Written by Bob Plumb, Fire Marshal, Chelan County

Published: 24 March 2020

Open Burning

The Fire Districts are very busy.

Please do not add to the work they are doing. If you need to burn natural debris on your property, remember that last year’s grass is very flammable.

Please burn responsibly.

Here are some simple guidelines to follow:

No burning if the wind speeds exceed 10 mph. (Less is better)

Attended recreational campfires are allowed at private residences and hosted campgrounds in approved campfire rings or pits and at dispersed camping sites. The campfire area must be clear of combustible material 36 inches in diameter around the campfire. Have a shovel and water readily available on site to suppress the fire.

Outside of UGA: Debris burning of natural vegetation is allowed on your property. No garbage or building debris. Maximum pile size is 4X4-feet in diameter. A 10-foot diameter area clear of flammable material around the pile is required. Water and a shovel must be readily available on site to suppress the fire.

Debris burning restrictions within the Urban Growth Area (UGA) are still applicable. Burning of yard waste in Urban Growth Areas is prohibited.

No Household trash or garbage shall be burned outdoors at residences at any time. If your property is not in an Urban Growth Area only natural vegetation can be burned.

Burn barrels are illegal and are not permitted.

Always have at least one person attending the burn pile and provide them with a means to control the fire or put out spot fires. (Hand tools and water.)

If you have an orchard. Agricultural Operations Do Not need a permit from Ecology to burn their prunings or fire-blight if they are just limbs and a few whole trees. If the orchard is tearing out whole blocks or acreage then they need an agricultural pile burn permit from Ecology.

It is advised to have outdoor burning complete before the end of May.

Burn regulations will engage June 1st.

Written by Veronica Farias, Chelan-Douglas Health District - Andrew Canning, Confluence Health

Published: 24 March 2020

East Wenatchee, WA – CDHD was notified on March 24, 2020, by Confluence Health of the first death of a Health District resident as a result of COVID-19, and two (2) additional lab-confirmed positive test results.

The Health District’s total number of lab-confirmed positive cases is now twelve (12), ten (10) of whom are Chelan County residents and two (2) Douglas County residents

The Central Washington Hospital patient who passed away was a 91-year-old patient with multiple pre-existing health conditions. It is important to note that everyone is at risk for COVID-19 – not just the elderly.

Please continue practice all the possible measures in order to avoid infection or spread of this disease.COVID-19.

Written by Carlye Baity, Clerk of the Board/Public Records Coordinator, Chelan County Commissioners

Published: 21 March 2020

Due to many of the offices limiting in-person contact the County will now go to a single point entry for both the Law and Justice Building as well as the Courthouse. Public Restrooms in County buildings will have rotating closures due to increased sanitizing efforts.

Both the Treasurer’s Office and the Noxious Weed Department will go to close to in-person interaction as of Monday, March 23rd. Please check our website www.co.chelan.wa.us to get up-to-date contact information for our offices.

Current face-to-face closures include:

Sheriff’s Office

Human Resources

Public Works

District Court Probation

Auditor’s Office

Starting Monday March 23rd

Chelan County Assessor

Chelan County Community Development

Noxious Weed

Written by Jordyn Giulio, Risk Manager, Douglas County

Published: 19 March 2020

On March 17, 2020 the Douglas County Board of Commissioners have passed Resolution No. CE 20-14, Emergency Proclamation, in response to the potential COVID-19 situation in Douglas County.

On March 17, 2020 the Douglas County Board of Commissioners have passed Resolution No. CE 20-14, Emergency Proclamation, in response to the potential COVID-19 situation in Douglas County.The health, safety, and welfare of our community is Douglas County’s top priority. This resolution will allow efficient response to any COVID-19 threats as they emerge and will further ensure the ability to prepare for any developments in the coming weeks and months. This situation remains fluid and changes may occur rapidly.

To further the recommendations issued by the Chelan Douglas Health District, Centers for Disease Control, and the State of Washington, the Douglas County Commissioners have signed Resolution No. CE 20-16, restricting public access to all Douglas County facilities, effective March 19, 2020. Public access will be limited to Court hearings/other court dates or by appointment with other County offices. Douglas County is committed to providing public services and will continue to operate via email, phone, and other electronic means during this time. Attached is a resource sheet with information regarding whom to contact to discuss scheduling of appointments to meet in-person with County staff.

Douglas County is not closing or slowing any government processes. These operational changes will only serve to protect the community and those who serve it. We believe that instituting precautionary measures will strengthen our ability to add value to our constituents. All departments are fully staffed to respond to inquiries via telephone, email, or other portals available.

Additionally, per Resolution CE 20-15, all Board of Commissioner’s meeting sessions will be moved temporarily from the Courthouse in Waterville and will now be held at the Public Services Building, 140 19th NW, East Wenatchee WA. This change will take place effective immediately and will remain in place for the duration of the emergency.

The County has undertaken a number of proactive measures in response to COVID-19. Facilities maintenance has instituted increased building protocols, physical contact has been curtailed, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) have been provided, and mail handling has been altered.

