Written by Chief Jason Reinfeld, CCSO

Published: 17 September 2019

Sheriff Brian Burnett reports on September 13th, 2019 at approximately 8:00 pm a disturbance occurred at the Moonlight Motor Lodge on School Street in Wenatchee. An employee reported a 52 year old male motel guest was in the office with a knife threatening others. While Deputies were on the way to the location, the male was seen back at his room and then subsequently running south from the motel.

Deputies arrived on scene and were able to set up a perimeter in attempt to contain the suspect in the vicinity of the motel. Washington State Patrol assisted and a CCSO K9 unit was called out as well. The victim, a 39 year old Texas man said he went to speak with the suspect and he became extremely angry. The suspect grabbed a kitchen knife and chased after him threatening to kill him. He ran into the manager’s office to get away and to call for help. The suspect followed him in and continued threatening him. At one point the knife made contact with the victim’s shoulder but there were no injuries.

Deputies searched the area extensively and were eventually able to locate him back in the motel parking lot hiding in the back seat of his vehicle. It is believed the suspect circled back around at some point during the search. He was taken into custody without incident and booked Into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center for Assault 2nd Degree and Harassment – Threats to Kill.

It is unknown at this time what caused the disturbance.

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

Published: 17 September 2019

On 09-14-19 at approximately 11:17 pm, several Deputies were in the 500 block of Valley Mall Parkway, when they heard a vehicle revving its engine and squealing the tires in the south end of the Wenatchee Valley Mall parking lot.

They observed the vehicle as it drove north through the mall at speeds estimated at 60 mph.

The Deputies quickly caught up to the vehicle and attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled and quickly ran into a tree on French Avenue just off the north Mall parking lot.

The deputies blocked the vehicle in and attempted to arrest the driver, however the driver continued to try to drive away by accelerating and spinning the tires.

One of the Deputies was able to gain compliance using his Taser.

Jeffrey J. Tyquiengco a 22 years of age male out of East Wenatchee, was arrested and booked into Chelan County Jail for Attempting to Elude a pursuing police vehicle, Driving under the influence of alcohol, Operating a vehicle with no ignition interlock device, Driving while license suspended/revoked in the 3rd degree and Resisting arrest, without further incident.

Jeffery was the only occupant of the vehicle.

Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 17 September 2019

Commissioners in Attendance: Russ Jones, Phil Moller and Jay Witherbee.
Staff in Attendance: Mark Donnell, Brandon Asher and Carol Kibler
Others in Attendance: see sign in sheet

Chairman Jones announced the Flag Salute and Call to Order at 3:00 p.m.

Approve Agenda: Commissioner Moller MOTIONED to APPROVE the agenda as submitted the MOTION CARRIED.

Public Comment: None
Consent Agenda: Commissioner Moller MOTIONED to APPROVE the consent agenda as submitted the MOTION CARRIED.
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: June and July 2019
• Payroll: $252,344.23 July 1-31, 2019 Paid: 08-05-2019
• Vouchers for July 1-31, 2019 General Account: Vouchers #870 – 876 for $5,416.41; Vouchers #18974 – 18992 for $6,595.31; Vouchers #915 – 931 for $7,920.69; Vouchers #19014 – 19023 for $7,964.76.
• Vouchers for July 1-31, 2019 Capital Account: Vouchers #877 for $5,096.22; Vouchers #932-935 for $49,664.08; Vouchers #17094 – 17096 for $3,276.87.
• Minutes: July 17 and July 23, 2019
Fire Chief Report:
Chief Donnell reported the budget is right on track. We will see an increase in wages due to overtime hours during the summer months to cover weekend shifts and this will decrease at the end of summer. Chief Lemon’s close out wages will not be reflected in the budget until August statements are balanced.
Chief Donnell reported he spoke with County Assessor Deanna Walters and we will have a decrease of $15,737.86 due to Campbell’s Resort negotiating their property tax rate. The funds will be refunded in 2020.

