okanogan valley gazette-tribune, november 22, 2012

OKANOGAN VALLEYGAZETTE-TRIBUNE

Volume 106No. 42

INSIDE THIS EDITION

GAZETTE-TRIBUNESERVING WASHINGTONS OKANOGAN VALLEY SINCE 1905

Community 2-3Missoula Theater 4Letters/Opinion 5

Valley Life 6-7Movies 6Classifieds/Legals 8-9

Sports 10Sports 11Court Report 12


Volume 108No. 47

CONTACT USNewsroom and Advertising

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INSIDE THIS EDITION

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Still faces budget crunch with sales tax initiative in limboBY BRENT [email protected]

TONASKET - A divided Tonasket City Council approved a two percent hike in the citys ad valorem tax at the Tuesday, Nov. 13, council meeting.

In its debate on the issue, coun-cil members recognized that city residents were resistant to raising taxes -- the 0.1 percent sales tax hike proposal was narrowly trail-ing -- but tried to balance that against declining revenues and rising expenses that are creating a budget crunch.

The city has not raised its ad valorem tax in three years.

Were probably the only city in the county that has not done this three years in a row, said Tonasket mayor Patrick Plumb. I agree with the sentiment that this wont solve our budgetary woes, but it would go a ways toward funding services that are important to the city, that are basic needs.

Each one percent of ad valorem tax increase would cost taxpayers $3.00 per $100,000 of property valuation. The two percent hike ($6.00 per $100,000) will bring in an additional $2,316. That will increase the citys property tax receipts from $115,802 in 2012 to $118,118 next year.

Plumb asked the council to summarize their feelings on the issue.

You commented that were elected by the people that we see every day, said council member Jean Ramsey. I have to say that I stand with those that come up to me day after day and say, Dont raise my taxes.

If were going to do this Id like to see a more gradual (pro-cess) rather than doing it all at once, said council member Jill Vugteveen. Its not a big differ-ence, but it is a difference.

When we talked budgeting, I was thinking two percent, said council member Scott Olson. But when I saw the election returns, I thought, gosh, people are not voting for this, though its close. But I also see the numbers and see that its a way we get rev-enue. Its been nice not doing it. But I realize if we collect the same amount of money, with property revenues going up, were collect-ing a smaller percentage. Its like a tax decrease. Were staying rev-enue neutral, but the percentage is going down.

The citys levy rate from $3.10 in 2007 to $2.60 in 2012. With the two percent increase, the 2013 levy rate projects to $2.65, or about where it was ($2.64) in 2010.

You cant stand still on a mov-ing train, Olson said. Prices are changing; valuations are chang-ing. I dont want things to cost more. They do. How do we make it so we can continue the same service? We have to adjust the numbers to get the same percent-age.

After Plumb surveyed the opinions of the council members, Olson moved for the two percent

Tonasket tax trails by three, Bud Hover by eightBY GARY A. DEVONMANAGING EDITOR

OKANOGAN What a difference 10 days makes.

It looks like Supt. Steve Quick got the miracle he was hoping for as Oroville School Districts three-year capital improvement levy is now ahead in the ballot count by 45 votes.

The levy would raise $1.2 million to repair the elemen-tary schools leaky roof, as well as doing some other small remodeling projects. In the Nov. 6 election night count the measure was failing and that hadnt changed in the Friday, Nov. 9 tally where there were 17 more votes against. The change came in the third ballot count which took place Wednesday, Nov. 14 when the votes for approval overtook those vot-ing against by 58. The num-bers decreased slightly to 45 after the last count which was Friday, Nov. 16. The measure needs to hold on for only one more count scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 27, when the election will also be certified.

I guess there were a lot more votes that came in that needed to be counted and that put it ahead, said a surprised Quick on Wednesday night. Once approved Quick said the district would move right

away to find short term, low interest financing (to be paid back as the levy is collected), as well as bids to construct a new roof on the elementary building.

While it looks like the Oroville measure may survive, just a couple of votes could make the dif-ference for Tonaskets Proposition 1. The Sales and Use Tax levy which would help offset increasing Criminal Justice costs was way behind in the second count, with those against at 53.85 percent. However the third ballot count had the measure down by just one vote and the fourth count has it down by two. A similar proposition in Okanogan was also down just

two votes.I appreciate the Tonasket

City taxpayers for consider-ing supporting our Criminal Justice efforts by it being so close to passing, said Tonasket Mayor Patrick Plumb last Thursday. This vote will require a 50 per-cent plus one so we are actu-ally down by two votes (now down by two as of last count, so it will take three votes).

The mayor added that the city council did not advocate either a pro or con stance on the issue, but it was some-thing that the legislature offered to Washington cities

and counties to help offset costs of jail fees and com-munity police services.

I figured it was a little premature to call the failure of the ballot measure because the auditor retrieved 432 ballots from the Tonasket City drop box so to see it change the count to that amount was not too

Gary DeVon/staff photo

The Missoula Childrens Theatre presented two showings of The Tortoise Versus the Hare at the Oroville High School Commons last Saturday afternoon. The show, a retelling of the classic fable, had a cast of characters made up of K-12 students from Oroville School District. Above, Curly Hare, played by Nathan Rise and Coach Bowlback, played by Madison Whiteaker, carry Bonny Bunny, played by Hanna Curdie, across the finish line. Watching the dramatic ending were the WMCT news crew, MCTs Amanda Tatum and OHS students Sydney Thornton, as Stormy Feather; Lisa Hartvig, as Bailey Blues and Gwen Hankins as Cupcake ORourke. For more see page 4.

Tortoise and the Hare, a RetellingTonasket council approves 2% ad valorem hike

SEE COUNCIL | PG. 3

GT File Photo

North Valley Hospital reviewed the 2013 preliminary budget and approved the implimentation of a tax credit program.

Tax credit approvedBY BRENT [email protected]

TONASKET - The North Valley Hospital Board of Commissioners approved the hospitals prelimi-nary 2013 budget at its Thursday, Nov. 8, meeting.

Presented by acting Chief Financial Officer Helen Verhasselt, the budget projects total operating revenue at just over $22.5 million, including nearly $21.2 million in net patient revenue. Total operat-ing expenses are projected to be nearly $23.2 million, while other income, (primarily $840,000 in

levy revenue) will push the over-all balance sheet into the black, with a projected net income of just over $413,000.

Those numbers are for the combined Hospital and Long Term Care divisions.

We looked at what our current volumes are, Verhasselt said. We were budgeting at our current levels for next year.

One area where the budget anticipates an increase in volumes is through the VA clinic. The hos-pital receives a set amount for each veteran that is enrolled and seen in the clinic throughout the year.

NVH Board approves preliminary budget

SEE BOARD | PG. 3

GT File Photo

Okanogan County Auditor Laurie Thomas and Tonasket Mayor Patrick Plumb near one of the countys ballot drop boxes.

Oroville School Levy now passing by 45 votes

SEE ELECTION | PG. 3

Refinancing $2.2 million in construction bondsBY GARY A. DEVONMANAGING EDITOR

OKANOGAN While pursu-ing the refinancing of $2.2 million of bonds used for construction improvements county received an A+ rating from national rating agency Standard and Poors.

County Treasurer Leah McCormack, with the approval of the Board of Commissioners, has been in the process of seeking refinancing of the Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds issued in 2003 for constructing improve-ments to the countys public facili-ties. The action will save approxi-mately $220,000 with lower inter-est payments; which is an annual savings of approximately $20,000 for the remaining 11 years. The county is timing the sale of the Refunding Bonds at a historic low in interest rates.

As part of the process for preparing for the Limited Tax General Obligation Refunding Bond sale, the county decided

to pursue an underlying rating grade from the national rating agency of Standard and Poors. The county was recently notified that the underlying rating grade is A+.

This is a great accomplishment, considering this was the first time we pursued a bond rating grade, said Treasurer McCormack. This rating grade reflects that the coun-ty is very well-managed and has strong financial practices in place for the benefit of our taxpayers. The higher the rating grade, the lower the interest cost.

According to McCormack, the A+ bond rating grade was based on five key factors: 1. Demonstrated track record of strong ending fund balances for the Current Expense Fund and Road Fund: 2. Small amount of outstanding debt; 3. Sound financial practices and policies; 4. Experienced management in operating the county in an effi-cient manner and 5. Signs of a growing economy.

The countys staff of Commissioner Jim Detro, McCormack, Auditor Laurie Thomas, Risk Manager and HR Director Nan Kallunki and Planning Director Perry Huston, along with Bond Underwriter Jim Nelson participated in and pro-vided the information to Standard and Poors in the conference call, which dealt with the topics of management, finances, local economy, policies and long-term planning.

