Omak Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Many in Okanogan County say ‘don’t bring in’ grizzlies

By Courtney Flatt November 3, 2023

This undated file photo provided by the National Park Service shows a grizzly bear walking along a ridge in Montana.National Park Service CREDIT: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

This undated file photo provided by the National Park Service shows a grizzly bear walking along a ridge in Montana. (Credit: National Parks Service) Listen (Runtime 1:15) Read Neary 150… Continue Reading Many in Okanogan County say ‘don’t bring in’ Read More

Emergency Alert System: Clay Freinwald is at the Hub of Safety

By Sandi Billings July 28, 2021

image shows Clay Freinwald on stage receiving award.

“This is a test of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a test.” As fires and severe weather ramp up across the region, however, we may hear more from… Continue Reading Emergency Alert System: Clay Freinwald is at the Hub of SafetyRead More

‘The Deer … Just Get Whacked’: Private Funds Help Reduce Wildlife Hits On Bad Stretch Near Tonasket

By Courtney Flatt August 27, 2020

Three bucks pass under the Janis Bridge underpass near Tonasket, Washington. The underpass is part of the first mile of a project to help deer travel safely and not run into cars on U.S. Highway 97, which sees more than 350 deer collisions each year in the short stretch between Tonasket and Riverside. Courtesy of Conservation Northwest

The first part of a project that covers the most dangerous section of Highway 97 near Tonasket, Washington, is finished. It’s expected to prevent more than 100 collisions each year in just one mile in the Okanogan Valley. The 13-miles stretch from Tonasket to Riverside sees nearly 350 deer-car collisions per year. Read More

Interior Secretary: Grizzlies Will Not Be Brought Back To Washington’s North Cascades

By Courtney Flatt July 7, 2020

Grizzly bear in Yellowstone National Park. (Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Conservation groups have said they are “weighing options” about what to do next. Ranching and cattle groups applauded the decision, saying more predators present challenges for their members. Continue Reading Interior Read More

Across Washington, People Show Up Big In Smaller Cities And Towns To Support Black Lives Matter

By NWPB News June 21, 2020

Fran Cuhtahlatah stands in protest at the corner of North Main Street and West Fifth Avenue in Ellensburg, Kittitas County, June 14, 2020. While other local residents have protested recently, Cuhtahlatah has been out quietly protesting in the community for the past three years. CREDIT: Matt M. McKnight/Crosscut

Small, mostly white rural towns across Washington are standing up in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests. Although dwarfed by comparison with the thousands protesting in places like Seattle and Portland, the people standing up against racism in smaller numbers do not think their message should be dismissed or watered down because they aren’t big enough to make Read More

Return To Elective Procedures Means Return To More Stable Finances For Rural Washington Hospitals

By NWPB News May 1, 2020

Smaller Washington hospitals like Mid-Valley Hospital in Omak faced tight budget considerations with a pause on elective surgeries. Courtesy of Mid-Valley Hospital

Hospitals in Washington are starting to act on the permission given them by Gov. Jay Inslee to resume non-essential medical procedures. Some may begin work by or before next week. Continue Reading Return To Read More

As Okanogan River Recedes, Memories Of Past Floods Remain

By NWPB News June 4, 2018

Ruth and Richard Tembey were both born in 1935. They've lived in Tonasket, Washington, almost all their lives. CREDIT: EMILY SCHWING/N3

The Okanogan River has receded from its emergency flood stage seen for several weeks in May. Left behind are the memories and high-water marks of floods and natural disasters past. Continue Reading As Okanogan River Recedes, Memories Of Past Floods Read More

Emergency Managers In ‘Defense Mode’ As Okanogan Flood Outlook Changes To Lower Level

By Emily Schwing May 19, 2018

The flooded Okanogan River flowing through downtown Omak, Friday, May 18, 2018.

A week ago, forecasters were predicting the Okanogan River might crest this weekend near a record flood mark set back in 1972. Now, emergency managers are moving into “defense mode” and are now predicting somewhat lower water levels. Read More

UW Spring Breakers Team Up With Rural And Tribal Schools For Student-Led Teaching

By Esmy Jimenez March 29, 2018

UW student Joshawah Eagle-Bear (center right) leads 6th grade students on a workshop titled "Water Is Life" at Campbell Farm in Wapato, Wash. CREDIT: ZIHAN CAO

Spring break is in full swing for some students. This season, 80 students from the University of Washington skipped the beach and headed for more rural parts of the state. Continue Reading UW Spring Breakers Team Up With Rural Read More