Written by Jackie J. Lang, WM

Published: 24 April 2022

Just in time for Earth Month! New video makes it easier than ever to Recycle Right in the Wenatchee Valley

WENATCHEE, Wash. (April 22, 2022) – Recycling made easy! Just in time for Earth Month, there’s a new video that simplifies recycling and explains what Wenatchee Valley residents can do to help make local recycling resilient and successful.

The new video takes residents from their kitchens to their carts to WM’s regional facility that processes recyclables collected in the Wenatchee Valley. The Spokane Materials and Recycling Technology (SMaRT) Center is the centerpiece of a regional strategy to dramatically reduce waste and boost recycling. It’s the critical link between what residents put in their carts and the end markets where recyclables are made into new products.

The video takes viewers behind the scenes at the SMaRT Center, where 100,000 tons of household recyclables are sorted and prepared for shipping to manufacturers every year.

“Recycling only works when materials are actually made into new products,” said Tami Haggerty, WM’s senior associate for education and outreach. “That’s why it’s up to us to do what we can in our homes, apartments, schools and businesses to make sure we only put acceptable items in our recycling carts.”

“The new video is intended to energize and engage residents about waste reduction and recycling,” Haggerty said. “We’re trying to make recycling easier than ever.”

Check out the video now at wmnorthwest.com. Use the drop down to find your community and click on Watch Now to tour WM’s SMaRT Center.

About WM in the Wenatchee Valley

WM is the leading provider of comprehensive recycling and environmental services across the Pacific Northwest and North America. In the Wenatchee Valley, WM has provided services for more than 30 years. Today, the company provides solid waste collection services for Cashmere, East Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Rock Island, Wenatchee and throughout the rest of Chelan and Douglas counties. WM also owns and operates the Wenatchee transfer station and the Greater Wenatchee Regional Landfill, which has earned prestigious certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council for enhancing biodiversity. For more information, go to wmnorthwest.com.

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

Published: 24 April 2022

In light of recent events in our valley, we have learned of inaccurate information circulating on social media, word of mouth, and via text message relating to events that lead to the lockdown at Cascade Elementary School on Monday April 18, 2022.  It is important to acknowledge we have recently seen an increase in gang violence in our valley.

It is equally important to know we are taking substantial steps to address gang violence. Along with increased law enforcement presence at our upcoming community events, we are in direct coordination with our schools and all regional law enforcement agencies. We are collaborating resources, which include; School Administrators, Drug Task Force, Patrol divisions, School Resource Officers, Detectives, Prosecutors, DOC, the NCW Special Investigations Unit, and the Regional Jail.

In our recent investigations we have gathered additional information on local gang members and associates. As we continue to investigate unlawful gang activity, arrests will be made as appropriate. Public safety is our highest priority and we will continue to provide accurate information through press releases and our social media platforms. We ask for your continued help and support in reporting criminal activity.

Written by Adam Musgrove, Chief of Patrol, CCSO

Published: 24 April 2022

On April 21, 2022 at approximately 4:00 pm, there was a reported shooting at the 600 Block of South Wenatchee Ave.  At the request of the Wenatchee Police Department, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Detectives were asked to investigate.

Detectives contacted the victim at the emergency room of Central Washington Hospital.  It was determined the victim had been shot and the injury was not life threatening.

During the interview the victim did not wish to cooperate in the criminal investigation.

At this time, this incident does not appear gang related and Law Enforcement does not believe there is an ongoing threat to community safety.

Written by Hilary S. Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands

Published: 20 April 2022

For second year, community teams with Department of Natural Resources to expand Wildfire Ready Neighbors program to high-risk areas

CHELAN – Residents, community leaders, forest health experts, regional fire districts, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) joined in Chelan’s Union Valley today to kick off this year’s Wildfire Ready Neighbors program that provides homeowners, renters, and small forest landowners the resources and tools to help protect themselves from wildfires.

The program – a collaboration between the Chelan community and DNR – takes a localized approach to proactive action plans. Last year, Chelan was the first county to launch this successful program. During the six-week pilot, 545 Chelan residents signed up for Wildfire Ready Neighbors and received custom plans to prepare their homes and properties ahead of wildfire season, exceeding program goals by 22%. Now in its second year, the program is building on that momentum by expanding to other high-risk communities in Chelan.

“Wildfires don’t see property lines, and people with homes in areas at high risk of wildfires are only as strong as their weakest link,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “It’s why neighbors who live in places like Chelan know they must band together to ready themselves, their homes, and their forests against wildfires. This is an act of deep care for your neighbor and communities like Union Valley are showing us the power of building community resilience.”

Through the Wildfire Ready Neighbors program, people can access experts and resources that help them understand how to reduce risk on their property through actions they can take into their own hands. This includes trimming back brush, cleaning roofs and gutters, and removing debris like leafy piles. When every property in a neighborhood takes these steps, their individual homes create a large area that is less susceptible to wildfires. 

Wildfire Ready Neighbors will also expand to communities in Spokane and Yakima in May. In all three communities, the program:  

• Drives people to assess risks and take action to make their properties more wildfire ready;
• Raises awareness and interest in receiving a free wildfire ready home visit or forest health consultation;
• Builds understanding of local/state resources and contractors available to assist with risk reduction activities;
• Grows and deepens community relationships and partnerships around issues of wildfire and resiliency; and,
• Creates a model for replicable future wildfire preparedness and resiliency programs that can be utilized by community partners in addition to their own existing programs or efforts.

