Written by Paul Wolf, State Airports Manager

Published: 31 May 2019

$9.4 million in grant funding awarded

OLYMPIA – Work to rejuvenate state airports is getting a much-needed lift, thanks to a recent supplemental appropriation provided to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Three Washington airports will receive a share of $9.4 million from the Airport Improvement Program, which helps fund projects that strengthen aviation infrastructure.

Davenport Municipal Airport outside of Spokane, will use $3.5 million for rehabilitation work and to extend the runway. $4.8 million will go to Jefferson County International Airport to improve the runway. Arlington Municipal Airport will see $1.1 million for taxiway rehabilitation with work already underway.

“The timing of this is perfect and fits well into our planned improvements,” said Dave Ryan, Arlington Municipal Airport Manager. “This will also allow us to move forward with the taxiway lighting project at the same time.”

This is the second round of funding from the U.S. Transportation budget – the first round in September 2018 provided Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport $7 million to assist with an ongoing runway construction project.

AIP grants are under the additional supplementary funding authorized by congress for airport infrastructure. Since this addition to the FAA program is 100% funded, it may allow for additional federal discretionary funds and state funding from WSDOT Aviation to go toward other airport infrastructure projects. Airport sponsors should watch for additional supplemental funds as congress makes them available in the future.

Written by Jim Kuntz, Executive Director, Port of Chelan County

Published: 23 May 2019

The Board of Commissioners of the Port of Chelan County will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 beginning at 5:30 pm at Confluence Technology Center, located at 285 Technology Center Way, Wenatchee, WA 98801.

The purpose of the meeting is to hear public comment on the potential functional consolidation of the Port of Chelan County and the Port of Douglas County into a single, regional Port Authority.

A Tri-Commissioner meeting will be held earlier in the day to discuss this and other issues:

The Board of Commissioners of the Port of Chelan County will attend the Tri Commission Meeting on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 beginning at 1:00 pm at Confluence Technology Center, located at 285 Technology Center Way, Wenatchee, WA 98801.

AGENDA

Chelan County Tri-Commission Meeting
May 29, 2019
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Confluence Technology Center
285 Technology Center Way
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Agenda
1) Call to Order, Flag Salute, Introductions
2) Issue Discussion (lead)
a. Functional Consolidation of Port Districts (Port)
b. Strategic Planning (PUD)
i. Rock Island Relicensing and Early-Action Investments
c. Surplus Land for Substations (County)
3) Updates (lead)
a. Cashmere Mill District (Port)
b. Annual Growth Planning Meeting (PUD)
c. Columbia River Treaty (PUD)
d. Pangborn Commercial Air Service (Port)
e. Microsoft Agreement (PUD)
i. PUD Fiber Expansion and use of Broadband Programs
f. Facilities Planning and Headquarters Redevelopment (PUD)
4) Updates from the Mayors
a. Mayor Kuntz (Wenatchee)
b. Mayor Cooney (Chelan)
c. Mayor Farivar (Leavenworth)
d. Mayor Fletcher (Cashmere)
e. Mayor Alt (Entiat)
5) Commissioner Comments
6) Adjourn

Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 22 May 2019

Chelan County Fire Protection District 8 and Chelan Fire and Rescue responded to a report of an orchard burn that got out of containment around 11:58 hours today (05/22/2019).

Battalion 7 was the first unit to arrive in the area and report a working brush fire. Units from Chelan County Fire Protection District 8 and Chelan Fire and Rescue, United States Forrest Service, Department of Natural Resources and Bureau of Land Management joined the effort to quickly help contain the fire.

The fire was located up the Chelan Butte Road off Stayman Flats Road. Much of the fire was contained between two orchards, but the north end was open to traveling up the Chelan Butte.

Resources rapidly knocked down the main body of fire and stopped fire spread on the north end followed by full containment. Units on scene are now mopping up hot stops.

