Town of Winthrop News

Town of Winthrop is updating park plan

2012-01-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

The Town of Winthrop is engaging in a whirlwind update of our Parks and Recreation Plan to maintain our eligibility to apply for grants through the Washington Recreation Conservation Office (RCO). In an effort to gauge public sentiment on our local parks and recreation scene, we’re asking folks to give us feedback. We’ve put together a brief and easy survey, available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/winthropparks. If you are a utility customer with the Town, you can also look for a survey in your mailbox. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to give us your input.

In addition to the park survey, the Winthrop Planning Commission will hold a Public Workshop with a focus on parks and recreation. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, January 24th, 6 PM at the Hen House of the Winthrop Barn. We will again be looking to get the community’s pulse on a variety of potential projects, to see where we can best spend our energy in coming years.

As always, your input helps us do a better job of setting priorities and planning for the future of our community. Please take the time to let us know what is important to you!

Attend The Workshop: Tuesday, January 24th, 6 PM at the Hen House of the Winthrop Barn

6th Annual Town of Winthrop Volunteer Recognition Celebration

2011-10-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop invites everyone to recognize, celebrate, and thank the numerous volunteers and groups that have given of their time over the last year to help the Town make Winthrop such a special place for all of us. The celebration will take place on Wednesday October 26th, 2011 from 6pm to 8pm at the Winthrop Barn. The evening will begin with a social hour from 6pm to 7pm with refreshments being served. At 7pm, the volunteer recognition presentation will begin. The evening will conclude around 8pm with dessert being served. Please join us to recognize these invaluable volunteers and the gift of their time and effort to all of us. For more information, please contact Town Hall at 509-996-2320.

Images of the Susie Stephens Trail/Spring Creek Bridge Project

2011-08-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

We've created an online photo album for the Susie Stephens Trail/Spring Creek Bridge Project. It will be added to periodically as construction of this important non-motorized trail link in Winthrop progresses. The photo album can be found here: https://picasaweb.google.com/118113251977161033121/SusieStephensTrailSpringCreekBridgeProject#

Announcing the Winthrop Community Solar Project

2011-05-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop is pleased to announce that it is joining with the Partnership for a Sustainable Methow and other partners to host a community solar system on Town owned land near the Town's sewer lagoons. As the host entity of the system, the Town will receive the energy produced and the individuals whose investment will pay for construction of the system will receive payments through a Washington State Renewable Energy Cost Recovery program. The Partnership for a Sustainable Methow is serving as the project's administrator. For more information on the project, please visit: www.sustainablemethow.net.

Susie Stephens Trail/Spring Creek Bridge Project Open House - March 30th 6:30pm

2011-03-28T14:24:00.001-07:00

The Town of Winthrop invites citizens to come to a project open house for the Susie Stephens Trail and Spring Creek Bridge on the evening of March 30th, 2011 at the Winthrop Barn. This project will begin construction later this spring and this is an opportunity for the public to see the designs and plans for this important non-motorized transportation link in the Town of Winthrop. Both the trail designer, Northwest Trails, Inc. and the bridge design/builder Mowat Construction will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. Join us from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm to learn about this exciting and important project. For more information, contact Town Hall at 996-2320.

5th Annual Town of Winthrop Volunteer Recognition Celebration

2010-10-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop invites everyone to recognize, celebrate, and thank the numerous volunteers and groups that have given of their time over the last year to help the Town make Winthrop such a special place for all of us. The celebration will take place on Wednesday October 27th, 2010 from 6pm to 8pm at the Winthrop Barn. The evening will begin with a social hour from 6pm to 7pm with refreshments being served. At 7pm, the volunteer recognition presentation will begin. The evening will conclude around 8pm with dessert being served. Please join us to recognize these invaluable volunteers and the gift of their time and effort to all of us. For more information, please contact Town Hall at 509-996-2320.

Town Council Vacancy

2010-09-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop is seeking to fill an upcoming vacancy on its Town Council. The selected individual will serve until the next general election for local offices (November 2011). To be eligible, a person must live within and be registered to vote within the town limits of Winthrop.

Interested individuals are asked to submit a letter of interest addressed to the Town Council by 3pm on September 30th, 2010. Letters may be dropped off at Town Hall or mailed to: Town of Winthrop, P.O. Box 459, Winthrop, WA 98862

The Town Council will interview interested applicants at its October 6th, 2010 meeting.

