The 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:
Comments on the commission’s ferry fare proposal can be made through Friday, July 30, by email to
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.
OLYMPIA – June 22, 2023 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) asks everyone who is planning a Fourth of July celebration at a park or on the beach to be safe and protect their friends, neighbors, public lands and wildlife.
Parks sees a dramatic increase in visitation during Independence Day celebrations, particularly on its beaches. The increase in traffic also increases the amount of trash left behind. Last year, volunteers collected more than 35,000 pounds of garbage from ocean beaches during Parks’ annual July 5 beach cleanup. That’s equivalent to the combined weight of four adult orca whales.
To reduce the amount of trash left behind, it is important that visitors plan ahead, follow all beach safety rules and pack out everything they pack in. Any litter left behind on the beach threatens the safety and future of beach wildlife and can be unsafe for people and pets.
Consuming or getting entangled in pieces of trash can disrupt an animal’s ability to hunt, escape predators or provide for their young. Trash also threatens the safety of pets who are at risk of hurting themselves or ingesting it. High tides the night of July 4 to the morning of July 5 can cause litter to wash out into the ocean, harming marine animals as well.
Given the threat that trash poses to everyone on the beach, it is crucial for everyone to do their part and pick up all their trash.
Parks beach safety rules
Fireworks are illegal on all state park lands, including the beaches in front of state parks. Discharging fireworks on state park lands can result in a $99 ticket.
Although it is legal to drive onto some areas of the beach, where allowed, all rules of the road apply. Due to increased traffic and people on the beach during holiday weekends, drivers are encouraged to be hyper-vigilant, drive slowly and watch out for children and pets.
Please remember:
Visitors should be mindful and stay out of areas on the beach designated to protect wildlife and marine habitat. Additionally, campfires must be at least 100 feet from the dunes, no more than four feet in diameter and no more than four feet high. No fires are allowed on any shellfish beds.
July 4 & 5 beach cleanup
In partnership with Washington CoastSavers, Parks puts on three beach cleanup volunteer events a year, including a cleanup on July 4 and 5. Visit CoastSavers.org to view a list of participating beaches and where to check in on the day of the event. Pre-registration is not necessary – just show up and help.
Volunteers should dress for variable weather conditions, wear sturdy footwear and pack a lunch with plenty of water. Upon check-in, participants will receive supplies to help them pick up debris; however, volunteers are encouraged to bring reusable gloves. The check-in station also serves as the dumpster location for marine debris after collection.
Check for park closures, alerts and burn bans before heading out. For those visiting a state park, a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access.
Honoring fallen CCSO Deputy Saul Gallegos with the 18th and final Memorial Run.
June 26th 2003 at 1813 hours, an unidentified voice transmitted across Deputy Gallegos’ radio, “Officer Down.” A witness watched Deputy Gallegos physically struggle with a suspect who he had stopped for driving with a suspended license. The suspect was able to disarm Deputy Gallegos and end his life. The suspect then left the scene, armed with his handgun, fleeing to avoid capture. The witness went to help Saul and used his radio to expedite resources.
What transpired over the next 4 days would be one of the largest manhunts Chelan County has ever seen.
Saul had joined the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office on January 1st, 2003 after serving the citizens of the City of Chelan for over 8 years. He was a decorated Officer with the City of Chelan as he had been honored with Officer of the Year, promoted to Patrol Corporal, recognized as Citizen of the Year, received a Life Saving award, and accumulated multiple Letters of Commendation. Saul also received multiple Army Achievement Awards as he served his country as an Army Reserve for 6 years.
It was an easy transition for Saul to start with the Sheriff’s Office as he was stationed in the Chelan area. Saul had already established himself as an extremely competent Law Enforcement Official and established a family in the community.
Saul talked about his family with pride. He was the Father of 4 young boys and the husband to a wonderful wife. He talked about the challenges of raising 4 kids, but was excited to share stories about them. Saul started to remodel his home shortly after transferring to the Sheriff’s Office – it was a job he would not finish.
