best of 2012

The Chronicle

OMAK – The Chronicle’sannual “Best of’” showcases aplethora of different readers’favorites in the northern andsouthern areas of OkanoganCountry.

Hundreds of readers sentin or dropped off votes for theirfavorites in a severalcategories.

As usual, some winnersrepeated and some newerbusinesses found their ways tothe forefront.

Now, some of those thatmade it to the forefrontproudly display theircertificates.

Shellrock Point, betweenOmak and Okanogan, serves asthe north-south dividing line.Ferry County is part of thenorth area; the Methow Valleyand Grand Coulee Dam areaare part of the south.

Without further adieu, hereare the area’s best:

Best business

1. Prickly Pear, Omak2. Riverside Grocery,

Riverside

Customer service

1. Corner Bistro, Omak2. Prickly Pear, Omak

Entertainment

venue

1. Omak Stampede Arena,Omak

2. Omak Mirage Theater,Omak

Fishing/hunting

location

1. Conconully2. Palmer Lake

Camping location

1. Conconully State Park2. Bonaparte Lake Resort

ATV/snowmobile/

hiking/trails

1. Conconully2. Tunk Mountain

Skiing/

snowboarding area

1. Sitzmark Ski Hill2. Crawfish Lake Sno-Park

Park/playground

1. East Side Park, Omak2. Legacy Park, Tonasket

Community

festival/event

1. Okanogan Family Faire2. Omak Stampede

Golf course

1. Oroville Municipal GolfCourse, Oroville

Museum

1. Molson Museum, Molson2. Stonerose Interpretive

Center and Eocene Fossil Site,Republic

Scenic view

1. Omak Lake2. Sherman Pass

Fireworks

1. East Side Park, Omak2. Lake Osoyoos, Oroville

Accommodations

1. Best Western PeppertreeInn, Omak

2. Rodeway Inn, Omak

Auto services

1. Choice Automotive andRV, Omak

2. Top Notch Auto, Omak(tie)

2. Fletcher’s Auto Repair,Omak (tie)

Financial institution

1. Coulee Dam CreditUnion, Omak (tie)

1. NCNB, Omak (tie)

Real estatecompany

1. John L. Scott, Omak2. Scheel Realty, Omak

Photography

1. Leeshy Lou Photography,Omak

2. The Chronicle, Omak

Pet services

1. Joey’s Bark and Bath,Omak

2. Okanogan Valley PetResort, Omak

Beauty salon

1. Ponytails, Omak2. Expressions Hair Design

and Day Spa, Omak

Floral shop

1. A Cut Above, Omak2. Safeway, Omak

Law practice

1. Gunn Law Offices, Omak2. Callaway and DeTro Law

Offices, Omak

Contractor

1. Mike Ray’s Construction,Riverside

2. Stitchwork Upholstery,Omak

School district

1. Tonasket2. Omak

Fire department

1. Omak2. Curlew

Civic organization

1. Community CulturalCenter, Tonasket

2. Eagle Cliff Grange,Curlew

Governmentagency

1. City of Omak2. U.S. Forest Service,

Republic office

Grocery store

1. Gene’s Harvest Foods,Omak

2. Safeway, Omak

Convenience store

1. Riverside Grocery,Riverside

2. The Junction, Tonasket

Clothing/shoe store

1. J.C. Penney Co., Omak2. Prickly Pear, Omak

Gift shop/jewelry

1. Prickly Pear, Omak2. Grandma’s Attic, Omak

Furniture

1. Cramer’s HomeFurnishings, Omak

2. Grandma’s Attic, Omak

Antique/second-hand

1. Riverside Grocery,

Riverside2. Aussie’s Antiques,

Tonasket

Farm supply

1. Omak Feed and Supply,Omak

2. Big R, Omak

Guns/pawn

1. Dave’s Gun and Pawn,Riverside

Hardware/lumber

1. Ace Hardware, Omak2. Midway Building Supply,

Oroville

Electronic/Internetservices

1. NCI Data, Omak2. Intrigue Communications,

Omak

Car dealership

1. Sunrise Chevrolet, Omak(tie)

1. Consumer AutoLiquidators, Omak (tie)

Recreationalvehicles

1. Choice Automotive andRV, Omak

2. Omak Marine, Omak

Medical facility

1. Wenatchee Valley MedicalCenter, Omak

2. Curlew Medical Clinic,Curlew

Dentist

1. Grillo Family Dentistry,Omak

2. Gary Bramer D.D.S.,Omak

Optometrist

1. Ugo Bartell of WenatcheeValley Medical Clinic, Omak

2.Eye and Ear Clinic, Omak

Veterinarian

1. Alpine Veterinary Clinic,Omak

2. Oroville VeterinaryHospital, Oroville

Pharmacy

1. Walmart, Omak2. Rite Aid, Omak

Burgers/pizza

1. Hometown Pizza, Oroville2. Papa Murphy’s Pizza,

Omak

Restaurant

1. Breadline Cafe, Omak2. Corner Bistro, Omak

Winery/brewery

1. Rockwall Cellars, Omak2. Esther Bricques Winery,

Tonasket

Bar/tavern

1. Omak Bar and Grill,Omak

2. Riverside Bar and Grill,Riverside

Espresso/coffee

1. The Pumphouse CoffeeCo., Omak

2. Country Cabin Espresso,Omak

www.omakchronicle.com The Chronicle • Nov. 21, 2012 • News • C1

Chronicle readers’ picks for the best businesses, services,entertainment and recreational spots in Okanogan Country.

Curlew MedicalCenter

��

��

��

� ��

�� Attorney at Law��

��

��

��

Jennifer Tollefson photo

would like to thankeveryone for the

“Best of”!We appreciate your vote!

3 E. Dewberry, Omak • 509-826-1160

OMAK FEED & SUPPLY

OMAK BAR & GRILL&�$��#��#��'�$!��!%�#��$"�) �"#��*� �!��

�� !��#��'�$! �#!��

��#��(��

North area ‘Best of’ businesses, sites named

Roger Harnack/The Chronicle

Performers jam during the 2012 Okanogan Family Faire on Cayuse Mountain. The event — which includes music, dance, food,bartering and buying — was voted by Chronicle readers as the north area’s top community event/festival.

Readers say best

businesses are

Prickly Pear,

Riverside Grocery

C2 • News • The Chronicle • Nov. 21, 2012 www.omakchronicle.com

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU ! THANK YOU!Thank you students, parents and community for

