News

SPOKANE – Despite record snowfall accumulations across Washington during the past month, the statewide mountain snowpack is average for this time of the year, according to USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

That’s right, just average.

TONASKET – The Tonasket School Board announced at their work session on Monday, Jan. 12 that they are hosting public forums this week and next week to help them in their search for a new superintendent.

OROVILLE – The Oroville Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual banquet to install new officers for 2009 and to present several awards on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. in Yo Yo’s Restaurant.

OROVILLE – The Oroville City Council learned at their Tuesday, Jan. 5 meeting that the state may have plans to close Osoyoos Lake Veteran’s Memorial State Park due to the “dire economic picture.”

OROVILLE – Three young ladies, Serena Carper, Rachel Peters and Kayla McKinney, are asking the Oroville community’s consideration to serve as this year’s May Festival Queen and Princesses.

The three girls, all juniors at Oroville High School, will represent the community not only during May Festival, the second weekend in May, but at other events throughout the region. Selection night this year will be held on Monday, Jan. 19 at the Oroville High School Commons beginning at 7 p.m. All ballots for the royal court will be cast by community members and students at the selection night, so those wishing to vote must be in attendance.

The royalty candidates have written short biographies to help introduce themselves to the community and to share their thoughts on why they want to represent Oroville at May Festival and at other events. Their introductions follow:

OKANOGAN – The county commissioners passed the 2009 budget, reduced by just over $300,000 from the 2008 budget, on Monday, Dec. 22 2008.

Editor’s Note: This week we take a look back at just a few of the stories that made the front pages of the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune during all of 2008. G.A.D.

January

Next 10 years critical for Okanogan County PUD – As John Grubich settled into his new job as manager of the PUD, he said ongoing negotiations of a sales agreement with the Bonneville Power Administration is “job one” for the utility’s health.

MAZAMA – A snowmobiler riding northwest of Mazama was buried under an avalanche and died Sunday, Dec. 28, according to the Okanogan County Sheriff’s office.

NORTH COUNTY – The answer to whether the national economic crisis has slowed business in Oroville and Tonasket depends mainly on who you talk to.

TONASKET – After rescuing animals for 20 years for no fee, Wendy Steever is closing Howling Ridge Rescue and starting a new rescue business.