okanogan valley gazette-tribune, december 17, 2015

One of just 90 schools honored across Washington StateBY KATIE [email protected]

TONASKET - Tonasket Elementary Schools is one of 90 schools across Washington State to be honored with the 2015 School of Distinction (SOD) award.

The award is given to schools who demon-strate sustained improvement over a five year period in reading/English language arts and math.

“The 2015 School of Distinction award is a reflection of the incredible amount of time and effort our staff puts into making a difference for every child,” said Tonasket Elementary School Principal Jeremy Clark. “Our stu-dents are making great growth each year and are a true joy to work with. Thank you also to our parents and community for your support of our students and our work. Sustained improvement requires the efforts of us all. What an amazing community Tonasket is to work, grow and learn in! Congratulations Tonasket School District!”

“This is a great honor for our Tonasket

Elementary School, and the entire school district,” said Superintendent Steve McCullough. “I commend the efforts of our elementary school staff, the entire adminstrative team and our school board to help earn this award. This is a long-term look at our improvements, which is a lot harder to accomplish than just a snapshot of a year or two.”

The Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE), partnered with the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), the Association of Washington School Principals,

Washington Association of School Administrators and the Washington Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development recognize schools in the top five per-cent of improvement for their levels. Elementary and middle schools are recognized for improve-ment in reading/ELA and math achievement, and

high schools are recognized for sustained improvement in graduation rate over the last five years.

This year, 51 elementary, 20 middle/junior high and 21 high schools includ-ing five alternative schools were given the SOD award.

The 90 schools come from all regions of the state and include schools from large urban as well as small rural com-munities.

“These schools demonstrate that sig-nificant improvement is occurring across all our diverse public schools,” said Greg

Lobdell, CEE CEO.Bridgeport High School won the award

in 2013 and 2014 as well as this year, the ninth consecutive year the award has been given.

TES is one of fifty-five schools this year to receive the award for the first time.

“In a year of unprecedented change across our state with the new Common Core Standards and the new Smarter Balanced Assessments, it is cause for celebration to see so many schools ris-

ing to these challenges and causing great improvement for our students,” said Dr. Rich McBride, Superintendent of the North Central ESD in Wenatchee and president of the AESD. “This award pro-cess highlights our need to continue to support improvement efforts of our schools and the dedicated and talented leaders and staffs that make this kind of increased student achievement happen. Our congratulations to the staff, stu-dents, leaders and communities across our state for their exceptional efforts in

service to our students.”CEE is a service, consulting and

research organization dedicated to the mission of partnering with K-12 schools to improve student learning.

According to a Methodology Brief by the CEE, the switch to Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) in the spring of 2015 presented challenges in celebrating sus-tained improvement, with the entire state declining at all grade levels due to the use

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OKANOGAN VALLEYGAZETTE-TRIBUNE

Volume 111No. 51

CONTACT USNewsroom: (509) 476-3602 ext. 5050

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INSIDE THIS EDITION

WWW.GAZETTE-TRIBUNE.COM | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 | 75 CENTS NEWSSTAND PRICE

GAZETTE-TRIBUNESERVING WASHINGTON’S OKANOGAN VALLEY SINCE 1905

Oroville High School presents a Winter Concert on Thursday,

Dec. 17 in the Commons

Holiday Winter ConcertWinter Sports Get Underway

in Tonasket and Oroville

See Page A8 and A9

SEE DISTINCTION | PG A2

Tonasket Elementary named ‘School of Distinction’

“Our students are making great growth each year and are a

true joy to work with,”Jeremy Clark, Principal

Tonasket Elementary School Katie Teachout/staff photo

Tonasket Elementary School Staff celebrate being one of 90 schools in Washington State to be given the 2015 School of Distinction Award.

Summer fires, low Canadian dollar, even the bird flu, combine to hurt salesBY GARY A. [email protected]

OROVILLE – It’s been a long summer of rumors and conjecture, is Hughes’ Department Store selling or closing – as of last Monday it seemed like it was clos-ing, but Tuesday that had changed.

According to Jack Hughes, who owns the business with his wife Mary, this past year has been a rough one, with sales down due to a perfect storm of issues.

“It actually started last spring, with the bird flu and spring sales were down,” said Hughes, “then we had the Canadian dollar drop so low and the fires.... even though they were not here, we got so much smoke people weren’t coming down across the border.”

Hughes said his business – selling clothing, shoes, hardware and a variety of other items at his store, relies heav-ily on the three months of summer and Canadian shoppers to get them through the rest of the year. Add that to the fact that his other business, Discount Fireworks, was also down due to all the fireworks bans this year.

“The fireworks, we didn’t have that pot to draw from again,” said Hughes.

He says the internet is cutting into everyone’s business as well making it hard to compete with customers who’d rather stay home and order items online from the comfort of their armchair.

All this combined sent Hughes look-ing for someone to buy the department store.

“This summer we had someone inter-ested in buying, but that fell through due

to health reasons on their part... just a week and a half before we had the deal finalized. A couple more looked at it but they said it was too far from their bases of operations. They really liked the store, they thought it was great, but just too far from home,” he said.

Hughes, who leases space for his busi-ness in the north half of the Prince’s Center, said he had been working very closely with the Prince family to try and make things work. The store, which was Prince’s Department Store, has been in business for the better part of eight decades and a destination for genera-tions of cross border shoppers.

“Jim (Prince) and I have had our heads together everyday for the past three weeks. We’ve been trying to work something out for four months now,” said Hughes.

That brought him to the point where he and his wife were going to close the store after the beginning of next year. He told his employees that and even adver-tised it on the big Prince’s Center reader board. But on Tuesday morning Jack Hughes said no, the store wasn’t closing, but the big 30 percent inventory reduc-tion sale was going to continue.

He isn’t optimistic about the situa-tion turning around soon, especially the Canadian dollar which has been down by 30 percent or more.

“Traditionally once it’s down it takes about two years to come back,” he said. “And a store this size in a town of about 1700 just can’t be supported by our local people alone.”

Hughes, who employs between 40 and 45 people year around, said he has some of the best employees.

Editor’s Note: Hughes was emphatic about the store not closing at the end of January. He said he was going to try to do what it takes “to right the ship” and keep the doors open.

Hughes Dept. Store looking to ‘right the ship’

Katie Teachout/staff photos

In the above scene from the Tonasket Community Theater’s performance of ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,’ the Herdman family children wreak havoc during a church’s casting call. Imogene Herdman, played by Emma Shearin, taunts Alice Wendleken (played by Noni Alley) by hold-ing her Child’s Book of Prayers out of reach.

Left, Shearin’s Imogene Herdman, who got the role of Mary by threatening Alice Wendleken not to try out for it this year, appears transformed by taking part in the Christmas story for the first time.

For story and more photos, see page A3

Summer fires, low Canadian dollar, even the bird flu, combine to hurt sales

PAGE A2 OKANOGAN VALLEY GAZETTE-TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 17, 2015

NEWS

EVERYTHING IN STOCKSALE& WAREHOUSE

of a different measurement tool. CEE dealt with this challenge by translating percent meeting stan-dard to percentile ranks for each year and each content area. The percentiles are calculated for each year by combining ELA and math percentiles, and the five-year trend of improvement for each year used to measure improve-ment over the five-year period.

CEE determined that SBA

could not be used at the high school level due to irregularities in the testing, with nearly 50 per-cent refusals state wide for HS testing. CEE consulted with ESD

leadership, district leadership and building principals around the state and decided to use sustained improvement in graduation rates for awarding high schools.

Katie Teachout/staff photo

Tonasket Elementary School staff members sign the 2015 School of Distinction award banner on Friday, Dec. 11.

Final adoption will be culmination of four years of workBY KATIE [email protected]

TONASKET - City Planner Kurt Danison submitted amend-ments to the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation Map and a thoroughly revised Zoning Code and Zoning Map to the Tonasket City Council Tuesday, Dec. 8. for a 60-day period of public review.

The Tonasket City Council will then hold a Public Hearing prior to taking action to adopt the amendments. According to Danison, the transmittal of the amendments from the Planning Commission completes nearly four years of effort.

Council member Scott Olson asked if chickens were allowed, and Danison said yes. The pro-posed amendments included the following provisions:

17.21.180 Keeping of chickensA. The intent of this section

is to provide for and establish standards for the noncommercial keeping of chickens in a man-ner which will not endanger the health, peace and safety of the citizens of the city and which will assure that chickens are kept in a clean and sanitary condition and not subject to suffering, cruelty or abuse.

B. Chickens are permitted to be kept and maintained as acces-sory uses subject to the following requirements:1. No more than four (4) chick-

ens are allowed at each single-family dwelling;

2. Male chickens over four (4) months of age are not allowed;

3. Chickens shall be kept in a well ventilated, enclosed coop constructed to protect the ani-mals against varying weather conditions and predators. The coop shall have an attached, enclosed run. The coop and run combined shall provide a minimum of ten (10) square feet of ground space per chick-en;

4. All coops and runs shall be located within a side or rear yard only. Coops shall be at least twenty-five (25) feet from any neighboring dwelling and five (5) feet from any property line. No portion of any coop or run shall be within five (5) feet of any property line unless the property line abuts an alley;

5. All coops and runs shall be kept in a neat, sanitary, dust-free condition and must be cleaned on a regular basis so as to prevent offensive odors;

6. At no time shall the chickens be allowed to run at large.Danison said the zoning code

did not include anything regard-ing cannabis, as stores are a retail outlet like any other, processing is an industrial activity and growing falls under agriculture; all activi-

ties are presently regulated by City zoning.

“If someone applies for a license from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, it will come before the city coun-cil for review,” said Danison. “The city can reduce the 1,000 foot buffer zone at it’s discretion.”

“That sounds like a great idea,” said Mayor Patrick Plumb. “I am pumped.”

Danison said under the first quarter of operation, the mari-juana outlet store Sage Shop in Omak paid taxes of $4,000 to the city of Omak.

Plumb asked when Mill Drive and Bretz Road would be assimi-lated as full city streets.

“Seventh Street should be 7th Street all the way to the end instead of changing to Mill Drive now that both portions are in the city, rather than part of it in the county,” said Plumb.

Council members raised con-cerns about people needing to change their address if the change was made.

“We would need to write a letter and work with the e-911 people, who are in charge of the addresses. They are going to want to know why the change is being made now, after 100 years,” said Danison, adding that he would work with City Clerk and Treasurer Alice Attwood to find out how that was to be done.

Dansion said representa-tives from the Utility and Transportation Council and Genesse & Wyoming Railroad would be coming to Tonasket February 3 for a 10 a.m. meet-ing to review the location of the planned crossing and determine the scope of the improvements required for approval for the rail-road crossing at the south end of Chief Tonasket Park.

Danison said he submitted two applications for county infra-structure funds collected result-ing from a .09 percent rebate of retail sales tax to Okanogan County. This fund was established in the early 1990’s as a means to assist economic development in economically “distressed” coun-ties. The legislation required the dollars be spent on public facili-ties that provide for economic development in consultation with the Cities and Towns.

“While the Okanogan County Economic Alliance facilitates an annual process to prioritize eco-nomic development projects on a county-wide basis at the request of the County Commissioners, it has been at least four or five years since any City or Town projects have been funded, with the exception of a small grant to Tonasket for the Third Avenue project in 2013,” said Danison “With approximately $400,000 a year going into the fund, it is hoped that the Commissioners will release some funding for eco-nomic development projects.”

Tonasket submitted applica-tions were for electric car charg-

ing station in the parking lot adjoining the Tonasket Visitor and Business Resource Center (TVBRC), and improvements at the Tonasket City Airport includ-ing the installation of three heli-pads and new septic system.

Danison said the only com-munities that made applications were Tonasket, Pateros, Brewster and Twisp.

The Okanogan County Economic Alliance Board approved the list of priorities: 1.

Sixty day review of Zoning Code begins

Moreno sworn in as new member; 2016 budget adoptedBY KATIE [email protected]

Maria Moreno was sworn in as the new Tonasket City Council member Tuesday, Dec. 8. Moreno replaces Lois Rice, who was appointed to fill the vacant council seat when Jean Ramsey resigned in June, 2014. Rice chose not to run for an additional term.

Along with her regular City Council responsibilities, Rice was appointed by Mayor Patrick Plumb to serve on the 2015 street/Water/Sewer/Cemetery/Airport committee with fellow council member Claire Jeffko; and the Personnel committee with Dennis Brown.

Moreno, who ran unopposed for the council seat, takes over the appointed seat immediately. Jensen Sackman, who ran unop-posed for Scott Olson’s council seat, will take over his position at the end of the year.

Olson, who has been on the city council for six years, also chose not to run for another term. This was his last meeting serving on the council.

“The people of the city are real-ly doing a good job and I appreci-ate them,” said Olson as he passed out gifts of flowers, coffee and hot chocolate coupons to city staff and fellow council members. “It has been an honor to serve with each of you.”

Giving Plumb a gift certificate to the Tonasket Natural Foods Co-op, he told the mayor, “I am impressed with how you have changed and grown in this posi-tion, and the city is lucky to have you.”

Olson was appointed by Plumb to serve on the 2015 Finance/Capital Improvements com-

mittee with Jill Vugteveen, and the Park/Pool/Housing/Youth Center/Recreation committee with Jeffko.

The Council voted to approve the City of Tonasket 2016 Budget, with total Law Enforcement expenditures of $456,639 and total Fire Control expenditures of $36,000. Total Park Expenditures were approved at $29,600 and Total Building Inspector/Administrator at $18,600. Total Airport expenditures were bud-geted at $10,940 and total Library expenditures at $8,600. Total Youth Center Expenditures are expected to be at $5,600 and total Health expenditures (mosquito control, professional service and dog pound improvements) at $2,000.

All city staff employees received a flat increase of $32.23 per month when an increase of 1 percent to each of the cur-rent employee hourly rates times 2080 hours was divided equally between eleven employees.

City Hall requests for the bud-get included a new phone sys-tem for city hall and new front doors for city hall. Public Works requests included two chlorine

and two poly metering pumps at $1500, cleaning of water res-ervoirs at $4500, wastewater and treatment plant UV lights at $3500, a new mower for the park and cemetery at $14,000. The police department requested a new car at $10,000, with $5,000 allotted in the budget.

The council also approved an ordinance transferring $60,000 from the Water Reserve Fund to the Water Fund. This increases the Water Fund Revenues and Expenditures from $431,190 to $491,190; and decreases Water Reserve Revenues and Expenditures from $67,650 to $7,650.

Total revenues and expendi-tures are both at $2,941,516.25 for the 2016 budget.

All charges for city fees remained the same, except for sewer rates increasing by two per-cent and water rates increasing by 10 percent.

Disbursement of hotel/motel funds was $650 for the Tonasket Airport Improvement fund, $1,900 for the Tonasket Rodeo Club, $600 for the CCC and

Olson and Rice finish terms on Tonasket City Council

“This is a great honor for our Tonasket Elementary School and the entire school district.”

Steve McCullough, Superintendent Tonasket School District

SEE ZONING | PG A7


New council member Maria Moreno sits between Scott Olson and Jill Vugteveen after being sworn in December 8. Moreno replaces Lois Rice. This was also Scott Olson’s last meeting serving as a council member.

SEE BUDGET | PG A7

DECEMBER 17, 2015 | OKANOGAN VALLEY GAZETTE-TRIBUNE PAGE A3

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Audience members were happy to join in with the voices of the Angel Choir singing Christmas carols during the Tonasket Community Theater’s performance of ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.’

Pageant had 25 member production crew drawn from local talentBY KATIE [email protected]

The Tonasket Community Theater performed ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ to full houses at the Community Cultural Center (CCC) December 10-13, delighting giggling audi-ences with great acting and clever lines.

Directed by Sarah Kaiser and Nakiah Reiter, the 25-member production crew included actors

and actresses ranging in age from six years to adults. Auditions took place in August, and the group has been practicing weekly to perfect their presentation of the play based on a book by Barbara Robinson.

“We held auditions at the end of August, in the smoke,” said Kaiser. “Two or three kids had fathers out fighting the fires. We held the auditions outside, because people (displaced from the Okanogan Complex wild-fires) were living inside the CCC.”

Kaiser said when she wrote a letter to Samuel French Publishers, they and the descen-dants of the author waived all royalty fees upon hearing the circumstances the theater group

was performing under, and how the community united together in response to the fires.

“That never happens,” said Kaiser. “Royalty fees don’t usually get waived.”

Another challenge Kaiser faced was finding creative ways to use a small stage without a curtain. She referred to a hospital scene played by M. Clare Paris with her leg in traction and Rob Thomas acting as her nurse, set off on the side of the stage.

“We did that scene to distract the audience while we did a set change on the main stage,” said Kaiser. “We had twenty-five people in production, and every-one was busy the entire time. We also had actors sit out scenes

they weren’t involved in right out in the audience. I thought they would be quieter there than if they were hanging out backstage or off to the side.”

Kaiser said a favorite memory was when young actress Sarah Alexander said at the end of October, “Wait. The play isn’t until December. What are we going to do until then? I already know all my lines.”

They definitely all knew their lines at performance time, but that didn’t guarantee against any glitches.

“The third time we did this play, I jumped back and ran into a box. It was a little hard to get back on track after that,” laughed Noni Alley, who played a young

character that thought highly of herself.

“It was a stretch to get Noni to play the nasty kid, because as everyone who knows her agrees, Noni is so sweet,” Kaiser said.

Emma Shearin, who played a girl named Imogene Herdman who landed the part of Mary in the local church’s Christmas Pageant, said her favorite part of the play was “throwing the doll around.”

Six and a half year old Lexie Lindsey laughed at the antics of another character. “When they said ‘My God, they don’t have room for baby Jesus!’ I thought that was really funny,” said Lindsey, who played Maya Eppel.

Stella Crutcher, who played the

dual role of Gladys Herdman and an Angel of the Lord who kept proclaiming ‘Shazam!’ said her favorite part of the play was mak-ing new friends.

Kaiser was aided in the pro-duction by numerous friends and community businesses, including a sound and light crew made up of Melanie Thornton, Stephen Sacchi, Rick Braman and Quill Hyde; Samantha Rabenold, Alex Eppel and Scott Olson helping with backstage costuming and kid wrangling; and music provid-ed by Rob Thompson on guitar.

All proceeds from the play were given to the CCC to support them in their many roles of pro-viding for the community.

Best Christmas Pageant Ever brings holiday cheer


The Bradley family, played by Phoenix Willging, Kara Wilson, Danika Smith and Matt Smith, cheer when the ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ does indeed turn out to be the best production, despite chaos at the start.

You can upload your own community events.Try our new calendar at...

