Over the weekend, Chelan County Sheriffs Office demonstrated the full scope of their training and commitment, seamlessly balancing routine law enforcement duties with complex search and rescue operations.
On April 19, the office assisted a group of hikers on Sauer Mountain Trail after a visitor sustained a serious knee laceration during their descent. Responding directly to the scene, a deputy accessed the injured hiker via a nearby forest service road, provided immediate first aid, and coordinated with fire personnel for safe transport. The individual later received medical treatment and is expected to recover.
Later that evening, the office responded to a 911 text from a lost hiking party near Colchuck Lake that included both adults and children. Using location data provided through emergency communications, a deputy navigated challenging nighttime terrain, located the group after several hours, and guided them safely to safety.
These incidents underscore the versatility, preparedness, and professionalism of the Sheriff’s Office. Capable of addressing everyday public safety needs while rapidly transitioning to coordinated search and rescue efforts when the situation demands.
As always, preparation remains critical when exploring local trails. Visitors are encouraged to carry sufficient supplies, plan for changing conditions, and allow adequate time to complete their outings safely.
County Deputies remain dedicated to fostering “a community where safety, justice, and security are ensured for all through unwavering commitment to service.”
Program will soon add cameras and increase fines from $0 to $125 for first infraction
OLYMPIA – An important safety tool for the Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Patrol is showing encouraging results after a year of making the roadways safer for everyone. The Work Zone Speed Camera Program began enforcement on April 16, 2025, on Interstate 5 near Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The program started with one camera and expanded to six, which have been used in more than 675 deployments at 46 job sites.
Early data from work zones where the camera conducted frequent enforcement shows an overall reduction in speeding. For example, on I-5 near JBLM, more than 60% of drivers were speeding through the work zone before cameras were deployed. The percentage dropped to as low as 30% during enforcement.
The cameras were also used to help the I-405/Brickyard to SR 527 Improvement Project during work on State Route 522. Speeds dropped during enforcement. In the months after deployments stopped, the construction project saw a more than 20% reduction in the number of vehicles speeding through that part of the work zone.
The objective of the Work Zone Speed Camera Program is to reduce speeding in active road construction, maintenance and emergency zones. Since the program began, troopers issued 65,000 infractions, of which 59,000 were first-time infractions that do not carry a financial penalty. The program's goal is not to make money; its focus remains on changing driver behavior.
A WSP trooper reviews the images and data from the camera for every potential infraction. If a trooper determines a violation was committed, a notice of infraction is mailed to the vehicle's registered owner within 30 days. The cameras only record speeding vehicles when work crews are present at a job site.
“So far, nearly 9% of the infractions we see are repeat offenders,” Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste explained. “That’s close to 6,000 people who have not only received the fine, but who hopefully have heard the message – SLOW DOWN in our work zones, it will save lives.”
Flexible and mobile enforcement
The trailer-mounted camera photographs vehicles speeding through active work zones. The camera locations stretched from rural Clallam County to the busiest parts of Interstates 5 and 90. This safety tool protects workers and the traveling public by encouraging drivers to follow work zone speed limits to reduce speed-related crashes.
Program expansion
The second year of the program will bring additional cameras, with up to 15 in operation by 2027 and expansion to eastern Washington. It will also have steeper penalties. Last year, the Legislature changed the penalties and beginning July 1, 2026, the first infraction will cost $125. The second and all subsequent infractions remain $248.
Dangerous conditions
According to preliminary statistics, the total number of work-zone-related crashes was 1,557 in 2025, a slight decrease from the year before. There was an increase in fatal collisions, from seven in 2024 to nine in 2025.
In 2025, the top three causes for work zone crashes in Washington were following too closely, speeding and distracted driving – all of which are preventable. April also begins WSDOT’s month-long work zone safety campaign which includes National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20-24).
“Slow down when you see a work zone— every person in a vest is there doing a job, and they deserve to finish it and go home safely,” Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith explained. “Protect them the way you’d want someone to protect you and your loved ones.”
Program and enforcement details
When someone receives a notice of infraction, they’re directed to the program’s website to acknowledge and potentially pay for the violation. The infractions are recorded as non-moving violations and do not affect driving records or insurance. Unpaid fines will be added to vehicle registration renewals.
Parking lot, restroom will also be closed
SOAP LAKE – April 16, 2026 – The Dry Falls Visitor Center on State Route 17 near Coulee City, including the restrooms, parking lot and scenic overlook, will be closing for major renovations on April 20.
The closest year-round restrooms are in Coulee City, Soap Lake and at Sun Lakes State Park three miles away.
What visitors should know
Dry Falls Visitor Center, which turned 60 this year, is getting a much-needed upgrade, including replacement of original infrastructure and features. This will improve public safety, accessibility and visitor experience. The center is expected to reopen next summer.
Key improvements include:
Alternative activities
While the Dry Falls Visitor Center is closed, neighboring Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park will stay open for camping and recreation.
