Regular Board Meeting: September 10, 2026 at 4:00pm
Bumgarner Meeting Room, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA 98831
1. Call to Order
2. Flag salute
3. Agenda additions and deletions
4. Public comment
5. Review and approval of minutes (Action Item)
a. August 13, 2026 Regular Meeting
6. Financial review
a. Monthly financial report
b. Review and approval of monthly voucher (Action Item)
7. New business
a. Chelanathon vendor applications (Action Item)
b. 2027 Budget
c. 2028-2030 Levy
d. Aquatics program review
e. Pickleball court repairs
8. Old business
a. Project updates (see Director’s Report)
9. Director’s Report
10. Adjournment
HARVEST FEST
Harvest Fest 2026 is scheduled for October 2-4, with planning and preparation continuing as usual - the makings for the great Buckner chili were ordered today! Again, the possibility of change remains, with the intent of making notifications in as timely a fashion as is possible.
FIRE PREPARATION AT THE ORCHARD
While normal work at the Orchard goes on as usual and the apples continues to ripen, crews from a variety of agencies and from across the country spent two plus days providing support and fire protection for the historic structures and equipment. Building on previous fuel reduction around the historic buildings and mowing of the pasture by orchard staff and volunteers, the crew cleared handlines, set up pumps at the river, and placed an abundance of hoses and elevated sprinklers around buildings and equipment. The sprinkler system will only be used in the event of the eminent threat of fire.
AGNES CANCELLED
Agnes on Fire at the Orchard, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, has been cancelled. The uncertainty of air quality, the ability to practice, and the availability of band members have made this a difficult, but necessary decision on the part of the band. Uncertainty is the key word in this decision. They'll be back for Harvest Fest!
On September 2, 2026, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Detectives developed probable cause to arrest the primary suspect responsible for igniting the Chelan Hills Fire on July 4, 2026. Detectives traveled to Kent, Washington, where they located and arrested Michael Yakimov, an 18-year-old Kent resident. Detectives made the arrest without incident. Yakimov was subsequently transported back to Douglas County and booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center on the following charges:
• Manslaughter in the First Degree
• Arson in the First Degree
• Malicious Mischief in the First Degree
• Assault in the Third Degree (Six Counts)
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On August 31, 2026, the Douglas County Coroner’s Office confirmed the positive identification of the deceased individual located within the burned vehicle found during evacuation efforts related to the Chelan Hills Fire on July 4, 2026. The victim has been identified as Robert M. Lister, a 69-year-old resident of Orondo, Washington. Mr. Lister’s family has been notified of this updated information.
The Chelan Hills Fire resulted in significant loss, widespread disruption, and long-term impacts to residents throughout the Chelan Hills and McNeil Canyon areas. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the ongoing hardships faced by community members and remains committed to providing accurate information as the investigation continues.
Detectives are continuing their comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the ignition of the fire and the events that led to Mr. Lister’s tragic death. As further information becomes available, updates will be released to the public. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the patience and cooperation of the community.
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At approximately 12:06 a.m. on July 4, 2026, Douglas County Deputies responded to a reported brush fire near mile marker 233 on U.S. Highway 97. Working in coordination with local fire districts, deputies assisted in delivering numerous evacuation notices to residents impacted by the fire. Deputies have continued to support fire personnel as the incident has grown in size and complexity. State Mobilization was requested and approved for the fire at approximately 4:30 a.m. Firefighting efforts for what is now known as the Chelan Hills Fire are being managed by the SE Washington Type 3 Inter-Agency Team.
On July 5, 2026, deputies conducted follow-up on a report of a missing resident who lives in the affected fire area. Deputies located a vehicle that had slid off the roadway and was subsequently consumed by the fire. Human remains were discovered inside the vehicle, and the scene was investigated by Douglas County Detectives. The remains have been turned over to the Douglas County Coroner’s Office, which will work to obtain a positive identification of the deceased.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work with fire personnel to check the affected area for any additional residents who were unable to safely evacuate. Further updates regarding the fire’s activity will be coordinated between our office and the fire management team.
Chelan Hills Fire as seen from Manson 7-4-26
On August 18th, 2026 at approximately 8:15 pm and overdue hiker, 27-year-old Chad Pietrok of Portland Oregon was reported overdue. He was last heard from on August 11th as he entered the Ingalls Creek trailhead near highway 97. He was beginning a planned 4-day hike that would take him nearly 65 miles through the Ingalls valley over to the Esmeralda Basin, then into Jack Creek before going over Windy Pass to the Eightmile trailhead. Chad had already completed a through hike of the Enchantments prior to going to the Ingalls trailhead.
A Search and Rescue Deputy took the call and it was determined due to the time, an immediate response that evening would not be beneficial. Search and rescue efforts began the next morning. Throughout the next 2-1/2 days, searchers walked nearly every portion of Chad’s planned route as well as several potential off-course routes he could have gone. The area was also searched by helicopters, drones, and K9’s.
