Written by Jordyn Giulio, Risk Manager, Douglas County

Published: 04 June 2020

As the economic impacts Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order (Governor’s Proclamation 20-25) continue to develop, Douglas County has implemented budget reductions in response to the decline of incoming sales-tax based revenue and preparing for potential shortfalls in the coming months.  In an effort to be proactive and maintain consistency with the County's historic fiscally conservative budget management practices, the County has made cuts while still working to maintain continuity of vital public services.

Douglas County will be exploring all options for reducing costs while sustaining or bolstering public services.  These measures include, but are not limited to, staff attrition, leaving vacant positions unfilled, altered maintenance schedules, training reductions, and examination of current operations.

Douglas County has a strong tradition of conservative budgeting which has allowed the County to weather previous economic downturns and has made us well positioned to function successfully during lean times.  We believe that this dedication to responsible stewardship of tax payer funds will allow the County to continue to serve the community in a meaningful and productive manner during this event.  Additionally, making these difficult decisions early will allow the County to be positioned favorably in the face of the uncertainly of 2021.

We want to acknowledge the hardships and  personally thank all Douglas County residents for you hard work and perseverance in the face of adversity.  Your Douglas County leadership will remain committed to serving our community in the fiscally responsibly and community-oriented custom way the community has come to depend on.

Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD

Published: 04 June 2020

At 4:03 AM on 6-2-2020, crews from Chelan Fire & Rescue were dispatched to a reported commercial fire alarm activation at 302 E. Woodin Ave. 

Manager on site reported light smoke inside the occupancy and fire crews immediately upgraded the call to a commercial fire. 

Flames and heavy smoke were reported on the roof and fire crews initiated fire attack with aerial (ladder truck) master stream. 

Crews attempted to enter the building but pulled back due to partial collapse of the ceiling and moved into defensive fire operations. 

A third alarm was called bringing additional resources from LCCH EMS, Manson, Orondo, and Entiat to assist with fire suppression operations.  A total of 33 fire personnel and 14 apparatus were used to bring the fire under control at 5:31 AM with no reported injuries. 

Cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Written by Matt Charleton, Superintendent, Manson Schools

Published: 04 June 2020

NOTICE FROM MANSON SCHOOLS - June 3, 2020

Dear Students and Families,

We are writing today to share information on two topics:
* The graduation events occurring this week and changes to Saturday’s graduation ceremony.
* A committee we are forming to plan for the start of school year 2020-2021.

Next week will send another update on topics like:
* Checking in equipment, picking up classroom/locker items, last day of school process
* Summer food program information
* Summer school opportunities

Graduation 2020
The guidance we have received from the Chelan Douglas Health District (as recently as of this morning), and the State Department of Health has caused us to alter our graduation plans. We even delayed this decision hoping Chelan County would transition to Phase II but sadly this did not happen in time for this day.

We have kept the senior class request of holding an in person ceremony vs. virtual ceremony at the front of our thinking. Though we won’t all be able to be together as Manson, each graduate and their family will get to experience walking across a stage, hearing their name and receiving a diploma in person.

Manson families and community members are invited to help celebrate our 2020 graduates in the following ways:
* Friday June 5th
 o We will release a pre-recorded Senior Awards and Slideshow event at 7:00PM on social media and our website. Help us celebrate 2020 senior accomplishments and awards “golden globe” style.
* Saturday June 6th
 o At 9:00AM watch a pre-recorded release of speeches and addresses on social media and our website.
 o From 11:00AM - 3:30PM tune into Manson’s Facebook Live account and watch each senior cross the stage and receive their diploma. A special thanks to Aaron England who will be broadcasting live.

2020-2021 School Year
A statewide committee is currently working on recommendations for school starting up next year. Many things are unknown at this point. Will students be allowed to come to campus? What protections will we need to have in place?
Manson School District will be utilizing the state committee guidance (expected in mid-June) and creating a local plan for our students. We want student and parents to assist in this work. We are forming a committee to create our local plan.
* For those interested in helping
 o We expect committee members to meet 3-4 times between June 29 and August 14.
 o The meetings will be held via Zoom or in person (if allowed) using appropriate health precautions
* Please contact Janice Stewart at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 509.687.3140 and leaving a message.

The committee will update its progress as the summer progresses and will share a final plan for Manson School District’s 2020-2021 School Year in the third week of August. The plan will include information on schedules, transportation, any changes in school day or start times, health protections/considerations and many other important details.
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As I sign off this week I want to offer a question I’ve been chewing on.

Different generations of citizens have been challenged with wars, natural disasters, economic upheaval, civil unrest, pandemics, famine and other events. When we are living through these periods, I’m sure people don’t realize the historical significance. We just keep on living the best we can.

I doubt people born between 1910-1930 knew they would someday be labeled the “Greatest Generation” having survived the Great Depression and two World Wars.

I wonder if someday our children will be known for their resilience and ability to overcome difficult times? Are we raising future leaders who will take our country to a new level? Knowing the quality and character of our kids…I’m betting yes!

Stay healthy everyone,

Matt Charlton, Superintendent Manson School District

Written by Bob Plumb, Fire Marshal, Chelan County

Published: 29 May 2020

Resolution 2020-54 was passed by the Chelan County Commissioners that the designation of the Fire Hazard Level will be Moderate beginning on Monday June 1, 2020.

