Sun Ranch “Schoolhouse”: Good Hearts, Bad Paper

This deal smells like bathroom process; oh, I mean backroom. Backroom process; thin paperwork; real liability. That is the Schoolhouse pitch. I have supported Rose and the Aeneas Valley Country Store for years; this time I cannot. Not because anyone is against kids. Because the process is opaque; the paperwork is thin; the liability is… Read More Sun Ranch “Schoolhouse”: Good Hearts, Bad Paper

Brewster Legion: Mismanagement, Misplaced Priorities, and a Community in Crisis

The Brewster American Legion Post is supposed to stand for veterans and community. Instead, it’s struggling under financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and questionable leadership. No elections in over three years. Less than $30 in the account as of August. Audit points ignored for over a year. Diverted funds, threats, and poor leadership have turned… Read More Brewster Legion: Mismanagement, Misplaced Priorities, and a Community in Crisis

Farmworker Identity Verification: Sheriff Budrow’s Plan

OMAK – In an effort to restore order to Okanogan County, Sheriff Paul Budrow announced his first bold initiative: cracking down on farms and orchards where workers allegedly “rotate Social Security numbers, names, and tax info annually.” “In this county, we grow apples, cherries, and hay. We don’t grow identities,” Budrow declared from the steps… Read More Farmworker Identity Verification: Sheriff Budrow’s Plan

Washington’s Tribal Solar Grants: Doubling Costs for Maximum Profit; Twisp Clearly Missed the Memo

Washington State has been doling out millions for tribal clean energy projects, and while that sounds fantastic on the surface, the reality is more about dollars wasted than sense made. Over $10 million in grants for solar and battery projects have been handed out, but no one seems to have stopped to ask: What are… Read More Washington’s Tribal Solar Grants: Doubling Costs for Maximum Profit; Twisp Clearly Missed the Memo

Rural Rumble: Disputes Over Road Rights in Aeneas Valley

In the rugged, if not slightly paranoid, landscapes of Aeneas Valley, WA, the locals have taken to Facebook to weave a narrative so tangled, it could rival grandma’s knitting. The saga ignites with Dan Dorris, fresh to the valley and eager to play mountain gatekeeper, claiming a “suspicious vehicle” was last seen fleeing his justice… Read More Rural Rumble: Disputes Over Road Rights in Aeneas Valley

Methow Trails: Where Skiing, Social Justice, and Confusion Collide

Nestled in Washington’s Methow Valley, Methow Trails isn’t just about cross-country skiing. They champion affordable housing projects (often on land meant for trails), fuel-intensive trail grooming, and a unique interpretation of public land fees. It’s a heady mix of recreation, social responsibility, and regulatory ambiguity. The Sno-Park Pass vs. The Methow Pass You did everything… Read More Methow Trails: Where Skiing, Social Justice, and Confusion Collide

Falling Through the Cracks: Failures in Emergency Management and Fire Prevention

By Omak Republic Editorial Staff Amidst the current wave of escalating wildfires that are igniting across Okanogan County, a stark and concerning truth is coming to light: the county’s emergency management and fire prevention measures are showing signs of severe inadequacy, endangering both lives and valuable properties. This unsettling reality casts a shadow of doubt… Read More Falling Through the Cracks: Failures in Emergency Management and Fire Prevention

Heatwave Sparks Controversy: Media Accused of Misreporting Temperatures Amidst Devastating Wildfires

Amid the scorching heatwave and devastating wildfires, claims of media misreporting on temperatures have gained traction on social media, sparking widespread concern and debate. Climate scientists, particularly those linked to liberal universities, have accused major news outlets like MSNBC, CNN, NPR, ABC, CBS, and others of fear-mongering with “supposedly terrifying temperatures.” These controversial videos have… Read More Heatwave Sparks Controversy: Media Accused of Misreporting Temperatures Amidst Devastating Wildfires

Okanogan County Shakes Things Up: Fireworks Ban Lifted, Chaos Ensues

Okanogan County, WA – In a surprising turn of events, Okanogan County has made headlines by lifting its long-standing ban on fireworks. This unexpected decision has left residents and authorities alike scratching their heads, as the risks associated with fireworks are well-documented. But fear not, dear readers, for the letters from the Sheriff and the… Read More Okanogan County Shakes Things Up: Fireworks Ban Lifted, Chaos Ensues

Concerned Omak Republic Journalist Exposes Dangerous Practices by Gebbers Farms

Open letter we are sending to the following: Dear Okanagan County Sheriff, County Commissioners, Okanagan Road Department, and Gebbers Farms, As concerned members of the OmakRepublic news staff, we felt compelled to address a pressing issue that has been causing frustration and concern among Okanagan County residents. It pertains to the alarming practices employed by… Read More Concerned Omak Republic Journalist Exposes Dangerous Practices by Gebbers Farms