The Refunding Bonds will be underwritten by Martin Nelson and Company, a Washington investment banking firm, based in Seattle.

County receives A+ bond rating

This is a great accom-plishment, considering this was the first time we pursued a bond

rating grade.Leah McCormack,

Okanogan County Treasurer

Happy Thanksgiving

OkanOgan Valley gazette-tribune | nOVember 22, 2012

Our Winter Sports Section will be coming in December!Dont miss out...reserve your space now!

Contact Charlene at 509-476-3602 or 509-322-5712

WINTER SPORTSPreview 2012 - 2013

Our Winter Sports Section will be coming in December!OKANOGAN VALLEY

GAZETTE-TRIBUNE

entertainmententertainment

EVERY WEEK

WANT THEIR ATTENTION?

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS HERE

Call Charlene at 476-3602

entertainmententertainment

Out On The Town

Restaurant& Lounge

the plaza

Restaurant Open: 7am to 9pmLounge Open : 11am to Close

Weekend Entertainment Bands coming soon!

Karaoke Every Thursday Coming Soon

Open Mic on Tues. Night1412 Main St. Oroville

Ph: 509-476-2664

Great Foo

d, Friendly Atmosphere

* Wednesday *PRIME RIB

starting at 5 pm.

Main St., Tonasket l 486-2996

Open: Mon. - Sat. 11 to close

* Thursday *Steak Night

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Its that time of year...

Days Until Christmas!33

GRAND OPENINGFri., Nov. 30, 4-7 pm

Sat., Dec. 1, 12 to 6 pm Massage Tanning

Manis / Pedis Gift Shop809 14th Ave., Oroville

509-476-9000

Leah CathrynDay Spa

Holiday Happenings

Tonasket Chamber of CommerceSAVE THE DATE!

Tonasket Winter FestFriday, November 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Look for other Winter Fest weekend events!

Oroville Christmas Tree Lighting

Come join the community as we light the city Christmas

Tree in Centennial Park at 5 p.m. Lighting, caroling, hot cocoa and hot dogs are all

part of the fun.

Brent Baker/staff photo

Members of local Relay for Life team Goof Troop recently held a raffle to benefit the American Cancer Society. Local retailers donated to a basket filled with products for the raffle winner, valued at over $600. Michelle Verser was the lucky winner after Roys Pharmacy pharmacist Trent Danielson drew her name from the collection of raffle tickets in the phar-macy on Oct. 30.Goof Troops team members include Vernie McDaniel, Dodie Hart, Pam Stansbury, Peggy Keen, Liz Kinkade, Angie Bolich, Jennie Wilson, Mark Kinkade, Mitzy Green, Cheyan Kinkade, Chyna Kinkade, Emma Wilson, Tonya Brazil, Michael Brazil, Anna Wilson, Rachel Bolich, Don Johnson, Debbie Johnson and Donna Zabreznik.

By Brent [email protected]

TONASKET - A 54-year-old Tonasket man was killed in a sin-

gle-vehicle rollover accident 9.4 miles east of Tonasket on Nov. 13, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Charles J. Morgan was driving a 2004 Chevrolet pickup east-

bound on State Route 20, crossed into the westbound lane and then back into the eastbound lane before leaving the road. The vehicle rolled and came to rest on its wheels at 5:48 p.m., WSP

said. Morgan was pronounced dead

at North Valley Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, WSP reported. The cause of the acci-dent is under investigation.

By Joan MasonField assistant nWcb

OKANOGAN - The Okanogan County Noxious Weed Control Board is spon-soring the Fall Noxious Weed Conference on Nov. 28 at the Annex/Agriplex at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds.

The conference is from 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. and will be worth eight credits towards a pesticide license and will feature a lot of great information on noxious weeds.

Presenters at the conference will discuss: Water quality, adjuvants, tank cleaning and drift reduction; spray equip-

ment cleaning, winterizing and calibration; noxious weed iden-tification; pesticide storage; bio control; predicting the future of noxious weeds; agency updates and our Class A invader watch.

Speakers include: Bob Eccles of Wilbur Ellis, Wayne Turner of Washington Tractor, Sean McDougal with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Bruce Olson of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Dale Whaley with WSU Douglas County and Anna Lyon and Larry Hudson of the Okanogan County Noxious Weed Board.

The cost is $5 at the door and the conference is sponsored by the Okanogan County Noxious Weed Control Board. For more information call (509) 422-7165, or stop by the office, Room 102 in the County Courthouse to pick up an agenda.

Cancer Society is big raffle winner

Fall Noxious Weed Conference Nov. 28

Birth Announcements

noah luke spangler, a boy, was born to brenda and shane spangler of tonasket, on Wednesday, nov. 7, 2012 at north Valley Hospital in tonasket.leland lee griffin Pate, a boy, was born to Vanessa kay Hanna and mi-chael lee branson-Pate of tonasket, on thursday, nov. 8, 2012 at north Valley Hospital in tonasket.

Submitted photos

John and Margie Donoghue just returned from New Jersey after being deployed by the American Red Cross to serve to affected citizens of Hurricane Sandy. While there they observed much of the devastation and John Donoghue would like to remind people that preparedness first begins with you and me. See his letter in this weeks issue of the G-T on page 5.

Tonasket man dies in single-car crash

Lending a helping hand

By area Director Marcia HenkleWasHingtOn emPlOyment security

dePt.

OMAK - Craig Carroll, Administrator of WorkSource Okanogan, was recently award-ed the Employment Security Department Commissioners Choice Award for going to extraordinary lengths to ensure that WorkSource connects grow-ers with pickers and for tak-ing over the duty of his agen-cys Government Management Accountability and Performance (GMAP) dashboard as the data collector during a dire time of downsizing and restructuring that his agency experienced last year.

The award was presented to Carroll earlier this month during a staff luncheon at the WorkSource Okanogan Office. Those present at the luncheon were: Employment Security Departments Commissioner Paul Trause; Deputy Assistant Commissioner Eu-Wanda Jenkins, former WorkSource Okanogan Administrator and now Assistant Commissioner Erin Mundinger,

Workforce Development Area 8 Director (WDA 8) Marcia Henkle, various local community partners, and local WorkSource staff.

He was nominated for this award for his exemplary work as a subject matter expert when it comes to pro-viding services to agricultural growers and agricultural labor-ers. As such, Carroll collected informa-tion for the governors agriculture-labor work group and accompa-nied Commissioner Paul Trause to meet with the group, serving as Trauses right hand during the agricultural labor shortage experienced in our state in recent years.

In addition, Carroll regularly supplied Employment Security Department (ESD) senior leaders with agriculture-related informa-tion by reliably sending data about agriculture referrals, hires and job orders to the agencys Agriculture Steering Committee. He also worked closely with a leader

from the Washington Growers Clearing House to review state-wide agriculture initiatives.

Carrolls strong background in agricultural outreach and business servic-es gives him the vast knowledge and skills needed to ensure that orchardists and pick-ers meet at the right time with the goal of a timely harvest, said Marcia Henkel, WDA 8 director and Craigs supervisor.

In years past, ESD Central-office employ-ees in Olympia were normally responsible

for updating senior leaders, the governors agricultural-labor work group and state legislators about the current state of the agri-cultural industry. However, last years agency layoffs caused lead-ers of the Employment & Career Development (ECD) Division to turn to someone with experience to fill the gap. Carroll was their choice.

His exemplary work does not end with agriculture. His depth

of experience and managerial savvy allowed him to take over production of the ECD Divisions Government Management Accountability and Performance (GMAP) dashboard. He cur-rently coordinates the data col-lection and data distribution for his agency.

He handled the entire extra load as agricultural advisor to senior leaders and GMAP analyst while maintaining all of his duties as administrator of WorkSource Okanogan and through the tur-moil of layoffs.

There is a point in time when a person needs to acknowledge and to say thank you to those who have helped him along the way, said Commissioner Trause at the award ceremony. During the agricultural crisis last year, I could not have managed it without Craigs knowledge and wisdom about agriculture-related issues. So today, I want to say thank you to Craig Carroll by awarding him the Commissioners Choice Award.

Carroll started work for WorkSource Okanogan County September 1999 as a Migrant/Seasonal Farmwork Outreach Worker and was promoted to the position of Office Administrator in November 2008.

Craig Carroll

WorkSources Carroll honored

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NOVEMBER 22, 2012 | OKANOGAN VALLEY GAZETTE-TRIBUNE PAGE 3

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Dont let a DUI ruin your holidays drive soberBY KRISTINA MOYWASHINGTON TRAFFIC SAFETY

COMMISSION

WENATCHEE Lynn Ross spent more than $1,200 paying for the ignition interlock that he had to have installed on his Dodge truck as a result of a DUI conviction.