On August 21st, eleven ground teams deployed from various locations in Chelan and Kittitas Counties. At approximately 11:30 am, RiverCom dispatch received a text-to-911 from a hiker who indicated he was with Chad on the Jack Creek trail near the trailhead. The hiker recognized Chad as missing and offered to give him a ride back to his vehicle. A deputy was sent to contact Chad and the hiker. Chad was found healthy and uninjured. It had taken him longer to get through his hike than anticipated and he had experienced some trail conditions that were difficult to traverse.
Throughout this rescue, approximately 70 people and 3 dogs were deployed from the following agencies and volunteer groups: Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue, Chelan County Mountain Rescue, Chelan County SO Air Support Unit, Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Kittitas County Search and Rescue, Seattle Mountain Rescue, Yakima County SAR, King County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit, and US Forest Service.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the help received from all of these groups
On August 17, 2026, at approximately 9:40 p.m., a Chelan County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop a vehicle observed traveling at an estimated 80–100 mph on East Woodin Avenue. The vehicle failed to yield and continued southbound on SR-150 before entering U.S. Highway 97 and crossing into Douglas County.
The vehicle eventually stopped in the middle of the Beebe Bridge and was found unoccupied. Deputies contacted a registered owner, who reported that her husband was the likely driver and expressed concern that he may have entered the river from the bridge.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington State Patrol coordinated an area search. WSP later located the male registered owner near Chelan Falls Park. He was taken into custody without incident and transported for medical evaluation. A Designated Crisis Responder was also requested.
During the investigation, the man reportedly acknowledged entering the river from the bridge. Deputies also observed indicators consistent with possible alcohol impairment. A search warrant was obtained for a blood sample, which was collected and submitted for testing.
Charges for Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle and Driving Under the Influence have been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review. The investigation remains subject to prosecutorial review, and any person accused of a crime is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the coordinated efforts of the Washington State Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, medical personnel, crisis-response resources, and dispatchers. These collaborative efforts reflect our shared commitment to protecting the community, keeping our roadways safe, and responding professionally and compassionately to incidents involving potential danger to the public and individuals involved.
On August 17, 2026 at approximately 2:15 pm, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a report of a stuck vehicle near the end of the White River Rd, northwest of Lake Wenatchee. The vehicle was registered to Carl Pruitt, who had been reported missing from Wenatchee. On August 16, 2026 Washington State Patrol had issued a Silver Alert on behalf of Wenatchee PD for Pruitt.
Deputies responded to the area and located Pruitt’s unoccupied vehicle. Using drone technology, deputies immediately began to search the area. Shortly after, they located him deceased approximately one-third of a mile from his vehicle.
With the assistance of Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue, and Cascade Medical, deputies successfully recovered Pruitt and he was turned over to the Chelan County Coroner’s Office. Chief Deputy Coroner, Faye Fetters later positively identified the deceased as 86 year-old Carl Pruitt.
An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday. At this time, detectives have no reason to believe foul play was involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
A conflict of schedules for the musicians has sadly necessitated cancelling this event.
We're still working on having them all here at the Buckner Orchard at some time in the future.
On August 12th members of the Chelan County Assessor’s Office, Emergency Management, and Chelan County Fire District 8, went back to the upper Entiat valley and attempted to obtain an updated damage assessment of the damage caused by the Little Giant Fire.
A thorough assessment was able to be completed from the Snow Park (approx. mile marker 25) down through the valley.
The result of that assessment determined there were there were a total of at least 35 structures lost.
Of the 35 structures, 2 were primary homes, 13 were secondary home/cabins, and there were 20+ out buildings.
We understand the importance of maintaining an up-to-date assessment of the Little Giant Fire’s impact on properties. However, it is our priority to ensure that the information provided is as accurate as possible based on what is currently known. Additional information may become available as damage assessments continue when it is safe to do so.
8/9/2026
On the evening of Friday August 7, the Little Giant Fire became highly active in the upper valley under Red Flag Warning conditions. Despite the best efforts of firefighters, there were structures that were destroyed.
Fire activity in the area remained intense throughout Saturday and into that evening, making it unsafe for personnel to conduct a complete and accurate assessment of structure losses. As fire conditions improved slightly today, Chief Jones and personnel from the Entiat Fire Department entered the area to conduct an initial assessment. They determined that approximately 26 structures were destroyed.
2 primary residences, 3 cabins, and 21 outbuildings. However, unpredictable fire behavior, compromised trees, rolling debris, and other hazards continued to pose significant risks and limited
their ability to complete a full assessment of the damage.
As soon as conditions allow, the Chelan County Assessor’s Office will conduct a comprehensive assessment on the damage to include the total number of structures lost.
Chelan County Emergency Management will attempt to contact individual property owners with additional information as it becomes available.
The Little Giant Fire remains highly active in the area. Property owners will be permitted to return to their properties as conditions are determined to be safe. Your safety remains our absolute top priority. We understand how difficult and stressful this situation is for our community, and we greatly appreciate your continued patience, cooperation, and understanding during this challenging time.
