douglas county logoWATERVILLE, WASHINGTON – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners adopted a new permitting process for drivers of motor vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds in weight to regain use of McNeil Canyon Road at a public hearing on September 19, 2023. 

McNeil Canyon Road closed to the operation of motor vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) on August 29, 2023, due to road condition concerns, redesign, construction, and accidents caused by vehicle equipment failure. The closure allows for Douglas County crews to complete topography analysis, roadway curve design and evaluation of the necessary right-of-way acquisitions needed for a planned roadway realignment and safety improvement project on McNeil Canyon Road, anticipated to be complete by 2025. 

Interested drivers can find the Special Motor Vehicle Permit for authorization to haul on McNeil Canyon Road linked on the Douglas County website Transportation Travel & Traffic Alerts page, by visiting http://lfforms.douglascountywa.net/Forms/SMVP, or in person at the Public Services Building located at 140 19th Street NW in East Wenatchee. Most permits can be issued on the same day if the applicant can provide the necessary information. 

The McNeil Canyon Road Special Motor Vehicle Permit includes the following conditions:

  1. The permittee shall have this permit within the vehicle exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight operating on McNeil Canyon Rd. 
  2. The permittee is hereby notified that there has been an increase in the frequency of crashes specific to vehicle equipment failure at or near mile post 2.0. 
  3. The permittee shall provide a current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration inspection report to Douglas County if the vehicle GVW is over 26,000 pounds. The annual inspection report shall be for the vehicle, including each segment of a combination vehicle. This permit expires 12 months after issuance of the Annual Inspection Report. 
  4. A mandatory brake check shall be performed by the vehicle operator prior to traveling down grade on McNeil Canyon Road. The availability of and use of engine brakes (“Jake Brakes”) is strongly encouraged where necessary and prudent. 
  5. The vehicle operator agrees to adhere to the signage placed on McNeil Canyon Road. This signage includes but is not limited to requiring trucks to use low gear. 
  6. The permittee is hereby notified that McNeil Canyon Road is a steep and winding roadway. It features vertical and horizontal curves that require care and caution to safely navigate. 
  7. The permittee is hereby notified that a run-away truck ramp is located approximately 4 miles down from the top of the grade at approximate mile post 3.2 and there is a 12% grade with curves signed at 20 MPH downgrade from the run-away truck ramp. This is the only run-away truck ramp on McNeil Canyon Road. The run-away truck ramp must be used if the permittee has any doubt about their ability or their vehicle’s ability to safely navigate McNeil Canyon Road. 
  8. This permit does not provide authorization to use McNeil Canyon Road during inclement weather closures. 

Affected vehicles without a permit during the McNeil Canyon Road closure can use three alternate routes, including US Hwy 2 Pine Canyon Road, Road C NW (SR 172), and Bridgeport Hill Road.  

CC sheriff logo 2023Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 9/16/23, deputies were dispatched to a report of an injury accident on Chumstick Hwy at Freund Canyon Rd. Deputies arrived to find a motorcyclist had crashed into a motorhome and sadly, was declared deceased by medical personnel on scene.

The driver of the motorcycle was identified as Alexandra L. Becerra of Langley, WA. Initial investigation shows the motorcyclist appeared to have lost control on a corner causing her to go into the oncoming lane before crashing into a motorhome. The investigation is ongoing.

CC sheriff logo 2023On 6/27/2023 deputies were dispatched to a report of a vehicle prowl in the area of Chatter Creek trail head outside Leavenworth. The victim reported someone had broken her passenger side window and stole her wallet along with other items. The victim’s debit card was later used at a business in Leavenworth. Deputies followed up with that business and were able to obtain a vehicle description of the person who used the stolen debit card.

On 8/5/2023 the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Forrest Service Deputy learned of additional vehicle prowls along the Highway 20 corridor on National Parks Service land in the northwest area of Chelan County. Through the deputy’s investigation, he was able to identify a vehicle in the area of the prowls as the same one involved in the Chatter Creek car prowl. This time they were able to obtain the license plate number of the vehicle.

More follow up from the deputy led him to evidence that the registered owner of the suspect vehicle was facilitating the sale of some of the items stolen from the vehicles. At that point the case was turned over to Chelan County Sheriff’s Office detective unit. They were able to identify the male and female seen on surveillance cameras as Sierra L Cotter and Brandon R. Sutherland of Everett.

Detectives later arrested Cotter in King County and booked her in the Chelan County Regional Justice center on charges of Possession of Stolen Property, Identity Theft, and Forgery. They also obtained a search warrant for two storage units in the Everett area that belonged to Sutherland and Cotter.

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office detectives served the search warrants in Everett with the assistance of Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. As a result of this investigation, 2 Chelan County cases, 2 National Parks cases, and 10 Snohomish County cases were solved. Suspects may now be facing charges in Snohomish County as well.

This case is another example of the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office commitment to protecting our citizens from people that come from other areas to commit crimes. We are committed to go beyond county lines to investigate and apprehend those suspects.

wsdot dash

OLYMPIA – Travelers in Washington logged a lot of miles on state highways in 2022. A heck of a lot. 

Vehicle miles traveled by drivers in 2022 may have increased a modest 1.2 percent from 2021, but there is nothing modest about the 34.2 billion miles traveled, more than enough for 182 trips to the sun and back.

Annual performance data like this and five-year trends for numerous travel modes on select state-owned roadways are available in WSDOT’s recently released 2023 Multimodal Mobility Dashboard. The dashboard provides quick access to information about the state's most-traveled corridors, examining how congestion and corresponding mitigation strategies like incident response and HOV lanes affect travel.

The dashboard analyzes travel by car, public transit, passenger rail, ferry, airplane, walking, and biking, as well as multimodal freight mobility. These strategies and modes work together to help improve the movement of people and goods on Washington state's multimodal transportation system.

Some of the highlights from the Multimodal Mobility Dashboard:

  • Drivers traveled 34.2 billion vehicle miles on state highways in 2022, a 1.2 percent increase from the 33.8 billion traveled in 2021.
  • Public transportation users took 137.7 million trips in 2022, which was 35.4 percent more than the 101.7 million trips in 2021.
  • Washington State Ferries carried 17.4 million passengers in 2022, a 0.5 percent increase from the 17.3 million passengers in 2021.
  • Amtrak Cascades systemwide ridership was 380,829 passengers in 2022, which was 71.4 percent more than the 222,216 passengers in 2021.
  • Total air cargo tonnage in 2022 was 1.99 million tons, a 5.2 percent decrease from the 2.10 million tons in 2021.