The device is about the size of a cell phone with a tube for breath samples. Like many in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties, Ross, a Spokane Valley resident, had to blow into it every time he started his truck every day for 14 months. The truck would only start if there was no alcohol in his system.

Despite the cost and the hassle he had to switch to alcohol-free mouthwash and wait for a few minutes in the morning for the machine to warm up Ross, a union carpenter, is thankful for the ignition interlock program.

Its a good program, he said recently, It kept me from drink-ing and helped me get my license back. Keeping the ability to legal-ly drive, even during his suspen-sion period, meant being able to keep his job since his work requires him to travel throughout the northwest region.

I wouldnt have a job if I couldnt drive. It was a very posi-tive experience for me, he said, but I was done drinking.

For someone who was still drinking, Ross thought the igni-tion interlock might be a more negative experience.

Ever since January 2012, igni-tion interlock drivers have to have a record of clean blows for the last four months of the restriction in order to get the device removed and be eligible for their regular drivers license.

This ensures that drivers dem-onstrate the ability to separate their drinking from their driv-ing, explains Washington Traffic Safety Commission Director Darrin Grondel.

As the Washington Traffic Safety Commission announces the Drive Sober or Get Pulled

Over holiday campaign, Director Grondel urges drivers to plan ahead.

Dont let a DUI ruin your holidays. Before you leave home for a holiday party, think about how everyone can get home safe-ly. Designate a sober driver, take a taxi, stay the night, Grondel said.

As part of the campaign, extra officers will be canvassing road-ways between Nov. 21 and Jan. 1, 2013 throughout Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties searching for impaired drivers.\

The Brewster, East Wenatchee, and Wenatchee Police Departments, the Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan County Sheriff s Offices and the Washington State Patrol will participate in Washington States first-ever Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

The Chelan-Douglas Target Zero Traffic Safety Task Force organizes and supports this enforcement effort.

For additional information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.

tax hike, with council member Selena Hines seconding. Olson, Hines and Vugteveen voted in favor with Ramsey and Dennis Brown opposing.

By contrast, if the sales tax ini-tiative passes, it would add an estimated $20,000 to the budget.

Prior to the ad valorem vote, the council held its final budget hearing.

Vugteveen said that the finance committee was looking at for-going 3.0 percent raises for city employees, instead considering a 1.7 percent cost of living adjust-ment (COLA).

We worked hard in the past five years to catch our city employ-ees up to a reasonable wage, Vugteveen said. We at least want to try to maintain that... In try-ing to consider that, if we can, its kind of contradictory to the fact were looking at cutting.

Id really like to meet with department heads soon, Plumb said. I think I was pretty clear ... that if (the tax initiatives) didnt go through we would have to look at reducing services.

The city already operates on a pretty slim budget, Vugteveen said. I think every department has been fiscally responsible to the city. To ask them to do even

more is not really realistic. I dont feel the City of Tonasket has ever operated on a frivolous budget. And now to look at it to see what we can cut, over and over again, at some point we need to look the other way (at raising more revenue). I dont think weve asked the citizens of Tonasket for that sales tax increase because we dont need it.

Other business- The city council agreed to for-

ward information from Gascho and Gascho regarding damage to the Heritage Building caused by equipment used for the Bonaparte Creek area water/sewer project. Elizabeth Gascho said that the buildings concrete floor had been cracked and that the foundation shifted.

As a city we acknowledge the receipt of the problem, and then turn it over to the contractors insurance, Plumb said. Varela has been good about inspecting it, and so has the contractor thats been overseeing the project.

Gascho said that the contractor had been very kind, very cordial, in dealing with the issue.

- The council agreed to consid-er a request by Lee Orr for hotel/

motel tax funds to be used to pro-mote the Fathers Day Fly-In at an event at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. The tax funds are intended for use in promoting tourism.

What we have to give out is less every year, Olson said. We appreciate the Fathers Fly-In very much, and youre going way out and bringing people over. So if we lower it, its only because we have less.

- The council unanimously approved its interlocal agreement with Oroville to extend its agree-ment with Christian Johnson for building permit and administra-tive services for another three years.

- The council adopted city water use efficiency goals as part of updating its overall water sys-tem plan.

- The council approved the installation of a PIT-tag (Passive Integrated Transponder) array along Bonaparte Creek as part of the joint Okanogan Basin Monitoring and Evaluation Program co-administered by the Colville Tribes and the Washingont Fish and Wildlife Department. The array tracks the movements of fish that have been injected with transponders.

The Tonasket City Council next meets Tuesday, Nov. 27, in the Council Chambers at the Tonasket City Hall.

COUNCIL | FROM A1

To be able to focus the Tonasket clinic on the VA, we were focusing on increasing the (number of enrolled veterans) by 25 vets per month.

The budget also factors in making continued progress on the hospitals warrants (low-rate loans for operating expenses from Okanogan County).

We anticipate the warrants being at $1.7 million at the end of this year, Verhasselt said. Hopefully theyll be a little less than that, but thats the realistic number.

By the end of next year, the county wants us to be down at $1 million, she added later. This will get us pretty close. Were still working on some areas where we

can control costs, reduce expens-es, streamline things and try to increase volumes in some areas.

The hospital board also approved its plan to provide a tax credit for taxpayers who live within the hospital district. Patients can receive a discount on hospital services equal to the amount of property taxes paid into the hospital district during the previous year, up to a maxi-mum of $500.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2013, patients can complete a short application (which requires a copy of the tax bill) to qualify. The program will be reviewed after a year to determine its effec-tiveness and affordability. The program is designed to encour-

age local residents to utilize North Valley Hospitals services, rather than driving elsewhere, and increase its patient volumes.

The board also approved a request by Director of Ancillary Services Noreen Olma to replace its chemistry analyzer, which typically is replaced through a lease program every five years. Olma said the increased cost of the equipment should be large-ly offset by the ability of the hospital to do more tests in-house (instead of at Mid Valley Hospital or in Spokane), as well as a decrease in the number of service calls compared to what the current analyzer is requir-ing.

The North Valley Hospital Board of Commissioners is next scheduled to meet on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 7:00 p.m.

BOARD | FROM A1

surprising, said Plumb. Again, the city appreciates the support of the folks that were in favor of the measure and we also very much understand the reluctance to raise taxes during an economic downturn. We will continue to monitor the election results until the election is certified, and this measure will stand counted as is because I understand that a tax measure does not trigger a recount like other races in the county may do by the end.

The mayor said the impact of shopping local, or when people choose not to, affects the citys budget immensely.

By my rough calculations, sales tax collection is four times the amount that we bring in from property taxes and if there hadnt been upwards of a 20 percent

decrease in city wide sales, we may not have been in such a bud-get crisis, said Plumb, who adds he continues to urge Tonasket and the surrounding communi-ties to shop in Tonasket.

It is the difference between a thriving community and one that is barely able to hang on. It also helps keep our local busi-ness owners going so we all can benefit.

In another come-from-behind election, incumbent Don Bud Hover had gained ground against fellow Republican candidate Ray L. Campbell for Position 2 on the County Board of Commissioners. According to last Fridays ballot count, Hover was just eight votes behind the leader. In the other county commissioner election, Republican Sheilah Kennedy

easily defeated Democrat Albert Roberts for Position 1. Kennedy maintained a nearly 2,600 vote lead in last weeks ballot tally.

For Okanogan County PUD Commissioner District 2, new-comer Steve Houston, eas-ily defeated the incumbent, Trish Butler, by nearly 2,500 votes.

Countywide before the Friday count there were 875 ballots left to count, but there is not a cur-rent estimate on how many bal-lots postmarked by election day will trickle in before the final vote count scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 27.

The election had an 80.36 per-cent turnout, according to Mila Jury, an election official with the Okanogan County Auditors office. For a complete list of how the county voted in the general election in this presidential elec-tion year, see: http://vote.wa.gov/results/current/okanogan/.

ELECTION | FROM A1

Not the gift you were expecting?

Photo by Patrick Gleason/used with permission

Scott Thorndike of Oroville found himself back in the race, taking second place finishes on Lake Samamish on Sept. 29 and on Lake Chelan on Sept. 22 of this year. Thorndike, an area orchardist and hometown favorite at Orovilles Can Am Apple Cup, said he had been out of the race game for about six years. With a new motor in his Super Stock boat the Hard Cider, and pulling what Thorndikes seat-of-the-pants dyno says feels like 700HP, the racer said being back on the circuit just feels right. Although he only got five races in this year he still was near the top in the high points for the season, finishing overall in seventh place in his class in the ABPA Inboard Racing. It just take getting to the races and finishing consistently near the top. It would be great if we could find a sponsor to help with some of the costs, said Thorndike.

Back in the Race

Give The Gift That Keeps On Giving...

