Written by Cami Harris, POCC

Published: 16 January 2019

A record number of Airline passengers flew out of Pangborn Memorial Airport in 2018. Passenger enplanements totaled 64,689 which represents a 7.2% increase over 2017. Passengers flying into the greater Wenatchee Valley totaled 62,874 a 7.1% increase from 2017. Total passenger volume of 127,563 is a record for the Airport.

Due to passenger growth in 2017, Alaska Air added additional flights during the summer and holidays in 2018. “Alaska continues to be a strong partner, adding more flights at busy travel times supporting local residents and businesses”, said Chelan County Port Commission President JC Baldwin.

The other major factor in the record passenger numbers was a significant reduction in cancellations in 2018. The percentage of cancelled flights fell from 5.9% in 2017 to 2.7% in 2018.

“As our community seeks more air service, they continued to use the expanded Seattle service, which is the best way to get more flights to more destinations in the future”, said Douglas County Port Commission President Jim Huffman.

2018 also marked important progress in the communities’ goal of securing additional air service. This past summer the Airport was awarded a $750,000 Federal grant to secure non-stop regional jet service between Pangborn Airport and the San Francisco Bay Area. This grant was matched by over $400,000 in local pledges.

The Airport has held meetings with several interested airlines with the goal of obtaining new service by mid-2020.

The Airport is jointly owned by the Ports of Chelan and Douglas Counties.

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 16 January 2019

The Manson School District applied for and received an urgent repair grant from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in the amount of $110,097 to construct a wheel chair ramp at the elementary school. Eric Sivertson, Operations Manager submitted our application in the fall and was notified in early December that we were selected as one of the award recipients.

Construction on the ramp will begin in July of 2019 and should be completed by August of 2019. The ramp improves Manson Elementary ADA access allowing for both an interior (elevator) and exterior route to all portions of the building and grounds.

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 13 January 2019

Manson School District

Replacement Educational Programs and Operation Levy

Placed on February 12, 2019 Ballot

The Manson School Board has passed a resolution placing a levy proposition on the February 12th 2019 Chelan County special election ballot. If approved, the levy would replace an expiring Maintenance and Operations (M & O) Levy passed by voters in February 2017.

The proposed levy is for 2 years 2020 & 2021 (Manson has historically run 2-year levies).

The current voter approved amount scheduled to be collected this year (2019) is $1,367,278. The tax rate is $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The proposed amounts are: 2020 $1,449,314 ($1.50 per $1,000) 2021 $1,536,273 ($1.50 per $1,000)

Manson’s EP & O levy funding is approximately 13% of the district’s total funding and either fully or partially supports:

• Maintenance of school facilities, including custodial staff, equipment, supplies and utilities

• Instructional programs/staff/technology:

  • College courses in the high school

  • Preschool for all 4 year olds

  • High school internship program

  • Support of the arts (music, drama, art)

  • Special Education (in addition to state/federal funding)

  • Vocational classes (shop, ag classes, business, technology, drones)

  • Technology support

  • Replacement of computers/devices

• Beyond the School Day Programs

  • After school enrichment and academic intervention classes

  • Middle/High school athletics (coaches, referees, travel, uniforms, equipment)

  • Clubs (pep band, FBLA, FFA, Knowledge Bowl, robotics).

• Food service program (fresh fruit/vegetable snacks)

• Professional development/staff training

An informational meeting for the public will be held at Manson High School on February 4th at 6:30PM and additional informational meetings can be scheduled (687-3140). Information is also available on the district website at www.manson.org including an individual tax calculator where taxpayers can determine their estimated local school tax using their property assessed value amounts.

Manson School District

Replacement Capital Projects Levy

Placed on February 12, 2019 Ballot

The Manson School Board has passed a resolution placing a six-year capital projects levy on the February 12, 2019 ballot. This proposition would replace an expiring capital levy passed by voters in 2013 set to expire on December 31, 2019.

What would this capital projects levy do?