For more information, please contact Town Hall at 996-2320.

Pedestrian/Bicyclist Bridge Construction Open House March 24th

2010-03-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop welcomes everyone who is interested to join us in celebrating and learning more about the design and construction of a cable-stayed bridge over the Methow River. The open house will be held at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, March 24th, at the Winthrop Barn.

In selecting Sahale LLC as the bridge contractor, Winthrop cleared one of the final hurdles in a long process of providing a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists from the south end of downtown to the post office. The 380 foot long bike and pedestrian bridge will mark the beginning of the Susie Stephens Trail, and is certain to become a defining feature of the downtown area. Sahale’s bridge design incorporates features that make it consistent with the late 1800’s and the Town’s western theme.

During the open house, there will be an opportunity to view computer generated renderings of the bridge, hear from the lead consultants about the history and process behind the project, learn about the construction timeline and impacts, as well as ask questions and offer feedback on the bridge.

Currently, the expected date of completion for this bridge is in late 2010 so don't miss this opportunity to learn about this project and share your comments.

For more information please contact town hall at 996-2320

Winthrop Ice Rink Parking

2010-01-12T14:35:00.000-08:00

The Winthrop Ice Rink and its programs have been a great success for the Town of Winthrop. With that success, however, has come the challenge of managing the impacts on neighboring properties and their owners. Parking and traffic considerations have been the biggest headaches. This winter, the Town added 10 mph speed limit signs to the access road to the rink that for the most part are being respected and that is greatly appreciated for everyone’s safety. We also added no parking signs along the entry road and along the northeastern (towards the river) edge of the lot to preserve the access to the maintenance road to the rink and more importantly to preserve access for the guests of the Methow River Cabins neighboring the rink. Unfortunately, these no parking areas are not always being respected and rink users have been blocking access to the cabins and even using the cabin property to park or drop-off skaters. These actions are unacceptable to the Town and are unfair to our neighbors at the Methow River Cabins.

The lower lot at the ice rink is designed to accommodate approximately 15 to 20 cars (including the 2 disabled parking stalls). If you arrive at the rink and the lower lot is already full, you must park in the upper lot which can be accessed off of White Avenue (Twin Lakes Rd.) just past the entrance for Winthrop Physical Therapy and Fitness. A lighted stairway leads from the upper lot directly to the ice rink.

Please help us continue to build on the success of the ice rink and be good neighbors to the adjacent properties and their owners.

Town Volunteer Celebration - October 27th

2009-10-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop invites everyone to a celebration of the volunteers and groups that have given of their time over the last year to help the Town make Winthrop a great place for all of us. The celebration will take place on Tuesday October 27th, 2009 from 6pm to 8pm at the Winthrop Barn. The evening will begin with a social hour from 6pm to 7pm with refreshments being served. At 7pm, the volunteer recognition presentation will begin. The evening will conclude around 8pm with dessert being served. Please join us to recognize these invaluable volunteers and the gift of their time and effort to all of us. For more information, please contact Town Hall at 509-996-2320.

Potluck to Honor Marshal Matson - noon June 30th

2009-06-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop invites one and all to a lunchtime potluck on tuesday, June 30th at noon at the Winthrop Barn to honor retiring Marshal Chris Matson. Please help us say thank you to Marshal Matson for his years of service to the Town and its citizens.

Public Transportation Open House - March 11th - 7pm

2009-02-24T16:31:00.000-08:00

The Town of Winthrop and the Okanogan County Public Transportation Improvement Conference will host a public open house on Wednesday, March 11th at 7pm at the Winthrop Barn.

This open house is designed to gather community input on current and future needs for public transportation in the Methow Valley and the county as a whole. All Methow Valley community members are encouraged to attend. Please come and share your ideas and experiences to help shape the future of public transportation in Okanogan County.

For more information please contact Mayor Dave Acheson at 996-2320 or mayor@townofwinthrop.com or Tom Hanson at hansont@wsdot.wa.gov or 509-667-3029.

Drive Safe This Holiday Season

2008-12-23T16:03:00.000-08:00

With the holidays upon us, many more folks will be out and about on our area's roads and those roads are sure to be slick. Please exercise care and patience when driving and allow a little extra time to arrive at your destination. If we all slow down just a touch, we can all arrive safely at our destinations. And as always, please don't drink and drive.

A Safe and Happy Holiday Season to All!