allowing us to serve you!The Okanogan School District Staff and Board

Voted “Best Of” School DistrictSouth Okanogan Country

Readers choose top south county locations

Best business

1. The Club, Okanogan2. Rawson’s Department

Store, Okanogan

Customer service

1. Rawson’s DepartmentStore, Okanogan

2. Salmon Creek Coffee Co.,Okanogan

Entertainmentvenue

1. Okanogan CountyFairgrounds, Okanogan

2. Coulee Dam Casino,Coulee Dam

Fishing/huntinglocation

1. Lake Rufus Woods2. Lake Roosevelt

Camping location

1. Pearrygin State Park,Winthrop

2. Bridgeport State Park

ATV/Snowmobile/hiking/trails

1. Twisp-to-Winthrop2. Omak Lake

Skiing/snowboarding area

1. Loup Loup Ski Bowl2. Methow Valley Sports

Trails Association routes

Park/playground

1. Brewster City Park,Brewster

2. Legion Park, Okanogan

Communityfestival/event

1. Okanogan County Fair2. ‘49er Days, Winthrop

Golf course

1. Alta Lake Golf Course,Pateros

2. Okanogan Valley GolfCourse, Okanogan

Museum

1. Okanogan CountyHistorical Society Museum,Okanogan

2. Colville Tribal Museum,Coulee Dam

Scenic view

1. Washington Pass2. Grand Coulee Dam

Fireworks

1. Brewster2. Grand Coulee Dam

Accommodations

1. Sun Mountain Lodge,Winthrop

2. Twisp River Suites, Twisp

Auto services

1. Vern’s Automotive,Okanogan

2. OK Tire Factory,Okanogan

Financial institution

1. NCNB, Okanogan2. Coulee Dam Credit

Union, Grand Coulee

Real estatecompany

1. Windermere, Twisp2. The Land Company,

Brewster

Photography

1. Tim Patrick Photography,Okanogan

2. Jennifer TollefsonPhotography, Brewster

Pet services

1. Heather’s Dog Grooming,Okanogan

Beauty salon

1. Giddy Up Salon,Okanogan

2. Sage Brush Beauty Shop,Twisp

Floral shop

1. Derina’s Flower Basket,Okanogan

2. Nelson’s Flowers,Okanogan

Law practice

1. Smith and Derting,Okanogan

2. Reinbold and GardnerLaw Offices, Okanogan

Contractor

1. Pete Peterson Plumbing,Okanogan

2. Valley Lumber, Okanogan

School district

1. Okanogan

2. Methow Valley

Fire department

1. Malott2. Okanogan

Civic organization

1. Okanogan-Omak Rotary,Okanogan

2. American Legion,Brewster

Governmentagency

1. City of Pateros2. City of Okanogan

Grocery store

1. Caso’s Country Foods,Okanogan

2. Hank’s Market, Twisp

Convenience store

1. Pateros Superstop,Pateros

2. Carlton General Store,Carlton

Clothing/shoe store


2. Heatstroke Printing,Okanogan

Gift shop/jewelry


2. Ulrich’s Pharmacy, Twisp

Furniture

1. Webster’s Furniture,Brewster

2. Loepp’s, Grand Coulee

Antique/second-hand

1. The Farm Shed,Okanogan

2. Twisp Senior Center,Twisp

Farm supply

1. Hamilton FarmEquipment, Okanogan

2. Ag Technologies,Okanogan

Guns/pawn

1. Neal’s Gun and Pawn,Okanogan

Hardware/lumber

1. Valley Lumber, Okanogan2. Ace Hardware, Brewster

Electronic/Internetservices

1. CommunityNet,Okanogan

2. Methownet.com,Winthrop

Car dealership

1. Best Deal Auto, Brewster2. Elmway Auto, Okanogan

Recreationalvehicles

1. Xtreme Powersports,Okanogan

2. Hamilton FarmEquipment, Okanogan

Medical facility

1. Three Rivers Hospital,Brewster

2. Methow Valley WellnessCenter, Winthrop

Dentist

1. Caring Dental Center,Okanogan

2. Indian Health Service,

Okanogan

Optometrist

1.Indian Health Service,Okanogan

2. Milton Herman, Twisp

Veterinarian

1. Okanogan ValleyVeterinary Clinic, Okanogan

2. Methow Valley VeterinaryHospital, Winthrop

Pharmacy

1. Brewster Drug, Brewster2. Okanogan Valley

Pharmacy, Okanogan

Burgers/pizza

1. The Club, Okanogan2. Hometown Pizza, Twisp

Restaurant

1. River’s Restaurant,Pateros

2. The Club, Okanogan

Winery/brewery

1. Twisp River Pub and 2. Methow Valley Brewing

Co., Twisp

Bar/tavern

1. The Club, Okanogan2. El Paraiso Mexican

Restaurant, Okanogan

Espresso/coffee

1. Salmon Creek Coffee Co.,Okanogan

2. Blue Star Coffee, Twisp

Al Camp/The Chronicle

Loup Loup Ski Bowl, the south county area’s top skiing and snowboarding venue, takes a trio of enthusiasts up the mountain.


The Ferris Wheel is lit up at dusk during the Okanogan CountyFair. The fairgrounds and fair are south county winners.

The Club, Rawson’s

score ‘Best of’ wins

By Al CampThe Chronicle

OKANOGAN – Captivatingentertainment in a small, warmand friendly venue featuringgreat coffee and eats led to The

Chronicle’s “Best Of” award forThe Salmon Creek Coffee Co.

“Thursdaynights, I betthere is nocooler placein SanFrancisco orSeattle,” saidJackBurchard,who hasplayed withtwo bands atthe venue,

134 S. Second Ave. “There areso many local musicians thatare really terrific.”

The Salmon Creek CoffeeCo. is the brainchild andbusiness of Melanie Mills, a1998 graduate of OkanoganHigh School.

“There are some days I liedown and think how the crapdid I do all that,” she says ofstarting the business. “Iactually love being busy, and Iknow I am doing a good thing.People love it.”

Mill’s brewed coffee inHawaii and Alaska, but herheart brought her home toOkanogan to be close to family.

Mills, 33, attendedWenatchee Valley College-Omak before heading toHawaii in late 1999. She earnedan art degree in ceramics atBrigham Young University-Hawaii.

She worked her way upfrom supervisor tomanagement within Starbucksfrom 2002 to 2007.

“I just fell in love withcoffee, I have really beenpassionate with coffee,” shesaid. “I sang in the musiccompany all through highschool. So, I had that passion,too.”

She moved north fromHawaii to Alaska, where shewas a top barista at the MountMcKinley National Park lodge,she said.

After a brief stay withStarbucks in Kennewick, shereturned home.

“I kind of went all over theplace,” she said. “Then I waspregnant and moved home toOkanogan. “

Her passion for the aromaof coffee mixed with music andart got her to thinking ofcreating such a place here.

“I figured I might as well dowhat I loved,” she said.

She wrote a business planapproved by the North-CentralWashington Business LoanFund. The Salmon CreekCoffee Co. opened Aug. 11 lastyear and continues to grow.

“I didn’t think little ol’ mecould put something togetherlike that,” she said. “Theperfect spot was available, Onthe Avenue. The building lendsitself as a perfect hub forsomething like this.

“It’s become a communityspot for people to gather andshow off their talents.”

“If you asked me a year agoif Melanie could start a SalmonCreek Coffee business inOkanogan, I would have saidimpossible,” Burchard said.“Her hard work, good coffeeand treats made it go. It’s reallycool people support a localbusiness. I just love the place.I’m impressed people supportit and make it happen.”

Mills employs four and isopen from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday through Friday and8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

Thursday nights are anexception, when regionalmusicians perform until 8 p.m.

Burchard has played aCajon, a wood box you sit on,and Djembe, an African drum,with two different bands at thevenue.

“What I play is notimportant. What is importantis how music friendly they are,”Burchard said. “I bet there isno cooler place in SanFrancisco or Seattle. And theyare really nice to everybody,that helps, too.”

Lonnie and Theresa Goodcoordinate performers, with adifferent act performing on“Singer/Songwriters Showcase”night until June.

“This showcase is similar towhat we as singer and

songwriters experience back inNashville,” Lonnie Good said.“There was no place toshowcase songwriters. Nobodylikes to play in bars, whereeveryone dances but does notlisten to the music.

“That is what makes us sodifferent from other venues,people come to listen to themusic.”

He recently performed withGood4U that included Teresa“T” Good, Jeremy Behrent,Ralph Bangs and Bob “Bubba”Day.

Some of the better knownacts brought to Okanoganinclude Gideon’s Daughter andHippies on Vacation.

“It’s blown my mind thenumber of people we keepfinding,” Good said. “Wediscover new songwriters allthe time.

“It’s crazy. I would neverhave dreamed it.”

Mills carries all coffeeblends from Blue Star CoffeeRoasters in Twisp, which camein second in voting for thesouth.

“We have a grinder, so wecan grind coffee for people ifthey need it,” she said. “Weoffer all sorts of drinks. Prettymuch what people are used to,we carry it.”

The menu also includessandwiches – “more like grab

and go,” Mills said – and currybowls from The Breadline Cafe

in Omak.“It was awesome that we

won,” Mills said. “I was reallysurprised. I am surprised by allof the support the communityis giving us. There are timesthat are slow, but for the mostpart it’s above and beyondwhat I expected.

“I am happy to providesomething like this inOkanogan. It’s good to loveyour job, and I love my job.”

The future will include whatthe community wants, andperhaps a few bigger bands.

“It’s hard to say right now,”Mills said of the future. “I amreally happy with what ishappening now.”

Mills lives with her 3-year-old daughter and fiance,Autumn Carroll, who recentlybought an organic orchard.

“They are the best keptsecret, except it should not be asecret,” Good said. “Last year,we experienced a lot ofstanding room only.

There is no cover charge,although for better-known actsthere is a suggested donation.A tip jar often passed for areamusicians.

