUNFLOWER RESORT OPEN HOUSE

Methow Valley Wellness Center and the newly opened Sunflower Resort in Winthrop host a combined open house on Sunday (April 28) from 1-3 p.m. Meet the team of professional practitioners and learn more about their offerings and services; there will be free demonstrations and a raffle. The center is at 105 Norfolk Road. The Sunflower Resort opened April 1. Visitors can tour its rental vacation cabins. For information, email info@methowvalleywellnesscenter.com.

AT HOME EVENTS

METHOW

• Methow At Home hosts a tour of naturalist Dana Visalli’s garden on Thursday (April 25) from 10-11:30 a.m. To register, visit methowathome.org.

• Methow At Home offers an informational meeting about the organization via Zoom on Wednesday, May 8, at 10 a.m. Visit methowathome.org for information on how to participate.

HUMANS AND BEARS

Visit the Methow Valley Interpretive Center in Twisp on Sunday (April 28) from 5-6:30 p.m. for a free presentation by Home Range Wildlife Research on “Human-Bear Coexistence in the Methow.” Climate change, human development, and food availability changes contribute to human-black bear conflicts in the Methow Valley. Hear about efforts that are underway to increase awareness, foster coexistence, and mitigate conflict through community science monitoring and outreach.

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

The Masters Christian School, next to Cascade Bible Church in Twisp, holds an open house on Monday, April 29, from 6-7:30 p.m. For information, email andy@tfchq.com.

PROPERTY RIGHTS

COALITION MEETING

The Okanogan County Property Rights Coalition will meet on Wednesday, May 1, at 6 p.m. at The Okanogan County Republican Party headquarters, 647 1/2 South Second Ave. in Okanogan. For information, email kathy@okanogancatering.com.

HOUSING TRUST OPEN HOUSE

tion for Youth Resiliency & Engagement. Register at motiveyogaco.com/events or just show up.

LITTLE STAR FUN RUN, SPRING FESTIVAL

Little Star School hosts a family-friendly Fun Run & Spring Festival on Sunday, May 5, at the school campus in Winthrop. At 10 a.m., run, jog, walk or stroll distances of 1/4 mile, 3/4 mile or 1 1/2 miles on the Susie Stephens Trail. Then attend a festival with carnival games, music, a cake walk, an obstacle course, a raffle and food at the school starting at 11 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Little Star Financial Aid Fund. By donation. Register for the fun run at www.littlestarschool.org/funrun.

CRITICAL MEDIA LITERACY

Join Andy Lee Roth, co-author of “The Media and Me,” and musician Norbert Nobacon on Friday, May 10, from 7-8 p.m. at the Winthrop library for a program of conversation and song focused on the everyday importance of critical media literacy. From searching online to using social media and identifying trustworthy news sources, this event will focus on practical tips for being a savvy and engaged media user. The free event is co-sponsored by Friends of the Winthrop Library. Books will be available for sale through Trail’s End Bookstore. For information, email fowl98862@gmail.com.

PTA MEETINGS

The Methow Valley PTA’s upcoming monthly meetings are on May 13 and June 10 at the Winthrop library, starting at 6:30 p.m. For information, email methowpta@outlook.com

MOTHER’S

DAY BRUNCHES

• Sun Mountain Lodge offers a Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 12, from 10 a.m-1 p.m. Cost is $59 per person, $25 for children, free for ages 5 and younger. Call (509) 996-4707 to make a reservation.

• Casia Lodge & Ranch offers a Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 12, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost is $52 per person; $30 for kids 10 and younger. Call (509) 416-5463 or email contactus@casialodge.com for information.

LIBRARY EVENTS

WINTHROP

The Winthrop library hosts several free events in the coming months. For information, visit https://www.ncwlibraries.org/locations/winthrop-public-library/.

• D&D Adventure Club is an opportunity for kids aged 8-15 to try the popular tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons and Dragons using modules created specifically for their age group. Dates are May 10, June 14 and July 12 from 4-6 p.m.

• “The James Webb Space Telescope Takes Over for Hubble,” on May 17 at 5 p.m. Local astronomer and former chair of the University of Washington Astronomy Department, Bruce Balick, kicks off an informal series of talks given by local experts with this talk on exciting developments in astronomy with the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope.