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COPS, COURTS & 911 CALLSCOMPILED BY ZACHARY VAN BRUNTCOURTHOUSE CORRESPONDENT

SUPERIOR COURT

Criminal

Gabriel J. Saenz, 42, Riverside, pleaded guilty Dec. 8 to POCS (methamphetamine) and third-degree theft. Saenz was sentenced to 364 days in jail with 319 suspended, and fined $3,260.50 for the Nov. 5 crimes.

The court found prob-able cause to charge David George Vanvekoven, 44, Oroville, with POCS (meth-amphetamine), first-degree DWLS and operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock device. The crimes allegedly occurred Nov. 30.

The court found probable cause to charge Rico Nicho-las Planque, 44, Omak, with first-degree burglary, fourth-degree assault, POCS (methamphetamine) and two counts of harassment (threats to kill). The crimes allegedly occurred Dec. 1.

The court found probable cause to charge Bradley James Verstegen, 28, Omak, with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. The crimes allegedly occurred Aug. 11 and Oct. 24.

The court found probable cause to charge David James Clines, 25, Oroville, with unlawful issuance of a bank check and second-degree theft. The crimes allegedly occurred July 31 and Aug. 5.

The court found probable cause to charge Christopher Lee Jauregui, 38, Tonasket, with two counts of first-degree assault (with a deadly weapon). The crimes alleg-edly occurred Dec. 4.

The court found probable cause to charge Patrick Thomas McGuire, 55, Oro-ville, with POCS (metham-phetamine) and third-degree DWLS. The crimes allegedly occurred Dec. 4.

The court found probable cause to charge John Chris-topher Meslar, 41, Tonasket, with distribution of a con-trolled substance (meth-amphetamine), POCS (with intent) (methamphetamine), POCS (marijuana) and use of drug paraphernalia. The crimes allegedly occurred Dec. 4.

The court found probable cause to charge Michael Sean Sackman, 31, Tonasket,

with second-degree unlaw-ful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a loaded shotgun in a vehicle and obstruction. The crimes allegedly occurred Dec. 6.

The court found probable cause to charge Michael Shane Snell, 36, Mansfield, with POCS (methamphet-amine) and use of drug paraphernalia. The crimes allegedly occurred Dec. 5 near Omak.

The court found probable cause to charge Michael John Stensgar Jr., 29, Omak, with first-degree unlaw-ful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a loaded shotgun in a vehicle and obstruction. The crimes allegedly occurred Dec. 6.

Civil

The state Department of Labor and Industries assessed the following businesses for unpaid workers’ compensa-tion taxes, penalties and interest: Okanogan County Potgrowers Association LLC, Riverside, $125.54; Arrow Floor Care, Omak, a total of $1,015.38 between two assessments.

DISTRICT COURT

Julia Maria Johns, 37, Oroville, guilty of reckless driving and two counts of reckless endangerment. The court dismissed an obstruction charge. Johns was sentenced to 364 days in jail with 334 days suspended, and fined a total of $608.

Sukhpal Kaur, no middle name listed, 42, Omak, had a charge dismissed: supplying liquor to minors. Kaur was fined $500.

Justin John Leslie, 31, Tonasket, had a third-degree DWLS charge dismissed.

Joe Ballesteros Lopez, 21, Omak, guilty on two counts of second-degree DWLS. Lopez was sentenced to 364 days in jail with 359 days suspended, and fined a total of $1,116.

Kellie Marie McClure Kirkey, 54, Tonasket, guilty of third-degree theft. McClure Kirkey received a 364-day suspend-ed sentence and fined $518.

Charles Reuben McNeil, 30, Conconully, guilty of DUI and first-degree DWLS. McNeil was sentenced to 364 days in jail with 184 days suspended,

and fined a total of $1,681.Josiah Adrian Moses, 20, Omak,

had a charge dismissed: delivery of drug parapher-nalia.

Sherilynn Nielsen, no middle name listed, 48, Oroville, guilty of violation of a no-contact order, fourth-degree assault, attempted making a false or misleading state-ment and first-degree crimi-nal trespassing. Nielson was sentenced to 364 days in jail with 354 days suspended, and fined a total of $1,616.

911 CALLS AND JAIL BOOKINGS

monday, deC. 7, 2015

Threats on Hwy. 7 near Tonas-ket.

Malicious mischief on S. Sec-ond Ave. in Okanogan. Win-dows reported broken.

Assault on S. Fifth Ave. in Okanogan.

Theft on Engh Rd. in Omak.Trespassing on Hwy. 7 near

Tonasket.Assault on S. Main St. in Omak.Threats on Locust St. in Omak.Weapons offense on Ironwood

St. in Omak.Two-vehicle crash on Engh

Rd. in Omak. No injuries reported.

Warrant arrest on Locust St. in Omak.

Found property on Park Ave. in Oroville. Plastic gun recov-ered.

Theft on Juniper St. in Oroville.Weapons offense on S. Antwine

Ave. in Tonasket.Darla Lucille Larkin, 28, court

commitments for DUI and first-degree DWLS.

Jennifer Lee Cooper, 38, booked for second-degree possession of stolen prop-erty.

Devon Tyler Stolz, 23, booked on an FTA warrant for POCS.

Tuesday, deC. 8, 2015

Drugs on Fancher Rd. near Tonasket.

Domestic dispute on Mill Dr. near Tonasket.

Trespassing on N. Juniper St. in Omak.

Trespassing on N. Fir St. in Omak.

Warrant arrest on Ironwood St. in Oroville.

Trespassing on S. Whitcomb Ave. in Tonasket.

Aaron Justin Conrad Pfaltz-graff-Miller, 22, booked on a DOC warrant and an Omak

Police Department FTC warrant for fourth-degree assault.

Nathaniel James Edenso, 35, booked on three warrants for failure to pay child sup-port and a Tonasket Police Department FTA warrant for third-degree DWLS.

Wednesday, deC. 9, 2015Burglary on Osprey Dr. near Okanogan. Jewelry reported

missing.Fraud on Orchard St. in Okano-

gan.Fraud on Black Rd. near Omak.Theft on Aeneas Valley Rd. near

Tonasket. Mailbox reported missing.

Vehicle prowl on S. Second Ave. in Okanogan. Antlers and gloves reported missing.

Domestic dispute on Pine Creek Rd. near Tonasket.

Fraud on Old Riverside Hwy. near Omak.

Threats on Frosty Creek Rd. near Tonasket.

Assault on N. Fourth Ave. in Okanogan.

Harassment on Duck Lake Rd. near Omak.

Drugs on N. Third Ave. in Okan-ogan.

Trespassing on Duck Lake Rd. near Omak.

Harassment on N. Fourth Ave. in Okanogan.

Public intoxication on S. Main St. in Omak.

Fraud on W. Bartlett Ave. in Omak.

Burglary on Ninth Ave. in Oro-ville.

Trespassing on Juniper St. in Oroville.

Warrant arrest on S. Whitcomb Ave. in Tonasket.

Alice Louise Jones, 60, court commitment for third-degree DWLS.

Matthew Llewellyn, no middle name listed, 32, booked for DUI (work release) and drive-by (work release).

Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015

Fraud on Danker Cutoff Rd. near Okanogan.

Domestic dispute on Third St. in Riverside.

Drugs on S. Fifth Ave. in Okano-gan.

Burglary on Pine Creek Rd. near Tonasket.

One-vehicle roll-over crash on Danker Cutoff Rd. near Okan-ogan. No injuries reported.

Drugs on Riverside Dr. in Omak.Two-vehicle crash on Glen-

wood Ave. in Riverside. No injuries reported.

Domestic dispute on Main St. in Oroville.

Warrant arrest on Main St. in Oroville.

Vehicle prowl on Juniper St. in

Oroville. Stereo equipment reported missing.

Domestic dispute on E. Sev-enth St. in Tonasket.

DWLS on S. Tonasket Ave. in Tonasket.

Dustin David Blackburn, 38, booked on an OCSO warrant for sex offender registry.

Shannon Bailey-Mieris, 44, booked on an Oroville Police Department FTA warrant for third-degree DWLS.

Elizabeth Zierlein, no middle name listed, 35, booked on four Oroville Police Depart-ment warrants: one for hit-and-run (unattended) and three for third-degree DWLS.

Friday, deC. 11, 2015Assault on Apple Way Rd. near

Okanogan.Burglary on Hwy. 97 near Oro-

ville.Sex offense on N. Third Ave. in

Okanogan.Warrant arrest on Jennings

Loop Rd. near Oroville.Automobile theft on Elmway in

Okanogan.Assault on N. Third Ave. in

Okanogan.Harassment on Hwy. 97 near

Tonasket.Weapons offense on Omache

Dr. in Omak.Drugs on Omak Ave. in Omak.Trespassing on Engh Rd. in

Omak.Trespassing on Longanecker

Rd. near Tonasket.Shila Saleen Bearcloud Moore,

24, booked on two OCSO FTA warrants: DUI and operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock device.

Christina Jean St. Claire, 29, booked for a drug court vio-lation.

Alan Forbes Price, 42, booked on an OCSO FTA warrant for third-degree DWLS.

Matthew Velasquez, no middle name listed, 38, DOC detain-er.

Dustin Matthews, no middle name listed, 34, court com-mitment for POCS.

saTurday, deC. 12, 2015

DUI on S. Van Duyn Ave. in Okanogan.

Utility problem on Engh Rd. near Omak. Power outage reported.

Warrant arrest on S. Whitcomb Ave. in Tonasket.

Warrant arrest on Jennings Loop Rd. near Oroville.

One-vehicle crash on Cameron Lake Rd. near Okanogan. No injuries reported.

Weapons offense on Sandflat Rd. near Omak.

Burglary on Omak Ave. in Omak.

Theft on Engh Rd. in Omak.

Domestic dispute on N. Main St. in Omak.

Warrant arrest on Dayton St. in Omak.

One-vehicle crash on W. Fourth St. in Tonasket. No injuries reported.

Drugs on Hwy. 97 in Tonasket.Anthony Bigwolf, no middle

name listed, 21, booked on four FTC warrants for MIP/C.

Iris Gail Mannoquin, 21, booked on an OCSO warrant for third-degree DWLS.

Andres Rafael Guzman San-chez, 19, booked for MIP/C.

Omar Medina Hermenegildo, 22, booked for DUI.

Hannah Lyn Galloway, 28, booked on an OCSO warrant for third-degree DWLS.

Donny James St. Peter, 23, booked for second-degree burglary.

David Lee Fitzgerald, 58, booked on three OCSO war-rants: resisting arrest, viola-tion of a no-contact order and fourth-degree assault.

Arthur Leroy Sims Jr., 47, DOC detainer.

Kyle Campbell, no middle name listed, 27, DOC detain-er.

Audrey Lynn Vieira, 33, booked for second-degree theft.

Jesse Ray Manring, 19, booked for POCS.

sunday, deC. 13, 2015

One-vehicle crash on Havillah Rd. near Tonasket.

One-vehicle crash on Rodeo Trail Rd. near Okanogan.

DWLS on Engh Rd. in Omak.Hit-and-run vehicle crash on

Westlake Rd. near Oroville. Fence reported damaged.

Assault on Engh Rd. in Omak.One-vehicle crash on Nine Mile

Rd. near Oroville. Injuries reported.

DWLS on Omak Ave. in Omak.Theft on Engh Rd. in Omak.Burglary on E. Bartlett Ave. in

Omak.Harassment on Shumway Rd.

near Omak.DWLS on W. Third Ave. in Omak.DWLS on Elm St. in Omak.William Luquin Xhurape, 25,

booked for felony possession of a firearm and obstruction.

Stephanie Nacole James, 23, booked for obstruction and reckless endangerment.

KEY:

DUI – Driving Under the Influence

DWLS/R – Driving While License Suspended/Revoked

POSC – Possession of a Controlled Substance

MIP/C – Minor in Possession/Consumption

TMVWOP – Taking a Motor Vehicle without Owner’s Permission

DV– Domestic ViolenceFTA/C – Failure to Appear/

Comply (on a warrant)FTPF – Failure to Pay FineOCSO – Okanogan County

Sheriff ’s OfficerRP– Reporting PartyDOC – State Department of

CorrectionsUSBP– U.S. Border PatrolCBP– U.S. Customs and Border

Protection.ICE– Immigration and Customs

Enforcement


Community A6-A7Sports, B1-B2Schools B3

Veterans B4-5Classifieds B6-B7Real Estate B7


Volume 111No. 45



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INSIDE THIS EDITION

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Tonasket council hears budget requests

OEA says demands on teachers’ time too high

Tonasket and Oroville High Schools to honor veterans on

Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.

Veterans Day Assemblies TONASKET SCHOOLS IN THE

NEWS FOR FFA, GARDEN

See B3

Above, Aaden McNaer, six, chugs down the street dressed as a locomotive and Ava Ozo, three, as Queen Elsa (from the Disney movie “Frozen”) for the Oroville Chamber of Commerce’s annual business Trick or Treat event, held last Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oroville businesses reported giving away hundreds of treats to the many kids who dressed up for Halloween and participated.Left, Gru (Supt. Steve Quick) and his Minions, Shay Shaw, Betty Cole and Erin McKinney, from the movie “Despicable Me,” were the winners of Best Costume in the Business Halloween Costume and Decorations contest. The group at the Oroville School District Office have earned the title sev-eral times over the years

ALL DRESSED UP

SEE COUNCIL| PG A2

“The bottom line is we have to attract teachers to our district and we

are already remote. I’m asking you to keep that in mind when you are

negotiating”Dr. Lynn Johnson, President

Oroville Education Association

“More than ten people told me they intend to vote for the Tonasket Parks and Recreation

District. ”Clair Jeffko, Council Member

City of Tonasket

Union president says demands increase, while time and pay do notBY GARY A. DE [email protected]

OROVILLE – Dr. Lynn Johnson, president of the Oroville Education Association, says more is being asked of Oroville teachers, while time to accom-plish tasks and compensation remain the same or less.

Johnson made a presentation to the Oroville School Board at their Monday, Oct. 26 meeting.

“I’m here as a representative of the OEA to let you know about legislative actions that have impacted the Oroville School District. I know you are aware that teachers all over the state have walked out or gone on strike,” said Johnson, assuring the board that wasn’t her group’s intention, but that they should be aware of how these new demands and their impact on the district.

Johnson, a teacher at Oroville, is a member of the certified contract nego-tiating team for the teacher’s association. She has 29 years in education as a teacher

and as an administrator, she said. At one time she was the Oroville Elementary School principal. The information she presented came from UniServe and the Washington Education Association (WEA), according to Johnson.

Johnson said there was a long list of requirements for teachers in Washington State, including the Washington State Te a ch e r / Pr i n c ip a l Evaluation Project. (TPEP).

“TPEP is time con-suming, for princi-pals and teachers and teachers are not pro-vided additional time or pay for all of this work. There are 53 dif-ferent items that have to be observed or the teacher has to pro-vide evidence of,” said Johnson.

Then there are changes to teacher certification requirements, according to Johnson.

“They are super, super tough on new teachers. They’re putting in double duty,” she said. “Seasoned teachers continue to

pay the costs to renew certifications, but the salaries continue to decrease.”

Johnson said the school hours have increased for students as well.

“There are longer student days and teachers have lost up to 15 minutes of preparation time each day, added up over

a school year they’ve lost over six days of time to prepare and get ready for school,” Johnson said.

She then addressed the online planner.

“It’s great for admin-istrators and teachers like it, but it takes more time than a planner on a desk. The concern is an unreasonable work-load continues to grow without pay,” she said.

Like many of the new state require-ments of teachers

Johnson said, “Again, it’s not that it is a bad thing, in just takes more time.”

Johnson said altogether teachers were averaging about 50 days of work that wasn’t compensated for.

“Students are suffering, there are less breaks to revitalize, too much testing and

teachers can’t/won’t do it all. Students are feeling the pressure,” Johnson said.

She warned that there is a shortage of teachers in the state and fewer people are choosing to go into teaching as a career. She said if Oroville doesn’t compensate for the extra time being asked of teachers like other districts in the state are having to do, then the few teachers that are look-ing for jobs will look elsewhere.

“College students are not choosing teaching, there are less and less that are interested. The bottom line is we have to attract teachers to our district and we are already remote. I’m asking you to keep that in mind when you are negotiating,” she said. For the teachers here I am not saying things are all bad, we just have to take care of our people.”

To make the district more attractive to teachers she suggested providing an attractive contract that is comparable or better than other districts. She said there were disparities between the Oroville and Tonasket school districts.

“One teacher was approached (by Tonasket) and said that they’ve got a bet-ter contract. We want to be profession-als,” she said.

Chuck Ricevuto, a veteran teacher at Oroville High School addressed the situ-ation to School Director Rocky DeVon,

the president of the school board.“Rocky you were one of my students

and I think you know we took the time to personalize our instruction to stu-dents... that time to do that is gone,” said Ricevuto.

“I want to compliment you for the time you took to personalize what you taught,” said DeVon. “It has been a big message that the school directors and myself have been taking to the state, no more programs without the money to pay for them.”

DeVon said he was also worried about the closure of the Buckhorn Gold Mine, which is about 25 percent of the district’s property evaluation.

He said he appreciated what teachers do, but he had to see a way to make it all balance out.

“I appreciate the comparison you gave us between Oroville and Tonasket,” added School Director Todd Hill.

“I’m not against Mr. Quick, but look at the number of administrators we have and only 550 students. He was hired as a part time superintendent and you moved him to full time. Do we really need a full time superintendent,” asked Johnson, reminding the board the district had the same number of administrators it had when the district had twice the students.

RR crossing, sidewalks and pedestrian bridge also discussedBY KATIE [email protected]

Tonasket City Council met Thursday, Oct. 29 and further discussed the bud-get. At a budget workshop held Oct. 14, department heads submitted requests for needed items.

Police Chief Darren Curtis asked for Surface tab-let computers, new chairs for the police station, stop stick strips and $7,000 to $10,000 for a new car. Superintendent Hugh Jensen needs a paint striper, a vehicle and a new mower. Mayor Patrick Plumb said he would like to increase rates for water by five percent and sewer by two percent in 2016. City Clerk and Treasurer Alice Attwood requested to have medical cov-erage continue, a new phone system for city hall, a maintenance agreement for computer hardware, new front doors for city hall and a cost of living increase.

In the ongoing attempt to secure a new crossing of the Cascade and Columbia River Railroad (CSCD), to provide sec-ondary access into Chief Tonasket Park, the council discussed a traffic study of the area prepared by City Planner Kurt Danison at the request of the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC).

