Tonasket Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

He ‘Left This World In Such Agony’: Rural Health Systems Challenged By COVID Surge

By Anna King December 11, 2020

Ken Roberts, left, with his step-sister Debbie Roberts and her husband Steve Kinzie at a Christmas gathering at the Tonasket care facility in 2018. Courtesy of Debbie Roberts

Rural America has been the site COVID hotspots this year: prisons, nursing homes and meat packers. But there are few doctors, ICU beds and little backup when health care workers also get sick. Ken Roberts died Nov. 29, just one person among many who died in an outbreak of COVID-19 at North Valley Extended Care in the Okanogan County town of Tonasket — population about Read More

COVID First Hit Long-Term Care In Puget Sound Region. Now It’s Hitting Home In Rural Areas

By Scott Leadingham December 9, 2020

Tim Killian, a spokesman for Life Care Center in Kirkland, Wash., prepares to give a daily briefing to reporters on Wednesday. CREDIT: Ted S. Warren/AP

Some of the hardest hit places have been long-term care facilities in rural areas like Tonasket in Okanogan County, and in central Washington. At least three care facilities in Grant County have reported outbreaks and deaths since a large wedding near Ritzville last month attended by some care facility staff who later tested positive for COVID-19. But a definitive Read More

Care Facility In Small Okanogan County Town Of Tonasket Reports 12 Deaths In COVID Outbreak

By NWPB News November 30, 2020

Tonasket, in Washington's Okanogan County, no longer has a police force after the mayor disbanded it. Courtesy city of Tonasket

The county health department said Monday night that North Valley Extended Care in Tonasket has recorded 11 deaths. That number includes 32 total residents who have contracted COVID-19. Health officials did not disclose a time frame for the cases and deaths. Two staff members there are hospitalized, according to the health department.Read 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

Fire Conditions Heat Up, State Burn Ban In Effect As Anglin Fire Near Tonasket Forces Evacuations

By NWPB News July 28, 2020

The Anglin Fire burning east of Tonasket, Washington, July 28, 2020 in a mix of sagebrush, grasses, and light timber. Courtesy of Okanogan County Emergency Management/video

In response to growing fire potential and high temperatures nearing and surpassing 100 degrees, on Tuesday state public lands commissioner Hillary Franz issued a statewide burn ban The order took effect July 28 and lasts through September 30, unless fire conditions improve. Read More

Tonasket Settles With Former Police Officer Who Alleged Mayor Said His Name Was ‘Too Hispanic’

By Nicholas Deshais March 12, 2020

A former police officer in Okanogan County town of Tonasket will receive $80,000, after he alleged the mayor told him his name sounded “too Hispanic.” Jose Perez, who was one of three people in the town’s police department, took his allegations to the Tonasket City Council in January 2019, where he described what he said Mayor Dennis Brown told him.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

Community Works To Keep Friends Dry As Flood Threat Looms In Okanogan Valley

By Emily Schwing May 15, 2018

Rose and Andre Corso are trying to make the best of a potentially disastrous situation as they prepare for extreme flooding at their home alongside the Okanogan River in Tonasket, Washington.

Throughout northcentral and northeastern Washington, residents are preparing for the worst. Some of the heaviest flooding is expected along the Okanogan River. In Tonasket, the community is pulling together to move families who live along the river to higher ground.Read More