The night of his death, the surrounding Law Enforcement Community began searching for the suspect. Outside agencies flooded the region with help. The local community had heard of the horrific news and tips started to pour into dispatch. The suspect had been identified quickly and a multi-agency task force was closing in on him. On June 30th, the search led to Connell, WA where the suspect was taken into custody.
After an incredible memorial service at Chelan High School, that included more than 1,600 officers from around the world, Saul was transported back home to Mexico and laid to rest. The suspect would later be sentenced to life in prison. There was a huge void within the Chelan community knowing that Saul’s wife was left raising 4 young boys. While the family was grieving the loss of her husband out of the country, a community effort started at the Gallegos house. With the help of the Lake Chelan Building Supply, a full addition and remodel took place at the family home. For the next few months, hours of volunteer help constructed more bedrooms, bathrooms, a family room, and finished the remodel that Saul had started. It was amazing to watch the community support the Gallegos Family.
When the family returned home, the community stood outside the newly remodeled house to welcome them home. In 2005 members of the Sheriff’s Office, with the help of the community, started the Saul Gallegos Memorial Run. The intent was to raise money for a college fund for Saul’s children and to remember what a great person, husband, and father that Saul was. This year, 2023, marks the last year of the run. Saul’s children continue to lead very successful lives, lives that would make Saul extremely proud of the person each of them has become.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is honored to have had Saul serve in his capacity as a Sheriff’s Deputy and we are very grateful for the sacrifices and support his family has made throughout their lives. In honor of Saul, CCSO retired his radio number, K20, to forever hold his place with the Office.
In order to honor Saul, we invite and encourage the community to sign up, donate, and participate in celebrating and honoring Saul at the final Deputy Saul Gallegos Memorial Run. The run will be held on Saturday June 24, 2023 at 8 am at Singleton Park in Manson, WA.
The Regional Port Authority (CDRPA) is conducting a feasibility study to determine the potential interest of building a regional sports complex in the area. In June, consulting firm BerryDunn held several stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and two community open houses to gather input on community needs and ideas for a future facility.
“Around 200 people attended one of these opportunities to provide feedback on a regional sportsplex. It was great to see so many diverse interests from court sports like tennis to basketball, field sports such as soccer and futsal, and water sports and activities like competitive swimming and therapy aquatics. Our communities are passionate about sports!” said East Wenatchee Mayor and Regional Sportsplex Committee chair, Jerrilea Crawford.
While Berry
Dunn explores the region’s current facilities, they continue to request feedback and ideas from the community and invite residents to participate in an online “social pinpoint” forum. The online information gathering allows participants to comment on current facilities and to post suggestions on an “idea wall”. The online public interest survey is part of phase 1 and will continue through September.
The online survey can be found on the Regional Port Authority’s website: https://www.cdrpa.org/regional-sports-complex or at https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/chelan-douglas-regional-sports-complex
After completing all phases of their analysis to include existing facility conditions, market analysis, economic impact, and facility options, programs, and capital costs, BerryDunn will present their findings to the Wenatchee Valley in early February.
The Manson School Board of Directors will be holding a Special Board Meeting on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. until 8: 45p.m in the Manson School District for the purpose of taking part in superintendent finalist activities.
They will hold an executive session from 3:30p.m. until 6:30p.m. for the purpose of evaluating the qualification of candidates for employment.
No Action will be taken.
JC Baldwin will begin her term on the seven-member board on July 1
OYMPIA - Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed Janet “JC” Baldwin of Wenatchee to fill an open seat on the Washington State Transportation Commission. Baldwin is a small business owner and longtime elected port commissioner, serving on the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority since 2005.