Emergency Response Report: Chief Donnell reported we responded to 117 calls for service during the month of July. The call volume is down this summer, we hope to get through fire season as we still have 4-6 weeks left. Year to date we will maintain the 900-incident call volume. Chief Donnell reviewed the breakdown. Chief Donnell reviewed the response times.

Chief Donnell reported he returned Sunday from the National Fire Academy. The class he attended last week was Executive Chief Officer. It was great training and he learned lots. Fire Chiefs from around the country attended the class. Chief Donnell found that all across the country fire departments are having the same issues as we are; funding, staffing, volunteer recruitment and retention are challenges all fire chiefs are trying to find improvements and lessen the impacts to their communities due to the challenges we are all facing.

Assistant Chief of Volunteer Services:
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training:
Assistant Chief Asher reported the recruitment side of things, we continue to receive volunteer applicants: Meagan Zeman, Mitch Matthews, Entiat - Mike Meeks, Jake Lane and Orondo - Henry Foster.
Assistant Chief Asher reported he is in review of finding ways to keep new recruits engaged.
Assistant Chief Asher reported we will start advertising for new recruitment in October and the recruit class is schedule for January.
Assistant Chief Asher reported we had two volunteer recruits resign: Spenser Oberfelder and Megan Koster.
Assistant Chief Asher reported he gave an orientation presentation to station 72 volunteers regarding the volunteer stipend program.
Assistant Chief Asher reported the stipend coverage is at 54% coverage for the month of August and we have scheduled 53% coverage for September.

Assistant Chief Asher reported a grant funded drill; MCI Disaster Drill with a hazmat release is scheduled.
Assistant Chief Asher reported he has been working on boat training – had a few responses in the past few weeks.
Assistant Chief Asher reported he is drafting the ladder truck check off sheet, and training the crews and volunteers on the formal check offs.
Assistant Chief Asher reported Rope Rescue training is scheduled and we have 3 rope techs that will train in Wenatchee with Chelan County Fire District 1 technicians. The training will take place at the Wenatchee foot bridge.
Assistant Chief Asher reported that in November we are hosting a Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations. This training will help in making a scene flow smoothly, target audience is our LT’s and we are offering the training to other departments for those officers who would run an incident.

Firefighters Association Report:
President Dan Crandall reported a beginning balance of $17,428.00 and ending of $17,735.00 the parade truck will need waxing, we have scheduled a session and will need volunteers to help.
President Dan Crandall reported Sup-Cup by Windermere was a success. Our Rescue boat participated; Jim Belch and Judy Johnson manned the boat. Thank you and great job!
President Dan Crandall reported people could see the boat and appreciates the protection given for the people who participated.
President Dan Crandall reported the Fire Light Gala is scheduled for October 19, 2019, Saturday at Sorrento’s Restaurant the Association and Auxiliary are getting out and receiving auction items for the silent auction.
President Dan Crandall reported the Association will do a fund raiser introducing a 2020 calendar with firefighters and their pet(s). The hope is this will have lots of interest.
President Dan Crandall reported on donations: Long time residences of Chelan recently move to Twisp and lost the home to fire. The Association donated $500 and a gift card of $500.
President Dan Crandall reported “Back to School Fair” was a success giving out fire prevention safety tips and supplies, thank you to those who participated.
President Dan Crandall reported the Association donated $500 to Manson Swim Program, which will give free swimming lesson to people who live in the community.

Unfinished Business:
• New Hire – Probationary Firefighter: Chief Donnell reported a conditional offer was given to Samantha Rains and she is scheduled to start September 5, 2019 pending physical exam.
• Annexation: Chief Donnell reported the process is moving along smoothly, annexation notice signs have been posted and the public hearing is scheduled for the next Commissioner meeting in September. If all goes well, and the commissioners approve the annexation resolution, we will submit to County Assessor the properties to be annexed into the district with taxes collected in 2020.
• Billing for Illegal fire responses: Chief Donnell reported the other fire departments do not bill for illegal fire responses. They rely on the County Sherriff or Department of Ecology to enforce and ticket.
• Chief Donnell will approach NCWFCC to find out if any of the fire chiefs are interested in reviewing the billing of illegal burns as a regional effort.