  • WSDOT’s Incident Response program provided $87.9 million in economic benefit in 2022, which was 2 percent less than $89.7 million in 2021.
  • While transportation measures show some level of recovery compared to 2021, most have not returned to their pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

To learn more about WSDOT's Multimodal Mobility Dashboard, visit WSDOT's Congestion & multimodal mobility reports webpage.

manson parks logo

Regular Board Meeting
September 14, 2023, 4:10pm
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. Approval of Minutes
a. August 10, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
6. Financial Review
a. Review Monthly Financial Report
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
7. New Business
a. Resolution 2023-03 (Items for surplus)
b. 2024 budget planning
c. New online reservation platform authorization
d. Local Parks Maintenance application authorization
8. Old Business
a. Updates:
i. Old Swim Hole development project
1. Mountain Barge Services quote approval
ii. Manson Bay Marina planning project
iii. Leffler Field soil remediation planning project
b. Director’s Report
IX. Adjournment

Next Regular Meeting: 4:10pm on October 12, 2023 at 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA, 98831 (unless otherwise posted).

hydrofest2023

HydroFest is back in Manson on the North Shore of Lake Chelan September 29th - October 1st! This annual event is presented by the Manson Chamber of Commerce and we are so happy to have another weekend of HydroFest Races back in Manson Bay with the Pacific Northwest Boat Racing Association. This is an exciting, family friendly event that draws hundreds of people to the Lake Chelan Valley for two and a half days!

Join us for the Registration Party at WineGirl Wines on Friday, September 29th from 3pm - 8pm! You will be able to meet some of the drivers and see the Hydros up close and personal before the races start on Saturday.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AT THE CHAMBER WEBSITE

graynotebook

WSDOT’s quarterly performance report, the Gray Notebook for the quarter ending June 2023, is now available in its interactive format. While numerous performance measures are reported throughout the GNB, highlights from this issue include:

  • Combined pedestrian and bicyclist traffic fatalities decreased by 8.1% from 160 deaths in 2021 to 147 deaths in 2022
    • From the Active Transportation Plan’s 2019 baseline to 2022, the combined pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities increased by 26.7% from 116 to 147
  • Washington state’s total imports and exports were valued at $134.9 billion in 2022, up 16.8% from $115.5 billion in 2021
  • WSDOT completed 15 fish passage projects statewide in 2022, improving access to 29.1 miles of upstream fish habitat
  • The number of WSDOT's Facebook page followers increased 19.2% from 165,564 in FY2022 to 197,292 in FY2023
  • In the second quarter of 2023, WSDOT Incident Response teams provided an estimated $23.2 million in economic benefit by reducing the effects of incidents on drivers
  • Washington State Ferries completed 35,812 (98.2%) of its 36,458 regularly scheduled trips in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023
  • One Transportation Partnership Account contract and two Connecting Washington contracts were operationally complete by WSDOT during the eighth quarter of the 2021-2023 biennium
  • WSDOT advertised 43 Pre-existing Funds projects during the eighth quarter of the 2021-2023 biennium

wsdot logo greenOLYMPIA – The Commercial Aviation Work Group, created in House Bill 1791 has launched a website to promote community engagement, and applications are now being accepted for the governor-appointed positions. The work group will evaluate the long-range commercial aviation and transportation needs of the state, including alternatives for additional aviation capacity which includes expanding use of existing airports and multi-modal opportunities.

“This work group will focus on use of new technology, environmental stewardship and resiliency in aviation,” said Ann Richart, Washington State Department of Transportation aviation director. “Its members will be instrumental to considering how aviation can contribute to livable communities in Washington, particularly in western Washington.”

Requirements for the position applicants is on the Governors Board and Commission profiles website under "Commercial Aviation Work Group." Those interested can apply now, with application reviews starting Oct. 9.  

The group will use the previous information found during the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission as a baseline of information.

A new website for the Commercial Aviation Work Group allows people to sign up for updates and those who previously signed up for the CACC email updates are automatically on the Commercial Aviation Work Group email list. Updates will be sent out via email and on the website as information becomes available.

dovexWENATCHEE, WA (AUG. 28, 2023) -- Haarhues joins Dovex Fruit Company with several years’ senior sales experience including vice president of sales at Dovex’s partner company, Crunch Pak.  He held prior positions with SUPERVALU, in corporate produce for store formats; Amcor Flexibles Europe; Americas Fresh Produce; and Stemilt Growers.

“We are at a critical growth juncture and it’s important that we have experienced senior executives managing customer relationships,” said Mauro Feliza, president Dovex Fruit Company.  “Bob’s experience with our company and the industry overall is vital as we move forward the rest of this year and beyond.”

Haarhues lives in Arizona and will work out of the Dovex Marketing Company’s (a subsidiary of Dovex Fruit Company) corporate headquarters in Wenatchee, Wash.

douglas county logoBeginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, McNeil Canyon Road in Douglas County, Washington, will close to the operation of motor vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs. The closure is from the intersection of Rd. C NW (SR 172) and Rd. 14 NW (SR 172) and Beebe Bridge on US Hwy 97. The closure is due to road condition concerns, redesign, and construction. During this time all affected vehicles can use three alternate routes including US Hwy 2 Pine Canyon Road, Road C NW (SR 172), and Bridgeport Hill Road. 

A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Douglas County Courthouse in Waterville, Washington; where/when the Board of County Commissioners will consider adoption of a permitting and education process for the operation of motor vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs., and their drivers, to eventually regain use of the one-mile stretch of roadway.

The closure beginning August 29, 2023, allows for county crews to complete topography analysis, roadway curve design and evaluation of the necessary right-of-way acquisitions needed for a planned roadway realignment and safety improvement project on McNeil Canyon Road, anticipated to be complete by 2025. 

We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconveniences.

CC sheriff logo 2023Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 8/26/2023 at approximately 0134 hrs, deputies responded to a report of an injury accident in the 500 blk of Klate Rd in Manson. When deputies and Manson Fire arrived, they found a side-by-side vehicle off the roadway. The single occupant driver was located and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver was identified as 40 year old Brock W. Lindsay of Manson. The Coroner’s Office determined the driver died as a result of the crash.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office would like to express our deepest condolences to the Lindsay family. Brock’s positive influence on the community of Manson and the people in the Chelan Valley will be missed.

CC sheriff logo 2023A tragedy in the community as a local woman in Cashmere passes away after being hit by a passing BNSF train.