“People have been verygenerous with that,” Good said,noting posters, handbills at thebusiness and Facebookpostings get out the word aboutwho plays next.


��

�'��!�#�� %")�!,!%��"��&+()�+�)��.��%��%�)��. ��$�� '�$�

�#&)�� %")�!,!%��.�(!��. ��$�� '�$��*+(��. ��$��'�$�

��!%��*��

��

�

�$�"��(��!��(�� %��$$�**��-%�()

� ��

��

��

Salmon Creek brings a good vibe


Good4U performs Nov. 8 at The Salmon Creek Coffee Co., voted the best espresso or coffeebusiness in south Okanogan County.

Mills

Second Avenue

spot showcasing

local talent

“I bet there is no

cooler place in

San Francisco

or Seattle.Jack Burchard

”

By Dee CampThe Chronicle

TWISP – A business thatrose from the ashes in its earlyyears is a double winner in thewinery/brewery category of TheChronicle’s “Best of” awards forsouth Okanogan County.

“It’s nice to be recognized forall the hard work” that goes intooperating a brewery andrestaurant, Twisp RiverPub/Methow Valley BrewingCo. owner Aaron Studen said.

The pub took first place inballoting and the brewery tooksecond.

The business, 201 N.Methow Valley Highway,started in 1998 in a formercreamery building across thestreet from the Methow ValleyInn, 234 E. Second Ave., butmoved to its current locationafter that building burned in2001.

With hindsight, the fire wasgood for business, since the newlocation is more prominent,Studen, 40, said.

“We do about four times thebusiness,” he said.

In the intervening years, thebusiness has attracted both alocal clientele and a steadycrowd of drop-ins amongtourists traveling over theNorth Cascades Highway andthrough the Methow Valley.

Studen, who got his start as ahome brewer, said he doesn’tkeep track of where hiscustomers live, but knows thesummer months – when trafficis heaviest – bring tons ofvisitors.

“We had nothing but good

food here, and enjoyed somehard ciders and non-alcoholicbrews, too,” wrote Laura S. ofBellingham on the yelp.comreview site. “Every dish weordered was delicious. It is a‘must’ in Twisp.”

What Laura S. and othersfind are dozens of hand-craftedbeers, house-made pop, hardcider and scratch-made food.

“We don’t cut corners on ourraw materials,” Studen said.“We buy the best materials wecan.”

Beer is made in 150-gallonbatches, with dozens of typesmade each year.

“We have eight we try tokeep all the time,” he said.

Current offerings on tap areCream Ale, Indian Pale Ale,Vienna Lager, Pilsner,Schwarzbier, Oktoberfest, Bock,Brown Ale, Porter and Oatmeal

Stout.“Talk about a generous beer

sampler,” wrote yelp.comreviewer Hanna L. of Seattle.“We had five tastes, each ofwhich must have been aroundfive or six ounces. Not that I’mcomplaining!

“The two winners wereobvious: The Bock and thePorter. The Bock wasbeautifully sweet and full-bodied; the Porter smooth andsensuously viscous. You couldget lost in its depths for hours.The other three beers were fine,but all lighter styles of theirparticular types.”

Studen also makes severalvarieties of soda pop – rootbeer, ginger ale, raspberry andcream soda – using cane sugarinstead of the high-fructosecorn syrup found in most pop.

The business just finished its

annual fall cider squeeze. Thatjuice is destined for hard cider.

On the restaurant side, thepub makes all its soups andsauces from scratch, cooks itsown beans instead of buyingcanned and makes other dishesin house, Studen said. Manyincorporate products from thebrewery side.

The menu includes burgers,wraps, sandwiches, salads,pasta dishes, daily specials andother items ranging fromtraditional pub grub such asbuffalo wings and fish and chipsto Thai peanut noodles,calamari, a curry bowl and fishtacos.

Studen said he buys localmeats and, in the summer, localproduce.

On the dessert menu arecheesecake, ice cream,chocolate mousse and otherhouse-made goodies.

The business also offers liveentertainment inside and, whenthe weather’s nice, outdoors onthe riverside patio.

“I was and still am amazed

that such a great pub exists inthe seemingly boring town ofTwisp,” wrote Melissa T. ofBerkeley, Calif., on yelp.com.“The place is spacious, has greatservice and generous seating,some in a nice outdoor area,

some overlooking the clean andwell-laid-out bar, some near amusic stage area.”

After reviewing her meal,Melissa T. added, “I bought afew beers to go and left withsome great memories of Twisp.”


• 24-hr. Doctor on call for emergencies.• Air conditioned boarding.• In-house diagnostic lab.• Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Ask us aboutvolume pet food

savings

Serving the greater Okanogan

and beyond

Alpine Veterinary Clinic741 Riverside Drive, Omak • 509-826-5882

Denise S. Krytenberg, D.V.M.

ALPINE

CLINICVETERINARY

Dealership

We would like to thank all of our wonderful customers for their continued support in voting

us #1 veterinary clinic in the north County“Quality care for large and small animals since 1977”

North Cascades National BankRecognized for being THE BEST

Financial Institution by Chronicle Readers!

“Best Of” North Okanogan CountyOmak branch

“Best Of” South Okanogan CountyOkanogan branch

www.ncnbank.com1-800-603-9342

Member FDIC

Thank you for 37 wonderful years!

Voted “Best of” 2012 for Dentistry for South Okanogan County

“We care for people, not just teeth.”

108 2nd Ave., Okanogan • 509-422-3200www.caringdentalcenter.com

Dr. Denny Homer37 years experience

Thanksfor voting us“Best” car

dealer!

��

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Prickly Pear earns accolades

By Dannie OliveauxThe Chronicle

OMAK – Witnessing adwindling local jewelryindustry, two business ownerscame together to bring some lifeto the area with an idea calledThe Prickly Pear.

“We felt there was a needand didn’t want Omak to die,”co-owner Debra Picard said.

She and co-owner ShanaHammett’s efforts paid off, asThe Prickly Pear was voted amultiple winner in the northarea in The Chronicle’s “BestOf” competition for 2012 – justafter the store celebrated itsone-year anniversary.

It took first as best business,first among gift shop/jewelrystores, and added seconds inthe customer service andclothing/shoe store categories.

The store is a mixture of fineand fashion jewelry,consignment clothes and shoes,and other fashion accessories.

Because Hammett ownedher own consignment clothingstore prior to working atHarrison’s, she is familiar withfinding good quality usedclothing.

The store currently has 160consignors who have clothes inthe store.

“It’s like access to 160women’s closets,” Picard said.

“We felt there was a need inthe community to have nicerclothes, better labels andaffordable prices,” Picard said.

Picard believes part of thestore’s success involves aroundthe store’s large variety of item.

“It was something that wasreally needed and our prices arereally good,” Picard said.

She said the store’s jewelryrepair department is needed inthe area.

Picard and Hammett knewwhen the store doors openedthey would have clients from

their days working atHarrison’s Jewelry.

“People appreciate whenthey walk in the door, it may bea new business, but the samepeople,” Picard said. “So theyfeel that comfort level whenthey leave jewelry.”

C.J. Harrison works in thestore repairing, resizing andcleaning jewelry.

“Having C.J. doing jewelryrepair, we knew it was a needinstead of a want,” Hammettsaid.

Picard and Hammett bothagree they enjoy what they do.

“We get to see a lot of our oldHarrison clients,” Hammettsaid. “It doesn’t feel like a job.We’re having fun in doing whatwe do.”

“It doesn’t feel like working,it just feels like fun,” Picardsaid.

The store also featuresjewelry created by local artist,along with a lady from Carltonwho make winter hats.

The store is located at 4 N.Main St.

Dannie Oliveaux/The Chronicle

Debra Picard, left, and Shana Hammett co-own The Prickly Pear, a jewelry store.

Year-old store is a

winner in several

‘Best of’ categories

Twisp River Pub is a double winner

Roger Harnack/The Chronicle

Twisp River Pub and Methow Valley Brewing Co. offers hand-crafted beverages and house-made food.

Business is south

county area’s top

winery/brewery


OMAK – A love of takingphotos of her son led AlyshaHayse toopen herbusiness,Leeshy LouPhotographylast year.

A yearlater, she hasbeen voted asthe bestphotographybusiness inthe northpart of Okanogan Country.