Renters, homeowners, and private landowners – even if they do not live on their property full time – are eligible to participate. DNR and community leaders encourage participation now before the summer brings hot and dry conditions that create higher risks for wildfire. This past season, firefighters battled 1,872 fires across Washington – the second-most wildfires in record state history. More than 1.5 million acres have burned over the past two seasons.

“Communities need to understand how wildfires work and have an understanding of the surroundings by their homes,” said Johnny Synder, Union Valley Community Captain. “The education of knowing fires’ behavior and how they travel is important. Wildfire Ready Neighbors teaches you that and what can do to reduce the risk.”

To join Wildfire Ready Neighbors and get a free customized plan, community members simply sign up at www.wildfireready.com. At no cost, residents can also request a consultation where a wildfire expert will visit their property and develop a detailed action plan for wildfire preparedness. The plan includes steps they can take immediately and information about local resources and contractors to help get them started.

OTHER KEY DATES

Spokane launch: May 10

Yakima launch: May 12

More pictures and video can be found at https://deptofnaturalresources.box.com/s/wevfga3pn8emahpuflpdokqpskbsshth

 NOTE: Commissioner Franz tested positive for COVID over the weekend, so she was unable to attend. Allen Lebovitz, Wildland Fire Liaison for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stepped in to speak for her. 

Background on Allen Lebovitz:

Allen’s role as Wildland Fire Liaison is to build, nurture and grow relationships with communities around Washington and strengthen communication and coordination as he shares information and exchanges perspectives on how to best shape the state’s response to wildfires.

Before his current role, Allen was previously working for the agency as an aquatic habitat restoration manager, a field position that saw him implementing river restoration projects across Washington. An interest in wildland fire ecology spurred him to experience it on the front lines as a DNR wildland firefighter.

Before his time with DNR, he worked as a forester and ecologist in the private and nonprofit sectors, and ran his own timber and logging company. He graduated from Northwestern with a Bachelor of Science degree and earned a Masters in Environmental Studies from Yale.

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 19 April 2022

NOTICE

The Manson School District Special Board meeting has been changed from Tuesday, April 19, 2022 to Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 6pm.

Written by Herb Sargo

Published: 17 April 2022

Written by Tiana Rowland M.Ed.,CMC, Clerk of the Board, Douglas County

Published: 15 April 2022

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce their selection of Jordyn Giulio as the next County Administrator. Jordyn joined the county, in 2015, as the Risk Manager – Public Information Officer.   She brings a wealth of government operational experience with five years dedicated at the federal level as a contractor to the Department of Energy.

During her time in government, Jordyn has cultivated a diverse background, including emergency management operations; policy and training development; safety, risk management/loss prevention control; personnel security; and public relations.  Ms. Giulio earned her Master’s in Communication from Gonzaga University; holds a B.A. in Social Science from Washington State University, in addition to an Associates in Risk Management for Public Entities (ARM-P) designation.

We are grateful for those who applied for the position, and were fortunate to have several qualified candidates. Moving forward, the Board of Commissioners has every confidence Jordyn will continue to serve as an asset to the county with the retirement of Mr. Jim Barker, County Administrator, in winter of 2022. Please join us in congratulating Jordyn and welcoming her as she transitions to her new role.

Written by Paul Leonetti, CCFD5

Published: 15 April 2022

Get Your Wildfire Ready Plan – Join Us!

Wildfire Ready Neighbors Kick-Off Event

Tuesday, April 19, 10:30 a.m. – Noon

Wildfire is a fact of life. But when we come together as neighbors, we can reduce the risk that wildfire poses to our properties, homes, and community.

Union Valley will become the newest Wildfire Ready Neighbors community, helping build wildfire resilience in Chelan. Join our kick-off!

WHEN: Tuesday, April 19, 10:30 a.m. - Noon

WHERE: 474 Nancy Lane, Chelan, Washington

WHO: Commissioner Hilary Franz, Fire District 7 Chief Brandon Asher, and Union Valley Captains Johnny and Sara Synder. 

WHAT: Learn more about how you can get your home and property prepared and sign-up for Wildfire Ready Neighbors to get a FREE plan.

Wildfire Ready Neighbors offers free incentives: 

• Sign-up at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and get a FREE wildfire ready plan!
• A Wildfire Ready Home Visit will help you determine how to best prepare your home and its immediate surroundings.
• If you have a forested or wooded area on your property, a local forester will help assess your forest’s health and identify potential problems and solutions through a Forest Health Consultation.
• We’re working with our partners at DNR, Cascadia Conservation District, and others to identify other ways we can support you to get ready for fire season. Last fall’s chipping event is one example of projects that we are looking into.

For more Information:

• Contact Wildfire Ready Neighbors Union Valley Community Captains Johnny and Sara Synder at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Visit https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/.

Hope to see you at the event on Tuesday, April 19!

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 15 April 2022

The Manson School District Board of Directors announced the 2022 Blue and White Excellence Awards winners at its March board meeting.

Nominations were submitted by staff, students and community members.

Award recipients were:  Elementary teachers Carman Fretwell and Gregorio Benavides and Elementary special education paraeducator Diana Willoughby.

The Manson School District Board of Directors will officially recognize the award winners at its regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, April 25 at 6:00p.m.

The recipients will also be recognized in the fall at the Manson Chamber of Commerce “Night to Remember”.

A big congratulations to others nominees: Angel Gosvener, Monica Marble, Sam Lovelace, Lauren Griffith, Kendra Ellsworth, Joey Johanson, Ben Riippi, and Wendy Schramm.