Nutcracker, Loup Loup, and Gypsy Soul - News briefs for week of Nov. 30

This rule was made to help protect the health of state residents and tribal members who consume fish and shellfish caught in Washington, and will become effective as of Dec. 19, according to the agency.

Under the Clean Water Act, states, or the EPA when necessary, set limits for pollutants in water bodies that may cause risk to human health through the consumption of locally caught fish and shellfish. As of Nov. 15, 72 limits for different pollutants have been finalized by the EPA.

For more information on the final rule, visit https://www.epa.gov/wqs-tech/federal-human-health-criteria-washington-state-waters.

Loup Loup benefit gala set

LOUP LOUP — Loup Loup Ski Bowl will host a Snow Ball Benefit Gala from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at the Day Lodge.

Food and wine from Lone Point Cellars will be served at the event, along with music and a raffle fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation. Prize packages will be available to raffle winners.

Each ticket holder will be entered to win a one-night stay and dinner for two at the Cottages and Tasting Room at Lone Point Cellars. Reservations for the event can be made at https://lonepointcellars.orderport.net/wines/Events.

Merc to present Nutcracker

TWISP — The Merc Playhouse will present The Nutcracker Dec. 2-11.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Doors will open one hour prior to each show to accommodate for a silent auction, which will also be available during intermissions.

Admission will be charged.

Gypsy Soul Mercantile opens in Omak

OMAK — Gypsy Soul Mercantile, a home goods and clothing boutique, celebrated its grand opening Nov. 26.

The boutique, at 1 N. Main Street, features everything from vintage items to home goods and clothing.

Business hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. The store is closed Monday through Wednesday.

Pesticide license class planned

OKANOGAN — The Okanogan County Noxious Weed Control Board will host its fall pesticide license recertification class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Omak Theater, 108 North Main St.

For more information, call 509-422-7165, email noxiousweeds@co.okanogan.wa.us, or see okanogancounty.org/government/noxious_weed_control.

Omak Council approves 2023 budget

OMAK — The Omak City Council met Nov. 21. They discussed changes to the 2023 budget which includes hiring an additional police officer, administrative assistant for public works, and a part time court clerk.

Additionally, changes also include expanding the C.O.R.E program for the school district, building a water reservoir at the Omak airport, and adding a treatment facility for the Julia Maley Well and Equipment Rental Services.

The council was informed that the budget will recognize revenues and assign the necessary costs for delivery of services in 2023.

In addition, the city insurance came in with a much higher premium, meaning requiring expansion in expense lines. Due to the increase in premiums, obtaining more funds may be needed for the Equipment Rental Fund.

During budget workshops that were held on Nov. 1 and Nov. 14, fuel costs in Equipment Rental were raised for next year.

In other news, the City Council:

• Approved fireworks permit for Pyro Spectaculars on Way North for Christmas on main event

• Approved the adopting of the final 2023 budget

• Approved the purchase of a fleet pickup

• Approved interlocal agreement with Okanogan County for building inspection services

• Approved contract with Schmitt Electric – Public Works contract

• Approved acceptance of a Department of Justice COPS grant

BPA reports strong financial results

PORTLAND — The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) announced financial results which exceeded expectations for the fiscal year of 2022, which ended Sept. 30.

The results outline the agency’s financial strength, supported by record-setting revenue performance, according to the administration.

BPA met all of its annual performance targets and finished the year with higher-than-expected net revenues totaling $964 million against a target of $172 million.

“Bonneville’s financial position is strong. Our FY 2022 results reflect our workforce’s ability to position the hydro system for the region’s advantage and optimize use of the transmission system,” said BPA Administrator and CEO John Hairston. “Our cost discipline continued to benefit our customers as we delivered on BPA’s mission and strategy on behalf of the Northwest.”

“Each quarter, we have signaled our expectations that Power and Transmission were expected to have a solid year, and I’m happy to report that was in fact the case, with both business lines significantly beating net revenue targets,” said Marcus Harris, BPA’s acting chief financial officer. “And after making our planned 39th consecutive U.S. Treasury payment of roughly $950 million, reserves balances ended the year well above our Reserves Distribution Clause thresholds.”

For more information, visit https://www.bpa.gov/about/finance/annual-reports.

Fair leaders gather Thursday

OKANOGAN — The Okanogan County Fair Advisory Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the Okanogan County commissioners’ hearing room, 123 N. Fifth Ave.

The agenda was not available at press time.