Volunteer Recoginition Celebration - October 22nd

2008-10-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop invites everyone to a celebration of the volunteers and groups that have given of their time over the last year to help the Town make Winthrop a great place for all of us. The celebration will take place on Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 from 6pm to 8pm at the Winthrop Barn. The evening will begin with a social hour from 6pm to 7pm with refreshments being served. At 7pm, the volunteer recognition presentation will begin. The evening will conclude around 8pm with dessert being served. Please join us to recognize these invaluable volunteers. For more information, please contact Town Hall at 509-996-2320.

Marshal's Office at Town Trailhead ???

2008-09-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

At a recent Town Council meeting, the possibility of locating a building to house the Winthrop Marshal’s Office at the Town Trailhead parking lot was discussed in relation to a grant and loan opportunity available to the Town. This discussion and a subsequent article in Methow Valley News has led to numerous comments and feedback from those concerned about this possibility. Due to some of the concerns expressed, we agree that this site would not be an appropriate location for a new Marshal’s Office building. We will most likely continue to pursue the grant and loan opportunity, but will seek a different site for a new Winthrop Marshal’s Office building. We appreciate all of the immediate feedback on this issue. It is much better to hear from folks early when we are on the wrong course than at the end when everything is nearly finalized. Sometimes the appeal of a simple solution to a difficult challenge blinds us to some of the unintended effects of our solution. Thanks for keeping us on the course that our community desires.

Dave Acheson
Mayor of Winthrop

Recent upgrades to Town of Winthrop website

2008-09-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

We're happy to announce that we have recently added a "Planning" page to the Town of Winthrop website (www.townofwinthrop.com). The page includes a roster of current planning commission members, e-mail links to the planning commission and town planner, a link to view the current planning commission agenda, and a place to sign up to have the planning commission agenda e-mailed to you. We hope you'll find this page a useful addition to our website.

In Memory of Former Mayor Stan Peterson

2008-09-16T15:24:00.000-07:00

Recently, former Winthrop Mayor and Councilperson Stan Peterson passed away. He served as Winthrop's mayor from January of 1990 until March 1992. Stan's service and ongoing commitment to his community were greatly appreciated. On behalf of the Town, I would like to express how much we will all miss Stan and that our thoughts are with his wife Susan and their family during this difficult time.

Mayor Dave Acheson

Fire Halls and Fire Trucks

2008-08-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Recently, the Methow Valley News ran a story on the upcoming ballot issues being run by the Town of Winthrop and Okanogan County Fire District #6 to get voter approval for bonds to be issued to pay for a new fire truck (Town of Winthrop) and a new fire hall (Okanogan County Fire District 6). The article contained some inaccuracies as to who was being asked to approve and pay for each item. The correct information is as follows:

Town of Winthrop Fire Truck bond proposition (August 19th ballot):

Voters within the Town of Winthrop will be asked to approve a bond issue to pay for a new pumper truck to replace the current pumper owned by the Town which is over 23 years old and does not meet current National Fire Protection Association standards. Only voters within the Town of Winthrop will vote on this measure and only they will pay for the bond if the measure is approved.

Okanogan County Fire District 6 Fire Station bond proposition (November 4th ballot):

Voters within Okanogan County Fire District 6 (which does not include the town of Winthrop) will be asked to approve a bond issue to pay for a new OCFD6 fire station. Voters within the Town of Winthrop will not have this proposition on their ballots and will not pay for the bond if the measure is approved.

The Town of Winthrop and Okanogan County Fire District 6 enjoy a close working relationship and currently share a fire station. The Town contracts with OCFD6 for the operation of the Town's fire department. This close relationship benefits the Town's citizens by providing access to more equipment and personnel than the Town could otherwise afford on its own. However, to the casual observer, it can occasionally cause some confusion as evidenced by the recent MV News article. Hopefully, this post will clear up who is being asked to approve and pay for what.

Winthrop Ice Rink wins award

2008-07-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

On June 19, 2008, the Town of Winthrop was honored with a Municipal Excellence Award from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) at their Annual Conference in Yakima.

The Town of Winthrop won the Small City Successes category for the Winthrop Town Trailhead and Ice Rink. The Winthrop Town Trailhead and Ice Rink represents the culmination of years of effort by the town and two nonprofit groups, Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink Association and Methow Valley Sports Trail Association (MVSTA) to create a vibrant recreational hub in the heart of our community.

