Written by: Karen Goodwin – Douglas County Chief Financial Officer

Published: 09 November 2022

The Douglas County Board of Commissioner moved to adopt the 2023 preliminary budget today, November 8, 2022.  This adopted budget continues a strong history of conservative fiscal practices, efficient allocation of tax payer funds, and a focus on providing increased services to the Community.  There is a projected $781,892 being added to the general fund balance even in light of adding a multitude of new services.  By operating on a budget of less than the revenue generated, the Board is seeking to position the County to look forward to any market condition or community need that may arise in the future.

The 2023 budget includes the addition of four new Sheriff’s Office employees, including deputies, a detective, and office staff to improve response time and public safety; complete standup of the newly mandated Coroner’s Office; union negotiated raises; and a part time interpreter in District Court.  The largest undertaking included in this budget is the full year operating of the newly established Douglas County Office of Public Defense, which added three additional attorneys and two support staff, offices space and two vehicles.  By bringing the responsibility for indigent defense in-house, we were able to ensure more effective defense for our most vulnerable community members while controlling costs and implementing efficient business practices. 

Douglas County uses a practice of baseline budgeting to ensure all expenses are exhaustively vetted, examined, and assessed for need, utility, and financial sustainability.  All new costs for every department are approved individually by the Board of Commissioners, which ensures that increases are viewed globally for consistency with the overall budget policy.  Additionally, the proactive approach taken to encourage development within Douglas County has strengthened the County position to continue to increase services to the Community.

Acting as responsible and accountable stewards of the tax payers’ contributions is of the utmost importance to the Douglas County Board of Commissioner’s.  All decisions made on allocation of funds and investments are made in the interest in creating the highest benefit to the public.  The conservative financial philosophy shared by this Board and Boards prior have enabled Douglas County to weather a variety of economic hardships without sacrificing services to the community they represent.

Written by: Robin Pittman

Published: 09 November 2022

Regular Board Meeting
November 10, 2022, 5:15pm
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. October 13, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes
VI. Financial Review
a. Review Monthly Financial Report
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
VII. New Business
a. Levy Certification
b. Blackwatch security contract renewal
c. 2023 budget and wages approval
d. 2023-2027 Comprehensive Plan
e. Old Mill CD3 Aquatic Invasive Species disposal system
f. Marina reservation rules
VIII. Old Business
a. Updates:
i. Old Swim Hole development project
ii. Manson Bay Marina planning project
1. Permitting review
iii. Leffler Field soil remediation planning project
1. Review SOQs
b. Director’s Report
IX. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: December 8, 2022, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA 98831 unless otherwise posted.

Written by: Janice Stewart

Published: 09 November 2022

Written by: Herb Sargo

Published: 07 November 2022

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE ORCHARD
The Orchard is a slushy, snowy place at the moment! The photo below was taken by Laurie, "On our way to the Orchard for the third day in a row of unloading slush," from trees. With leaves and remaining apples still on the trees holding the snow, the wet, slushy stuff is a very real threat for breaking limbs and splitting trunks. This has to be one of the worst jobs at the Orchard in protecting our historic trees. Please send Laurie, Vicki, and others your warmest thoughts and wishes!

Taking down and storing the electric fences, removing and picking up apples, spreading the organic chicken manure, and winterizing and storing equipment are all tasks that must be completed by mid-November. Other winterizing, including storing hoses, sprinklers, and timers was completed in October.

Additionally, work is finishing up at the Buckner House, readying it for occupancy in the spring.

A BUSY TIME FOR THE FOUNDATION
This is always a busy time for the Foundation, but even more so this year. Not only are we busy finishing up reports, applying for grants, communicating with businesses, NPS, and supporters; we are also working with NPS to complete our Annual Work Plan, and budget for 2023, and planning for capital projects.

SEPTEMBER MUSIC EVENT
Three hours of great music with Agnes on Fire was, again, a successful and welcome event for both Valley residents and the many visitors. The September 17 evening was cool, but pleasant, and over 200 people came and went during the evening to this BHHF sponsored event.



HARVEST FEST 2022
Harvest Fest 2022 could not have been better, with one exception. The apples were not nearly ripe enough!

Picking and Pressing
Modified for a lingering pandemic, all the materials for picking and making cider were put out daily, Friday through Sunday, and picked up and cleaned each evening. All three days had a steady flow of pickers and pressers, with no one day having a large crowd of folks doing either. Though the apples were on the edge of ripening, everyone had a great time in beautiful weather.



