- Written by Chief Rick Johnson, EWPD
On December 30th at approximately 3:18 AM East Wenatchee Police responded to a report of a man threatening to jump from the Foot Bridge into the river. A family member had received a phone call from the individual advising of his intent. Officers from both East Wenatchee and Wenatchee arrived within minutes but did not locate anyone on the bridge or in the water.
River Com assisted by attempting a ping locate on the cell phone reported to belong to the individual. Results showed the cell phone’s last known location to be in the area of the Foot Bridge. Video surveillance obtained from Chelan County PUD appears to confirm the individual did jump from the Foot Bridge into the river at approximately 3:15 AM.
Shortly after daylight members from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol, Douglas County Fire District 2, and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol, launched watercraft and assisted with a search. Unfortunately, the individual had not be located by the time of this media release. The identity of the individual is being withheld until all family has been notified.
- Written by Jan Brincat, Assistant to Sheriff Brian Burnett, CCSO
Updated 12/31/2020
A detailed examination was performed by the coroner's office on the evening of Tuesday, 12/29/20. The subject's fingerprints were obtained to assist in positive identification. On Wednesday, 12/30/20, Coroner Wayne Harris learned the fingerprints belonged to 60 year old Terry Lee Ray of Wenatchee, WA. Coroner Harris learned that Mr. Ray moved out of the Christopher House in mid-November, stating he was going to live in Cashmere. His body had been in the water for an estimated 2 weeks and autopsy results show cause of death as fresh water drowning. At this time there is no evidence of foul play.
Original story 12/30/2020
Sheriff Brian Burnett reports on December 27th, 2020 at approximately 3:30PM residents of Monitor, WA were walking in the area of the Monitor County Park day use area. Their attention was drawn to something laying on a rock bar approximately 150 feet offshore from the day use area river bank. Upon closer inspection they discovered a human body and contacted Rivercom.
Detectives and Coroner Wayne Harris responded along with specially trained water rescue/recovery deputies. The body was brought to shore and briefly examined. The person was a male who does not fit the description of any current missing subjects from Chelan County.
A detailed examination will be performed by the coroner's office. More details will be released at that time in order to gain the publics’ assistance in identifying the man.
- Written by Lars Erickson, External Relations, WSDOT
Retiring Deputy Secretary Keith Metcalf sets off series of transitions
OLYMPIA – Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar announced today, Wednesday, Dec. 30, the appointments of several key positions in his agency’s executive leadership team. The upcoming retirement of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s second in command, Deputy Secretary Keith Metcalf, set these changes in motion, which include new appointments for Assistant Secretary of Washington State Ferries Amy Scarton; Assistant Secretary of Urban Mobility & Access Patty Rubstello; and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Mega Programs Julie Meredith.
“I thank Keith for all his hard work and tremendous leadership, and I wish him the very best in his hard-earned retirement. I am pleased that WSDOT will continue to be in good hands with Amy, Patty and Julie in these roles,” Gov. Jay Inslee said.
“Keith has dedicated 43 years of public service to transportation for WSDOT and the people of Washington state, and we have all benefitted from his contributions,” said Millar. “I am fortunate to have a deep bench of highly qualified and experienced individuals on my leadership team who can step up and take on the challenges of these roles.”
Amy Scarton, currently the head of Washington State Ferries will serve as WSDOT’s deputy secretary. Scarton was appointed to the helm of WSF in 2017 and is credited with the completion of the first ferries long range plan in more than a decade. Working to reduce transportation emissions, she initiated a program to electrify the state ferry fleet and convert some of the largest ferries to hybrid power. Scarton also shepherded the first new ferry terminal to open in 40 years at Mukilteo.
Patty Rubstello will serve as the new assistant secretary of WSF. Rubstello created and led the Office of Urban Mobility & Access, which brings together tolling, regional transit coordination, and the management of mobility divisions to enhance operational and planning coordination in the greater Puget Sound area. With 30 years at WSDOT, Rubstello has experience in design, construction, planning and traffic operations, and in 2015 served as the agency’s assistant secretary for Tolling.
Julie Meredith will serve as the assistant secretary of Urban Mobility & Access, while also continuing to oversee the more than $6 billion investments in the Puget Sound area “mega” programs (Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement, State Route 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV, Interstate 405/SR 167 and Puget Sound Gateway). Meredith has more than 30 years at WSDOT and highlights of her career include the successful delivery of the SR 520 bridge, world’s longest floating bridge; and overseeing the opening and multi-jurisdictional coordination of the State Route 99 tunnel.
To ensure a smooth hand-off of duties and continued delivery of transportation programs, these transitions will begin in January.
- Written by Bruce Long, CCSD
On Saturday night,12/26/20,at aprx 2315 hours, a Wenatchee area resident who was in Leavenworth with a group of cars and several subjects all from Wenatchee, reported an adult male in one of their cars had been shot in the side/abdomen with an unknown firearm from an unknown person/direction. The victim was inside one of their vehicles near the City of Leavenworth DOT parking lot.