Planning for the project drew a great deal of public attention and input. Winthrop’s new 3.8 acre trailhead and ice rink now stands as the cornerstone in realizing a handful of long held community visions. Over the winter, hundreds of people, old and young alike, enjoyed skating on the new facility and warming their toes in the new building; while other folks used the new trailhead as a departure point to guide along the MVSTA ski trails.

Out of 62 entries, Winthrop’s entry was one of eight projects selected to receive an Excellence Award at AWC’s 75th Annual Conference. Entries are judged by subject category and each category has one winner. The awards are judged by individuals outside of AWC, who are selected for their knowledge of and enthusiasm for local government.

The Municipal Excellence Awards are presented to cities that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in promoting community excellence. The competition recognizes a community’s achievement and encourages other cities to develop similar programs. The hard work and dedication proven in each of the projects makes a community stronger especially when the focus is on improving tomorrow.

The Town of Winthrop wishes to thank all of the community members who volunteered and supported this project. This award is because of all of you and your unselfish hard work.

Traffic Note: MV Tour Bike Race

2008-06-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, June 15th, the Methow Valley Tour bicycle race will be passing through downtown Winthrop frequently throughout the day. The race will be using portions of Hwy 20, Bridge Street, and Bluff Street. Motorists are encouraged to watch for cyclists and obey traffic control flaggers directions to ensure the safety of all. Thank you.

Town Council and other meetings at the Barn

2008-06-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

The Winthrop Town Council will be holding its meetings (which take place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 7pm) at the Winthrop Barn until further notice. The change of meeting location is part of an effort to provide needed additional work space for town staff. The Winthrop Planning Commission will also be moving its meetings to the Barn soon as well. For more information on the change, please contact Town Hall at 996-2320.

Winthrop Planning Community Workshop

2008-05-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

These days Winthrop is changing and yet staying the same. It is still a small town. Its citizens are still friendly and care deeply for the place they live. Although its population is still about 370 people according to the State of Washington, just an increase of 21 people since the 2000 census, few would argue that Winthrop isn’t growing. New commercial buildings and many new residential development proposals have citizens wondering if the town is adequately prepared to handle these changes and some of the related issues and challenges they pose. These citizens are not alone, the Winthrop Town Council and Planning Commission have been eyeing these changes and considering the need to perhaps revisit the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and possibly make some improvements to it and/or Winthrop’s zoning code. As part of this consideration, the two groups held a joint meeting a several weeks ago to discuss what they felt some of the key issues and challenges facing the town and its citizens are. Also discussed was the desire and need for a public workshop to gather input from the citizens of Winthrop to make sure that their concerns and issues could be considered and addressed during this re-examination of the Comprehensive Plan.

This is where you come in. On Tuesday, May 13th, at 6pm, the Town of Winthrop will host a public workshop at the Winthrop Barn to gather public input and opinion on the issues and challenges facing Winthrop. This workshop is intended primarily as a community brainstorming session with an emphasis on generating a list of issues, challenges, and possible solutions to be investigated and worked on by the Town Council, Planning Commission, town staff, and citizen committees as necessary. The workshop will be facilitated by Winthrop’s Building Official Dave Sandoz who also happens to be a trained facilitator. Please come and join us and share your ideas and opinions on the issues and challenges that Winthrop and its citizens face. Be part of helping Winthrop effectively meet the challenges of the future so that even as it faces change it can stay the same wonderful place we all love.

Arbor Day Celebration and Park Clean Up

2008-04-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, May 7th at 4pm in Mack Lloyd Park, the Winthrop Tree Board will host an Arbor Day Celebration. The ceremony will be followed by a park clean up event lasting until about 6pm. Anyone interested in helping with the clean up is invited to bring work gloves, rakes, brooms, and other useful tools to help Town get Mack Lloyd Park ready for the busy summer season.

Carboard Recycling Drop Off open for the season

2008-04-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

The corrugated cardboard recycling drop off site on Horizon Flats Road is open again now that the snow has receded. The bin is for flattened, corrugated cardboard only. The Town wishes to thank Methow Recycles for making this service available to the citizens of Winthrop and the upper Methow Valley. To volunteer with this project or other Methow Recycles projects contact Betsy Cushman at 996-2696 or e-mail her at betsy@methowrecycles.org

Wildland Firefighters' Memorial

2007-12-11T15:57:00.000-08:00

Recently, I attended the dedication of the wildland firefighters’ memorial in Winthrop’s Mack Lloyd park. On behalf of the Town of Winthrop, I want to express how honored and grateful we are to be able to provide a home for this beautiful and important memorial. The Town also wishes to thank all those who worked on, donated to, and supported this project over the years. Wildland fire is part of our lives in the Methow Valley and we must always remember and honor those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our lives and property from it.