Baldwin, whose six-year term starts on July 1, brings to the commission the expertise of working in the tech sector as chief executive officer and co-founder of GTC Technical Support in Wenatchee. In addition to her experience as a business owner and elected official, Baldwin brings to the commission extensive experience in the areas of public infrastructure and economic development, amassed from service on a range of boards including the state Community Aviation Revitalization Board, the state Public Works Board and the Washington Public Ports Association Executive Committee.
Baldwin said her service with the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority, combined with the other roles she has served in, gives her a unique perspective and valuable insights that will support the development of statewide transportation policy. Among its responsibilities, the commission advises the state Legislature and the governor on transportation policy matters. This summer, it will begin the work of updating the Washington State Transportation Plan, an endeavor taken on every four years.
“Ports serve a critical role in our state’s economy, and the linkage between transportation and ports is undeniable,” Baldwin said. “An efficient and accessible transportation system is vital to enabling the movement of freight and goods in and out of ports and will be a priority of mine as I work with my fellow commissioners in authoring the update of our state’s 20-year transportation plan.”
The commission also serves as the state tolling authority, setting toll rates and ferry fares, and provides annual guidance to lawmakers on statewide funding and fiscal matters.
“I look forward to supporting the advancement of viable approaches to creating long-term, sustainable funding for transportation so that our entire statewide system is able to carry our state into the future and meet the diversified needs of our citizens,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin replaces Commissioner Jerry Litt of Grant County, who served two terms on the commission for a total of 12 years. She will be one of three commissioners appointed from east of the Cascade Mountains. The other four are from the west of the mountains, per requirements in state law.
(This article may contain biased opinion)
Wenatchee Petroleum of Wenatchee, WA is seeking a permit to install two 30,000-gallon propane storage tanks at 20 Chestnut Street, Chelan Falls. The property in quesƟon, while zoned industrial, is a narrow (330 foot) strip situated at the confluence of the Chelan and Columbia Rivers and is approximately 500 feet from an established residential neighborhood.
The sliver of property is also sandwiched between two beloved Chelan PUD parks, Powerhouse and Chelan Falls. The parks feature picnic areas and shelters, tennis courts, soccer fields, swimming areas, a children’s play structure, a boat launch, and basketball courts. They are frequented by picnicking families, soccer teams, parents and children, dog owners exercising their canine companions, and numerous waterfowl. The beaches are sometimes used by local churches to conduct baptisms. A prized fishing hole is located approximately 300 feet from the property on which the propane tanks would be located. The children’s play structure in Chelan Falls Park is less than 700 feet away.
While propane is non-toxic, according to Dr. Brian Paterson, PhD, the risk to the adjacent properties and those who live in or frequent them is from the potential of an explosion. While a rare occurrence, an explosion in this particular area could have devastating consequences. According to Dr. Paterson, because of the proximity of residences and persons visiting the two parks, “this is a terrible location for such an operation.”
The official public comment period on this proposal is closed. Nonetheless, if you wish to express your concerns, or otherwise comment, please contact the Chelan County Community Development Department:
While a public hearing will be held, it has not yet been scheduled.
State increases patrols and outreach in an effort to reduce litter and traffic fatalities
OLYMPIA – Every year in Washington, debris from unsecured loads causes more than 300 traffic crashes and 30 injuries. In 2022, that toll included five deaths attributed to debris in the roadway. Not only is litter unsightly and diminishes the beauty of our state, it’s dangerous to travelers, roadside workers and people who walk, bike and roll. Additionally, 40% of roadside litter comes from unsecured items falling or blowing from trucks and cars, according to the 2022 statewide litter study.
So how can we prevent this? It all starts with simply strapping down and securing all items in your car, truck or trailer on every trip – even if it’s just across town.
“We are calling on everyone in Washington to help save lives by securing their cargo every time they drive,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. “Two out of three Washingtonians do the right thing and properly secure their loads, but the truth is that five of our fellow residents lost their lives last year due to unsecured cargo, and that is unacceptable. We all need to do our part to protect each other, and to protect our state’s environment.”
