Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 05 May 2020

The Manson School District Board of Directors announced the 2020 Blue and White Excellence Awards winners at its April board meeting.  Nominations were submitted by staff, students and community members.

Award recipients were:  High school teachers Steve Nygreen and Kate Sorenson, elementary teacher Cassie Williams and elementary classified employee Maria Zaragoza. 

The Manson School District Board of Directors will officially recognize the award winners at a future board meeting. 

The recipients will also be recognized this fall at the Night of Excellence sponsored by the Manson Chamber of Commerce. 

A big congratulations to others nominees: Bill Thompson, Heather Teague, Eric Sivertson, Dane Johnson, Anita Johanson, Carmen Fretwell, Sarah Wiggum, Kari Petersen, Michelle Rogge, George Valencia, Angel Gosvenor and Trista Walters.

Maria Zaragoza - “Every day I am impressed with Maria’s attentiveness to student needs.  She treats each student with true compassion, respect and nurturing and makes them feel safe in her care.  She truly loves kids and works hard at establishing a positive relationship with them.”

Steve Nygreen - Students stated, he just makes math easier, I didn’t like math until I had Mr. Nygreen.”

Kate Sorenson - “Kate is a powerhouse of an educator and advisor.  She has created several new clubs and programs that enhance Manson School District.”

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 05 May 2020

The Manson school Board invites you to attend a community forum via ZOOM to meet the five candidates that have applied for the position of School Superintendent.

Manson parents and community have an opportunity to meet and greet applicants on Thursday, May 7, 2020 beginning at 7:00 p.m. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and then provide feedback at the conclusion of the forum.

There are two ways you can join the meeting either online or by I-Phone. Please use the following link to access ZOOM: https://ncesd.zoom.us/j/98679780854. Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +12532158782,98679780854# or +13462487799,98679780854#

At the end of the forum you will have an opportunity to provide feedback via a survey by accessing the following link: https://forms.gle/3RquFiSJm7i9MsGm8

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 01 May 2020

Manson School District
Superintendent Interview Timeline/Process Update

The Manson School Board approved invitations to interview for the open Manson School Superintendent position.

Five candidates have been invited to participate in the next step in the process scheduled for May 5, 6 & 7.

1. Jennifer Kindle, Executive Director of Student Learning, Selah School District

2. Guy Kovacs, Principal, Kalles Junior High, Puyallup School District

3. Jose De Jesus Melendez, Director of Languages & Equity, Franklin Pierce School District

4. Paul Peterson, Interim Superintendent, Silver Falls School District, Oregon

5. Yvonne Walker, Principal, Post Middle School, Arlington School District

On May 5th

4:00-6:00PM an opportunity for Manson staff members to observe each candidate as they answer questions created by staff members. Zoom link https://ncesd.zoom.us/j/96307767604

On May 6th

The Manson School Board will interview each candidate

8:00a.m. Jennifer Kindle

9:30a.m. Yvonne Walker

11:00a.m. Guy Kovacs

12:30p.m. Lunch

1:15p.m. Paul Peterson

2:45p.m. Jose De Jesus Melendez

4:30p.m. Board Meeting – Executive session followed by open meeting announcing finalist(s)

On May 7th

7:00p.m. - An opportunity for Manson parents and community members to meet final candidate(s) answer questions.  (Zoom link will be sent out next week) Board meeting scheduled to follow community meeting – Executive session to discuss qualifications – any action will be made in open meeting with vote of board.

The new Superintendent will begin serving in the role on July 1st 2020.

BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE WEEK OF MAY 4TH, 2020

May 5th – 4:00 p.m. - 6:00p.m.Working Session - via ZOOM
Observing staff Zoom with Superintendent Candidates

May 6th – 8:00a.m. -4:30 p.m. -Working Session – via ZOOM
The Board will conduct Superintendent Candidate Interviews.

May 6th – 4:30p.m – Special Board Meeting - via ZOOM
Open meeting followed by an Executive Session to discuss candidates for superintendent position (no action to be taken). Any action will be made in the open meeting.

May 7th – 7:00p.m.– Executive Session - Special Board Meeting to follow - via ZOOM
Board will observe Community Forum – then enter into an Executive Session to discuss candidate qualifications – any action will be made in open meeting..

