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🌱 How Okanogan voters turned out despite nearby Level 3 wildfire evacuations

Okanogan, Washington Patch AM: a 4 min read

Good morning Okanogan! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Okanogan voters turned out despite nearby Level 3 wildfire evacuations
  • What Okanogan residents should know as Little Giant Fire evacuations expand.
  • What new FEMA aid means for wildfire response in Okanogan County

Also on today's calendar: Omak Stampede - Omak Stampede and 4 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the Doctor ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Hazy and toasty conditions, with a high of 96 and low of 61 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Hazy and toasty conditions, temps: high: 98, low: 65.
  • Saturday: Hazy and toasty conditions, with a high of 98 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Okanogan County primary turnout 'really good' despite wildfires (tri-cityherald.com) — Voter turnout in Okanogan County’s primary stayed strong this week, even as multiple wildfires and Level 3 evacuations disrupted parts of the county. About 30% of ballots were returned by Tuesday evening, with most voters using drop boxes despite fires near Nespelem, Tonasket and the county’s northwest corner.
   

2. ‘This is as bad as it gets': Chelan County residents brace as Little Giant Fire grows (dailydispatch.com) — Residents in parts of Okanogan and neighboring Chelan counties are under wildfire evacuation orders as the lightning-sparked Little Giant Fire has exploded to more than 59,000 acres with 0% containment. People in Level 3 zones near Lake Chelan are packing up, weighing what to save, and bracing for fast-changing fire conditions that could quickly affect more Okanogan communities.
   

3. Federal government grants Washington emergency declaration for wildfire response (dailydispatch.com) — Okanogan County is now covered under a new federal emergency declaration, unlocking FEMA support for wildfire evacuations, shelters, food, water and other response costs. The aid also extends to several other Eastern Washington counties and nearby tribes as fires continue to strain local resources.
   

4. Wildfire smoke worsens air quality across WA. Which counties have it worst? (tri-cityherald.com) — Okanogan County is experiencing some of the worst wildfire smoke in Washington, with median Air Quality Index readings in the hazardous range and peaks far above typical charts. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity, keep kids and elders inside, and monitor real-time AQI maps from AirNow and the state Department of Ecology as shifting winds move smoke across Eastern and Central Washington.
   

📸 Around Okanogan

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Big Smiles posted a job opening for Registered Dental Hygienist in Omak. Apply here.
  • Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Janitorial Associate in Omak. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Okanogan here.

Ok Okanogan! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Because he felt CRUMMY ! (Thank you Michelle S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Okanogan

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Okanogan

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.