Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 24 November 2021

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The Manson FFA along with Manson Growers recently hosted the district 7 FFA Apple judging contest.

There were a total of 10 teams competing. The individuals had to Identify 20 bugs that deal with apple production, place two trays of golden and Red delicious apples, be able to identify varieties of apples, grade 25 red and golden delicious apples, identify defects that are associated with apples, properly pressure test apples and figure bloom date in front of the judges.

Manson had 10 individuals participate: Bryce Mogan, Katie Gosvener, Joe Mogan, Devan Regan, Bere Soliday, Lydia Cameron, Tanner Schoenwald, Jesus Estrada, Paige Schoenwald, and Raven Pope.

The Manson blue team placed 5th with the grey team placing 6th overall.

Manson high individual was Bryce Mogan placing 11th.

Manson Growers donated all the apples and the contest was set-up by field men Marty Cochran, and Nathan Coggins.

Community volunteers Blake Cochran, Teresa Venegas, Devon Griffith, Travis Schoenwald and Mike Ansolabehere were on hand to help.

The state contest will be held in Yakima on December 8, 2021.

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

Published: 19 November 2021

On November 17, 2021 at approximately 10:00 am Douglas County deputies were advised of an individual firing a handgun in a trailer park located in the 900 block of Maple Street, Bridgeport.

Prior to law enforcement arrival the individual was seen leaving the area in a passenger vehicle.

After initial investigation and search, deputies identified the individual shooting as Guadalupe C. Martinez, a 21 year old male of Bridgeport.

Guadalupe was arrested and booked without incident on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment.

Written by Gregory Kennedy

Published: 19 November 2021

BUCKNER HOMESTEAD HERITAGE FOUNDATION FALL UPDATE

In this Issue

Priority Projects
On the Bright Side
The Kiosk
Harvest Fest
Small Projects
Work Parties
An Unusual Orchard Visitor

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Priority Projects lag far behind, particularly on the NPS end. The departure of key maintenance staff in early June, with replacement not yet occurring, coupled with pandemic related issues, resulted in approved projects like the rehabilitation of the fuel platform and garden fence not even getting off the ground. The good news, though, is prep work has begun in the past few weeks on the garden fence rehab in 2022.

On the bright side, the Buckner House cabinetry, funded by the Foundation ($3,500) and facilitated by NPS, is completed and looks amazing.

The John Deere riding mower donated to NPS by the Foundation,($2,085.42) and below budget, has been a huge asset this summer. Acquired in March, the mower has 95+ hours of mowing in the Orchard and other areas, making weed, fertilizer, and water management easier and more efficient. And, the Orchard looks great! Kudos's to Laurie and Nicole!

The Kiosk, a major interpretative and electrical project begun in 2019, then stalled for various reasons, is near completion. Budgeted at a cost of $11,000 by BHHF, it should be very close to, if not under budget. NPS interpretative information is scheduled for installation in May of 2022, if not sooner.

Music at the Orchard, in lieu of the Square Dance, made good use of the generator-free power! Thank you Agnes on Fire for making this happen. Attendance, 252!

Harvest Fest, in its limited format, was a success; with visitors and local residents providing a steady stream of pickers and pressers throughout the three days we provided all the materials for picking and making cider.

Those who chose to social distance were able to easily do so, a major goal for a far less formal Harvest Fest. We even tried some new things that will continue in future years. Placing boxes and picking bags under a canopy near the packing shed for nearly two weeks expedited picking, distancing, and distribution. About 125 empty cardboard boxes were used during that time, and picking bags were far easier to find and use.

Using cleaning materials acquired in 2020, no costs were incurred for Harvest Fest 2021. On the other hand, the second year without a raffle resulted in loss of income it generates.

Other small projects were completed utilizing volunteers, NPS and donated materials during the third quarter, and with no additional cost to the Foundation.

* Metal culvert ends were capped with wood as an aesthetic improvement.
* 28 wooden ditch gate boxes were constructed. (Thank you Phil Russell and Herb Sargo) Boxes may be installed in November.
*Lights and standards at the packing shed were upgraded significantly (Thank you Tom Courtney-welding, Phil and Libby Gans-poles, and Herb Sargo-tires and pipe)

Three Work Parties totaling 108 volunteer hours, were held June 17, July 17, and October 1. Unlike most years, thinning was not a major chore. Cleaning the main ditch along Buckner Lane and improving the path tread were a nice change for a warm July day. At the same time, others were literally painting a slurry of diatomaceous earth on tree trunks for ant control. Fuel reduction, nail pickup, picking apples, winterizing and more provided a variety of interesting tasks.