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 01 May 2020

The State Board of Education, the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC), and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction have identified 20 North Central Washington schools to be honored as part of the Washington School Recognition Program.

Manson Middle School was recognized for closing gaps for one or more student groups and for growth for students who qualify for the free and reduced price lunch program, students identifying as Hispanic, and students identifying as White.

Manson High School was recognized for growth for students who receive special education services.

"The Special Services staff at Manson High School have worked hard to empower students and instill confidence. Students are now more willing to try and less worried about failing. The staff have also made our building a positive place to be. Students enjoy being in the classroom!"  Joey Johanson – HS Special Education Teacher

Manson Middle School Teacher Heather Teague shared:

"When your goal is to make positive connections and support socio-emotional health, kids thrive! This team loves kids first and that creates space to make gains!" Heather Teague – MS ELA Teacher  

Recognized schools receive a banner for display.

To learn more about why schools were recognized, and to see the data behind the recognition framework, visit sbe.wa.gov/2018-19-school-recognition-methodology.

Written by Mark Donnell, Chelan Fire & Rescue

Published: 01 May 2020

Kent Sisson, Chelan-Douglas Regional EOC: Additional testing at other agricultural sites showing no positive cases, some additional testing in 3 county area. Regional EOC still working with State EOC on action plan for equitable distribution of test kits. Concerns regarding violations of governor’s and county commissioner orders regarding stay at home, most handled with education.

Joyous Van Meter, Chelan-Douglas Health District: Still working on testing of targeted populations with some increase of local numbers for the district this past week. Still indicate that it might still be early to tell if we are starting to level off in our area. Contact tracing is giving us better information on Covid testing

Laura Schmidt, Columbia Valley Community Health: Working to restore face to face appointments and continuing to use telemedicine. Focus is on how to provide all appointment types delivered previously. Working on contact tracing in conjunction with Chelan-Douglas Health District for patients assigned to through CVCH, using cross-trained and available staff.

Kari Grover-Weir, USFS: Working on educating public regarding use of forest service lands/parks and following state guidelines which are a little more stringent than USFS. Still working on fire response and implementing social distancing and infection control compliance.

Jim Colbert, Chelan Fruit: WEBEX held with partner agricultural housing sites to give updates on infection control measures and providing safe work sites. Concern with upcoming cherry harvest due to worker density in production.

Wade Farris, City of Chelan: Still getting the message out regarding stay at home and discouraging outside visitors from coming in the visit/stay. Will publish the dedicated Sheriff’s number for reporting violators on city website (509-667-6985.)

Chief Mike Asher, CCFD #8 (Entiat): One possible Covid-19 patient over the past week, sufficient PPE at this time.

Assistant Chief Brandon Asher, CF&R (Chelan): Still experiencing slower than normal call volumes, specifically EMS related calls. Finishing up annual wildland refresher training in preparation for fire season. PPE issues sufficient except for gowns.

Updates from Members Not in Attendance:

Ray Eickmeyer, LCCH & LCCH EMS 

1. LCCHC continues to test and see patients. We still don't have enough test kits to test the community like we want to, we are not sure if this will ever be a possibility.

2. LCCHC are seeing people not seeking healthcare in a timely fashion because of not wanting to burden the hospital/clinic or leave the home, we strongly encourage you to seek healthcare early if you don't feel well or there's a concern. We don't want your medical condition to worsen. We have worked hard to make sure our facilities are safe to be seen at without being exposed to Covid-19.

3. LCCHC continues to send out messages to the community with a phone survey called WANDA. Please know this is not a scam. We have had a 50% response rate to the survey and have survey over 400 people. We are getting reports from this survey a few people with Covid19 symptoms, the Community Paramedicine Program is following-up with all of these people to help them.

Matt Charlton, Manson School District:

1. Manson meals serve will cross over 25,000 this week.

2. Continuing to offer distance learning program for students. Devices in hands of students who need them grades 4-12.

3. Working on options for graduation/senior recognition.

4. Internet access progress, received thirty T-mobile hotspots which are being distributed. Local Tel and PUD are installing five locations in the community we requested based on high needs of students

*Needs = Masks for employees providing delivery service to students. We could use masks,

thermometers and hand sanitizer…if sufficient supplies for medical needs are getting met.