“I thought the award wasgreat,” friend and client TaraMarchand said. She went toschool with Hayse.

“It’s a great accomplishmentfor her first year.”

“I was completelyblindsided, completelyshocked,” Hayse said about theaward. “I forgot it was this timeof year. I am grateful. It makesall the hard work and latenights worth it.”

Hayse, 22, is a self-taughtphotographer who soaks upnew ideas and techniques whilephotographing children,seniors, families and couples —people portraiture – from herhome at 804 Quassia St.

“She’s full of ideas,”

Marchand said. “Everything isdifferent, not all the samebackgrounds. She’s really funkyand makes a photo shoot fun.She has an idea for everyperson.”

Hayse originally got a

camera to photographlandscapes and sporting eventsbefore doing her senior projecton photography at OkanoganHigh School, from which shegraduated in 2008.

“That was the first time I

started thinking aboutcomposition and how thecolors work,” she said.

When she and her husband,Jon, had their son, Jackson,she started taking photos ofhim.

“I wanted to take pictures ofeverything he did,” she said ofher son, now going on 3. “ThenI started doing photos for otherpeople, because it makes me sohappy to do these memories.So, that is how I started.”

She enjoys photographinginside, where she can controllighting, although she also doesoutdoors sessions and weddingphotos.

“Lighting is much moreimportant than location, I havefound out,” she said. “Taking agood picture is a lot differentthan creating a good picture.”

She likes working on the“just right” lighting, wardrobeand pose, which she says is alot harder than being in theright place at the right time fora photo.

“I am always learning,”Hayse said, noting she is in astatewide photography groupfor constructive criticism.

What she’s learned can beseen in stylized shots, photosthat have a story that go withit.

“Instead of just makingpictures, I like to plan out howthe session will go,” she said. “Iget balloons and some banners,that kind of thing.

“I think the setting makesthe picture more importantthan just taking portraits.”

She gets business help fromher husband, who has startedtwo businesses.

The couple met in the 10thgrade, where she found himinteresting to talk to.

“Jon has got the best senseof humor,” she said. “He makesme laugh.

“He does anything I needhim to do. He does all myphoto props and helps withweddings and mini sessions.”

She sees a future where shecan have her own studio.

“But I want to continue totake pictures of all myawesome clients,” she said.“That is by far my favorite partof doing all this, makingfriends with families and kids,taking pictures.

“Seeing the kids grow upand change; it’s a lot of fun, thebest part.”

“She did me when I waspregnant with my son and mydaughter was there,” Marchandsaid. “And she photographedme after with me and my kids.”

She also did a familyportrait with her husband,Ryan Cate, and the their sonand daughter.

“We are about to shootanother portrait in a week,”Marchand said.

Hayse business name camefrom her nickname – Leeshy(pronounced lee-she).

“I wanted something catchy,something people willremember, but personal,” shesaid.


Conconully Chamber & Conconully Chamber Businesses

would like to thank all who voted us Best of

Fishing & HuntingCamping Location

ATV/Snowmobile/Hiking/Trails

Conconully Chamber of Commerce509-826-9050

www.conconully.com

IItt iiss aann hhoonnoorr aanndd aa pprriivviilleeggee ttoo sseerrvvee yyoouu!!

Thank youffoorr yyoouurr ccoonnttiinnuueedd

ccoonnffiiddeennccee aanndd ssuuppppoorrtt..

VVootteedd ““BBeesstt ooff”” DDeennttiissttrryy NNoorrtthh OOkkaannooggaann CCoouunnttyy

826-4050 • 1-800-870-4057 • www.grillodds.com739 Haussler Road, Omak

Thank You For VotingCommunityNet

“BEST OF”4 Years in a Row!

[email protected]

PLUMBING INCPLUMBING INCPetePeterson

PetePeterson

869 2nd Ave. S., Okanogan • 509-422-5035Lic. #PETEPP*018P7

Thank you to our loyal customersfor voting us

“Best Of” Contractor 2012 in south county

��"!��%��&�#$��$��!��'�%�%"��&�#$��

��&�#$�� #��#�

��Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

We wish to thank all who voted us

Best of Bar/Tavern— Kane, Rhonda, Justin, DJ

and Danielle

Community Cultural CenterThanks you for 20 years of support.

For promoting arts & cultural since 1992.

TONASKET

communityculturalcenter.org411 S. Western Ave., Tonasket • 509-486-1328

��# ��$(��# �*$(��$%�)$'�#��(&

+��&'��,��$#$%��!��"�#'�$#��$%��(&�("&��#��$('�� #$��#��$(#'%*�

Colville Tribal Museum��*��$(!��"

� ��

Year-old photography business lauded

Hayse

Leeshy Lou offers

portraits with

varied backdrops

Alysha Hayse/Leeshy Lou Photography

Ava McMillan of Oroville poses for a whimsical baby photo.

Retired optometrist still the bestBy Cary Rosenbaum

The Chronicle

BREWSTER – Mystified bymedicine while serving in theVietnam War, Duane Ranaswitched his dream of becomingan engineer and went intooptometry at Pacific Universityin Forest Grove, Ore.

After earning his degree in1976, Dr. Duane L. Rana,opened his eye-care business inBrewster. After working 35years, he retired in September2011. That didn’t cause The

Chronicle’s readership to holdits “Best of” votes for him.

Rana, 63, was selected asthe best south countryoptometrist by readers in thisyear’s awards.

Currently, Rana is inHawaii, his daughter andhouse-sitter Alyssa Rana said.

“He left his phone here andhe and my mom just took off,”she said.

While his primary office wasin Brewster, he also had a bigimpact on the communities ofCoulee Dam and Grand Coulee.

“We were very lucky to havehim,” said Judy Curtis, a 23-year front desk employee forhospitals in the Coulee Damarea. “He was one of the bestdoctors we’ve ever had. He isvery much a family man and Ireally appreciated that.”

Rana specialized inglaucoma and cataracts, andover the last several years

expanded his business toaccept patients which spokeSpanish as their first language.

“Being in Brewster, one ofhis goals was to provide goodeye care for the Hispanicpopulation here as well,” Rana,34, said of her father. “He hada couple girls working for himthat helped translate, whichseemed to go very well.”

Darlene Morava, a formerpatient, gave positive

testimony.“He was a good doctor and

everybody liked him,” she said.Rana has been able to spend

time with his twograndchildren in Wenatcheeand is also an avid hiker. Buthe still misses the atmosphereof work, his daughter said.

“His big thing about retiringis that he misses the patients,”she said.

“Sometimes he’ll run into

them and they’ll say they misshim. He really enjoyed hisprofession.”

It was a good shot in thedark for the man who movedup from Los Angeles.

“They were really lookingfor a small town country lifeplace to start a business andraise a family,” Rana said.“They found that in Brewster.He and my mom would say itwas the best move ever.”

Alyssa Rana

Duane L. Rana, second from right, has retired and now spends time hiking.


BREWSTER – Three RiversHospital leaders are working tore-establish a good relationshipand credibility with the public.

The effort seems to bepaying off.

The hospital was namedbest medical facility for thesouth county by Chronicle

readers in the annual “Best of”awards.

CEO Bud Hufnagel said thefacility at 507 Hospital Waystrives to provide good healthcare and consistent service.

“Our goal is to make a greatof progress on doing that, onbeing aggressive and on doingthe right things,” he said.

Since becoming thehospital’s top administrator inSeptember 2011, Hufnagel saidhe’s worked to change thehospital’s culture “so you don’thave to think about whetherthe quality of care is the bestpossible, it just automaticallyis.”

Employees – from doctorsand nurses to janitorial andkitchen workers — are makinga lot of progress.

The public, critical-accesshospital serves southOkanogan County and northDouglas County, from Mazama

to Monse and Mansfield.“Continuing a 60-year

tradition, our goal is to be theprovider of choice for allresidents and visitors,” hospitalofficials said.

A key component of thehospital’s continued success isa health and wellness program,Hufnagel said.

“Hospitals aren’t justhospitals any more,” he said.“We take care of the patient ina more global sense. It’s a lotmore than an attitudinalthing.”

That attitude is part of thefederal Affordable Care Act,which appears to be on theroad to full implementationnow that the U.S. SupremeCourt has ruled on a challengeto it and President BarackObama has been re-elected,Hufnagel said.