Chief Tonasket Park is located on city-owned property adjoining the city’s wastewater treatment plant, with the Okanogan River as the opposing bound-ary. The park is accessed from Railroad Avenue, so visitors to the park must travel through a busy industrial area to access the baseball fields, soccer fields, skate park, Water Ranch, boat launch and other amenities.

The city has been attempting to devel-op a second point of access into the park since the late 1980’s. One of the city’s

concerns is that in the event of an emer-gency along Railroad Avenue or within the industrial area which contains sever-al buildings with atmospheres controlled by ammonia and other toxic chemicals, people using the park would be unable to evacuate.

The city gained permission from the Okanogan County Commissioners for the new access, then received permis-sion from Genesee & Wyoming Inc.(G&W), the CSCD’s parent company, for a new crossing. Mayor Patrick Plumb then asked the UTC in January 2015

for approval of a new crossing. After meet-ing with the UTC in Tonasket along with county maintenance personnel and one county commis-sioner, the decision was made to upgrade a temporary cross-ing constructed by the federal Bureau of Reclamation in the early 1990s, finding this option to be the

most cost effective and least damaging to the wetland areas west of the railroad tracks.

G&W approved a basic crossing, rath-er than a fully signalized crossing, due to infrequency of trains on the track and expected limited, seasonal use of the crossing to be located at the south-ern boundary of the county’s shop land. The UTC then informed the city that new crossings require fully signalized facilities. With further explanation of the planned use of the crossing, UTC staff agreed to consider the option after being provided the traffic study which details the Average Daily Trips expected to use the crossing.

In other city business, Councilwoman Claire Jeffko asked who’s responsibil-ity it was to fix a heaving sidewalk near the railroad tracks. Attwood said the abutting property owner is responsible. Plumb said because the property was located on the railroad it was probably the city’s responsibility, so Jensen said he would look at it the next day.

Jeffko also reported more than ten

Gary DeVon/staff photo

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“More than ten people told me they intend to vote for the Tonasket Parks and Recreation

District. ”Clair Jeffko, Council Member

City of Tonasket

also discussedBY KATIE [email protected]

Tonasket City Council met Thursday, Oct. 29 and further discussed the bud-get. At a budget workshop held Oct. 14, department heads submitted requests for needed items.

Police Chief Darren Curtis asked for Surface tab-let computers, new chairs for the police station, stop stick strips and $7,000 to $10,000 for a new car. Superintendent Hugh Jensen needs a paint striper, a vehicle and a new mower. Mayor Patrick Plumb said he would like to increase rates for water by five

by ammonia and other toxic chemicals, people using the park would be unable to evacuate.

The city gained permission from the Okanogan County Commissioners for the new access, then received permis-sion from Genesee & Wyoming Inc.(G&W), the CSCD’s parent company, for a new crossing. Mayor Patrick Plumb then asked the UTC in January 2015

for approval of a new crossing. After meet-ing with the UTC in Tonasket along with county maintenance personnel and one county commis-sioner, the decision was made to upgrade a temporary cross-ing constructed by the federal Bureau of Reclamation in the early 1990s, finding this option to be the



Classifieds B4-B5Real Estate B5Obits B6


Volume 111No. 42



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IT on the doorstep at North Valley Hospital District

Oroville concerned County Health may close

Oroville Chamber Hosts Candidates Forum Oct. 15 at

Vicki’s Backdoor Club

Candidates Forum SEEN AT THE OKANOGAN

FAMILY FAIR

See A3

Above, the Oroville Hornets celebrate last Friday night with the Victory Bell game trophy after several years of defeat at the hands of North County Rivals the Tonasket Tigers. The football game was not only the “bell” game, a rivalry which start-ed several decades ago, but was also the Homecoming Game, as well as Senior Night. Left, Hornet Head Coach Tam Hutchinson was showered with Gatorade by his elated team following the Hornet’s victory.

RUNG THE BELL

SEE HEALTH INFO| PG A2

“I think we should respond, either indi-vidually or as a city”

Chuck Spieth, MayorCity of Oroville

“Doctors have been trained to take care of patients first, and they

will have to transition to taking care of the elec-

tronic records. We have to change from being

clinical to being techno-logical, because that is

what we are being man-dated to do.”

Lori Sawyer , Former NVH RNHealth Information Specialist

City passes recent federally required audit without any problemBY GARY A. DE [email protected]

OROVILLE – The Oroville City Council was informed that Okanogan County Health may no longer do water sample testing and may even close.

“We do a lot of testing in Wenatchee, things they can’t do, but there is talk that the whole department may close. That would be inconvenient,” said Rod Noel, Oroville’s superintendent of public works, at the council’s Tuesday, Oct. 6 meeting.

“Not only that it would be incon-venient for the general public,” said Councilman Tony Koepke.

Koepke was referring to the fact that Oroville often acts as a drop off for people, especially those living outside the city limits. County Health regularly stops by city hall to pick up both the city’s samples and those dropped off by others.

“There can be ten to 12 other samples

waiting here,” said Karen Monroe, depu-ty city clerk.

Mayor Chuck Spieth said he thought there should be a response to the fact the county wasn’t going to do water sampling any more.

“I think we should respond, either individually or as a city,” said Spieth.

They also asked Councilwoman Neysa Roley, the city’s repre-sentative to the Public Health Board, to relay the city’s concerns to the county commis-sioners

There was more discussion about the increase in fees being charged to the city next year for online reservation services for Oroville’s Osoyoos Lake Veterans Memorial Park.

“Basically the contract from Camis is the same other than the fee increase. However, the one time yearly charge will go away,” said Noel. “We have been working with them continuously as well as looking for an alternative. We pretty much have to go with them again for another year while we look for another

service.”The fees to those using the service are

going up by $4.00. “It seems like a lot to me and it seems

they will be making a lot more money than we are getting,” said Councilman Ed Naillon.

Noel said he figured it would balance out if the city raises the park fee and the one-time yearly fee charged by Camis is dropped.

Clyde Andrews, Oroville Chamber of Commerce President and manager of the Camaray Motel sug-gested the city con-sult him about future

changes.“The service I’m talking about was one

I’ve used and they seemed very reason-able and reasonably priced,” he said.

The city also passed a recent audit with flying colors. The audit was brought on by the Central and Cherry Street projects and the airport improvement project. When a city uses more than $300,000 in federal funds the audit is automatically triggered.

Two of the candidates for Oroville City Council, David “Mac” McElheran and Richard Fuchs introduced themselves. McElheran works for the U.S. Border Patrol and moved here eight years ago. He is running for the position being

vacated by Councilman Naillon. Fuchs works for Hughes Department Store and moved to Oroville 15 years ago. Both will be at a candidates forum planned for Thursday, Oct. 15 at Vicki’s Backdoor Club.


Rod Noel accepts a certificate of appreciation for 30 years of service to the City of Oroville from Mayor Chuck Spieth. Noel serves as the Superintendent of Public Works, as well as the fire chief.

BY KATIE [email protected]

TONASKET - Payge Fries, Health Information Manager, reported on implementation of the new ICD-10 at the Oct. 8 North Valley Hospital Board of Commissioners meeting.

The ICD-10 is the tenth revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ICD codes have been required for reim-bursement of Medicare and Medicaid claims since 1979. The ICD-9 had 13,000 codes but the ICD-10 has around 68,000; providing greater specificity in report-ing diagnoses.

“The ninth revision has been out since the 1970s, so there are lots of changes and lots more codes,” said Fries. “The gov-ernment mandated it be put in place by October, so we started a group back in March to get it in place.”

According to the Medicaide.gov web-site, one of the big-gest concerns in tran-sitioning from the ICD-9 to the ICD-10 is there is no simple mapping or transla-tion from one to the next; codes from the previous ICD don’t usually have one-to-one correspondence, but often require one-to-many, many-to-one, many-to-many or no correspondence at all.

Fries said one diagnosis in ICD 9 now has two and a half pages of diagnosis in the ICD-10.

“We have been working with coders to make sure they are prepared, to prevent denials of billings,” said Fries.

Electronic tables and crosswalks have been published to help clinicians and physicians chose the correct codes, including general equivalence tables by the National Center for Health Statistics.

“But if they are not specific enough, it will go unspecified, which Medicare will deny,” said Fries. “We are going through each unspecified billing and calling clin-

ics to get the specifics. It is taking a lot of man hours.”

Fries said it costs the hospital a lot of money to re-bill after a claim has been denied, and it’s unknown upfront if something will be reimbursed when it’s re-billed.

She said additional employees are needed who have experience and train-ing in billing and coding.

“It’s not something that’s easily taught,” said Fries, adding, “It’s pretty difficult right now, but we will get through it.”

“Payge Fries has championed this project to prepare our organization for this time of change reimbursement,” said NVH CEO Mike Zwicker, adding that the hospital might see the effects of decreased Days Cash on Hand over the next few weeks due to the conversion.

Chief Information Officer Kelly Carriker and Lori Sawyer, a former NVH RN who works in Health Information now, presented infor-mation on Quality Reports required by Medicade.

Sawyer said reports are run weekly with statistics on meeting core objectives based on computer usage.

“For example, we have to send a certain percentage of prescriptions by computer or fax to pharmacies,” said Sawyer. Another example she gave was the requirement of more than 5 per-cent of patients to access their medical records by computer from their home or the hospital.

“This one is hard with our demo-graphics; a lot of people don’t have com-puters or internet, but we are reaching the required percentage,” said Sawyer.

The project, started five years ago, is currently in Stage 2. Carriker said once it reaches Stage 3, instead of 5 percent of patients accessing records online, 30 percent would be required.

Gary DeVon/staff photos

www.blossomandbriar.com

Beautiful Centerpieces, & WreathesBlossom & Briar

Just 2 miles North of Oroville.

33436 US Hwy 97. Oroville, WA

(509) 476-3193

It looks like hard times in the valley, at least for a couple businesses – Hughes Department Store (see front page) and Omak Wood Products (see story online). While we are used to seeing the OWP mill come and go, in a variety of guises, Hughes’ Department Store, if it can’t hang on, will definitely be a blow to the Oroville area.

Right now the business that evolved from the store Ben Prince started eight decades ago, is struggling and there doesn’t seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel. Jack Hughes said they’ve tried a vari-ety of things from selling the business to someone else to restructuring

with their distributors. He said the Prince family has worked hard to come up with a solution for the store, but the prospect is still bleak. To that end, Jack and Mary decided they were going to close up shop sometime at, or soon after January. The sign was on the reader board Monday, but by Tuesday Jack was saying at least for now, the store is not closing. However, the drastic inventory reduction sale will continue.

While OWP employs some 180 people in the Omak area, Hughes has from 40 to 45, according to Jack. Those jobs will be hard to replace and that’s what we should be most concerned about in the short run. In the long run, an Oroville without half of its biggest anchor store would be tough on the whole town. Sure, the Canadians will still come down for groceries on the Akins

Harvest Foods side, but perhaps not as often if they can’t shop for clothing or hardware on the Hughes side of Prince’s Center.

And while many things conspired to make this year a tough one for Oroville – a low Canadian dollar, internet shopping and the smoke from the fires keeping tourists away, perhaps the biggest lesson the business community, well everyone that lives in the Oroville area, needs to take from what’s happening to our biggest store, is we can no longer rely on the Canadian shoppers and tourists to keep us afloat. We need to find something besides our neighbors to the north to carry us through the slow months. Sure, we’re not the first to say it but it’s a lesson we seem to have to learn over and over again. The businesses, city government and everyone who considers Oroville home, needs to come together and find a plan for the future – then when the Canadian dollar comes back that will be a bonus. The city needs to get involved in a big way so that everyone will keep spending their dollars here so Oroville will have the revenue from sales taxes to keep running the town.

OWP has been boom and bust for a long time – we’ve heard it described as the Boeings of Okanogan County back in the days when it was Biles-Coleman. Mid-county, with its larger population will prob-ably more easily absorb the lost jobs – but no area in our county can lose good paying steady paychecks and not feel the hurt.

What’s in store for OWP, we’re not sure, it will probably come back in some form. And, we can’t imagine not having something in the dry good side of Prince’s Center either if the business eventually shuts its doors. If that’s going to happen is anyone’s guess, but it’s time we come up with a plan to make sure we have good jobs and a pro local business environment in the Oroville area, so our businesses and their employ-ees can rely as much or more on local paychecks to keep them going.


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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Times are getting tough all over

Out of My Mind

Gary A. DeVon

We need a wild Similkameen Dear Editor,

The Okanogan PUD has a talon grip on the Similkameen River and refuses to let go Last Monday, Dec. 7th, the commissioners approved a $57 million budget that includes another $1.5 million spent toward the elec-trification of Enloe Dam. Enloe Dam was scheduled to receive $3.5 million in 2016 – $2 million dollars for engineering and design of the proposed powerhouse and intakes was withdrawn to balance this year’s budget. Spending more money we do not have on Enloe makes no sense.

Last January, local citizens organized a “No on Enloe“ Campaign which clearly showed, using the PUD estimates, that a powerhouse at Enloe would generate $1.1 - $1.7 million in losses annually. Electrification would require a minimum of $40 million dollars in bond sales and demand $3.5 million in additional

payments for principle and interest annually. The projected losses at Enloe will trigger more borrowing just to keep the PUD oper-ating. Our rates will be forced continually upward. Never mentioned by the PUD is the right-of-way agreement signed with the BLM in 2013. It requires our Utility to remove the powerhouse and all structures we plan to build on the site when the license ends in 50 years. This is a $40 million hidden cost, to be carried by the ratepayers. This is a disgrace.

As early as 1941, fish biologists in the Columbia Basin recognized the vital importance of the western tributaries to the Columbia River for naturally spawning salm-on and steelhead. Fish biologists at NOAA, the National Marine Fisheries Service, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Colville Confederated Tribes believe that removal of Enloe Dam would make 166 miles of stream habitat available for 100,000 adult upper Columbia River Steel head. This would be a huge win for people and the natural world.

The removal of Enloe Dam and the cre-ation of a wild and scenic Similkameen River flowing through our lands would draw many visitors to our area. Fishermen, paddlers in kayaks and canoes, bicyclists, photographers, and hikers on the Pacific Northwest Trail will all be turned on by big fish in our river and the abundant life they foster.

NOAA and National Marine Fisheries rep-resentatives have made trips from Seattle and Ellensburg to Okanogan County PUD to discuss the potential of the Similkameen River. The money and the expertise necessary for removal of Enloe Dam and the restoration of the fishery could be available at no cost to the ratepayers. The only thing missing at the table is our PUD Commissioners saying “No On Enloe.” Write, call or E-mail you commis-sioners today. Outdoor Recreation is what we have to offer visitors to North County. Don’t let the PUD destroy the best calling card we could ask for, a wild Similkameen River.

Joseph EnzenspergerOroville

OPINION BY DARYL CAGLECAGLECARTOONS.COM NEWSPAPER SYNDICATE

Pundits like to complain that there are few voices from the Islamic world that condemn terrorist attacks by Islamic extremists. I run a small business that distributes editorial cartoons from around the world. With every major attack, including the recent attacks in Paris, I see a chorus of cartoons from Arab countries condemning the terror. The pundits must not be looking at the cartoons.

Editorial cartoonists are typically the most influential voices in newspapers throughout the Middle East, reflecting the views of their readers. Newspapers remain important in everyday life in the Middle East. Editorial cartoons grace the front pages throughout the Middle East. Arabic language cartoonists are typically anti-American and anti-Semitic, but on issues of terrorism they are largely voices of reason.

I often hear politicians complain about how the war with Islamic extremists is a battle for hearts and minds and we need to step up our role in an information war that we are losing. Editorial cartoons could be a weapon on the front lines of that battle. By now Americans should see how powerful cartoons can be; clearly the terrorists see this, as cartoonists are among their primary targets. It is difficult for Americans to comprehend that editorial cartoons are important and effective in the Middle East because we view cartoons as trivial jokes, leading us to miss many oppor-tunities.

Until recently, the US State Department had programs that brought American cartoon-ists on speaking tours to the Middle East to meet their colleagues, and had reciprocal programs to bring Arabic language edito-rial cartoonists to America. The programs

sought to spread common values to countries where persecuted and influential cartoonists typically are barred from drawing their own presidents. These effective State Department speaking programs for editorial cartoonists were dropped at the time of the “sequester” budget cuts. USAID supported journalism education initiatives in the Middle East ignore and exclude cartoonists.

As international respect for America has plummeted, respect for many of our institu-tions still runs high. American cartoonists are respected around the world, like American jazz musicians and basketball players. Middle Eastern cartoonists are eager to have their work appreciated by American readers and by the star American cartoonists who they respect and emulate. The Arab cartoonists push back against the press restrictions imposed by their regimes and envy America’s press freedoms.

Every act of terror brings new recruits to the Islamic extremists in ISIS; they seek glory, selling an image of bravery, strik-ing back against the arrogant infidels in the West. Brandishing a gun demands a kind of respect. Fighting for religious values, no mat-ter how twisted, demands a kind of respect. ISIS craves respect; what they can’t bear is ridicule. Islamic extremists who are widely seen as the butts of jokes won’t find many eager converts.

Cartoonists are masters of disrespect and are a continuing threat to the Islamic extrem-ists. It is no surprise that editorial cartoonists are prime targets for terror. Along with other web sites around the world, my own edito-rial cartoon Web site, Cagle.com, is suffering hacker attacks that appear to originate with terrorists and despotic regimes who fear car-toons. Terrorists and despots have a weakness in common; they can’t take a joke.

America needs to wake up, deploy and sup-port the world’s best soldiers in the modern information war, American cartoonists.

President Obama recently claimed that he is already doing most of the things that his political opponents demand in the war with ISIS; he called on his critics to contribute new and constructive ideas on what should be done. My recommendation is inexpensive and powerful: bring back and greatly expand the State Department’s shuttered editorial cartoon programs around the world.

Daryl Cagle is the editorial cartoonist who runs the CagleCartoons.com newspaper syndicate, distributing editorial cartoons to more than 850 newspapers around the world, including the paper you are reading now. Comments to Daryl may be sent to [email protected]. Read Daryl’s blog at www.daryl-cagle.comw

How to fight ISIS? With cartoons


OKANOGAN VALLEY LIFE

GT COR This & That-51

Just one week until Christmas

Are you aware and can you believe that one week from this date is Christmas? What happened to the first half of December?

It is a busy time of the year, with many functions going on and of course, it is literally impossible to attend all of them.

On Saturday was the annual Senior Citizens bazaar with a luncheon, end-ing at two o’clock. At seven o’clock was the annual “Museum” Christmas party, where tables are set with beauti-ful settings, and guests are invited to

join friends, partake in assorted desserts, while having fun bidding in the silent auction and Kay and Mike Sibley usually have some great entertainment planned. And the International choir was singing at the Free Methodist Church. There were basketball games at the high school and pinochle at the Senior Citizens activ-ity room. Which do we chose from?