A committee of Manson community and staff members prioritized the following needs:

1. Safety Improvements

   1. Redesigning and strengthening entrances to both schools

   2. Replacing doors, adding security cameras

   3. Replace aging fire suppression panels in each building

   4. Replace alarm/security panels

2. Early Childhood Center

   1. Create a facility designed specifically for 3 & 4 year old children

   2. Free-up classroom space in the elementary

      1. Addresses need for small group spaces

3. Redesign Elementary Parking/Traffic Area

   1. Expand parking for parents/visitors and staff

   2. Improve parent drop-off/pick-up location

   3. Relocate bus drop-off/pick-up location

4. Replace Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems

   1. Majority of systems were installed in 1997-98 remodel – twenty-year life span is ending

5. Remodel MS/HS student bathrooms

6. Remodel MS/HS gymnasiums

   1. Replace aging wooden bleachers in MS(old) gym

7. Replace fixtures in both buildings

   1. Plumbing, lighting and kitchen appliances

8. Track resurfacing

   1. Proactively set aside funds to resurface when it becomes necessary

9. Continue to invest in student technology/equipment

How much will this cost?

Fixed amount of dollars collected each year (this amount doesn’t fluctuate with assessed value changes)

$499,000 each year 2020-2025 (Previous capital levy amount was $595,000 each year (2014-2019)

Rates per $1000 of assessed property value

• 2017 $0.72

• 2018 $0.65

• 2019 (current) $0.61

• 2020 (proposed) $0.49

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 10 January 2019

Written by Kevin Morris, Sheriff, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Published: 10 January 2019

On 01/05/19 at approximately 9:55 pm, a Douglas County Deputy was on patrol following a vehicle (Mercedes Benz, 350) in the 5000 block of Rock Island Rd. The Deputy ran a registration check on the vehicle and learned it was a stolen vehicle out of Wenatchee. The Deputy initiated a traffic stop in the 1500 block of Ohio Street. The driver initially followed commands but then sped away. The deputy gave chase.

The driver of the stolen vehicle continued to try escape running stop signs and speeding at a high rate of speed. The pursuit went into Rock Island and then onto SR28 back towards East Wenatchee. After several, more turns, the vehicle was westbound on Grant Road approaching the East Wenatchee City limits at about 100 mph. The Deputy in the lead of the pursuit saw other vehicles and determined it was unsafe to continue the pursuit into the City limits. He discontinued pursuing the vehicle and notified dispatch and all other units in the area.

East Wenatchee Officers saw the vehicle as it entered the city limits and gave chase for a short time until the driver fled on foot. The driver was caught shortly thereafter. The driver was identified as Jesus Morales-Lozano a 26-year-old male out of East Wenatchee. Douglas County Deputies booked Jesus into CCRJ for possession of a stolen vehicle, attempting to elude a police vehicle, driving while license suspended in the third degree. Jesus also had an outstanding arrest warrant for driving while suspended in the third degree.

Written by Robin Pittman

Published: 29 December 2018

Regular Board Meeting

142 Pedoi Street, Bumgarner Building, January 3, 2019, 4:10pm
I. Call to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Agenda Additions and Deletions
IV. Public Comment
V. Conflict of Interest Acknowledgement Form
VI. Payroll and Voucher Authorization Form
VII. Approval of Minutes
a. December 13, 2018 Regular Meeting minutes
VIII. Financial Review
a. Review Monthly Financial Report
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
IX. Old Business
a. Old Mill policy update
b. 2019 Goals and Objectives
c. Director’s Report
X. New Business
a. Leffler Field
b. Marina Commercial Contract updates
c. AAU rate increase
d. Old Mill pay station
e. Maintenance vehicle
XI. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: February 14, 2019 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831

Written by Sergeant Foreman, CCSO

Published: 21 December 2018

Sheriff Brian Burnett reports on December 20th, 2018, at around 2:45 pm the loss prevention department at the Chelan Walmart called RiverCom to report a theft in progress.  The suspects were seen carrying various items out a fire door exit where they had staged their vehicle for a quick getaway.  Chelan County Deputies responded to the location but the suspects had left prior to Deputies arrival.  The vehicle used in the theft was a newer white Chevrolet pickup truck with U Haul decals on the doors.  The suspects had stolen over $2,000 worth of electronics.  One of the suspects was identified from prior investigations as a 24 year old male from Arlington, WA. He had previously been trespassed from all Walmart properties following a 2018 arrest. 