On 08/24/2023, at approximately 1155 hours, Rivercom advised and dispatched Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputies that a person was struck by a passing Burlington Northern San Francisco (BNSF) Railroad train near Division Street and Mission Avenue in Cashmere, WA.  The reporting party, an BNSF employee, advised the train had struck a person who was standing on the train tracks just east of the train crossing.  Sadly, the person struck by the train did not survive the collision.

Through their investigation, CCSO Detectives, were able to identify the deceased as Melinda I Smith, a 31-year-old woman from Cashmere. Detectives and the County Coroner were able to notify her next of kin today 8/25/2023.

CCSO offers our deepest condolences to the family and to the community.

The investigation into this collision remains ongoing and there is no further information to report.

wsdot logoHYAK – The Washington State Department of Transportation and contractor crews will close I-90 for approximately one hour at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29. During rock blasting closures, eastbound travelers will be stopped at milepost 63 and westbound travelers will be stopped at exit 70 near Easton.

Rock blasting is scheduled to occur one to two times per week throughout the rest of summer and into the fall, one hour before sunset, and the closure will last up to one hour. This work is part of the major improvement project to widen I-90 from four to six lanes between the Cabin Creek interchange and the West Easton interchange.

WSDOT provides a variety of tools to help plan your trip over Snoqualmie Pass this summer:

youth fairsGreetings friends of Manson Chelan Youth Fair Fund,

We are fortunate to live in a community that offers four programs highlighting agriculture youth activities for students 5-19, with the opportunity to exhibit at county fairs and expositions. These programs provide an opportunity for members to participate in an educational setting, designed to increase confidence, strengthen character, learn invaluable life skills and teach the importance of self-discipline. These programs encourage learning opportunities for all members.

The Manson Chelan Youth Fair Fund has been in existence for over 45 years providing funding to supplement the cost of raising animals, verses the sale price at the fair. There are three options on how you can help. 

  • Donate financially to the Manson Chelan Youth Fair Fund. Mail checks to:
    Manson Chelan Youth Fair Fund (MCYFF)
    c/o Lorrie Cochran
    1415 Wapato Lake Road
    Manson, WA 98831
  • Pre-purchase a market animal. Hogs $1.35 per pound, Lambs and goats $2.75 plus cut and wrapping.
  • Attend the fair and purchase an animal in person. There is nothing like the good feeling you get from supporting these kids in person.

This year we have 46 kids from the valley exhibiting market livestock at the fairs. Their names are listed on page two of this letter. These young people have been raising their livestock for the past four months and will provide a quality product for sale at the fair. The Market Livestock sales will be Saturday – September 9 at 10:00 am at the Chelan County Fair in Cashmere.

Participating programs include Manson FFA, Chelan FFA, Lake Chelan Caballeros 4-H and the Manson Grange Youth Fairs. We hope you will consider supporting our amazing youth.

2018 Text Logo 3 300x300WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. However, because voice calls to 911 provide more information to 911 call centers, you should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency whenever possible.

Hearing and speech impaired individuals benefit from Text-to-911, as do those who may find themselves in a situation where they cannot make a voice call, such as a home invasion or domestic abuse situation.

Texting can be difficult because it takes time and effort to send the information and wait for a response. Keep text messages brief and concise; use full words, and do not send photo or video. Know your location and emergency type (police, fire, or medical).

If you accidently text 911 please send a reply indicating there is no emergency and stay on the phone to answer any additional information to confirm 911 is not needed.

WHEN TO TEXT 911

When there is an emergency AND:

  • You are unable to speak due to an emergency situation such as a home invasion or domestic/abusive situation
  • You are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability
  • You are having a medical emergency and cannot speak on the phone
  •  You are in an area with poor cell coverage, where voice may not connect but a text can be sent

IMPORTANT: If you are using Text-to-911 because you are trying to not be heard, remember to silence your phone. Do not text and drive!

HOW TO TEXT-TO-911
  1. Open the text message program on your cell
    phone.
  2. Create a new message
  3. Enter "911" in the "To" field
  4. Type a message with the exact location of the emergency (including city) and they type of help needed (police, fire or medical)
  5. Press "Send" button
  6. Stay with your phone, be prepared to answer questions and follow direction from 911
  7. Be aware of auto correct, especially when providing location

Remember to ALWAYS call if you can, texting can take valuable time that could make a difference.

WHEN NOT TO CALL OR TEXT 911
  • When there is no emergency.
  • If an animal is hurt or lost (Call your city or county animal services instead).
  • As a joke or prank.
  • To report that electricity or other utilities are off.
  • To report traffic jams.
  • To ask about government services or general information.
  • Most importantly, remember to CALL IF YOU CAN AND TEXT ONLY WHEN YOU CAN'T CALL. Providing essential information to a 9-1-1 telecommunicator is much faster by voice than text because texting is not always instantaneous.

wsdot logo greenUse WSDOT tools and tips for smoother travel

OLYMPIA – People planning their final festivities of summer before all things pumpkin spice and yellow school buses return should consult the Washington State Department of Transportation’s holiday traffic volume charts to determine best times to travel during the Labor Day weekend.

With the popular travel weekend fast approaching, now is the time to make plans for expected holiday congestion on most routes – whether by ferry, vehicle, bus, rail, foot, bicycle or plane. This year’s charts include US 2, Interstate 90 and I-5 between Lacey and Tacoma as well as Bellingham to the United States-Canada border.

Most construction will be paused over the three-day weekend to help reduce some congestion, but this is a popular travel weekend and WSDOT recommends people go early or late and give themselves plenty of extra time. Crashes or emergency road repairs also can add to travel times.  

Travelers can “know before they go” and plan ahead by using WSDOT tools and tips, whether they’re traveling across town or across the Evergreen State including:

  • Get informed about WSDOT's online tools, including the WSDOT mobile app, traffic cameras and email alerts.
  • Visit online traveler information for traffic, weather, ferry schedules and a real-time travel map.
  • Follow WSDOT on various social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter).
  • Identify potential safety rest areas before heading out, to ensure enough breaks to avoid drowsy driving.
  • Pre-program vehicle radios to 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio alerts – and be alert for other stations listed on notice signs in some areas.
  • Have a backup outdoor destination as parks and other outdoor recreation sites tend to fill up quickly on holiday weekends. If a site’s parking is full, never park along road shoulders, as this is unsafe for everyone on the roadway, including emergency response vehicles.

