LACEY - State regulators have approved $4.85 million in universal communications services program funds for 18 telecommunications companies across Washington.

NESPELEM - Several lynx captured in Canada have been relocated to the Colville Indian Reservation in hopes that a resilient population will be established there.

OLYMPIA – All counties in Washington’s voluntary stewardship program, including Okanogan and Ferry counties, are successfully using incentive-based and farm-friendly strategies to comply with state growth management requirements, according to a first-round of evaluations.

OMAK – A Nov. 13 banquet cemented inklings that the Omak Stampede had a fiscal bounce-back for this year’s event and saw the official coronation of the 2022 Omak Stampede Queen, Evelyn Picking.

OKANOGAN – An Omak man was charged Nov. 9 with robbing the Stampede Mini Mart and assaulting its clerk.

WENATCHEE - NCW Tech Alliance is launching the second UpSkill-A-Thon learning challenge for December.

OMAK – Incidents reported to the Omak Police Department more than doubled in October compared to corresponding months in recent years past.

OKANOGAN - Once again, the vast majority of power in Okanogan County Public Utility District territory came from hydropower in 2020, said the utility.

OKANOGAN - Okanogan County Public Utility District’s 2022 budget – including a 3.75 percent rate increase - was approved by commissioners Oct. 25.

OMAK – Police Chief Dan Christensen has asked the city council for security fencing, camera monitoring for evidence vehicles and covered parking for police vehicles in 2022.

OMAK – Property taxes to support Hospital District No. 3 (Mid-Valley) will rise in 2022, and the 2022 operating budget was approved, hospital commissioners decided Nov. 9.

YAKIMA - The Washington State Tree Fruit Association has updated its estimate of the 2021 state fresh apple crop, with a smaller crop now predicted than earlier thought.