An "Attempt to Locate Bolo" was sent out to all surrounding law enforcement agencies. Chelan Walmart staff notified the neighboring stores in Wenatchee and Omak to also be on the lookout for the suspects.  At around 5:45pm Omak Police responded to a suspicious call at the Omak Walmart. The suspects along with their vehicle had been observed at this location.  The suspects left the store when they saw law enforcement arrive on scene. The Omak Police and Okanogan County Sheriff's Office contacted the suspects a short time later in the suspect vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle and was arrested for Burglary 2nd degree and Theft 2nd degree. The 2nd suspect was identified as a 27 year old male from Lake Stevens, WA. He was identified as the other suspect in the Chelan Walmart theft, and was placed under arrest for Theft in the 2nd degree.   

Both subjects were booked into the Chelan County Regional Jail.  The loss prevention director for Wenatchee and Chelan Walmart's believe since November of 2018, the 24 year old suspect has stolen over $15,000 worth of merchandise.  Numerous additional charges are pending from the Wenatchee Police Department as well as other theft investigations on the Westside of the State. Charges could be amended to Organized Retail Theft based on the method employed by the suspects and the total value of items stolen between the two stores in Chelan County.  Organized Retail Theft is a Class B Felony.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office would like to recognize the Omak Police Department, the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office and the Walmart's Loss Prevention Department for their help and collaboration.  It was a true team effort to capture these suspects. 

Written by Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce

Published: 14 December 2018

Written by Lake Chelan Tourist Center

Published: 12 December 2018

Lake Chelan Tourist Center presents its First Annual "Lake Chelan Christmas" with ~ Geoffrey Castle's Celtic Christmas.

It's First Year in the Lake Chelan Valley, legendary electric violinist Geoffrey Castle brings the Christmas magic with this dazzling concert, featuring the Seattle Irish Dance Company, The Geoffrey Castle Celtic Band, Guitarist and Irish Tenor Dan Connolly and singing sensation and former Miss Kirkland Emily McIntosh. Bagpiper David Wilkie will kick off the show.

Now in its 11th year, Geoffrey Castle's Celtic Christmas Celebration has become a new Northwest Holiday Tradition, bringing communities together to celebrate the magic and mystery of the season, with an Irish flair for fun!

Geoffrey Castle is a living legend on the electric six-string violin. His performance history includes playing music with members of supergroups like Heart, Queen, Journey, Bad Company, YES, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Blues Traveler, the Pogues, and the Neville Brothers, while releasing 12 albums on his own independent label and touring and performing all over the world.

The Seattle Irish Dancers are the only professional performance Irish dance company in the Pacific Northwest. They've performed with musicians from around the world - Gaelic Storm, The Chieftains, and Celtica Pipes Rock - to name just a few. They perform often with Geoffrey Castle and are excited to come to the Lake Chelan Valley. All other performances in Washington have sold out, so this is the last chance to see this years Celtic Christmas Concert.

This production was brought to the Lake Chelan Valley by the Lake Chelan Tourist Center in is efforts of creating Family Friendly Community Events & Entertainment.

Proceeds from this concert benefit Various Lake Chelan Community Events & Student Programs.

CHELAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PAC)

215 WEBSTER AVE

CHELAN WA 98816

DECEMBER 20th 2018 / THURSDAY NIGHT (7pm - 9pm) Box Office Opens at 6:00pm Doors Open at 6:30pm

Tickets can be Purchased Online at: www.LakeChelanChristmas.com

PHONE ORDERS: 1-800-514-3849 / GROUP TICKETS: (509) 682-9150

In Person at: Damascus Rose Floral, 311 E Woodin Ave, Chelan & Allisons of Manson, 71 Wapato Way, Manson. (While Supplies Last)