Omak City Council approved a $12,500 contract with Police Training Solutions for officer safety training, a concrete step toward enhancing local law enforcement capabilities. The Council also finalized a memorandum of agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for airport operations, signaling progress on infrastructure coordination.
Multiple wildfires continue to impact the region, with the Black Canyon Fire at 3,563 acres and 36% containment, and the Kaiser Canyon Fire spreading northeast toward Omak Lake. The Moose Mountain Fire has closed Forest Road #250, and the Sinlahekin Fire remains active near Tonasket with 42% containment. Wildfire updates will now publish on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays starting August 10, shifting from daily reporting.
Roadwork continues to affect travel, with lane closures on I-5, US 2, and SR 96 through mid-September for paving projects. State Route 96 will alternate traffic with flaggers daily 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Monday, Aug. 10. Okanogan Transit has restored its regular route for Okanogan-Tonasket service, including Highway 7, after temporary changes.
Omak City updated its website with a news flash section for public updates and introduced a new one-page public comment form for council meetings, improving community engagement channels. The city also approved a 2026-2028 labor agreement with AFSCME for Public Works employees, including 3.5% annual wage increases.
What to watch next: The Sinlahekin Fire's containment progress and potential evacuation updates, as well as the implementation of the new wildfire reporting schedule beginning Monday, August 17.