For additional information regarding COVID-19 and resources available to the community, please see the following sources:

 The Chelan Douglas Health District: https://cdhd.wa.gov/

 The Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

 For information regarding disaster relief for businesses - Small Business Administration https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

 For tax relief information: https://dor.wa.gov/about/2019-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-covid-19-update

 Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus;

 Information about Health Care Coverage for impacted workers: https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/Homepage.html & https://www.hca.wa.gov/health-care-services-supports/apple-health-medicaid-coverage;

 Information for impacted workers and employers - Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus

Additional documents:

Resolution No. CE 20-14B

Resolution No. CE 20-16

Written by Carlye Baity, Clerk of the Board/Public Records Coordinator, Chelan County Commissioners

Published: 18 March 2020

Chelan County is operating under its various departmental emergency plans. We are encouraging the use of our on-line resources rather than in-person services. Several of our offices are closed to face-to-face interaction.

Before venturing out to a County Office, please check our website www.co.chelan.wa.us to see if the service you desire is being affected.

Though an office may be closed to face-to-face contact services are available by phone or email. Contact information is available through our website.

Current face-to-face closures include:

Sheriff’s Office

Human Resources

Public Works

District Court Probation

Starting Monday March 23rd

Chelan County Assessor

Chelan County Community Development

Written by Jonnie Crossland, Social Media & PR Coordinator, 12 Tribes Colville Casinos

Published: 18 March 2020

OMAK, WASH. MARCH 17, 2020 - After much consideration and out of concern for the safety and health of customers, employees and the community, 12 Tribes Colville Casinos has made the necessary decision to temporarily close all three casino properties (12 Tribes Resort Casino in Omak, 12 Tribes Mill Bay Casino in Manson, and 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino in Coulee Dam).

The closure will take effect at 5PM on March 17, 2020 and will last through April 1, 2020, in accordance with the guidance and practice of the State of Washington.

“The Colville Tribal Federal Corporation’s primary mission is to serve and enrich our communities,” said Colville Tribal Federal Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Kary Nichols. “The health and wellbeing of our team members and our patrons, as well as the larger communities in which we work, is paramount to that mission.”

12 Tribes Colville Casinos have followed guidelines set by the CDC and local health authorities amid concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak and have worked with Tribal health authorities to take appropriate action regarding the spread of COVID-19.

“Despite dedicating additional resources for sanitation efforts and limiting certain aspects of our operations, it is apparent that the correct response to this public health crisis is to do our part in slowing its progression,” said Nichols.

Updates will be made available on 12 Tribes Colville Casino’s website at www.colvillecasinos.com.

Written by Gregory Kennedy

Published: 17 March 2020

Chelan County now has two confirmed cases of the COVID 19 virus.

This morning the Chelan County Board of Commissioners have taken the step of signing an Emergency Declaration Resolution in regards to the COVID 19 virus.  Precautionary measures put in place by the Governor and the Federal Government have impacted our community.  By signing this resolution local businesses and non-profits will now have access to potential State and Federal assistance.

We encourage our Chelan County residents to remain cautious and aware and to do everything possible to help one another during this difficult time.

Below are documents released by Chelan County Board of Commissioners and the Chelan County Sheriff's office.

Comissioners Document

Sheriff Statement

Written by Jordyn Giulio, Risk Manager

Published: 12 March 2020

Douglas County places the highest importance on the health, safety, and wellbeing on the public and its employees. In respect to the advice issued today by the Chelan Douglas Health Department directing the cancellation of events of 20 or more people, the North Central Washington Fair is canceling the permits for the Friends of the Fair Crab Feed fundraiser. The fundraiser has been postponed until deemed safe by the local health authorities.

The Friends of the Fair will be working with ticket holders to keep them apprised of any updates and to notify them of the future event date once determined.
We appreciate the support and understanding of the community as we work to ensure the safety of the County.

Written by Jonnie Crossland, Public Relations Coordinator, 12 Tribes Colville Casinos

Published: 10 March 2020

Omak, WA. March 9, 2020 - The 12 Tribes Colville Casinos Executive Team met to discuss measures to protect patrons and employees at 12 Tribes Resort Casino in Omak, 12 Tribes Mill Bay Casino in Manson, and 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino in Coulee Dam.

Safety measures include a deep cleaning of all three casinos effective immediately, and until further notice. During the cleaning, the casinos will close. The schedule for each site is;

 • 12 Tribes Resort Casino:
     o Monday & Thursday, 4AM-8AM
     o Room Service, the Sweet Shop, and Tin Biscuits will be available at 8AM
     o Hotel reservations are still being accepted and rooms are deep cleaned after each guest.
  • 12 Tribes Mill Bay Casino:
     o Tuesday & Wednesday, 4AM-8AM
  • 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino:
     o Monday & Thursday, 5AM-8AM

“Our top priority is to ensure the health and safety of those in our community,” said Chief Executive Officer Kary Nichols. “We feel the best way to keep our employees, guests, and community members safe is to execute these preventative measures.”

Other preventative measures include adding more locations for hand sanitizers and providing employees and guests with personal protective equipment as needed.

“We thank you all for your patience and understanding as we do our part to ensure the safety of our communities,” said Nichols.