Written by Christina Crea, WSDOT Aviation Communications

Published: 19 May 2019

West tie down apron expansion starts May 28, requires no runway closures 

WINTHROP – Pilots will have access to an updated tie down area after Methow Valley State Airport gets its long-awaited apron layout expansion. Work starts May 28 with plans for new spaces to open after approximately 30 days.

Visiting pilots will not encounter any delays or runway closures while using the airport during the construction. However, pilots should still regularly check Notices to Airmen.

This update will also expand this airport’s apron into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) design standards. This expansion adds three additional parking positions designed for the critical design aircraft. There will be 54.49 foot spacing between tie down points and seven more parking positions for smaller aircraft with 34 foot spacing between tie down points. Some of the new tie downs will better accommodate aircraft with wingspans in the typical range of 30 – 38 feet.

The spacing of tie down points for smaller aircraft was one of the highlighted issues after the completion of last year’s $5 million pavement rehabilitation project at the airport. This project was originally intended to be included as part of last year’s pavement rehabilitation work, but due to availability and timing of federal funding, the apron expansion was be re-bid in Fall 2018 for construction this Spring/Summer 2019.

The contract was awarded to Wenatchee general contractor, Selland Construction, in the amount of $1.26 million.

Construction costs are split between the FAA Airport Improvement Program and Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation. The FAA is supporting 90 percent and WSDOT Aviation is supporting 10 percent of the total cost. 

Drainage system improvements with this project include a new underdrain system along the perimeter of the expanded aircraft apron. The new underdrain system will flow into existing drainage structures, infiltration ponds, or adjacent infield areas.

The project was designed by Denver based engineering firm Jviation, who will also provide construction management services during the project

Methow Valley State Airport in Winthrop is the largest of 16 WSDOT-managed airports, serving commercial aircraft that weigh up to 30,000 pounds. The airport also supports Washington’s smoke jump base, medical evacuation flights, wildland firefighting staging and more.

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 14 May 2019

Washington State Legislator Mike Steele visited Manson High School on Monday May 6th to share information about the award his family sponsors each year, the Mel Steele Memorial Award.

Mel (Mike’s Uncle) was a standout athlete and student who was killed in a tragic football injury while he was a student at Manson High School.

Each year Representative Steele visits with seniors and shares the attributes his family admired in Mel and those that Manson Staff Members look for in one senior student who is awarded the medal and scholarship.

Manson seniors thanked Representative Steele for his work in the 2019 Legislative Session and in particular for his work in securing $400,000 in funds to assist in building an Early Childhood Center on Manson’s campus.

His leadership and advocacy in the Capital Budget process is very much appreciated by Manson students, staff and families.

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

Published: 14 May 2019

AGENDA

Chelan Fire and Rescue

Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 3:00 P.M.

232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA

Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.

Flag Salute:

Call to Order:

Approve Agenda:

Public Comment:

Consent Agenda:

• Revenue and Expenditure Report: April 2019

• Payroll: $131,886.35 April 1-30, 2019 Paid: 05-05-2019

• Vouchers for April 2019 General Account: Vouchers #18759 – 18776 for $12,730.93; Vouchers #18777 – 187892 for $32,340.56; Vouchers #18791 – 18800 for $7,269.11.

• Vouchers for April 2019 Capital Account: None

• Minutes: April 17, 2019

Fire Chief Report:

• 2019 Budget / Emergency Response Report / Facilities/Apparatus/Equipment

  • Deputy Chief Operations Report: Operations / Fire Prevention / Public Education / Career Staff

  • Assistant Chief of Volunteer Services: Volunteer Recruitment and Training / Volunteer Staff

Firefighters Association Report:

Unfinished Business:

• Ladder 71

• Rescue Boat

• LRP Presentation to the Public

New Business:

Special Event:

• 05-17-19-2019 WSFFA 96^th Conference – Wenatchee Convention Center

• 05-18-2019 WSFFA Banquet 6 p.m. – Volunteer Firefighter of the year award – Jonathan Mendoza

• 05-20-2019 WFC Conference – Kennewick / Chief Donnell and Chief Asher

• 05-23-2019 Memorial Day Parade

• 05-30-2019 CFR Town Hall Meeting – Chelan Senior Center 6-8

Board for Volunteer Firefighters

• Invoices

Commissioner Comments: No action to be taken.

