Chelan Falls brush fire 7-22-20
- Written by Karla A Mendoza, Administrative Assistant, CFR
On 7/22/20 at 6:33pm, Chelan Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a report of a fast-moving brush fire in the area of Chelan Falls.
The first arriving units found a 20X20 foot brush fire on the bank of the Powerhouse park. Crews were able to knock the fire down quickly and effectively with hand lines and contain the fire from further spread.
Additional units were used to assist with mop-up.
Chelan Fire and Rescue would like to remind the public that we are in high fire danger for the foreseeable future. Please remain vigilant to your surroundings and be extra cautions when dealing with any sources of heat.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Manson School District Board Working Session 7-21-20
- Written by Janice Stewart
MANSON SCHOOL DISTRICT
PUBLIC NOTICE
BOARD WORKING SESSION
Tuesday, July 21, 2020 1-4p.m.Via ZOOM
The Manson School District Board of Directors will be hold a board working session on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 from 1-4p.m. via ZOOM.
Topics of discussion to include equity, back to school, and school budget.
No action to be taken.
Leadership Response Team Conference Call 7-16-20
- Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD
Joyous Van Meter, Chelan-Douglas Health District: 1045 total cases, 627 for Chelan county, 259 cases in last 14 days. Hospitalizations are also up, 23 total Covid patients in county hospitals. Continuing education and outreach to the community emphasis on mask wearing. Question regarding asymptomatic patients and exposure, exposure of 5-9 days. Question regarding spike in positive cases likely due to prevalence and re-opening.
Ray Eickmeyer, LCCH EMS: Hospital is using its surge beds now, getting busier with patient admission. Hoping to implement more in-home monitoring of patients with Wanda Healthcare and the Community Paramedicine Program starting in August.
Debbie Conwell, Manson Chamber of Commerce: Knows that some business owners received warnings about outside concerts. Stated some businesses had higher than normal July 4th weekend business volumes.
Jim Colbert, Chelan Fruit: Reported no positive cases in workforce with 7-10 days of cherry packing season left.
Chief Mark Donnell, CF&R (Chelan): All personnel are healthy, PPE levels are at adequate levels.
Updates from Members not Present:
Kari Grover-Weir, USFS:
Please share this update from the Chelan and Entiat RDs:
• One of our Engine crews (4 firefighters) on assignment in Arizona has tested positive for COVID-19. One of the crew members reported a loss of taste, so they all got tested. Currently, the whole crew is in isolation in AZ, for the 10 days of isolation after a positive test before they travel home. All of the crew members are currently asymptomatic including the one that first reported a loss of taste. The engine crew has been doing daily screenings and none of them ever registered a fever or had any other significant symptoms. Some symptoms could have been missed due to allergies and acclimating to a higher elevation and hotter climate while performing firefighter duties. The health department in Arizona is in contact with the Chelan-Douglas health district here. It is difficult to determine if the crew was exposed in WA, on their route to AZ or in AZ. They have been very careful.
• We continue to monitor our employees, and test when needed. We have not yet had any positive COVID cases locally, but have had several employees tested.
• Following our national guidance and as COVID cases continue to rise, we will not be opening our offices to visitors yet. However, we are still available M-F by phone 509-682-4900 to answer questions or arrange for the purchase of permits and passes.
• No wildfires on National Forest land in the last two weeks, but our crews worked on the Road 11 fire in Mansfield and the Sunset Fire in Wenatchee, as well as other fires when assistance was needed.
• We are updating our fire information list and will be doing more virtual fire information if/when we have local wildfires. this will be a frequent (likely daily) email with the fire information report that you typically see posted around town during fire season. If you would like to be on the contact/email list for fire information this summer, please send Kari an email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Most of you are probably already on our list, but go ahead and send Kari an email to be sure. We are asking for folks to post and share the fire information when you receive it.
• Recreation use on the national forest continues to be way more than normal. Our employees are saying “it’s like 4th of July every weekend”. Lots of garbage being left both in campgrounds and out in the woods, some places worse than others. Some abandoned campfires as well.