I didn’t have a choice as it made sense to stay home when we had visited the ER room just a few hours before, being told that friend husband had multiple issues of A F (elevated and irregular heart beat) beginning pneumonia, not to mention the severe vomiting that preceded the rest. So that was that. Things are better

now but adjustments have to be made with medications, it would seem.

There is never a good time to be ill but holiday time is among the worst.

Once again Joe Shaw has been busy making pea-nut brittle and almond-roca, which he shares with us. And in summer it’s homemade ice cream. Good neighbors (and relatives)

I’ve got a lot of cookies to make in a weeks time, too.

If you get the Hallmark channels on your TV, there are a lot of good Christmas stories from now until the first of the year. So when you get tired of seeing the faces of the terrorist couple, try switching to one of the Hallmark numbers.

It is good to see the many Christmas lights at the various homes and busi-

ness places. Even as I hear many being devastated with the PUD bill increases. We pay ours year round, by it being

averaged out, and it works better, for us, than having a bigger bill during the winter months.

How about those giant snowflakes that fell last week, for a short period of time? We’d all be covered up, with snow if that had continued very long.

The folks that were doing their annual Christmas Food drive, spearheaded by Reta Emry, on the parking lot of Akins Harvest Foods, had most unpleasant weather

with the rain pouring down, a lot of the time, last Saturday.

When you reserve a motel, be sure and ask if you can cancel the reservation, in case you can’t use it. It’s a complicated

procedure when that becomes necessary. They will try to convince you it can’t be done, but if you get angry enough, they will find a way to do it. Or so it worked for us.

A health-care expert was addressing a large audience in Tampa: “The mate-rial we put in our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks cor-rode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. High-fat diets can be disastrous, and none of us realize the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. But there is one thing that is most dangerous of all. Can anyone here tell me which food causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?”

After several seconds of quiet, a 75-year-old man in the front row raised his hand and softly said, “Wedding cake.”

‘Til next week

What did we ever do before air conditioning?

THIS & THATJoyce Emry

Oroville Senior Citizen have new websiteSUBMITTED BY JAMES GUTSCHMIDTPRESIDENT, OROVILLE SENIOR CITIZENS

Our Christmas Bazaar went well. The turnout was light, but everyone seemed happy. There were some whose sales were better than others. Especially appreciated was the Beef Stew dinner and homemade desserts.(Norma’s apple pie especial-ly.) Many thanks to those who helped, those who came, and to those indefatigable vendors.

The Lunch Menu for next week is: Tuesday, prime rib. Seating capacity is limited, so prior signup is required. Thursday and Friday we are closed for the holi-days. For seniors 60 and over the suggested donation is $3.50, or as one can afford. The price

for those under 60 is $8.00. And have a very Merry Christmas.

It’s time to think about paying dues for 2016.

Our Senior Citizens have a website with postings of com-ing events: http://orovillewase-niorcntr.blogspot.com/ Example of postings:“December 22nd - Music by Wade & Autumn Martin; December 29th - Wayne Walker, General Manager, Lifeline Ambulance.

Local Senior Bus Service Days: Tue., Thurs, & Fri. ours: 9 am. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Seniors: $2.00 donation. General Public: $2.00 per board-ing in town. $4.00 per boarding outside the city limits. Call (509)

560-0479 for more information.”We can thank Raleigh

Chinn for putting together the website. But then, for you Okanogan rednecks, you might prefer:”Redneck Spring Break,” h t tps : / /www.youtube .com/watch?v=7_ID-MfVeTw

I heard the other day that lipstick is laced with lead, and most wines have traces of arse-nic. Something for you ladies to consider. Of course, real men prefer beer. Isn’t it a wonder that women outlive men, by 7 years? And, how did underpaid, lead and arsenic poisoned women acquire 65% of the country’s wealth? Reminds me of that old movie “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Great Movie, starring Cary Grant.

Pinochle Report: High Man, Dal Wilder; High Woman, Betty Hall; Pinochle, Bev Holden; Door Prize, Danny Wietrick. GO HAWKS! Our new president is installed Jan. 5 – 21 days to go for me. Lets hear a cheer. Woopee!

TONASKET EAGLES

Holiday Potluck on Thursday, Dec. 17SUBMITTED BY JOSEPH ENZENSPERGEROROVILLE GRANGE

The regular monthly meet-ing of the Oroville Grange has changed to the third Thursday. Our meeting will be this Thursday, Dec. 17 at the Grange 622 Fir St., Oroville. We are shar-ing a Holiday Potluck Dinner at 6 p.m., followed by our regular

monthly meeting at 7 pm. We are planning events and activities for the New Year. Interested mem-bers of the Oroville community are welcome to attend, and share their ideas, and get involved.

“North Country-opoly” is here from the publisher. If you would like to purchase a game from

the Grange please contact Joseph Enzensperger with your order request 509-476-4072

The Grange is hosting a “Charlie Brown Christmas Flea Market” Saturday, Dec. 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Everything priced for affordable holiday shar-ing. You can expect to find kids clothes, some toys and many, unique, special items you won’t find anywhere else. You will find great deals on clothes and linen. $5 Table Space is still available. Contact Joseph 509-476-4072.

OROVILLE GRANGE

NEWS

509-486-0615509-486-0615

Come visit us in friendly downtown Tonasket!

Angel, Worry Stones, Many Buddhas, Jingle Pens and MuchMore!

Last - MinuteStocking Stuffers –

312 S. Whitcomb

Days UntilChristmas!

8Santa at Kids’ Christmas PartySUBMITTED BY GAI WISDOMOROVILLE EAGLES #3865

It’s Christmas at the Oroville Eagles! The decorations are up, the plans are a-foot, and hearts are full of good cheer.

The Kids’ Christmas party will be on Sunday, Dec. 20th, 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. with good things to eat, fun and, of course, Santa and his Elf. Yep, Santa will be here and we hope he can stick around for our joint party at 5 p.m. the same day. The bar will close and Eagles will party on.

The Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Party will be Tuesday at 7:pm. Finger food, Secret Sisters reveal, a gift exchange and good com-pany will prevail.

Kevin and Maggie renew their wedding vows on Saturday, Dec. 19. Come in and wish them well.

There will be no Bingo on Thursday, Dec. 24th or Dec. 31st for obvious reasons, but Don will be back on Jan. 6 to kick off a new year of Bingo.

Our ladies are serving Burgers and More every Wednesday night at 6:pm except the 30th. Come in and enjoy while you play pool or watch your favorite team.

Our Aerie meetings are the first and third Tuesday of the month and the Auxiliary meets on the second and fourth Tuesday. Queen of Hearts will be drawn at 6:30 every Tuesday. Happy hour is 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Thursdays we play Bingo and eat Burgers and More. Fridays are Steak Night, Joker Poker, and Meat Draw. We open early on Sundays when the ‘Hawks play at 10:am. We have free pool every

Sunday. The Oroville Eagles #3865 will

be closed on Christmas Day. We would like to wish everyone a safe and merry season with your friends and family. We are People Helping People.

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Missing some of our hilltoppersSUBMITTED BY MARIANNE KNIGHTHIGHLANDS CORRESPONDENT

We have some sad news this week with the passing of three of our hilltoppers. First we have Oscar Betcher, husband to Nadra and father to Robin and Tim. Before it was Eden Valley Guest Ranch the land was known as the Betcher place. Robin and Nadra were pleased with all of the cards and phone calls they received, and how many folks from Chesaw and Molson attended the services in Waterville on Saturday December 12, 2015. Oscar was a hard working man. He will be missed by many.

Hattie Byle passed over the weekend. She was described to me as a Classy Lady and Pure of Heart. She was my phone friend. I had never met her in person. Every time I dialed a certain phone number from my cell phone from Tonasket it con-

nected to Hatties house.We had some great conversa-

tions. We did not have the same subject each time, we just talked. She was from Holland and lived through war times. Lots of sto-ries, such a good lady.

Our third hilltopper to leave us was Cleta Adams. She was a Cancer Surviver. She loved to cook and bake and would supply treats for Church every Sunday she was able. Clelta belonged to the Highland Stitchers Sewing group and designed many a quilt. She entered many a quilt in the local quilt show and donated quilts to those in need. Cleta will be missed also.

A long time ago in the land at the top of the grade lies a land that some may never see. However, a meeting was called by the mothers and grandmothers of the children living in this land, called the Highlands. It was the season of Holiday time and these

ladies felt compelled to make a special day for the children and give Santa a hand. Each one had a task to preform. A day was cho-sen, donations collected, decora-tions hung. The children gath-ered for treats and gifts around the Christmas Tree and a visit from Santa.

Yesterday was that day for the Highland Children of Chesaw and Molson. Thanks goes to all that helped and enjoyed the smiles and Thank you’s from the kids. This year we counted nine babies in attendance and it was a sight to see the proud dad’s with the babies in their arms.

Hey, Tony. You will enjoy not having the Pinochle Winners this week. The informers were out to lunch or some place. Ha!

The Molson Grange Christmas Potluck will be held at the Grange Hall on Saturday, Dec. 19.

at 6:30 p.m.. Bring the fam-ily and enjoy. (if you bring chil-dren, please bring a gift with their name on it)

We hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season.

HILLTOP COMMENTS Christmas party set

for this SaturdaySUBMITTED BY LYLE ANDER-SONTONASKET EAGLES #3002

Looks like Christmas is fast approaching. Time to get that last minute shopping done and to make plans to be with the family. Put up those lights around and in the house and spread the joy of the holidays.

Tuesday will be our weekly taco Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m.

So get on down here and enjoy some crisp or soft tacos. Bingo is back this Friday at 7 p.m. Check your bag and make sure you have those daubers ready. The kitchen will be open also from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for some of those won-derful hamburgers and fries and other assorted foods. Saturday, is our annual Christmas party at 6 p.m. so come by and share the

holiday spirit with friends. Linda will be here at 8 p.m. for karaoke and playing some tunes to get your feet in a dancing mood. Breakfast on Sunday will be from 9 to 11 a.m. and pinochle at 1p.m.

Pinochle scores for last week-end are as follows. Zoe Manring took home first place and second place went to Dave Russell while Leonard Paulsen grabbed the last pinochle of the day. Leonard also had low score of the day. We wish all those that may be ill a speedy recovery to good health. God Bless all. The Biggest Little Eagles in the state.

OROVILLE SENIOR NEWS

Submitted photo

The Kiwanis Club of Tonasket gave out certificates naming the Terrific Kids for the month of November 2015. The Kiwanis chooses a new bunch of kids each month to receive the honor.

KIWANIS TERRIFIC KIDS

SUBMITTED BY PRISCILLA DEGRAFF

The board members of the Tonasket Food Bank want to inform the community that, thanks to their generosity, we have been able to pay off the full amount owed toward purchase of the building located at 101 Highway 97 North in Tonasket.

Because of initial support locally from Smith and Nelson and others, we were able to obtain funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce Building Communities grant. A requirement of the grant was to show we had the ability to raise money within the community. We also want to acknowledge the wide spread support we have received toward food purchas-ing, and covering expenses like heat and water. Everyone, from students collecting change and canned goods, to local churches passing the collection plate and staffing the distribution line, from monthly business donations

from the Tonasket Natural Foods Co-op to holiday donations from Midway Building Supply, Kinross/Echo Bay, Confluence Health, Beyer’s Market and Grant’s Family Foods, you all make a big difference in the lives of the families we serve.

We have also received support from grants by Wells Fargo Bank, Okanogan Family Faire and Walmart. Individuals too numer-ous to mention have given to help keep the pantry stocked.

The Tonasket Food Bank was started in 1984 by a group of car-ing people who planned well for the future. Their energy contin-ues today and will into the future, to help assure that no one goes hungry in our community.

If you would like to be part of this, contact Debbie Roberts at (509) 486-2192.

To donate, you can mail in mon-etary contributions to the Food Bank at 101 Highway 97 North, Tonasket, Washington, 98855; or to donate non-perishable food

items, please bring them to the food bank on Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The food bank will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24 and Thursday, Dec. 31. We will be open instead on Tuesday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 29.

Tonasket Food Bank buys building

SISTERS COMEDY.aMY pOEhlEr, tina fEY. fri 6:45, 9:45. Sat.*3:45, 6:45, 9:45. SUn. *3:45, 6:45. MOn - WED. 7:00. thUrS. *3:45, 6:45.

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COMMUNITY CALENDARTonasket School Winter Concerts

TONASKET - The Tonasket High School Band and Choir, as well as Middle School Band and Choir will present a variety of Christmas songs and songs of the Winter season on Wednesday, Dec. 16 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Tonasket High School Commons. A $4 donation is sug-gested per adult.

Oroville School Winter Concerts

OROVILLE - The Oroville Elementary 4th through 6th grade music students will present a winter concert on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. in the Oroville elementary school gymnasium. The Oroville Jr./Sr. High music students will present a winter concert on Thursday evening, December 17, in the High School Commons beginning at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited and admis-sion is free.

Christmas Sing-a-Long at Winery

OROVILLE - The Okanogan Ukulele Group, along with any other instrumental contributions, will lead those who want to sing Christmas carols and music on Thursday, Dec. 17 at Esther Bricques Winery. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Light refresh-ments are available. Esther Bricques Winery is located at 42 Swanson Mill Road, Oroville. For more information regarding this or future events, please call the winery at 509-476-2861 or check the Events Page at www.estherbricques.com.

Pictures with Santa Claus

OROVILLE - Free pictures with Santa at Akins Harvest Foods in Oroville on Friday, Dec. 18 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Author Signing New Book

Marian Adams (McClanahan) will be selling and signing two books for the price of one, $15.00, on Friday, Dec. 18, 2:00 to 5 p.m., at RockWall Cellars, 110 Nichols Road, north of Omak. Last day for BOGO is Dec. 24. A book of poetry was recently approved for publica-tion by the Omak author, writ-ing under the pen name, Marian Adams. Fusing Musing With Rhythm and Rhyme is available on Amazon.com and through other retail outlets. Events of this past summer inspired her to write about numerous subjects includ-ing drought, early spring heat and wildfires, all of which are mentioned in this, her second book of poems.Contact Marian at [email protected] or 509-429-7429.

Oroville Community Blood Drive

OROVILLE - The Oroville Community Blood Drive will be at Oroville High School on Wednesday, Jan. 6 from 12

p.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment or for more infor-mation, contact 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). On the day of your donation, complete a RapidPass to save time. RapidPass lets donors com-plete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online from the convenience of a computer at home or work. To get started, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions.

Tonasket Community Blood Drive

TONASKET - The Tonasket Community Blood Drive will be held at the Community Cultural Center in Tonasket on Thursday, Jan. 7 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. On the day of your donation, complete a RapidPass to save time. RapidPass lets donors com-plete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online from the convenience of a computer at home or work. To get started, visit redcross-blood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions. To schedule an appointment or for more informa-tion, contact 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Okanogan County Transportation Board

OMAK - TranGO will hold a public Board Meeting on Monday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.The location will be at TranGO’s office, 307 S. Main St. #4, Omak, Wash. Please call 509-557-6177 or visit www.okanogantransit.com for any questions.

Okanagan International Chorus

OROVILLE - The Okanagan International Chorus will hold a free concert in Oroville on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Oroville Free Methodist Church. Under the direction of Lloyd Fairweather the Okanagan International Chorus will pres-ent a Christmas Concert. This is a free concert and all are wel-comed. Singers from Oroville, Osoyoos, Oliver and Midway comprise the chorus which per-form both in Canada and the US making this a truly international holiday experience. Please join the chorus in this musical holiday celebration.

Children’s Christmas Party

OROVILLE - The Oroville Eagles Children’s Christmas Party will be Sunday, Dec. 20 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your children to meet Santa Clause and let him know what they would like for Christmas. There will be snacks, Christmas candy and a Christmas gift.

Oroville Library Story Time

OROVILLE - There is a story time at the Oroville Library every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for pre-

school age children. The next story time will be Wednesday, Dec. 22. There will be no story time on Dec 23, or Dec 30. Story time will resume in January at a new time: 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stories, crafts, fun and warm indoor fun playtime for your little ones. The library invites all parents and children to come to story time followed by crafts and fun activities. Free. Call the Oroville public library 509-476-2662 for more information or contact [email protected].

Apple Hill Art Camp Winter Workshop

OMAK - The Apple Hill Art Camp Winter Workshop will be Monday, Dec. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Oroville High School Art Room. This is a fun art workshop for kids and adults ages 10 and up. $5 per person. Kids 10+ $5 (adult same price)

Come to the Apple Hill Art Camp winter workshop and have your choice of projects! Projects include felted penguins, paint-ed winter scene ornaments, and t-shirt printing. Something fun for everyone! Reserve your spot today! Contact Emily Hale at 509-322-5119 or [email protected]

Reservations necessary. Please RSVP by Saturday, Dec 19.

Tonasket Food Bank

TONASKET - The Tonasket Food Bank will be open Tuesday instead of Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., both Christmas week and New Year’s week at 101 Hwy. 97 N. For more informa-tion, contact Debbie Roberts at 509-486-2192.

Oroville Food Bank

OROVILLE - The Oroville Food Bank operates every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., excluding holidays, in the basement of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. For more info, call Jeff Austin at 509-476-3978 or Sarah Umana at 509-476-2386.

Listing Your ItemOur Community Bulletin

Board generally allows listing your event for up two weeks prior to the day it occurs. If space allows it may be included prior to the two week limit. However, our online calendar at www.gazette-tribune.com allows the event to be listed for much longer peri-ods. Calendar items must include day, date, time and location, as well as a for further information phone number. You may place an event on the online calen-dar by going to our website and clicking on the “Add an Event” button on the homepage. Please, list your event only for the day or days of its occurrence. Once your request is submitted, it can take up to 48 hours for the event to appear on the calendar. Online submissions don’t always go into the hardcopy edition, so it helps if they are also submitted to us at [email protected] or at Gazette-Tribune, P.O. Box 250, Oroville, WA. 98844.

Pateros Water System Improvements, 2. Brewster Water Reservoirs, 3. Twisp Civic Center Design and Public Works Shop Design and Construction, 4. Tonasket Airport Improvements and 5. Tonasket Electric Vehicle Charging Station.

Danison said part of the rea-son that Infrastructure Fund dol-lars have not been released for a number of years was due to the fact that the County reserves two years worth of bond payments, required to retire the debt on bonds issued when the tax rebate was originally granted, two years worth of Public Works Trust Fund loan payments for money borrowed to connect Veranda Beach to the City of Oroville’s sewer system, annual support for the Economic Alliance and assist-ing Omak with debt service on the Stampede Arena.

