Written by Sergeant Kent Sisson, CCSO

Published: 13 July 2020

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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.

Written by Sgt. Kent Sisson, CCSO

Published: 08 July 2020

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.

Written by Barb Chamberlain, Department of Transportation

Published: 07 July 2020

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.

Written by Robin Pittman

Published: 07 July 2020

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.

Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD

Published: 05 July 2020

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

Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC Executive Director

Published: 05 July 2020

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/

Written by Carlye Baity, Clerk of the Board/Public Records Coordinator, Chelan County Commissioners

Published: 30 June 2020

Public Safety Announcement – June 29, 2020

Resolution 2020-70 was passed by the Chelan County Commissioners that the designation of the Fire Hazard Level will be High beginning on Monday June 29, 2020.

Remember that Fireworks are prohibited throughout Chelan County.

As of Monday June 1, 2020, open burning was closed. This includes natural vegetation and yard debris. This restriction remains in place until October 1, 2020

Attended recreational campfires are allowed at private residences and hosted campgrounds in approved “campfire areas”. Have a shovel and water readily available on site to suppress the fire.

“Campfire area” is an outdoor fire-burning area for recreational fires where natural wood materials other than rubbish can be burned. The campfire area must have all combustible material removed down to mineral soil and shall have a containment area of either rock, metal, concrete or any other noncombustible material and shall not be more than thirty-six inches in diameter and twenty-four inches high. All combustible material one and one-half feet surrounding the campfire area shall be removed. Fuel for the recreational residential campfire shall not extend above the edge of the campfire containment area.

No Household trash or garbage shall be burned outdoors at residences at any time.

Burn barrels are illegal and are not permitted.

Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC Executive Director

Published: 30 June 2020

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed Kelly Fukai to serve on the Washington State Transportation Commission. A lifelong resident of Spokane, Fukai has worked in the aviation, energy, electrical and electronic manufacturing fields, and is currently the manager of Public and External Affairs at Spokane International Airport.

Fukai’s six-year term starts on July 1, joining the commission during unprecedented times with tremendous challenges facing our state and transportation system. With the life-changing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic comes an opportunity for state leaders to begin shaping a transportation system for the future that reflects a new era of transport. Fukai is poised to take that on and assist in advancing a new vision for our state’s transportation network.

“Our transportation system is in the midst of transformational change. I am excited to work with our elected officials, agencies, and communities to address the opportunities and challenges in the evolution of transportation.” Fukai said.

Fukai brings over 20 years of experience in leading and working with diverse groups in the development of collaborative and comprehensive plans and policies that grow necessary infrastructure, enhance economic and workforce development, and support community interests.

She joins six other commissioners from around the state who are charged with state transportation policy development, assessing how the entire transportation system works across the state, and issuing the state’s 20-year Transportation Plan. The commission also serves as the state tolling authority and leads special projects directed by the Legislature, such as the Road Usage Charge Assessment, and the Autonomous Vehicle Work Group.

“Transportation is the heart of our community’s health and economic vitality. It connects us to our family and friends, provides access to necessary goods and services, and broadens our perspectives through exposure to new places and experiences,” Fukai said.  “I am honored to work alongside our communities to ensure the resiliency of our future transportation system.”

Fukai replaces former commissioner Joe Tortorelli who served two terms on the commission. 

Written by Brandon Asher, CFR

Published: 26 June 2020

At noon on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Chelan Fire and Rescue will be doing a test activation of its community siren.

After floating the idea of creating community awareness going into a predicted bad fire season, we were met with overwhelming support from the community of reactivating the siren.

The siren will only activate when Chelan Fire and Rescue is on 2^nd alarm or greater wildland or structure fires. In these situations, we have requested all available manpower and equipment from all 5 of our stations.

This will serve notice to the community to be prepared for a larger wildland fire that could potentially be threatening the safety of our citizens and visitors. It also serves notice that there could be a delay in other responses due to having to break a truck away from the current emergency.

There will not be a weekly test of the siren as we understand that it is loud and people may wonder what it is for.

After this Wednesday, if the siren goes off, take a quick look at your surroundings and look for smoke.

Every effort will be made to update our social media pages and other media partners with as accurately and timely of information as the emergency allows.

See our previous story: Chelan Fire and Rescue contemplating extending siren uses