The wellness programincludes an effort to educatepeople that the emergencyroom is for emergencies andnon-emergencies need to betreated by care providers in aclinic setting.

Three Rivers is participatingin a state hospital associationprogram to provide andmanage patient care and do itin a cost-effective manner.

The hospital works withpublic health and otherproviders.

Another facet of thehospital’s mission is providingcare for the two fastest-growing populations it serves –those ages 18-27 and those 65

and older.“A majority of our patients

fall into one of those,” he said.“We have a large maternity

volume.”Its biggest program is

orthopedics and orthopedicsurgery.


AAAAUUUUTTTTOOOOMMMMOOOOTTTTIIIIVVVVEEEE &&&& RRRRVVVV

��#!��$�(��!��+��

��&��#��'&#!#&�(��)#' �� &#��#"(�*#'$��$&�� &��$�&�&'��&#��(�$*#"��#$�(#&�"��'%��

�� ##��#$)�$��&#�%�$(�"��*#'��"��#'$�#!!'"�&*��#$�!�"*�*��$%�&#��#!��

��

,��%&�#�-��$��&�#"� �� %

,��%&�#�-�'&#��$(��

Thank you, Chronicle readers, for again voting us the best pharmacy in south Okanogan County.

And thank you to all of our loyal customers, we think YOU are the best!

Full Service Pharmacy, True Value Hardware & Unique Gifts811 Hwy. 97, Brewster • 509-689-2421

BREWSTER DRUG &

We are so honored for voting us Best of . . .

Thank you to our loyalcustomers!

Burgers& Pizza

Bar &Tavern

BestBusiness

125 Pine St., Downtown Okanogan

509-422-4282

Callaway & DeTro PLLCThank you to everyone who voted our office “Best Of” for 2012.

Your vote of confidence means a lot to all of us!Law Office of Callaway & DeTro PLLC

700-A Okoma Drive • Omak509-826-6316

TThhee FFaarrmm SShheedd521 2nd Ave. South, Okanogan

509-422-9722

Ag Tech

Laurie & Monte Andrews would like to thankeveryone that voted their businesses

BEST OF!

249A Rodeo Trail, Okanogan 509-422-1600


TUNK CREEK – Mike Raycan build most anything, butwhat he really likes to do isbuild homes.

Ray’s homes andpersonality jetted him to firstplace for contractor in thenorth of Okanogan Country inthe “Best Of” awards.

“I did not know anythingabout it (the contest) untilDorothy came home with it,”Ray said. “It was kind of asurprise to me.

“He was confused,” partnerDorothy Eddy said afterfinding the award on theirdoorstep. “He said, ‘Who didthat?’ ”

Ray, 62, operates Mike RayConstruction and has builthomes — including log homesand specialty houses — fromTunk Valley to Aeneas Valley,from Pine Creek to Tonasket.

“As a general contractor, Ibuild,” he said. “In this countryover here, you do whatever youhappen to build. I like buildinghouses the most. It has sloweddown a little bit the last coupleyears.”

Ray says building homesmay have slackened in stepwith a weak economy, butinterest rates are so low thatnow is a great time to purchasea house.

“I don’t remember interestrate being this low,” he said.“It’s not going to be anycheaper.”

Ray started his business in1975 or “somewhere aroundthere,” he said. “I’ve beenworking for myself ever sincethen.”

A product of Auburn HighSchool (1969), he moved toTunk Valley in 1988.

“There was no work backthen, very little,” he said.“Then it started picking up.”

After working for severalarea contractors, he decided togo into business for himself.

He likes to build a housefrom the ground up, fromfoundation to framing, tosetting windows, putting insiding, roofing and the insides.

“It’s always somethingdifferent all the time,” Raysaid, who disdains the idea ofbeing a union contractor doingthe same work over and over.“I hate doing the same thingday after day after day.”

When he finishes, the newowner has a “turn-key” home,

with everything done.“One thing I can say, I built

it myself, nobody else did it forme,” he said, mocking aPresident Barack Obamasaying.

He’s especially proud of a4,000-square foot log home hebuilt for a Tibetan monk alongTunk Creek and log homes inthe Aeneas Valley.

Although he’s done work inthe Methow Valley, he prefersworking the region north ofRiverside because it’s a longway to drive to the bustlingnearby valley.

“I just know he does qualitywork,” Eddy said. “We areliving in one of the houses he’sbuilt. It’s absolutely, verycomfortable. It’s very warm.”

He employs a couplepeople, preferring to keep hisoperation small.

“I don’t like to get too big,”he said. “I want to keepcontrol, do one job at a time.”

Mike Ray

Mike Ray built this home and garage in Tunk Valley.

Ray builds quality

Hospital named the best

Three Rivers Hospital

The Three Rivers staff enacts an emergency room ‘incident’ withemployee Marcos Ruiz as the ‘patient.’

Three Rivers earns

top spot among

medical facilities

Tunk Creek

contractor named

best by readers


MOLSON – Early 20thCentury displays and artifactsdisplays make the MolsonMuseum complex a specialplace.

Residents have clearly takennotice, which is apparent asThe Chronicle’s readershipnamed the site a winner in itsannual “Best of” competition asTop Museum in NorthOkanogan County.

The museum complex “hassomething for everyone,”Director Mary Louise Loe said.

The complex includes threesites — Molson School, OldMolson and MolsonCommunity Church.

It is maintained andoperated by the MolsonMuseum Association, whichoperates under the OkanoganCounty Historical Association.

About 5,000 people visitthe Molson area each year, Loesaid.

The museum complex isopen about seven months ayear — from Labor Day toMemorial Day, she said.

The old brick schoolbuilding, which was built in1914, has four floor displaysthat include a restoredclassroom, the original schoollibrary with the original books,and displays of hand tools, oldhorse and buggies, householdartifacts, a pioneer post office,fixtures, and photographs fromthe past.

It also features displays set

up for a dentist office andbarbershop.

The school closed in 1969and was purchased by theMolson Grange in the 1970s. Agroup of volunteers collectedand organized displays for themuseum, which opened in1982.

Old Molson, 539 MolsonRoad, is site of theunincorporated town before itwas moved. It includes oldfarm equipment and originaltown buildings — an assayoffice, bank and newspaperamong them.

The church was added tothe complex several years ago.

Loe has been director of themuseum since its opening day.

“I remember we had to do alot of work on the (school)building,” Loe said. “We onlyopened the first floororiginally, then the remainderof the building as we fixed thebuilding.”

Inside the museum is atearoom that providesrefreshments and souvenirs inan old-fashion setting.Wheelchair assessablebathrooms are available.

The basement gymnasium,which still has the originalbasketball goals andbackboard, is home to an arrayof old artifacts.

The school museum is listedon the National Registry ofHistoric Places, and is locatedcross the Molson Grange Hallon Molson Road.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Labor Day to Memorial Day.

Readers cite Molson


TWISP – A longtimeMethow Valley lodging facilityand a hotel that’s been openjust a few months were namedthe best accommodations forthe south county area.

Sun Mountain Lodge, avalley fixture for 44 years, wasnamed the top accommodationby readers in The Chronicle’sannual “Best of” awards. TwispRiver Suites, open for fivemonths, was the runner-up.

“It’s absolutely fantastic,”Sun Mountain Manager BrianCarlton said. “It means a lot tous” to be recognized by localresidents.

Sun Mountain, 604Patterson Lake Road, hasreceived plenty of accoladesfrom national and internationalorganizations, including twodecades worth of FourDiamond Awards from AAA forits restaurant and a certificateof recommendation fromConde Nast, which publishessuch magazines as The NewYorker, Gourmet and CondeNast Traveler.

“We do all we can to belocal,” Charlton, 64, said.

When the lodge wasremodeled and expanded in1988-89, with reopening in1990, it relied on local metalwork, furniture and rock workcraftsmen.

It serves locally producedfood, especially in the summerwhen fresh produce is added tolocal meats.

Methow Valley residentJack Barron started buildingSun Mountain Lodge in 1965and opened it in 1968 atop a3,000-foot mountain with apanoramic view of mountains,forests and valleys.

