- Written by Marc Straub, Douglas County Board of Commissioners
The Douglas County Commissioners are pleased to announce the appointment of Jenn Biggar as the interim appointment of Superior Court Clerk. Jenn will be filling the unexpired term of Clerk Tristan Worthen. Jenn Biggar will be filling this position until the next general election.
The Board feels that Jenn Biggar has the experience, temperament, characters, and qualifications to serve in this position in an exemplary fashion. Ms. Biggar has been an outstanding Douglas County employee for 5 years; she brings many years of experience in the legal field as well as management and administrative expertise to the position.
Ms. Biggar was selected from candidates nominated by the Republican Central Committee as is required when there is an unexpired term left by an exiting elected official.
Please join us in congratulating Jenn Biggar as she takes on the new role. There will be a swearing in ceremony with reception to follow on July 7th at 9 am at the Douglas County Superior Court.
- Written by Sreenath Gangula, Transportation Safety and Systems Analysis, WSDOT
OLYMPIA – People use the transportation system in different ways and to better understand how, the Washington State Department of Transportation is shifting its analysis from a print publication to a fully interactive, online dashboard.
WSDOT’s recently released Multimodal Mobility Dashboard delivers annual performance data and multi-year and annual trends for numerous travel modes on select state-owned facilities. Included are user-friendly features that include accessible, interactive data visualizations and maps.
In addition to highway travel information, the dashboard format provides quick access to performance information for areas ranging from public transportation to WSDOT’s Incident Response program while providing in-depth analysis of multimodal freight mobility, Amtrak Cascades, Washington State Ferries, walking and biking as well as from airports statewide.
Currently, data compiled is through 2019. Data for 2020 will be added in the next update, which is currently scheduled for winter 2021. For some measures, daily data from March 2020 through the present is available in WSDOT’s COVID-19 Transportation System Performance Dashboard, which shows the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Washington’s multimodal transportation system. Highlights from the Multimodal Mobility Dashboard include:
- In 2019, 35.4 billion vehicle miles were traveled on state highways
- Washington public transportation users took 239.9 million trips in 2019
- Washington State Ferries carried 24.3 million riders in 2019
- Amtrak Cascades trains carried 7,100 bicycles in 2019
The Multimodal Mobility Dashboard achieves goals set forth in a 2019 comprehensive engagement process, which helped WSDOT determine how to best meet stakeholder needs for system reporting. The process included interviews with over 130 internal and external stakeholders and made a strong case for moving away from a text-heavy document to a more streamlined, accessible online version that also allows users to download all data and charts in a variety of formats.
Additional information about WSDOT performance reporting, including the new Multimodal Mobility Dashboard, is available on WSDOT’s Accountability webpage.
- Written by Sheriff Brian Burnett, CCSO
Sheriff Brian Burnett reports On June 29th, 2021 an arrest was made in the homicide case involving Hannia “Paulina” Mosqueda-Rodriguez. Julius Ceballos, a 21 year old Wenatchee man was booked into Chelan County Regional Justice Center for Murder 1st Degree.
Paulina was reported missing in November of 2019 to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Her body was discovered over an embankment on the dirt portion of Horselake Road on March 17th, 2020. Detectives from Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and Wenatchee Police Department investigated this case for the past fifteen months and were able to develop probable cause to make an arrest recently.
Although this case may have appeared to stall, the team of Detectives worked on leads and tips in order to make this arrest. A total of 21 search warrants have been served throughout the investigation.
Even with the arrest of Ceballos, this case is still under investigation. The team of detectives are continuing to seek information relating to this incident. If you have any information related to this case, please call 509-667-6845 to leave a message for a detective.
The operation today was carried out by members of the U.S. Marshall’s Task Force out of Yakima, Chelan County Regional SWAT Team, Douglas County Special Response Team, Columbia River Drug Task Force, and members of Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and Douglas County Sheriff’s Detective units.
- Written by Brandon Asher, CCFD
CFR Photo
On 6-28-2021 at 2:43 pm Chelan Fire and Rescue and Chelan County Fire District #5 were dispatched for a report of a brush fire near 18820 S. Lakeshore Rd.
