Dear Editor,
As I was coming home from Tonasket, I was dismayed to see that the big pine tree that I grew up with was gone, leaving nothing but an ugly stump and a memory. That tree has been a historical landmark for as long as I can remember, which is a very long time. My mother and dad used to tell me stories about the Indians that used to camp under it and that it was known as a birthing tree.
Dear Editor,
The wind was barely blowing but the cloud gray skies told us an extra coat would be the order of the day.
I wish someone would have told all our young teen royalties that it was not going to be a day of open shouldered evening gowns on a float on a street that runs north with a light south breeze. My bet, some are still shivering and drinking warm liquids to dissolve the goose bumps!
It’s hard to imagine from a far place how many can cram this little Hamlet to see the same sights they’ve seen for the last umpteen years. When you think of it. Sure the newer designs of the floats may change some. But the folks and their grandkids are the same as reflected in the looks of their faces and body structures of generations that began in this new place in the mid-1800s. And there is a lot to be said for tradition and remembrance of what has preceded us.
Dear Editor,
I am rather disappointed, Mr. Billing, that you did not claim ownership to your title as Administrator of Mid Valley Hospital in last week’s editorial in the Omak Chronicle titled “Consider Consolidation.” The readers would then have more clearly recognized that the article was written from the competitive edge point of view rather than having consideration for the medical needs of the communities in the North Okanogan Valley.
Statistics reflect the fact that for every six miles between the patient and the hospital the risk of death increases by 1%. For those patients who live in Oroville, Chesaw, or Loomis and even Tonasket, consolidation decreases their chance for survival in an emergent situation.
Dear Editor,
I have just read Reva Eisenbarths letter (Gazette-Tribune, May 1, “Concerns still haven’t been addressed”) which was a response to an earlier letter I had written. Though not intended to, it seems to have struck a nerve. I wish to make it very clear that I am NOT responding to the contents of her letter. To respond would have crossed over into the negative side, which I choose not to do.
OROVILLE – “Touch of Grace” handbell choir from the Oroville Free Methodist Church will be presenting a free concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 16 at the Oroville Free Methodist Church. The Oroville High School Girls’ Choir will also be performing several songs from their upcoming concert.
About four years ago a set of Belleplates from the Whitestone Church were borrowed for a Christmas service. Lynn Chapman, the director, had played in a handbell choir in Oregon and directed and was willing to direct a small handbell ensemble using the Belleplates. The women playing in the ensemble enjoyed playing so much, that the Belleplates were not returned for a year. They not only performed at the Oroville Free Methodist Church, but also at the Habitat for Humanity fall concert.
This exposure to handbell ringing was the beginning of “Touch of Grace.” A one octave set of Malmark Handbells, which includes 13 notes, was purchased on eBay and donated to the church the following year. Very few songs, however, can be played with only 13 tones, so donations were requested from the congregation of the Oroville Free Methodist Church for additional handbells.
OKANOGAN – Okanogan County Assessor Scott Furman announced last week that his office has completed the reevaluation process for all the taxable property located within the Oroville School District.
Portions of the county are re-evaluated on a four-year cycle and it was the Oroville area’s turn. Portions of the Omak School District that are located outside Omak’s city limits were also revalued, according to Furman. This included the Omak flats and the Conconully, Riverside and Tunk areas, as well as portions on the Colville Reservation.
“Notice of value change forms will be mailed out May 30, 2008,” said Furman.
Furman told those in attendance at the Thursday, May 8 meeting of the Oroville Chamber of Commerce that many taxpayers will see increases in their property valuation. He explained how the real estate appraisers used “comparables” from recent sales of similar properties to determine current value. He also showed several examples of homes and lots that had sold recently and how much they had increased with each successive sale over the past four years. Most had at least doubled in value, while some had gone up several times.
“The re-appraisal process involves real estate appraisers from the assessor’s office going out and physically inspecting all taxable property. The last revaluation was based upon sales that occurred prior to Jan. 1, 2004,” said Furman.
“The new assessed values are based upon comparable sales of similar property located in your area that have occurred over the past few years,” he said.
According to Furman the real estate market in the Oroville area has experienced unprecedented market appreciation in the past three years.
OROVILLE – Oroville has been granted $616,567 from the FAA to completely fence the perimeter around the city’s Dorothy Scott International Airport.
The city has also applied for $16,225 from the state Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics division which it will receive to help pay the city’s share of the grant from the federal government. The federal agency, as well as the city, agrees that fencing the airport to keep deer off the runway is an important step. The fence is also intended to bring additional security to the airport.
At their Tuesday, May 5 meeting, the Oroville City Council passed a resolution saying that it had matching funds to the FAA grant. Councilman Tony Keopke made the motion to approve the resolution and it was seconded by Councilman Jason Blotsky.
“Fencing around the perimeter will include the buildings and the open hanger area and leave out the parking area,” said Rod Noel, Superintendent of Public Works.
By Gary A. DeVon
Managing Editor
OROVILLE – A convoy of 300 or more riders on their motorcycles is expected to roar into town as the 6th Annual Run for the Border comes to Oroville this Saturday.
The Columbia River Harley Owners Group (HOG) sponsors the 150 mile run from Wenatchee to Oroville as a charitable event. This year they will again be raising funds for North Central Washington Kids in Need. Although the club is made up of Harley Davidson owners, all types of motorcycles are welcome to join in the ride, according to Ken Taylor of Oroville who is helping to coordinate the event.
“They start up in Wenatchee at 10 in the morning and usually stop in Pateros which is about half way,” said Taylor. “We expect the convoy to start rolling in to town around 1 p.m.”
Vivian Becky Hayworth, age 75, of Oroville passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at home in Oroville.
Robert ‘Robbie’ W. Westover III, born Aug. 27, 1960 to Robert W. Westover Jr. and Susan S. Westover, died April 29, 2008.