The leaders of the involved fire agencies had just completed a meeting at Station 81 in Entiat and were still in the area make resources more available.

At 13:16 hours fire was knocked down and crews were working to finish containment. Fire was about three acres.

Written by Cami Harris, Administrative Assistant, Port of Chelan County

Published: 22 May 2019

The Port of Chelan County has entered into a lease agreement for its second tenant at the Port’s Cashmere Mill District Business Park. Blue Spirits Distilling, a Chelan based distillery, has agreed to lease 6,800 square feet. This business expansion is expected to create 8 new jobs and result in private investment exceeding $500,000 in Chelan County. Just as important, small distilleries are an emerging industry contributing significant tax revenues to the State of Washington. In response to the news, Port of Chelan Commission Vice President Donn Etherington stated, “The Port is pleased with the strong market demand for the two 16,500 square foot buildings currently under construction by the Port. Our goal of creating new jobs and attracting private investment to the Cashmere Mill District site is being realized.”

The founder of Blue Spirits Distilling, Jeff Soehren, stated, “Our business has been experiencing rapid growth and it was critical for us to secure additional processing, warehousing and distribution space for our distillery operation. The Port Commission’s vision to constructed general-purpose shell buildings at its Cashmere Mill District Site could not have come at a better time for our expanding business.” Blue Spirits Distilling started in Chelan. They currently have two facilities in Leavenworth, a tasting room downtown and an event space, food, & cocktail lounge on Highway 2. This new addition will allow Blue Spiritsto expand its creative footprint by distilling bespoke whisky’s, including Rye, Bourbon and a Bavarian style Single Malt. This facility will allow Blue Spirits customers to experience all aspects of whisky production from grain processing through to barrel aging. Customers can even purchase their own barrels to commemorate this event and be able to taste them as they age.

Chelan County Commission Chairman Kevin Overbay commented, “Chelan County made a financial contribution from its dedicated economic development sales tax fund to assist the Port in constructing the buildings at the Cashmere Mill District Site. It is great to see an immediate return to the citizens of Chelan County.” “Cashmere is excited to see the economic development activities surrounding the Port’s development of the Cashmere Mill District Business Park. It is resulting in new jobs and private investments. I would like to thank the Port Commissioners for their leadership and vision,” said Cashmere Mayor Jim Fletcher.

Both buildings are expected to be completed this summer. Previously, the Port announced Hurst International, a Chatsworth, California based fruit label printer and labeling equipment manufacturer agreed to lease 6,500 square feet. The Port’s investment in the new buildings will exceed $6.7 million. Last summer, Chelan County Commissioners approved a $500,000 economic development sales tax grant for the project.

The Port of Chelan County is the lead economic development agency for the County. Three elected Port Commissioners govern the Port: JC Baldwin, Donn Etherington and Rory Turner.

Written by Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce

Published: 22 May 2019

Washington's Most Exciting AVA Turns 10!

Winterfest fans, join us for a special weekend of wine to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Lake Chelan’s official designation as an American Viticulture Area (AVA)! This June 7-8, acquaint your taste buds and discover new wines made from Washington’s most exciting AVA with a weekend of educational and social events.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Welcome Reception: Taste a selection of AVA wines alongside paired bites, and watch a commemorative video debut at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. | 6-8pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Tasting Seminar: The Pioneers of the Lake Chelan AVA | 10am
Tasting Seminar: Lake Chelan AVA - A Balancing Act from North to South | 1:30
Grand Tasting: Celebrating the Food & Wine of the Lake Chelan Wine Valley, at Larc Hill Vineyard Ranch | VIP Hour 6-7pm | General 7-9pm

Written by Cami Harris, Administrative Assistant, Port of Chelan County

Published: 22 May 2019

May 21, 2019 - On May 17th the Port of Chelan County was presented with the Washington Public Port Association’s 2019 Creative Partnership Award for its role in the creation and evolution of the Pybus Public Market on the Wenatchee Waterfront. Pictured above receiving the award is Port Executive Director Jim Kuntz, Commissioner Donn Etherington and Commission President JC Baldwin.

