Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 22 May 2019

Chelan County Fire Protection District 8 and Chelan Fire and Rescue responded to a report of an orchard burn that got out of containment around 11:58 hours today (05/22/2019).

Battalion 7 was the first unit to arrive in the area and report a working brush fire. Units from Chelan County Fire Protection District 8 and Chelan Fire and Rescue, United States Forrest Service, Department of Natural Resources and Bureau of Land Management joined the effort to quickly help contain the fire.

The fire was located up the Chelan Butte Road off Stayman Flats Road. Much of the fire was contained between two orchards, but the north end was open to traveling up the Chelan Butte.

Resources rapidly knocked down the main body of fire and stopped fire spread on the north end followed by full containment. Units on scene are now mopping up hot stops.

The leaders of the involved fire agencies had just completed a meeting at Station 81 in Entiat and were still in the area make resources more available.

At 13:16 hours fire was knocked down and crews were working to finish containment. Fire was about three acres.

Written by Cami Harris, Administrative Assistant, Port of Chelan County

Published: 22 May 2019

The Port of Chelan County has entered into a lease agreement for its second tenant at the Port’s Cashmere Mill District Business Park. Blue Spirits Distilling, a Chelan based distillery, has agreed to lease 6,800 square feet. This business expansion is expected to create 8 new jobs and result in private investment exceeding $500,000 in Chelan County. Just as important, small distilleries are an emerging industry contributing significant tax revenues to the State of Washington. In response to the news, Port of Chelan Commission Vice President Donn Etherington stated, “The Port is pleased with the strong market demand for the two 16,500 square foot buildings currently under construction by the Port. Our goal of creating new jobs and attracting private investment to the Cashmere Mill District site is being realized.”

The founder of Blue Spirits Distilling, Jeff Soehren, stated, “Our business has been experiencing rapid growth and it was critical for us to secure additional processing, warehousing and distribution space for our distillery operation. The Port Commission’s vision to constructed general-purpose shell buildings at its Cashmere Mill District Site could not have come at a better time for our expanding business.” Blue Spirits Distilling started in Chelan. They currently have two facilities in Leavenworth, a tasting room downtown and an event space, food, & cocktail lounge on Highway 2. This new addition will allow Blue Spiritsto expand its creative footprint by distilling bespoke whisky’s, including Rye, Bourbon and a Bavarian style Single Malt. This facility will allow Blue Spirits customers to experience all aspects of whisky production from grain processing through to barrel aging. Customers can even purchase their own barrels to commemorate this event and be able to taste them as they age.

Chelan County Commission Chairman Kevin Overbay commented, “Chelan County made a financial contribution from its dedicated economic development sales tax fund to assist the Port in constructing the buildings at the Cashmere Mill District Site. It is great to see an immediate return to the citizens of Chelan County.” “Cashmere is excited to see the economic development activities surrounding the Port’s development of the Cashmere Mill District Business Park. It is resulting in new jobs and private investments. I would like to thank the Port Commissioners for their leadership and vision,” said Cashmere Mayor Jim Fletcher.

Both buildings are expected to be completed this summer. Previously, the Port announced Hurst International, a Chatsworth, California based fruit label printer and labeling equipment manufacturer agreed to lease 6,500 square feet. The Port’s investment in the new buildings will exceed $6.7 million. Last summer, Chelan County Commissioners approved a $500,000 economic development sales tax grant for the project.

The Port of Chelan County is the lead economic development agency for the County. Three elected Port Commissioners govern the Port: JC Baldwin, Donn Etherington and Rory Turner.

Written by Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce

Published: 22 May 2019

Washington's Most Exciting AVA Turns 10!

Winterfest fans, join us for a special weekend of wine to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Lake Chelan’s official designation as an American Viticulture Area (AVA)! This June 7-8, acquaint your taste buds and discover new wines made from Washington’s most exciting AVA with a weekend of educational and social events.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Welcome Reception: Taste a selection of AVA wines alongside paired bites, and watch a commemorative video debut at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. | 6-8pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Tasting Seminar: The Pioneers of the Lake Chelan AVA | 10am
Tasting Seminar: Lake Chelan AVA - A Balancing Act from North to South | 1:30
Grand Tasting: Celebrating the Food & Wine of the Lake Chelan Wine Valley, at Larc Hill Vineyard Ranch | VIP Hour 6-7pm | General 7-9pm

Written by Cami Harris, Administrative Assistant, Port of Chelan County

Published: 22 May 2019

May 21, 2019 - On May 17th the Port of Chelan County was presented with the Washington Public Port Association’s 2019 Creative Partnership Award for its role in the creation and evolution of the Pybus Public Market on the Wenatchee Waterfront. Pictured above receiving the award is Port Executive Director Jim Kuntz, Commissioner Donn Etherington and Commission President JC Baldwin.

