Written by Gregory Kennedy

Published: 17 March 2020

Chelan County now has two confirmed cases of the COVID 19 virus.

This morning the Chelan County Board of Commissioners have taken the step of signing an Emergency Declaration Resolution in regards to the COVID 19 virus.  Precautionary measures put in place by the Governor and the Federal Government have impacted our community.  By signing this resolution local businesses and non-profits will now have access to potential State and Federal assistance.

We encourage our Chelan County residents to remain cautious and aware and to do everything possible to help one another during this difficult time.

Below are documents released by Chelan County Board of Commissioners and the Chelan County Sheriff's office.

Comissioners Document

Sheriff Statement

Written by WSDOT Communications

Published: 13 March 2020

As state and national efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 continue, the Washington State Department of Transportation is temporarily suspending the Free Coffee Volunteer Program at safety rest areas, beginning Monday, March 16, until further notice. Statewide, 37 of our 47 safety rest areas offer the Free Coffee Program. This is a continuation of efforts to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing, minimizing touch points and limiting close personal contact.

Visitors to the Evergreen State have been receiving free coffee via the popular volunteer-run stations for more than 20 years. The program benefits drivers and allows groups to collect donations for non-profits.

It is important to note, that all of the state’s 47 rest areas remain open. WSDOT has implemented additional precautions to disinfect rest areas including more frequent cleaning of touch points, and refilling of soap and hand sanitizer.

WSDOT’s top priority is the safety of our staff and the traveling public.

Written by Matt Charlton, Superintendent Manson School District

Published: 13 March 2020

March 13, 2020

Manson Staff, Families and Community,

We have kept our schools open as long as possible, as recommended by state and local public health authorities. At 1:35 p.m. today, Governor Inslee issued an executive order closing all schools until at least April 24. All Manson School District schools will close to students, effective Tuesday, March 17. Monday, March 16 is the last day of school, including athletics, activities and clubs. School offices will remain open through Friday, March 20 so families can pick up their student’s medication.

We know some families will want to keep their children home on Monday March 16, however we encourage students to attend as we’ll be preparing them for some aspects of the distance learning that will follow in the coming weeks. Staff will also be prepared to support students who have questions or are experiencing anxiety with these dramatic events.

The school day is the centerpiece of the lives of many people and we understand that extended school closure will create hardship. Children count on the reliable routine that a school day offers. Families, too, count on that routine and the knowledge that their children are cared for during the day.

Contemplating weeks without that structure and care may seem overwhelming. Please know that we are doing our very best to make decisions that will help care for all of us through this time.

Our school district staff are committed to helping our community’s families through this challenging time. Even as I type we are developing plans and thinking how we can help families with issues like food, childcare and of course continuing educational programs for of our children. As these plans are developed we will share how they will be implemented. Our goal is to begin at least some of this support by March 23rd. If we can begin sooner, we will.

The Manson School District will be sending frequent updates with information and resources via text messages, website and social media channels. Another update will be provided on Monday, March 16th. We are so grateful for your patience and understanding as we continue to work through this difficult situation. Please contact your child’s school or the Manson School District Office if you have any additional questions.

Thank you,

Matt Charlton, Superintendent
Manson School District

Written by Jordyn Giulio, Risk Manager

Published: 12 March 2020

Douglas County places the highest importance on the health, safety, and wellbeing on the public and its employees. In respect to the advice issued today by the Chelan Douglas Health Department directing the cancellation of events of 20 or more people, the North Central Washington Fair is canceling the permits for the Friends of the Fair Crab Feed fundraiser. The fundraiser has been postponed until deemed safe by the local health authorities.

The Friends of the Fair will be working with ticket holders to keep them apprised of any updates and to notify them of the future event date once determined.
We appreciate the support and understanding of the community as we work to ensure the safety of the County.

Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director

Published: 12 March 2020

OLYMPIA – State and regional plans to address future transportation needs are the focus of the State Transportation Commission’s meeting next week in Olympia. The meeting includes briefings on three regional long-range plans, development of the state’s Active Transportation Plan, status of the Highway System Plan update, and planning efforts underway to bring High Speed Rail to Washington.

The meeting starts at 9 a.m. both Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 18, at the Transportation Building, 310 Maple Park Ave. SE, on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. The meeting is open to the public and persons wishing to speak to the commission may do so during public comment periods at the end of each day.

The emphasis on long-range transportation planning at this meeting reflects the commission’s commitment to on-going implementation of WTP 2040 and Beyond, the statewide transportation plan, which the commission adopted in December 2018. The plan set the stage for identifying projects, investment strategies, and responsibilities for tackling critical needs statewide. It provides guidance for local and state plans to work in concert to keep Washington moving. This agenda looks in depth at how WTP 2040 and Beyond has influenced regional and state plans, including those from Thurston County Regional Planning Council, Island County Regional Transportation Planning Organization, and Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization.

On Tuesday morning, the commission will hear an update on the state’s toll facilities, including the State Route 99 tunnel performance, and traffic and revenue updates for all tolled facilities. Later, the co-author of Pricing Roads, Advancing Equity, will talk about how several North American cities, including Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; San Francisco and Los Angeles, are exploring downtown congestion pricing as a way to solve several urban transportation problems at once, including the opportunity to improve transportation options in places that have been underserved.

Tuesday afternoon, the Washington State Department of Transportation will brief the commission on how the agency’s collaborative approach with Metropolitan and Regional Transportation Planning Organizations provides an opportunity to rethink how to prioritize, program and fund investments in the transportation system. Presentations also will be given by WSDOT staff on development of an Active Transportation plan and the process being used for the Highway System Plan update.