The fire was reported as torching trees and threatening a structure. Due to the fire's distance from the stations and the extreme temperature working conditions, a 2nd alarm was called.
The DNR and Forest Service also assisted with sending multiple resources including a helicopter.
Luckily the winds stayed calm and the fire was at a wide spot along Lakeshore Road which helped keep it from spotting and racing up the hill before fire units arrived.
Units were able to quickly stop the fire progress and the 2nd alarm resources were cancelled. The Fire was held to just less than an acre.
The cause of the fire is under investigation but there was a report of 7-10 popping noises in the area approximately 30 minutes before the fire started.
Chelan Fire and Rescue encourages everyone to stay on the lake or stay indoors in air conditioning during this historic heat wave and to not do anything that could cause a spark.
- Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT communications
Use WSDOT tools to help prepare for holiday weekend traffic
OLYMPIA – With Independence Day creating a three-day weekend this summer, travelers should plan ahead and expect for additional traffic, especially during peak travel times.
Checking the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Fourth of July weekend traffic volume charts when planning your travels can help determine best times to travel on key routes. Due to the closure of the US-Canadian border to non-essential travel, there will not be travel charts for the border crossing. Travelers should also check ahead for any COVID-19 safety requirements at their destinations or stops along the way.
Travelers are advised to keep vehicles at least a quarter full of fuel throughout travel. The state Department of Commerce says there is no fuel shortage like seen on the East Coast this spring, but with many people still driving rather than flying, there could be local delays in fuel deliveries during heavy travel weekends this summer. Downloading an app that identifies nearby gas stations may be helpful if traveling in a different part of the state, as will buying only the fuel you need to leave enough for everyone else.
By following these steps, travelers can “know before they go” and plan ahead, whether they’re just traveling across town or across the state:
- Get informed about WSDOT's online tools, including the WSDOT mobile app, traffic cameras and email alerts.
- Visit online traveler information for traffic, weather and ferry schedules.
- Follow WSDOT's social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook.
- Pre-program your vehicle radio to 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio alerts.
- Call 5-1-1 for updated road conditions.
- Have a backup outdoor location if your first choice is full and never park along road shoulders, as this is unsafe for everyone on the roadway.
- Allow extra time for travel to avoid rushing or distraction.
- Carry extra food and water as well as extra masks and hand sanitizer as an added precaution for emergencies or unexpected stops.
Highway construction paused
Most state highway construction work is suspended through the holiday weekend – including Monday, July 5 – to ease congestion. However, please stay alert for new lane shifts or work zone staging areas that may remain in place. And please give any emergency repair crews plenty of space to work safely.
Snoqualmie Pass
No lane closures or other construction is planned on Interstate 90 from Friday, July 2, until to Tuesday, July 6. However, the usual holiday increase in traffic volumes means travelers should expect delays, especially eastbound on Friday, July 2, and westbound Monday, July 5 (see charts for more detail). Receive text message alerts about significant delays by texting the number 468311 with the words "WSDOT Snoqualmie."
Tolling
In the Puget Sound, weekend toll rates will be in effect on Monday, July 5, on the State Route 520 bridge and SR 99 tunnel. The Interstate 405 express toll lanes will be free and open to all drivers on the Monday holiday.
Ferry travel
People boarding a state ferry by vehicle should prepare for long waits. Peak travel times on most routes are expected to be westbound Thursday and Friday, July 1-2, and eastbound, Monday, July 5. Customers also can bypass vehicle lines by traveling as a walk-on passenger.
- All riders should double check the sailing schedules as some routes are operating on timetables that are different than prior to the pandemic.
- Visit the Washington State Ferries website for more details on vehicle reservations, ferry email alerts and terminal conditions.
- A face covering is required in all indoor areas of vessels and terminals in compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s order for public transportation.
Trains, airports and transit
Travelers making a trip by train, personal aircraft or bus also should plan ahead to avoid holiday delays:
- Amtrak Cascades passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early and should plan to arrive at the station one hour before departure. All Amtrak Cascades trains require reservations and Transportation Security Administration regulations require all passengers to wear masks. Visit www.amtrakcascades.com/ or call 800–USA–RAIL for details.
