Weekly Briefing

Okanogan–Omak this week: Dr. Ryan Christoph Named STEM Champion Finalist

Monday, October 19, 2026

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Dr. Ryan Christoph has been named a finalist for the 2026 STEM Champion of the Year Award.

The Backbone Fire, a lightning-caused fire that started on August 5, 2026, was turned back to the local unit as a Type 4 incident on September 3, 2026.

The High Lava Fire reverted to Type 4 incident status on September 6, 2026.

📄 Source: Weekly briefing — built from this week's The Okanogan Wire stories, each line checked against its story

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Okanogan–Omak this week: Dr. Ryan Christoph Named STEM Champion Finalist“Dr. Ryan Christoph Named STEM Champion Finalist”
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Omak School District announces Dr. Ryan Christoph as a finalist for 2026 STEM Champion of the Year Award.“Omak School District announces Dr. Ryan Christoph as a finalist for 2026 STEM Champion of the Year Award.”
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Dr. Ryan Christoph has been named a finalist for the 2026 STEM Champion of the Year Award.“Dr. Ryan Christoph has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2026 STEM Champion of the Year Award, presented by NCW Tech Alliance as part of its 25th Annual Innovator Awards.”
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The Backbone Fire, a lightning-caused fire that started on August 5, 2026, was turned back to the local unit as a Type 4 incident on September 3, 2026.“The Backbone Fire, a lightning-caused fire that started on August 5, 2026, was turned back to the local unit as a Type 4 incident on September 3, 2026.”
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The High Lava Fire reverted to Type 4 incident status on September 6, 2026.“The High Lava Fire was turned back to the local unit as a Type 4 incident on September 6, 2026.”

Source text saved for this check (2026-10-19T08:02:45.758Z)

Dr. Ryan Christoph Named STEM Champion Finalist
Omak School District announces Dr. Ryan Christoph as a finalist for 2026 STEM Champion of the Year Award.
Dr. Ryan Christoph has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2026 STEM Champion of the Year Award, presented by NCW Tech Alliance as part of its 25th Annual Innovator Awards.
The Omak School District highlighted Dr. Christoph's leadership in Career and Technical Education (CTE), alternative education programs, and Native American Education, which create STEM opportunities for students in aviation, welding, forestry, and healthcare.

Backbone Fire Declared Type 4 Incident
The Backbone is a lightning-caused fire that started on August 5, 2026, and was turned back to the local unit as a Type 4 incident on September 3, 2026.
The Backbone Fire, a lightning-caused fire that started on August 5, 2026, was turned back to the local unit as a Type 4 incident on September 3, 2026.

The fire is located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, 7 miles northeast of the town of Packwood, Washington.

High Lava Fire Reverted to Local Unit
Type 4 incident status change effective Sept. 6, 2026, per Gifford Pinchot National Forest records.
The High Lava Fire was turned back to the local unit as a Type 4 incident on September 6, 2026.

The fire is located approximately 10 miles northwest of Stabler, Washington.