Written by Chief Jason Reinfeld, CCSO

Published: 15 September 2018

On September 12th, 2018 at approximately 1:45 PM, a fire was reported in the dry grass in the front yard of a residence in the 1700 Block of Judkins Avenue in Wenatchee. The reporting party said they believed a male started the fire and gave a clothing description.

Chelan County Fire District 1 responded and extinguished the fire but not before it severely damaged a motorhome being used as a permanent dwelling. The motorhome was in close proximity to where the fire started and was occupied by three people at the time. All three were able to exit the motorhome without injury.

Deputies arrived on scene and observed a male nearby wearing clothing that matched the suspect description. He also had soot on his face under his eyes and on his nose that appeared to be purposefully applied. The male, a 41 year old Wenatchee resident was detained and later interviewed by Detectives.

After the male subject was interviewed by a CCSO detective, he was arrested and booked into CCRJC for Arson 1st Degree.

Written by Joe Irwin, Strategic Assessment and Performance Analysis, WSDOT

Published: 15 September 2018

Quarterly Gray Notebook report also tracks freight, fish passage and highway safety statistics

OLYMPIA – The condition of bridges owned by the Washington State Department of Transportation continued to improve through the first half of 2018. Between fiscal years 2017 and 2018, the percentage of WSDOT owned bridges (measured by bridge deck area) in fair or better condition increased from 91.8 percent to 92.5 percent. State fiscal years (FY) run from July 1 through June 30, with FY2018 ending June 30, 2018.

WSDOT reports bridge conditions measured by the surface area of bridge decks rather than simply reporting the number of bridges in each condition category in order to provide a more accurate view of system-wide bridge conditions, and to conform with federal reporting methods. While WSDOT uses deck surface area for reporting purposes, the ratings themselves cover all aspects of a bridge, including support structures.

WSDOT also collects data on the conditions of bridges owned and maintained by local governments such as counties and cities. Overall statewide bridge conditions– including both state and locally owned bridges – also improved. In FY 2018, approximately 4.8 million square feet (6.6 percent) of the 72.3 million square feet of deck on bridges owned by local and state governments was in poor condition. That’s an improvement from FY 2017, when 7.6 percent was in poor condition. A bridge in poor condition is still safe for travel; the “poor” rating identifies that substantial repairs are needed, but they do not require bridge closure before the work is completed.

These analyses and others can be found in WSDOT’s latest edition of its quarterly performance publication, the Gray Notebook. The current publication summarizes the quarter that ended June 30 and includes articles on freight, highway system safety and fish passage barriers. Notable topics include:

• Washington waterborne freight tonnage increased 10.2 percent in 2016 compared to 2015; air cargo tonnage in Washington increased 7.6 percent during the same period.
• Tragically, annual statewide traffic fatalities increased 5.4 percent and serious injuries increased 0.3 percent from 2016 to 2017.
• WSDOT corrected 14 fish passage barriers in 2017, improving access to 45.5 miles of potential upstream habitat.

To learn more about WSDOT’s performance or to review “Gray Notebook 70” or its condensed “Lite” version, visit WSDOT’s Accountability website.

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

Published: 09 September 2018

On 09/07/18 at approximately 8:27 PM a Deputy was on routine patrol in Rock Island, when he saw a vehicle near BJ’s with an expired registration, and an inoperable brake light. The Deputy attempted to stop the vehicle for the violations, however the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed.

The Deputy pursued the vehicle through Rock Island until the vehicle came to a stop near milepost 5 on State Route 28 where the driver fled on foot.  The Deputy gave chase and caught up to the driver, where he eventually surrendered. 

The driver was identified as Santiago Vasquez, a 43 year old male of Quincy, WA.  Santiago had cocaine and methamphetamines in his pocket when he was arrested.  Deputies also located a .38 Special Colt revolver near the location Santiago was located and arrested. 

Santiago also had an outstanding warrant out of Grant County for attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle and a warrant out of the department of corrections for escape community custody. 

Vasquez was booked on his warrants along with attempting to elude a police vehicle, possession of a controlled substance (cocaine), possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), unlawful possession of firearms, and reckless endangerment. 

There was also a female passenger in the vehicle who was detained by assisting deputies. The female was identified as Ashely N Baker, a 23 year old female of Ephrata, WA.  Ashely had three outstanding warrants for her arrest out of Grant County for driving while license suspended in the third degree (two counts) and theft in the third degree.  Ashely was booked on her warrants, without incident.