The original facilityincluded a dining room,lounge, front desk, publicmeeting rooms, pool, hot tuband 50 guest rooms in twobuildings. Cabins on the valleyfloor, and later moved toPatterson Lake, completed thefacility.

In 1987, the Haub brothersof Germany purchased the lodgeand ranch with the cabins, thenrenovated it. There are 112rooms spread out among thecabins, main lodge building,and Robinson and Gardnerbuildings, Charlton said.

Amenities range from poolsand hot tubs to a restaurant,5,000-bottle wine cellar, spa,equestrian facilities, sleighrides, conference and meetingrooms, fishing, skiing andhiking trails, and boat rentals.The lodge can accommodatespecial events such asweddings, and has a culinaryapprenticeship program.

Guests won’t find TV sets intheir rooms, but will findwireless Internet.

“We’re a quiet, get-out-and-do-something resort,” Charltonsaid. “It’s an outdoorenthusiast’s heaven.”

Free day use of manyamenities is offered, Charltonsaid.

“It is just amazing,” wrote“villdre” of London, England,on the tripadviser.comwebsite. “The ultimate getawayfrom people and traffic of bigcities.

“Luxury in nature,” wroteanother tripadvisor.comreviewer using the name“caralyzer.” “My room had noTV, just wonderful musicplaying in the room as Ientered. Leave your technologyat home and just take in thebeauty and joy of nature. Superall-season, resort-like property— worth the trek.”

The lodge’s staff varies, butnumbers 240-250 during thesummer season, said Charlton,who has worked at the lodgefor 24 years.

Not far away, on the valleyfloor in neighboring downtownTwisp, is the runner-up in the“Best of” south countyaccommodations category.

Twisp River Suites, 140 W.Twisp Ave., opened June 22and had a very successfulsummer, owner Joe Marversaid.

The award “just kind ofblew me away. I was floored,”he said.

Marver, who declined togive his age, said he brokeground July 26, 2011. His 13-room hotel opened less than 11months later.

He’s new to the lodgingbusiness, but not new to thebusiness world.

Almost 30 years ago, hestarted a seasonal Halloweenstore in the Bay Area. Thatbusiness grew into a chain of 300Spirit Halloween Superstores,which was eventually bought out.

He still does some work forthe company.

Meanwhile, Marver visitedthe Methow Valley frequently.He noticed two vacant lots nextdoor to the Twisp River Pubwere for sale, and thought theriverside location would begreat for a hotel.

The hotel, which has earneda five-star rating on thewww.tripadvisor.com website,offers eight suites overlookingthe Twisp River and fivesmaller, standard rooms with amountain view. All offermemory foam mattresses, andthe suites feature decks,fireplaces and kitchens.

An entertainment areaoffers a fire pit, lounging areaand kitchen for larger groups.Live music – mostly jazz,bluegrass and country — is

offered to guests and the publicWednesdays and Fridays, withdinner from 6-9 p.m.Wednesdays and a happy hourfrom 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays.

Marver said he plans toexpand dinner offerings forguests in the coming months.They already get breakfast.

“Joe takes pride in what hehas built and it shows,” wroteBarbara H. of Vancouver, B.C.,on tripadvisor.com. “He isexcited to show you all the

features he has incorporatedinto his inn and he has thoughtof everything you might need.”

“This is by far the best hotelI’ve ever stayed in,” wrote“thixson” of Brooklyn, N.Y. “Itis a very comfortable size,actually bigger than my NewYork apartment.

“Great kitchen witheverything you might need.Nice layout, our room had ascreened in private porch withriver views.”


Coulee Dam FederalCredit Unionsends a big

THANK YOUto everyone who voted for us in

the “Best Of” contest. We appreciate your support and want you to know that we consider it agreat privilege to serve our community!Omak Branch

“Best Of” North OkanoganGrand Coulee Branch

Honorable Mention South Okanogan

��

��

The Salmon Creek Coffee Co.

Thanks You!

I want to thank all my customers and our fantastic communityfor all their support and for voting us “Best Coffee/Espresso” inSouth Okanogan Country (two years in a row!) and “BestCustomer Service” in South Okanogan County (honorablemention). I would also like to thank all of these amazing people:

And a HUGE THANK YOU to all the people in the communitywho see the benefit to having a quality coffee shop that supportslocal roasters, local bakers, local restaurants, local artists, and a

great atmosphere for anyone to sit andenjoy the quality of life and the creativitythat the Okanogan brings.

•• MMyy ssttaaffff•• MMyy ffaammiillyy•• BBlluuee SSttaarr CCooffffeeee

RRooaasstteerrss

•• GGoooodd SSttuuddiiooss•• TThhee BBrreeaaddlliinnee CCaafféé•• KKiinnccaaiidd CCrreeeekk BBaakkeerryy•• DDaann BBrroowwnn

•• OOkkaannooggaann aarrtt ssttuuddeennttss•• OOuurr llooccaall aarrttiissttss

134 S. 2nd Ave., Okanogan509-826-1533

Omak Clinic916 Koala, Omak

Optical Outfitters: 826-7919For eye exams: 826-1800

Voted“Best Of”

Optometrist 2012North Okanogan CountryUgo Bartell, Omak Clinic

Thank you to all of the patients andcommunity members who voted for

me. I am honored by your voteof confidence in my work.

��

��

��

Thank you for voting Joey’s Bark & Bath

#1 in Pet Services in North County for 2012!

Where pets go home happy!

Joey’s Bark & Bath121 S. Main St., Omak

509-826-6540

Lodge, new hotel receive recognitionMethow Valley

businesses offer

comfortable lodging

Don Portman

Sun Mountain Lodge, a valley fixture for 44 years, is surrounded by snow-capped peaks when winter sets in.

Twisp River Suites

Twisp River Suites is a newcomer to the Methow Valley.

“We’re a quiet,

get-out-and-do-

something

resort.Manager Brian Charlton

”

By Cary RosenbaumThe Chronicle

OMAK – Ryan Gunn maybe relatively new in town, butthe 32-year-old lawyer isgetting a reputation already.

The former Brewstergraduate and University ofWashington alumnus wasvoted best attorney in The

Chronicle’s “Best of” 2012Awards for North OkanoganCounty.

“I was very surprised,” hesaid. “I’ve only been back herea year-and-a-half.”

Gunn purchased and is inthe process of transforming theformer R. John Sloan Jr. LawOffices building at 7 N. MainSt.

“It’s conveniently located indowntown,” he said. “I have afriendly staff. I’m really youngand motivated and eager.We’re very efficient. I do what’sbest for the client.”

It already feels like home,Gunn said.

“Here, I know everybody, allthe attorneys,” he said. “Evenin Wenatchee, I know quite abit of attorneys. I like to be

able to actually establish aworking relationship with otherattorneys. So, I enjoy that.”

Affordable rates are one ofthe law firms goals, Gunn said.

“If someone can’t afford todo this, I’m always looking atother avenues to fit theirbudget,” he said. “I really feel

like people really like that.”Another goal is to

eventually expand and hire anadditional attorney, Gunn said.

Gunn formerly worked in amedical malpractice law firm inSeattle, and said his office inOmak is more of a generalpractice.

For criminal work, he doesmisdemeanors and felonies. Onthe civil side, he does familylaw, divorces and probate.

“I have a general civillitigation practice,” Gunn said.“There’s also things I do thatare off the wall.”

Construction law, personal

injury, state planning, power ofattorney health care directivesand real estate were also anarea he’s delved into before, hesaid.

A big part of his practice isfamily law, Gunn said.

“Over a third of our casesare family,” he said. “We don’tjust do divorces, we domodification issues ofparenting plans, child custodyand non-parental custody.”

Some things he doesn’t doare bankruptcy, disability,immigration and employmentlaw, he said.

Gunn’s great-grandfatherPeter Gunn was on the firstColville Tribal Business

Council.As al descendant, tribal law

is important to him, he said.“I am going to take the

tribal bar this winter,” Gunnsaid.

“I think I can help the tribalcommunity out.”

Overall, the young lawyer isexcited to be home, and to helpget his clients the best possibleresults.

“I want to develop a goodreputation in the communityfor my work,” he said.

Gunn said he isn’t justlimited to this community — hewill travel to Ferry, Chelan,Grant and Lincoln counties, aswell.