Mike Steele & Erin McCardle, Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce/HCDA:

1. The HDCA announced the launch of a $100K microloan program – applications will be accepted starting May 1.  Information can be found on www.historicchelan.org/microloan

2. Flower baskets were delivered earlier this year (that’s why they look a little smaller than normal) but we wanted to throw a little color downtown and hopefully inspire some hope.

3. Businesses are starting to communication their uneasiness of HOW they will be able to open and what guidelines will be required… Will they only be allowed to let a certain number of people enter their business at a time, how do you keep retail items/books/etc. clean after people have touched them, will businesses need to install plexiglass walls at their POS, etc. (I’d love any thoughts from Barry or Kent on whether they’ve seen or been part of any conversation about what opening restaurants and retail might look like – to help with our businesses planning.)

Roundtable: Food drive to bring food and cash donations to Chelan Valley Food Bank/Chelan Valley Food Bank ends tomorrow.

Food donations being accepted at Chelan Fire & Rescue (Station 71). Northshore Bible Church (Manson), and LCC Hospital and Clinics (various locations) Cash/check donations can be sent to the Chelan Valley Food Bank, P.O. Box 2684, Chelan, WA 98816.

Written by Jonnie Crossland, Public Relations Coordinator, Colville12 Tribes Casinos

Published: 30 April 2020

OMAK, WASH. April 30, 2020— The Colville Business Council and the Colville Tribal Federal Corporation (CTFC) Board of Directors approved a re-opening date for all three 12 Tribes Colville Casinos properties of Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

“We will continue to keep our top priority the health, safety, and well-being of our team members, valued guests, and communities,” said CTFC Chief Executive Officer, Kary Nichols. “Throughout this pandemic, we have relied on facts to help guide our decisions.”

Each 12 Tribes Colville Casinos property, 12 Tribes Resort Casino in Omak, 12 Tribes Mill Bay Casino in Manson, and 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino in Coulee Dam, will start with a soft opening, with the following measures in place to ensure the health and safety of team members and guests;

• Daily hours of operation at all three properties will be 8AM-2AM

• All three properties will be deep cleaned nightly and throughout the day

• All players are voluntarily visiting the property at their own risk and will be required to sign a waiver along with signing up for a Player’s Advantage Club Card (if they do not already have one)

• Masks, gloves, and sanitizer will be supplied but patrons are encouraged to bring their own masks as there will be a limited supply available

• Temperatures will be taken prior to entering each property. Any person displaying a cough, shortness of breath, or other known symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature above 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit will be asked to visit another time

• Patrons and staff will be given placards to promote social distancing at gaming machines

• Plexiglas has been installed in key locations across each property for patrons and employee safety

• Food and beverage venues will follow strict social distancing guidelines

• The hotel at 12 Tribes Resort Casino will open, while valet, the pool, hot tub, workout room, and Renew Spa will remain closed until further notice

• Table games at 12 Tribes Resort Casino and Mill Bay Casino, Camas Restaurant at 12 Tribes Resort Casino, and Crosswinds Restaurant will remain closed during the initial re-opening• All entertainment events have been postponed, all 2020 Deep Water concerts have been canceled

• Team members will have extensive training on company policies and proper health protocols upon returning to work and will be required to wear mask until further notice.

“Our casinos are an essential tribal operation that helps support important government essential services,” said Colville Tribal Federal Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Kary Nichols. “This has been an impactful, but necessary closure that has affected our tribe, patrons, and team members, and we look forward to safely welcoming everyone back.”

12 Tribes Colville Casinos closed on March 17, 2020, six days before Washington State announced the, “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Order.

More information regarding re-opening plans will be made available on 12 Tribes Colville Casino’s website at www.colvillecasinos.com/covid-19-prevention.

Written by Erin McCardle, Executive Director, Historic Downtown Chelan Association

Published: 28 April 2020

Monday April 27, 2020 CHELAN — The COVID-19 pandemic has created extremely difficult circumstances for small businesses in our community. In response to the financial hardship the pandemic has put on local small businesses, the Historic Downtown Chelan Association (HDCA) will launch a micro-loan program for qualified applicants starting May 1, 2020.

