Kill the messenger

This week's paper has a letter from Cal Hart of Carlton blasting us for running a story about the indictment against the White family of Twisp who are accused of poaching wolves from the valley's Lookout Pack among other charges.

A fine hatchet job
Editor,
    I want to thank you for your extremely illuminating front-page article on the White family’s crimes against our state and nation’s environmental laws [“Twisp residents indicted for poaching wolves, smuggling,” June 15]. I am now aware that it is a far greater crime to eradicate a pack of wild dogs (wolves) than it is to rape, maim or take a human life. It does not matter if these dogs are threatening your livestock or family.
    Do you really believe it was a good idea to destroy their professional reputations and livelihood on the altar of environmental extremism even before they have a trial? You have done a really fine hatchet job on a good Methow Valley family.
    In conclusion, your article on June 15 was one of the most malicious and sensational examples of journalism I have ever witnessed.
Cal Hart
Carlton


A hatchet job? Malicious journalism? I guess we could have waited to run any kind of news article until after the dust settles on the whole affair, even though this is a major news story that has been covered regionally and nationally.
What do other readers think? We don't feel responsible for creating the news but we are definitely responsible for what we cover and don't cover.
Should we have run this article?


– Paul

Rocket knows his limits

At Blue Star Coffee Roasters, Rocket, the company hound waits for an invitation to join the caffeine enhancement club.

Little sluggers

The Methow Valley All-Stars Minors team (sponsored by the MVNews) spent two days competing in Omak for a season end tournament. The team held their own finishing second overall after losing to a tough Omak crew in the championship game.

A sharp looking squad.

Photo (l to r): Miles, Dusty, Sam, Nicholas, Willow, Jed, Shay, Simon, Leo, Brady and Henry.

– Paul

Overflow

Luc & the Lovingtons played to an SRO crowd at TwispWorks Saturday night

Pearrygin Creek overflow

I wish we could say we had our own helicopter at the Methow Valley News, but I guess we have the next best thing: knowing someone who has one. Local pilot John O'Keefe went flying around Pearrygin Creek last Thursday for a bird's eye view of the destructive aftermath from the swollen tributary's crazy leap out of its channel – what a mess!
John believes the whole thing started on the forested west side of Tripod Peak. Thanks for the photos and report, John.

The starting zone on Tripod.

The deposition zone.

Love that muddy water.

– Paul

Random valley art #1

Where is this?

Posted by Sue
<sent from my linen closet>

It's a hoot!

Rock'n'roll at the Hoot Owl

-Sue

<sent from my toaster>

Cornices and such

With the year's first stretch of genuinely warm weather, it won't be surprising to see or hear about some large snow slides tumbling down the mountain slopes. There already has been several creeks dramatically overflowing their banks and dramatic mudslides tearing down hillsides so it seems only appropriate for some big avalanches to come cascading down. If you're traveling in the backcountry this weekend, be cautious!

Tick, tick, tick....

– Paul