Newsbriefs

Okanogan County Fair canceled

The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners announced “with a heavy heart” Monday the cancelation of this fall’s county fair.

The commissioners and the Fair Advisory Committee jointly explored all possible options to keep this yearly county tradition moving forward, they said, but could not find a way to do so safely under the governors “safe start” reopening restrictions.

Despite the cancellation, the Fair Advisory Committee has established several sub- committees to explore how to hold a livestock auction and virtual fair. They will continue to meet throughout the summer to ensure that the youth in our county are able to showcase their talents and hard work, they said.

“Both the BOCC and the FAC know that this decision will impact businesses and families who have already lost so much,” their press release states. “Your continued support is appreciated as we make the most of 2020 and forge on with planning to make the Okanogan County Fair 2021 the best yet.”

Commissioners stand “Behind the Blue”

Grant County officials released a statement in support of law enforcement July 7 to express their “continued and unwavering support for local as well as national law enforcement.

“We believe it is incumbent upon us to stand up and courageously declare, that in the face of portions of our country & certain cities who desire to disband or defund law enforcement, we vehemently oppose those misguided & nonsensical ideas. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and our local law enforcement communities are exceptional, hardworking, honorable men and women who deserve nothing but our respect and admiration not contempt and derision.”

The statement, issued by the county commissioners and county prosecutor says officers “face daily challenges while trying to protect us in the face of rampant drug usage, assorted crimes & addictive behaviors. Quoting Ronald Reagan, ‘We must reject the idea that every time a law is broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.’”

Temporary closure of parking lot coming

The National Park Service will be conducting geotechnical work on the Spring Canyon boat launch seawall starting July 13. Core samples will be taken to evaluate the soil structure for future repairs of the existing seawall.

During this time, the lower parking lot of the Spring Canyon boat launch will be closed for the staging of drilling equipment. The upper parking lot will remain open.

Vehicles must be removed from the lower parking lot no later than 12:01 a.m., July 13.

This work is expected to take one day but may take longer pending any complications. Once work is complete the lower parking lot will be reopened.