Most highway construction paused

Most state highway construction work is suspended through the holiday weekend – including Monday, Sept. 4 – to ease congestion. For central Washington travelers, on SR 970 near Teanaway River east of Cle Elum, contractor crews are working on a project to fix roadway erosion that requires around-the-clock single-lane, alternating traffic which is projected to result in delays of up to 3 hours during the Labor Day weekend. To reduce these long delays, WSDOT is restricting westbound traffic on SR 970 to local traffic only starting 7 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1 through 7 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5. Travelers on southbound US 97 headed west from Wenatchee will detour to I-90. Please stay alert for new lane shifts or other work zone staging areas that may remain in place. And please give any emergency repair crews plenty of space to work safely.

Snoqualmie Pass

No construction is planned on I-90 from Friday, Sept. 1, through to Tuesday, Sept. 5. However, the usual holiday increase in traffic volumes means travelers should expect delays, especially eastbound on Friday and westbound on Monday (see charts for more detail). Text message alerts about significant delays are available by texting the words “WSDOT Snoqualmie” to 468311.

Tolling

In the Puget Sound region, weekend toll rates will be in effect on Monday, Sept. 4, on the State Route 520 bridge and SR 99 tunnel. The I-405 express toll lanes will be free and open to all drivers on the Monday holiday. Out-of-town travelers, including those using rental cars, can learn about toll roads and temporary account payment options on the Good To Go! visitors page.  

Ferry travel People boarding a state ferry by vehicle should prepare for long waits. Peak travel times on most routes are expected to be westbound or island-bound Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, and eastbound or off-island Sunday through Tuesday, Sept. 3-5. Customers can bypass vehicle lines by traveling as a walk-on passenger and usually board much faster.

Trains, airports and transit

Travelers making a trip by train, personal aircraft or bus also should plan ahead to avoid holiday delays:

  • Amtrak Cascades passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early and plan to arrive at the station one hour before departure. Trains are running between Vancouver, British Columbia and Eugene, Oregon, stopping at 18 stations along the way. Buses also are available for travel between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia and between Seattle and Bellingham. Visit www.AmtrakCascades.com/ or call 800-USA-RAIL for tickets and schedules.
  • For information about traveling via state-sponsored airports, visit wsdot.wa.gov/travel/aviation/airports-list or call 360-788-7437.
  • Check with local public transit agencies for any holiday schedule or service changes, including some Dial-A-Ride and fixed-route service that may not run on holidays.

Santiago Eduardo DL photo

UPDATE

On August 14, 2024, the Chelan County Coroner’s Office identified the victim in this case as 70 year old Eduardo Santiago (See above photo). Mr. Santiago was known to frequent the area of Locomotive Park in Wenatchee. The Coroner’s office is also asking for the public’s help in identifying any relatives of Mr. Santiago. If anyone has any information that would assist in notifying Mr. Santiago’s next of kin please contact the Coroners’ office at 509-667-6431.

*****

Sheriff CC sheriff logo 2023Mike Morrison reports on August 10 2023 at approximately 0017 hours, a 70 year old male was found deceased in the roadway of Malaga Alcoa Highway near Stemilt Creek Road. Deputies from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and Officers from the Wenatchee Police Department responded to the area.

During the preliminary investigation, information was obtained from a witness indicating the deceased had been struck by a vehicle. After the vehicle struck the victim, the driver fled the area, north bound towards Wenatchee. The witness stated the suspect vehicle is possibly a 2010 or newer blue Honda. Damage to the vehicle may be on the passenger side.

The victim’s identity is being withheld at this time pending next of kin notification.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance to identify the suspect vehicle and driver. If you have any information into the incident, please contact Deputy Mathena via the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 509-667-6845.

CC sheriff logo 2023Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 7/28/23, at approximately 1150 hours, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call in Manson of a suspicious vehicle with flashing blue and red lights. It was reported the male driver was stopping to speak with young girls. When approached by the reporting party, the male identified himself as a Seattle Police detective.

Through an investigation, probable cause was obtained on 39 year old Christopher M. Alexander of Manson, WA for Criminal Impersonation 2nd degree. Mr. Alexander is not a law enforcement officer. It was discovered that he was no longer living at his address in Manson.

On 8/8/23 at approximately 1100 hrs, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office deputies received information that Christopher Alexander was at the Wenatchee High School. He was located and arrested for RCW 9A.60.045 Criminal Impersonation 2nd degree and WAC 204-21-230(4), lighting equipment prohibited.

wsdot logo greenChanges go into effect on Oct. 1

SEATTLE – The Washington State Transportation Commission approved adjustments to ferry fares beginning this fall at its Thursday, Aug. 10 hearing. The changes in fares were made to ensure the state meets revenue requirements set forth in the 2023-25 state Transportation Budget passed by the Legislature and enacted by the governor this year.

The adopted fare changes will:

  • Raise passenger and vehicle fares by 4.25 percent on Oct. 1, 2023, and again on Oct. 1, 2024.
  • Increase the current discount for multi-ride passes by 1 percent. The additional discount for the multi-ride passes will expire on Sept. 30, 2025.

The commission also adopted a policy change to the fuel surcharge rule to clarify that a fuel surcharge can only be implemented after review and approval by the commission.

For information on the commission’s fare-setting process, visit the fare-setting section of the commission’s website, wstc.wa.gov.

wsdot logoHYAK – Rock blasting closures will resume on Wednesday, Aug. 17 on Interstate 90 east of Snoqualmie Pass.

The Washington State Department of Transportation and contractor crews will close I-90 for approximately one hour at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug 16. During rock blasting closures, eastbound travelers will be stopped at exit 64 and westbound travelers will be stopped at exit 70 near Easton.

Rock blasting is scheduled to occur one to two times per week throughout the rest of summer and into the fall, one hour before sunset, and the closure will last up to one hour. This work is part of the major improvement project to widen I-90 from four to six lanes between the Cabin Creek interchange and the West Easton interchange.

WSDOT provides a variety of tools to help plan your trip over Snoqualmie Pass this summer:

MCC new logo

Meeting Agenda | August 20, 2023 | Manson Parks Department @ 6 pm


CALL TO ORDER pm

FLAG SALUTE |

TREASURER’S REPORT |

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April, June & July 2023

OLD BUSINESS

  • Wi-fi Update for Parks Dept conference area – Chris Willoughby
  • Chelan County Cascade Public Infrastructure Fund Update – John Frolker

NEW BUSINESS -- COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – Deanna Walter, Chelan County Planning Developer

  • Update on “No Parking” signage in alleyways. (Is Henry Gray considered a street or an alley?)
  • Update on signage for speeds through and around Manson. More to come? Any data with the changes?
  • Specifically, who made the decision to remove the Councils from the Agency List and how do we get back on it?

