Sheriff Mike Morrison reports on January 24th, 2026 a 33-year-old Leavenworth man, David Gimlett was reported missing. Mr. Gimlett was said to have left the 3200 block of Hansel Lane in Peshastin on foot during the evening of January 23rd. He had not been heard from since.
Deputies checked the area over the weekend and followed up on various tips. They had Mr. Gimlett entered as a missing person. Mr. Gimlett’s cell phone had not been active since the evening of the 23rd. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office deployed various search methods since Mr. Gimlett was reported missing including helicopter, ground search, and drones. On Thursday, Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue members were deployed to the area to contact the neighborhood. A CCVSAR member located Mr. Gimlett in Peshastin Creek. Unfortunately, Mr. Gimlett was deceased.
Mr. Gimlett’s family has been notified. Chelan County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the community for tips and their engagement during this incident.
Cash or checks will no longer be accepted when citizens pay for Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPL), or Driving under the influence (DUI) cost recovery payments effective 2/9/2026.
Effective February 9, 2026, payments for Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPLs) and DUI cost recovery fees will be accepted only by debit or credit card. This change applies to all new CPL applications including on-time and/or late renewals as well as replacement licenses.
This update is part of the Office’s ongoing efforts to evaluate and improve internal operations through the appropriate use of technology. Accepting cash or checks requires additional staff time and resources for processing, tracking, auditing, and, when necessary, issuing refunds. Transitioning to electronic payments streamlines these processes, allows transactions to be processed more quickly and accurately, and significantly reduces the potential for errors.
By adopting electronic payment methods, the Office can better allocate staff time, improve operational efficiency, and ensure that taxpayer funds are managed responsibly and effectively for the benefit of both staff and the public.
We recognize that this change may be an inconvenience for some members of the public, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding as we modernize our operations to align with current best practices.
The Office plans to transition all payment types to electronic methods in the near future and will provide advance notice as additional changes are implemented.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.
ED. for all debts - public and private (except when we don't want to because it is too hard)
On January 18, 2026, at approximately 8:14 p.m., Douglas County Deputies were dispatched to a report of a weapons violation in the 1000 block of Strahl Canyon Road, Grand Coulee, WA. The complainant reported that they and four others were in a boat on Rufus Woods Lake (Columbia River) when an individual on the Douglas County shoreline fired shots toward them.
Deputies arrived and contacted the victims, who were not injured. During the investigation, deputies learned that a property owner in the area had discharged a hunting rifle toward the boat after being alerted by a neighbor that individuals on the boat had fired a weapon.
The victims explained they had been fishing and carrying a firearm for predator control. While boating, the firearm was accidentally bumped inside the boat. Because of this, the victim admitted to discharging the firearm in a safe location to verify its accuracy. Shortly afterward, they reported being fired upon from shore.
Deputies contacted the suspect, identified as Shawn W. Robison, a 41‑year‑old resident of Grand Coulee, WA. Robison admitted to firing his rifle at the boat in an attempt to scare the occupants away. He was arrested for five counts of Assault in the First Degree and transported to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center.
WENATCHEE — Jan. 22, 2026 — This spring, Washington State Parks will take over management of the Beebe Bridge Park campground reservation system, consistent with several other parks along the Columbia River, including Wenatchee Confluence, Daroga and Lincoln Rock state parks. The state’s user-friendly, online reservation system allows campers to easily schedule sites statewide months in advance.
“We’ve had a successful partnership with Washington State Parks for many years, and this transition ensures we continue to offer many benefits to parks visitors,” said Chelan PUD Parks Manager Ryan Baker.
“We’re very excited to welcome Beebe Bridge into the State Parks system,” Josh Bell, State Parks Eastern Region Manager, said. “The park already offers so much to the community, so we’re grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to step in and expand our camping inventory along the Columbia River. It really is a beautiful place to camp and enjoy the water.”
During a two-year transition period, PUD staff will continue to maintain the park and collaborate with State Parks to gradually transfer operations to the state through early 2028.
Some of the key benefits for Beebe Bridge Park users include:
Check the Washington State Parks website – Parks.wa.gov/BeebeBridge – for updates about the reservation launch date.
Chelan County residents can request a free 2026 parking pass – good for day use at Beebe Bridge, Wenatchee Confluence, Daroga and Lincoln Rock state parks – at chelanpud.org/parkingpass.
**Update 1/29/2026***
The male arrested by deputies on the evening of the incident is 18-year-old Hector Valencia-Farias of Manson. He is currently being held at Chelan County Regional Jail. Detective are actively continuing the investigation.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information that may assist detectives to call our tip line at 509-667-6845.
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On 1/23/26 at approximately 11:54 p.m. deputies responded to reports of gunfire in the 100 block of East Woodin Avenue. As units arrived on the scene, witnesses reported seeing several individuals fleeing the area on foot.
Upon arrival, deputies located a 22-year-old male on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound. Chelan EMS provided immediate on-site medical attention before transporting the victim to Lake Chelan Hospital in stable condition.