Valley Music Night
Featuring Peggy Ann Courtney, Alan Mundal, and Agnes on Fire, this event could not have been better! Held outside for the first time on a very pleasant and rain-free evening, "Well over" 160 attendees enjoyed 90 minutes of great music. Our thanks to the musicians, the Stehekin School, and those who helped set up and take down the pews, canopy, sound system, and lights to the outhouses!

Our previous Valley Music Nights have all been indoors, and were overly crowded at 130 visitors. This year's arrangement was weather dependent with great weather, not something we can count on any given year.

Poetry Night
Another very successful evening! Held at the Golden West Visitors Center, a record 40 individuals sat around the fireplace, enjoying a variety of readings. Some were original poems, while others shared some of their favorites. Poetry Night has found a new home!
Scheduling Harvest Fest
Our Board policy is to hold Harvest Fest the first weekend in October, unless the Saturday falls on the first or second of the month, which it did this year. In adopting this position, the Board also recognized that seasonal changes in the Bakery and boat schedules would impact later dates. Also, weather is more iffy later in the season. Even with a second week Harvest Fest in 2022, it was still too early for truly ripe apples.

HARVEST FEST 2023
will be held October 6-8

YOUR SUPPORT
You can support the Foundation and Orchard in two ways, volunteering (430 hours in 2022!), and giving via memberships, donations, and Adopt-A-Tree. If you appreciate what we do at the Buckner Orchard, please consider future work parties and other volunteer opportunities, and contributing financially to the Foundation. (ALL work for the Foundation is done 100% by volunteers.) The links below can be easily used to support the Foundation financially, or checks can be mailed to BHHF, PO Box 184, Manson, WA 98831.

MEMBERSHIPS
https://bhhf.betterworld.org/donate

DONATIONS
https://bhhf.betterworld.org/campaigns/donate-2022

ADOPT-A-TREE
https://bhhf.betterworld.org/campaigns/adopt-tree-2022

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

web site bucknerhomestead.org

The Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created specifically to support and preserve the Buckner Homestead and Orchard in Stehekin, +Washington, and is registered as such with the State of Washington and the IRS (Tax ID #452913458)

Written by: Tina Werner, WSDOT Communications

Published: 24 October 2022

Studded tires allowed in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31; stud-free winter tire alternatives are legal year-round

OLYMPIA – While many may be thinking about pumpkins and spiced ciders, now is the time for travelers to make sure they’re prepared for winter driving.

The Washington State Department of Transportation urges all travelers to start preparing themselves and their vehicles for winter weather. Drivers can check out 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 roadway information before heading out.

“Our crews are ready for the upcoming snow and ice season, but we need travelers to get ready as well.” said WSDOT Maintenance Operations Manager James Morin. “Most pass closures are due to preventable spin outs or crashes from vehicles driven too fast or not having proper equipment. We need everyone to work together, be patient and prepared to help keep traffic moving.”

Crews are already prepping for winter, including hiring additional workers for peak winter months. While significant effort and progress has been made towards hiring, there is still a nationwide shortage of Commercial Driver License drivers for plows and other vehicles. This means it's even more important for travelers to be prepared to avoid preventable crashes or closures this winter.

Most mountain pass closures are due to preventable spin outs or crashes from vehicles driven too fast or not having proper equipment. WSDOT encourages all travelers to work together, be patient and prepared to help keep traffic moving.

To check conditions and prepare for winter weather:

• Check current travel conditions and 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 “468311 with the words "WSDOT Snoqualmie” to receive text message alerts about significant delays on I-90/Snoqualmie Pass.
• Download, print and carry the WSDOT Winter Driving Guide. 
• Get vehicles ready 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, that doesn’t excuse travelers from state traction device laws. 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. 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 legal for use in Washington state only 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.

WSDOT estimates studded tires cause between $20 million and $29 million in pavement damage to state-owned asphalt and concrete roadways each year. Motorists are encouraged to visit a tire dealer to learn about 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 Frequently Asked Questions on the WSP website.

Written by: Adam Musgrove, Chief of Patrol, CCSO

Published: 24 October 2022

Sheriff Burnett reports that at approximately 6:30 AM on Saturday, October 22nd, a Leavenworth resident was outside of her home in the 300 block of Commercial Street walking her dog when a bear attacked her.