A Unusual Visitor joined the Canada Geese at the Orchard early this fall. An immature Greater White Fronted Goose was seen frequently with the Canada's at the Orchard, and was immediately noticeable by its smaller size and more aggressive feeding.

Not uncommon in migration east and west of the mountains, Greater White-Fronted Geese are usually in large flocks; so it is unusual that the goose was here alone and here in the Stehekin Valley. Interestingly, the bird was gone from the Orchard for a four-day period of time in late September, and a single immature GWFG was photographed at high alpine Cutthroat Lake during that time period. The same bird? Likely.

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 Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT communications

Published: 19 November 2021

Please be prepared for winter weather this Thanksgiving weekend

OLYMPIA – Whether heading across the state or just across town this Thanksgiving weekend, there’s a good chance of encountering extra traffic and congestion. Which is why holiday travel prep is so important.

The Washington State Department of Transportation urges all travelers to “know before you go” and plan head for the busy holiday weekend. Staying informed throughout a trip also allows travelers to react to any winter weather, delays or other issues without missing the holiday feast or a big game.

The agency provides several tools to help plan holiday travels:

• Consult WSDOT’s travel times charts, which use historical information to help drivers plan the best times to travel. (There are no charts for I-5 at the Canadian border this year because it only recently reopened and COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements make it difficult to forecast travel patterns).
• Check out the newly updated WSDOT travel map with options to view alerts, restrictions, weather stations and traffic cameras.
• Look up real time travel data for a particular road or ferry route online using the new WSDOT website or track it on the WSDOT app.
• Follow WSDOT’s social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook.
• Pre-program 530 AM and 1610 AM to vehicle radios for highway advisory radio alerts.
• Carry chains and other winter driving essentials.
• Check current chain and traction requirements on the WSDOT mountain passes webpage or by calling 5-1-1, and watch for highway advisory signs.
• Leave extra time for holiday and winter travel, slow down and leave extra space between vehicles when driving on snow or ice.

Changes this winter

This year, WSDOT is asking travelers to be especially prepared for winter travel as staffing challenges mean the agency may not be able to deliver the same level of service as in years past. Crews will absolutely still be out plowing roadways, but some roads may have snow or ice on them longer, some road or pass closures may last longer and some areas may not get plowed as often as in years past. Crews need the public’s help in preventing avoidable closures by ensuring vehicles have proper equipment and drivers are not going too fast for conditions.

WSDOT’s road work, as always, will be prioritized based on safety, resources and pre-existing plowing priority maps based on volume and/or critical roads.

Apple Cup travel

Those traveling to the Friday, Nov. 26, Apple Cup football game in Seattle should prepare for possible winter weather on passes and allow extra time on Thursday evening or Friday morning as people make their way to the 5 p.m. game.

Mountain passes

Track the conditions of any mountain pass using the updated mountain passes page on the WSDOT website.

• State Route 123 Cayuse Pass, SR 410 Chinook Pass and SR 20 North Cascades Highway have all closed for the season and are not available for holiday travel. These passes close every winter due to avalanche danger, poor road conditions, lack of snow storage and no nearby emergency response services.
• On Interstate 90, Snoqualmie Pass travelers can receive text alerts for pass delays of 30 minutes or longer – text “wsdot snoqualmie” to 468311 to subscribe, and “wsdot stop” to unsubscribe. This pass in particular sees heavy traffic on most holiday weekends.

Tolls

In the Puget Sound area, the SR 520 bridge and SR 99 tunnel will have weekend toll rates on Thanksgiving, Nov. 25, returning to weekday rates on Friday, Nov. 26. On the I-405 express toll lanes, travel is free for everyone on the Thanksgiving holiday, returning to normal toll and HOV requirements from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. Weekends are always free to travel in the express toll lanes.

Traveling by ferry

People riding a state ferry should keep updated with the latest sailing schedules online as additional sailings may be added at a moment’s notice if there is adequate crewing.