Every Week!

BY GARY A. DEVONMANAGING EDITOR

SPOKANE Former Oroville High School Principal Frank Motta died from injuries sustained while trying to help a neighbor whose Spokane area home had been overrun by a teenage party.

Apparently Motta was asked to keep an eye on the house by his neighbor and on Saturday, March 10 when he saw there was a party going on he called the neighbor who was out of town.

She gave him the security code to the garage door and called 911. Motta then went to try and break up the party.

Spokane County Sheriff s Deputies responded to an assault call in North Spokane County.

When deputies arrived on scene they found a male subject in the residence had been assaulted, according to Craig Chamberlain, a spokesman with the Spokane County Sheriff s office.

There were over 100 people at the residence where there had been a large party throughout the evening.

Deputies immediately requested medics when they located the victim.

The victim was transported to a local medical facility where he is listed in critical condition, said a Spokane Sheriff s office press release.

Investigators identified the suspect as Treven Lewis, an 18-year-old who is accused of knocking Motta to the ground and beating him in front of

several witnesses at the party. The Spokane Violent Crime Gang Enforcement

Team was requested to assist locating Lewis and located him at his residence.

They arrested him and transported to the Spokane County Jail where he was interviewed by Major

Crimes Detectives. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail on

the charge of felony assault. Motta, who was in critical condition at Sacred

Heart Hospital, died of his injuries on March 15. Information Officer Chamberlain speculated that

the charges against Lewis would be upgraded to second degree murder by the Spokane County Prosecutors office, but as of Monday they were still listed as first degree assault.

When Motta came to Oroville in 1981 to take his first principals job he was just 34-years-old and stayed here for four years, according to his good friend Don DeVon, who served under Motta as a high school councilor in Oroville, as well as in Palm Desert, Calif.

DeVon described Motta as a highly innovative educator who always had an open door policy to students, staff, parents and the community in gen-eral.

When Frank first came to Oroville to take his first principals job he hit the ground running.

His enthusiasm was a positive motivators for stu-dents and staff, DeVon said.

Motta went on to be the youngest president of the Washington State Principals Association, accord-ing to his friend, who added that he had also been a well-respected football coach in several high schools in Washington State before becoming a principal.

He played college football at the University of California at Irvine, said DeVon, and he was a highly decorated combat veteran who won the bronze star.

After retiring as a teacher and principal for schools in Washington and California, Motta settled in Spokane with his wife and family.

He was working as a volunteer at the Spokane Veterans Administration Hospital.

The 65-year-old was a combat Air Force Veteran who served in Vietnam.

He had recently been hired as a patient advocate at the VA Hospital.

Community A2-3Letters & Opinions A4Movies A5

Valley Life A5-6Local Sports B1School News B2-B3

Classified/Legals B4-B5Obits B5Outdoors B6


Volume 106No. 12



INSIDE THIS EDITION

Watch Donkey Basketball at the OHS Commons March 28

See page B3

LOCAL WILDLIFEOWL Informational

presentation Friday, March 23PAGE A3

DONKEY BASKETBALL

WWW.GAZETTE-TRIBUNE.COM | THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 | 75 CENTS NEWSSTAND PRICE


BY BRENT [email protected]

TONASKET - Teresa Hawkins expressed her concern over the resigna-tion of varsity basketball coach Glenn Braman during the public comment por-tion of the Tonasket School Board meet-ing on Monday, March 12.

Hawkins, wife of longtime varsity football coach Jay Hawkins, said she was concerned that the direction of the school district concerning its coaches was taking an ugly turn.

Im concerned with the resignation of coach Braman, she said.

Im concerned because my husband is also a coach. Im not comfortable with how that came about.

Hawkins said she had heard second-hand remarks attributed to a school board member that fed into her con-cern.

Im hoping the school board acts as a board, and not on individual agendas, she said. I hope weve learned from the process that went down.

I think its sad if we let a group of parents who are upset or who have a ven-geance with a coach from a long time ago to come in and rally people up to make a decision to not reinstate a coach.

I think it would be really sad if we have to go around the community to bring in support to show that a coach has just as many people, and more, (supporting him) as those who complained about him.

Citing her experience as a coachs wife and as a mother of an athlete coached by others, Hawkins said that athletics teaches kids to deal with adversity, but that parents encourage that growth.

We want the situation to be perfect for our kids, she said. But what do we teach them when we run to every need they have?

(Coaches) love the game, theyre competitors, and they want to teach kids to work together, to go out in life and be successful.

Kids cant be successful if their parents dont let them grow as individuals. Thats a part of athletics. Nothing is going to be perfect.

Hawkins said she was concerned that situations that contributed to Bramans resignation, as well as rumors about her husbands position, could damage the reputation of the district.

People want to come to this district, she said. Its because of you guys (the school board) up here. You have done a great job of keeping this school district as one of the elite.

Dont ruin that. Dont let that happen, you guys.

In other business, superintendent Paul Turner read a proclamation from Governor Christine Gregoire honoring classified school employees.

Board member Catherine Stangland read off the list of all TSD classified employees names.

Principals from each of the schools presented their mid-year student data to the board

The board also reviewed information about switching over to a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone system as presented by Jive Communications, which answered questions via a video conference call.

They later approved switching to a VOIP system at a meeting last Thursday.

Jive is currently serving the education market in 23 states, offered lifetime pric-ing and, significantly, qualified, for e-rate discounting that is calculated through the districts free and reduced meal rate.

The board requested a few days to think about the information presented, and at a special meeting on Thursday, March 15.

The school board next meets on Monday, March 26.

Concern expressed over coaches resignation


TONASKET - The Tonasket City Council provided updates on a num-ber of civic projects that are progress-ing through their planning stages at the Tuesday, March 13, council meeting.

Tonasket city planner Kurt Danison said he met with three property owners affected by the need for an easement to complete the Mill Drive/Bonaparte Creek sewer project and said that they seemed to be willing to provide the ease-ment access.

Theyre willing to provide easement through their property so we can connect up the sewer through there, Danison said. They were under the impression that water was included in this... I dont know how it came about... I dont think we said we were going to put in a water system there.

I think they walked away with a better understanding.

The council planned an open house for March 20 for residents to interact with the engineers and councilmembers on the sewer project committee.

The council also responded to a memo Varela and Associates seeking to clar-ify priorities on the upcoming street improvement projects that had been dis-cussed at a previous council meeting. The project was facing a delay without such a prioritization as funding for the project may not be enough to complete the entire wish list.

We want the (hospital parking cross-ing) beacon as the base project, said Mayor Patrick Plumb. The rest we will have done as we have the funding to complete.

The council authorized Councilwoman Jill Vugteveen and Danison to make a final decision to move forward, with a priority on creating a straight shot from one end of town to the other along at least one side of the road with ADA-approved curb access ramps.

The airport runway seal projects tar-get schedule is for completion before the Fathers Day Fly-in.

Meanwhile, the council granted public works director Bill Pilkinton a leave of absence of indefinite length and appoint-ed Hugh Jensen as acting public services director.

Fuller passes exam, video policy progress

Police Chief Robert Burks said that he is working on a policy governing the departments handling of data collected during video surveillance.

Burks also announced that officer Audra Fuller passed her civil service exam and has been hired as a full-time officer.

Burks said he is finalizing a wish list to be submitted for Stonegarden describing how potential grant money would be used. Stonegarden grants pro-vide money for local law enforcement entities to use while assisting in U.S. Border Patrol operations, although any equipment purchased is not limited to those operations.

Oroville was able to get an SUV through Stonegarden grant money, Burks said. This is the initial part of the process that we do every year. We dont

Tonasket council updates on projectsCitys engineers seek to clarify priorities regarding upcoming street improvement projects

Photo by Gary DeVon

Kaylee Clough performs The Glow at the Variety Show and Auction presented by Dollars for Scholars and the Oroville High School Music Department on Wednesday, March 14 in the high school commons. The eight-year-old has been taking ballet for five years and recently performed at the Seattle Dance Workshop Competition and took a silver medal. The annual talent show is used to raise funds for the Oroville Dollars for Scholars Continuing Education awards. For more from the event see page B2.

GLOWING PERFORMANCE

SEE COUNCIL | PG A3

Former Oroville Principal killed

Oroville High School Annual

Frank Motta in his first job as a principal at Oroville High School.

Teen may be charged for second degree murder

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BY GARY A. DEVONMANAGING EDITOR

SPOKANE Former Oroville High School Principal Frank Motta died from injuries sustained while trying to help a neighbor whose Spokane area home had been overrun by a teenage party.

Apparently Motta was asked to keep an eye on the house by his neighbor and on Saturday, March 10 when he saw there was a party going on he called the neighbor who was out of town.