• Campfire restrictions are considered every week based on forest conditions and will likely be put in place soon.
• We still have a mask-donned Smokey in front of the Chelan Ranger Station to encourage mask wearing, though we keep having to replace the mask as it gets removed – hopefully someone just needs a mask! : )
• Thanks to each of you for all the work you are doing for our community. Please reach out to Kari if you have any questions regarding the Forest Service.
Conference Call ended at 1325
Chelan Fire and Rescue Commissioners Meeting 7-15-20
- Written by Carol A Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR
AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA
The CFR Board of Commissioners will conduct the meeting via Google Hangout. The public is welcome to listen to the open public meeting by calling #351-888-7591 no access code is needed.
Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.
Flag Salute:
Regular Meeting Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment: Public comments will be accepted at this meeting. If you wish to comment during the public comment please email Chief Mark Donnell at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 509-682-4476. Chelan Fire & Rescue will require a written statement for the record of all public comments made.
Consent Agenda:
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: June 2020
• Payroll: June 1 -30, 2020 for $130,718.51
• General Account Vouchers: #746459 – 746530 for $40,045.04
• Capital Account Vouchers: #17112 – 17117 for $77,435.30
• Bond Account Voucher: #19016 for $15,200 (interest pymt)
• Minutes: June 17, 2020
Fire Chief Report:
• 2020 Budget & Financial Report
• Emergency Response Report / Operations / Community Risk Reduction
Assistant Chief Report:
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
• Long Range Planning (Meeting to be scheduled for July)
• City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract
• Station 75 Short Plat
• 2019 Annexations (Revised Resolution and Legal Descriptions)
New Business:
• 2020-09 Resolution for Surplus Apparatus – 1992 Seagrave (E-74) and 2011 Ford (B-72)
Special Events:
Board for Volunteer Firefighters:
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments:
Executive Session:
Adjournment:
Injured hiker rescue at Crystal Creek
- Written by Sergeant Kent Sisson, CCSO
Google Maps Image
WENATCHEE, WA - Sheriff Brian Burnett reports an injured hiker was rescued Sunday after suffering a fall while hiking in steep terrain above Ingalls Creek on Saturday afternoon. Tristan Parrish (22yoa) of Leavenworth, WA is in serious but stable condition at Central Washington Hospital.
Parrish was hiking with his father, brother and a friend at around noon on Saturday when he fell approximately 50 feet after slipping on slick rocks. The group had been traversing a steep slope east of the Crystal Creek drainage (above Ingalls Creek) attempting to make their way to Crystal Lake when the accident occurred. Parrish suffered head, knee and ankle injuries in the tumbling fall. There was no cellular service in the area, so his 16-year old brother and the friend eventually hiked back down to the Ingalls Creek Trail and then several miles back toward the trailhead to place the call for help. Parrish’s father stayed with him at the scene.
The 911 call was received by RIVERCOM dispatch at 7:04pm Saturday evening. A Chelan County Sheriff’s Office search and rescue coordinator requested a Sheriff’s Office helicopter crew fly into the area in an attempt to locate the subjects, while a Chelan County Mountain Rescue (CCMR) team prepared to deploy on the trail. There were no coordinates for the scene, as the hiking party did not have a GPS unit or similar device. Due to extreme winds aloft in the area, the helicopter was unable to reach an elevation to conduct the search. Two CCMR members met up with the 16 year old on the trail and began hiking back toward the drainage where the incident occurred. Due to darkness, it became too dangerous to climb the steep rocky slopes, so the team waited for daylight.
At 8:30am on Sunday, the CCMR team located the patient and his father on the slope. A Navy helicopter was requested for a hoist extraction. By 11:45am, the Navy rescue crew had arrived overhead and successfully hoisted Tristan Parrish, his father and brother to the aircraft. They were flown to Pangborn Memorial Airport in East Wenatchee. Tristan was then transported by ambulance to Confluence Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee.
Injured climber rescued from Mt. Stewart
- Written by Sgt. Kent Sisson, CCSO
Sheriff Brian Burnett reports an injured climber was rescued from Mount Stuart late Tuesday evening.