Beginning on Monday June 1, 2020, open burning will be closed. This includes natural vegetation and yard debris.

Attended recreational campfires are allowed at private residences, hosted campgrounds and at dispersed camping sites in approved “campfire areas”. Have a shovel and water readily available on site to suppress the fire.

“Campfire area” is an outdoor fire-burning area for recreational fires where natural wood materials other than rubbish can be burned. The campfire area must have all combustible material removed down to mineral soil and shall have a containment area of either rock, metal, concrete or any other noncombustible material and shall not be more than thirty-six inches in diameter and twenty-four inches high. All combustible material one and one-half feet surrounding the campfire area shall be removed. Fuel for the recreational residential campfire shall not extend above the edge of the campfire containment area.

No Household trash or garbage shall be burned outdoors at residences at any time.

Burn barrels are illegal and are not permitted.

Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD

Published: 29 May 2020

On 5-27-20 at 6:33 PM Chelan Fire &Rescue crews were dispatched to a reported brush fire in the area of S. Bradley St. and Prospect St.

Calling parties had reported an approximately 10' x 10' had started in medium fuels (grass and brush) near the Butte trail.

Units arrived at 1837 to find that the fire had grown to approximately 20' x 20' and was within 100 ' of structures.

Crews were able to knock down and contained the fire by 6:41 PM, mop up was completed by 7:24 PM.

Cause of this fire was determined to have been juveniles playing with matches.

Chelan Fire & Rescue reminds our community that we are expected to see a busy fire season this year and to please be careful when burning or using heat sources near dry grass.

Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD

Published: 29 May 2020

Kent Sisson, Chelan-Douglas Regional EOC: Receiving more steady flow of PPE, Dentists are now considered Tier 2. Still no date from state as to when they will start billing for PPE. Received quote on migrant worker camp (6 tents to accommodate 40 people) of $810,000 with earliest arrival of six weeks. Has been sent to County Commissioners. Still receiving complaints from public regarding movement to Phase 2.

Joyous Van Meter, Chelan-Douglas Health District: 77 more cases in Chelan County, 99.7 per 100,000 per capita for Chelan due to increase in case from last week. Discussion regarding data for possible movement into Phase 2.

Laura Schmidt & Kristi Morris, PA-C, Manuel Navarro, Columbia Valley Community Health: Continue to see positive test daily and working with the health districts.

Ana Cerra-Timpone, USFS: We had 3 employees tested. Onboarded 15 employees in Chelan, 20 in Entiat starting on Monday all have been tested and are practicing social distancing. Campgrounds are still closed with hoped of opening by end of June.

Mike Steele, Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce: Still seeing anxiousness about getting business community open. Governor to announce possible movement into Phase 2 for community. Chamber still hosting informative meetings for business community. Started to see more instances of business community opening on their own outside of guidelines which could create possible problems.

Debbie Conwell, Manson Chamber of Commerce: No issues over the Memorial Day Weekend, most people were mindful of social distancing. Still some questions as to what business owners can and cannot.

Wade Farris, City of Chelan: Memorial Day Weekend went off without a hitch, things went very well. Face mask contest update.

Assistant Chief Brandon Asher, CF&R (Chelan): Slower than normal Memorial Day Weekend with the exception of the Union Valley Fire. All personnel are healthy, continuing to maintain training with current social distancing guidelines.

Reports from Leadership Team Members Not present:

Ray Eickmeyer – LCCH Hospital & EMS

1. We are still seeing positive Covid patients - so the virus is still here

2. We are working with others  (hospitals & Public Health) to do a community Covid Testing Plan

3. Our Covid testing results are now received in 24 hours.

4. Memorial Day weekend recap- it was fairly slow- 18 calls (911 and transfers)

5. LCCH is doing surgery and diagnostic testing

6. LCC (clinic) is fully open and doing Covid testing, people can still do telemedicine

visits too.

Roundtable: Nothing added.

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 26 May 2020

Community members and civic leaders Fred Barkley, Ron Trickett, and Dale England rally together with high school students, High School Principal Dr. Heather Ireland, and High School Office Manager Josh Little to hang senior banners in downtown Manson.

Please take time to drive through downtown Manson and honor this year’s seniors who are the first graduating class from Manson to have their senior pictures displayed downtown.

Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD

Published: 24 May 2020

On Saturday, 5/23/20 at 2:18 PM, Chelan Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to a brush fire at 644 Union Valley Road.

Units enroute reported a large smoke column and immediately called for second alarm resources.

On scene fire crews reported an approximately 1-acre fire rapidly moving uphill in medium fuels of brush and grass.  

Due to topography and lack of access, fire crews were unable to access the fire with apparatus and attempted control with hand teams.  

Third alarm resources were dispatched which brought mutual aid units from Manson (CCFD #5), Orondo (DCFD #4), Pateros (OKDFD #15), and the DNR as well as helicopter resources.  A total of 60 firefighting personnel were able to contain the fire at 6:59 PM and the scene was turned over to Entiat Hotshots and DNR for mop up.

The final estimate on the size of the fire was approximately 30 acres with no personnel injured and no structures lost.

The cause of this fire was determined to be from controlled burning that had jumped the burn due to wind.

Written by Herb Sargo

Published: 23 May 2020

With considerable regret, the Foundation Board has voted to cancel this year's Square Dance at the Orchard.