Chief Donnell reported that the SCBA grant amendment for the compressor and items was rejected due to leaving 7,082 on the table not spent. Chief Donnell reported we have items related to the grant that we can add to the amendment and spend the remaining $7,082.00.

New Business:
• Resolution 2019-04 Surplus Items: Chief Donnell identified the items.
• Commissioner Witherbee MOTIONED to APPROVE the Resolution 2019-04 as submitted, second by Commissioner Moller.
• 2020 Budget: Chief Donnell reported he has tasked staff to review the budget and plan for 2020 budget period. Chief Donnell will start to forward 2020 budget information to the commissioners for review. The 2020 budget and resolutions will need to be approved by the November meeting.
• Emergency Response Report: Chief Donnell reported data is only as good as the input. Chief Donnell would like the commissioners to consider what type of data they would like to review. Chief Donnell will draft an emergency response report data report of information that is critical to our needs for the board to review at the next meeting.
• NCWFFCA Mutual Aid Agreement: Chief Donnell reported the agreement addition include t-cards, all agencies have agreed we will need signatures to approve it.

Chairman Jones announced Mark Donnell is officially the Interim Fire Chief as of August 1, 2019.

Special Event:
September 5-8 is the Sailing Regatta
September 7 – Manson Swim is coordinating an Event
September 11 - 911 memorial in Cashmere
September is emergency preparedness month
September 21 – Safety Fair – Station 71 from 10-2

Board for Volunteer Firefighters: nothing

Public Comment:
Thank you to Commissioner Witherbee for donating fitness equipment to the fire department.

Commissioner Comments: No action to be taken.

Executive Session: None

Adjournment: There was no more business before the board the meeting closed at 4:10 p.m.

Chelan County Fire District 7
Board of Commissioners:

Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 17 September 2019

Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.
Flag Salute:

Public Hearing Call to Order – Annexation

Regular Meeting Call to Order:

Approve Agenda:

Public Comment:
Consent Agenda:
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: August 2019
• Payroll: $113,693.70 August 1-31, 2019 Paid: 09-05-2019
• Vouchers for August 1-31, 2019 General Account: Vouchers #19036 – 19039 for $725.35; Vouchers #19040 – 19049 for $33,097.77; Vouchers #19050 – 19063 for $8443.86; Vouchers #19067 – 19078 for $4,450.51; Vouchers #19091 – 19098 for $7,944.26.
• Vouchers for August 1-31, 2019 Capital Account: Vouchers #19064 - 19066 for $2121.99; Voucher #17097 for $8,340.16; Vouchers #19099 – 19100 for $1,863.64.
• Minutes: August 21, 2019
Fire Chief Report:
• 2019 Budget / Emergency Response Report /Operations/ Community Risk Reduction

Assistant Chief Report:
• Volunteer recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:

Unfinished Business:
• New Hire – Probationary Firefighter
• Resolution 2019-05 - Annexation
• Proposed 2020 Budget – Long Range Plan
• Fire Chief Contract
• NCWFCA Mutual Aid Agreement
• Illegal Burns – Billing for Services

New Business:
• Douglas County Fire District 15 – Mutual Aid Agreement

Special Event:
09-21-2019 Safety Fair 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Station 71
09-25-2019 North Central Washington Fire Chiefs and Commissioners Association – Dinner Station 71 6:00 p.m.

Board for Volunteer Firefighters
• Invoices

Public Comment:

Commissioner Comments: No action to be taken.