When Olson said he thought the monies were supposed to be used for economic development, Danison responded, “A sound and functioning water system is

the cornerstone of any commu-nity being able to develop.”

He said the county uses $100,000 of the .09 monies to fund the Economic Alliance.

Danison, who was appoint-ed head of a steering commit-tee charged with directing fire recovery efforts for the North Central Washington Economic Development District, then went on to report on activities relat-ed to a fire recovery grant. He reported the District received five proposals for a community engagement piece, and six pro-posals to to conduct a data col-lection effort.

“We have some good proposals from some top notch firms from all over the country,” Danison said. “We will be interviewing the top three or four. The idea is to get these consultants on board as soon as possible, and decide what attributes we want included in the data survey.”

Danison said Twisp Mayor Sue Ing Moody, represent-ing the Okanogan Council of

Governments (OCOG), would be meeting with WSDOT staff to see if Okanogan County would con-tinue to be eligible for the annual $28,000 allotment for regional transportation planning.

Council member Claire Jeffko asked if improvements to the airport road would be includ-ed in the transportation plan. Danison suggested the plan could include roads accessing airports as “regionally significant, which could make funding for upgrad-ing the road a higher priority.

“The more data we can gather over time about this, the better,” said Danison.

Olson, serving at his last city council meeting after decid-ing not to run for an additional term, told Danison he wanted to express his appreciation for the City Planner’s hard work.

“I respect your wisdom,” said Olson.

“I respect you as a coun-cil member,” replied Danison. “Every city should be so lucky to have a council member like you.”

ZONING | FROM A2

BUDGET | FROM A1

Garlic Festival, $600 for the North Country Car Club, $600 for the Tonasket Chamber of Commerce, $5,600 for the Tonasket Visitor and Business Resource Center (TVBRC), $650 for promotion of Tonasket at the Northwest Aviation conference and $100 for Okanogan County Tourism.

Other City Council business included approving the sole bid for janitorial services submitted by Kelly Emory. The contract is for cleaning the Tonasket City Hall/Tonasket Library complex, the TVBR and the Youth Center at $25 per hour, or $686 per month.

Mayor Plumb announced that

Tonasket Chamber of Commerce President Julie Alley is ready to step down from her position.

“If anyone is interested in being involved in the chamber, now is the time to step up,” said Plumb.

The annual Chamber Banquet is being planned for Thursday, January 21, 2016.

Pastor Ron Wise retires after 20 years in pulpit; Pastor Ryan Wilson will shepard flockSUBMITTED BY BRENT BAKERTONASKET FREE METHODIST CHURCH

ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR

TONASKET - Nearly 20 years after first stepping into the pul-pit at Tonasket Free Methodist Church, Pastor Ron Wise is retir-ing as of the end of December.

Pastor Ryan Willson, a former TFMC youth pastor who returned two years ago from serving as a missionary in Malawi for seven years, has accepted the call to suc-ceed Wise as the church’s lead pastor.

“It came down to the Lord releasing me from my call,” said Wise of the timing of his retirement. “The over-arching thing was that I have seen guys who have stayed too long, and I didn’t want to be that guy.

“I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to keep Ryan here, but I’m thank-ful that’s what has happened. He’s more than ready to be a lead pastor.”

Wise moved to Tonasket in 1996 after serving eight years at Omak’s Cornerstone Christian Fellowship (also a Free Methodist congregation). His wife Theresa served as the church secretary during most of that time. During his tenure the decision was made to move TFMC from its down-town building to its new location just off Havillah Road, east of town beyond the Tonasket High School ball fields.

“We’d remodeled the old church, and I would have liked to have found a way to expand and stay at that location,” Wise said. “But after having engineers take a look at things, that wasn’t going to happen. At the new loca-tion we had the first seven acres donated. A lot of pastors don’t make it through a building cam-paign, so I guess I’m a survivor in that way.”

While that has been the most obvious change during Wise’s time at TFMC, he said the church is more active than it was 20

years ago.“They really hadn’t been

involved in m i s s i o n s much,” he said. “We’re doing more locally than we once did; we’re sup-porting a num-ber of mission-aries; and we have groups make a trip nearly every year. And now one of those miss ionar ies will be our new

pastor.“I think the

church is in a healthy place. The challenge is the same as it’s always been, though: for people to see the church as a necessary part of life.”

The Willsons spent seven years as mis-sionaries in Malawi, after Ryan spent three years in Tonasket as the church’s youth pastor.

“At the time we first visit-ed Tonasket (in 2004) we were trying to make up our minds between two west side churches,” Willson said. “I’d never heard of Tonasket but decided we’d walk through the interview process.

“We were driving up past Wenatchee and the farther we got, the more I was thinking there was no way I could do this. But that Sunday at church we were just blown away, and after the interview Jen had such a peace about it she was ready to go.”

While in Malawi, the Willsons

started out developing pastors in leadership training, then moved on to where he became principal of a Bible school.

“We took on a lot of other projects as well,” he said, includ-ing helping provide water access, farming, orphan care, even rais-ing doves. “It was a good expe-rience working with people of other cultures and other languag-es.

“Here, my calling is to be a shepherd. My prayer for TFMC is to be a people who live by faith, are known for their love and are a voice of hope for Tonasket and the world.”

The Willsons - including Ryan, Jen (a Tonasket Elementary

school teacher) and school-age children Kara, Curtis, Caleb and Chisomo - returned to Tonasket at the beginning of 2014, and Ryan has served at TFMC as the church’s family life pastor.

“During the past year, Jen and I contin-ued to pray about staying long term,” he said. “We went

through a process, both person-ally and through the church. It was great that the church asked me to accept the position, but we wanted confirmation from God’s Holy Spirit, the assurance that this is where God wanted me to be, and He did that.”

“Ryan can take this church to places that I couldn’t, without doing so at the expense of doctri-nal integrity,” Wise said. “When the church is in good hands it makes it very easy to let go of things. If the congregation gives Ryan the same support as it has for me, I see no reason that it can’t really grow.”

Tonasket Free Methodist Church celebrates pastoral transition

Pastor Ron Wise Pastor Ryan Wilson

“I think the church is in a healthy place. The chal-lenge is the same as it’s

always been though: for people to see the church as a necessary

part of life.”Ron Wise, Outgoing Pastor

Tonasket Free Methodist Church

“Here my calling is to be a shepard. My prayer

for TFMC is to be a peo-ple who live by faith, are known for their

love and are a voice of hope for Tonasket and

the world”Ryan Wilson, Incoming Pastor

Tonasket Free Methodist Church

OKANOGAN VALLEY

GAZETTE-TRIBUNE

News A2-3

Cops/Courts/911 A4

Letters/Opinion A5

Community A6-A7

Sports, B1-B2

Schools B3

Veterans B4-5

Classifieds B6-B7

Real Estate B7

OKANOGAN VALLEY

GAZETTE-TRIBUNE

Volume 111

No. 45

CONTACT US

Newsroom: (509) 476-3602 ext. 5050

[email protected]

Advertising: (509) 476-3602 ext. 3050

[email protected]

INSIDE THIS EDITION

WWW.GAZETTE-TRIBUNE.COM | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015 | 75 CENTS NEWSSTAND PRICEGAZETTE-TRIBUNESERVING WASHINGTON’S OKANOGAN VALLEY SINCE 1905

Tonasket council

hears budget

requests

OEA says demands on teachers’ time too high

Tonasket and Oroville High

Schools to honor veterans on

Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.

Veterans Day Assemblies

TONASKET SCHOOLS IN THE

NEWS FOR FFA, GARDEN

See B3

Above, Aaden McNaer, six,

chugs down the street dressed as

a locomotive and Ava Ozo, three,

as Queen Elsa (from the Disney

movie “Frozen”) for the Oroville

Chamber of Commerce’s annual

business Trick or Treat event,

held last Friday from 3 p.m. to 6

p.m. Oroville businesses reported

giving away hundreds of treats

to the many kids who dressed up

for Halloween and participated.

Left, Gru (Supt. Steve Quick)

and his Minions, Shay Shaw,

Betty Cole and Erin McKinney,

from the movie “Despicable

Me,” were the winners of

Best Costume in the Business

Halloween Costume and

Decorations contest. The group

at the Oroville School District

Office have earned the title sev-

eral times over the years

ALL DRESSED UP

SEE COUNCIL| PG A2

“The bottom line is we

have to attract teachers

to our district and we

are already remote. I’m

asking you to keep that

in mind when you are

negotiating”

Dr. Lynn Johnson, President

Oroville Education Association

“More than ten people

told me they intend to

vote for the Tonasket

Parks and Recreation

District. ”

Clair Jeffko, Council Member

City of Tonasket

Union president says

demands increase, while

time and pay do not

BY GARY A. DE VON

[email protected]

OROVILLE – Dr. Lynn Johnson,

president of the Oroville Education

Association, says more is being asked of

Oroville teachers, while time to accom-

plish tasks and compensation remain the

same or less.Johnson made a presentation to the

Oroville School Board at their Monday,

Oct. 26 meeting.

“I’m here as a representative of the

OEA to let you know about legislative

actions that have impacted the Oroville

School District. I know you are aware that

teachers all over the state have walked

out or gone on strike,” said Johnson,

assuring the board that wasn’t her group’s

intention, but that they should be aware

of how these new demands and their

impact on the district.

Johnson, a teacher at Oroville, is a

member of the certified contract nego-

tiating team for the teacher’s association.

She has 29 years in education as a teacher

and as an administrator, she said. At one

time she was the Oroville Elementary

School principal. The information she

presented came from UniServe and

the Washington Education Association

(WEA), according to Johnson.

Johnson said there was a long list

of requirements for

teachers in Washington

State, including the

Washington State

Te a ch e r / Pr i n c ip a l

Evaluation Project.

(TPEP).“TPEP is time con-

suming, for princi-

pals and teachers and

teachers are not pro-

vided additional time

or pay for all of this

work. There are 53 dif-

ferent items that have

to be observed or the

teacher has to pro-

vide evidence of,” said

Johnson.Then there are changes to teacher

certification requirements, according to

Johnson.“They are super, super tough on new

teachers. They’re putting in double duty,”

she said. “Seasoned teachers continue to

pay the costs to renew certifications, but

the salaries continue to decrease.”

Johnson said the school hours have

increased for students as well.

“There are longer student days and

teachers have lost up to 15 minutes of

preparation time each day, added up over

a school year they’ve

lost over six days of

time to prepare and

get ready for school,”

Johnson said.

She then addressed

the online planner.

“It’s great for admin-

istrators and teachers

like it, but it takes more

time than a planner on

a desk. The concern is

an unreasonable work-

load continues to grow

without pay,” she said.

Like many of the

new state require-

ments of teachers

Johnson said, “Again, it’s not that it is a

bad thing, in just takes more time.”

Johnson said altogether teachers were

averaging about 50 days of work that

wasn’t compensated for.

“Students are suffering, there are less

breaks to revitalize, too much testing and

teachers can’t/won’t do it all. Students are

feeling the pressure,” Johnson said.

She warned that there is a shortage of

teachers in the state and fewer people are

choosing to go into teaching as a career.

She said if Oroville doesn’t compensate

for the extra time being asked of teachers

like other districts in the state are having

to do, then the few teachers that are look-

ing for jobs will look elsewhere.

“College students are not choosing

teaching, there are less and less that are

interested. The bottom line is we have to

attract teachers to our district and we are

already remote. I’m asking you to keep

that in mind when you are negotiating,”

she said. For the teachers here I am not

saying things are all bad, we just have to

take care of our people.”

To make the district more attractive

to teachers she suggested providing an

attractive contract that is comparable or

better than other districts. She said there

were disparities between the Oroville

and Tonasket school districts.

“One teacher was approached (by

Tonasket) and said that they’ve got a bet-

ter contract. We want to be profession-

als,” she said.Chuck Ricevuto, a veteran teacher at

Oroville High School addressed the situ-

ation to School Director Rocky DeVon,

the president of the school board.

“Rocky you were one of my students

and I think you know we took the time

to personalize our instruction to stu-

dents... that time to do that is gone,” said

Ricevuto.“I want to compliment you for the

time you took to personalize what you

taught,” said DeVon. “It has been a big

message that the school directors and

myself have been taking to the state, no

more programs without the money to

pay for them.”

DeVon said he was also worried about

the closure of the Buckhorn Gold Mine,

which is about 25 percent of the district’s

property evaluation.

He said he appreciated what teachers

do, but he had to see a way to make it all

balance out.“I appreciate the comparison you

gave us between Oroville and Tonasket,”

added School Director Todd Hill.

“I’m not against Mr. Quick, but look

at the number of administrators we have

and only 550 students. He was hired as a

part time superintendent and you moved

him to full time. Do we really need a

full time superintendent,” asked Johnson,

reminding the board the district had the

same number of administrators it had

when the district had twice the students.

RR crossing, sidewalks

and pedestrian bridge

also discussed

BY KATIE TEACHOUT

[email protected]

Tonasket City Council met Thursday,

Oct. 29 and further discussed the bud-

get. At a budget workshop held Oct. 14,

department heads submitted requests for

needed items.

Police Chief

Darren Curtis asked

for Surface tab-

let computers, new

chairs for the police

station, stop stick

strips and $7,000 to

$10,000 for a new car.

Superintendent Hugh

Jensen needs a paint

striper, a vehicle and

a new mower. Mayor

Patrick Plumb said he

would like to increase

rates for water by five

percent and sewer by two percent in

2016. City Clerk and Treasurer Alice

Attwood requested to have medical cov-

erage continue, a new phone system for

city hall, a maintenance agreement for

computer hardware, new front doors for

city hall and a cost of living increase.

In the ongoing attempt to secure a new

crossing of the Cascade and Columbia

River Railroad (CSCD), to provide sec-

ondary access into Chief Tonasket Park,

the council discussed a traffic study of

the area prepared by City Planner Kurt

Danison at the request of the Washington

State Utilities and Transportation

Commission (UTC).

Chief Tonasket Park is located on

city-owned property adjoining the city’s

wastewater treatment plant, with the

Okanogan River as the opposing bound-

ary. The park is accessed from Railroad

Avenue, so visitors to the park must

travel through a busy industrial area to

access the baseball fields, soccer fields,

skate park, Water Ranch, boat launch

and other amenities.

The city has been attempting to devel-

op a second point of access into the park

since the late 1980’s. One of the city’s

concerns is that in the event of an emer-

gency along Railroad Avenue or within

the industrial area which contains sever-

al buildings with atmospheres controlled

by ammonia and other toxic chemicals,

people using the park would be unable

to evacuate. The city gained permission from the

Okanogan County Commissioners for

the new access, then received permis-

sion from Genesee & Wyoming Inc.

(G&W), the CSCD’s parent company,

for a new crossing. Mayor Patrick Plumb

then asked the UTC in January 2015

for approval of a new

crossing. After meet-

ing with the UTC in

Tonasket along with

county maintenance

personnel and one

county commis-

sioner, the decision

was made to upgrade

a temporary cross-

ing constructed by

the federal Bureau of

Reclamation in the

early 1990s, finding

this option to be the

most cost effective and least damaging

to the wetland areas west of the railroad

tracks. G&W approved a basic crossing, rath-

er than a fully signalized crossing, due

to infrequency of trains on the track

and expected limited, seasonal use of

the crossing to be located at the south-

ern boundary of the county’s shop land.

The UTC then informed the city that

new crossings require fully signalized

facilities. With further explanation of the

planned use of the crossing, UTC staff

agreed to consider the option after being

provided the traffic study which details

the Average Daily Trips expected to use

the crossing.

In other city business, Councilwoman

Claire Jeffko asked who’s responsibil-

ity it was to fix a heaving sidewalk near

the railroad tracks. Attwood said the

abutting property owner is responsible.

Plumb said because the property was

located on the railroad it was probably

the city’s responsibility, so Jensen said he

would look at it the next day.

Jeffko also reported more than ten


Submitted photo




OKANOGAN VALLEYGAZETTE-TRIBUNEVolume 111No. 42

CONTACT USNewsroom: (509) 476-3602 ext. [email protected]: (509) 476-3602 ext. [email protected]

INSIDE THIS EDITION


GAZETTE-TRIBUNE

SERVING WASHINGTON’S OKANOGAN VALLEY SINCE 1905



Oroville Chamber Hosts Candidates Forum Oct. 15 at Vicki’s Backdoor Club

Candidates Forum

SEEN AT THE OKANOGAN FAMILY FAIRSee A3


RUNG THE BELL


“I think we should respond, either indi-vidually or as a city”Chuck Spieth, MayorCity of Oroville

“Doctors have been trained to take care of patients first, and they will have to transition to taking care of the elec-tronic records. We have to change from being clinical to being techno-logical, because that is what we are being man-dated to do.”Lori Sawyer , Former NVH RNHealth Information Specialist


OROVILLE – The Oroville City Council was informed that Okanogan County Health may no longer do water sample testing and may even close.“We do a lot of testing in Wenatchee,

things they can’t do, but there is talk that the whole department may close. That would be inconvenient,” said Rod Noel, Oroville’s superintendent of public works, at the council’s Tuesday, Oct. 6 meeting.

“Not only that it would be incon-venient for the general public,” said Councilman Tony Koepke. Koepke was referring to the fact that

Oroville often acts as a drop off for people, especially those living outside the city limits. County Health regularly stops by city hall to pick up both the city’s samples and those dropped off by others.




“I think we should respond, either individually or as a city,” said Spieth.They also asked Councilwoman Neysa Roley, the city’s repre-sentative to the Public Health Board, to relay the city’s concerns to the county commis-sioners

There was more discussion about the increase in fees being charged to the city next year for online reservation services for Oroville’s Osoyoos Lake Veterans Memorial Park.“Basically the contract from Camis

is the same other than the fee increase. However, the one time yearly charge will go away,” said Noel. “We have been working with them continuously as well as looking for an alternative. We pretty much have to go with them again for another year while we look for another


going up by $4.00. “It seems like a lot to me and it seems they will be making a lot more money than we are getting,” said Councilman Ed Naillon.

Noel said he figured it would balance out if the city raises the park fee and the one-time yearly fee charged by Camis is dropped.Clyde Andrews, Oroville Chamber of Commerce President and manager of the Camaray Motel sug-gested the city con-sult him about future changes.

“The service I’m talking about was one I’ve used and they seemed very reason-able and reasonably priced,” he said.The city also passed a recent audit with

flying colors. The audit was brought on by the Central and Cherry Street projects and the airport improvement project. When a city uses more than $300,000 in federal funds the audit is automatically triggered.




