Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC Executive Director

Published: 30 June 2020

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed Kelly Fukai to serve on the Washington State Transportation Commission. A lifelong resident of Spokane, Fukai has worked in the aviation, energy, electrical and electronic manufacturing fields, and is currently the manager of Public and External Affairs at Spokane International Airport.

Fukai’s six-year term starts on July 1, joining the commission during unprecedented times with tremendous challenges facing our state and transportation system. With the life-changing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic comes an opportunity for state leaders to begin shaping a transportation system for the future that reflects a new era of transport. Fukai is poised to take that on and assist in advancing a new vision for our state’s transportation network.

“Our transportation system is in the midst of transformational change. I am excited to work with our elected officials, agencies, and communities to address the opportunities and challenges in the evolution of transportation.” Fukai said.

Fukai brings over 20 years of experience in leading and working with diverse groups in the development of collaborative and comprehensive plans and policies that grow necessary infrastructure, enhance economic and workforce development, and support community interests.

She joins six other commissioners from around the state who are charged with state transportation policy development, assessing how the entire transportation system works across the state, and issuing the state’s 20-year Transportation Plan. The commission also serves as the state tolling authority and leads special projects directed by the Legislature, such as the Road Usage Charge Assessment, and the Autonomous Vehicle Work Group.

“Transportation is the heart of our community’s health and economic vitality. It connects us to our family and friends, provides access to necessary goods and services, and broadens our perspectives through exposure to new places and experiences,” Fukai said.  “I am honored to work alongside our communities to ensure the resiliency of our future transportation system.”

Fukai replaces former commissioner Joe Tortorelli who served two terms on the commission. 

Written by Brandon Asher, CFR

Published: 26 June 2020

At noon on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Chelan Fire and Rescue will be doing a test activation of its community siren.

After floating the idea of creating community awareness going into a predicted bad fire season, we were met with overwhelming support from the community of reactivating the siren.

The siren will only activate when Chelan Fire and Rescue is on 2^nd alarm or greater wildland or structure fires. In these situations, we have requested all available manpower and equipment from all 5 of our stations.

This will serve notice to the community to be prepared for a larger wildland fire that could potentially be threatening the safety of our citizens and visitors. It also serves notice that there could be a delay in other responses due to having to break a truck away from the current emergency.

There will not be a weekly test of the siren as we understand that it is loud and people may wonder what it is for.

After this Wednesday, if the siren goes off, take a quick look at your surroundings and look for smoke.

Every effort will be made to update our social media pages and other media partners with as accurately and timely of information as the emergency allows.

See our previous story: Chelan Fire and Rescue contemplating extending siren uses

Written by North Central Washington Law Enforcement Leadership Group

Published: 25 June 2020

In response to many inquiries on the Governor’s recent proclamation regarding face coverings, we want to communicate we will continue to focus on crimes and criminals which impact public safety.

The statewide face covering order is a public health and safety measure, it is not a mandate for local law enforcement response.

We encourage our community to take the necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of all.

Written by Jan Brincat, Assistant to Sheriff Brian Burnett, CCSO

Published: 25 June 2020

Sheriff Brian Burnett advises on June 24, 2020, after receiving news of the Governor’s recent proclamation regarding face coverings, he has received many inquiries regarding wearing a mask while carrying a concealed firearm.

Carrying a concealed firearm while wearing a mask is authorized providing the carrier has a valid Concealed Pistol License, and follows RCW 9.41.050. Keeping that in mind, also be sure to review RCW 9.41.300 for information on areas where firearms are permitted.

Following is the link to the cited RCW’s: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41

Written by Jackie Bayne, Office of Equal Opportunity, WSDOT

Published: 25 June 2020

WSDOT to host virtual public meetings and teleconferences July 6, 8, and 10 

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation is proposing new overall goals for disadvantaged business participation on all federally funded projects and is accepting written comments on the proposals through Friday, July 24.

The purpose of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program is to create a level playing field for firms owned and operated by disadvantaged individuals wanting to participate in federally assisted highway, transit, and aviation programs. To qualify as a DBE, a firm must be a for-profit business that is at least 51 percent owned by an individual or individuals who are women, part of a federally recognized racial minority group, or otherwise socially and economically disadvantaged. Qualifying firms must be certified by the Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises to participate in the DBE program.

The proposed overall DBE goals are available at:

• Federal Highways Administration funded projects (pdf 233 kb) – 19% DBE participation
• Federal Transit Administration funded projects (pdf 211 kb) – 4.8% DBE participation
• Federal Aviation Administration funded projects (pdf 236 kb) – 10.4% DBE participation

The goals are for projects from Oct. 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2023.

WSDOT is inviting contractors, labor and trade organizations, small and disadvantaged businesses, and others interested in working with the agency to attend one of its upcoming informational meetings regarding the proposed DBE goals.

WSDOT has scheduled three public meetings to take comments at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, July 6, Wednesday, July 8, and Friday, July 10. The July 6 and 8 meetings will be held online as a webinar, while the July 10 meeting will be a telephone conference. Individuals interested in attending need to register in advance by emailing Allison Spector at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Details about how to participate will be provided upon registering.

Comments on the proposed goals will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, July 24, and can be mailed to:

Allison Spector

Title VI & Equity Analyst

WSDOT, Office of Equal Opportunity

P.O. Box 47314

Olympia, WA 98504-7314

Or submitted to via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Written by Sarah Deenik, Communications Coordinator/Finance Specialist, CDRP

Published: 12 June 2020

The Douglas County Commissioners have allocated $1.0 million dollars from a Federal CARES Act grant to support small businesses in Douglas County. These federally funded dollars, made possible under the recent CARES Act, are expressly intended to provide relief resulting from the impacts of COVID-19. The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority has agreed to administer a Douglas County Small Business Grant Program on behalf of the county at no cost.

