Written by Chief Chris Foreman, Commander, Columbia River Drug Task Force

Published: 23 May 2022

The Columbia River Drug Task Force reports that a search warrant was served on May 20th, 2022 in the 100 block of North Keller in East Wenatchee resulting in the recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen property from new construction sites in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Franklin Counties. Part of the CRDTF’s expanded mission is to combat emerging crime trends in the Wenatchee Valley. CRDTF learned of widespread theft occurring at construction sites in Chelan, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, East Wenatchee and Rock Island going back as far as January of 2022. Detectives began compiling clues from construction contractors and the deputies and officers that took the initial reports that the suspect vehicle appeared to be a dually style pickup truck.

An attentive citizen contacted a Hispanic male with a dually pickup truck on a job site in the Sunnyslope area off of Easy Street in the early morning hours. The pickup truck was stuck in a ditch and the citizen wrote down the license plate which eventually made it to law enforcement for follow up.

CRDTF began surveillance on the truck and residence on Keller Street and applied for a search warrant. On May 19th, 2022 a Douglas County Deputy on patrol, ran a license plate of a trailer being pulled by the suspect vehicle and the trailer came back stolen out of Quincy, WA. The vehicle was stopped and a suspect was arrested for possession of stolen property. A male passenger was identified and released at the scene. The dually pickup truck was impounded and will be seized since it was used in the commission of a felony.

CRDTF detectives served the search warrant at the residence in the early morning hours of May 20th, 2022 and discovered a large amount of items that had been reported stolen from Sage Homes, Real Homes, Eider Construction, Pinnacle Custom Builders, Carlisle Classic Homes, along with numerous others. At the residence location over 12 Heat Pumps were located, 7 which had been stolen from new construction sites in Rock Island and Sunnyslope in the last month. Thousands of dollars in stolen lumber was recovered as well as flooring, siding, window packages, and numerous appliances. 3 stolen trailers were recovered to include the one being towed during the traffic stop, one of which was stolen out of Franklin County, WA. The amount of property seized took over two days to process with 4-6 detectives working 10-14 hours each day. Some of the property located was processed and returned to the owners. Professional movers were brought in to load up all of the unclaimed property and transported to a temporary site for processing and hopefully will be returned to the rightful owners. At this time it is believed that over 15-20 stolen property cases were closed as a result of this operation. This is believed to be one of the biggest caches of stolen property law enforcement in our area has ever come across.

CRDTF is asking for the communities help in returning other stolen property to its rightful owners. 100’s of unopened bottles of alcohol were also recovered and believed to be stolen as well. If you had a construction site that was burglarized or you know of a large amount of alcohol that was stolen please call 509-664-2310. An appointment time and location will be set up for viewing the property.

CRDTF and its law enforcement partners would like to thank the community for assisting in this investigation. The case wouldn’t have been successful without the help of watchful eyes from the community we serve. CRDTF is grateful and appreciative of the teamwork and support exhibited by Wenatchee Police, East Wenatchee Police, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas County Prosecutor’s Office, the Chelan County Prosecutor’s Office and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.

Written by Undersheriff Tyler Caille, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Published: 13 May 2022

North Central Washington Special Investigation Unit (NCW SIU) detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting incident which occurred in front of the Living Hope Community Church located in Wenatchee, WA. The investigation received assistance from the Central Basin Investigative Team and the Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team.

NCW SIU detectives have identified the subject killed in the incident as Alexander J. White, a 36 year-old East Wenatchee, WA resident. Detectives have identified the three Wenatchee Police Department (WPD) Officers who discharged their firearms during the incident:
Officer Corey Fuller – 13+ Years Law Enforcement Service with more than 4 at WPD
Officer Brian Hewitt – 8+ Years Law Enforcement Service with more than 1 at WPD
Officer Aly Mustain – 4+ Years Law Enforcement Service with more than 1 at WPD

Officer Hewitt was the officer injured during the incident. He was subsequently treated and released for his injures the same day of the incident.
All the involved officers remain on administrative leave which is standard practice following an officer-involved use of force incident.

Investigators continue to examine evidence, conduct follow-up interviews and review officer worn body camera, in-car camera and surrounding surveillance camera footage as part of the investigative process.