TRASHION SHOW TICKETS

The Methow Housing Trust hosts an open house in its new Evergreen Loop Neighborhood in Twisp on Friday, May 3, from 4-6 p.m., at 114 Evergreen Loop. There will be an information session at 5 p.m. For more information, visit methowhousingtrust.org.

Tickets are available for the 11th annual Trashion Show on Saturday, May 4, at the Methow Valley Community Center, present by The Confluence: Art in Twisp.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission, or $75-$100 for VIP seating.

YOGA POSES

Join Happy Hour Yoga with Shannon Eyre at Methow Valley Wellness Center on Tuesday (April 30) at 4 p.m. Participation is by donation, to benefit Methow At Home. No need to preregister.

As usual, prepare for an evening of style, sustainability, and tropical splendor to reflect the theme of “Birds of Paradise.” Designers will transform recycled materials into runway masterpieces.

O=Open, H=Handicap, C=Closed, M=Men For more info, call: (509) 429-1683 or (509) 449-0044 Al-Anon Tue. 6:00pm at Cove2 Fri. 8:30am at Cove2 Zoom option 812-4777-9360 Pin#505050 For more info, call (509)341-4121 Alateen

Alateen is not meeting at this time. For more info, leave a message at (509) 341-4122 Narcotics Anonymous Fri. 6:00pm at Cove2

MARTIAL MOVEMENT

Learn about Martial Movement with Leaf Seaburg at Motive Yoga Studio in Winthrop on Friday, May 3. The free event will be from 2:30-4 p.m. Register at motiveyogaco.com/events or just show up.

COMMUNITY YOGA

Try out yoga with Dana Golden at Motive Yoga in Winthrop on Friday, May 3, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Participation is by donation, to benefit the Founda-

THE BIG FIX

Team Okanogan Animal Rescue, along with Greater Good Charities, will host a four-day free spay/neuter clinic for dogs and cats May 6-9 at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds Agriplex. Dropoff is 7:30-10 a.m., first come, first served. Vaccinations and microchips included. All pets must be 2 pounds and at least 2 months old. One cat per carrier, dogs on leashes. Contact teamokanogan@ gmail.com for more information or to arrange transportation from the Methow Valley.

Receive our hot off the press biannual Print Valley Voice, featuring timely stories about forest restoration when you become a member of MVCC today:

Deborah Ann Maenner, 67, Twisp, and John Robert Simon, 67, Twisp

Mazama

My son once said, “We’re all on the same conveyor belt.” Ain’t that the truth (Montana slang)? One thing for certain, we will all continue to age as Father Time waits for no one. Our western culture tends to place value in young adults rather than older adults in contrast to many eastern cultures such as Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam where the belief is held that older citizens have a great deal to offer the community. Native American culture also honors and respects its elders for the wisdom they have accumulated over their many years.

Twisp

I can appreciate great dancers, but my own experience with skilled partner dancing is sadly lacking. In grade school, we were required to choose either square dancing or bamboo dancing as part of physical education. I chose bamboo dancing because I didn’t want to dress up in a frilly dress and puffy blouse and interact with boys. But outside of the Philippines, once I left grade school, I never saw anyone bamboo dancing.

As a teenager, I was one of those annoying telephone solicitors for Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Seattle. The job came with free classes in ballroom dancing — not a big hit with my age group. Here in the Methow Valley, almost any style of dancing works at our local music offerings, but at any dance, you’ll see the hotshots showing off their dancing chops, gracefully twirling their partner and sashaying ‘round the dance floor whether it be western swing, cha cha, two-step, waltz or whatever the beat requires. One of the partners, preferably both, needs to know what they’re doing (they can lead) and can follow the beat. If you don’t happen to have that kind of partner but still want to join in the fun of cho -

Lower Valley

Set your calendars and start planning now for the annual Methow Community Club Swap meet and pop-up market on Saturday, May 18. Vendor set up starts at 8 a.m., with sales starting at 10 a.m. “We definitely want to be inclusive to anyone. Everything is welcome: treasures, art, food,” said Joe Kitzman, organizer. Potential vendors are encouraged to call Joe at (509) 630-2776.