By Cary RosenbaumThe Chronicle

OKANOGAN – Heidi Smithand Bess Derting have aninteresting partnership as areaattorneys.

That partnership doesn’tlook to be going anywhere withthe recent election of Smith toOkanogan County DistrictCourt Judge Position No. 2.

“It would be unusual for ourprivate practice to conflict withmy matters in District Court,”Smith said.

The law firm of Smith &Derting, PLLC, won The

Chronicle’s “Best of” for SouthOkanogan County law office forthe second year in a row.

“It’s wonderful,” Dertingsaid of the award. “We havesome really great clients. We’reable to do the type of work we

like, and we really appreciatebeing recognized for that.”

That work includes realestate, small business, landuse, property litigation andtitles, Smith said.

“Between us, we’ve done alot of business,” she said,noting the firm does notpractice criminal defense.

Both graduated fromGonzaga University about fouryears apart. Derting is 33 andSmith is 37.

The two can’t practice in thesame building because theytalk too much, Derting joked.And that’s one of the thingsthat has made theirpartnership work.

It’s been important for thefirm to be prompt and efficient,Derting said.

“We like quick turn-aroundsand staying in close contactwith the clients, and they seemto appreciate that, as well,” shesaid. Since 2009, it’s beensolely Smith and Derting, afterTerri Karro retired.

They used to operate an

office in Winthrop, which hasbeen closed with Smith’s recentelection to the bench.

Smith insists her newposition won’t have too mucheffect on the partnership, as it

is only part time.“And, we do meet frequently

to check on our cases,” she

said. “We have lots ofcommunication.”

Derting grew up inOkanogan, and Smith went toschool in Tonasket, which givesthe firm a local connection toits clients, Derting said.

Both have husbands andchildren, and have been able tocover for each other whensituations occur.

Their office at 105 N.Second Ave. was opened inJanuary.

“We’ve remodeled thebuilding,” Derting said. “I workout of here, and (Heidi’s)mainly at the courthouse.”

One thing that makesworking in the county specialfor the two is the amount ofsupport from family andfriends, Derting said.

For the foreseeable future,Smith & Derting will maintainits law office.

“Heidi and I will maintainour partnership for as long asshe’s able to continue doingsome private work,” Dertingsaid.


Thank you for voting Ponytails Best

Beauty Salon!1122 NNoorrtthh MMaaiinn SSttrreeeett •• OOmmaakk

550099--442222--99779900

Thank you for votingDave’s Gun & Pawn

Best of 2012!s

We appreciate your business!

112 N. Main • Riverside509-826-0544

Thank You ��

�� 501 S. Whitcomb

Tonasket509-486-2172

Caso’s Country Foods

gg{{ttÇÇ~~ llÉÉââfor voting us the #1 grocery

store in south county!

From Tony, Val and the crew at Caso’s Country Foods.

Come on in and check out our every day low prices!

2406 Elmway • Okanogan • 509-422-5161

We enjoy caring for you!

Thank you for voting us “Best of” Medical Facility

of 2012.

Omak Clinic916 Koala Drive, Omak

509-826-1800 • 800-591-2765

Kevin Fletcher, owner509-826-5004 • 2 East Bartlett, Omak

We would like to thank all of ourwonderful customers over the years,

we appreciate your patronage.

Stop by or call us today!

Gunn shooting for positive reputation

Judgeship won’t change partnershipSmith & Derting

voted Best Law

Office in south

Cary Rosenbaum/The Chronicle

Heidi Smith,37, and Bess Derting, 33, form Okanogan law office Smith & Derting, PLLC.

Cary Rosenbaum/The Chronicle

Ryan Gunn, 32, stands outside of his 7 N. Main St. law office in downtown Omak.

“If someone can’t afford to do this,

I’m always looking at other

avenues to fit their budget.Attorney Ryan W. Gunn

”

Brewster alumnus

one of youngest

attorneys in area


Vern’s AutomotiveLLC

Appreciates the unexpectedhonor of “Best of” in automotiveservices for south county. We

appreciate your business.Thank you!

130 2nd Ave. N., Okanogan509-826-0515

��

��

��!��

��

Thank you for voting Heather’s Dog Grooming #1 in Pet Services for South County 2012!

Book now for the holidays!Gift Certificates Available

1068 2nd Ave., Okanogan509-826-5541

�� !��"%��&�

��

�� +(,��$�*'-#,)+#((('

��

Thank you to our clients, and those whovoted for us to be “Best Of”.

We are proud to work in such awonderful community.

Best Of Law PracticeSouth Okanogan

Smith & Derting, PLLC112 N. Second Ave., Okanogan

P.O. Box 845, Okanogan509-422-1601

��

��

��

Thank you, Okanogan Countyresidents, for voting us

“Best of” Honorable Mention in Electronic/Internet Services

$)'�*!�&#�-'+�*'�'+(�*��%�,'*"& �+)��)*�'��!�(%��-��

$��(��()�/�*!�&#�-'+��'(��!('&

$)'�*!�&#�-'+�*'�'+(�*��%�,'*"& �+)��)*�'��!�(%��-��

$��(��()�/�*!�&#�-'+��'(�

$)'�*!�&#�-'+�*'�'+(�*��%�,'*"& �+)��)*�'��!�(%��-��

$��(��()�/�*!�&#�-'+��'(�

.��*!�

.��)��$

.��")��

.��'&&� &-�.�

.��"�

.��**�(�)��(�)�.�

.��!�($�&�

.��$"))�

.��"&��

.��$$- %�&��.�

.��"&�

��& !��%�#

.��"�

.��**�(�)�

.��!�($�&�

��& !��%�#


CURLEW – For anunincorporated communitythat may not compete with thelikes of Omak and Tonasket inpopulation, the town of Curlewbanded together and votedtheir businesses intoprominence in The Chronicle’s2012 “Best Of” awards.

The Ferry County townhelped vote the Curlew MedicalCenter, Curlew FireDepartment, and Eagle CliffGrange No. 712 into runner-upfinishes against much largercompetitors.

Curlew Medical CenterThe Curlew Medical Center,

a part of the Ferry CountyHospital District, was selectedrunner-up for best medicalfacility.

The facility is a primary careclinic staffed by experiencedworkers, including a boardcertified family practicephysician, one physicianassistant and other support staff.

Gary Robertson, chiefexecutive officer for thehospital district, praised thework of Dr. Karen Shaaf.

“Karen is very patientoriented,” Robertson said. “Shetreats her patients as patients,but also as a friend. She lives

and raised her family here andis very involved in thecommunity.”

Shaaf and her staff provideda stable medical force inCurlew, Robertson said.

“They’re dedicated to theirpatients and that’s a majorcontribution why the clinic issuch a good clinic,” Robertsonsaid.

The medical center is at 9Kettle River Road.

Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Monday through Friday.

Call 509-779-4130 for moreinformation.

Curlew Fire DepartmentThe Curlew Fire

Department, also known as theFerry/Okanogan FireProtection District No. 14, has40 volunteers, which help servethe surrounding areas innortheast Okanogan Countyand northwest Ferry County.

The main station in Curlewis a four-bay facility, withsatellite stations in Toroda,

Malo and Danville. John Foster Fanning, who

has been fire chief since 2002,said there are two words for hisdepartment “dedicatedvolunteers.”

“They’re dedicated toshowing up for training,”Fanning said. “They go throughsome rigorous training as afirefighter.”

Another reason thedepartment is popular isbecause the district hasn’tincrease taxes to acquireequipment and their newstation, which was built in2005, Fanning said.

Emergency Medical ServiceChief Bonnie Goss agreedvolunteers make the firedepartment successful.

“It’s the people whovolunteer. They areoutstanding and dedicated tothe fire department,” Goss said.“We have had great supportfrom our commissioners whofully support us. And thecommunity has been very

supportive, also.” Goss, who has been a part

of the fire department forabout 20 years, said about 20of the volunteer firefightershave been crossed-trained asemergency medicaltechnicians.

Eagle Cliff Grange No. 712Lecturer Kathy Alexander

said the reason the grange ispopular in the community isbecause of its activities inbringing people together.

More than 40 people aremembers, and guests arealways welcome to join.