Due to the amount of information to review and the importance to maintain a transparent and credible investigation, it is expected to take several weeks to complete the investigative process before the case can be forwarded to the Chelan County Prosecutor.

Written by Gregory Kennedy

Published: 12 May 2022

Virtual meeting will be May 17 and 18

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Transportation Commission will begin work to implement free Washington State Ferries passage for people 18 and younger as well as a fall reduction of Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll rates during its May meetings.

Both of these measures were passed by the state Legislature earlier this year and the commission will now begin the process to implement the changes during its monthly two-day meeting on Tuesday, May 17, and Wednesday, May 18. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. both days. Due to limitations related to COVID-19, this meeting will be virtual using Zoom. People interested in attending can register on the Commission’s website. TVW will broadcast the meeting live.

Highlights of Tuesday’s presentations include:

• Tolling Performance and Financial Update. An overview of current traffic and revenue performance of all tolled facilities will be provided.
• Autonomous Vehicle Workgroup. An update of the workgroup’s upcoming activities for 2022 will be provided, along with an overview of a possible autonomous vehicle pilot proposal to test last-mile and transit connections.
• Road Usage Charge. An update of current research and an overview of upcoming RUC pilots later this year will be provided.
• Columbia River I-5 Bridge Replacement Project. A review of the program’s progress to date, including the locally preferred design alternative will be provided.

Highlights of Wednesday’s presentations include:

• Sen. Marko Liias and Rep. Jake Fey. The chairs of the state Senate and House Transportation committees will discuss the results of the 2022 Legislative Session and their historic Move Ahead Washington funding package.
• Washington State Ferries 18 and Under Passengers Ride Free Policy. The financial and operational analysis for carrying out this new program will be reviewed. The commission also will discuss next steps and the schedule for implementing it by this fall.
• Tacoma Narrows Bridge Toll Rate Reduction. A review of financial considerations will be provided along with discussing how to apply the toll rate reduction. An overview of next steps and the schedule for the rate adjustment process will also be provided.

The commission will take public comment at 11:55 a.m. Wednesday, May 18. Those wishing to speak can sign up during the meeting by posting their name in the Q&A box on-screen. 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.

Written by Marc Straub, Chair – Douglas County Board of Commissioners

Published: 12 May 2022

During regular session on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 the Douglas County Board of Commissioners moved to decline to sign the proposed East Wenatchee Annexation Interlocal Agreement.  The Board, The City of East Wenatchee, and staff from each agency, engaged in this newly created method during the last year in good faith with the intention of exploring a theoretically more streamlined and efficient annexation process that had the potential to serve both the community and each jurisdiction. 

After fully considering all of the public comment in opposition received by the Board throughout the annexation review process, during, and following the joint public hearing, the Board did not feel that it was the right decision for their citizens to move ahead at this time.  This decision was not reached casually and no direction had been decided prior to hearing the comments provided by the public.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners takes seriously their commitment in representing and serving their constituents.  While they are sincerely appreciative of the support and cooperation of the City of East Wenatchee during this time, it was ultimately determined that more direct input of the public is appropriate for this action.  Public involvement is a cornerstone of our government; the Douglas County Board of Commissioners is dedicated to preserving this vital component.

Written by Gregory Kennedy

Published: 10 May 2022

The Manson Royalty Float from 2012. MVT photo.

Manson Apple Blossom is coming this weekend - May 13-14

This year's theme is "Back in Bloom"

Manson Apple Blossom Facebook page - https://fb.me/e/1keU1JrF2

Schedule of Events

5/13: Apple Blossom Coronation - 6:00 pm at Manson High School

5/14: Apple Blossom Pancake Breakfast - 6:30 am to 10 am at the Manson Grange - https://fb.me/e/1okhLB7wt

5/14: Apple Blossom Fun Run - 8:30am in front of the Manson Business Center

5/14: Apple Blossom Parade - 11:00 am starting at the Lake Chelan Building Supply and ending at Fire Station #5

5/14 Apple Blossom 3 on 3 Basketball Tournement - after the parade to 4:30 pm at Fire Station #5 - https://fb.me/e/1oMjOPDml

Check out this BLAST FROM THE PAST - Apple Blosson 2013 - Manson Apple Blossom 2013 Parade Photos (mansontribune.com)

Written by Tyler I. Caille, Undersheriff, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Published: 08 May 2022

On May 7^th, 2022 at approximately 8:27 AM, Wenatchee Police Department Officers responded to the area of N. Chelan Avenue and Palouse Street, Wenatchee, WA for report of male shooting into the Living Hope Church.  Officers arrived on scene and confronted the suspect. 

