Methow Valley News

12/02/2025

When she was appointed as Okanogan County Superior Court judge, Rachel Hong knew she was taking on a huge responsibility and would be making hard, momentous decisions.

Hong honored to don Superior Court judge robes November 26, 2025 by Marcy Stamper Photo by Marcy Stamper Rachel Hong was sworn in as the new Okanogan County Superior Court judge on July 3. New appointee brings diverse background to county bench When she was appointed as Okanogan County Superior Cour...

12/01/2025

Although federal food benefits have resumed, the countywide food shortage hasn’t gone away.

Task force to help fight winter food shortage in county November 26, 2025 by Methow Valley News Although federal food benefits have resumed, the countywide food shortage hasn’t gone away. Caused by long-term economic factors and exacerbated by the interruption in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ...

12/01/2025

The Methow Valley may lose a rare culinary gem.

Popular TwispWorks food truck closes (for now) November 26, 2025 by Ralph Schwartz Photo by Ralph Schwartz Lal Warnakulasuriyage serves his curry dishes Wednesday (Nov. 19) at his food truck on the TwispWorks campus. Friday (Nov. 21) was the last day of business for Lal’s Fork. He hopes to sell hi...

12/01/2025

Happy Thanksgiving everybody and I only say that because this particular year Thanksgiving and my birthday land on the very same day and if you’re reading this then you probably know by now that nothing matters more to me than me. I know it’s terrible. This is my way of inserting myself into all your Thanksgiving celebrations. Intellectually I know the universe isn’t just about me so I try to limit talking about myself to only those times when I’m alone or with other people or writing this thing.

SueReal – Giving thanks in the here and now November 26, 2025 by Sue Misao Happy Thanksgiving everybody and I only say that because this particular year Thanksgiving and my birthday land on the very same day and if you’re reading this then you probably know by now that nothing matters more to me...

11/30/2025

The arts and education nonprofit Methow Arts Alliance is upping its profile and changing its name with the help of a three-year, $404,000 grant from the Icicle Fund.

Methow Arts receives a ‘transformational’ $404,000 grant from the Icicle Fund November 26, 2025 by Ralph Schwartz Photo by Ralph Schwartz Methow Arts in Twisp will get a new name and mural — and a second office in the Okanogan Valley — thanks to a $404,000 Icicle Fund grant. Nonprofit to cha...

11/30/2025

It took many auditions to cast the right person in the role of Executive Director of The Merc Playhouse but it was worth the wait, said Amanda Fine, The Merc’s Board Chair.

Merc ED brings experience, love of theater November 26, 2025 by Ashley Lodato Photo by Don Nelson Mikayla Gonzalez takes over as Executive Director of The Merc Playhouse in December. It took many auditions to cast the right person in the role of Executive Director of The Merc Playhouse but it was wo...

11/29/2025

Crews completed emergency repairs on a Methow River bridge near Gold Creek Loop Road on Nov. 18, according to a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) news release.

Repairs wrap up at Highway 153 bridge below Carlton November 26, 2025 by Methow Valley News Crews completed emergency repairs on a Methow River bridge near Gold Creek Loop Road on Nov. 18, according to a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) news release. The bridge, 3.5 miles south....

11/29/2025

The season came to an end for Liberty Bell High School football as the Mountain Lions were on the wrong side of a 55-12 outcome against the Tri-Cities Prep Jaguars in Pasco on Saturday, in the quarterfinals of the state 2B championship tournament,

Jaguars overpower LBHS in state football tourney November 26, 2025 by Rick Lewis Photos courtesy of Alisha McMillan Liberty Bell defenders faced off against Tri-Cities Prep’s bigger and more experienced front line. The season came to an end for Liberty Bell High School football as the Mountain Lio...

11/29/2025

Western Washington University skated to a 5-2 victory over the Washington State University Cougars in the second annual Winter Outdoor Collegiate Classic at the Winthrop Rink Saturday night.

Vikings skate past Cougs in Collegiate Classic November 26, 2025 by Rick Lewis Photo By Rick Lewis Western Washington goalkeeper Wes Moreno minded the net as WSU Cougar Nicholas Woodard lined up a shot. Western Washington University skated to a 5-2 victory over the Washington State University Cougar...

11/29/2025

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11/28/2025

Okanogan County will get twice as much money from the state for public defense next year, after the Legislature increased support for indigent-defense services statewide.

More money coming for public defenders November 26, 2025 by Marcy Stamper State funds will help — but not solve — county’s cash-flow problem Okanogan County will get twice as much money from the state for public defense next year, after the Legislature increased support for indigent-defense se...

11/28/2025

It’s a tough week to be a turkey in Winthrop — and not just because of Thanksgiving.

Town of Winthrop’s message to turkeys: get the flock out of here November 26, 2025 by Don Nelson Council members object to birds’ fowl behavior It’s a tough week to be a turkey in Winthrop — and not just because of Thanksgiving. The Town Council is looking for ways to deport a roving mob of ...