Deputies, WSP, and East Wenatchee PD responded. The victim was transferred to an ambulance and transported to CWH Wenatchee with a serious gunshot wound.
Prior to police arriving, a small blue car was seen leaving the area on EB SR2 at a high rate of speed, away from Leavenworth towards Wenatchee. Officers were unable to locate that vehicle.
After leaving with the victim, the ambulance was on SR2 EB near Dryden, when the same small blue car approached the ambulance, began flashing its lights at the ambulance, and keeping pace in excess of 70 MPH. The ambulance radioed for assistance from law enforcement.
Deputies advised the ambulance to pull over near the Pinnacles once they caught up. Deputies stopped the blue car, and learned from the driver of the small blue car (an adult male from Wenatchee) that the victim had been shot while in his vehicle. A bullet hole was observed in the RR 1/4 panel.
All subjects from both vehicles were interviewed. The small blue car was impounded for a search warrant, and the investigation continues. Victim was admitted to CWH Wenatchee with a serious gunshot wound to his right side. The Sheriff’s Office believes this was a targeted, and not a random incident.
- Written by Bruce Long, CCSD
On Sunday, 12/27/20, at aprx 1530 hours, residents of Monitor, WA were walking in the area of the Monitor County Park day use area. Their attention was drawn to large birds feeding on something laying on a rock bar aprx 150 feet offshore from the day use area river bank.
Upon closer inspection, they discovered the birds were feeding from a human body so they called Rivercom. Deputies soon arrived and confirmed it was human.
Detectives and Coroner Wayne Harris responded along with specially trained water rescue/recovery deputies. The body was brought to shore and briefly examined. The person was a male who does not fit the description of any current missing subject from Chelan County.
A detailed examination will be performed by the coroner's office. More details will be released at that time in order to gain the publics' assistance in identifying the man.
- Written by Barb Chamberlain, Active Transportation Division director, WSDOT
Online open house, webinars scheduled to provide overview
OLYMPIA – Every Washingtonian uses active transportation connections at some point in a trip, whether crossing the street from their parking spot to their destination, walking to a bus stop or bicycling to school or work. That is why the Washington State Department of Transportation is asking for comments on its draft of the new State Active Transportation Plan, 2020 and Beyond.
The new plan comes during a time when more people than ever are walking and bicycling – according to WSDOT’s multimodal transportation dashboard – both as alternatives to transit use and to maintain physical and mental health during the pandemic. At the same time, a preliminary assessment of crash statistics found that 2020 fatal crashes involving those vulnerable road users appear to be occurring at higher rates than the averages for 2010-2019.
“Highways in most places weren’t originally designed for people walking or cycling, so it’s no surprise we found a number of places with gaps,” said Barb Chamberlain, director of WSDOT’s active transportation division “This analysis helps us understand how the use of state routes has changed as population centers have expanded, and why they may no longer be safe for the mix of uses and people there.”
The draft plan assesses the needs for accessible pedestrian and bicyclist facilities, highlights safety concerns and provides the first-ever examination of state right of way and its suitability for active transportation. An online open house and a series of webinars will provide opportunities to learn more about the draft plan and to provide comments.
Active transportation plan online open house information
When: Friday, Dec. 18, to Monday, Feb. 15, 2021
Where: Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, plan information is available to view in an online open house.
Details: A copy of the draft active transportation plan document is available in an accessible PDF, and a link to a feedback form to collect input from Washington residents is provided. Deadline for comments is Monday, Feb. 15.
WSDOT will also host virtual events with staff providing an orientation to the draft plan document. Slides will be presented with real-time closed captioning and descriptions of visual content. Participants will be able to submit questions and comments using the chat function in the presentation software. These webinars will be recorded and available online after they’re completed.
Active transportation plan overview webinars
Participants must register to view one of the three webinars:
- Webinar 1: 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021
- Webinar 2: Noon 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021
- Webinar 3: 4 to 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 (subject to cancellation based on registration numbers)
Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/.
The draft plan is Part 1 of a two-part plan. Part 1 covers:
- The purpose and need of the statewide active transportation plan.
- Benefits of active transportation.
- The current state of active transportation in Washington.
- Concerns and priorities gathered through public engagement.
- Broad cost estimates for changes to state right of way and local systems to improve conditions for active transportation.
Part 2 of the plan will come out in 2021 and cover relevant policy topics, performance measures associated with the plan’s goals, and next steps in developing an implementation and action plan. WSDOT staff will use comments received on Part 1, as well as past community and partner input, to help identify policy topics in Part 2.
To receive future updates specifically for the plan subscribe to the ATP E-News. For active transportation news updates including grant opportunities, webinars, and activities of WSDOT and partners subscribe to the WSDOT Walk + Roll E-News.
- Written by Chief Rick Johnson, EWPD
On December 13th at approximately 8:53 AM RiverCom dispatch advised Douglas County Fire District #2 of a fire on the porch of a residence at 953 S.E. Tedford in East Wenatchee. The resident had been alerted by individuals who had observed the fire when passing by in their vehicle.