"This micro-loan program is a way for the HDCA to put needed resources into the hands of our local downtown businesses quickly and with a minimum of red tape." says Erin McCardle, Executive Director of the HDCA.

Loans of up to $5,000 will be available and must be repaid over a period of three years at a rate of 2%; payments deferred for the first 6 months and no interest for the first 12 months. The loans are first come first serve for qualified applicants and total program funding will cap at $100,000.

The application period will open May 1, 2020 and will close May 7, 2020. Priority will be given to eligible applicants who are physically located within the Historic Downtown Chelan boundary as defined in the HDCA bylaws and all applicants must have been members by December 31, 2019 (this requirement is waived for businesses that began operations on or after January 1, 2020). All applicants must have their 2020 HDCA membership in good standing by the time of application.

The HDCA micro-loans will be serviced by HDCA community partner, North Cascades Bank. Bank President, Charlie Guildner says, “At North Cascades Bank, we believe a vibrant downtown benefits the whole Lake Chelan community, which is why we are proud to be providing support for the HDCA micro-loan program.”

Please check the Historic Downtown Chelan Association website for qualification details and to download a copy of the application and instructions. https://www.historicchelan.org/microloan/

The Historic Downtown Chelan Association is a local non-profit working to shape the future while preserving the past of historic downtown Chelan.

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

Published: 26 April 2020

On April 19, 2020 at about 2:13 PM, Douglas County Deputies were dispatched to a report of human remains found by an individual picking asparagus.

The remains were located in the trees and brush on the hillside, in the 2700 block of Tacoma Avenue, Bridgeport. The scene was investigated and the remains were removed.

Although confirmation cannot be made as to the identity of the remains until further DNA testing, Investigators believe this to be Roy L. Groeneveld. Mr. Groeneveld was reported missing from a nearby residence in 2010 and never located.

Written by Roger Pepperl, Marketing Director, Stemilt

Published: 26 April 2020

WENATCHEE, Wash. – Stemilt Ag Services (SAS) received COVID-19 results late yesterday after coordinating with Confluence Health to proactively test 71 asymptomatic team members at an isolated East Wenatchee site over the weekend. Thirty-six individuals tested positive for COVID-19. The group is in isolation, and SAS continues to follow Chelan-Douglas County Health District protocols for confirmed cases. This was the first widescale testing done in Chelan and Douglas County on asymptomatic agriculture workers.

“Our essential business of growing fruit to feed people would not be possible without our frontline team members,” said West Mathison, Stemilt president. “We are doing all that we can to ensure our team members are well-cared for while in isolation.”

Dr. Joel Banken, who oversees the Confluence Health operated Stemilt Family Clinic in Wenatchee visited with the SAS team members at the isolation site on Tuesday. He provided them with clinic information and pamphlets on the virus.

“Everyone was in good spirits,” said Banken. “It’s great that this family medicine clinic exists and will continue to be available to serve employees.”

Stemilt has proactively followed Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for spacing, hygiene, and social distancing in its work processes.

Local public health officials and health care organizations are fully involved with these positive cases, and able to support individuals if needed. Stemilt, in collaboration with Confluence Health, will monitor each team member daily and is working on a protocol to re-test the individuals who tested negative this week while they quarantine.

“Stemilt has actively implemented social distancing, symptom monitoring and other recommended COVID control measures at its work and housing sites,” said Barry Kling, administrator at Chelan-Douglas Health District. “What these test results tell us is that asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 are so common that these measures are not sufficient in these settings even when implemented well. That means we need to think differently. Social distancing measures should be maintained at farmworker sites and housing, but we also need to greatly increase testing of workers so that isolation and quarantine can be used when needed, and uninfected workers can continue to work. We must assure that agriculture workers who are sick get the care they need. Public Health will be working with the ag industry to make this happen. We are fortunate that local health care organizations such as Confluence and Columbia Valley Community Health are also ready to play an important part in this effort to protect workers -- and to protect a truly essential local industry.”