Lighting Bill Austin and Char Gardner have signed up to bring their art, Lorianne Kitzman will have plant starts, and Katie Haven will have her colorful McFarland Creek Lamb Ranch wool. Cost for vendors is $20, unless you are

VALLEY LIFE

Norway, Sweden and Switzerland come in as the top three countries with the best elderly care based on data collected from multiple sources including “Health Care Index,” “World Happiness Report,” “Life Expectancy,” and “Safety Index.” Canadians have the longest life expectancy in the world, a tribute to a noteworthy job of caring for older adults. Data collected in all areas show that the best country overall for older adults to live in is Switzerland. (I visualize Heidi’s grandfather in the Swiss Alps from Johanna Spyri’s novel.)

Here in the Methow we have a treasure trove of accumulated knowledge and wisdom from our elders. Once a year, Methow Valley Senior Center honors these folks over the age of 80 with a special luncheon — this year with a western theme. When gathered in the same room, it is evident that there are centuries of experience sitting at the tables.

My mom used to say, “It’s not the Golden Years. It’s the Tin Years.” As issues pop up over time in aging bodies, it can feel like that. “It’s h-e-double toothpicks getting old,” she added. Still, she walked the Earth for 94 years and how many times do I ask myself, “What would Mom say?” Her little sayings pop up in my head on many occasions. Since

I’ve so oft repeated them, now my sons are carrying on the legacy.

By the looks on their faces, the seniors at their special luncheon were happy to be honored — delighted about their years. In fact, again my mom used to say, “When you are a kid, you are so proud to say you are six-and-a-half, not just six. Then when you get old, you are proud of the extra six months again. I’m 93 and a half!”

The two longest lived seniors at the luncheon — Dick Rhode and Alice Glandon — were honored with bouquets of flowers, both creeping into their ninth decade. Imagine the things they have seen and heard in those 90 plus years. They experienced the fallout from the Great Depression, World War II, and perhaps remember listening to FDR’s Fireside Chats on the radio. The changes in the world that have occurred in their lifetimes are phenomenal.

Seniors themselves, volunteers who man the Thrift Store, served up the meal in their cowgirl garb and bright smiles. Colleen, Kris and Robin orchestrated the event with fun decorations and activities, including a photo booth.

With North Cascades Highway now open, vehicles are pouring over. The valley will start hopping again. Check this newspaper for many upcoming events.

reographed dancing, wear a cowboy hat, cowboy boots, a belt with a big buckle, and dance to catchy music — try line dancing.

Ask 10 people where line dancing originated and they’ll give you 10 different answers. Some believe that modern line dancing evolved from Contra dancing that originated in the New England states in the early 1800s. Contra dancing was a combination of European folk dances and country dancing.

Others believe line dancing started in the 1970s in the pop and disco era. Several popular songs such as “Cowboy Boogie,” “L.A. Hustle,” “Tush Push,” and “Achy Breaky Heart,” skyrocketed line dancing into widespread mainstream consciousness. Today many songs are written specifically for line dancing.

Debbie Bair started line dancing in the Methow Valley in 1989. She and her husband came to the valley from Orofino, Idaho in 1981. They both loved to square dance but it wasn’t until they experienced line dancing in Sandpoint, Idaho, that they came up with the idea to introduce this upbeat, energetic style of dancing to the Methow Valley.

Debbie said, “I just wanted a place to

wear cute clothes and have a social life.” However, she had to find instructors and learn the basics before she eventually took over the weekly classes.

Debbie explained that line dancing involves 16-94 steps, repeated every time you turn and face a different wall. She has a collection of over 100 songs but said, “We’re really picky about which ones we use. Some are just too slow with not enough steps.”

She offers instruction to anyone, no matter what their experience or age. Debbie considers line dancing a great melting pot where the librarian in the conservative khakis can be dancing next to the blond with the big hair, the barrel racer with the belt buckle the size of a dinner plate or the 90-year-old great-grandmother. Western gear — cowboy hats, boots, and shirts — tend to be the basic style — but one can improvise. And of course, both men and women are welcome.

Classes are currently being held every Wednesday from 5-8:30 p.m. at the Twisp River Tap House. Debbie assured me that after learning a few basic steps, you can jump in and “do what you can do — just stay on the floor. Nobody’s watching.”