 

  • SHORT TERM RENTALS
    • How the public can obtain a current list of currently licensed STRs. What data is on the list?
    • Correct procedure for STR complaints. If neighbors call the sheriff (Rivercom or 911) and officers don’t show up, are these calls forwarded to Code Enforcement the following day? If so, what happens from there forward?
    • Have any STRs actually lost their licenses due to the 3-complaint rule?
    • Have any fines been paid by homeowners regarding valid complaints? How can we obtain that information?
    • Now that the STR code is in place and licenses are being purchased annually, are the Code Enforcement officer’s hours being expanded beyond Monday-Friday, 8-5?
    • What recommendations from the Task Force are “moving forward” but not implemented yet?
    • Are STRs allowed to be within the 100-foot setback for farms/orchards?

PUBLIC COMMENT | GOOD OF THE ORDER

MEETING ADJOURNED pm | NEXT MEETING: July 18, 2023 @ 6:00 PM @ Manson Parks Department

manson parks logo

Regular Board Meeting
August 10, 2023, 4:10pm
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. Approval of Minutes
a. July 13, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
6. Financial Review
a. Review Monthly Financial Report
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
7. New Business
a. Lion’s Club TV usage
8. Old Business
a. Updates:
i. Old Swim Hole development project
1. Geotech timeline update
ii. Manson Bay Marina planning project
iii. Leffler Field soil remediation planning project
b. Director’s Report
IX. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: 4:10pm on September 14, 2023 at 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA, 98831 (unless otherwise posted).

MansonChamberLogoHello Manson Supporters!

AT THIS TIME, we are in need of folks who are willing to spend a little time in our Visitor’s Center.  Here’s the scoop:

  • The VC is to be open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am - 4pm.

We need…

  • Help ANY of those days and times. A schedule will be made depending upon folks’ availability.
  • PLEASE let me know what time and day(s) work for you. A specific schedule is best for all of us.

What would you be doing?

  • Giving information (provided) on Manson businesses and things to do in the Lake Chelan Valley.  Referring our MEMBERS in particular.
    • In person
    • By phone
  • Selling items in our brand new Souvenir Shop.
  • Taking a picture out at the Big Chair occasionally.
  • (VERY) light cleaning if needed.
  • IF INTERESTED – but NOT required:
    • Light administrative duties to help our ED.
    • Organization of our storage items in the building.

Skills required?

  • Minor computer skills to search for things and one program to run the “cash register.”
    • TRAINING INCLUDED!

What if no one comes in and I’m bored?

  • Bring your own laptop, a craft project, your knitting, or???
    • This is a GREAT time to scour OUR website and learn about our members, and how you can guide our visitors.
    • While you’re on your “shift” is a great time to celebrate Manson and our beautiful home here at the Visitors Center.  But, if the phone isn’t ringing and people aren’t coming in it’s also a great time to work on your own business or project!  The sky might not be the limit but the air space is pretty high!

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY & OPEN HOUSE

  • Friday, August 4th at 2pm at the Visitors Center
  • Norm & Tom will be there to show you how it’s all done!  Please stop by!
  • Treats included!

EMAIL the Chamber at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

fire break map

The Chelan Ranger District on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is proposing fuels (vegetation) management treatments to reduce wildfire risk, protect communities, and improve firefighter safety and efficacy. The proposed Cooper Ridge Fuel Break project (the “project”) lies within Chelan and Okanogan counties, approximately 38 miles north of Wenatchee and 5 miles west of Highway 97 (T29N, R21E, S1-25; T29N, R22E, S5-9, 15-16, 20-22, 27-30, 33-35; T28N, R22E, S2, 5-6, 8, 11-13), Figure 1. The project is located on National Forest System land administered by the United States Forest Service.

CLICK BELOW for more information from the USDA.

Cooper Ridge Fuel Break CE Scoping Letter - 20230728.pdf (govdelivery.com)

wsdot logo greenDraft plan addresses safety and truck parking concerns; does not propose adding or closing any existing sites

OLYMPIA – The public is invited to comment on Washington State Department of Transportation’s draft Safety Rest Area Strategic Plan, which covers topics such as safety, financially sustainable operations, customer experience, truck parking and resiliency.

The last strategic plan was updated in 2008 – nearly 15 years ago – and the needs of travelers have changed and continue to evolve while the state’s 47 aging Safety Rest Area facilities need significant repair and improvements. The strategic plan identifies modern day needs and can also be used by state leaders to develop possible next steps for short-term and long-term rest area decisions within current funding challenges.

The state’s rest areas are used heavily by the traveling public and help prevent drowsy driving by giving people a chance to take a break. However, the sites are expensive to maintain, with ongoing plumbing, potable water, sewage systems and pavement costs. Statewide, 87% of the rest area facilities are rated in critical condition. More than half of the rest area buildings will be 50 years or older by 2031, requiring either considerable rehabilitation or evaluation about further use and options. 

The public comment period is available through 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, and allows participants to learn more about the strategic plan process as well as leave comments or feedback before the plan is finalized, likely in late fall 2023. WSDOT previously conducted public outreach from June 27-Sept. 5, 2022. More than 5,300 comments were submitted from travelers across the state and were considered in the draft plan currently available for review.

Public comment period

When:            July 31 – Aug. 30

Where:           www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/statewide-plans/safety-rest-area-strategic-plan

Details:          People can provide feedback on the draft strategic plan online, which is available 24 hours a day, whenever it best fits individual schedules. Comments can also be submitted via email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Voicemail comments can be left at 360-705-7784. Mail-in comments can be sent to: WSDOT Safety Rest Area Strategic Planning Team 310 Maple Park Avenue SE P.O. Box 47328 Olympia, WA 98504-7300

At a high level, the strategic plan:

  • Addresses core focus areas, including safety, financially sustainable operations, customer experience, truck parking and resiliency by providing an overview and strategies for each area.
  • Introduces the concept of piloting new site designs, including urban locations with limited RV parking, expanded commercial truck parking, additional safety amenities and commercial truck-only facilities.
  • Establishes criteria such as crash data, usage, availability of alternative locations, truck parking needs and usage needs by customer group (RV, passenger vehicles, commercial trucks) to evaluate each location as part of the state’s overall-modal transportation system. The draft plan does not call for closing any existing sites, nor does it advocate for any new locations.
  • Shares possible strategies and next steps.

Free, temporary internet access is available at several sites across the state for those who do not have broadband service. A list of sites can be found online at: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

buckner 8 5 23

chelan douglas portOn Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Executive Flight Building, the Regional Sports Complex Steering Committee will meet with its consulting firm, BerryDunn, to receive an update on Phase I of the Regional Sports Complex Feasibility Study.