Executive Session: None

Adjournment:

Written by Sergeant Kent Sisson, CCSO

Published: 08 May 2019

Vessel prior to boom deployment

Vessel after boom deployment

(CHELAN) - Sheriff Brian Burnett reports a partially submerged vessel on Lake Chelan initiated a “spill response” due to leaking diesel fuel Tuesday afternoon (05/07/2019). Emergency management personnel from the Sheriff’s Office were notified by State Department of Ecology (DOE) just after 4:00pm concerning a 29ft sailboat which was approximately 60% submerged along the south shore of the lake just down lake of the 25 Mile Creek USFS dock.

A DOE Spill Response Team responded from Yakima while Chelan County Emergency Management personnel responded to assess the situation and begin boom deployment around the derelict vessel. By 9:30pm the vessel had been surrounded by boom and absorbent material to mitigate the diesel flow out into the lake.

An attempt to locate the owner of the vessel at several different locations in Chelan was unsuccessful Tuesday evening.

The investigation concerning what caused the large sailboat to sink is ongoing.

The boat will need to be removed from the lake which will require a contractor specializing in the removal of submerged vessels. The Dept. of Ecology and Sheriff’s Office are working collaboratively to make this happen as soon as possible. The spill is currently contained.

Written by Gregory Kennedy

Published: 08 May 2019

For all the information on the 99th Manson Apple Blossom Festival go to https://moretomanson.com/events/manson-apple-blossom-festival-2019.

Written by Sergeant Kent Sisson, CCSO

Published: 08 May 2019

ENTIAT – Chelan County emergency management officials are reminding mushroom hunters headed into areas burned by the Cougar Creek Fire to be vigilant about keeping up to date on weather forecasts and having a pre-planned escape route in the event of seasonal rain showers.

The Cougar Creek Fire was one of the largest wildfires in the state last year, burning more than 42,700 acres in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The Entiat Ranger District is preparing for a busy mushroom season – and the hundreds of people it may attract.

The impact of rainfall over a recently burned area can be severe, warned Sgt. Kent Sisson of the Chelan County Department of Emergency Management. A burned surface may not absorb even light to normal rainfall, causing the precipitation to travel quickly, taking rocks, boulders, dirt and other debris with it and potentially overwhelming drainage systems, Sisson explained.

In fact, debris flows can move at up to 60 miles an hour on steep slopes, according to information from the National Weather Service.

“In Central Washington, we’re headed into thunderstorm season,” Sisson said. “While locals know there is no cell phone service in most of the Entiat Valley, visitors may not realize this. So we hope to help people understand that if a thunderstorm hits, or if it rains, there may be little warning of a debris flow event.”

Chelan County shares the following tips with not only mushroom hunters but also other people recreating in burned areas:

• Watch for hazards in burns areas. Snags and damaged trees – blackened killed trees or green trees burned through at the bottom – can fall at any time. Or they can block trails or roads, including your exit if you should need to leave quickly during a rainstorm.

• Before you head out for the day, look at the weather forecast. If you are in an area that does not have cell phone service, consider purchasing or bringing along an NOAA weather radio to keep up on weather events.

• Have your escape plan in place prior to a weather event occurring. Maps are available for purchase at the Entiat Ranger District, 2108 Entiat Way. Be familiar with your surroundings.

• Move to higher ground in the case of a rain event. Do not drive across flooded roads or washes or wade through flooded areas. Rapidly flowing water can easily sweep you off your feet.

