As summer approaches, Manson is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to our community for events, festivals, tourism, and all the experiences that make our home so special.
What most people don’t realize is that the Manson Chamber of Commerce is powered almost entirely by volunteers — community members who give their time, energy, and heart to help Manson thrive.
From organizing events and greeting visitors to helping with setup, cleanup, logistics, and community outreach, our volunteers are the reason our programs and events are successful.
With a busy summer season ahead, we are looking for additional volunteers who want to make a difference in our community.
Whether you can help for a few hours at a single event or become more involved throughout the season, every helping hand matters.
Volunteering is also a great way to:
No special experience is required — just a willingness to help and a love for our community.
If you’re interested in volunteering or would like to learn more about the upcoming opportunities, please reply to this email or contact the Manson Chamber office.
And more!
Together, we can continue creating the welcoming, vibrant community that makes Manson such a special place to live, work, and visit.
Thank you for supporting Manson!
Warmly,
The Manson Chamber of Commerce
Mary Lynn Thompson
Executive Director
On 5/13/26, Chelan County Deputies were dispatched to a road rage incident that occurred at US Hwy 2 and Icicle Rd in Leavenworth, WA. The reporting party advised that a Silver Range Rover had, “run them off the road” and the female driver had brandished a handgun and threatened to shoot them. In fear for their safety the reporting party tried to drive away but the female began to follow in her vehicle.
Deputies arrived in the area and located the suspect vehicle still following the reporting party. A traffic stop was conducted and the female driver was taken into custody without incident. The female was identified as: Ashley E. Wick, a 38 year old female from Anacortes, WA.
Through the investigation deputies developed probable cause for the arrest of Wick for multiple violations.
Wick was booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center for Assault 1st degree, Harassment Threats to Kill, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Wick is a convicted felon) and License Plate Flipping (false registration).
Regular Board Meeting: May 14, 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. April 9, 2026 Regular Meeting
6. Financial review
a. Monthly financial report
b. Review and approval of monthly voucher (Action Item)
7. New business
a. Aquatics Program update
b. New hire approval (Action Item)
c. Proposed WLC reservation policy update (Action Item)
d. AIS Station placement (Action Item)
e. Chelan Valley Hope food pantry (Action Item)
f. Emergency repair approval (Action Item)
g. Village Green meeting recap
h. Short-term vendor policy (Action Item)
8. Old business
a. Project updates:
i. Old Swim Hole redevelopment
1. Informal Solicitation results (Action Item)
ii. Leffler Field
1. Financial Committee meeting recap
iii. Manson Bay accessibility (PUD project)
9. Director’s Report
10. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: 4:00pm on June 11, 2026 at 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA, 98831.
In 2026, our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence - making this year’s Fourth of July in Manson more meaningful that ever. It also marks the 47th year of one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Washington State, a beloved tradition that brings our community together year after year. To honor this historic milestone, the Manson Chamber of Commerce and Manson Fire Department are partnering to produce the largest fireworks celebration in Central Washington.
This incredible show is made possible entirely through community support including sponsors, auction item donations, cash donations, volunteers and our annual Stars & Stripes Auction.
Let’s come together to celebrate, give back, and help light up Manson Bay in a truly unforgettable way!
Our Fourth of July fireworks display is only possible because of the incredible support from our community! There are plenty of ways to be a part of it. Whether you can donate, become a sponsor, contribute an auction item, or volunteer your time, every effort helps bring this tradition to life.
Support one of Manson’s most cherished traditions by becoming a sponsor! Sponsorships help fund the show while also showcasing your business as a proud supporter of the community and a celebration that draws locals and visitors alike.
Volunteers are at the heart of making Manson’s Fourth of July celebration possible. From helping plan the Stars & Stripes Auction to supporting fundraising efforts and assisting with day of event logistics, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
The premier fireworks show fundraising event will be the Stars & Stripes Auction, held on Saturday, June 20th at Cider Press. The evening will feature a dinner, games, silent auction, and a live auction hosted by special guests John Curley - The John Curley Show, and Ry Curley - KOZI Radio.
Let's come together for an incredible cause! It will be a night full of energy, community spirit, and plenty of ways to celebrate while helping light up Manson Bay!