Rod Noel accepts a certificate of appreciation for 30 years of service to the City of Oroville

from Mayor Chuck Spieth. Noel serves as the Superintendent of Public Works, as well as

the fire chief.

BY KATIE [email protected] - Payge Fries, Health

Information Manager, reported on implementation of the new ICD-10 at the Oct. 8 North Valley Hospital Board of Commissioners meeting. The ICD-10 is the tenth revision of the

International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ICD codes have been required for reim-bursement of Medicare and Medicaid claims since 1979. The ICD-9 had 13,000 codes but the ICD-10 has around 68,000; providing greater specificity in report-ing diagnoses. “The ninth revision has been out since the 1970s, so there are lots of changes and lots more codes,” said Fries. “The gov-ernment mandated it be put in place by October, so we started a group back in March to get it in place.”

According to the Medicaide.gov web-site, one of the big-gest concerns in tran-sitioning from the ICD-9 to the ICD-10 is there is no simple mapping or transla-tion from one to the next; codes from the previous ICD don’t usually have one-to-one correspondence, but often require one-to-many, many-to-one, many-to-many or no correspondence at all.Fries said one diagnosis in ICD 9 now

has two and a half pages of diagnosis in the ICD-10.“We have been working with coders to

make sure they are prepared, to prevent denials of billings,” said Fries.Electronic tables and crosswalks have

been published to help clinicians and physicians chose the correct codes, including general equivalence tables by the National Center for Health Statistics.



Fries said it costs the hospital a lot of money to re-bill after a claim has been denied, and it’s unknown upfront if something will be reimbursed when it’s re-billed.She said additional employees are

needed who have experience and train-ing in billing and coding.“It’s not something that’s easily taught,”

said Fries, adding, “It’s pretty difficult right now, but we will get through it.” “Payge Fries has championed this project to prepare our organization for this time of change reimbursement,” said NVH CEO Mike Zwicker, adding that the hospital might see the effects of decreased Days Cash on Hand over the next few weeks due to the conversion. Chief Information Officer Kelly Carriker and Lori Sawyer, a former NVH RN who works in Health Information now, presented infor-mation on Quality Reports required by Medicade.


“For example, we have to send a certain percentage of prescriptions by computer or fax to pharmacies,” said Sawyer. Another example she gave was the requirement of more than 5 per-cent of patients to access their medical records by computer from their home or the hospital. “This one is hard with our demo-

graphics; a lot of people don’t have com-puters or internet, but we are reaching the required percentage,” said Sawyer. The project, started five years ago, is

currently in Stage 2. Carriker said once it reaches Stage 3, instead of 5 percent of patients accessing records online, 30 percent would be required.


1422 Main St., P.O. Box 250,

Oroville, WA. 98844 509-476-3602 or

888-838-3000






Volume 111No. 42



[email protected]

INSIDE THIS EDITION





Oroville Chamber Hosts Candidates Forum Oct. 15 at

Vicki’s Backdoor Club

Candidates Forum SEEN AT THE OKANOGAN

FAMILY FAIR

See A3


RUNG THE BELL


“I think we should respond, either indi-vidually or as a city”

Chuck Spieth, MayorCity of Oroville

“Doctors have been trained to take care of patients first, and they

will have to transition to taking care of the elec-

tronic records. We have to change from being

clinical to being techno-logical, because that is

what we are being man-dated to do.”

Lori Sawyer , Former NVH RNHealth Information Specialist


OROVILLE – The Oroville City Council was informed that Okanogan County Health may no longer do water sample testing and may even close.

“We do a lot of testing in Wenatchee, things they can’t do, but there is talk that the whole department may close. That would be inconvenient,” said Rod Noel, Oroville’s superintendent of public works, at the council’s Tuesday, Oct. 6 meeting.

“Not only that it would be incon-venient for the general public,” said Councilman Tony Koepke.

Koepke was referring to the fact that Oroville often acts as a drop off for people, especially those living outside the city limits. County Health regularly stops by city hall to pick up both the city’s samples and those dropped off by others.




“I think we should respond, either individually or as a city,” said Spieth.

They also asked Councilwoman Neysa Roley, the city’s repre-sentative to the Public Health Board, to relay the city’s concerns to the county commis-sioners

There was more discussion about the increase in fees being charged to the city next year for online reservation services for Oroville’s Osoyoos Lake Veterans Memorial Park.

“Basically the contract from Camis is the same other than the fee increase. However, the one time yearly charge will go away,” said Noel. “We have been working with them continuously as well as looking for an alternative. We pretty much have to go with them again for another year while we look for another


going up by $4.00. “It seems like a lot to me and it seems

they will be making a lot more money than we are getting,” said Councilman Ed Naillon.

Noel said he figured it would balance out if the city raises the park fee and the one-time yearly fee charged by Camis is dropped.

Clyde Andrews, Oroville Chamber of Commerce President and manager of the Camaray Motel sug-gested the city con-sult him about future

changes.“The service I’m talking about was one

I’ve used and they seemed very reason-able and reasonably priced,” he said.

The city also passed a recent audit with flying colors. The audit was brought on by the Central and Cherry Street projects and the airport improvement project. When a city uses more than $300,000 in federal funds the audit is automatically triggered.




Rod Noel accepts a certificate of appreciation for 30 years of service to the City of Oroville from Mayor Chuck Spieth. Noel serves as the Superintendent of Public Works, as well as the fire chief.


TONASKET - Payge Fries, Health Information Manager, reported on implementation of the new ICD-10 at the Oct. 8 North Valley Hospital Board of Commissioners meeting.

The ICD-10 is the tenth revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ICD codes have been required for reim-bursement of Medicare and Medicaid claims since 1979. The ICD-9 had 13,000 codes but the ICD-10 has around 68,000; providing greater specificity in report-ing diagnoses.

“The ninth revision has been out since the 1970s, so there are lots of changes and lots more codes,” said Fries. “The gov-ernment mandated it be put in place by October, so we started a group back in March to get it in place.”

According to the Medicaide.gov web-site, one of the big-gest concerns in tran-sitioning from the ICD-9 to the ICD-10 is there is no simple mapping or transla-tion from one to the next; codes from the previous ICD don’t usually have one-to-one correspondence, but often require one-to-many, many-to-one, many-to-many or no correspondence at all.

Fries said one diagnosis in ICD 9 now has two and a half pages of diagnosis in the ICD-10.

“We have been working with coders to make sure they are prepared, to prevent denials of billings,” said Fries.

Electronic tables and crosswalks have been published to help clinicians and physicians chose the correct codes, including general equivalence tables by the National Center for Health Statistics.



Fries said it costs the hospital a lot of money to re-bill after a claim has been denied, and it’s unknown upfront if something will be reimbursed when it’s re-billed.

She said additional employees are needed who have experience and train-ing in billing and coding.

“It’s not something that’s easily taught,” said Fries, adding, “It’s pretty difficult right now, but we will get through it.”

“Payge Fries has championed this project to prepare our organization for this time of change reimbursement,” said NVH CEO Mike Zwicker, adding that the hospital might see the effects of decreased Days Cash on Hand over the next few weeks due to the conversion.

Chief Information Officer Kelly Carriker and Lori Sawyer, a former NVH RN who works in Health Information now, presented infor-mation on Quality Reports required by Medicade.


“For example, we have to send a certain percentage of prescriptions by computer or fax to pharmacies,” said Sawyer. Another example she gave was the requirement of more than 5 per-cent of patients to access their medical records by computer from their home or the hospital.

“This one is hard with our demo-graphics; a lot of people don’t have com-puters or internet, but we are reaching the required percentage,” said Sawyer.

The project, started five years ago, is currently in Stage 2. Carriker said once it reaches Stage 3, instead of 5 percent of patients accessing records online, 30 percent would be required.


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PAGE A10 OKANOGAN VALLEY GAZETTE-TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 17, 2015OKANOGAN VALLEY GAZETTE-TRIBUNE • December 17, 201510

Crosswords

ANSWERS Across

1. Ten years

7. Bus tokens

15. Deserved

16. Underwater researcher

17. Strained

18. Clear-cut

19. Babysitter’s handful

20. Place

22. Hindu queen

23. Arctic dwellers

25. Litmus reddeners

27. “Catch-22” pilot

28. Ashtabula’s lake

29. It’s a piece of cake

30. Copy

31. Emaciated

33. Baggage handler

35. Amount of work

36. 100%

37. Compliance

40. Cloche ribbons

44. Attack

45. Exorbitant rate of interest

47. Convene

48. Bottom line

49. Control, symbolically

50. Grave marker

51. Mourning armband (var. spelling)

53. Coil of yarn

55. Family head

56. Become dormant in summer

58. Showing courage or strength

60. Wizard

61. Excite

62. Paints like Pollock

63. Olio

Down

1. Corrupts

2. Designate

3. Edible N. American sunfish

4. “___ calls?”

5. Dispose of

6. Taro’s edible root

7. Will supplement

8. ___ acid

9. Call, as a game

10. Bazaars

11. “___ and the King of Siam”

12. Sports event cancellation due to weather

13. Muse of lyric poetry and music

14. Helmsman

21. “Rabbit food”

24. Ball

26. Sheriff’s assistant

29. Carved or sculpted figure

30. Imagined

32. Long, long time

34. Sun, e.g.

36. Analyze, in a way

37. Inflamed tissue with pus

38. Large, spiny tropical fruit with tart pulp

39. Mountainous island in western Indonesia

40. Haunches

41. Necessary

42. Remove lice

43. Brand of hand tools

46. Female sibling

49. Face an embankment with stones

50. Animal catcher

52. Ancient Briton

54. Mosque V.I.P.

57. “___ we having fun yet?”

59. Affirmative action

HealthGeneral

CENTROS DE SALUD FAMILIARYour Family, Your Health, Your

Choice

We are looking for YOU to join our team!

We are dedicated to our employees’ job satisfaction and take pride in providing a place to work that encourag- es growth, teamwork, com- munication and positive employee/supervisor relation- ships. FHC is a not for profit Community Health Center dedicated to providing quality health care regardless of ability to pay. EVERYONE is welcome.

We have the following opportunities available:

OKANOGAN ADMINCFO

Full timeCertified Medical Coding

Specialist Full time

HR Generalist Full time

OKANOGAN DENTAL:Dental Assistant

2 Full time and 3 Part time, on an as needed basis

OMAK MEDICALMedical Scheduler

Full timeMA-C

Full time

OROVILLE DENTAL:Dental Assistant

1 Full time and 1 Part time, on an as needed basis.

Bilingual preferred

BREWSTER DENTAL:Dental Assistant

Part time, on an as needed basis. Bilingual preferred.

BREWSTER, INDIAN AVE:Certified Application

Counselor Full time

BREWSTER JAY AVE:Patient Accounts Rep.

Full timeBreastfeeding Peer

Counselor Part time, 10 hrs/week.

MA-C or LPN Full time

Clinic Custodian Full time, shift is split

between Jay Ave medical & Brewster Dental clinics

BRIDGEPORT MED/DENTAL:DentistFull time

Dental Assistant Part time, on an as needed

basis. Bilingual preferred.

See www.myfamilyhealth.org

for job descriptions. Submit cover letter and resume or application to

FHC, c/o Human Resources, PO Box 1340, Okanogan,

WA 98840 or email: [email protected].

Open until filled. FHC is an EEO Employer.

WANTED OKANOGAN COUNTY CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY to sue DNR, write PO 285, Tonasket.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICEAll real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any pref- erence, limitation or dis- crimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handi- cap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such prefer- ence, limitation or discrimi- nation”. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. To complain of discrimina- tion call HUD at 1-800-669- 9777. The number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927- 9275

For RentAVAILABLE RENTALS;2 BR, 2 BA house $700. Nice 1 BR Apt $450. Lake Osoy- oos Waterfront 3 BR, 2 BA Apt $700. 2 BR 2 BA Apt $650. Sonora Shores $695. Sun Lakes Realty 509-476- 2121.

Hillside Park Senior Apartments

515 Tonasket AveTonasket, WA

TAKING APPLICATIONS

62 Years of Age orOlder or Disabled

RENTAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Income Limits Apply Call Robert

509-486-4966TDD# 711

OrovileSenior Living, Henderson Apartments, on Lake, on Boundary Point rd, 2 bdrm, in good condition, no smoking, no pets. Taking applications, $675/month, first and last. (509)476-2449

Similkameen Park Apts Oroville, WA.

2 BR and 4 BR Starting at $400/mo + security deposit.

Includes: Water, sewer, garbage; washer & dryer; air conditioning; play area; storage space. For more info contact Marie at

Similkameen Park Office301 Golden St. #16Oroville, WA. 98844

509-476-9721/509-476-3059

AnnouncementsPROMOTE YOUR REGION- AL EVENT for only pennies. Reach 2.7 million readers in newspapers statewide for $275 classified or $1,350 dis- play ad. Call this newspaper or (360) 515-0974 for details.

Say it in the classifieds!*Special deal*

*HAPPY BIRTHDAY*HAPPY ANNIVERSARY*CONGRATULATIONS!!*WILL YOU MARRY ME?

MUST BE PREPAID$6.00 for the first 15 words

additional words $1.00each. Bold words, special

font or borders extra.Add a picture

for only $1.50 more.Call to place ad

Okanogan ValleyGazette-Tribune800-388-2527

FoundDID YOU FIND AN ITEM

AND WANT TO FINDTHE OWNER?

Found items can be placedin the newspaper for oneweek for FREE. Limit 15

words, or prepay for wordsover the 15 word limit. Call509-476-3602 before noon

on Tuesdays.

HelpWanted

DRIVEROkanogan County Transpor- tation seeks relief driver immediately in the Tonasket and Oroville areas, CDL with passenger endorsement preferred but not required. Must be 25 years of age; pass background check, pre-employment and random drug testing and DOT physical. Apply in person at

431 5th Avenue W., Omak, Wa

or find the OCTN application and background check online

at www.octn.org under employment options.

EOE

Food Service ClerkThe Tonasket School District is now accepting applications for a Food Service Clerk, two hour per day position, Mon- day through Friday. Position will remain open until filled. To apply, applicants must complete an on-line application and submit materials through the online system. We will not accept paper cop- ies of applications. Go to the district’s website at: www.tonasket.wednet.eduInstructions for completing the on-line application are found on the Employment link. Job descriptions are available on the online system also. Please call the district office at 509-486-2126 for help if needed.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT:Okanogan Family Faire

is accepting resumesfor the position of

FAIRE MANAGER.Deadline for application is December 31st 2015. Qualifications: The desired applicant will have the following qualities and skills: At least 3 years of Management experience, Prior experience working with Non-profit groups. Have served as Vol- unteer or Coordinator For the Okanogan Family Faire or one of their affiliated Or- ganizations. For more information please visit our website:

okanoganfamilyfaire.net

WSU Student Services Professional –

2 positions(Academic Coordinator)

Be creative, make a difference, develop skills that for- ward your career and earn a decent salary with excellent benefits working for a prestig- ious University—while living in rural Okanogan County. WSU Upward Bound in Okanogan County is hiring two full-time positions to assist in the development and implementation of the Up- ward Bound college-access program in Tonasket and Oroville high schools. The Academic Coordinators men- tor students on their path to higher education, and work with a supportive Upward Bound team and with community partners to create, co- ordinate and provide dynamic learning opportunities, educational workshops, community service events and cultural enrichment activities. Position closes December 30, 2015. Salary / DOE. For full de- scription of position requirements and to apply, visit

www.wsujobs.com. WSU is an EO / AA Educator

and Employer.


Livestock & Poultry

PASTURE NEEDED for 3 horses ASAP. Must be dry, fenced, have water, elec- tricity, windbreak. Can pay $350/month you feed, $100/month I feed. 509-486-1188/msg.

PublicNotices

Call for Fuel BidsThe Tonasket School District is now accepting bids for the supply of un- leaded gasoline and diesel vehicle fuel for 2016. Sealed bids are due on or before 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 6, 2016. Specifications and bid forms are available from the Dis- trict Office;35 Hwy 20 E., Tonasket, WA 98855. Phone: 486-2126.Published: The Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune on December 10, 17, 2015#OVG672401

CLOSURE NOTICEOroville City Hall will closed Decem- ber 24th and 25th in observance of Christmas. Customers with a Friday garbage collection day will be picked up on Thursday.Published in the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune on December 10, 17, 2015#OVG672656

Summary of Ordinance #760An ordinance of the City of Tonasket, Washington, repealing Ordinance No. 759 adopted 10/13/2015 and fix- ing the amount to be raised by Ad- Valorem Taxes upon all taxable property, both real and personal, within the City of Tonasket for the year 2016 for the Current Expense and City Street Funds. For a complete copy of this ordinance contact city hall. 509-486-2132, Tonasket, WA. 98855.Alice J. AttwoodClerk-TreasurerPublished in the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune on December 17, 2015.#OVG673811

Summary of Ordinance #761An ordinance of the City of Tonasket, Washington, amending the 2015 Budget Ordinance #752. For a complete copy of this ordinance contact city hall, 509-486-2132, P.O. Box 487, Tonasket, WA. 98855.Alice J. AttwoodClerk-TreasurerPublished in the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune on December 17, 2015.#OVG673808

Summary of Ordinance #762An ordinance of the City of Tonasket, Washington, adopting the budget of the ensuing fiscal and calendar year of 2016. For a complete copy of this ordinance contact city hall, 509-486- 2132, Tonasket, WA. 98855.Alice J. AttwoodClerk-TreasurerPublished in the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune on December 17, 2015.#OVG673810

PublicNotices

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF OKANOGAN

In re the Estate of:PATRICK WAYNE MYERS,Deceased.NO . 15-4-00118-2NOTICE TO CREDITORSThe personal representative named below 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 limita- tions, present the claim in the man- ner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of che claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty 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 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets .DATE OF FILING COPY OF NO- TICE TO CREDITORS with Clerk of Court: December 1, 2015.DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: December 10, 2015 ./s/Lillian E. CraigLILLIAN E. CRAIGPersonal RepresentativeRoger A. Castelda , WSBA #5571Attorney for MyersP.O. Box 1307Tonasket , WA 98855(509) 486- 1175Published in the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune on December 10, 17, 24, 2015.#OVG671914

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF OKANOGAN

DALE EDWARD McGOWAN, a single individual;Plaintiff,vs .LORNA GAIL McGOWAN, her heirs and assigns; any and all other persons appearing on title and JOHN DOE and JANE DOES I - X,Defendants.NO. 15-2-00440-1SUMMONS BY PUBLICATIONThe State of Washington to the said Lorna Gail McGowan, presumed to be a single individual, her heirs and assigns, any and all other persons appearing on title or claiming any right, title or interest herein, in the property of the Plaintiffs.You, and each of you, are hereby summoned to appear within sixty (60) days after the date of first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty (60) days after November 12, 2015, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court and answer the complaint of the plaintiffs and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorney for the plaintiff, at his office below stated; and, in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demands of the complaint in this action