The success of the Pybus Public Market was possible due to multi-faceted partnerships with the City of Wenatchee, the federal government, State of Washington, private investors, and non-profits.

The Port of Chelan County purchased the 28,000 square-foot warehouse in 2010 to stimulate private investment on the Wenatchee waterfront, create a yearround public market, and provide a permanent home for the seasonal Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market. This vision captured the attention of the community. This led to financial support from U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s office, the City of
Wenatchee, Local Revitalization Funding from the state, and a generous private donation. This culminated with a $5.75 million investment into reconstruction of the core and shell followed by many millions more invested by tenants locating in the Market.

The Market opened in May of 2013 with great success. In early 2017, the Port sold the Market to the Pybus Charitable Foundation. In 2018, the Port and the Charitable Foundation started another chapter with its Pybus Partnership. The Port entered into a five-year lease with the Foundation for the newly constructed second floor of the Pybus Annex in order to attract tech entrepreneurs to Chelan County and stimulate economic development. The Port’s Business Incubator currently has its first tenant in place: Subsplash, a Seattle-based software company.

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 22 May 2019

L-R Kendall Petre & Cara Hutton

Qualifying athletes : Cole Beazley, Bailey Cameron, Ty Charlton, Braden Getzin, Cara Hutton, Jonathon Morales, Jose Pascasio, Kendall Petre, Marco Sanchez and Connor and Grant Torgesen.

Manson qualifies 11 athletes to compete in state track tournament in Cheney May 23-25, 2019 in both track and field events.  

The boys track team of 2019 earned both the district and league championship title this year. A first in school history.

Congratulation and Go Trojans!

Written by Pete Palmer, Land Use/Shoreline Administrator

Published: 20 May 2019

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Colville Tribes Land Use Review Board will be holding a public hearing to make a ruling on the following shoreline development conditional use permits:

1. Colville Tribal Federal Corporation has submitted a land use and development permit application to develop an RV Park at their existing Casino site in Mill Bay on Tribal Tract MA-08 commonly known as 455 Wapato Lake Road, Manson, WA.

A public hearing for the above mentioned Conditional Use Permits will be conducted on Wednesday May 29, 2019, at the Colville Tribes Public Works Department located at 12 Lakes Street (Colville Indian Agency) starting at 9:30 a.m.    

Written comments will be accepted until Tuesday May 28, 2019 at 4 p.m. or comments can be made verbally at the public hearing.

All comments may be sent to Pete Palmer, Land Use/Shoreline Administrator, Public Works Department, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155 or they can be emailed to her attention at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Contact the Tribal Public Works Department at the afore-mentioned address or phone number to request a copy of the permit documents.

Written by Karla A Mendoza, Administrative Assistant, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 19 May 2019

At 6:38 AM on 5/17/19, Chelan Fire & Rescue responded to a structure fire in the 100 block of S. Robinson Street. The homeowner called 9-1-1 and reported that smoke was filling the house and that all occupants had been evacuated.

When firefighters arrived they located an older model toaster that had malfunctioned and was the cause of the smoke. It was quickly removed from the residence and firefighters cleared the smoke from the residence and turned the property back over the homeowner. Nno further damage to the residence was reported.

Chelan Fire & Rescue would like to remind everyone that even though an appliance is not in use it can malfunction and potentially become a fire hazard. It is recommended that residents unplug small appliances when not in use as an important step in reducing the risk of a fire starting in your home.

Firefighters also discovered there were outdated and non-working smoke alarms in the residence. Fire & Rescue personnel checked all other smoke alarms and replaced those that were not working.

Smoke alarms save lives by providing early warning when a fire starts. All residents are encouraged to install, test and maintain their smoke alarms.

Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT communications

Published: 19 May 2019

Use WSDOT tools, allow extra time for holiday weekend traffic

OLYMPIA – With summer-like weather already here, travelers hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend should prepare for additional traffic – especially during peak travel times.