• Peak travel times on most routes are expected to be westbound (or onto an island) Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 24, through Thursday morning, Nov. 25, then eastbound (or off island) Thursday afternoon through Friday, Nov. 26. Customers also can bypass vehicle lines by traveling as a walk-on passenger.
• There will be a few schedule changes on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25. Holiday timetables and sailings are marked on the schedule page for each route.
• Before heading to a terminal or boarding, customers are encouraged to sign up for ferry email alerts and check terminal conditions.
• A face covering is required in all indoor areas of vessels and terminals in compliance with the governor’s “Washington Ready” proclamation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s order for public transportation.

Other travel alternatives

Travelers planning a trip by train, personal aircraft or bus also should make plans 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. There are no extra Thanksgiving trains this year. Passengers departing or arriving in Tacoma are reminded to use the new Tacoma Dome Station at 422 E. 25^th All Amtrak Cascades trains require reservations and trains fill up quickly during holidays. Visit www.amtrakcascades.com/ for tickets and schedules or call 800–USA–RAIL. Transportation Security Administration regulations require all passengers to wear masks.
• Information about traveling via state-operated airports is available online or call 800-552-0666.
• Check with 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 Nancy Huntley, Local Programs, WSDOT

Published: 19 November 2021

WSDOT invites comments from Nov. 16 to Dec. 15 on the draft 2022-2025 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program

OLYMPIA – A compilation of prioritized transportation improvements projects is now ready for public review and comment. More than 1,300 statewide transportation improvement projects using $4.5 billion in federal funds are included in the 2022-2025 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP for short.

The draft 2022-2025 STIP is a four-year program of multimodal transportation projects that have been identified through state, metropolitan, regional, tribal and local agency planning processes.

The STIP is developed annually by the Washington State Department of Transportation.  Projects that use Federal Highway Administration or Federal Transit Administration funds must be included in the STIP to authorize using the federal funds.

The comment period for the STIP is the final step of the community engagement process that began locally during development of individual transportation improvement programs. WSDOT will accept comments until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15. Any comments received by WSDOT will be sent to the local agency, metropolitan or regional planning organization for their consideration.

About the STIP

The STIP is a four-year, prioritized multimodal transportation program of state, local, tribal and public transportation projects. The program includes highways, streets, roads, railroads, transit-hubs, park-and-ride lots, bridges, sidewalks, bike lanes, ferry terminals, trails and safety projects.

The collaborative effort between WSDOT, local agencies, metropolitan and regional planning organizations ensures projects are consistent with local, regional and state long-range plans. Some county projects are not included in the draft STIP because state law requires counties to complete their transportation improvement programs by the end of the year; those projects are amended into the final STIP in January.

The current 2021-24 STIP can be viewed online and a similar, searchable database of the 2022-25 STIP will be created in January 2022, following FHWA and FTA approval.

How to comment

Written comments can be sent to: Nancy Huntley or Steve Ahlsten, WSDOT, P.O. Box 47390, Olympia WA 98504-7390, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/.

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

Published: 12 November 2021

AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA

The CFR Board of Commissioners will conduct the meeting in person at the fire station, you are welcome to join via Zoom. The public is welcome to join by following this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87284665516 Meeting ID: 872 8466 5516 or dial +1 253 215 8782

Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.

Flag Salute
Roll Call:
Regular Meeting Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment:

Consent Agenda:
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: August 2021, September 2021 and October 2021
• Payroll: 10-05-2021 $153,981.91 and 11-05-2021 $158,749.75
• General Account Vouchers: 09-02-2021 Transactions #1058 to 1080 for $13,157.65 / 09-10-2021 Transactions #1091 to 1103 for $8,139.99 / 09-17-2021 Transactions #1106 to 1125 for $9,275.14 / 09-24-
2021 Transactions #1149 to 1162 for $6,905.37. 10-01-2021 Transactions #1163-1171 for $4,934.23 / 10-15-21 Transactions #1245-1264 for $10,860.88 / 10-22-21 Transactions #1271-1280 for $10,152.78 / 10-29-21 Transactions 1303-1312 for $8,873.06.
• Capital Account Vouchers: 09-01-2021 Transactions #1051 to 1057 For $71,244.61 / 09-16-2021 Transactions #1104-1105 for $4,678.49 / 09-23-2021 Transaction #1148 for $2,415.09. 10-02-21 Transactions #1172-1175 for $4,314.40 / 10-16-21 Transactions #1265-1270 for $9,178.27 / 10-23-21 Transactions #1281 for $178.70 / 10-30-21 transactions #1313-1314 for $61,438.69.
• Minutes: September 15, 2021 / October 13, 2021