“We host an annualChristmas party and go to greatlinks to bring the communitytogether and kick off theholiday season off,” Alexandersaid.

She said the grange alsohosts a banquet of KinrossGold Corp. employees andsupplies them with homemadesoups and pies.

Because some grangemembers are elderly,Alexander said they hold someof their meeting as assistedliving facilities so the membercan feel involved.

Alexander said the grangedonates to the local food bank,has a booth at the county fair,and began a junior grangeprogram this year.

“We would (also) like to dobingo here,” he said.

Eagle Cliff Grange, locatedon Customs Road, meets at 7p.m. the third Wednesday ofeach month.

Unincorporated

town has plenty

to brag about

Curlew places three in ‘Best of’


OKANOGAN – TheOkanogan County Fairgroundsand fair shine above all othersin the south county area.

They were recognized byThe Chronicle’s readers as thebest entertainment venue andbest community festival/event,respectively, in the annual“Best of” awards.

“It’s a great honor,” thefair’s Clerk Loretta Houstonsaid.

“It’s kind of neat that we gotthat,” Okanogan County Parksand Recreation Board memberMaurice Goodall said. “We’retrying to change the waypeople look at the fairgrounds.We’re trying to make it user-friendly and positive.”

Volunteers have workedmany long hours to maintainand improve the fairgrounds,and also to stage the annualfair on the weekend after LaborDay.

“It’s one of the biggestentertainment things thatpeople can go to” Houstonsaid, adding its also affordablefor families.

The 62-acre fairgrounds,175 Rodeo Trail Road, “is theideal setting for reunions,picnics, company parties,wedding receptions, banquetsand indoor or outdooractivities,” the fair’s websitesaid.

Goodall said fair officialsare working hard to developthe grounds, raise money andencourage communitymembers to offer suggestionsand help the fairgrounds.

This year’s ribbon winnersreceived questionnaires withtheir premium checks askingfor opinions about the fairexperience. Other people withsuggestions can contact thefairgrounds.

Goodall said it’s importantto market the grounds, keepthem clean and upgradeamenities as funding allows.

“For us to stay alive downhere, we need to have functionsdown here,” he said. “We wantto make this fairgrounds a go.”

Centerpiece of the grounds

is the Agriplex, a 24,000-square-foot display area with a24-foot ceiling, concrete floorand radiant heat. It’s largeenough to drive a tractor-trailer through, turn aroundwithout going into reverse anddrive out again.

At the building’s north endis the Annex, which features3,338 square feet of carpetedmeeting area, restrooms and aU.S. Department ofAgriculture-certified kitchen,which can be used to processfoods for resale.

The Annex canaccommodate 300 people at asit-down meal or seminar.

The Agriplex complex hasbeen the site of weddings,conventions, memorial services

and numerous fundraisers.Recent events include the LoupLoup Ski EducationFoundation’s A Taste of TwoValleys fundraiser andOkanogan-Omak Rotary Club’sWine and Cheese gala.

Rotarian Debi Clark praisedthe venue and Goodall’sassistance. The club used boththe Agriplex and the Annex,and found it a wonderful placeto accommodate the 500 or sopeople who attended the club’sfundraiser.

North Cascades AthleticClub sets up portable courts inthe Agriplex each winter fortennis players.

Community members alsofind other areas of thefairgrounds popular for their

groups, Houston said.Recent events include

Washington State Sheriff’sPosse convention, state HOGRally for Harley-Davidsonowners, Society for CreativeAnachronism meeting and awildfire camp.

Berg Brothers Pavilion,used as the pig barn andauction ring during the fair,has been used in the off seasonby everyone from squaredancers to wedding parties.

During the winter, peoplecan rent covered parking spotsin the pavilion for theirrecreational vehicles and boats.

The grounds also offergrassy areas, several otherbuildings, horse stalls andriding areas and an RV park.

The RV area, open frommid-April through mid-October, offers 64 full hookupsplus 44 electric/water hookupsand tent areas.

During the fair, countyresidents reunite with eachother, sample a variety of food,view competitions and watchentertainment.

Fair officials hope toreinstate the rodeo, which wasreplaced in 2012 by a tractorpull, Houston said.

Fair shines in southGrounds and

September event

are winners


Jockeys vie for position during horseracing events at the 2012 Okanogan County Fair.

“They’re dedicated to their patients

and that’s a major contribution why

the clinic is such a good clinic.CEO Gary Robertson

”

“We’re trying to change the way

people look at the fairgrounds.Maurice Goodall, recreation board member

”


Can-Am • Ski-Doo • Husqvarna • Can-Am • Ski-Doo • Husqvarna • Can-Am • Ski-Doo • Husqvarna

Can-Am • Ski-Doo • Husqvarna • Can-Am • Ski-Doo • Husqvarna • Can-Am • Ski-Doo • Husqvarna

Can-Am • Ski-D

oo • Husqvarna • Can-A

m • Ski-D


m • Ski-D

oo Can-Am • Ski-D


m • Ski-D


m • Ski-D

ooCa

n-Am • Ski-Doo

• Husqv

arna • Can-Am • Ski-Doo

• Husqv


Can-Am • Ski-Doo

• Husqv


• Husqv


��

1930 2nd Ave., Okanogan • 509-826-5771

The snow is here and we’ve got the largest and bestselection of new and preowned snowmobiles.

Like us on Facebook Xtreme Power Sports!

Check out these deals for this event!

www.shopxtremepowersports.net

Xtreme Price$2,200

151” track, MIO rear suspension, Van Amburg running boards, RideFX

front shocks, twin pipes.

‘00 Ski-Doo Summit 700

Xtreme Price$7,299

XP, 163” track, electric start, vent kit,very clean sled great shape!

‘09 Ski-Doo Summit 800

Xtreme Price$3,795

4x4, auto, winch, aggressive tires, great shape!

‘07 TGB Outback 425

Xtreme Price$7,895

7163” track, vent kit. One owner. Runsand looks great.

‘10 Ski-Doo Summit X 800

Xtreme Price$5,995

154” track, Skydog skis. Low miles,runs great.

‘08 Ski-DooX 800

Xtreme Price$4,495

Water and land, goes everywhere,winch, plow, cab encloser. Great shape.

‘08 Max 2 600T 6x6

Xtreme Price$3,995

Electric start, fuel injected. Great shape, low miles!

‘05 Ski-DooRenegade 600

Xtreme Price$3,995

EFI, 4x4, great for work or play!

‘11 Can-AmOutlander 400

Xtreme Price$4,495

151” track, Boyesen Reeds, SLP head,pipe, intake & can. Runs strong!

‘05 Ski-Doo Summit 800 XP

Xtreme Price$5,500

X model, 159” track. Great shape!

‘07 Ski-Doo800 X

Xtreme Price$6,695

154” track, vent kit. Lots of extras.

‘09 Ski-Doo 800 XP

Xtreme Price$4,495

4x4, auto. One owner!

‘09 Can Am 800

Xtreme Price$9,500

E-tec, 163” track, electric start. Only 1,274 miles!

‘11 Ski-DooSummit X 800

Xtreme Price$9,500

E-tec, 163” track, better boards,vent kit


Xtreme Price$6,495

3,000 lb. winch, aggressive rip tires. Tall windshield, low miles, 4x4,

947 miles!

‘08 Can AmOutlander 650 XT

Xtreme Price$1,995

Great running sled. 144” track.

‘01 Arctic Cat Mtn. Cat 800

Xtreme Price$4,995

Dump bed, power steering, 4x4.Great for around the farm!

‘09 Kymco UXV 500

Xtreme Price$5,495

146” track, 800 powertek engine. Runs great!


Xtreme Price$5,295

154” track, 600 ETEC, vent kit, electricstart, reverse.

‘09 Ski-DooSummit X 600

Xtreme Price$4,595

144” track, 600 SOI engine, electricstart, reverse.

‘08 Summit600 Adrenaline

Negotiable $150 documentary fee may be added to price. Vin #’s available upon request, prices plus tax and license fees.

Huge selection of clothing and gear in stock!

Check us out online www.xtremepowersports.net

��

�!��

��

��

OPEN HOUSE EVENTWednesday, Friday & Saturday

Nov. 21st, 23rd & 24th ONLY��"��

best of 2012

Documents