Phase I of the study is scheduled to be complete at the end of September and consists of an existing conditions survey, demographics, market analysis, and public input. Future phases include regional and local facility comparison, facility options (including programming and capital costs), site analysis, estimates of financial performance, economic impact, and funding options. The study area includes all of Chelan and Douglas counties.

CC sheriff logo 2023On 7/30/23 at approximately 0930 hrs, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 52 year old Darren D. Hunter, on charges of Rape 1st degree and Assault 2nd degree.

Hunter, who is currently living in Chelan, had recently moved to the area from Kent, Wa. While living in Kent, he worked as a middle school teacher until he was fired after pleading guilty to Assault 4th Degree with Sexual Motivation. He is currently not employed by any school district.

Details of the case are limited at this time due to it being an ongoing investigation.

Detectives have reason to believe Hunter may have committed additional unreported crimes. If you have any information that could be helpful to detectives please call the Chelan County Sheriff’s  Office Tip Line at (509) 667-6845.

manson parks logo

Special Board Meeting
July 21, 2023, 12:00pm
Bumgarner Meeting Room, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA 98831

1. Call to Order
2. Flag Salute
3. Aspect Consulting contract amendment approval
4. RC Boat Racing Club
5. Adjournment

washington state parks logoGrants awarded to 92 programs across the state

OLYMPIA — July 20, 2023 — The outdoors is one our most powerful teachers and now more children will have access to its lessons. 

The No Child Left Inside (NCLI) grant program, awarded by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks), will provide more than $6.7 million for 92 projects dedicated to expanding outdoor recreation and education opportunities for underserved youth in Washington. NCLI also will leverage more than $6.8 million in matching resources from grant recipients, increasing the investment in youth education and wellbeing.

“The world comes to Washington to experience our natural wonders, but some who live and grow here face barriers to accessing these local treasures not far from home,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “The No Child Left Inside grant program is once again providing opportunities to under-served youth to have more young Washingtonians experience the outdoors, learn about the world around them and apply this understanding to improve themselves and their communities.”

These grants will support more than 47,000 kids, aged 5 to 18 and provide 1.8 million hours of vital time in nature. Of the children and teens who will benefit from this grant cycle:

  • 83 percent are eligible for free-and-reduced-priced school meals,
  • 69 percent are youth of color,
  • 25 percent are youth with a disability, and 
  • 18 percent are English-language learners.

“This program provides an invaluable resource to young people – access to nature,” Parks Director Diana Dupuis said. “We’re thrilled to be able to support formative outdoor experiences for more kids and in all corners of our state.”

NCLI continues to expand as more of Washington’s youth benefit from their experiences outside. This cycle, NCLI received the most grant applications in the program’s history, reviewing 174 submissions and $12.3 million in requests. This is the highest amount of funding requested and awarded in the program’s history. In the previous two biennia, the program received $4.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively. 

“The NCLI grants are the most impactful education and recreation investments that the state makes,” Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, said. “They help increase access to adventure and learning for thousands of children every year, creating memories, skills, and knowledge that the kids will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”

NCLI funding comes from the state general fund and was one of a dozen recommendations of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation in 2014. The task force was charged with finding ways to increase participation in outdoor recreation, which has significant social and economic benefits.

Many of the successful applicants already have begun their projects. Projects will wrap up in June 2025, with the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office likely accepting new applications in August 2024.

Projects and more information:

Learn about the 2023 project grants awarded here.

Learn more about the No Child Left Inside grant program here.

dougcountysherlogoSee our previous story: 25-year-old Jesse Robert Cadenas is missing

On 7/12/23 at approximately 2:27pm, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suspicious complaint along the riverbank of the Columbia River near Rock Island Dam. The complainant, a subject on a boat, touring the river, reported seeing what he believed to be a human body along the riverbank. Deputies responded to the area and located a confirmed deceased human body partially submerged in the water. Deputies with the assistance of Wenatchee Valley Fire Dept recovered the decedent and transferred care to the Douglas County Coroner.

On 7/18/23 the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office received notification from the Douglas County Coroner’s office, that they were able to positively identify the decedent as missing 25-year-old Rock Island resident, Jesse Robert Cadenas.

We appreciate all the assistance from the community and outside agencies in the search for Jesse Cadenas. We send our deepest condolences to Jesse’s family during this time.

MCC new logoManson Community Council Meeting Agenda

July 18, 2023
Manson Parks Department @ 6 pm


o CALL TO ORDER pm Members Present: Kari Sorensen |Cindy Smith | John Frolker | Chris Willoughby | Pam Calhoun
o FLAG SALUTE
o TREASURER’S REPORT _$________________
o APPROVAL OF MINUTES from June 15, 2023 meeting

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

  • Manson School Board candidates for District 2
    • Kourtney Alanis
    • Aurora Flores
  • Questions for candidates
  • Update on Chelan County Cascade Public Infrastructure Fund
    • John Frolker

COMMUNITY COMMENT

  • Open

MEETING ADJOURNED pm

  • Next MCC Meeting: August 15th, 2023 @ 6:00 PM @ Manson Parks Department

wsdot logo greenEAST WENATCHEE – A contractor for the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin paving work on State Route 28 between East Wenatchee and Rock Island on Monday, July 17.

Central Washington Asphalt is the contractor for this paving project, which will repair and pave two sections of pavement. One is Sunset Highway between Hadley Street and Eastmont Avenue. The second is SR 28 between Third Street to north of Rock Island Dam.

The work will require lane closures, reduced speed zones and flagger-controlled traffic. The contractor will work Monday through Thursday nights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. This project is scheduled to be complete in mid-October.

The contractor will also install new guardrail and sinusoidal rumble strips. Sinusoidal rumble strips are sometimes referred to as “mumble strips” and are like traditional rumble strips but are designed to lessen the external noise produced when vehicles travel across them.

Updates for this project will be shared on the WSDOT real-time travel map and on Twitter at @WSDOT_East.

crime report 2023

(Lacey, WA) – Crime was up and the number of law enforcement officers was down in the latest Crime in Washington report for 2022. The rate of murders, violent and property crimes rose across the state, while the number of officers available to respond and serve our communities decreased again in 2022. The annual Crime in Washington report (link) tracks crime and arrest data from contributing law enforcement agencies throughout Washington. The report is compiled by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC).
The report shows that there were 394 murders in 2022, an increase of 16.6 percent over 2021. This is the highest number of murders recorded since WASPC began collecting this data in 1980. Homicides have increased 96 percent since 2019. Crimes against persons, property and society all increased in 2022, and violent crimes showed an increase of 8.9 percent.

