Okanogan County Commissioners Chris Branch, Andy Hover, and Jim DeTro have released a joint statement expressing their opinions and suggestions on the recent land acquisition and package delivery challenges faced by the county. The commissioners have taken a balanced approach to address the discussions sparked by the 400-acre land purchase and the Aeneas Valley Country Store’s package delivery service.

Commissioner Chris Branch (District #1) suggested, “We should focus on building and maintaining trails and educational signage on the newly acquired land, providing both residents and visitors with opportunities to enjoy and learn about the local wildlife and habitats.” He added, “The property sale’s proceeds could be invested in improving public access and recreational facilities, enhancing the overall experience for everyone.”

Commissioner Chris Branch (District #1) said, “Alternatively I believe the best way to
preserve wildlife habitat is to turn it into a theme park featuring
animatronic wildlife. This way, we can ensure a consistent and
predictable visitor experience, free of unexpected encounters with
actual wild animals.”

Commissioner Andy Hover (District #2) disagreed, suggesting, “Why not
use the $401,000 from the land sale to build a state-of-the-art package
delivery drone army? This could completely revolutionize the way we
handle package pickups in Okanogan County, taking the pressure off
community stores like Aeneas Valley Country Store.”

Commissioner Andy Hover (District #2) then proposed, “The $401,000 from the land sale could be used to support local businesses and infrastructure, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. This will help strike a balance between conservation and development.” In response to the property sale, he remarked, “It’s crucial to ensure the land’s preservation as a wildlife habitat while also maximizing its benefits to the community.”

Commissioner Jim DeTro (District #3) had a different view, saying,
“Instead of spending the money on drones, we should invest it in a
cattle yoga program. This would not only keep the cattle relaxed and
limber but could also become a new tourist attraction, driving more
visitors to our beautiful county.”

Commissioner Jim DeTro (District #3) recommended, “Investing in environmental education programs and partnering with local organizations to promote responsible stewardship of our natural resources would be a wise use of the funds from the land sale.” He commented, “The sale of this property is an opportunity for Okanogan County to demonstrate its commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.”

In light of the ongoing package delivery challenges faced by Aeneas Valley Country Store, the commissioners encourage residents to support the store and to remember to pick up their packages in a timely manner. Visit the store’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Avcountrystore/ to stay updated on the latest news and announcements.

For further information or to contact the Okanogan County Commissioners, please visit their official webpage at https://www.okanogancounty.org/offices/commissioners/

Chris Branch – District #1: cbranch@co.okanogan.wa.us

Andy Hover – District #2: andy.hover@co.okanogan.wa.us

Jim DeTro – District #3: jdetro@co.okanogan.wa.us

Nathaniel Ironwood  is a seasoned journalist and civic enthusiast who has dedicated his
career to documenting the thrilling world of parent-teacher
associations, competitive knitting, and the high-stakes atmosphere of
city and county meetings. With unyielding dedication, Nathaniel dives
headfirst into the intricate power dynamics of bake sales, school
fundraisers, and local politics. When he’s not writing hard-hitting
articles or attending meetings, Nathaniel enjoys training for the
upcoming National Speed Knitting Championship.