Fire damage was to the front porch of the residence and gasoline had been poured on a vehicle parked in front of the residence. More evidence of arson was located at the scene. The investigation is ongoing with staff from Douglas County Fire District #2, and the East Wenatchee Police Department.
We are asking for assistance from the public. If anyone observed a potential suspect(s) walking in the 900 block of S.E. Tedford, or in the 800 – 1000 block of Grant Road before 9:00 AM on Sunday December 13th, please call the East Wenatchee Police Department at (509) 884-9511 or RiverCom Dispatch at (509) 663-9911.
We are also requesting residents who reside in these areas and have security cameras please check their footage for any potential evidence.
- Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR
AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA
The CFR Board of Commissioners will conduct the meeting via Zoom. The public is welcome to join by following this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87284665516 Meeting ID: 872 8466 5516 or dial +1 253 215 8782
Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.
Roll Call:
Regular Meeting Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment:
Consent Agenda:
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: November 2020
• Payroll: November 1 -30, 2020 for $118,579.88 paid 12-04-2020
• General Account Vouchers: #746777 – 746830 for $34,710.25
• Capital Account Vouchers: #17153 - 17159 for $49,122.28
• Minutes: November 9 and 18, 2020
Fire Chief Report:
• 2020 Budget & Financial Report
• Emergency Response Report / Operations / Community Risk Reduction / Apparatus Update
Assistant Chief Report:
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
• 2021-2025 DRAFT Strategic Plan – Presentation for Approval by Board
• City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract – Update
• Station 75 Short Plat – Update
• CF&R and IAFF Local 4816 2021-2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement – Board Approval
• Firefighter/EMT Testing/Hiring – Update
• 2020-2021 Annexations – Update
• 2021 Budget – Board Approval
New Business:
• 2021-2026 Budget – Presentation to Board
• Resolution 2020-10 – Radio/Pager Surplus – Board Approval
Special Events:
Board for Volunteer Firefighters:
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments:
Executive Session:
Adjournment:
- Written by Janet Matkin, WSDOT communications
Study focuses on next steps in governance models, funding and outreach
OLYMPIA – A new report, the 2020 Framework for the Future, sets forth a roadmap for continued work in a post-COVID-19 future to bring ultra-high-speed ground transportation to the Pacific Northwest.
The report builds on previous studies conducted over the past three years and details next steps on governance, strategic outreach and funding and financing. It was released Tuesday, Dec. 8, and submitted to the executive and legislative branches of Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia.
Offering travel time of less than an hour between each major city – at speeds of up to 250 mph (402 km/hour) and 20 to 30 trips per day – the new system would link the metropolitan areas of Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia while also offering connections to stations in between and beyond. Uniting this megaregion could transform the Pacific Northwest by improving overall mobility, boosting economic growth and significantly decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 6 million metric tons (tonnes).
The 2020 report focuses on three areas crucial to future decision making. It offers direction on creating a coordinating entity to advance the project beyond the initial concept phase and outlines a more formal governing model for the future. It also emphasizes the importance of robust engagement with communities, elected officials, state and national officials, business and labor leaders and advocacy organizations. Finally, it sets forth several funding and financing scenarios that include possible federal, state and private investments.
Earlier studies estimated that the ultra-high-speed system could generate $355 billion in economic growth and more than 200,000 family-wage jobs. Construction costs were estimated to be between $24 and $42 billion and revenues are expected to cover project costs by 2055. (All dollar figures are US currency). Using high-speed rail, magnetic levitation or hyperloop technology, the system would be stand-alone, rather than sharing or relying on existing infrastructure. It would include some elevated tracks and tunnels, with no at-grade crossings with roads. The exact route and type of technology has not been determined and requires more analysis.
The 2020 ultra-high-speed study was led by the Washington State Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Province of British Columbia and Microsoft, which all shared equally in the costs.
“We are living in unprecedented times that call on us to envision our future in new ways. Transformative infrastructure projects like this one could help us rebuild our economy in the short term and provide us with a strong competitive advantage in the future,” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Imagine fast, frequent and reliable travel with the potential for zero emissions and the opportunity to better compete in a global economy. It could transform the Pacific Northwest.”
“This study is another important step toward better, faster ways for people to get where they need to go throughout the Pacific Northwest,” said British Columbia Premier John Horgan. “Improving connections through ultra-high-speed rail is good news for people on both sides of the border as B.C. moves forward with Washington and Oregon on a path to building a stronger post-COVID19 regional economy that works for everyone.”
“Bringing high-speed rail to the Pacific Northwest would bolster our economies, while contributing to our efforts to combat climate change,” said Oregon Gov. Kate Brown. “This study affirms that a regional high-speed rail system would yield an equitable and modern transportation infrastructure that benefits people, the environment, and the economy. This type of bold investment would help position our region for the future.”
“High-speed rail will shrink travel times throughout the Cascadia Corridor, providing a strong transportation core for our region,” said Microsoft President Brad Smith. “This report provides a valuable roadmap for making this international project a reality.”
An advisory committee, representing public, private and nonprofit sectors from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, provided input during the year-long analysis. The study was completed by consultant WSP USA along with IMG Rebel and EnviroIssues.