Executive Session:

Adjournment:

Written by Robin Pittman

Published: 07 September 2019

Regular Board Meeting
142 Pedoi Street, Bumgarner Building, September 12, 2019, 4:10pm
I. Call to order
II. Flag salute
III. Agenda additions and deletions
IV. Public comment
V. Approval of Minutes
a. August 8, 2019 regular meeting minutes
b. August 22, 2019 special meeting minutes
VI. Financial Review
a. Review monthly financial report
b. Review and approve monthly voucher
VII. Old Business
a. Leffler Field
b. Singleton Park playground renovation
c. Shoreline erosion
d. 2016-2018 Audit
e. Director’s Report
VIII. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: October 10, 2019 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831

Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC Executive Director, WSDOT

Published: 07 September 2019

STEVENSON, Wash. – Transportation challenges unique to rural areas will be highlighted in a meeting between the transportation commissions from Washington state, Oregon and California this month in Stevenson, Washington. Presenters from the three states will lead discussions on rural freight-movement challenges; the connection between reliable rural access, jobs and economic growth; emergency access and enabling response; and road usage charging efforts in all three states.

The tri-state meeting is from 8 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 16, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Skamania Lodge, 1131 Skamania Lodge Dr., Stevenson. The meeting is open to the public and persons wishing to speak to the commissions may do so during the public comment period at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday.

Following opening remarks from each state’s commission chair, Monday’s meeting kicks off with a panel discussion of the complex supply chains involving trucks, trains, barges and planes that move rural freight from farm to markets across the country and the world. Another panel will focus on reliable transportation access in rural areas. Panelists will discuss how highways, public transportation, rural airports and trails all uniquely contribute to sustainable economic development and opportunity.

On Monday afternoon, commissioners from the three states will tour the regional area on both sides of the Columbia River, and make stops at a few businesses to hear first-hand the transportation challenges they face in moving product and conducting business in a rural setting.   The commissioners will also get a briefing on the Hood River Bridge and will view a bicycle-pedestrian facility on Oregon’s Historic Columbia River Highway.

During Tuesday’s meeting, each state will share how it responds to natural disasters – from wildfires to seismic events – and the role transportation agencies and infrastructure plays in response and recovery. Panelists will include an Okanogan County commissioner who has worked on partnerships and planning to better respond to region-wide wildfires, and the mayor of Paradise, California, the town in the Sierra foothills ravaged by fire last fall. 

Other meeting topics include a briefing from the administrators of the Federal Highway Administration in each state, and the latest work by each state to address declining revenue from the gas tax as cars and trucks become more fuel-efficient. The three West Coast states lead the nation in developing a road usage charge as an alternative funding source to replace the gas tax.

Since 2009, the Washington State Transportation Commission has met periodically with its colleagues in California and/or Oregon to share strategies for addressing common issues and to identify opportunities for collaboration. During their 2018 meeting, the three state bodies focused on technology and transportation.

The meeting will be webcast live on tvw.org.

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov/

Written by Undersheriff Tyler I. Caille, DCSO

Published: 31 August 2019

On 8/29/19 at approximately 4:08 AM, Douglas County Deputies responded to a reported Trespass complaint in the area of the 2700 block of Westview Drive, East Wenatchee. 

Upon arrival, Deputies located a 31-year-old male from East Wenatchee whom they have had prior contacts with, sitting in a vehicle.  Upon contact, he displayed a knife towards Deputies and was observed to have visible blood on his clothing.  The subject refused to exit the vehicle for Deputies. 

Deputies attempted to negotiate with him for several hours to have him safely exit the vehicle for evaluation by medical personnel.  As negotiation attempts failed, he subsequently sped from the location in the vehicle and proceeded southbound on N. Baker Avenue with speeds estimated in excess of 80 mph. 

Deputies followed and observed him slow the vehicle and jump from it while traveling in the 2200 block of N. Baker Avenue.  The vehicle continued to travel southbound on N. Baker Avenue, until it went off the roadway and crashed in the 2100 block. 

He was contacted by Deputies, and refused to follow verbal commands given to him.  A Taser was applied to him and he was safely taken into custody.

He was transported to Central Washington Hospital for medical treatment involving self-inflicted stab wounds. 

Deputies determined this was an isolated incident and there is no further public safety risk.  Criminal charges are pending for the subject.     

Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT Communications

Published: 24 August 2019

Plan ahead, use WSDOT tools to stay in the know before and during trips

OLYMPIA – The last holiday weekend of the summer typically brings additional traffic, so planning ahead and allowing extra travel time is even more critical as Labor Day approaches.

Travelers can consult the Washington State Department of Transportation’s holiday-weekend traffic volume charts to help plan the best times to travel on key routes. If possible, altering travel to less busy times can improve individual trips and help keep all traffic flowing more freely. Those venturing out on land or sea can also use several WSDOT tools to keep updated throughout the trip.

Know before you go

• Check WSDOT’s mobile app, Facebook page, multiple Twitteraccounts and online tools for traffic information and ferry schedules. (When driving, have a passenger check online updates or pull over to safe place before using electronic devices).
• Call the 511 travel information hotline. For out-of-state callers, it’s 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).
• Pre-program vehicle radios to 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio alerts.
• Carry extra water, snacks and other supplies in case you’re delayed along the way.

Statewide construction halted, but expect holiday travel delays -- especially on passes

To ease congestion statewide, WSDOT suspends most state highway construction work during the holiday weekend, starting Friday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 2. This includes Interstate 90 from North Bend to Vantage, but some construction zone detours will remain in place. Traffic is always heavy over Snoqualmie Pass on summer weekends – especially Labor Day – so travelers should allow extra travel time or consider traveling during non-peak times, typically early in the day or later in the evening.

Tolling

In the Puget Sound, weekend toll rates will be in effect on Monday, Sept. 2, on the State Route 520 bridge. The Interstate 405 express toll lanes will be free and open to all drivers on the Monday holiday. Travelers can learn about toll roads and rental car tips on the GoodToGo  visitors page.

Ferry travel

Washington State Ferries passengers should expect heavier traffic during the holiday weekend and reservations are strongly recommended for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands; Anacortes/Sidney, British Columbia; and Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry routes.

• Reservations can be made onlineor by calling 888-808-7977.
• Visit the schedules and best travel times website for more details.

Other travel considerations

Travelers planning to avoid highway congestion by traveling via train, personal aircraft or transit also should factor the holiday into their plans:

• Amtrak Cascades passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early and should plan to arrive at the station one hour before departure. Book nowor call 800–USA–RAIL for details.
• Check the status of state-operated airports online or by calling 800-552-0666.
• Most public transit systems will follow a holiday schedule, and some transit systems will not operate fixed-route or Dial-A-Ride service on holidays. For details, check with the local transit system.

Written by Lauren Loebsack, WSDOT Communications

Published: 22 August 2019

CASHMERE – Beginning Monday, Aug. 26, a contractor for the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin work to repair and upgrade wiring to the flashing beacons at intersections of US 2/97 between Monitor and Dryden. 

During the work, the “Prepare to Stop When Flashing” signs with flashing beacons that correspond with the change of intersection signal lights from green to red, will be covered.  A temporary sign without any lights will inform travelers to “Be Prepared to Stop” while the contractor performs necessary repairs to ensure these flashing lights continue to work properly.

Five intersections between Monitor and Dryden will have the beacons shut off for repairs in the following weeks.  These include:

• US 2/97 and E. Main St. / Easy St. at Monitor,
• US 2/97 and Cotlets Way / Eels Rd.,
• US 2/97 and Aplets Way / Nahahum Canyon Rd.,
• US 2/97 and Hay Canyon Rd. / Goodwin Rd.,
• US 2/97 and Dryden Ave. / Johnson Rd.

For the week of August 26, the contractor will be working at the US 2/97 intersections of Dryden Ave./ Johnson Rd. at Dryden and Hay Canyon/Goodwin Rd. at Cashmere.  Future updates on this project will be available on the North Central region construction and travel advisory webpage.

This work will not affect signal timing at these intersections, but the change of warning signage will mean that drivers will not have the flashing beacons to indicate that an intersection signal is changing from green to red.  With a speed of 60 mph on this section of the highway, it is imperative that travelers on this section of road are attentive and use caution when approaching these intersections during the project.