By following these steps, travelers can plan ahead for wherever they’re headed during the three-day weekend:

• Check the Washington State Department of Transportation's best times to travel charts to help plan your trip and avoid congestion.
• Get informed about WSDOT's online tools, including the WSDOT mobile app, traffic cameras and email alerts.
• Visit online traveler information for traffic, weather and ferry schedules.
• Follow WSDOT's social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook.
• Pre-program your vehicle radio to 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio alerts.
• Call 5-1-1 for updated road conditions.
• Allow extra time for travel to avoid rushing or distraction.

Most state highway construction work is suspended through the holiday weekend – including Monday, May 27 – to ease congestion. However, please stay alert for new lane shifts or work zone staging areas that may remain in place.

Snoqualmie Pass

No lane closures or other construction is planned on Interstate 90 from Friday, May 24, until to Tuesday, May 28. However, the usual holiday increase in traffic volumes means travelers should expect delays, especially eastbound on Friday, May 24, and westbound Monday, May 27. Receive text message alerts about significant delays by texting the number 468311 with the words "WSDOT Snoqualmie."

Chinook and Cayuse passes

Both Chinook Pass, State Route 410, and Cayuse Pass, SR 123, are expected to be open in time for the Memorial Day weekend, but exact dates and other details are still being finalized. Check the Chinook and Cayuse passes webpage for updates as the holiday approaches. Both these passes close each winter due to weather and hazardous conditions.

Tolling

In the Puget Sound, weekend toll rates will be in effect on Monday, May 27, on the State Route 520 bridge. The Interstate 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 short term account options on the Good to Go! visitors page.

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

• Anticipate heavy ferry traffic for the holiday and plan accordingly. Peak travel times on most routes are expected to be westbound Thursday and Friday, May 23-24, and eastbound, Monday, May 27. Check the Washington State Ferries website, www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/, or call toll-free 888-808-7977 for details, including reservations on some routes. Customers also can bypass vehicle lines by traveling as a walk-on passenger.
• Amtrak Cascades passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early and should plan to arrive at the station one hour before departure. All Amtrak Cascades trains require reservations. Visit www.amtrakcascades.com/ or call 800–USA–RAIL for details.
• For information about traveling via state-operated airports, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/airports/Amenities.htm or call 800-552-0666.
• 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

Written by Christina Crea, WSDOT Aviation Communications

Published: 19 May 2019

West tie down apron expansion starts May 28, requires no runway closures 

WINTHROP – Pilots will have access to an updated tie down area after Methow Valley State Airport gets its long-awaited apron layout expansion. Work starts May 28 with plans for new spaces to open after approximately 30 days.

Visiting pilots will not encounter any delays or runway closures while using the airport during the construction. However, pilots should still regularly check Notices to Airmen.

This update will also expand this airport’s apron into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) design standards. This expansion adds three additional parking positions designed for the critical design aircraft. There will be 54.49 foot spacing between tie down points and seven more parking positions for smaller aircraft with 34 foot spacing between tie down points. Some of the new tie downs will better accommodate aircraft with wingspans in the typical range of 30 – 38 feet.

The spacing of tie down points for smaller aircraft was one of the highlighted issues after the completion of last year’s $5 million pavement rehabilitation project at the airport. This project was originally intended to be included as part of last year’s pavement rehabilitation work, but due to availability and timing of federal funding, the apron expansion was be re-bid in Fall 2018 for construction this Spring/Summer 2019.

The contract was awarded to Wenatchee general contractor, Selland Construction, in the amount of $1.26 million.

Construction costs are split between the FAA Airport Improvement Program and Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation. The FAA is supporting 90 percent and WSDOT Aviation is supporting 10 percent of the total cost. 

Drainage system improvements with this project include a new underdrain system along the perimeter of the expanded aircraft apron. The new underdrain system will flow into existing drainage structures, infiltration ponds, or adjacent infield areas.

The project was designed by Denver based engineering firm Jviation, who will also provide construction management services during the project

Methow Valley State Airport in Winthrop is the largest of 16 WSDOT-managed airports, serving commercial aircraft that weigh up to 30,000 pounds. The airport also supports Washington’s smoke jump base, medical evacuation flights, wildland firefighting staging and more.