During the incident, one Wenatchee Police Department Officer sustained non-life threating injuries, as a result of the shooting. The single suspect was subsequently shot and fatally wounded by officers. 

The North Central Washington Special Investigation Unit (NCW SIU), which is an independent investigative team, was activated due to this being an officer involved shooting incident.

The NCW SIU is comprised of investigators from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office, East Wenatchee Police Department, Wenatchee Police Department, and Washington State Patrol.

In order to maintain an independent investigation, no investigators from the Wenatchee Police Department are involved with this incident.

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

Published: 06 May 2022

On 04/27/22, at approximately 530 AM, a subject shattered the glass door to the Seventh Day Adventist Church; located at 1201 10^th Street NE, East Wenatchee. 

The suspect, who is depicted in the photographs, entered the church and spray painted the interior walls.  This does not appear to be gang related, but may be related to other churches in the area who were victims of vandalism. 

If you have any information on the suspect shown in the pictures, please call Sgt. Baker at (509)888-6809.

If you recognize the suspect, please do not contact him, contact Law Enforcement. You can remain anonymous if you prefer.

Written by Jackie J. Lang, WM

Published: 24 April 2022

Just in time for Earth Month! New video makes it easier than ever to Recycle Right in the Wenatchee Valley

WENATCHEE, Wash. (April 22, 2022) – Recycling made easy! Just in time for Earth Month, there’s a new video that simplifies recycling and explains what Wenatchee Valley residents can do to help make local recycling resilient and successful.

The new video takes residents from their kitchens to their carts to WM’s regional facility that processes recyclables collected in the Wenatchee Valley. The Spokane Materials and Recycling Technology (SMaRT) Center is the centerpiece of a regional strategy to dramatically reduce waste and boost recycling. It’s the critical link between what residents put in their carts and the end markets where recyclables are made into new products.

The video takes viewers behind the scenes at the SMaRT Center, where 100,000 tons of household recyclables are sorted and prepared for shipping to manufacturers every year.

“Recycling only works when materials are actually made into new products,” said Tami Haggerty, WM’s senior associate for education and outreach. “That’s why it’s up to us to do what we can in our homes, apartments, schools and businesses to make sure we only put acceptable items in our recycling carts.”

“The new video is intended to energize and engage residents about waste reduction and recycling,” Haggerty said. “We’re trying to make recycling easier than ever.”

Check out the video now at wmnorthwest.com. Use the drop down to find your community and click on Watch Now to tour WM’s SMaRT Center.

About WM in the Wenatchee Valley

WM is the leading provider of comprehensive recycling and environmental services across the Pacific Northwest and North America. In the Wenatchee Valley, WM has provided services for more than 30 years. Today, the company provides solid waste collection services for Cashmere, East Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Rock Island, Wenatchee and throughout the rest of Chelan and Douglas counties. WM also owns and operates the Wenatchee transfer station and the Greater Wenatchee Regional Landfill, which has earned prestigious certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council for enhancing biodiversity. For more information, go to wmnorthwest.com.

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

Published: 24 April 2022

In light of recent events in our valley, we have learned of inaccurate information circulating on social media, word of mouth, and via text message relating to events that lead to the lockdown at Cascade Elementary School on Monday April 18, 2022.  It is important to acknowledge we have recently seen an increase in gang violence in our valley.

It is equally important to know we are taking substantial steps to address gang violence. Along with increased law enforcement presence at our upcoming community events, we are in direct coordination with our schools and all regional law enforcement agencies. We are collaborating resources, which include; School Administrators, Drug Task Force, Patrol divisions, School Resource Officers, Detectives, Prosecutors, DOC, the NCW Special Investigations Unit, and the Regional Jail.

In our recent investigations we have gathered additional information on local gang members and associates. As we continue to investigate unlawful gang activity, arrests will be made as appropriate. Public safety is our highest priority and we will continue to provide accurate information through press releases and our social media platforms. We ask for your continued help and support in reporting criminal activity.