Chelan County Sheriff - With the recent appointment by the Governor to a panel (noted above) to review the murders of the four Lakewood police officers, Sheriff Harum met with the panel on December 29, 2009. The panel reviewed pre and post events surrounding the murders.

The purpose of the review was to determine if there are “system improvements” that might prevent or mitigate the chance of this occurring again. The review involved looking at what may be presented by Legislators and or / lobbyist that would be detrimental to all concerned. One of our goals was to look at the development of programs that may help our communities be safe.

WSDOT -  Communities across the state have an opportunity to increase safety for students walking and biking to school through the Safe Routes to School grant program administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). WSDOT today issued a “call for projects” that support walking and biking to school safely.

WSP -  How did you start your new year? For 257 citizens of the State of Washington they started 2010 with a DUI arrest.

Preliminary reports indicate between 4:00p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2009 and midnight, Sunday, January 3, 2010, WSP troopers arrested 257 DUI’s. Of those 257 arrested 33 were involved in collisions. To date it appears there were no traffic related fatalities reported during this period. Some agencies may still be investigating and have not submitted their reports.

Last year there were 291 DUI arrests with 42 of those arrests from collisions. There were also 5 fatalities.

The reduced number of arrests, collision, and fatalities can be attributed to people choosing not to drink and drive this holiday weekend.

WSP - The Washington State Patrol Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is investigating the tragic collision that occurred on January 3, 2010 that claimed the life of Grant County Sheriff’s Deputy John Bernard.

The crash occurred in Sunday, January 3, 2010 at approximately 7:23 p.m. on Road 5 NW at State Route 283. MAIT detectives are seeking any additional witnesses to the collision or the events leading up to it.

If you saw or heard anything or know anyone that did, please contact Detective Sergeant Jerry Cooper at (360) 805-1192 or Detective Greg Wilcoxson at (360) 805-1195.

Chelan County Sheriff - Sheriff Harum reports on December 31, 2009 at 2323 hours, Deputy Dominic Mutch was on routine patrol and observed areial fireworks in the 3000 block of SR 150 Manson, WA. Deputy Mutch contacted the residence with the illegal fireworks and confiscated nearly 500 illegal areial fireworks. The different types included, Happy Hour, Scatter Brain, Mega Signal, Seattle Sensation and Glory Honor Power Shots. Approximately dollar value, $2,000.00.

Echo Valley is OPEN!  More in this report from Echo Valley:

Here we go!! It's SNOW TIME!

Along with the tubing hill, 2 rope tows will run Saturday and Sunday! The face & ridge of the poma have been packed, but need a bit more snow to operate. Hopefully, another pass with the groomer/tiller will do it by Sunday. We’ll keep ya posted.

Great day on the tubing hill today! Thanks everyone for supporting Echo Valley. We expect the next 2 days to be very busy. If anyone wants to teach or help out in other ways, please come on up. For all work-hour season pass holders, this is a great time to get those hours done and get some fresh air! Start your year off right.....exercise, pay off a debt (work hours) and enjoy time with your family & friends.

There will also be a short instructors clinic first thing on Saturday morning. Want to teach??? See Keith!

Click HERE for the ECHO VALLEY website.

Click for Website

The Snow-Must-Go-On New Year's Eve Party at Echo Valley Ski Area

6:00 to 9:00 p.m. - December 31st - Echo Lodge

LIVE MUSIC by the "Also Known As.....Band"

Clint Campbell, Jo Aneshansley, Jeannie Kapple, Dane Johnson and Cliff Bonnell-Jones

Bon Fire - Fireworks - LIVE MUSIC - Fun and Entertaining! You'll LOVE it!!!

Ring in the New Year and snow dance at the same time! 

Old man winter has not quite cooperated with us for a full-fledged opening of our local ski area. However, with at least some snow in the forecast, we will go ahead with our plans to host a Family New Years Eve celebration at the Echo Valley Lodge.

The snack bar will be open for chili/hot dogs/hot cocoa/pop/chips/etc.

Snow Permitting (we're being optimistic) - Tubing hill open for $5.00 per person (free for season pass holders!