Thank You,

Dave Acheson

Mayor of Winthrop

Cardboard recycling dropoff in Winthrop

2007-11-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Methow Recycles and the Town of Winthrop are pleased to announce that a drop-off site for corrugated cardboard recycling is now open on Horizon Flats Road across from North Valley Lumber. The site will be open until snow arrives. Please flatten your cardboard before placing it in the bin to maximize the effectiveness of the program. Future plans include a drop-off bin for other materials that Methow Recycles collects.

Town Council 2008 Budget Workshop

2007-10-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

The Winthrop Town Council will hold a special meeting at 6pm Friday November 2nd, 2007 to work on the 2008 Town Budget. Public comments, ideas, and suggestions will be accepted during the first half hour of the meeting. Please limit comments and presentations to five minutes. Lengthier presentations may be submitted in writing at Town Hall. For more information please call 996-2320.

Town of Winthrop Volunteer Celebration

2007-10-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop invites the public to a celebration of the volunteers and groups that have given of their time over the last year to help the Town make Winthrop a great place to live, work, and visit. The event will take place on Wednesday October 24th, 2007 from 6pm to 8pm at the Winthrop Barn. The evening will begin with a social hour from 6pm to 7pm with refreshments being served. At 7pm, the volunteer recognition presentation will begin. The evening will conclude around 8pm with dessert being served. Please join us to recognize these generous individuals and groups. For more information, please contact Town Hall at 509-996-2320.

Pearrygin Trails Proposal Information Meeting

2007-08-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

Washington State Parks is proposing to conduct a feasibility study to expand the trail system around Pearrygin Lake State Park and to link the park to the town of Winthrop and is applying for funding from the Recreation and Conservation Office to pay for the study.

The Town of Winthrop is joining State Parks in the effort to explore possible trail alignments and look at various effects the trail system might have.

All interested parties are invited to attend a public meeting at the Winthrop Barn on Monday August 20th at 6:30 pm. The meeting is intended to inform the public about the proposal and to offer a forum for comments and suggestions.

For more information, contact Town Planner Rocklynn Culp at 996-2320

Traffic Alert: Methow Valley Tour Bike Race - June 17th

2007-06-12T15:58:00.001-07:00

Please be aware that on Sunday June 17th, 2007, the Methow Valley Tour bicycle race will be passing through the Town of Winthrop. Multiple groups of racers will be passing through and will be using portions of Castle Avenue, Corral Street, Bluff Street, West Chewuch Road, and Highway 20 west of the Barn. These "pass throughs" will begin about 8:45 am and will occur periodically throughout the day until mid-afternoon. Race personnel will be controlling traffic at intersections along the affected route. Please use extra care in travelling through the affected area and cooperate with traffic control personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable day for all. If you have questions please contact Town Hall at 996-2320 or MVSTA at 996-3287.

Job Announcement: Building Official

2007-06-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop is currently accepting applications for the position of Building Official/Plans Examiner. Requirements: valid Washington State drivers license; high school diploma or GED; ICC certified residential and commercial building inspector or obtain certification within two months of date of hire; ICC certified building plans examininer or obtain certification within six months of date of hire. Duties will include but are not limited to building inspection, plans examination, code enforcement, permit administration (including water, sewer, street access, grading and filling, floodplain permits). Salary $19.00 per hour to $21.50 per hour DOE plus benefits. Work week is 32 hours to start, possibly expanding to 40 hours per week in the future. Applications and/or job description may be obtained from Winthrop Town Hall, 206 Riverside Avenue, or mailed upon request (509-996-2320). Position is open until filled. First review of applications will be June 27, 2007. The Town of Winthrop is an equal opportunity employer.

Planning Commission/Town Council workshop

2007-04-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

The Winthrop Planning Commission and Town Council will hold a joint meeting/workshop at Town Hall on April 24, 2007 at 7pm to discuss Capitol Facilities Planning, Affordable Housing, and possible revisions to the zoning code. This workshop is open to the public.