The total number of commissioned officers statewide was 10,666, down from 10,736 in 2021, while the total population of the state increased by 93,262. Washington again is ranked 51st out of the 50 states and District of Columbia for the number of officers per thousand residents. Reported cases of officers assaulted was 2,375 in 2022, an increase of 20.7 percent.

Other data may show crime has decreased in some parts of the United States but overall crime in Washington has continued to rise. The data in this latest report should be used by policy makers to continue to develop balanced approaches that respect victims of crime and increase safety for all Washingtonians.

CIW 2022 Facts at a Glance

• The total population for the State of Washington is 7,865,768.
• Full-time commissioned officers totaled 10,666.
• There was a total of 2,375 assaults on law enforcement officers. Two officers were killed in the line of duty.
• Motor vehicle theft rose 34 percent.
• There were 394 murders.
• Domestic Violence offenses made up 45.9 percent of all Crimes Against Persons.
• A total of 544 hate crime incidents were reported.
• 1,444 arrests for Drug/Narcotic Violations was down from 2,163 in 2021

The Crime in Washington 2022 report is compiled with data from 231 state, county, municipal, and Tribal agencies and is designed to give residents, elected officials, and law enforcement data-driven information about crime in their communities. The numbers are derived from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) submissions. The data should not be compared to the FBI Crime in The United States 2022 report which will be published later this year. The Washington State Uniform Crime Reporting Program forwards the crime data to the FBI in the NIBRS format; however, the FBI may convert NIBRS to a Summary Reporting System format, use estimations, or omit agencies that have not submitted all twelve months for 2022.

*****

Read the report HERE. (PDF)

Read Sheriff Morrison's response to the report HERE. (PDF)

manson parks logo

Regular Board Meeting
July 13, 2023, 4:10pm
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. Approval of Minutes
a. June 08, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
6. Financial Review
a. Review Monthly Financial Report
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
7. New Business
a. Drones in public parks
8. Old Business
a. Updates:
i. Old Swim Hole development project
1. Geotech approval
ii. Manson Bay Marina planning project
iii. Leffler Field soil remediation planning project
1. Archaeological update
b. Director’s Report
IX. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: 4:10pm on August 10, 2023 at 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA, 98831 (unless otherwise posted).

wsdot logo greenHybrid in-person/virtual meeting takes place July 18-19 in Olympia

OLYMPIA – The July 18 and 19 meeting of the Washington State Transportation Commission will include updates on Road Usage Charge research, the I-5 Interstate Bridge replacement project between Vancouver and Portland and efforts to help cities and counties address climate change.

The meeting takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18, and from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, at the Washington State Department of Transportation Headquarters Building, 310 Maple Park Ave. SE, on the Capitol Campus, and the public is invited to attend. The meeting will also be streamed on TVW. Those wishing to participate virtually may register on the commission’s website. Virtual and in-person public comment is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19. Written comments can also be submitted via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On Tuesday, commissioners will hear the results of a recently completed Road Usage Charge enrollment simulation conducted with over 1,000 Washingtonians. They will also hear from the Washington State Department of Commerce on its program to help local jurisdictions address climate change in their comprehensive plans. Also on Tuesday, Commerce and WSDOT officials will discuss Vehicle Miles Traveled reduction efforts, including guidance on potential policies to reduce the total miles driven statewide. This work supports statewide emission reduction goals.

Other topics to be covered at the Olympia meeting include:

  • Reconnecting Seattle’s South Park neighborhood: On Tuesday, the commission will learn about a $1.6 million federal grant awarded to the Reconnect South Park group, which is working to study the impacts of State Route 99 on the neighborhood.
  • Naming a state highway overlook: On Wednesday, a proposal to name the Riffe Lake Overlook on State Route 12 after late Lewis County Commissioner Gary Stamper will be presented for adoption.
  • Route Jurisdiction Transfer requests: Representatives from the cities of Ridgefield and Snoqualmie, as well as WSDOT administrators, will offer comments on proposals to transfer ownership of roads in both cities on Wednesday. 

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit the commission’s website: wstc.wa.gov/.

WSDTlogo450Commissioners took their posts on July 1

OLYMPA – The Washington State Transportation Commission has elected new leaders. Deborah Young, of San Juan County, is the new chair and James “Jim” A. Restucci, of Yakima County, is the new vice chair.

Young has served as the commission’s vice chair for the last two years and replaces Commissioner Roy Jennings, who served as chair for the same amount of time and remains on the commission until the end of his term in 2025.

Young has been on the commission since 2015 and is serving her second six-year term. She has served on the commission’s subcommittee on ferries, which includes oversight of the commission’s Ferry Riders’ Opinion Group (FROG) survey panel made up of over 25,000 members. She also serves as an ex officio member of the Ferry Advisory Committee on Tariff (FAC-T), which provides input and feedback to Washington State Ferries on fare proposals. Young has additionally served on the subcommittee leading the update of the state’s 20-year transportation plan. After working in the utility industry for over 20 years and serving on land conservancy groups, Young now lives on Lopez Island, where she operates a small farm.

Restucci is from Sunnyside and was appointed to the commission in 2018. He has been a longtime local elected official and is serving his fifth term on the Sunnyside City Council, currently as deputy mayor. He previously served four terms as mayor. He is also the chair of the Yakima Valley Transportation Policy Board and past president of the Association of Washington Cities. On the commission, he has served as chair of the Autonomous Vehicle Workgroup since 2018. In his private life, he is the chief executive officer of a technology services company, which he founded in 2002. 

The commission elected Young and Restucci during their May meeting. The two-year leadership posts were effective July 1.

FlyerC
 
WALKING TOURS RETURN JULY 14
Led by those who know, including former NPS interpreters, Buckner Family members, and a long-time Buckner Homestead resident, free, one hour-plus walking tours will return to the Orchard beginning Friday, July 14.
 
ORCHARD WORK PARTY JULY 15
With a lot to be done, we're hoping for a good turnout on Saturday, July 15.  Come and go as you can, with a variety of things to do!
 
SQUARE DANCE AT THE ORCHARD AUGUST 5
Never square danced under the summer night skies!  Then you've missed something special. Those of you who have, need no convincing!  Saturday, August 5, and its FREE!
 
AGNES ON FIRE AT THE ORCHARD SEPTEMBER 9
Stehekin's own, and Orchard favorite, Agnes on Fire, will play at the Packing Shed on Saturday, September 9.  Always a great time, put them on your calendar now! 
 