PublicNotices

which has been filed with the clerk of said court.The object of this action is to quiet title in Plaintiffs to real estate in Okan- ogan County, Washington, described as:Okanogan County Parcel Number: 6421058000Tract 1058 Okanogan River Ranch- es Division NO. 5 as recorded in Vol- ume H, Section 1 of Plats, pages 12 and 13 , Auditor’s File No. 574397, Records of Okanogan County, Washington.DATED this 27 day of October, 2015./s/Roger A. CasteldaRoger A. Castelda, WSBA #5571Attorney for PlaintiffP.O. Box 1307Tonasket , WA 98855Published in the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune on November 12, 19, 26, December 3, 10, 17, 2015.#OVG667599

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Pur- suant to the Revised Code of Wash- ington 61.24, et seq. TS No.: WA-15-673887-SW APN No.: 7300030401 Title Order No.: 150154038-WA-MSO Deed of Trust Grantor(s): STEFANIE S FOGG, GEOFFREY M FOGG Deed of Trust Grantee(s): MORTGAGE ELEC- TRONIC REGISTRATION SYS- TEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR AXIA FINANCIAL, LLC, A WASH- INGTON LIMITED LIABILITY COM- PANY Deed of Trust Instrument/Ref- erence No.: 3138198 I. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Quality Loan Service Corp. of Washington, the undersigned Trustee, will on 1/15/2016 , at 10:00 AM at the main entrance to the Okanogan County Courthouse, 149 3rd N, Okanogan, WA sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder, payable in the form of credit bid or cash bid in the form of cashier’s check or certified checks from federally or State chartered banks, at the time of sale the following described real property, situated in the County of OKANOGAN, State of Washington, to-wit: LOTS 4 AND 5, BLOCK 3, SEE-VIEW HEIGHTS, A RECORDED PLAT ACCORDING TO THE FILES AND RECORDS OF THE AUDITOR OF OKANOGAN COUNTY, WASHINGTON. ALSO, THAT PORTION OF THE UNNUM- BERED AREA OF BLOCK 3, PLAT OF THE SEE-VIEW HEIGHTS, A RECORDED PLAT ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR OF OKANOGAN COUNTY, WASHINGTON, COM- MENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID AREA, BEING ALSO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID PLAT; THENCE RUN NORTH 79 DEGREES 51 MINUTES WEST A DISTANCE OF 229.9 FEET; THENCE NORTH 0 DE- GREES 2 MINUTES EAST A DIS- TANCE OF 20.3 FEET, MORE OR LESS, TO THE SOUTHWEST COR- NER OF LOT 4, IN BLOCK 3 IN SAID PLAT; THENCE SOUTH 79 DEGREES 51 MINUTES EAST A DISTANCE OF 229.9 FEET TO THE EASTERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID PLAT; THENCE SOUTH 0 DE- GREES 2 MINUTES WEST TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. More com- monly known as: 61 BOUNDARY POINT ROAD, OROVILLE, WA 98844 which is subject to that certain Deed of Trust dated 10/9/2008, recorded 10/16/2008, under 3138198

Tonasket residents can drop off information for the Gazette-Tribune at Highlandia Jewelry on 312 S. Whitcomb

GAZETTE - TRIBUNEGAZETTE - TRIBUNEOKANOGAN VALLEY

ClassifiedsClassifi ed Deadline - Noon Tuesday • Call 800-388-2527 to place your ad

Continued on next page

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

DECEMBER 17, 2015 | OKANOGAN VALLEY GAZETTE-TRIBUNE PAGE A11December 17, 2015 • OKANOGAN VALLEY GAZETTE-TRIBUNE 11

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648721395317596482952348761285173649473962158196485273839617524721854936564239817


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PublicNotices

records of OKANOGAN County, Washington , from STEFANIE S. FOGG AND GEOFFREY M. FOGG, WIFE AND HUSBAND , as Gran- tor(s), to BAINES TITLE & ESCROW , as Trustee, to secure an obligation in favor of MORTGAGE ELEC- TRONIC REGISTRATION SYS- TEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR AXIA FINANCIAL, LLC, A WASH- INGTON LIMITED LIABILITY COM- PANY , as Beneficiary, the beneficial interest in which was assigned by MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGIS- TRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR AXIA FINANCIAL, LLC, A WASHINGTON LIMITED LI- ABILITY COMPANY (or by its suc- cessors-in-interest and/or assigns, if any), to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. . II. No action commenced by the Ben- eficiary of the Deed of Trust 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/Mortgage. III. The default(s) for which this foreclosure is made is/are as follows: Failure to pay when due the follo wing amounts which are now in arrears: $61,025.60 IV. The sum owing on the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust is: The principal sum of $134,249.42 , together with interest as provided in the Note from 11/1/2011 on, and such other costs and fees 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. Said sale will be made without warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances on 1/15/2016 . The defaults referred to in Paragraph III must be cured by 1/4/2016 (11 days before the sale date) to cause a discontinuance of the sale. The sale will be discontin- ued and terminated if at any time before 1/4/2016 (11 days before the sale) the default as set forth in Para- graph III is cured and the Trustee’s fees and costs are paid. Payment must be in cash or with cashiers or certified checks from a State or federally chartered bank. The sale may be terminated any time after the 1/4/2016 (11 days before the sale date) and before the sale, by the Borrower or Grantor or the holder of any recorded junior lien or encum- brance by paying the principal and interest, plus costs, fees and ad-

PublicNotices

vances, 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): NAME STEFANIE S. FOGG AND GEOF- FREY M. FOGG, WIFE AND HUS- BAND ADDRESS 61 BOUNDARY POINT ROAD, OROVILLE, WA 98844 by both first class and certified mail, proof of which is in the possession of the Trustee; and the Bor- rower and Grantor were personally served, if applicable, with said written Notice of Default or the written Notice of Default was posted in a conspicuous place on the real property described in Paragraph I above, and the Trustee has possession of proof of such service or posting. These requirements were completed as of 7/27/2015 . 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 Gran- tor and all those who hold by, through or under the Grantor of all their interest in the above-described property. IX. Anyone having any ob- jections to this sale on any grounds whatsoever will be afforded an opportunity to be heard as to those ob- jections if they bring a lawsuit to re- strain 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. NOTICE TO OCCU- PANTS OR TENANTS - The purchaser at the Trustee’s Sale is entitled to possession of the property on the 20 th day following the sale, as against the Grantor under the deed of trust (the owner) and anyone having an interest junior to the deed of trust, including occupants who are not tenants. After the 20 th day following the sale the purchaser has the right to evict occupants who are not tenants by summary proceedings under Chapter 59.12 RCW. For tenant-occupied property, the purchaser shall provide a tenant with written notice in accordance with RCW 61.24.060. THIS NOTICE IS THE FI- NAL STEP BEFORE THE FORE- CLOSURE SALE OF YOUR HOME. You have only 20 DAYS from the re- cording date of this notice to pursue mediation. DO NOT DELAY. CON- TACT A HOUSING COUNSELOR OR AN ATTORNEY LICENSED IN WASHINGTON NOW to assess your situation and refer you to mediation if

PublicNotices

you are eligible and it may help you save your home. See below for safe sources of help. SEEKING ASSIS- TANCE Housing counselors and legal assistance may be available at little or no cost to you. If you would like assistance in determining your rights and opportunities to keep your house, you may contact the following: The statewide foreclosure hot- line for assistance and referral to housing counselors recommended by the Housing Finance Commis- sion: Toll-free: 1-877-894-HOME (1-877-894-4663) or Web site: http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/ho- meownership/post_purchase_counselors_foreclosure.htm . The United States Department of Hous- ing and Urban Development: Toll- free: 1-800-569-4287 or National Web Site: http://portal.hud.gov/hud- portal/HUD or for Local counseling agencies in Washington: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/ hcc/fc/ index.cfm?webListAction= search&searchstate=WA&filterSvc= dfc The statewide civil legal aid hot- line for assistance and referrals to other housing counselors and attor- neys: Telephone: 1-800-606-4819 or Web site: http://nwjustice.org/what- clear . If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a re- turn of the monies paid to the Trus- tee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further re- course against the Trustor, the Trus- tee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been dis- charged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. QUALITY MAY BE CONSIDERED A DEBT COLLEC- TOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBTAND ANY INFORMATION OB- TAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit report agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations. Dat- ed: 9/14/2015 Quality Loan Service Corp. of Washington, as Trustee By: Lauren Esquivel, Assistant Secretary Trustee’s Mailing Address: Quality Loan Service Corp. of Washington C/O Quality Loan Service Corp. 411 Ivy Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (866) 645-7711 Trustee’s Physical Address: Quality Loan Service Corp.

PublicNotices

of Washington 108 1 st Ave South, Suite 202 Seattle, WA 98104 (866) 925-0241 Sale Line: 916.939.0772 Or Login to: http://wa.qualityloan.com TS No.: WA-15-673887-SW IDSPub #0091444 12/17/2015 1/7/2016Published in the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune on December 17, 2015 and January 7, 2016.#OVG657912

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON

FOR OKANOGAN COUNTYEstate of:John Daniel Gebbers,Deceased.No. 15-4-00121-2NON-PROBATE NOTICE TOCREDITORS (RCW 11.42.030)The notice agent named below has elected to give notice to creditors of the above-named decedent. As of the date of the filing of a copy of this notice with the court, the notice agent has no knowledge of any other person acting as notice agent or of the appointment of a personal representative of the decedent’s estate in the state of Washington. According to the records of the court as are available on the date of the filing of this notice with the court, a cause number regarding the decedent has not been issued to any other notice agent and a personal representative of the decedent’s estate has not been appointed.Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limita- tions, present the claim in the man- ner as provided in RCW 11.42.070 by serving on or mailing to the notice agent or the notice agent’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the notice agent’s declaration and oath were filed. The claim must be presented within the later of: ( 1) Thirty days after the notice agent served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.42.020(2) (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 11.42.050 and 11.42.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assetsDate of First Publication: December 3, 2015

PublicNotices

The notice agent declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington on 18 day of November, 2015 at Brewster, Wash- ington that the foregoing is true and correct./s/Cass GebbersJohn William Cascade “Cass” Geb- bersNotice Agent: John William Cascade “Cass” GebbersAttorney for Notice Agent: Jay A. Johnson, WSBA No. 7995Mailing Address of Notice Agent: P.O. Box 735Brewster WA 98812

PublicNotices

Published in the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune on December 3, 10, 17, 2015.#OVG671554

Continued from previous page



1420 Main St.,Oroville, WA 98844

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To advertise in our Real Estate Section call 509-476-3602 ext. 3050

PAGE A12 OKANOGAN VALLEY GAZETTE-TRIBUNE DECEMBER 17, 2015

OBITUARIES

Faith Lutheran Church11th & Ironwood, Oroville • 476-2426

Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m. “O taste and see that the Lord is good!”

Pastor Dan Kunkel • Deacon Dave Wildermuth

Immaculate ConceptionCatholic Church

1715 Main Street Oroville11:00 a.m. English Mass every Sunday1:00 p.m. Spanish Mass every Sunday

Father Jose Maldonado • 476-2110

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Oroville Ward33420 Highway 97

509-476-2740Sunday, 10:00 a.m.

Visitors are warmly welcomed

Oroville Unit ed Methodist908 Fir, Oroville • 476-2681

Worship on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Leon L. Alden, Pastor

Valley Christian FellowshipPastor Randy McAllister

142 East Oroville Rd. • 476-2028• Sunday School (Adult & Teens) 10:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 11 a.m.• Sun. Evening Worship 6 p.m.Sunday School & Children’s Church K-6

9:45 to 1:00 p.m. Open to Community! Located at Kid City 142 East Oroville

• Wednesday Evening Worship 7 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal602 Central Ave., Oroville

Sunday School & Services 10:00 a.m.Holy Eucharist: 1st, 3rd, & 5th • Morning Prayer: 2nd & 4th

Healing Service: 1st SundayThe Reverend Marilyn Wilder 476-3629

Warden • 476-2022

Church of ChristIronwood & 12th, Oroville • 476-3926

Sunday School 10 a.m. • Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m.

Seventh-Day Adventist10th & Main, Oroville - 509-476-2552

Bible Study: Sat. 9:30 a.m. • Worship: Sat. 11 a.m.Pastor Tony Rivera • 509-557-6146

Oroville Free Methodist1516 Fir Street • 509-476.2311

Sunday School 9:15 am Worship Service 10:15am

offi [email protected] Rod Brown

NEW Hope Bible FellowshipService Time: Sun., 10:30 a.m. Wed., 6:30 p.m.Estudio de la Biblia en español Martes 6:30 p.m.

923 Main St. • [email protected] Fast, Pastor

www.BrotherOfTheSon.com

OROVILLE LOOMISLoomis Community Church

Main Street in Loomis9:45 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Worship Service

Pastor Bob HaskellInformation: 509-223-3542

CHESAWChesaw Community Bible Church

Nondenominational • Everyone WelcomeEvery Sunday 10:30 a.m. to Noon

Pastor Duane Scheidemantle • 485-3826

TONASKET

MOLSON

Riverside Lighthouse - Assembly of God102 Tower Street

Sunday Bible Study 10:00amSunday Worship 11:00am & 6:30pm

Wednesday- family Night 6:30pmPastor Vern & Anita Weaver

Ph. 509-826-4082

Community Christian FellowshipMolson Grange, Molson

Sunday 10 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m.Wednesday 6:30pm, Bible Study

“For by grace are ye saved through faith...” Eph. 2:8-9“...lovest thou me...Feed my lambs...John 21:1-17

RIVERSIDE

Holy Rosary Catholic Church1st & Whitcomb Ave., Tonasket

9 a.m. English Mass every Sunday7:00 p.m. Spanish Mass every Saturday

Father Jose Maldonado • 476-2110

Immanuel Lutheran Church1608 Havillah Rd., Tonasket • 509-485-3342

Sun. Worship 9 a.m. • Bible Study & Sun. School 10:15“For it is by grace you have been saved, throughfaith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of

God--not by works, so that no one can boast.” -Eph. 2:8-9“To every generation.” Celebrating 100 years 1905-2005

Crossroads Meeting Place Tonasket Foursquare Church415-A S. Whitcomb Ave. • Pastor George Conkle

Sunday: 10 a.m.(509) 486-2000 • cell: (509) 429-1663

Tonasket Community UCC 24 E. 4th, Tonasket • 486-2181

“A biblically based, thoughtfulgroup of Christian People”

Sunday Worship at 11:00 a.m.

Ellisforde Church of the Brethren32116 Hwy. 97, Tonasket.

10 am Sunday School. 11 am Worship Service “Continuing the work of Jesus...simply, peacefully, together”

Pastor Debbie Roberts, 509-486-3541Open doors affi rming diversity and welcoming to all

24 E. 4th, Tonasket

Tonasket Bible Church10 6th East and Whitcomb • 509-429-2948

Pastor Stephen Williams • www.tonasketbiblechurch.orgSun. Worship Service 9:30 am

Sun. Christian Education Hour 11 am • Sun. Eve. Service 6 pm“SANCTIFY THEM IN TRUTH; YOUR

WORD IS TRUTH.” JOHN 17:17

Come join us!CHURCH GUIDE

Okanogan Valley

To place information in the Church Guide

call Charlene 509- 476-3602 ext 3050

O come let us worship and bow down:Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

For he is our God; and we are the people ofhis pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Psalms 95:6-7

Please join us

Dec. 20, 2015for Special Invitation Sunday

at Valley

Christian Fellowship

142 Eastside Oroville Rd. Oroville, WA.

Service starts at 11 a.m.

Gift for all � rst time guests.Co� ee, Cookies and

Fellowship after service.

Ellisforde Church of the Brethren32116 Hwy. 97, Tonasket.

10 am Sunday School. 11 am Worship Service “Continuing the work of Jesus...simply, peacefully, together”

Christmas Eve Service at 9 p.m.

BILLIE JOE HILDERBRANDBillie Joe Hilderbrand of

Oroville passed away on November 23, 2015 at North Valley Extended Care. He was born October 13, 1932 in Rogersville, Missouri.

In 1943 the family moved to Oroville, Washington where he

attended school until gradua-tion in 1951. After graduation he proudly served his country in the United States Army. For most of his adult life Bill worked in the local fruit industry. It is there he developed a love of apple labels. He enjoyed buying, selling, and trading labels. He worked with a close friend to create the beautiful apple label wall which is still dis-played at North Valley Extended

Care. He loved pointing out his favorites and sharing stories about each label.

When Bill was 15 his baby sis-ter, Pat, was born. They shared a special bond that continued throughout their lives. They were even fortunate enough to spend time together on his last day of life.

Bill had a passion for the mountains and for fishing that led him to the best catch of his life. One day he invited Myrtle Wood to go fishing with him and he was “hooked.” They shared 20 years of companionship.

Bill was a proud, loving, and

fun dad, grandpa, and great grandpa. He loved spending time with his children and their fami-lies keeping up with all that was happening in their lives. He never ended a conversation without an “I love you.” He was also a devot-ed son and caring brother.

He will be missed by many but the loss is felt the deep-est by his survivors which include his children Joni (Michael) DiTommaso, Kevin (Sandy) Hilderbrand and Keith Hilderbrand. Grandchildren Brandon (Kelly) Root, Kristen (Cameron) Haubrich, Brandon, Dylan, and Haylee Hilderbrand. Great grandchildren Max and Piper Root and Ellyse Haubrich. Siblings Pat (Gary) Nelson, Bob (Sandy) Hilderbrand and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Arlie and Josephine Hilderbrand, brothers Zeke and Keni.

Keeping with his request there will be no service.

Bergh Funeral Service and Crematory is in care of arrange-ments.

Billie Joe Hilderbrand

FAMILY PRACTICE

“Providing our patients with the highest quality health care and service in a friendly and caring

atmosphere.”

In Tonasket & Oroville

TONASKET17 S. Western Ave.

509-486-2174

OROVILLE1617 Main Street509-486-2174

www.wvmedical.com

DENTISTRY

HEALTH CARE

HEALTH CARE

OPTICAL

826-7919For eye exams, 826-1800UGO BARTELL, O.D.

916 Koala • Omak, WA • wvmedical.com

HEALTH CARE

New Patients andInsurance Plans Welcome.