Wednesday morning WSDOT staff will provide an overview of the work to date by the states of Oregon and Washington, the province of British Columbia, and multiple other private and public partners to examine the options for regional High Speed Rail.

Finally, Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar will present a state and national perspective on Cooperative Automated Transportation (CAT). An integrated way to improve safety, mobility, and operations efficiency, CAT enables all modes of transportation to work together through interdependent vehicle and systems automation and information exchange.

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov/

Written by Carol A Kibler Administrative Office Manager, CCFR

Published: 12 March 2020

2019 Chief’s Awards – Chief Donnell

The 2019 Chief Award recognize members of Chelan Fire & Rescue who have significantly contributed to our mission of protecting lives and property through emergency response, training, and education.

This year we recognize the following members for their contributions:

Firefighter Laura Cross - As one of our newest members of Chelan Fire & Rescue this individual taken the personal commitment to be the best that they can be by stepping up as a firefighter on South Lakeshore. She has continually sought out additional training, started to master operation of apparatus assigned to ST-75, and has helped out at many of our social events making a positive impact within our community.

Firefighter Chrys Fine - Chrys has done a tremendous job as “Sparky” in promoting fire safety and education throughout the county. She has made a tremendous effort in getting Sparky into as many events as possible through out the year and is always a hit with kids and other mascots.

Lieutenant Taylor Rains – Lieutenant Rains has been at the helm of our public education program for the past year and has made a tremendous effort in keeping us connected to the community. As the junior Lieutenant in our organization he has been an ardent supporter of training for career and volunteer members alike and daily demonstrates the spirit of our mission.

Chelan Firefighters Association & Auxiliary – The Firefighters Association and Auxiliary have been the benevolent arm of Chelan Fire & Rescue and our huge supporter to our community in their time of need. Under the guidance of Dan Crandall and Anne Brautovich-Clark, the Association and Auxiliary have successfully raised significant funds that directly benefit the Fire District and members of our community. This organization truly represents the heart and spirit of the fire service.

2019 Commissioner’s Award – Commissioner Russ Jones

The 2019 Commissioner’s Award recognizes a member of Chelan Fire & Rescue or a member of the community or community group or business that has significantly contributed to the Fire District’s mission of protecting lives and property.

The 2019 Commissioner’s Award goes to Chrys “Sparky” Fine

2019 Chief Timothy Lemon Memorial Award – Chief Asher

The 2019 Chief Timothy Lemon Memorial Award recognizes the member of Chelan Fire & Rescue who displays the spirit of commitment, compassion, and courage in their daily contributions for the organization. This award was created in memory of Fire Chief Tim Lemon who saw the best in every member, was always there to listen to your story, held us steady throughout his span as Fire Chief, and would always greet you with big hug.

The 2019 Chief Timothy Lemon memorial Award goes to Support Services Robert Takagi.

2019 Chief’s Company – Chief Donnell

The 2019 Chief’s Company Award recognizes members of the organization based upon not only their merits and skills during emergency responses but their contributions to the organization and community as well. This year’s awards recognizes members who held strong through a year of many challenges facing many obstacles and receiving many accolades along the way. These members held steadfast to the Mission of protecting the lives and property of our community through emergency response, training, and education. They contributed their time, energy, and resources unselfishly to keep the community safe throughout the year, at times, leaving those that support them all alone. I cannot thank these members enough for the support that they have given of themselves for this organization and I am eternally grateful for the support that they have given to me this past year.

The 2019 Chief’s Company Award goes to the Membership of Chelan Fire & Rescue for all of your hard work and dedication for the past year.

Written by Jan Brincat, CCSD

Published: 12 March 2020

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

NON-LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT

POSITION: Special Investigations Unit – Non-Law Enforcement Community Representative

DETAILS: The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is accepting application packets from citizens interested in serving on the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) as a Non-Law Enforcement Community Representative. The SIU is comprised of law enforcement investigators and command staff from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Wenatchee Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, East Wenatchee Police Department, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol. The purpose of the SIU is to investigate officer-involved uses of force that result in great bodily harm or death. The involved agency is removed from the investigative process.

RESPONSIBLITIES: The Non-Law Enforcement Community Representative does not serve as an investigator, but rather assists with the review of independent investigative team member qualifications, selection of team members, and assessing potential conflicts of interest.

A complete list of duties is contained in chapter 139-12 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). This volunteer position is designed to enhance community trust and increase transparency at all stages of a Special Investigations Unit (SIU) independent investigation.

REQUIREMENTS: Legal resident of Chelan County.
***City of Wenatchee residents interested should apply through the City of Wenatchee ***

HOW TO APPLY: Please go to https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/news/article/siu-non-law-enforcement-community-representative- to download an application.

Complete applications may be emailed to (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or mailed to:

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office
ATTN: Jan Brincat
Law & Justice Building
401 Washington Street #1
Wenatchee, WA 98801

1st Review Date: 9:00 A.M., Monday, April 6, 2020. Open until filled.

Written by Matt Charlton, Superintendent, Manson School District

Published: 12 March 2020

Click below for PDF document with coronavirus updates from Manson School District:

COVID-19 Update English

COVID-19 Update Spanish

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 12 March 2020

Manson School District hosted several staff from Chelan and Orondo School District to participate in a course that teaches immediate responders to administer lifesaving treatment to themselves or to others that have sustained life threatening injuries. The training provided instruction and practice on life threatening bleeding scenarios and the strategies and tools used to save lives.

Instructors Jennifer Foreman and Shaun Kelly from Combat First Aid (https://www.combatfirstaid.com/) provided this high quality instruction