Upon further investigation, deputies identified a vehicle associated with the shooting near Riverwalk Park. An 18 year-old male passenger fled the vehicle on foot but was quickly located by deputies on Woodin Avenue. The individual was taken into custody without further incident.
The suspect has been booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center and faces the following charges:
This remains an active investigation. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring the safety of the public and have no reason to believe there are any threats to the public. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
IMPORTANT HARVEST FEST NOTE
Adopted by the Foundation Board, the events scheduled for 2026 very much mirror those of previous years. In their considerations, the Board addressed Harvest Fest and whether it should continue to be held the first weekend in October.
Why Consider Changing the Date for Harvest Fest?
At Harvest Fest the past four or five years, the apple crop was less than satisfactorily ripe, and barely ripe for several varieties in 2025. Climate changes have gradually pushed back the date when your apples are ripe and best for harvesting. A week later could mean a considerable improvement.
Our Goal
Our goal is to continue to provide the best possible Harvest Fest experience for our community, patrons, and visitors. A part of that experience is being able to fully enjoy the Common Delicious, Rome Beauty's, and Jonathon's when pressing for cider and when you return home, making those delicious pies, cakes, sauces, wines, and apple chips. Being less than ripe, makes for poorer taste and less juice, and reflects badly on what great apples they really are!
The Plan
Your comments and suggestions are most welcome as we consider future dates for Harvest Fest. Simply reply to this message with your thoughts!
SUPPORTING OUR WORK
2025 was a very challenging year at the Buckner Homestead and Orchard. Staff and budgets frozen for months and the shutdown in October and November when some of the most critical work needed to be done to protect the historic trees, made the work of the Foundation critical to their survival.
Fortunately, through your support, we were well-positioned to fund off-season equipment maintenance, including major work on the Kabota tractor, to fund the stipends needed for spring pruning, to purchase needed new tools, and to provide nearly 400 hours of volunteer time to ensure critical work was completed.
With the very real uncertainty of further cuts and freezes in 2026, your support is needed more than ever! Please consider making a donation today. Our on-line option now provides the opportunity to contribute in an on-going manner, including monthly or quarterly, or with the still-available one-time donation.
To Contribute by Mail, please mail your donation to BHHF, PO Box 184, Manson, WA 98831.
FLOODING AT THE ORCHARD
It appears the horrendous fall flooding in the Stehekin Valley spared the Buckner Homestead from damage or loss, though a final evaluation is still pending.
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Regular Board Meeting: January 8, 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. December 11, 2025 Regular Meeting
6. Financial review
a. Monthly financial report
b. Review and approval of monthly voucher (Action Item)
7. New business
a. Conflict of Interest Policy and Disclosure Statements
b. Board of Commissioners Service Commitment Agreement0
c. PDC reminder
d. Payroll/Voucher Signature Form
e. Contract review and approval (Action Items)
i. Shoreline Watercraft contract
ii. Blackwatch contract amendment
f. Commissioner onboarding workshop
g. 2026 Goals & Objectives
8. Old business
a. Aquatics program (planning for 2026 season)
b. Project updates:
i. Old Swim Hole redevelopment
ii. Leffler Field
c. Director’s Report
9. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: 4:00pm on February 12, 2026 at 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA, 98831.
STEVENS PASS –US 2 Stevens Pass will remain closed between Skykomish (milepost 50) and Leavenworth (milepost 99) due to mudslides, water over roadway, washouts, and guardrail damage at multiple locations in the 49-mile section of road. There is no estimated time to reopen. Conditions will be assessed on Monday, Dec. 15.
Large portions of Leavenworth and Chelan County are currently without power. The City of Leavenworth issued a joint press release with the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce confirming that Village of Lights festivities have been cancelled for this weekend.
At this time, alternative routes for cross-state travel are available using I-90 Snoqualmie Pass, US 97 Blewett Pass, and State Route 28 through Quincy. With more precipitation in the forecast, travel conditions may change on short notice, and people should check the real time travel map for current travel conditions.
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports from the evening of December10th and through the day on December 11th, Stehekin, WA sustained substantial damage from mud and debris slides due to storms in the area. These problems were complicated by flooding that occurred during the same time.
Debris slides have blocked Stehekin Valley Road in several locations and have knocked out power to a large portion of the valley. The National Park Service water treatment facility in Stehekin was also destroyed.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office responded to Stehekin on December 11th with a boat to assess damages. It is expected drinking water may become limited and the Sheriff’s Office has 7-10 days-worth of bottled water enroute.
On December 12th as more reports come in, we have determined there are isolated groups of residents who are unable to travel up and down the valley. Most of these isolated groups are equipped to stay for a long period of time, however some assistance is needed. On Saturday, the Sheriff’s Air Support Unit will be flying a mission into the area to deliver supplies to one of
these isolated groups.
There is an unknown timeframe for when roadways and power will be fully restored in the Stehekin Valley.
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