• Leave the area immediately in the case of a summer thunderstorm. If you see the tell-tale signs of a thunderstorm – rapidly rising cumulus clouds, a darkening sky, lightning in the distance and an increase in the wind – do not hesitate to get to a safe zone.

• Always tell someone where you are going when headed into the forest and when to expect you back. Search crews will not be able to reach you if they don’t know you’re in the forest.

Lastly, Sisson stresses that a little preparation can go a long way in having a successful mushroom harvest this year.

“Checking the weather and being aware of your surroundings are things we should all be doing when we go into the forest,” Sisson said. “It is especially vital when recreating in these burned areas.”

Written by Detective Sgt. Bruce Long, CCSO

Published: 08 May 2019

Sheriff Brian Burnett reports that Chelan County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a structure fire at 4045 Sunnybank Drive in Chelan, WA in the early morning hours on Saturday, May 4th.

All persons that were present in the home when the fire broke out were able to exit the home without injury.

The fire destroyed the structure, six vehicles and two pets were lost in the blaze.

The cause of this fire is currently under investigation.

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office detectives are looking for any information regarding individuals seen around the area prior, during and after the structure fire. If you have any information, please contact the detectives tip line at 509- 667-6845.

Written by Robin Pittman

Published: 08 May 2019

Regular Board Meeting
142 Pedoi Street, Bumgarner Building, May 9, 2019, 4:10pm

I. Call to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Agenda Additions and Deletions
IV. Public Comment
V. Approval of Minutes
a. April 11, 2019 regular meeting minutes
VI. Financial Review
a. Review Monthly Financial Report
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
VII. Old Business
a. Leffler Field
b. Director’s Report
VIII. New Business
a. Lanny Armbruster memorial
b. Campground Host wage
c. Yoga program
IX. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: June 13, 2019 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831

Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director

Published: 08 May 2019

OLYMPIA – Transportation challenges and priorities for residents, businesses and visitors to Okanogan County and the Colville Reservation will be the focus of a two-day visit by the Washington State Transportation Commission to Okanogan County next week. Officials from Okanogan County and its cities, the Colville Tribe, transit providers and other community leaders will participate as part of the commission’s statewide public outreach effort.

During its two-day tour, the commission also will meet with local leaders in Twisp on Tuesday, May 14, and in Omak on Wednesday, May 15, to learn more about local needs and efforts to improve transportation and safety. The meeting in Twisp will start at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Building 9, TwispWorks, 502 S. Glover. The meeting in Omak will take place from 8:30 to 11:10 a.m. Wednesday at Omak City Hall, 2 North Ash St. The meetings are open to the public and persons wishing to speak to the commission may do so during the public comment period scheduled at the close of each meeting.

The meetings feature a series of short presentations on successes and challenges, future plans and needs for transportation in the Okanogan region. Topics include city streets, county and tribal roads, state highways, rail and air transportation, and public transportation. Commissioners will learn about the connections between economic development, tourism, and transportation in the Methow Valley, and cross-border traffic with Canada on US 97. Several presenters, including representatives of Okanogan County will talk about how recent wildfires, floods and landslides have exposed vulnerabilities in the state and local road system, and the decision to identify a primitive road network for disaster response and evacuation.

On May 14, the commission will tour bridges on State Route 153, sites on SR 20 near Loup Loup pass where landslides have recently occurred, a proposed wildlife crossing on US 97, and see causes of flooding problems on the main street in Tonasket.

On May 15, following the meeting in Omak, commissioners will meet with leaders of the Colville Tribe and tour the road system on the reservation.

The Washington State Transportation Commission holds several meetings throughout the state each year to gain insight from local government, industry and citizens about transportation issues that affect their communities and region.  This information helps the commission to develop and implement transportation policies and recommendations that reflect the priorities of the people and local governments of the State of Washington. In meetings later this year, the commission will visit Bremerton, Federal Way, and Skamania County.

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