For the latest information and updates on this, please refer to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and Chelan County Emergency Management websites and Facebook pages.
Waterville, WA — The North Central Washington Fair is proud to announce Becky Matthiesen as the recipient of the 2026 NCW Fair Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing nearly four decades of service, leadership, and dedication to the Fair and its horse racing program.
The NCW Fair Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual whose time, talent and commitment have helped shape the Fair into the successful family and community event it is today. The NCW Fair Board unanimously selected Matthiesen for the 2026 honor.
For more than 39 years, Matthiesen has been a familiar and influential presence at the NCW Fair, working alongside nine Fair managers throughout her tenure. She has served as a Fair Board member and officer, NCW Fair office manager and Racehorse Director, while also playing an important role in numerous Fair fundraisers and special events.
Her contributions have included the annual Prime Rib and Crab Dinner & Auction, Fourth of July events, and even snowmobile racing events held at the Fairgrounds years ago. However, Matthiesen's lasting impact can perhaps be seen most clearly on the racetrack.
Her involvement with horse racing began when she worked alongside former Judge Judy McCauley as assistant Racehorse Director. Matthiesen later assumed leadership of the program and has helped transform NCW Fair horse racing into an event that attracts racers, families, and fans from throughout the region.
One of her greatest accomplishments has been building relationships with sponsors to increase race purses. What began with a single $500 sponsorship in 1991 has grown into a program supported by more than 50 annual sponsors, contributing more than $32,000 in prize money each year. Matthiesen credits the continued growth of the races to the quality of the Waterville track, enthusiastic fans, and competitive purses, along with the welcoming atmosphere racers experience when they come to Waterville.
“Becky runs a very professional horse racing program. She treats people with respect, is fair, and has always made us feel welcome,” said Dayna Seymour, member of the Colville Business Council. “Both my husband and daughter participate in the relays, and we have always appreciated the way Becky makes everyone feel welcome and valued.”
Matthiesen has also been instrumental in having NCW Fair horse races sanctioned as qualifying races for the Horse Nations Indian Relay Races. Her passion for the sport extends well beyond Fair weekend, as she attends Indian Relay Championship Finals and continues to follow and support teams that have raced in Waterville.
“Our family has always appreciated Becky’s kindness and friendliness,” said Leslie Lahr, whose family has a long history in horse racing and is from Inchelium. “It means a lot to us that she follows our horse racing journey all the way to the National Finals. Coming to the NCW Fair Horse Races is always a highlight for our family. Becky is an honest and dedicated director who genuinely cares about the people and families involved in horse racing.”
Horse racing and Indian Relay have become signature pieces of the NCW Fair experience and its Big Bend Round Up weekend. Indian Relay, rooted in generations of tribal tradition and horsemanship, brings extraordinary athleticism, speed and excitement to the Waterville track. Matthiesen’s work behind the scenes has helped ensure those traditions continue to have a place at the NCW Fair while creating an environment where racers and their families feel welcomed and valued.
For nearly four decades, Becky Matthiesen has given her time, energy, leadership, and passion to the North Central Washington Fair. Her dedication has strengthened the Fair’s horse racing program, supported countless fundraising efforts, and helped create memories for generations of Fairgoers.
The North Central Washington Fair is honored to recognize Becky Matthiesen as the 2026 NCW Fair Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and celebrate the lasting impact she has made on the Fair and the community it serves.
About the North Central Washington Fair
The North Central Washington Fair is held annually in Waterville, Washington, bringing together agriculture, entertainment, livestock, youth programs, community traditions, and grandstand events. The 2026 NCW Fair will take place August 27–30.
On the evening of Friday August 7, the Little Giant Fire became highly active in the upper Entiat Valley under Red Flag Warning conditions. Despite the best efforts of firefighters, there were structures that were destroyed.
Fire activity in the area remained intense throughout Saturday and into that evening, making it unsafe for personnel to conduct a complete and accurate assessment of structure losses. As fire conditions improved slightly today, Chief Jones and personnel from the Entiat Fire Department entered the area to conduct an initial assessment. They determined that approximately 26 structures were destroyed. 2 primary residences, 3 cabins, and 21 outbuildings. However, unpredictable fire behavior, compromised trees, rolling debris, and other hazards continued to pose significant risks and limited their ability to complete a full assessment of the damage.
As soon as conditions allow, the Chelan County Assessor’s Office will conduct a comprehensive assessment on the damage to include the total number of structures lost.
Chelan County Emergency Management will attempt to contact individual property owners with additional information as it becomes available.
The Little Giant Fire remains highly active in the area. Property owners will be permitted to return to their properties as conditions are determined to be safe. Your safety remains our absolute top
priority. We understand how difficult and stressful this situation is for our community, and we greatly appreciate your continued patience, cooperation, and understanding during this challenging time.
For the latest information and updates on this, please refer to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and Chelan County Emergency Management websites and Facebook pages.
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