Douglas County Commission Chair Dan Sutton said “Small businesses throughout Douglas County have been dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The County Commissioners wanted to prioritize our Federal CARES Act grant towards supporting small businesses.” The Federal CARES Act relief funds are limited to COVID-19 related issues and expenses, and these monies must be spent by October 31st, 2020.

The grant program is open to any small business throughout Douglas County with 20 full-time employees or less. The business must have a Washington State Unified Business Identifying (UBI) number, and been in business for a period of six months. Businesses can apply for up to a $10,000 grant.

“The Regional Port would like to thank the Douglas County Commissioners for prioritizing small business grants with the Federal CARES Act grant. Providing meaningful financial support to the small business is critical to getting our economy going again,” said CDRPA Board President Rory Turner.

About the CDRPA: The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority is the first of its kind in Washington by functionally consolidating two county-wide port districts into one operating entity. With the mission to “Work Together to Enhance the Economic Vitality of North Central Washington”, the CDRPA acts as the principal economic development agency for Chelan & Douglas Counties. For more information, please visit www.cdrpa.org or follow us on Facebook.

Applications can be found at www.cdrpa.org.

The Regional Port plans on processing grant requests as soon as applications are received. Approximately 100 small business grants are projected to be awarded.

Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD

Published: 12 June 2020

Kent Sisson, Chelan-Douglas Regional EOC: Chelan-Douglas Counties have been approved to move into Phase 1.5, 50K masks from Hanes have arrived and are being distributed today. More requests for PPE coming into the EOC, CARES money covers business community needs for PPE. Waiting for new tier designations for PPE allocations, being worked on at the state level. With PPE supply chains opening up, counties will be moving away from the PPE allocation business. Regional EOC will continue to be in operation as we move into wildfire season.

Joyous Van Meter, Chelan-Douglas Health District: 452 positive cases in Chelan-Douglas county, with positive to 36/100,000. Details for reopening are posted on the website and being pushed out to the public. Ray Dobbs stated that Mike Steele has been able to get approval for retail business to have up to 50% occupancy during this reopening phase. Talked about antibody testing and statistical basis for accuracy.

Laura Schmidt, Columbia Valley Community Health: Reported that the positives in the agricultural community (packing sheds and migrant worker transient housing), there have been no community related positive cases since April 10th. Telehealth and appointment services are up and running

Kari Grover-Weir, USFS: Campgrounds are scheduled for opening in next two days. No positive tests for employees. Summer staffing is up and running. Outlook for 2020 fire season is not looking good.

Debbie Conwell, Manson Chamber of Commerce: Lot of good information to assist with business reopening through Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. Manson Fireworks is set for July 4th at 10:15 with emphasis on viewing from cars, boats, and residences. Guidelines for business reopening can be found at: https://washingtonretail.org/initiatives/covid-19-coronavirus/covid-19-reopening/

Barry DePaoli, Chelan School District: Great virtual graduation ceremony with social distancing photo shoot and parade for graduates. Viewership of over 2,000 watched the ceremony for 110 (out of 115) graduates. Currently reviewing operational guidelines for school opening within three different scenarios, planning on opening school with face to face instruction. School will be closing down June 19th with food service being taken over by Thrive Chelan on Fridays only. Talked about issues and challenges with distance learning model.

Mayor Bob Goedde, Mayor, City of Chelan: Don Morse is in the process of opening the RV park only, no campsites at this time. Anticipate opening on Monday, June 15th. Discussed work by HDCA in setting up more outdoor seating for restaurants. Recommended wearing a mask for all local members, still highlighting mask design contest.

Wade Farris, City of Chelan: No additional

Chief Mike Asher, CCFD #8 (Entiat): All personnel are healthy, PPE supplies are at adequate levels.

Chief Mark Donnell, CF&R (Chelan): All personnel are healthy, continuing to maintain training with current social distancing guidelines. PPE levels are at adequate levels.

Roundtable: Nothing added.

Conference Call ended at 1354

Written by Carol A Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR

Published: 11 June 2020

AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA

The CFR Board of Commissioners will conduct the meeting via google hangout. The public is welcome to listen to the open public meeting by calling #351-888-7591 no access code is needed.

Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.

Flag Salute:
Regular Meeting Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment: Public comments will be accepted at this meeting. If you wish to comment during the public comment please email Chief Mark Donnell at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 509-682-4476. Chelan Fire & Rescue will require a written statement for the record of all public comments made.
Consent Agenda:
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: May 2020
• Payroll: May 1-31 Paid 06-05-2020 $116,192.96
• Vouchers: General Account #746459- 746510 $25,264.06
• Vouchers: Capital Account #17112 -17117 $77,435.30
• Minutes: May 20, 2020
Fire Chief Report:
• 2020 Budget & Financial Report
• Emergency Response Report / Operations / Community Risk Reduction
Assistant Chief Report:
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
• Long Range Planning (Meeting to be scheduled for July)
• City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract
• Station 75 Short Plat
• Annexations
New Business:
Special Events:
Board for Volunteer Firefighters:
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments:
Executive Session:
Adjournment:

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

Published: 11 June 2020

June 9, 2020 - Effective immediately the Douglas County Sheriff's Office will re-open, by appointment only for the following services:

* Civil Process

* Concealed Pistol Licenses

To make an appointment please call 509-884-0941.

COVID safety precautions apply.