- Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT communications
OLYMPIA – With winter just around the corner, now is the best time to make plans and prepare for winter driving.
The Washington State Department of Transportation urges all travelers to get themselves and their vehicles ready for winter weather well before they head out. Drivers can visit WSDOT's winter driving web page for tips and information. WSDOT also asks travelers to always "know before you go" and get the most up-to-date transportation information both while planning trips and during travel.
“Our crews work hard to keep roads clear, but we also need the public’s help to keep traffic moving during winter weather,” said WSDOT Maintenance Operations Manager James Morin. “Most pass closures are due to preventable spin outs or crashes with vehicles going too fast or not having proper winter equipment.
“This winter, being prepared and staying informed will be even more important because staffing shortages will affect our ability to clear roadways and passes as quickly as in years past,” Morin added.
WSDOT crews are already planning for winter storms, but ongoing staffing challenges mean that some areas may not see the traditional 24-hour service, some roadways will not be plowed as often, and compact snow and ice will remain on roadways longer than a typical winter. This will be especially true during large or long-lasting storms. WSDOT determines its storm response based on safety, available resources and pre-set priority plow maps for highest volume and/or critical roadways. Travelers should be sure to check conditions before and during travel and always have proper winter weather supplies before heading out.
To check conditions and prepare for winter weather:
- Download the WSDOT mobile app.
- Follow WSDOT's regional and pass accounts on Twitter, the agency's Facebook site and online travel alerts.
- Sign up for email and/or text updates about road conditions – text alerts about Snoqualmie Pass delays is a subscription option.
- Download, print and carry the WSDOT Winter Driving Guide(pdf 2mb).
- Get your vehicle ready(pdf 1.1mb) and plan extra time to cross all mountain passes, including heavily traveled routes such as Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and White Pass.
- Carry chains and know current traction and chain requirements for mountain passes, which are also available on highway-advisory signs, highway-advisory radio and by calling 511.
- Preset your radio to 530 AM and 1610 AM for WSDOT's traffic information stations.
Alternatives to chains Although some vehicle manufacturers recommend against the use of tire chains for certain models, the state’s traction device laws still apply to all vehicles. These requirements exist to help keep all traffic moving safely during extreme winter conditions.
The Washington State Patrol provides an online list of state-approved alternative traction devices on its vehicle equipment webpage under “traction tires.” These approved alternatives meet state traction tire requirements and can be used instead of chains when chains are required. Not every alternative on the market has been approved by WSP, so please check the website before making purchases. All travelers are reminded to prepare for changing weather conditions and avoid a costly ticket by carrying chains or approved alternatives whenever crossing mountain passes. Failure to obey a tire chains sign can mean a ticket of up to $500. Special chain enforcement patrols will be keeping an eye on mountain passes this winter.
Studded tires By law, studded tires are only legal for use in Washington state from Nov. 1 through March 31. This applies to all vehicles in Washington, even those traveling from other states, and no personal exemptions or waivers exist to allow for earlier use of studded tires.
WSDOT estimates studded tires cause between $20 million and $29 million in pavement damage to state-owned roadways (asphalt and concrete roadway damage combined) each year. WSDOT encourages motorists to visit a tire dealer to learn more about their winter tire options, including stud-free, winter tread traction tires. This type of tire is different than an all-season tire, is legal year-round and does not cause the same roadway damage as studded tires. More information about studded-tire restrictions and requirements can be found in the FAQ on the WSP website.
- Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
The Chelan Fire & Rescue Board of Commissioners will be holding two public meetings to garner input from the public and discuss the Proposed 2022 Budget.
These meetings will be held on Wednesday, November 3rd and Wednesday, November 10th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Chelan Fire & Rescue Station 71 located at 232 E. Wapato Avenue in Chelan.
These are open public meeting and we welcome your input either in person or via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81298102125
Meeting ID: 812 9810 2125
Dial by your location
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 812 9810 2125
We look forward to hearing from the community on the future of emergency service for Chelan.
- Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD
https://mansontribune.com/index.php#sigFreeId8182d53b5a
Last night at 10:25 p.m. crews from Chelan Fire & Rescue were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 524 N. Markeson Street in Chelan.
First arriving crew was on scene at 22:28 and reported heavy flames and smoke coming from the rear of the structure and initiated a defensive fire attack.
Residents of the house reported that 5 people were living there with 4 of those people in the residence at the time of the fire. All were able to escape without injury. Residents also reported that 2 dogs were also in the house and that one did not get out.
Second alarm resources from Manson, Orondo, and Wenatchee were dispatched due to the number of exposures nearby and the difficulty in controlling this fire.
Fire was contained at 12:49 a.m. and crews remained on scene to monitor the structure throughout the night.
Residents of the structure were put in contact with Red Cross for shelter and assistance.
A total of 11 apparatus and 24 personnel were on scene with no reported injuries.
There is no estimate of total fire loss at this time and the cause of this fire is currently under investigation.
- Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director
OLYMPIA – Emerging technologies that reduce carbon, reduce the amount of time to get goods to consumers and move agricultural goods to market more efficiently will be explored at the Washington State Transportation Commission’s October meeting. Commissioners also will discuss their next round of recommendations to the state Legislature about steps needed to prepare for autonomous vehicles operating on public roadways.
The two-day meeting starts at 9 a.m. both Tuesday, Oct. 19, and Wednesday, Oct. 20. Due to limitations on the size of gatherings in response to COVID-19, this meeting will be conducted virtually using Zoom Webinar. People interested in attending can register on the commission’s website: www.wstc.wa.gov/agendas/2021/10/07/meeting-agenda-october-19-20-2021/. The meeting will be broadcast live on TVW at www.tvw.org.
Tuesday morning kicks off with a work session co-sponsored by the ACES Northwest Network, and the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region. The ACES Northwest Network is focused on developing and promoting autonomous-connected-electric-shared mobility technologies. A panel of policy and industry leaders will explore a number of topics including: trucking and rail automation, including how electrification is revolutionizing logistics; advanced air mobility, focusing on what’s taking flight in our state; and getting perspectives on agricultural automation.
Tuesday afternoon, the commission will hear from a panel representing transit, counties, cities, ports, and the private sector on how the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact transportation and operations.
With the significant growth in home delivery of goods, increasing the demand being placed on city streets and neighborhoods, the commission will hear from the University of Washington’s Supply Chain Transportation & Logistics Center about how this growth has accelerated a paradigm shift in freight movement. They will also brief the commission about their efforts to engage private sector industries in researching and the pilot testing of low-emission, last-mile delivery solutions in the Puget Sound.
On Wednesday, the commission will receive an update on the 2021 work of the Autonomous Vehicle Work Group and determine their next round of recommendations to the Legislature. The work group is charged with identifying policy and regulatory needs to accommodate autonomous vehicles on our public roadways. An overview of the work group’s efforts and explorations in 2021 will be covered and the commission’s report of findings and recommendations to the Legislature will be discussed.
Public comment will be taken on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 11:25 a.m. People wishing to provide comments can sign up by posting their name in the Q&A box that can be found on-screen during the virtual meeting. Written comments can also be submitted via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov/.
Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/.
- Written by Liberty Davidson, Junior Account Executive, Higginson Strategy
WASHINGTON-BASED organic farm Diamondback Acres is taking strides to cut plastic pollution by moving to compostable packaging.
Diamondback Acres in Lake Chelan, Washington, has been farming organic produce since 1991. Bill and Angell Clark, the farm’s owners, have put sustainability at the heart of the business for more than 30 years. They distribute produce direct to consumers online at chelanbeauty.com to minimise emissions through transport.
The Clarks focus on quality over quantity, and the farm is set in 200 acres of land producing the highest quality organic apples, cherries, and blueberries on the market.
In a bid to combat plastic waste, Diamondback Acres has partnered with TIPA Compostable Packaging to package its organic cherries in TIPA’s certified home-compostable zipper bags.
By moving to compostable zipper bags the farm has reduced its use of plastic by 3000 pounds in the first year.
TIPA’s compostable zipper bags perform like conventional plastic but can be disposed of using existing composting infrastructure including home compost bins, leaving no waste behind.
Not only does compostable packaging reduce plastic pollution, it also helps maintain farm-to-table freshness and is proven to increase the shelf-life of fresh produce by up to two times. This helps to minimise food waste – a major contributor to carbon emissions.
Washington state has committed to reducing its plastic footprint, banning single-use plastic bags effective on October 1 2021. The state signed the 2021 Plastics Law in May this year to be phased in over the coming decade aimed at reducing single-use plastic.
Bill and Angell Clark say their goal is to set an example for grocery giants to follow in their eco-friendly footsteps.
Bill Clark, Diamondback Acres owner said: “For almost 30 years we have worked hard to produce the finest organic produce, passionately believing in the practice for the environment, the soil, our workers and ultimately the consumer.”
“We’re extremely excited to be working with TIPA to supply our cherries in its compostable zipper bags, allowing us to help reduce plastic and food waste. We strongly believe that if smaller companies make these small changes, we can make huge strides to protect the planet and encourage the bigger producers to do the same.”
Michael Waas, Vice President of North America at TIPA, said: “We are delighted to be helping Diamondback Acres continue their drive for sustainability by supplying them with compostable bags for their cherries. The farm is an example of a small business showing how to lead on sustainability, and we are excited to help them take this further with our packaging solutions.”
About TIPA®
Inspired by nature, TIPA®'s compostable packaging solutions are designed to break down within months under compost conditions just like any organic matter.
TIPA® packaging provides solutions for the food and fashion industries, and is built to fit existing machinery and supply chains.
The company’s packaging solutions are currently being implemented worldwide by leading global brands in Europe, Australia, and the US.
For more Information: www.tipa-corp.com
About Diamondback Acres
Bill and Angell Clark started their farm in 1991.
The family later launched Chelan Beauty®, a farmer-owned company and brand name for their farm and store.