She gave him the security code to the garage door and called 911. Motta then went to try and break up the party.

Spokane County Sheriff s Deputies responded to an assault call in North Spokane County.

When deputies arrived on scene they found a male subject in the residence had been assaulted, according to Craig Chamberlain, a spokesman with the Spokane County Sheriff s office.

There were over 100 people at the residence where there had been a large party throughout the evening.

Deputies immediately requested medics when they located the victim.

The victim was transported to a local medical facility where he is listed in critical condition, said a Spokane Sheriff s office press release.

Investigators identified the suspect as Treven Lewis, an 18-year-old who is accused of knocking Motta to the ground and beating him in front of

several witnesses at the party. The Spokane Violent Crime Gang Enforcement

Team was requested to assist locating Lewis and located him at his residence.

They arrested him and transported to the Spokane County Jail where he was interviewed by Major

Crimes Detectives. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail on

the charge of felony assault. Motta, who was in critical condition at Sacred

Heart Hospital, died of his injuries on March 15. Information Officer Chamberlain speculated that

the charges against Lewis would be upgraded to second degree murder by the Spokane County Prosecutors office, but as of Monday they were still listed as first degree assault.

When Motta came to Oroville in 1981 to take his first principals job he was just 34-years-old and stayed here for four years, according to his good friend Don DeVon, who served under Motta as a high school councilor in Oroville, as well as in Palm Desert, Calif.

DeVon described Motta as a highly innovative educator who always had an open door policy to students, staff, parents and the community in gen-eral.

When Frank first came to Oroville to take his first principals job he hit the ground running.

His enthusiasm was a positive motivators for stu-dents and staff, DeVon said.

Motta went on to be the youngest president of the Washington State Principals Association, accord-ing to his friend, who added that he had also been a well-respected football coach in several high schools in Washington State before becoming a principal.

He played college football at the University of California at Irvine, said DeVon, and he was a highly decorated combat veteran who won the bronze star.

After retiring as a teacher and principal for schools in Washington and California, Motta settled in Spokane with his wife and family.

He was working as a volunteer at the Spokane Veterans Administration Hospital.

The 65-year-old was a combat Air Force Veteran who served in Vietnam.

He had recently been hired as a patient advocate at the VA Hospital.

Community A2-3Letters & Opinions A4Movies A5

Valley Life A5-6Local Sports B1School News B2-B3

Classified/Legals B4-B5Obits B5Outdoors B6


Volume 106No. 12



INSIDE THIS EDITION

Watch Donkey Basketball at the OHS Commons March 28

See page B3

LOCAL WILDLIFEOWL Informational

presentation Friday, March 23PAGE A3

DONKEY BASKETBALL

WWW.GAZETTE-TRIBUNE.COM | THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 | 75 CENTS NEWSSTAND PRICE



TONASKET - Teresa Hawkins expressed her concern over the resigna-tion of varsity basketball coach Glenn Braman during the public comment por-tion of the Tonasket School Board meet-ing on Monday, March 12.

Hawkins, wife of longtime varsity football coach Jay Hawkins, said she was concerned that the direction of the school district concerning its coaches was taking an ugly turn.

Im concerned with the resignation of coach Braman, she said.

Im concerned because my husband is also a coach. Im not comfortable with how that came about.

Hawkins said she had heard second-hand remarks attributed to a school board member that fed into her con-cern.

Im hoping the school board acts as a board, and not on individual agendas, she said. I hope weve learned from the process that went down.

I think its sad if we let a group of parents who are upset or who have a ven-geance with a coach from a long time ago to come in and rally people up to make a decision to not reinstate a coach.

I think it would be really sad if we have to go around the community to bring in support to show that a coach has just as many people, and more, (supporting him) as those who complained about him.

Citing her experience as a coachs wife and as a mother of an athlete coached by others, Hawkins said that athletics teaches kids to deal with adversity, but that parents encourage that growth.

We want the situation to be perfect for our kids, she said. But what do we teach them when we run to every need they have?

(Coaches) love the game, theyre competitors, and they want to teach kids to work together, to go out in life and be successful.

Kids cant be successful if their parents dont let them grow as individuals. Thats a part of athletics. Nothing is going to be perfect.

Hawkins said she was concerned that situations that contributed to Bramans resignation, as well as rumors about her husbands position, could damage the reputation of the district.

People want to come to this district, she said. Its because of you guys (the school board) up here. You have done a great job of keeping this school district as one of the elite.

Dont ruin that. Dont let that happen, you guys.

In other business, superintendent Paul Turner read a proclamation from Governor Christine Gregoire honoring classified school employees.

Board member Catherine Stangland read off the list of all TSD classified employees names.

Principals from each of the schools presented their mid-year student data to the board

The board also reviewed information about switching over to a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone system as presented by Jive Communications, which answered questions via a video conference call.

They later approved switching to a VOIP system at a meeting last Thursday.

Jive is currently serving the education market in 23 states, offered lifetime pric-ing and, significantly, qualified, for e-rate discounting that is calculated through the districts free and reduced meal rate.

The board requested a few days to think about the information presented, and at a special meeting on Thursday, March 15.

The school board next meets on Monday, March 26.

Concern expressed over coaches resignation


TONASKET - The Tonasket City Council provided updates on a num-ber of civic projects that are progress-ing through their planning stages at the Tuesday, March 13, council meeting.

Tonasket city planner Kurt Danison said he met with three property owners affected by the need for an easement to complete the Mill Drive/Bonaparte Creek sewer project and said that they seemed to be willing to provide the ease-ment access.

Theyre willing to provide easement through their property so we can connect up the sewer through there, Danison said. They were under the impression that water was included in this... I dont know how it came about... I dont think we said we were going to put in a water system there.

I think they walked away with a better understanding.

The council planned an open house for March 20 for residents to interact with the engineers and councilmembers on the sewer project committee.

The council also responded to a memo Varela and Associates seeking to clar-ify priorities on the upcoming street improvement projects that had been dis-cussed at a previous council meeting. The project was facing a delay without such a prioritization as funding for the project may not be enough to complete the entire wish list.

We want the (hospital parking cross-ing) beacon as the base project, said Mayor Patrick Plumb. The rest we will have done as we have the funding to complete.

The council authorized Councilwoman Jill Vugteveen and Danison to make a final decision to move forward, with a priority on creating a straight shot from one end of town to the other along at least one side of the road with ADA-approved curb access ramps.

The airport runway seal projects tar-get schedule is for completion before the Fathers Day Fly-in.

Meanwhile, the council granted public works director Bill Pilkinton a leave of absence of indefinite length and appoint-ed Hugh Jensen as acting public services director.

Fuller passes exam, video policy progress

Police Chief Robert Burks said that he is working on a policy governing the departments handling of data collected during video surveillance.

Burks also announced that officer Audra Fuller passed her civil service exam and has been hired as a full-time officer.

Burks said he is finalizing a wish list to be submitted for Stonegarden describing how potential grant money would be used. Stonegarden grants pro-vide money for local law enforcement entities to use while assisting in U.S. Border Patrol operations, although any equipment purchased is not limited to those operations.

Oroville was able to get an SUV through Stonegarden grant money, Burks said. This is the initial part of the process that we do every year. We dont

Tonasket council updates on projectsCitys engineers seek to clarify priorities regarding upcoming street improvement projects

Photo by Gary DeVon

Kaylee Clough performs The Glow at the Variety Show and Auction presented by Dollars for Scholars and the Oroville High School Music Department on Wednesday, March 14 in the high school commons. The eight-year-old has been taking ballet for five years and recently performed at the Seattle Dance Workshop Competition and took a silver medal. The annual talent show is used to raise funds for the Oroville Dollars for Scholars Continuing Education awards. For more from the event see page B2.

GLOWING PERFORMANCE

SEE COUNCIL | PG A3

Former Oroville Principal killed

Oroville High School Annual

Frank Motta in his first job as a principal at Oroville High School.

Teen may be charged for second degree murder

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OkanOgan Valley gazette-tribune | nOVember 22, 2012

OkanOgan Valley life

By Gary a. DeVonmanaging editOr

OROVILLE Students K-12 hammed it up with the Missoula Childrens Theatre in their rendi-tion of the fable of the Tortoise and the Hare, retold as The Tortoise Versus the Hare, The Greatest Race.

In this reimagining by Jim Garon, lessons are learned not only by the hare, Curly, but by the the townsfolk, composed of mammals and reptiles, too.

