Don Nelson

4 weeks ago | methowvalleynews.com | Don Nelson

There are times, I admit, that I need to remind myself why I named this column “No Bad Days” when I launched it in 2011, the year I purchased this newspaper. If you’ve heard the story (I’ve told it a few times), it came from a long-ago conversation, before I even moved here, in which I tried to explain why I liked the Methow Valley so much. “Because I’ve never had a bad day there,” I said.

1 month ago | methowvalleynews.com | Don Nelson

No candidates for Twisp Council seat, District 6 boardCandidate filing for the August primary and November general elections closed last week with only one contested race on the local ballot — and a few offices for which no one filed. All of the local candidates who filed will advance directly to the November general election ballot. As for the positions that did not draw any candidates, there will be a special three-day filing period, June 11-13, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

1 month ago | methowvalleynews.com | Don Nelson

The Winthrop Town Council has approved a request to allow installation of septic systems on two adjacent building lots on the hill above the town ballfield, because the town cannot provide sewer service to the site. The town code requires connection to the sewage treatment system unless it is not feasible. In that case, a septic system can be installed, with the county’s oversight and responsibility for monitoring the system.

1 month ago | methowvalleynews.com | Don Nelson

The late Congressman Tip O’Neill of Massachusetts didn’t originate the observation that “all politics is local,” but he is most closely associated with it. His point, broadly construed, is that people are more directly affected by political positions and actions that they can understand at a community level — maybe even at a personal level. O’Neill was a master at crafting practical appeals that resonated with voters.

1 month ago | methowvalleynews.com | Don Nelson

The Pulitzer Prizes were announced this week, and the journalism world was paying close attention. It’s too bad more people are not paying as much attention, because the body of work represented by the winners and finalists is remarkable in its range, depth and courage. As it is year in and year out. And that doesn’t include the dozens of other worthy entries that did not make it to the rarified atmosphere of final consideration.