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 08 September 2018

“On to State Mr. Brown! Good luck as you complete with nine other finalists from all over the state for “Teacher of the Year”  What a great send-off from all your coworkers and students…you got this!”

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

Published: 08 September 2018

On 9-4-18 at approximately 6:40 AM Douglas County Deputies and Fire personnel responded to a single Semi tractor trailer accident approximately 1.5 miles up McNeil Canyon Road. 

The Semi, which was hauling fruit in a refrigerated cargo trailer,  was unable to negotiate a curve in the roadway, losing control and ultimately coming to rest at the bottom of the ravine.  

The single occupant was identified as Dwayne J. Philp, a 43 year old man from Kennewick, WA.  

The driver was trapped in the cab of the Semi and was extricated after several hours of continuous work from the fire and rescue personnel.  The driver was flown to Central Washington Hospital due to his injuries and is now listed as Critical in ICU. 

Written by Bobbie Chatriand, Administrative Assistant, Pangborn Memorial Airport

Published: 02 September 2018

Strong customer demand and the addition of a fourth daily flight led to an all-time monthly record of 12,597 commercial passengers traveling though Pangborn in July, 2018. This represents an increase in passengers of 22.7% over July of 2017.

The total number of passengers traveling through Pangborn is up nearly 7% for the first seven months of 2018 versus the same time period last year. In addition to the extra flight for the summer, Alaska also extended its "Wines Fly Free" program to Pangborn earlier this year.

Port of Chelan County Commissioner Rory Turner reacted to the good news saying, “Continued strong passenger growth lays a great foundation for Pangborn to attract new air service to additional destinations.”

Port of Douglas County Commissioner Alan Loebsack commented that “having a thriving airport is good for families and businesses throughout the region.”

Written by Sgt. Rob Huddleston, CCSO

Published: 30 August 2018

Sheriff Brian Burnett reports on August 23rd 2018, the Columbia River Drug Task Force with the assistance of Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT), Chelan County Regional Swat Team, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office K9, and Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office K9, concluded a narcotics investigation with the execution of a search warrant at 11 Charlotte Lane in Orondo, WA.

The search of the residence produced 2 illegally owned firearms and ammunition, an illegally owned silencer for a firearm, and 204.4 grams of methamphetamine. The Task Force seized 3 vehicles and $9,486.00 in cash.

Sara E. Mitchell (34) and Marco Palacios-Mora (31) were taken into custody for multiple counts of drug and gun related offenses.

Columbia River Drug Task Force Detectives used hours of surveillance, controlled buys, and information from multiple sources to build this case.

Written by Sergeant Kent Sisson, CCSO

Published: 30 August 2018

Sheriff Brian Burnett reports an injured climber was rescued after suffering a fall on Liberty Bell Mountain Tuesday morning (08/28/2018). Benjamin Antonio (67yoa) of Yakima, WA was injured when a hand hold broke loose as he was climbing the Beckey’s Notch route along the northeast aspect of the mountain - approx. 7,000ft elevation.

According to a witness, Antonio’s rope system held, but he dropped about 10 – 15 feet before slamming into the side of the mountain causing hip and back injuries. Antonio’s climbing partner was eventually able to lower him to an area where he could be stabilized.

A climber in the area, activated a SPOT satellite beacon which initiated the notification to the International Emergency Rescue Coordination Center (IERCC) in Texas, and eventually to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue unit. Due to the texting capability of the satellite device, SAR coordinators were able to obtain information on Antonio’s injuries and position on the mountain.

A request was made through State Emergency Management for a hoist capable helicopter to respond to the incident and Chelan County Mountain Rescue personnel were put on standby. The first helicopter deployed to Liberty Bell Mountain was unable to conduct the rescues, so SAR coordinators contacted Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for a rescue response. NAS Whidbey launched a Blackhawk helicopter to the scene by 4:15pm and inserted a medic to Antonio’s location. The helicopter crew had to refuel prior to conducting a successful hoist extraction of Antonio from the mountain around 7:00pm. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA for treatment. As of Tuesday evening, his condition was stable.

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 26 August 2018

Manson School District is holding Open House Monday, August 27 from 5:30-6:30 in each building followed by a Community Dessert Potluck!

BBQ hot dogs provided…just bring a dessert! 

Stay for the our annual Movie on the Big Screen beginning at 8pm (or dusk) on the football field!