The Cast of characters included Coach Shelly Bowlback - Madison Whiteaker, Curly Hare - Nathan Rise; Thespian Troupe: Dezirae Allison, Leland Handyside, Jerry Milholland, Narya Naillon, Katie Rawley, Elisha Willis, Paige Wirth; WMCT TV Crew: Bailey Blues - Lisa Hartvig, Cupcake ORourke - Gwen Hankins and Stormy Feather - Sydney Thorndike; WMCT Stagehands: Guido - Max Turner, Paulie - Jack Montowski

and Ralphie - Collin Rise; Reptiles: Glama Gecko - Samantha Turner

Popsy Gecko - Bennett Shaw, Camilio Chameleon - Michael Oaks, Slinky Sidewinder - Paul Fuchs,

Maraca Rattlesnake - Sarah Hairston, Oggy Froggy - Kyle Rodriguez, Beadie Bearded Dragon - Cody Renfroe and Lizard McChill - Emily Rawley; Mammals: Philoh Ferret - Sage Sarmiento

Felix Ferret - Brianna Pollock, Frank Ferret - Emily Grunert, Mo Weasel - Christina Herrick, Bo Weasel - Nikki Minarcin, Mrs. Esther Bunny - Alexis Allenby and Bonnie Bunny - Hanna Curdie; Curlys Posse: Kyle Acord, Cintia Morales, Kimberly Nelson, Lauren Rawley and Reagan Whiteaker; Curly Hare Fan Club: Jovanna de la Mare, Krista Pollack, Issac Gomez, Sarah Arriaga-Mathis, Bailie Allen, Kaylin Patterson, Della Mae Hankins, Deana Lohnes, Haily Helm. The Assistant Director was Gordon McCauley, the

Accompanist was Arlene Johnson and Osgood/Buddy Courts was played by MCTs Amanda Tatum, who also directed with MCTs Andrew Coopman.

This years production at Oroville was again sponsored by the Oroville Booster Club which has sponsored the event several times in the past.

Oroville students take the stage with Missoula Childrens Theatre

Photos by Gary DeVon

Above: Bunch of bunnies. Right: The Ferret Gas crew

The WMCT News crew

The reptiles

The artists

More bunnies

Coach Shelly Bowlback, Assistant Director Gordon McCauley and Curly Hare

An intriguing conversation about the next step in the fiscal drama is taking place among our elected leaders. At this early point it is mostly at an exploratory level, but its no less real for that.

Where House Speaker John Boehner has conceded that Republicans might accept increased tax revenues, the President has said he would take a serious look at reform of enti-tlements. These are tantalizing signs that last years rigid partisan stances could soften that flex-ibility, so long elusive, might have a chance of a comeback.

As they often do, the elections created an opening, a moment in political life when fundamen-tal questions come to the fore.

The ques-tion most people in Washington and many outside it are focused on is as basic as they get: Can government still work?

I n C o n g r e s s

the answer, I believe, will lie with its members, and whether they correctly read the electoral tea leaves to conclude that Americans want solutions, not obstruction-ism. Their mindset will be key. If the majority on Capitol Hill

whatever their party decide to be pragmatic and cooperative, Congress may pull itself out of the swamp of disdain in which most Americans hold it. If, instead, they opt for ideology and con-frontation, the dysfunction will continue.

Attitude is all-important. When members see politics as a steady quest for improving our coun-try and our society, theres hope. That is when theyre prepared to ignore all the forces competing for influence on Capitol Hill, and search most diligently for reme-dies to the scores of truly difficult issues that we need Washington to resolve.

If, instead, theyre locked in by the dictates of partisan calcu-

lation, the rigors of ideological purity, or the constant need to please funders, then those are the interests they will protect. Even if its at the expense of making the progress Americans so badly want them to make.

Its anyones guess how Congress will deal with this chance to start afresh. Thats up to each of its members. But the opening to take responsibility for political prog-ress and set Congress on a more productive course hasnt closed yet. Its a gift of the elections. Lets hope they accept it.

Lee Hamilton is Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

BY CRAIG GROSHART - EDITORTHE BELLEVUE REPORTER

Humorist Will Rogers once noted that politics has become so expensive that it takes a lot of money even to be defeated. If he could only see it now.

Estimates put the cost of the recent presidential race at $2.6 billion.

That means one side spent more than $1 billion only to lose. Wed hope there was a lesson there but we doubt it.

If the public were to believe the unending direct mail pieces flood-ing mailbox-es, countless r o b o - p h o n e calls, and an unconscionable number of vile hit pieces on television, they would conclude that the best candidate for the job should have been none of the above. We suspect many people were sick of the whole thing weeks before Nov. 6.

The blame for a lot of this falls on the super PACs, col-

lections of groups outside a politicians direct campaign that are allowed to raise unlim-ited amounts of money.

The situation actually is worse since many groups dont have to register with the Federal Election Commission because they say they are focusing on educational, not political activities. Were calling well, you know on that.

This money-grubbing situa-tion isnt limited to the presi-

dential race. The cost of political cam-paigns nation-wide is esti-mated to be $6 million. In our state alone, the race for gover-nor is expected to reach a total cost of $46 million.

Despite this national effort, many voters say they dont expect things to change much regardless of who is elected president.

We may not get the best candidate that money can buy, but were certainly going to get one who is ridiculously expen-sive.

NOVEMBER 22, 2012 | OKANOGAN VALLEY GAZETTE-TRIBUNE PAGE 5

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THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF OROVILLE, TONASKET & OKANOGAN COUNTY


Washington Newspaper Publishers Association member

Opinion byLee H. Hamilton

Grateful for participation

Dear Editor,The membership of the US

Armed Forces Legacy wishes to thank the merchants and indi-viduals who donated items for the dinner auction which was held on Nov. 3, 2012. We also wish to thank all those who participated in the open house, dinner and auction.

The monies raised will be utilized to purchase two bul-letin boards, as well as other projects. One bulletin board will list all donors, past and future, the other bulletin board will list all present and future veterans whose names are on or will be on the walls.

Our future plans are to con-tinue to raise funds through the sale of plaques, grants and donations for the paving and lining of the parking lot, to set up a scholarship fund for the local high schools and other community projects.

The dedication of the site is tentatively set for Armed Forces Day the first part of May 2013.

Once again we thank you all.Roger Castelda, PresidentU.S. Armed Forces Legacy

Preparedness begins with you and me

Dear Gary,Your fellow ZAG and

spouse Margie just returned from New Jersey after being

deployed by the American Red Cross to serve to affected citi-zens of Hurricane Sandy!

Your perception of the neces-sity role of Big Government is somewhat convoluted (par-don me). Disaster Preparedness begins first with you and me! We have the responsibility to prepare and protect ourselves, our families, our property and our community.

When conditions exceed our capability- then we reach out to the next level. When our city, county and our state is unable to perform to the level that we require due to the nature and magnitude of the event---THEN the national agencies are called upon!

We miss you all! Be safe! and plan well!

John DonoghueKalispell, Mont.

Pass Agent

Orange Equity Act

Dear Editor,With the elections over, the

new Congress and Senate will have their first session in early 2013. They will be faced with many issues, some old, some new. It is time for the new Congress and Senate to put aside politics and become legislators. There are still two major Bills in com-mittee of interest to Vietnam veterans, House Bill HR-3612 and Senate Bill S.1629. These Bills are to restore VA benefits for Agent Orange exposure dur-ing the Vietnam war.

The present Congress and Senate still have time to act upon these Bills before January 2013. These Bills must come out of committee and go to the floor of both houses. I ask the American people to urge our legislators to act on these Bills. The Vietnam veterans who are

sick from Agent Orange Dioxin exposure need these Bills passed into law by our present legisla-tors before the new legislators take office. With a new legisla-tive assembly, we advocates for Vietnam veterans will have to start

over again. This means longer delay for veterans VA approval. Thousands of Vietnam veter-ans wont be approved by the VA because they did not have boots on ground, even though they were awarded the Vietnam Service Medal. Many Sailors, Airmen and Fleet Marines who served during that war are sick from exposure to the deadly herbicide. With the passage of the afore mentioned Bills, these members of the Armed Forces will receive equality for VA ben-efits.

John J. Bury - US Navy,retiredVietnam War veteranMedia, Penn.

Best candidate money can buy?

This money-grubbing situation isnt limited

to the presidential race...the race for gov-ernor is expected to reach a total cost of

$46 million

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

After the elections, attitude will be key

Weve just passed a most dreary week. Setting the clock back only makes for more darkness in my life. Ive never been a morning person and the aging process still isnt changing that. I have to see a sunrise from photos.

Since its the early worm that gets eaten by the birdsleep late!

With Oroville, it seems, it is either feast of famine, when it comes to eating places. But it is so nice to have some of the empty buildings being occupied. Had a hot dog at the Back to Basics last week. There are so many decisions to make, it boggles your mind, and the soup was excellent. And next summer it will be a fun place to have your snacks and lunch, sitting outside on the side-walk, as they have been granted

permission to serve outside.