- For information about traveling via state-operated airports, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/airports/Amenities.htm or call 800-552-0666.
- Check with your local public transit agencies for any holiday schedule or service changes, including some Dial-A-Ride and fixed-route service that may not run on holidays
- Written by Kari Sorensen, Chair, MCC
Reminder: The Manson Community Council meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month.- Written by Chief Rick Johnson, EWPD
On June 15th, 2021, East Wenatchee Police responded to an overnight burglary at the New Song Church on Grant Road in East Wenatchee.
Entry appears to have been made through an unsecured door. Items taken during the burglary included 2 Apple computers and an iPad. The iPad was able to be tracked to the area of 2nd St SE, in East Wenatchee.
East Wenatchee Officers were already investigating a burglary from the Eastmont Community Church at 783 4th St NE, in East Wenatchee. The residents of a house on 2nd St SE had been developed as suspects in this burglary and some other area thefts.
On June 15th, 2021, East Wenatchee Officers served a search warrant on 1108 2nd St SE. The 2 stolen Apple computers were located along with numerous other stolen items.
Approximately $10,000 worth of stolen items were recovered at this residence. Other items recovered included construction equipment and laptop computers. These items were taken during four different area incidents from five different victims over the last month.
A 31-year-old East Wenatchee male was arrested during the service of the search warrant. He was booked into the Chelan County Regional Jail for multiple counts of possession of stolen property. This investigation is ongoing.
- Written by Chief Rick Johnson, EWPD
See our related story: Man taken into custody on three counts of attempted murder 2nd degree
On Monday, June 14th at approximately 1545 hours, the US Marshall - Violent Offender Task Force based out of Yakima, assisted the East Wenatchee Police in locating Armando Valdez-Godina. Valdez-Godina was wanted on 3 counts of complicity to assault 1st degree, and 1 count of felon in possession of a firearm. These charges are related to the June 5th, shooting in 100 block of 9th St NE.
He was located at a family member’s residence on Bainard Road, in Malaga. After a short foot pursuit Valdez-Godina was taken into custody and booked at the Chelan County Regional Jail. Investigation is still ongoing.
- Written by Christine Wineberg, Co-President, Lake Chelan Bach Fest
Bach Fest is excited to announce our 40th Anniversary celebration LIVE in July 2021!
This summer's festival will feature 7 days of concerts with no admission fee:
● Outdoor concerts at Riverwalk Park and local wineries
o Our live, in-person performances will be performed by our Artists-in-Residence and musicians who return annually to Lake Chelan to engage in inspirational and educational performances.
o The Festival String Quartet returns to 4 wineries for an evening pairing of wine and song.
▪ 7/11 @ &PM Tunnel Hill
▪ 7/12 @ 8PM Tsillan Cellars
▪ 7/14 @ 7:30PM Hard Row to Hoe
▪ 7/15 @ 7:30PM Rio Vista Winery
o 7/13 – 7/16 there will be a live Noon Concert Series Tuesday through Friday
o 7/16 Friday night features guest artists Tango Cowboys live at the Riverwalk Park Pavilion.
o 7/17 A Grand Finale Concert on Saturday evening - POPS IN THE PARK is free to the public at the Riverwalk Park Pavillion
o All of the concerts are held outdoors, entrance is “Pay what you wish”, no admission fee, no tickets needed in advance. (Bring your own chair).
o Social distancing and other COVID precautions will be in place following the current WA state guidelines for the audience. Information is available on the website with specific requirements for performers and audience.
● Virtual concerts featuring artists who are unable to be a part of our live programs this year will be featured via Facebook Live, Youtube and http://www.bachfest.org/
The virtual concerts will include a musical storytelling of Hansel and Gretel for children of all ages, a recital performed by our esteemed Vocal Soloists, our annual Young Musicians' Recital, and an inspiring collage concert featuring the Principal Players of the Bach Fest orchestra.
For more information about attending a concert or to view our virtual program booklet with details about musicians, repertoire and program notes please visit our website: http://www.bachfest.org/