Dr. Joey Chen, D.M.D.Family Dentistry

Dr. Joey Chen, D.M.D.Family Dentistry

OROVILLE:1600 N. Main St.

Offi ce Hours: Tues. - Wed., 8 - 5 Tel: 509-476-2151

OMAK:23 S. Ash St., Omak

Offi ce Hours: Thursdays, 8:30 - 5:30 Tel: 509-826-1930

CareCredit

OMAKCLINIC

Physician-owned and patient-centeredPhysician-owned and patient-centeredA Branch of

Wenatchee Valley Medical Center

Healthcare Services Anti Coagulation Clinic Ophthalmology Radiology Behavioral Health Walk In Clinic Family Practice Laboratory Surgery Center Chemo Infusion

509-826-1800916 Koala, Omak, WA 98841

HEALTH CARE

YOUR AD HERE

Se Habla Espanol1.800.660.2129

WWW.MYFAMILYHEALTH.ORG

Columbia River

10 Locations ACROSS the region

& growing

• Mental Health • Chemical Dependency • Developmental Disorders • Psychiatric Services • Therapeutic Housing

Phone number & 24 hour crisis line:

509-826-6191

Services

Toll free:866-826-6191

www.okbhc.org

NORTH VALLEYHOSPITAL DISTRICT

www.nvhospital.org

203 S. Western Ave., Tonasket Ph. 509-486-2151

Emergency VA Clinic Surgical Center Rehabilitation (Oroville & Tonasket) Obstetrical Services Imaging Full-Service Laboratory Extended Care Swing Bed ProgramSwing Bed Program

Growing Healthcare Close to Home

Advertise In The

Direct Readers To Your Medical or Health Related Business

Every WeekCall Charlene Helm

509-476-3602 Ext 3050

CEMETERYMARKERS

See Us First for Greater SavingsBUILD A LASTING TRIBUTE

TO YOUR LOVED ONE

~ 62 years of serving you ~Where pride in cra� smanship

still exist today!

Sales Representative Joy Lawson

1-509-476-2279

INLAND MONUMENT

CO.

OUR LOVED ONES LIVE AS LONG AS THEY ARE REMEMBERED

Monuments & Bronze

Spring variety show planned for MarchSUBMITTED BY SALLEY BULLOROVILLE SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

OROVILLE - The Oroville Scholarship Foundation is very proud to announce that this year it received its greatest number of applications for their Continuing Education Scholarships (CES) and had its largest pay out, too.

Thirteen former OHS gradu-ates, who are continuing their

education - second year or more in a college or vo-tech school -- will receive for their winter semester $550 each; which totals $7150.

Generous donations, money given for memorials and by alum-ni and former students, plus the proceeds from the Spring Variety Show and Auction and the two children’s holiday gift baskets raf-fle were added to OFS’s funds to make these awards possible.

Shirley Moser won a large chil-dren’s gift basket with presents for

kids in the birth to seven-year- old age group. Diane Acord won a larger basket, with presents for kids in the eight-year-old to teen age group. The beautiful hand-made vintage-looking quilt raffle won’t be drawn until the 2016 Spring Variety Show and Auction in March. If you are interested in buying a raffle ticket, call Salley Bull, 509.560.3624.

The Foundation is always look-ing for more members to help in our fund raising events; the money is raised locally to benefit local students.

Scholarship Foundation has largest Continuing Ed pay out

1420 Main St., P.O. Box 250Oroville, WA 98844

509-476-3602 or 1-888-838-3000


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OKANOGAN VALLEY GAZETTE-TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 17, 2015PAGE A8


Rade Pilkinton won this match by pinning Trevor James when Tonasket hosted Kettle Falls Wednesday, Dec. 9.


Tonasket won 12 of 16 Varsity and JV matches, all of them by pin except for one by technical fall and two by forfeit when they hosted Kettle Falls in their first home wrestling duel of the season Wednesday, Dec. 9.

Freshman Garrett Wilson of Tonasket pinned sopho-more Dalton Dean in the 126 pound class. Wrestling at 145, senior Rade Pilkinton pinned junior Trevor James of Kettle Falls. Sophomores Reece Caddy of Tonakset and Carson Collier of Kettle Falls wrestled at 152, with Caddy winning by a pin.

Tiger senior Jorge Juarez pinned senior Taylor Flesher at 160. Zach Lofthus, a senior wrestling at 170 for Tonasket pinned Isaiah Black, also a senior. Tonasket freshman Isaac Gomez pinned sophomore Collin Thomas at 182.

In the JV matches, freshman Chris Freese also pinned Kettle Falls’ Dean at 126. Tonasket’s Austin Rimestad, a junior, beat sophomore Cason Collier 15-0 in the 152 pound weight class. Dylan Kalma, a junior, also pinned Kettle Falls’s Black at 182. Less than one minute into the first round, Lofthus pinned Kettle Falls’s Thomas.

Kettle Falls’ Justin Volking, wrestling in the 120 weight class,

won two matches. Volking, a senior who participated at State Championships last year in the 113 pound class, took down Devin Walton, a junior, in the varsity match; and junior Jeffrey Luna in the JV match. Kettle Falls’s Trevor James pinned Zion Butler in the 145 pound JV match. Both wres-tlers are juniors. Taylor Flesher, a senior at Kettle Falls, pinned sophomore Branden Baugher in the 160 pound class.

Tonasket’s Vance Frazier and Trever Peterson both won by for-feit; Frazier at 132 and Peterson at 138.

This is Stein Edwards’ first season coaching the Kettle Falls team.

Tonasket takes down Kettle Falls

Tonasket wins tourneyBY KATIE [email protected]

Tonasket took first place among 10 teams at the Okanogan Invitational Saturday, Dec. 12.

Tonasket came away with 206 points, Omak came in second with 129 points and Chelan came in third with 122.

Taking first place finishes for the Tigers were Dawson Bretz at 113 pounds, Vance Frazier at 132 and Jorge Juarez at 152.

Oroville’s Scotty Hartvig took first place in the 195 pound class.

Placing second for Tonasket was Devin Walton at 120, Tim Freese at 132, Trevor Peterson at 138, Rade Pilkinton at 145 and Zach Lofthus at 170.

Third place finishes were had by Garrett Wilson at 126, Branden Baugher at 170, Isaac Gomez at 182 and Ian Vanatta at 220.

Oroville’s Luis Vazquez at 106 pounds and Zane Scott at 182 pounds both finished in fourth place.

Placing fourth for Tonasket

were Austin Rimestad at 138, Dylan Kalma at 195 and Garrett Thomas at 220.

“It was a great team effort, I was pleased with how we wres-tled,” said Tonasket Head Coach Dave Mitchell.

Brewster came in fifth place with 77.5 points, Liberty Bell in sixth with 66, Oroville in seventh with 53, Wilbur Creston in eighth with 51.5, Pateros in ninth with 31 and Okanogan in tenth place with 29 points.

Hornets host mixerOroville held a mixer Friday,

Dec. 11, where Hornet Brigido Ocampo continued his undefeat-ed streak with his fourth pin of the early season in the 132 pound class.

“An improved Nick Clase, at 170, picked up two wins by deci-sion and pin while fellow sopho-more Zane Scott avenged an earli-er loss to Brian Chevez of Pateros with a pin for the Hornets,” said Oroville Head Coach Chuck

Ricevuto.Ricevuto said the biggest win

of the evening came from Scotty Hartvig, a senior wrestling at 195, when he pinned State veteran Chris Verallis of Brewster.

“A back and forth, exciting bout between Kacey Dewitte and Gabe Medina of Brewster at 160 pounds ended up in a very close 11-15 loss,” Ricevuto said.

According to Ricevuto, senior Charles Arrigoni had his Brewster opponent “nearly pinned” only to lose later on in the bout.

Also wrestling for the Hornets were first-year grapplers Yohnny Castillo and Ryan Scott.

Oroville was scheduled to wrestle in Tonasket Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m., and to host the Nohi Tourney in Oroville at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19.

Tonasket was scheduled to host Lake Roosevelt and Pateros along with Oroville December 16, and to send some wrestlers to the Tri-State event in Idaho Saturday, Dec. 19; and others to the O-Hi event in Oroville December 19.


Tonasket freshman Isaac Gomez puts the hurt on Kettle Falls sophomore Collin Thomas before winning this 182 pound class bout by pin.


The Tonasket varsity boys have yet to win a basketball game this season as this paper goes to press.

The Tigers traveled to Republic Friday, Dec. 4, where they lost before coming home and hosting Kettle Falls the next day.

Jordan Thrasher, a 5’6” fresh-man was the first player to put points on the board in a game where both teams had five varsity players at six feet or taller.

Tonasket kept pace with Kettle Falls for the first half of the game, with a 5-5 tie three minutes into the first quarter; which ended with Tonasket ahead 18-7. The Tigers were ahead by ten points (32-22) at the end of the first half.

The Bulldogs came out a lot more aggressive for the second half of the game, closing the gap to 31-39 with four minutes left in the third quarter, which ended 44-38 with the Tigers still in the lead.

The score was finally tied 44-44 with six and a half minutes left in the game before the Bulldogs got a two-point lead one minute later.

Kettle Falls then held the Tigers

at 44 while they racked their own score up to 50 over the next 90 seconds.

With just four minutes left in the game, both teams stepped it up to play tougher, faster and more aggressive. The referees got their own workouts calling fouls.

The teams were just five points apart with three and a half min-utes left on the clock when the Bulldogs pulled ahead; 57-51 with a minute and a half left, and 61-51 with one minute left.

Kettle Falls won 66-55.The boys next hosted Manson

Tuesday, Dec. 8, with the Trojans taking home a 60-44 victory.

The Tigers traveled to Winthrop Friday, Dec. 11, where the Liberty Bell Mountain Lions defeated Tonasket 85-40.

Tonasket hosted Omak the next day, falling to the Pioneers 82-51.

The Tigers kept the game with-in reach for most of the first half, trailing 25-29 with three and a half minutes left before the Pioneers ended the second quar-ter with a 44-29 lead.

Tonasket was behind 41-68 at the end of the third quarter before Omak went home with a

82-51 win.Playing for the Pioneers this

year is Jason Truitt, the only soph-omore on the varsity team. Truitt is April Bigelowe’s son; Bigelowe worked at Tonasket Elementary School as an AmeriCorps volun-teer for the 2014/15 and 2015/16 school years.

The JV boys were the only Tigers to come out of the evening with a win, ending their game 57-56.

“It was a tough one,” said JV Coach Dave Kirk. “We had more pressure against us tonight than we had in any of our ear-lier games. This is the first game that’s been this close, and the kids had to step up and handle a lot more defensive pressure against us. They stepped up and made their free throws; Lucas Scott made a free throw with just one and a half seconds left to end the game 57-56.”

The JV boys are now 5-0. The Tigers were scheduled to

travel to Brewster December 15, and host Okanogan Friday, Dec. 18, with the girls’ game beginning at 6 p.m. and the boys’ starting at 7:30 p.m.

Tiger varsity reaching for a basketball win


Tonasket’s 6’0” Dylan Douke jumpts up to shoot over the head of Omak’s 6’5” Pete Campbell during their December 12 double header. The shot went in, good for two more points in the Tigers’ 51-82 loss to the Pioneers.


Tonasket’s Kyle Huber attempts to regain possession for the Tigers as he blocks Omak’s Gabe Timentwa from moving toward the basket or passing to teammates.

Hornets playing competitivelyBY KATIE [email protected]

The Oroville boys’ basketball team has won two of the three games they’ve played as this paper goes to press, missing the third win by just three points.

They won their first game 50-34 against Curlew -Dec. 4.

“Oroville got off to a great start for the season and in the game, against a tough Curlew,” said Head Coach Jay Thacker.

Scoring for the Hornets was Andrew Mieirs with 17, Nathan Hugus with 14, Juan Lopez with nine, Spencer Martin and Bryce Glover with four points each and Sage Sarmiento with two.

On December 8 Oroville host-ed Lake Roosevelt, leading the Raiders 17-12 at the end of the first quarter and 32-22 at half-time. They held their lead to end the third quarter 47-36, but the Raiders scored 32 points in the fourth to the Hornets’ 18; taking away a 68-65 victory.

“Oroville was able to main-tain a strong lead into the fourth quarter before Lake Roosevelt got

hot, hitting five of their 11 threes for the game,” Thacker said.

Hugus led the Hornets in scor-ing with 21 points, followed by Martin with 18, Miers with 15, Glover with seven and Lopez with four.

Oroville traveled to Okanogan December 12, bringing home a 54-48 victory.

“The Hornets were able to hold off a very athletic and talented group of Bulldogs,” said Thacker.

Oroville racked up 19 points in the first quarter while holding the Bulldogs to seven. They scored eight more points in the sec-ond quarter, but Okanogan was able to put of 11. The Bulldogs again outscored the Hornets in the third quarter, earning 15 to Oroville’s 12. Both teams scored 15 points in the fourth, leaving the Hornets with a six point lead for the win.

Mieirs scored 14, Hugus 13, Martin and Glover each scored 12 and Lopez added three points.

The Hornets were scheduled to host Liberty Bell Tuesday, Dec. 15, and travel to Bridgeport December 18.



The Lady Tigers have won three of five games on the basketball court as this paper goes to press. They are currently in first place in the Central Washington B League standings with two league wins and zero league losses, and three wins and two losses overall.

They dropped their first game of the season in Republic Friday, Dec. 4, 36-55.

“I thought we did some good things in the Republic game. That is a really impressive team—they run like crazy and play with high intensity the entire game,” said Tigers Head Coach Stephanie Schertenleib. “They are funda-

mentally sound and you can real-ly tell they like playing the game.

“Our team has a lot of differ-ent components than it did last season,” Schertenleib continued. “I think they are trying to find their identity as a team with a lot of young players, but they have been working really hard. They have a common goal in wanting to be successful and improve. It has been really nice.”

The next day, December 5, Tonasket hosted Kettle Falls and the girls won the close game 49-45.

“The Kettle Falls game was a big boost for us,” said Schertenleib. “It’s hard playing for your very first game of the season against

a team that could very well play for the 1B state championship in Republic, and judging how you are coming along as a team.”

The Tigers were ahead 8-2 two minutes into the game against Kettle Falls, but the Bulldogs pulled ahead to end the first half 25-21 in their favor.

“We played very poor defense in the first half and they built a little bit of a lead on us heading into halftime,” Schertenleib said. “The game was really pretty close the entire time, but we were able to come up with some big plays and hit a couple threes. We also shot 14-16 from the free throw line which really was the differ-ence in the outcome of the game.

I am really proud of how they rallied together and kept fighting even when they were down.”

Kayla Willis was the top scorer with 18 points, followed by her sister Ashlynn with 14.

The girls went on to beat Manson 43-29 December 8.

“It was a really great team effort,” said Schertenleib. “Our scoring was well distributed and I am so proud of how we have been playing lately. I would like our free throw percentage to be much higher than it was on this particu-lar game but all in all I am very pleased with our performance.”

The Lady Tigers went on to beat Liberty Bell 43-31 Friday, Dec. 11, before hosting Omak the

next day for a non-league game and falling to the Pioneers 27-48.

The Tigers were scheduled to

travel to Brewster Tuesday, Dec. 15 and host Okanogan for a 6 p.m. game Friday, Dec. 18.

Tonasket girls topping the league

Katie Teachout/staff photos

Morgyne Hjaltason keeps the ball out of the reach of Pioneer Nashoni Boyd while Johnna Terris keeps Omak’s Kristan Romera from entering the fray during the December 12 double header in Tonasket.

Madyson Clark stretches in an attempt to grab possession of the ball from the Pioneers Saturday, Dec. 12.

The Oroville Hornet Football team wound up their year with the annual football banquet at the OHS Commons on Wednesday, Dec. 9. The ban-quet is a celebration for players, coaches and cheerleaders. In addition to good food, a video presentation of memories from the season is presented by Head Coach Tam Hutchinson, as well as the presentation of awards. Above, the team with Coaches and Cheerleaders hold up the 2B Sportsmanship Award, a huge honor for the kids who worked hard to earn it, said Coach Hutchinson.

OROVILLE HORNET FOOTBALL BANQUET

Mellisa Mills/submitted photos

The senior players Ben Hickman, Brandon Watkins, Blake Rise, Logan Mills, Charlie Arrigoni and Louie Reyes with senior chearleader Faith Martin, as well as Assistant Coaches Turner and Brad Scott and Head Coach Hutchinson.

Senior players Brandon Watkins, Charlie Arrigoni, Blake Rise and Logan Mills played all four years for the Oroville Hornets Football Team.

District Champs fight hard against WolfpackSUBMITTED BY ERIN JOHNSONOROVILLE YOUTH SOCCER

OROVILLE - The Oroville Racers District 6 champions, played their quarter final game on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2pm e against the District 2 champions, Newport Wolfpack. It was a very intense game. The weather coop-erated, warming up and the field was clear, but muddy.

The game started off with The Wolfpack scoring the first goal. The Racers fought back, scor-ing their own first goal, tying the game one to one. As the Racers intensified their offense, the action was clearly at the Wolfpack’s end of the field, the Racers making many attempts at goal. The Racers score again and at halftime, the Racers are win-ning, two to one.

The Wolfpack, however, get a lucky break, scoring another goal. With the score now two to two, players were slipping and sliding on the muddy field. Cold feet and hands made it difficult to con-trol the ball. The Wolfpack made another goal, pulling ahead, the

score now three to two.The Racers intensified their

offensive game, their experience evident in some truly excellent teamwork. Great passing, fancy footwork, and awesome ball con-trol puts the Racers again in a position to score. The parents and fans are on the edge of the seats or standing up cheering the Racers. Only minutes left in the second half, then the whistle blows three times... can it be the end of the game? The reality sinks in, the Racers have lost. The quarter final game is over. The Oroville soccer team is in shock. This undefeated team is now defeated, and will not be playing in the semifinals.

Players and coaches line up to shake hands or high five. A great game! Thank you Jim Elias, head coach of the Racers for an excellent season of intense soc-cer action. Thank you Racers, for always competing, never retreat-ing, and never backing down. Thank you to the parents for their support and cheers. Thank you to the city of Oroville for provid-ing the fields we play on and the people of our small town who came out to support our kids.

Thank you to Rod Noel for clearing the snow off! And a big thank you to all the parents who helped place sand in the mud puddles.

Undefeated Racers season ends in semi-final battle

Submitted photo

Kolo Moser preparing to score for the Racers, supported by Obed Garcia, Hadley Blasey and Kyra Koepke.

Aidan Nelson, goalie for the Racers, saves the ball, preventing a score for the Wolfpack.

okanogan valley gazette-tribune, december 17, 2015

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