The gift shop, Mary Lous, next door is a fun place to browse. H a v e looked all over for m a r b l e s that go with a Chinese c h e c k e r

board, and guess what? I found them there. I know it has to be a boring game as it doesnt work with batteries, but it brings back memories when we played with our grandmas. Im anxious to try it with a great-grandson.

On the 22nd well be having Thanksgiving dinner, some-where. It always used to be at the senior Emrys, then at my house, but I havent heard whats happening. If no one speaks up, we can always go to Lindas (of Lindas Bakery. How nice of her (and others) that provide dinner for those that might otherwise be alone. Only thing about going out to eat is that there are no left-overs for sandwiches the next day (or two or three).

After all these years of writing out checks to Princes Grocery, seems odd to now write Harvest Foods. But we have to change with the flow.

Did you get your outside Christmas lights up, while it was nice weather or did you do like most, wait so you can complain

about the cold. You know, you can put them up and just not turn them on till later. But that would be way too sensible. And once again the arguments are starting about where Nativity scenes can be and not be placed.

Didja ever think about clear-ing your cookbook shelf? Keep the favorites and discard the oth-ers with some young gal and make more room for something important.

I made some fudge. My hus-band said it tasted good, but was kinda floppy. His description of fudge that didnt set up quite firm enough. Was better than we had in 1944 on our senior sneak (when sugar was rationed and Helen (Wood) got some from her sister, Maude, who had the Midget caf, (where Chuckie Wilders barber shop is now located) and we had to eat it with spoons, out of the pan.

Save the earthits the only planet with chocolate!

Was sorry to learn of the health issues of Randy McAllister, Oroville minister at the Country Churchreports were that he had symptoms of a stroke, and was taken either to Wenatchee or Spokane hospital. Hopefully he is getting the care he needs, wher-ever he is, and the community is very saddened by his illness, and of course, wishing for a speedy recovery for him.

The Garden Club ladies were busily making Christmas wreaths last week for the bazaar sale, using all kinds of limbs and twigs etc. Clever ladies, that bunch and they help out in several areas doing landscaping, pulling weeds etc. for beautification projects around town.

A deck of cards and good friends can surely make an eve-ning whiz by. Sure beats channel

surfing on the TVand coming up empty handed.

More and more RVs heading for the warmer climates, as winter seems here to stay. Surrounding mountains are kinda white, but what little snow fell in the valley has disappeared.

School board still needs anoth-er board member. Its a job, but somebody has got to do it.

Thanks again to the Lawsons and Dal Wilder and their friends from across the border for play-ing music at the Senior Center, honoring the November birth-days.

So soon it will be Christmasand then a New Year and away we go again.

Congratulations to Aileen Loney for having reached her 90th birthday, which will be cele-brated at the Pentecostal Church in the afternoon of the 24th.

Page 6 OkanOgan Valley gazette-tribune | nOVember 22, 2012

okanogan valley life

THIS & THATJoyce Emry

Reported by Edward Jones

FINANCIAL FOCUSSandra Rasmussen

If you depend on fixed-income investments for at least part of your income, you probably havent been too happy in recent years, as interest rates have hit historic lows. None-theless, even in a low-rate environment, you can broaden the income-producing potential of your investment portfolio.

However, before taking action, its helpful to know what the near-term direction of inter-est rates may look like. The Federal Reserve has stated that it plans to keep short-term rates at their current historic lows until at least mid-2015. The Fed doesnt control long-term rates, making them somewhat less predictable, but its still likely that these rates will rise sooner than short-term ones.

In any case, rather than worry about some-thing you cant control that is, interest rate movements try to focus on those things

Battle Those Low Rates - With Three Types of Incomeyou can accomplish. And one achievable goal is to create an investment mix that includes three types of income: variable, reliable and rising.

Variable income investments Some variable income investments, such as certificates of deposit (CDs), offer significant protection of principal, and the value of your investment wont change with fluctuating interest rates, provided you hold your CD until maturity. Of course, current rates are quite low, which means CDs provide you with little income to-day, but their rates have the potential to rise along with short-term interest rates.

Reliable income investments When you pur-chase reliable income investments, which can include individual bonds, you have the oppor-tunity to earn more income today, and more consistent income over time, than youd typi-cally get from variable income investments. However, you will likely also experience great-er price fluctuations as interest rates change. Specifically, as interest rates rise, the price of your existing bonds typically will fall.

Rising income investments When investing for income, youll want to keep at least one eye on inflation because if the interest rates paid on your CDs and individual bonds are lower than the annual inflation rate, you may

lose purchasing power. If this gap persists over time, it could grow into a real problem for you. Consequently, youll want at least some of your investment income to come from rising income investments, such as dividend-paying stocks. Of course, not all stocks pay divi-dends, but with the help of your financial advi-sor, you can find companies that have paid and even increased their dividends for many years running. And if you dont actually need the dividends to supplement your cash flow, you can reinvest them to build your ownership stake in these stocks. Keep in mind, though, that companies can reduce or discontinue dividends at any time. Also, remember that stock prices will constantly rise and fall, so the value of your principal could decline.As you can see, all three types of income-producing investments variable, reliable and rising offer some benefits, along with some risks of which you need to be aware. But put-ting together a mix of these investments thats appropriate for your individual needs, goals and risk tolerance may help you boost the productivity of the income portion of your portfolio no matter whats happening with interest rates.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Financial Advisor

32 N Main St. Suite AOmak, WA 98841509-826-1638

ANIMATION/ADVENTURE.FAMILY. STARRING CHRIS PINE, ALEC BALDWIN, HUGE JACKMAN, ISLA FISHER. Fri. 6:45 & 9:15 Sat. *4:30, 7:00 & 9:30 Sun. *4:30, 7:15 Wkdys: 7:15

Thurs. - Fri. Nov. 22 - 23

101 S. Main St. - 2 blocks from Omak Theater

PG13

No children under age 4 admitted unless lm is G rated. No one under 17 admitted to R rated lms

without their own parent. Photo ID required.

Adults $7.50 Kids 11-under & *Discount Matinee-kids/adults $5 ea

Oliver TheatreOliver, B.C.

250-498-2277 www.olivertheatre.ca

Reg. Showtimes: Sun.-Mon.-Tue.-Thur. 7:30 p.m.Fri. & Sat. 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.

The MIRAGE THEATER

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS

97 min

At theMOVIES

509-826-0860 l www.omaktheater.comOMAK THEATER

Sun.*4:00 & 7:00 Weekdays: 7:00 Fri. 6:30 & 9:30 Sat. *3:30, 6:30 & 9:30

116 min

143 min

TWILIGHT BREAKING DAWN Part 2

TWILIGHT BREAKING DAWN Part 2

Adventure/Drama/Fantasy Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner

PG13

PG

SKYFALL 007

MOVIES

ACTION/ADV. DANIEL CRAIG, JUDI DENCH, JAVIER BARDEM

FRI. 6:30, 9:45 SAT. *3:00, 6:30, 9:45SUN. *3:30, 6:45 WKDAYS: 7:00

SKYFALL 007ACTION/ADVENTURE STARRING DANIELCRAIG, JUDI DENCH, JAVIER BARDEMSAT. - SUN. - MON. - TUES, THURS. - FRI.NOV. 24 - 25 - 26 - 27, 29 - 30 ONE SHOWING NIGHTLY AT 7:30 P.M.

ADVENTURE/DRAMA/FANTASY STARRING KRISTEN STEWART, ROBERT PATTINSON, TAYLOR LAUTNER. SAT. - SUN. - MON. - TUES, THURS. - FRI. DEC. 1 - 2 - 3 - 4, 6 - 7 SHOWTIMES ON FRI. & SAT. AT 7:00 & 9:15 P.M.

COMEDY/ANIMATION/DISNEY.STARRING JOHN C. REILLEY, SARAH SILVERMAN, JANE LYNCH, ADAM CAROLLA.

COMEDY/ANIMATION/DISNEY.STARRING JOHN C. REILLEY, SARAH SILVERMAN, JANE LYNCH, ADAM CAROLLA.

WRECK-IT RALPH

WRECK-IT RALPH

PG

G

Fri. 6:45 & 9:30 Sat. *3:45, 6:45 & 9:30 Sun. *4:15, 7:15 Wkdys: 7:15

108 min

In Oroville, its feast or famine

oRoville SenioR neWS

Senior Bazaar being held Saturday, Dec. 1By Dolly EngElbrEtsonOrOVille SeniOr Center

Saturday, Dec. 1 is the date for the Seniors Bazaar, so come on down. Homemade beef stew is the order of the day with biscuits and jelly, salad and pie for des-sert. Bob Hirst is the chef of the day, assisted by Walt Hart, so you know the stew will be great. We are planning a table for guy

stuff and a large basket filled with goodies for the drawing. One of the main items in the basket is a hand stitched afghan by Margaret Young and donated by Bonnie Maynard on her behalf.