On June 6, the Washington State Patrol, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington Department of Ecology are banding together to mark National Secure Your Load Day. Along with raising public awareness about the importance of properly securing cargo, the event commemorates people whose lives were taken or impacted by unsecured loads. “Our troopers and commercial enforcement officers contact more than 1,000 motorists each year for failing to properly secure their vehicle’s loads,” said Washington State Patrol (WSP) Chief John Batiste. “Collisions caused by unsecured loads are entirely preventable. Ensuring all items are properly secured enables us all to have safe roadways.”
As a part of the annual campaign, state troopers are conducting emphasis patrols across Washington for three consecutive weekends between June 9 and June 25. Emphasis patrols during that time will have Troopers looking for unsecured loads, stopping drivers and handing out tickets to those whose loads are not properly secured in accordance with state law. Fines for littering and unsecured loads range from $50 to $5,000. If an item falls out and causes bodily harm or property damage, the driver could also face jail time. The largest fines are for “lit debris” — primarily cigarettes — and items that can cause vehicle crashes.
Today marks the second anniversary of the We Keep Washington Litter Free campaign. Roadside litter is an expensive and unrelenting problem in Washington. Ecology and the Department of Transportation spend a combined $12 million a year on efforts to clean the state’s roads and highways. Last year alone, Ecology-funded pickup programs spent more than 150,000 hours collecting 5.4 million pounds of litter and cleaning more than 21,000 miles of road.
“Debris from unsecured loads causes more than 15 million pounds of litter on Washington’s roads every year,” said Amber Smith-Jones, Ecology’s statewide litter prevention coordinator. “Securing your load and keeping your truck bed clean and free of loose debris saves lives and ensures nothing will blow out. It also saves taxpayer dollars by eliminating the need to clean it up.”
Tarps, straps and cargo nets are easy and effective solutions for securing many types of vehicle loads and preventing road hazards, and are available at any hardware store or online. Ecology is working with retail hardware stores across Washington to share best practices and products to safely secure loads.
To learn more about this campaign and how you can help keep Washington roads safe and litter free, visit SecureLoadsWA.org or SujetaTuCargaWA.org.
Regular Board Meeting
June 08, 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. May 11, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
6. Financial Review
a. Review Monthly Financial Report
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
7. New Business
8. Old Business
a. Updates:
i. Old Swim Hole development project
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 July 13, 2023 at 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA, 98831 (unless otherwise posted).
Two Washington State leaders in publishing head to Oregon in June to share wisdom and encouragement with writers at the Cascade Christian Writers Conference June 25 through 28 at the Canby Grove Christian Center.
Do you enjoy listening to audiobooks? Would you like to learn how to create your own? Christy Hall of Fame author James L. Rubart of Manson, Wash., whose 16 novels have won Carol, INSPY, and Romantic Times Book Reviews awards, will teach a three-day, intensive coaching class on “Recording Your Own Audiobooks.” The longtime marketer and branding expert and audio book narrator will mentor authors at the conference.
The Sunday through Wednesday conference features six in-depth morning coaching classes on the business of publishing; deep point-of-view; the differences between self-publishing, indie publishing, and traditional publishing; recording your own audiobooks; starting a podcast; and creating unforgettable memoirs.
“I owe a great deal of my writing career to the connections I’ve made at writing conferences,” said Christina Suzann Nelson, an award-winning author of six novels and coordinator of the conference. “I met my first agent at the Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference. The friendships have been an added blessing.”
Ghostwriter Josh Kelley of Mount Vernon, a former pastor of 14 years and nonfiction author with Harvest House, will teach two workshops at the conference: “Public Speaking for Writers” and “From Novelist to Full-Time Ghostwriter.” With more than a dozen books written, he will mentor writers in one-on-one meetings.
For more information and to register for the Cascade Christian Writers Conference, visit
https://oregonchristianwriters.org/events/cascade-conference/.
Registration closes June 15.
MVT WebCam 