Arbor Day Celebration and Park Clean Up

2007-04-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday April 25th at 4pm in Mack Lloyd Park, the Winthrop Tree Board will host an Arbor Day Celebration. The ceremony will be followed by a park clean up event lasting until about 6pm. Anyone interested in helping with the clean up is invited to bring work gloves, rakes, brooms, and other useful tools to help Town get Mack Lloyd Park ready for the busy summer season.

Tree City USA Award for Winthrop

2007-04-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop has received designation as a Tree City USA for 2006 from the National Arbor Day Foundation. The award will be presented to the Winthrop Tree Board on Wednesday April 25th at 4pm at the Town's Arbor Day Celebration at Mack Lloyd Park.

Winthrop's Tree Board, led by Dan Kirkmire of Wild Hearts Nursery, spent over 220 hours of volunteer time to complete the requirements of becoming a Tree City USA and to help the Town of Winthrop prepare its Community Forestry Plan.

Capital Facilities Plan Public Workshop

2007-02-13T21:32:00.000-08:00

The Town of Winthrop will host a public workshop to gather input and ideas for the Town's Six-year Capital Facilities Plan on Tuesday, February 20th at 7pm at the Winthrop Barn. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. Please contact town hall at 996-2320 for more information.

Building Official Job Announcement

2007-01-09T17:37:00.000-08:00

The Town of Winthrop is currently accepting applications for the position of Building Official/Plans Examiner. Requirements: valid Washington State drivers license; high school diploma or GED; ICC certified residential and commercial building inspector or obtain certification within two months of date of hire; ICC certified building plans examininer or obtain certification within six months of date of hire. Duties will include but are not limited to building inspection, plans examination, code enforcement, permit administration (including water, sewer, street access, grading and filling, floodplain permits). Salary $19.00 per hour to $21.50 per hour DOE plus benefits. Work week is 32 hours to start, possibly expanding to 40 hours per week in the future. Applications and/or job description may be obtained from Winthrop Town Hall, 206 Riverside Avenue, or mailed upon request (509-996-2320). Completed applications must be received at Town Hall by 1pm on February 15, 2007. The Town of Winthrop is an equal opportunity employer.

Town Trailhead and Ice Rink Community Meeting

2006-11-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

There will be a community meeting regarding the Winthrop Town Trailhead and Ice Rink tuesday, November 14th, at 5:30pm at the Winthrop Barn. This is a community informational meeting in support of a Town Trailhead and Ice Rink Project to be completed by July of 2007. The project is a cooperative effort between the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA), Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink (WISR), and the Town of Winthrop.

In recent surveys of public opinion in Winthrop and the Methow Valley, trails and recreation development were among the highest ranked priorities. The current project is land purchase and construction of a permanent winter ski trailhead and ice rink. MVSTA has had a generous year-to-year easement on private land for the "Town Trailhead" for many years. However, due to the construction of a new hotel and cabins on the previous year's trailhead parking area, the "Town Trailhead" will have no permanent home without this project.

The project needs community support in the form of donated labor, materials, and funds to be successful. Please attend this meeting to find out how you can help make this project a reality.

For more information please contact: Winthrop Town Planner Rocklynn Culp at 996-2320 or Janice Dickinson at janice@winthroppt.com

Thank You Volunteers!

2006-10-31T10:13:00.000-08:00

Recently, the Town of Winthrop hosted an event at the Winthrop Barn to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism that helps make the community of Winthrop such a special place to live, work, and visit. Twelve groups and nearly eighty individuals that have given generously of their time and support over the past year to improve the town for all were recognized.

The Town thanked a number of organizations that, while perhaps not all strictly volunteer, have contributed to the well being of the town and its citizens through a spirit of helping others. These organizations include the Winthrop Auditorium Association, Winthrop Chamber of Commerce, Shafer Museum, Sullivan Cemetery Association, the Cove, Winthrop Kiwanis, Moccasin Lake Foundation, the Abandoned Cat Team, Methow Conservancy, Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink Association, Methow Valley Sport Trails Association, and Aero Methow Rescue Service.

In addition to these organizations, a great many individuals have contributed their time and efforts to a variety of town committees and projects over the past year. The Town of Winthrop’s Westernization Committee, Planning Commission, Civil Service Commission, Tree Board, Parks Committee, and 2% Committee are all made up of volunteers. The Town of Winthrop Fire Department is manned by dedicated volunteers that put themselves in harms way to keep us safe. Other volunteers contributed their time and support to the planning and development of a community ice rink and trailhead facility, to construction of the Kathryn Wagner covered footbridge, and to other Town endeavors.