The female reported the bear attacked her from behind. The female fought back and punched the bear several times during the 10 to 15 second attack. The female received significant injuries and has  received medical treatment.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to the scene.

A public alert was sent out to local media and information was posted to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office social media asking all residents and visitors to avoid the area until further notice.

Working with the City of Leavenworth, the Enchantment Park area was closed. As a precautionary measure, the City of Leavenworth continued to keep the Enchanted Park area closed until Sunday, October 23rd.

Officers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife brought in two tracking dogs in an attempt to locate the bear that was responsible for the attack.

Written by: Janice Stewart

Published: 22 October 2022

All local veterans are cordially invited to attend a breakfast in their honor on Thursday, November 10 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Manson High School in the student center.

Students will be preparing and serving pancakes, eggs, bacon and coffee.

Please join us as we honor those who have served.

Written by: Carol A Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR

Published: 21 October 2022

If you are looking to get your COVID-19 Bivalent Modern or Pfizer booster, register for the upcoming drive-thru clinic being held by Lake Chelan Health EMS at the Chelan Fire Station (please do not call the fire station).

When: Saturday October 22, 2022

Time: 9am-11am

Location: 232 E. Wapato Ave in Chelan

Registration is required.

For assistance with registration, please call 509-682-3300

https://lakechelanhealth.org/covid-19/

or

https://www.eventbrite.com/.../covid19-booster-vaccine...

Written by: Christina Crea, WSDOT communications

Published: 21 October 2022

Final recommendation to Legislature due in June 2023

OLYMPIA – After months gathering public feedback and reviewing technical analyses, the state Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission  submitted Phase II recommendations to the Washington State Legislature that include continued study of two options for future aviation capacity.

The two options were submitted on Oct. 15 and include:

• Growing Paine Field according to its Airport Master Plan (with potential for additional capacity).
  • This assumes Seattle-Tacoma Airport executes its Sustainable Airport Master Plan, and includes a recommendation to assist other airports interested in pursuing regional commercial service (distributed air service supported by emerging technology)
• Continue to develop a greenfield site option with a two-runway configuration.
  • Pierce County Central, Pierce County East and Thurston County Central were recommended for additional technical analysis and community outreach. A map of the sites is available online.

The demand for aviation in Washington state is growing and will soon exceed the capacity of existing airports. The Phase II recommendations come eight months after the commission recommended six preliminary airport sites with potential for expansion to meet both short- and long-term aviation needs.

“This is an opportunity for the state to consider how to meet capacity limits while also planning for an airport of the future,” said David Fleckenstein, WSDOT Aviation Director and chairman of the commission. “Increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuels could significantly reduce harmful emissions. Emerging aeronautics technology could also reduce noise from airplanes while also providing additional commercial air service options to more airports around the state.”

In the coming months, the commission will offer additional opportunities for public input and study additional technical data about each greenfield site still being considered. To learn about updates and new developments in the process, please sign up for email updates (under News, select “CACC”). A final recommendation is due to the Legislature by June 15, 2023. 

The commission is considering environmental effects, economic and technical criteria and public feedback and opinion as it develops recommendations to improve Washington’s air transportation capacity.

About the Commercial Aviation Coordination Commission

The Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission was created by the Legislature in 2019 with a charge to provide a recommendation by June 15, 2023, for a single preferred location to meet the forecast demand for commercial passenger service, air cargo and general aviation. After the commission makes its final recommendation, it will be up to the Legislature and potential airport sponsors to act on that recommendation.

The Legislature directed three phases for the commission’s work:

• Phase I: develop a short list of six locations.
• Phase II: identify two options for meeting aviation demands.
• Phase III: choose a single preferred location by a 60-percent majority vote.

In December 2020, the commission released its Phase I report, which listed six preliminary airport sites with potential for expansion to meet both short and long-term aviation needs. A February 2022 report provided a final short list of six locations. The October 2022 report details the two options selected. The commission will provide its recommendation for a single preferred location to the Legislature by June 15, 2023.

The commission’s 14 voting and 12 nonvoting members include representatives from the aviation industry, the public, airport communities, freight industry, state and local agencies and elected officials. WSDOT provides the commission technical assistance and staff support from its Aviation Division.