The center will be celebrat-ing Thanksgiving this week on Tuesday, with a traditional feast and it will be the only meal served

this week.The music by Joy and John

Lawson and friends was on the third Friday this month, but will be on the second Friday the month of December or on Dec. 14. The Garden Club ladies will be joining us at lunch on Dec. 14 and enjoying the music that day as well.

Pinochle Scores: The door prize was won by Beverly Holden; Most Pinochles was won by Bob Hirst who also had the highest score for the men; High Woman score was Margaret Hirst. Congratulations to all!

More next time.

TonaSkeT eagleS neWS

Hosting Thanksgiving dinnerBy Jo stanDlEytOnaSket eagleS aerie

We are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for the community on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 22, from 1:30-4:00 p.m.

Donations are welcome. There will be no Bingo on

Friday, Nov. 23. Pinochle scores from last

Sunday are: 1st- Neil Fifer; 2nd- Jo

Porter; Low Score- Gene Michels; Last Pinochle- Penny Smith and Gene Michels.

On Saturday, Dec. 1, from 5:30-7:00 p.m., Sitzmark is having their annual Dinner/Auction here at the Aerie. Come in and support this worthy cause.

We wish anyone who is ill a speedy recovery to good health. God Bless you all and Happy Thanksgiving. The Biggest Little Eagles in the state.

TonaSkeT gaRDen

ClUB

What seeds do you save for spring planting?By auDrEy HolmEsgarden Club member

The Hillside Apartments Community Room was where members and one guest, Marisa Lopez of Tonasket (granddaugh-ter of member Wendy Taylor) met on Nov. 12 for their meeting at 1:30 p.m.

Some members got snowed in because of the heavy snowfall in the higher elevations and were unable to attend. Wendy was hostess and she called the roll call question, What seeds do you save and plant in the spring?

Cosmos, poppies, marigolds and vegetable seeds were some of the answers.

A get well card was signed by members for Barbara Hanson who had broken her hip in early October while visiting out of town, but she was present and doing very well. A get well card was also sent to Fred and Freda Holmes who had been ill.

Vice President Lola Burton passed around beautiful photos taken on our field trip to Lindas Garden, B.C. Canada. President Pam Burton and Vice President

Lola Burton went over plans with us for the Christmas Bazaar our Club and the Civic League is sponsoring at the Tonasket Elementary School on Nov. 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A list was signed for members for choice of food to bring to the Christmas dinner at 12 p.m. at the Free Methodist Church on Dec. 10 and bring canned food for the food bank and treats to put in Christmas fruit bags for the residents who reside at the Assisted Living facil-ity in Tonasket.

We encourage guests and new members to attend meet-ings. Number to call for place and time is (509) 223-3427. The next meeting will be at the Free Methodist Church, 1 Stanton Loop Rd., Tonasket, Wash.

BlUe STaR MoMS

Choosing a branch of the armed servicesBy Daralyn HollEnbEcknCW blue Star mOtherS

What drew our sons and daugh-ters to their branch of service? Family tradition and occupation development are common lures. Some chose according to their desire for adventure. Pondering the military scope of each of the branches can give us insight as to what their thought processes where when choosing their branch of service.

The Army is our main ground force whose function is to protect and defend the United States (and its interests) by way of ground troops, armor (tanks), artillery, attack helicopters, tactical nuclear weapons, etc. It is the oldest U.S. Military service.

The Air Force is the youngest military service, an off-shoot of the Army. It defends the United States (and its interests) through exploitation of air and space.

To accomplish this, the Air Force operates fighter, tanker, light and heavy bomber, and transport aircraft; as well as helicopters. The Air Force is responsible for all mil-itary satellites, and controls our Nations strategic nuclear ballistic missiles.

The Navy makes it possible for us to use the seas where and when our national interests require it. In addition, in times of conflict,

the Navy helps to supplement Air Force air power. Aircraft car-riers can deploy to areas where fixed runways are impossible. Additionally, Navy ships can attack land targets from miles away.

The Marine Corps is often referred to as the Infantry of the Navy. Marines specialize in amphibious operations. Their pri-mary specialty is to assault, cap-ture, and to control beach heads.

In peacetime, the Coast Guard is primarily concerned with law enforcement, boating safety, sea rescue, and illegal immigration control. However, the President can transfer part or all of the Coast Guard to the Department of the Navy in times of conflict.

The Coast Guard consists of ships, boats, aircraft and shore sta-tions that conduct a variety of mis-sions. The Coast Guard is currently our smallest military service.

The Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard each have their own dedicated reserve force. Reservists typically perform train-ing/service one weekend a month and two continuous weeks at some time during the year. All Army soldiers sign an initial eight-year service contract upon entry into the military. Typically, the contract specifies that some of the service will be in the Regular Army for two, three, or four years; with the remaining obligation served in the Reserve Component. All Reservists are subject to mobili-zation in a national emergency

throughout the term of their enlistment.

State vs. federal control separates Reserve units from Guard units. Individual states have control over their own Army and Air National Guard, giving them greater free-dom on the home front. However, the federal government has control over all Reserves.

The National Guard is akin to a state militia. The majority of National Guard soldiers and air-men hold a civilian job full-time while serving part-time as a National Guard member but are often called up in times of state emergencies or disasters. Part-time guardsmen are augmented by full-time Army or Air National Guard.

Merchant Marines are the fleet of civilian-owned merchant vessels such as deep-sea merchant ships, tugboats, towboats, ferries, dredg-es, excursion vessels, and other waterborne craft on the oceans, the Great Lakes, rivers, canals, har-bors, and other waterways. They are responsible for transporting cargo and passengers during peace time. The Merchant Marines are an auxiliary to the Navy, but not a uniformed service, except in times of war when they are considered military personnel and can be called upon to deliver troops and supplies for the military.

These unique jobs and lifestyles that our children have chosen for a short while or for a life time are not for everybody. But most can understand the lure of being a part of something both big and dynamic. We look forward to each veteran bringing what theyve gleaned and experienced back to our hometowns.

eagleDoM aT WoRk

Aerie preparing for the upcoming holidaysBy gai WisDomOrOVille eagleS auxiliary

OROVILLE - The holidays are upon us and the Eagles will be busy until after the New Year. To get us off to the proper start we will be closed tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day, then we start gearing up for the Harrel Rounds Benefit on Dec. 1st.

The Christmas Bazaar is on for Dec. 7th and 8th at the Elementary School Gym and the Auxiliary has rented space there. We need donations of homemade goods and products to sell. You can get them to us at the Aerie or bring them down to the school. We

need to make enough money for the kids party and for Christmas Baskets for the needy.

We will be decking the halls on Monday, Dec., 10th from 11 a.m. and all day. The Ladies Christmas party will follow a short meeting on Dec. 11th. The final Secret Sister exchange and reveal will happen then. If you are not in that program, bring an unlabeled gift to exchange with other sis-ters. Please bring your favorite Christmas goodies and we will have tea and coffee.

On Dec/ 18th we will be put-ting the kids party together stat-ing at 11 a.m. because Santa is Coming on Dec. 22nd. Mr. and Mrs. Clause will join us for the

Kids Christmas on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday is pool night and the ladies cook burgers that night while the house rocks with pool action.

Remember our Aerie meetings are the first and third Tuesdays of every month and the Auxiliary meetings are the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. We have a joint meeting on the first Tuesday a 6 p.m. The ladies serve tacos on Mondays at 6 p.m. and burgers before Bingo at 5 p.m. on Thursdays. Friday night is Steak Night, Meat Draw and karaoke with Chuck Wilder. Saturday, excepting special events, is Open Mike Night. On the Sundays that the Seahawks play at 10 a.m. we will be open to serve you and support the Hawks.

The Oroville Eagles are People Helping People.

Pool leagUe neWS

Only six games separate top sixBy gai WisDomnOV POOl league

The North Okanogan Valley Pool League is off to its usual running start. Everyone is getting where and when they should and score sheets are getting turned in to Jans satisfaction (Thats always a good thing). We heard one of the Plaza teams was a little con-fused the first week but his fellow players got Jose headed in the

right direction in time to shoot a great match with the Stixtuit team in Chesaw.

The top six teams are right where they should be after the second week of games. Lews Brew Crew was in first place and dropped to third last week. Dirty Ernies went from third to first and there are only six games sepa-rating the top six teams. At the other end of the scale, it looks to be a real shoot-out for last place. You go girls! Oh, Harold, congrats on your eight-ball break.

okanogan valley gazette-tribune, november 22, 2012

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