In appreciation of these generous contributions of time and effort, the Town of Winthrop wishes to thank Cody Acord, Phil Ager, Jennifer Argraves, Heike Baesecke, the Belsby Family, Darold Brandenburg, Duncan Bronson, Issac Buzzard, Ottis Buzzard, Kathy Carney, Jeff Chandler, Ernie Chenel, Lance and Jen Christensen, Mike Cook, Fred Cooley, Terry Cooper, Mark Crum, Janice Dickinson, Les Dyer, Don Elsing, Susan Eylar, Brad and Chris Garner, Mel and Chris Hartwig, John Hayes, Paul Hayne, Colleen Henry, Mike Hicks Sr., Mike Hicks Jr., Larry Higbee, Spencer Hutchinson, Don Johnson, Logan Johnson, Larry Kahle, Terry Karro, Levi Keene, Dan and Mary Kirkmire, Dennis Knutzen, Dan Kuperberg, Peter Larsen, Mike LaVergne, Kjell Lester, Jay Lucas, Jonathan Malone, Megan Malone, Brian McAuliffe, Carl and Roxie Miller, Lynn Miller, Doug Mohre, Mark and Gina Monteverde, Dottie Noyes, Terry Olson, Agi Ottlyk, John Owen, Jerry Palm, Margo Peterson, Lee Pilkinton, Mike Pruett, Roy Reiber, Ed Rhinehart, Dick and Sue Roberts, Evan Robertson, Marc Roberston, Dave Sabold, Paul Soodak, Richard and Dolly Stahl, Bill Tackman, Randy Thordarson, Dewaine Wallin, Krista Wallin, Don Waller, Fred Wert, and Bob Wilson.

In putting this list of groups and individuals together, it is inevitable that we have missed deserving parties. Please be assured that this is not intentional and the town appreciates all who have given of their time and efforts to make this such a special place to live, work, and visit.

Volunteer Recognition Event - October 25th

2006-10-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop invites the public to a celebration of the volunteers and groups that have given of their time over the last year to help the Town make Winthrop a great place to live, work, and visit. The event will take place on wednesday October 25th, 2006 from 6pm to 8pm at the Winthrop Barn. The evening will begin with a social hour from 6pm to 7pm with refreshments being served. At 7pm, the volunteer recognition presentation will begin. The evening will conclude around 8pm with cake being served. Please join us to recognize these generous individuals and groups. For more information, please contact Town Hall at 509-996-2320

Weed Pullling Jail Crews

2006-08-13T23:49:00.000-07:00

Monday and Tuesday, August 14th and 15th, crews from the Okanogan County Jail will be in Winthrop pulling weeds from along roadways and on some Town properties. Depending on the areas cleared during these two days, the Town may schedule some additional crews in the coming weeks. Please contact us at Town Hall at 996-2320 if you have any questions or concerns.

Tree Inventory

2006-07-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

The Town of Winthrop's Tree Board will be conducting a tree inventory during the month of July as the first step towards the development of a Community Forestry Plan. The inventory is intended to identify types and numbers of trees in town, assess tree health, and determine maintenance needs. The Tree Board and other volunteers have formed two-person teams, each covering an assigned section of town. Where permission is granted, the teams will measure trees on private property. Otherwise they will estimate the size and condition of trees from the street. Where trees are too numerous to count individually, the teams will do a general stand assessment.

Once the inventory is complete, a certified arborist will look at any potentially hazardous trees along streets and public places and make recommendations as to whether certain trees should be removed for public safety. In general, the information will be used to help the community maintain and care for our existing tree population and plant new trees for the future in appropriate areas.

The Winthrop Tree Board is a volunteer group of citizens that advises the Town on tree care, preservation, planting, and removal. Anyone who is interested in the tree board may contact Dan Kirkmire, chairman, at 996-2368. There is no in-town residency requirement to serve on the tree board so all are welcome to serve.

Welcome to Town of Winthrop News

2006-06-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Town of Winthrop "Town News" blog. We hope that this will become an effective source of information and news regarding the Town of Winthrop for its citizens and visitors alike. Please don't hesitate to contact us at townhall@townofwinthrop.com to let us know what you think. ----Dave Acheson, Mayor of Winthrop