Winthrop

I met up with an old friend over the weekend. We were close in junior high and high school, part of an inseparable and glorious group of marching band nerds, drama geeks, debate team wonks, and mall rats. But we lost touch after high school graduation, and other than a couple of get-togethers when we were home visiting our parents at Christmas during college, until this past weekend we hadn’t really seen each other since 1987.

Still, despite the nearly four decades that have passed since high school, this old friend and I slipped easily back into conversation and a couple of hours flew by, just as they would have when our friendship was in its heyday.

What is it about high school friends that makes reconnecting so seamless? In many ways it makes no sense. You become friends with these people essentially due to proximity, simply because you’re forced together in classrooms six hours each weekday for the nine months of the school year. In a small town, these people aren’t just the other bodies that populate your classes, they’re also sports

a member of the Methow Community Club, then the cost for vendors is just $15. How do you become a Methow Community Club member? I’m so glad you asked. For context, let us step back in time for just a moment … The double brick Methow school -

house was built in 1921, in the middle of a spacious meadow with shade trees overlooking the Methow River. The classic schoolhouse held students during the week, and community events when school was not in session. Classes ended in the early 1950s, but the building continued

to be used until the present day as a community gathering place for potlucks and game nights, weddings, memorials, and informative meetings on civic matters. Up until recently, the Pateros School District owned and maintained the building. When the building came up for

You can’t escape them.

But later, when your world broadens and you have made other friends, and many of the old friendships have phased out, it’s often remarkably easy to reestablish intimacy with your high school pals, to resume dialog, to laugh over shared memories, and to talk frankly about the satisfactions and challenges you have faced in the intervening years.

Is this because the foundation of your friendship is built on full disclosure? You spend your teen years telling your friends absolutely everything because — if you’ve chosen the right ones — you know they will still love and accept and support you. You experience romances and suffer breakups collectively, make decisions about everything from summer jobs to prom outfits together, commiserate about the universal phenomenon of annoying parents, and share angst over what lies ahead after graduation.

Your high school friends know a version of you that most of the friends you make later in life — the ones who you will actually spend more time with — will never know. They know the you that was forming in some of your most formative years; in fact, they played a role in shaping you. So when you connect with them, even after years or decades of absence, the combination of shared history and early influence invite a comfortable familiarity. At least, that’s my theory. And with my younger daughter’s high school graduation approaching, I’m reassured by the idea that whether consistently or intermittently, some of the kids most important to her now will remain in her life forever.

sale, Dena Lyn Lee Meadows pledged a portion of her estate towards the purchase of the building. The generous donation helped the community keep the historic gathering place available for everyone.

“The Methow School was a huge gift to our community and we want to make it successful to honor Dena,” Joe said. To support the ongoing maintenance and operation of the schoolhouse, the Methow Community Club formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Board members: President Joe Kitzman, Treasurer Dianna Tuinstra, Secretary Duane Martin, and board member Mary Webb. Mary has personal ties to the building: her mother was a teacher at the Methow Schoolhouse, and Mary attended classes there.

To cover the basic utility costs, the club needs at least 100 members. Yearly membership in the Methow Community Club is $36 for an individual and $48 for a family. Membership includes discounts on community events, workshops, and hall rental.

“It is a great gift from Dena to keep it in the community, we are now in the position to pay the bills,” Joe said. Visit the Methow Community Club website, http://methowcommunityclub. org, to learn more about the swap meet, pop-up market, and membership drive, and to sign up for the Methow Community Club newsletter.

Joanna Bastian

Michelle Schmidtke

Shelley Smith Jones

Ashley Lodato

teammates, other actors or dancers or musicians onstage with you, and your fellow youth group members.

Photo by Shelley Smith Jones

Alice Glandon was honored with a colorful bouquet as the oldest attendee at the annual Over 80 lunch at the Methow Valley Senior Center.

Photo by Michelle Schmidtke

The High Country Kickers line dancing group tore it up at the recent Valentine’s Day party at the Methow Valley Community Center.

File photo by Marcy Stamper

The former Methow school house is now the community club, after the building was purchased from the Pateros School District thanks to a generous donor.