Diamondback Acres believes that organic farming should come before popularity or profitability. The farm cultivates organic produce such as apples, cherries and blueberries.
For more information: https://chelanbeauty.com/
- Written by Robin Pittman
Regular Board Meeting
October 14, 2021, 4:10pm
Bumgarner Meeting Room, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA 98831
I. Call to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Agenda Additions and Deletions
IV. Public Comment
V. Approval of Minutes
a. September 9, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
VI. Financial Review
a. Review Monthly Financial Report
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
VII. Old Business
a. Marina Policy Committee Update
i. Online reservation system
b. Director’s Report
VIII. New Business
a. 2022 Budget
b. Leffler Field soil remediation update (priority project- note in minutes)
c. Information Security Policy
IX. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: November, 11 2021 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831, unless otherwise posted.
- Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR
AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA
The CFR Board of Commissioners will conduct the meeting in person at the fire station, you are welcome to join via Zoom. The public is welcome to join by following this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87284665516 Meeting ID: 872 8466 5516 or
dial +1 253 215 8782
Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.
Flag Salute
Roll Call:
Regular Meeting Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment:
Consent Agenda:
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: August 2021 (September unavailable due to early meeting)
• Payroll: 10-05-2021 $153,981.91
• General Account Vouchers: 09-02-2021 Transactions #1058 to 1080 for $13,157.65 / 09-10-2021 Transactions #1091 to 1103 for $8,139.99 / 09-17-2021 Transactions #1106 to 1125 for $9,275.14 / 09-24-2021 Transactions #1149 to 1162 for $6,905.37.
• Capital Account Vouchers: 09-01-2021 Transactions #1051 to 1057 For $71,244.61 / 09-16-2021 Transactions #1104-1105 for $4,678.49 / 09-23-2021 Transaction #1148 for $2,415.09.
• Minutes: September 15, 2021
Fire Chief Report:
• 2021 Budget & Financial Report (August 2021 Financials)
• September Emergency Response Report / Operations / Community Risk Reduction / Apparatus Update
Assistant Chief Report: (Report to be presented by Chief Donnell)
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
• 2022 Budget
• 2021 Levy Lid Lift
• Chief Succession Plan - Update
• City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract – Update
• Station 75 Short Plat – Update
New Business:
• Resolution 2021-05 / Cancelled Warrants
• Out of state travel – Ladder delivery to Appleton, Wisconsin.
Special Events:
• KOZI – Community Connection October 14, 2021 @ 8:25 a.m. – Commissioner Oules
• Washington Fire Commissioners Association Conference, October 20th - 23rd, Tulalip Convention Center
• Veterans Day Parade (BBQ lunch @ Station 71) November 11, 2021 @ 1100
Board for Volunteer Firefighters: None
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments:
Executive Session: None
Adjournment:
- Written by Norm Manly, Post Service Officer
- Written by Jessica Peterson, Executive Assistant, CCSO
Callie Childers, age 25, was located deceased at MP73 on US 2 Stevens Pass on Tuesday 09/07/21.
Her vehicle, a black 2013 Chrysler 200, was found on fire in the 6200 block of Lowell Snohomish River Road, Snohomish County, WA, on the evening of Tuesday 09/07/21.
The time frame of occurrence would be Monday evening 09/06/21 until 11 PM Tuesday 09/07/21.
Callie used a Marysville address, but she was most recently known to be transient in the Everett area.
Anyone with information pertaining to her death on Stevens Pass and/or her vehicle being left on fire in the 6200 block of Lowell Snohomish River Road in Snohomish County is asked to use the P3 Tips App, or the Chelan County Sheriff Webpage, or the Chelan County Sheriff Tipline 509-667-6845.
See our previous story: UPDATE: Body found on Stevens Pass determined to be a violent homicide
- Written by Ted Huetter, Museum of Flight
STEM program for high school Juniors earns college credits
SEATTLE, Sept. 20, 2021—Applications are being accepted through Oct. 17 for the 2021-2022 class in the Museum’s Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) program. This STEM program is open to Washington state high school juniors, and participants have the option to earn five science credits from the University of Washington. WAS provides lessons in Earth and Space Science and NASA history, and offers interaction with STEM industry professionals, hands-on engineering activities, and a national alumni network that tracks student progress from high school until after college graduation.
Over 70 percent of the 1791 college-aged WAS alumni are currently involved in a STEM college or career pathway.
Phase 1 of WAS is offered online for free, enabling students throughout Washington state to participate. During the Phase 2 summer program participants have a six-day residency at The Museum of Flight, where they work in teams to plan a human mission to Mars. Students also tour local aerospace companies including Boeing and Blue Origin.
“WAS has allowed me to join and add to a community unlike any other that I’ve previously been exposed to,” said one WAS graduate, “I’ve gained leadership experience, communication skills, and a renewed appreciation for engineering, innovation, and space research.”
Applications for the 2021-22 WAS class are available now at www.museumofflight.org/WAS