Fire Chief Report: (Report to be presented by Chief Asher)
• 2021 Budget & Financial Report (August, September, & October 2021 Financials)
• September/October Emergency Response Report / Operations / Community Risk Reduction / Apparatus Update
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training

Firefighters Association Report:

Unfinished Business:
• 2022 Budget
• Chief Succession Plan - Update
• City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract – Update
• Station 75 Short Plat – Update

New Business:
• Recognition – Volunteer Lieutenant Promotions and Member Service Awards (Chief Asher)
• Assistant Chief Hiring Process/Acting Assistant Chief
• SOG 124 Federal Grants – Approval by Board
• Resolution 2021-05 - Cancelled Warrants
• Resolution 2021-06 – Petty Cash Revolving Account
• Resolution 2021-07 – Property Tax Levy and Certification
• Resolution 2021-08 – Surplus Structural & Wildland PPE
• Out of state travel – Ladder 71 to Appleton, Wisconsin (October 15-18) and Fleet Manager to Appleton,
Wisconsin (December 6th-10th.)

Special Events:
• KOZI – Community Connection November 18, 2021 @ 8:25 a.m. – ALL 3 Commissioners to attend
• Holiday Social – Layla’s Tuesday November 30, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.

Board for Volunteer Firefighters:
• Pension Retirement certifications – Johnny Synder

Public Comment:

Commissioner Comments:

Executive Session: RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) To evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee.

Adjournment:

Written by Kris Rietmann Abrudan, WSDOT communications

Published: 09 November 2021

OLYMPIA – Visitors to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s website will notice a big difference in the site’s appearance today. The agency debuted an all-new website design yesterday, Sunday, Nov. 7, the first major overhaul in more than 15 years.

Although the name has stayed the same, www.wsdot.wa.gov is totally redesigned to focus on the needs of its 75,000 daily visitors. About 90 percent of the people who come to the website are looking for travel information, and more than 60 percent use a mobile device to access it. The new site is mobile and user-friendly with improvements for accessibility to serve everyone, on any device.

“Digital tools are more important than ever, and people have expectations for being able to find the information they need to complete a task quickly and easily,” said Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar. “We have worked hard to ensure our website meets those expectations and we’re excited to share this new cleaner, less cluttered and easier to use tool.”

Features of wsdot.wa.gov

The redesigned website prioritizes travel information and a key feature is the new Travel Center. No matter how one travels, information about road and traffic, ferry, weather, tolling, train, airport, bicycle and walking is available all in one place. The Travel Center allows customers to view information as a list or on a map. 

The new site also organizes content for:

• Those who work for or want to work for WSDOT.
• People who are looking for rules, regulations and policy.
• Those interested in knowing how and where transportation dollars are being spent.
• People who want information about the agency itself.

User tested

WSDOT’s new website is a user-centered design, based on how customers organize content to make it easier for them to find. More than 20,000 website users, both internal and external, were engaged in the development of the website design. Usability tests were conducted throughout the redesign project, including website users who depend on assistive devices, to help WSDOT refine the site to better meet customer needs.

Written by Robin Pittman

Published: 07 November 2021

Regular Board Meeting
November 12, 2021, 4:10pm
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 14, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
VI. Financial Review
a. Review Monthly Financial Report
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
VII. Old Business
a. 2022 Budget
b. Marina Policy Committee Update
i. Online reservation system
c. Leffler Field soil remediation update
i. Letter of Support
d. Board Bylaws change: eliminating “The chairman term limit is three years.” (second reading)
e. Director’s Report
VIII. New Business
a. Metal detecting Policy
b. 2022 Levy Resolution and Certification forms
IX. Adjournment

Next Regular Meeting: December, 9 2021 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831, (unless otherwise posted}

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

Published: 05 November 2021

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

The Chelan Fire & Rescue Board of Commissioners will be holding two public meetings to garner input from the public and discuss the Proposed 2022 Budget.

These meetings will be held on Wednesday, November 3^rd and Wednesday, November 10^th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Chelan Fire & Rescue Station 71 located at 232 E. Wapato Avenue in Chelan. 

These are open public meeting and we welcome your input either in person or via Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81298102125

Meeting ID: 812 9810 2125

Dial by your location

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        Meeting ID: 812 9810 2125e contents of this information is strictly prohibited.