Over the weekend, Chelan County Sheriffs Office demonstrated the full scope of their training and commitment, seamlessly balancing routine law enforcement duties with complex search and rescue operations.
On April 19, the office assisted a group of hikers on Sauer Mountain Trail after a visitor sustained a serious knee laceration during their descent. Responding directly to the scene, a deputy accessed the injured hiker via a nearby forest service road, provided immediate first aid, and coordinated with fire personnel for safe transport. The individual later received medical treatment and is expected to recover.
Later that evening, the office responded to a 911 text from a lost hiking party near Colchuck Lake that included both adults and children. Using location data provided through emergency communications, a deputy navigated challenging nighttime terrain, located the group after several hours, and guided them safely to safety.
These incidents underscore the versatility, preparedness, and professionalism of the Sheriff’s Office. Capable of addressing everyday public safety needs while rapidly transitioning to coordinated search and rescue efforts when the situation demands.
As always, preparation remains critical when exploring local trails. Visitors are encouraged to carry sufficient supplies, plan for changing conditions, and allow adequate time to complete their outings safely.
County Deputies remain dedicated to fostering “a community where safety, justice, and security are ensured for all through unwavering commitment to service.”
Program will soon add cameras and increase fines from $0 to $125 for first infraction
OLYMPIA – An important safety tool for the Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Patrol is showing encouraging results after a year of making the roadways safer for everyone. The Work Zone Speed Camera Program began enforcement on April 16, 2025, on Interstate 5 near Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The program started with one camera and expanded to six, which have been used in more than 675 deployments at 46 job sites.
Early data from work zones where the camera conducted frequent enforcement shows an overall reduction in speeding. For example, on I-5 near JBLM, more than 60% of drivers were speeding through the work zone before cameras were deployed. The percentage dropped to as low as 30% during enforcement.
The cameras were also used to help the I-405/Brickyard to SR 527 Improvement Project during work on State Route 522. Speeds dropped during enforcement. In the months after deployments stopped, the construction project saw a more than 20% reduction in the number of vehicles speeding through that part of the work zone.
The objective of the Work Zone Speed Camera Program is to reduce speeding in active road construction, maintenance and emergency zones. Since the program began, troopers issued 65,000 infractions, of which 59,000 were first-time infractions that do not carry a financial penalty. The program's goal is not to make money; its focus remains on changing driver behavior.
A WSP trooper reviews the images and data from the camera for every potential infraction. If a trooper determines a violation was committed, a notice of infraction is mailed to the vehicle's registered owner within 30 days. The cameras only record speeding vehicles when work crews are present at a job site.
“So far, nearly 9% of the infractions we see are repeat offenders,” Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste explained. “That’s close to 6,000 people who have not only received the fine, but who hopefully have heard the message – SLOW DOWN in our work zones, it will save lives.”
Flexible and mobile enforcement
The trailer-mounted camera photographs vehicles speeding through active work zones. The camera locations stretched from rural Clallam County to the busiest parts of Interstates 5 and 90. This safety tool protects workers and the traveling public by encouraging drivers to follow work zone speed limits to reduce speed-related crashes.
Program expansion
The second year of the program will bring additional cameras, with up to 15 in operation by 2027 and expansion to eastern Washington. It will also have steeper penalties. Last year, the Legislature changed the penalties and beginning July 1, 2026, the first infraction will cost $125. The second and all subsequent infractions remain $248.
Dangerous conditions
According to preliminary statistics, the total number of work-zone-related crashes was 1,557 in 2025, a slight decrease from the year before. There was an increase in fatal collisions, from seven in 2024 to nine in 2025.
In 2025, the top three causes for work zone crashes in Washington were following too closely, speeding and distracted driving – all of which are preventable. April also begins WSDOT’s month-long work zone safety campaign which includes National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20-24).
“Slow down when you see a work zone— every person in a vest is there doing a job, and they deserve to finish it and go home safely,” Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith explained. “Protect them the way you’d want someone to protect you and your loved ones.”
Program and enforcement details
When someone receives a notice of infraction, they’re directed to the program’s website to acknowledge and potentially pay for the violation. The infractions are recorded as non-moving violations and do not affect driving records or insurance. Unpaid fines will be added to vehicle registration renewals.