At 12:28pm Tuesday, the KITTCOM emergency dispatch center in Ellensburg, WA received a 911 call from a Pete Schoepke (43yoa) who stated he had fallen approximately 100 feet while descending the Cascadian Couloir route off the southeast aspect of the mountain. Schoepke reported he had an open compound fracture to his left lower leg. He was by himself on the mountain.
The information was forwarded to Chelan County Sheriff’s Office search and rescue coordinators. A hoist capable helicopter was requested via State Emergency Management. Naval Air Base Whidbey Island accepted the mission. SAR coordinators were able to communicate with Schoepke directly via text messaging while the rescue was being organized.
Due to winds and low clouds in the area of Schoepke at the 8.645ft elevation level on the mountain, the Navy rescue crew was initially only able to insert two medic corpsman below scene who made their way to the patient. After several hours waiting for a better weather window, the Navy helicopter crew determined the weather was not clearing and it may be necessary to lower Schoepke to a more accessible location below the cloud cover. Three Chelan County Mountain Rescue CCMR) personnel were staged at Pangborn Airport in East Wenatchee. The team was picked up by the Navy rescue Blackhawk, flown to Mount Stuart and inserted to a location below the patient.
New initiative opens some low-speed state roadways to healthy uses
- Written by Barb Chamberlain, Department of Transportation
Temporary lane reallocations provide opportunity for physical distancing and economic recovery
OLYMPIA – With the arrival of summer and more counties relaxing restrictions under Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan, the Washington state departments of Health, Commerce and Transportation have joined together to provide more access to public roadways in support of active, healthy communities and business recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This virus has hit people and businesses hard, and we need creative solutions to mitigate the virus while also resuming necessary economic activity. In most cities, a quarter of all its land is taken up by streets,” Inslee said. “I applaud the agencies’ work to ensure this land has flexible uses that can improve health and safety, and jumpstart the economy.”
The Safe, Healthy and Active Streets Program allows temporary lane reallocations on some state roadways to allow walkers and cyclists more space to maintain physical distance, and to provide greater access to businesses along “main street” highways. This temporary change to some traffic lanes could let towns increase space for people walking or biking, or create outdoor seating for restaurants and sales areas for retailers, while maintaining physical distance to help reduce exposure to the virus.
“Active transportation, like walking and biking, supports physical, mental and emotional health,” said Secretary of Health John Wiesman. “Providing this extra public space encourages people and families to get outdoors and participate in more physical activities, which is especially important today to help cope with the stress of COVID-19.”
“Opening up portions of roadways will help retailers, restaurants and other businesses adapt to new operating requirements by giving customers greater access at their locations,” said Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “These steps strengthen communities and let people experience their main street and downtown commercial neighborhoods in new ways.”
“A number of communities across the state have already approached us about opening parking areas or lanes in their city’s commercial district for increased open space and business access,” said Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar. “We’re pleased to collaborate with them to find safe solutions that work for all users of the roadway.”
The Washington State Department of Transportation will work with requesting cities and counties to evaluate roadway segments that meet criteria for lane reallocation that is safe for all users. Eligible state highway locations will be on roadways with 35 mph speed limits or lower and within population centers with demonstrated lack of space for physical distancing for walking, bicycling or other forms of active transportation. The duration of temporary lane reallocations will be for up to 90 days, but could vary depending on the agreement with each city.
WSDOT asks interested local jurisdictions to ensure that they’ve communicated with the people and businesses affected by the changes and that they report on how the roadway changes work. Towns could use this reallocation to test and learn from changes they might want to consider implementing in the future.
Manson Parks Regular Board Meeting 7-9-20
- Written by Robin Pittman
Regular Board Meeting
July 9, 2020, 4:15pm
Phone-in meeting: 1-425-436-6260
Access code: 8182416
I. Call to Order
II. Additions and deletions
III. Public comment
IV. Approval of Minutes
a. June 11, 2020 regular meeting minutes
V. Financial Review
a. Review monthly financial report
b. Review and approve monthly voucher
VI. Old Business
a. No wake buoys
b. RCO grant update
c. Leffler Field committee
d. COVID-19 updates
VII. Adjournment
Next regular meeting is August 13, 2020 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831, unless otherwise posted.