SUPPORT OUR WORK
The work we do in making the Historic Buckner Orchard what it is today and into the future depends on you.  Please consider supporting our efforts with a contribution today.
 
https://bhhf.betterworld.org/campaigns/donate-2023
 
 
 
 

CC sheriff logo 2023*** UPDATE JUNE 23rd, 2023 2:00 PM ***
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports the body of Yun Park, a 66-year-old male from Palisades Park New Jersey was recovered near the base of Colchuck Peak. Park was one of three climbers who was killed by an avalanche while attempting to climb Colchuck Peak on February 19th, 2023. 

A hiker located Mr. Park’s body on the afternoon of June 22nd. She reported the find to Chelan County Sheriff’s Office during the evening of June 22nd.  Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter Rescue Team was contacted for a hoist capable helicopter and accepted the mission. Snohomish HRT responded in the morning of June 23rd and recovered Mr. Park’s body at approximately 11:15 am. The body was turned over to the Chelan County Coroner’s office.

Mr. Park was the last of the three climbers to be recovered. All of the members of the climbing group have now been recovered.

*** UPDATE MAY 30th, 2023 10:30 AM ***
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports on May 29th, 2023 the body of Jeannie Lee, a 60-year-old Climber from Bayside, New York was recovered from the base of Colchuck Peak. Lee was killed in an avalanche on Sunday February 19th along with two other climbers (see original release below). A Chelan County Mountain Rescue volunteer was in the area on a personal trip when he located Lee’s body. Snow has melted significantly with the warm weather recently. He hiked to the top of Colchuck Glacier where he made a call to RiverCom dispatch.

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office was notified and deployed the CCSO helicopter. Two additional Chelan County Mountain Rescue volunteers were transported to the scene to assist with the recovery. Lee’s body was transported to the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery at approximately 4:30 pm and turned over to the Chelan County Coroner’s Office. The rescuers did not locate the
additional missing climber, Yun Park of Palisades Park New Jersey.

Conditions still are not safe to conduct a thorough search of the area.

# # #
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports on February 20th, 2023 Deputies were contacted at the CCSO Leavenworth substation about an avalanche that occurred near Colchuck Lake the previous day. The reporting party, a 53-year-old Maryland man reported the group he was with had attempted to climb Colchuck Peak on Sunday February 19th. There were six climbers in that group and the reporting party had stayed at their base camp that day. The lead climber triggered an avalanche while attempting to climb the Northeast Couloir of Colchuck Peak. Four of the climbers were swept down the couloir approximately 500 feet.

Three of the climbers died as a result of trauma sustained in the fall. They were a 60-year-old female from New York, a 66-year-old male from New Jersey, and a 53-year-old male from Connecticut. The fourth climber, a 56 year old male form New York sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was able to hike back to base camp with the remaining two. They were a 50-year-old male from New York and a 36-year-old male from New Jersey. When they arrived at camp, they sent the reporting party for help.

When Deputies took the report, A SAR coordinator started gathering resources. A total of 22 rescuers responded to the trailhead to assist with this effort. They were from Chelan County Mounty Rescue, Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue and ORV unit, Seattle Mountain Rescue, Tacoma Mountain Rescue, and Yakima Mountain Rescue. A group of four from Chelan County Mountain Rescue responded to the lake driven part of the way by the CCVSAR ORV unit. They reached the base camp at approximately 1:30 pm. They were able to determine avalanche conditions were too hazardous to continue to the deceased climbers. They escorted the surviving climbers back to the trailhead.

Rescuers were not sent back in to the scene today due to hazardous conditions. CCSO continues to work with Northwest Avalanche Center to assist in a recover plan.

Colchuck Peak sits at the South end of Colchuck Lake approximately 8 miles South of Leavenworth, WA.

cadenas

On 06/20/23 at around 5:45 pm, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to Rock Island WA, to a report of a missing person. Margaret Ann Tilley reported her 25-year-old autistic son, Jesse Robert Cadenas, was last seen at their home in Rock Island, on 06/19/23 at around 10 pm when she went to bed. The family noticed he was not at home at 8 am on 06/20/23. It is believed Jesse left on his charcoal gray GIANT mountain bicycle, however, he left his cell phone and wallet at home. Jesse has been described as verbal but reluctant to speak to strangers.

Since Jesse was reported missing the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, and local Search and Rescue volunteers have conducted searches in the city of Rock Island and the surrounding areas. This includes utilizing FLIR thermal cameras, and drones, in vehicles and on foot.  Additional searches were conducted along the Apple Capital Recreational Loop
Trail and the shoreline of the Columbia River with the Chelan County Marine Patrol.

The Chelan County PUD has reviewed their Loop Trail camera system and their parks employees have been provided flyers of Jesse. Local Rock Island residences and businesses have been checking their security camera systems for Jesse. LINK bus drivers have been provided flyers and are providing assistance. Detectives have also met with Jesse’s family to review any
information that can help find him.

While we continue to search for Jesse, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance. If you have information about Jesse please contact RiverCom Dispatch at (509) 663-9911.

wsdot logo greenThe public can comment on proposed fare increases through July 30

OLYMPA – The Washington State Transportation Commission has released its proposal to increase ferry fares over the next two years to meet revenue requirements set by the Legislature. Ferry riders and members of the public are invited to weigh in and can submit their comments through July 30.

The proposed fare changes are informed by significant public input gathered through recent community meetings hosted by Washington State Ferries and an online survey hosted by the commission. The proposed fare increase must raise $418.6 million in operating revenue between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025, as required in the recently enacted two-year transportation budget for ferry operations.

The commission’s proposal is based upon a recommendation from WSF leadership and supported by the Ferry Advisory Committee on Tariff.

The fare proposal would:

  • Raise passenger and vehicle fares by 4.25 percent on Oct. 1, 2023, and again on Oct. 1, 2024.
  • Increase the current discount for multi-use passes (available to passengers, vehicles and motorcycles) by 1 percent. This increase discount will sunset on Sept. 30, 2025.

Comments on the commission’s ferry fare proposal can be made through Friday, July 30, by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by visiting the Washington State Transportation Commission’s feedback page.

The commission will hold its final hearing on this issue at 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, at the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Board Room, 1011 Western Ave., Suite 500, Seattle. The commission is expected to vote on the final fare proposal at this hearing. Public comment will be accepted at the hearing, and virtual attendance will be available. To learn more about the ferry fare-setting process, visit the commission’s website at wstc.wa.gov.

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