Parking lot, restroom will also be closed
SOAP LAKE – April 16, 2026 – The Dry Falls Visitor Center on State Route 17 near Coulee City, including the restrooms, parking lot and scenic overlook, will be closing for major renovations on April 20.
The closest year-round restrooms are in Coulee City, Soap Lake and at Sun Lakes State Park three miles away.
What visitors should know
Dry Falls Visitor Center, which turned 60 this year, is getting a much-needed upgrade, including replacement of original infrastructure and features. This will improve public safety, accessibility and visitor experience. The center is expected to reopen next summer.
Key improvements include:
Alternative activities
While the Dry Falls Visitor Center is closed, neighboring Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park will stay open for camping and recreation.
The geological wonder of Dry Falls, once a 3.5-mile-wide, 400-foot-tall waterfall that rivaled Niagra Falls, can be seen from spots at Sun Lakes.
State Parks staff will host educational programs at Potholes, Sun Lakes and Steamboat Rock this spring and summer.
Ice Age Flood enthusiasts can see Ice-Age-Flood-carved channeled scabland landscapes on the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail at:
When planning a trip to the area, visitors are encouraged to check the Dry Falls Visitor Center's project webpage for updates on the renovation schedule and Calendar of Events for alternative program offerings.
On April 4, 2026, at approximately 1907 hrs, deputies responded to a reported trespassing incident at an apartment complex located at 240 E. Johnson Avenue Chelan, WA. The reporting party (RP) called 911 stating that an unknown male was outside her apartment, pounding on the door, attempting to manipulate the handle, and yelling threatening statements.
A deputy already in the area arrived on scene within minutes. Based on the report that a male was actively attempting to gain entry into an occupied apartment, the deputy made entry into the building to locate the suspect and ensure the safety of the occupants. Upon checking the interior hallway, the deputy contacted a male matching the suspect’s description exiting another apartment.
The individual, later identified as Alejandro Morales-Gonzales, was observed holding a metal object. The deputy issued verbal commands in Spanish, and Alejandro initially complied. However, when the deputy attempted to detain him, Alejandro became combative, resisting efforts to be restrained and physically assaulting the deputy by striking him in the face. The deputy used control techniques to bring Alejandro to the ground while continuing to give commands for him to stop resisting.
An assisting deputy arrived shortly thereafter, and together they were able to place Alejandro in wrist restraints despite continued resistance. Medics responded to the scene to evaluate Alejandro, who was later transported to a local hospital for further medical evaluation. The deputy declined medical treatment.
Further investigation revealed that Alejandro had recently been removed from another apartment in the complex following a domestic dispute and no longer had permission to be on the property. Evidence collected at the scene also indicated possible drug involvement.
Based on the investigation, probable cause was established to arrest Alejandro for the following offenses:
• Attempted Residential Burglary in the Second Degree (RCW 9A.52.030)
• Assault in the Third Degree (RCW 9A.36.031)
• Resisting Arrest (RCW 9A.76.040)
This incident remains under investigation.
Regular Board Meeting: April 9, 2026 at 4:00pm
In person: Bumgarner Meeting Room, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA 98831
-or-
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86070864942?pwd=Hz40w3j2NpYgYUvyZscBtnhes8QL1X.1
Meeting ID: 860 7086 4942
Passcode: 757286
-or-
Phone: 1-253-205-0468, Meeting ID: 860 7086 4942, Passcode: 757286
1. Call to Order
2. Flag salute
3. Agenda additions and deletions
4. Public comment
5. Review and approval of minutes (Action Item)
a. March 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
6. Financial review
a. Monthly financial report
b. Review and approval of monthly voucher (Action Item)
7. New business
a. New hire approval
8. Old business
a. Chelanathon
b. 2028-2032 Comprehensive Plan & PRA grant
c. Project updates:
i. Old Swim Hole redevelopment
1. Informal Solicitation for Personal Services through MRSC Rosters
ii. Leffler Field
iii. Manson Bay Marina breakwater
iv. Old Mill T-dock replacement
v. Old Mill Irrigation
9. Director’s Report
10. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: 4:00pm on May 14, 2026 at 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA, 98831.
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