Leadership Team Conference Call 7-2-20
- Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD
Rich Magnussen, Chelan-Douglas Regional EOC: PPE levels at sufficient levels requiring larger storage facility. N-95 masks are still difficult to obtain.
Joyous Van Meter, Chelan-Douglas Health District: Positive cases up with 26 new cases in Chelan County as of yesterday, July 1st. Barry Kling has retired as Administrator. Prevalence study will begin next week with invitations sent out to community members. Starting waste water testing that may identify positive case increases before actual testing does. Started masking surveys in Wenatchee/East Wenatchee (June 23rd 36-43% participation, with increase to 75%). Continuing to work with agricultural businesses regarding infection control for worker groups. Preliminary positive numbers are increasing, hospitalizations trending up but lag behind case counts.
Kari Grover-Wier, USFS: No new cases within work groups. Expect higher recreational use of parks and facilities this weekend, fire crews will be on duty this weekend. Working with Health Dept on testing of employees when they return from assignments.
Debbie Conwell, Manson Chamber of Commerce: Have set up free mask distribution for community members, setting up social distancing/parking for July 4th Fireworks show. Discussed air show and various events/activities for 4th of July weekend.
Jim Colbert, Chelan Fruit: Passed peak of cherry harvest (60%), no positive cases since early May with higher level of acceptance from workers.
Wade Farris, City of Chelan: RV park is open and full, self-contained RVs only, no tents. Mayor continues to push for wearing of masks. More outdoor seating in downtown area. Barricades
Chief Mark Donnell, CF&R (Chelan): All personnel are healthy, PPE levels are at adequate levels.
Updates from Members not Present:
Roundtable:
Conference Call ended at 1332
COVID-19 effects on transportation the focus of Transportation Commission meeting, July 7
- Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC Executive Director
OLYMPIA – The June transportation revenue forecast, reflecting the impacts of COVID-19 on state transportation revenues, will be one of the topics at a July 7 meeting of the Washington State Transportation Commission. The meeting will also kick off a year-long series of discussions on the future of transportation post-COVID-19, with the goal of identifying potential challenges and opportunities for change in the areas of transportation policy, planning, and investments in Washington state.
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7. Due to limitations on the size of gatherings in response to COVID-19, this meeting will be conducted using GoToWebinar. People interested in attending can find participation instructions and a link to register on the commission website.
The commission will hear an overview of the June 2020 Washington State Transportation Revenue Forecast, as well as additional presentations specific to the revenue forecasts based on tolling traffic and ferry ridership.
Commissioners also will hear from experts offering insights into the future of transportation. The purpose of this session is to establish the big picture of potential impacts and changes to transportation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This discussion will kick off the commission’s year-long plan for assessing the possible ways in which the transportation system will evolve at all levels in Washington state, such as potential changes in shared mobility, mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian access, teleworking, and congestion management.
The commission will first hear from the principal futurist at Seattle-based Teague, who will explore what the future of transportation might look like through the lens of technology and the passenger’s experience.
An expert panel will share their perspectives on various aspects of the new future for transportation. The panel will be moderated by Sabrina Minshall, executive director, Spokane Regional Transportation Council. Panel speakers include: Former Governor Chris Gregoire, currently the CEO of Challenge Seattle; Chris Mefford, CEO of Seattle-based Community Attributes; Mark Hallenbeck, director, University of Washington Transportation Center; and Dr. Susan Shaheen, professor, UC Berkeley, and director, Resilient and Innovative Mobility Initiative.
The panel will address such topics as: what travel data is telling us; what the foreseeable impacts will be to shared mobility, transit, and social equity; what the broader, long-term economic considerations are for COVID-19, including private sector impacts and anticipated shifts; and, opportunities for re-focusing long-term transportation system planning and re-inventing the “commute.”
For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov/