The success of the Pybus Public Market was possible due to multi-faceted partnerships with the City of Wenatchee, the federal government, State of Washington, private investors, and non-profits.

The Port of Chelan County purchased the 28,000 square-foot warehouse in 2010 to stimulate private investment on the Wenatchee waterfront, create a yearround public market, and provide a permanent home for the seasonal Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market. This vision captured the attention of the community. This led to financial support from U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s office, the City of
Wenatchee, Local Revitalization Funding from the state, and a generous private donation. This culminated with a $5.75 million investment into reconstruction of the core and shell followed by many millions more invested by tenants locating in the Market.

The Market opened in May of 2013 with great success. In early 2017, the Port sold the Market to the Pybus Charitable Foundation. In 2018, the Port and the Charitable Foundation started another chapter with its Pybus Partnership. The Port entered into a five-year lease with the Foundation for the newly constructed second floor of the Pybus Annex in order to attract tech entrepreneurs to Chelan County and stimulate economic development. The Port’s Business Incubator currently has its first tenant in place: Subsplash, a Seattle-based software company.

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 22 May 2019

L-R Kendall Petre & Cara Hutton

Qualifying athletes : Cole Beazley, Bailey Cameron, Ty Charlton, Braden Getzin, Cara Hutton, Jonathon Morales, Jose Pascasio, Kendall Petre, Marco Sanchez and Connor and Grant Torgesen.

Manson qualifies 11 athletes to compete in state track tournament in Cheney May 23-25, 2019 in both track and field events.  

The boys track team of 2019 earned both the district and league championship title this year. A first in school history.

Congratulation and Go Trojans!

Written by Pete Palmer, Land Use/Shoreline Administrator

Published: 20 May 2019

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Colville Tribes Land Use Review Board will be holding a public hearing to make a ruling on the following shoreline development conditional use permits:

1. Colville Tribal Federal Corporation has submitted a land use and development permit application to develop an RV Park at their existing Casino site in Mill Bay on Tribal Tract MA-08 commonly known as 455 Wapato Lake Road, Manson, WA.

A public hearing for the above mentioned Conditional Use Permits will be conducted on Wednesday May 29, 2019, at the Colville Tribes Public Works Department located at 12 Lakes Street (Colville Indian Agency) starting at 9:30 a.m.    

Written comments will be accepted until Tuesday May 28, 2019 at 4 p.m. or comments can be made verbally at the public hearing.

All comments may be sent to Pete Palmer, Land Use/Shoreline Administrator, Public Works Department, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155 or they can be emailed to her attention at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Contact the Tribal Public Works Department at the afore-mentioned address or phone number to request a copy of the permit documents.

Written by Karla A Mendoza, Administrative Assistant, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 19 May 2019

At 6:38 AM on 5/17/19, Chelan Fire & Rescue responded to a structure fire in the 100 block of S. Robinson Street. The homeowner called 9-1-1 and reported that smoke was filling the house and that all occupants had been evacuated.

When firefighters arrived they located an older model toaster that had malfunctioned and was the cause of the smoke. It was quickly removed from the residence and firefighters cleared the smoke from the residence and turned the property back over the homeowner. Nno further damage to the residence was reported.

Chelan Fire & Rescue would like to remind everyone that even though an appliance is not in use it can malfunction and potentially become a fire hazard. It is recommended that residents unplug small appliances when not in use as an important step in reducing the risk of a fire starting in your home.

Firefighters also discovered there were outdated and non-working smoke alarms in the residence. Fire & Rescue personnel checked all other smoke alarms and replaced those that were not working.

Smoke alarms save lives by providing early warning when a fire starts. All residents are encouraged to install, test and maintain their smoke alarms.