The geological wonder of Dry Falls, once a 3.5-mile-wide, 400-foot-tall waterfall that rivaled Niagra Falls, can be seen from spots at Sun Lakes.
State Parks staff will host educational programs at Potholes, Sun Lakes and Steamboat Rock this spring and summer.
Ice Age Flood enthusiasts can see Ice-Age-Flood-carved channeled scabland landscapes on the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail at:
When planning a trip to the area, visitors are encouraged to check the Dry Falls Visitor Center's project webpage for updates on the renovation schedule and Calendar of Events for alternative program offerings.
On April 4, 2026, at approximately 1907 hrs, deputies responded to a reported trespassing incident at an apartment complex located at 240 E. Johnson Avenue Chelan, WA. The reporting party (RP) called 911 stating that an unknown male was outside her apartment, pounding on the door, attempting to manipulate the handle, and yelling threatening statements.
A deputy already in the area arrived on scene within minutes. Based on the report that a male was actively attempting to gain entry into an occupied apartment, the deputy made entry into the building to locate the suspect and ensure the safety of the occupants. Upon checking the interior hallway, the deputy contacted a male matching the suspect’s description exiting another apartment.
The individual, later identified as Alejandro Morales-Gonzales, was observed holding a metal object. The deputy issued verbal commands in Spanish, and Alejandro initially complied. However, when the deputy attempted to detain him, Alejandro became combative, resisting efforts to be restrained and physically assaulting the deputy by striking him in the face. The deputy used control techniques to bring Alejandro to the ground while continuing to give commands for him to stop resisting.
An assisting deputy arrived shortly thereafter, and together they were able to place Alejandro in wrist restraints despite continued resistance. Medics responded to the scene to evaluate Alejandro, who was later transported to a local hospital for further medical evaluation. The deputy declined medical treatment.
Further investigation revealed that Alejandro had recently been removed from another apartment in the complex following a domestic dispute and no longer had permission to be on the property. Evidence collected at the scene also indicated possible drug involvement.
Based on the investigation, probable cause was established to arrest Alejandro for the following offenses:
• Attempted Residential Burglary in the Second Degree (RCW 9A.52.030)
• Assault in the Third Degree (RCW 9A.36.031)
• Resisting Arrest (RCW 9A.76.040)
This incident remains under investigation.
Regular Board Meeting: April 9, 2026 at 4:00pm
In person: Bumgarner Meeting Room, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA 98831
-or-
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86070864942?pwd=Hz40w3j2NpYgYUvyZscBtnhes8QL1X.1
Meeting ID: 860 7086 4942
Passcode: 757286
-or-
Phone: 1-253-205-0468, Meeting ID: 860 7086 4942, Passcode: 757286
1. Call to Order
2. Flag salute
3. Agenda additions and deletions
4. Public comment
5. Review and approval of minutes (Action Item)
a. March 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
6. Financial review
a. Monthly financial report
b. Review and approval of monthly voucher (Action Item)
7. New business
a. New hire approval
8. Old business
a. Chelanathon
b. 2028-2032 Comprehensive Plan & PRA grant
c. Project updates:
i. Old Swim Hole redevelopment
1. Informal Solicitation for Personal Services through MRSC Rosters
ii. Leffler Field
iii. Manson Bay Marina breakwater
iv. Old Mill T-dock replacement
v. Old Mill Irrigation
9. Director’s Report
10. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: 4:00pm on May 14, 2026 at 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA, 98831.
WE-Bike returns with more funding and an easier application process
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation is relaunching the state’s WE-Bike e-bike rebate program on March 30 to help even more travelers get rolling with active transportation.
People living in Washington ages 16 and up may apply for rebates any time between March 30, 2026, and March 29, 2027, through an upcoming application portal. The program will randomly select applicants monthly starting April 13. Applicants only need to submit one application to be considered for the monthly selections.
Rebates alone will likely not fully cover e-bike purchases. Recipients can reduce the overall cost of e-bike purchases at participating bike shops by $300 or $1,200, depending on income eligibility. They can put rebates toward qualifying models of all three classes of e-bike.
Successful WE-Bike launch in 2025
This second, longer WE-Bike rebate application round builds on the success of the 2025 pilot program.
Feedback from the pilot round confirmed rebates motivated people to buy e-bikes they couldn’t or wouldn’t have otherwise, especially people in lower-income households. Nearly half of rebate recipients surveyed said they used e-bikes to travel to new destinations. In all, WE-Bike offered 6,861 out of 37,751 applicants from all 39 Washington counties the opportunity to use rebates.
The Washington State Legislature first funded the WE-Bike program with $5 million in the 2023-2025 biennium to make e-bikes more affordable for people living in the state. In its 2025-2026 session, the Legislature renewed the program while increasing funding, appropriating $7 million for WE-Bike to spend in the 2025-2027 biennium.
"We’re proud to deliver the WE-Bike program and excited for communities statewide to benefit from it,” said Kerri Woehler, WSDOT assistant secretary for Multimodal Development and Delivery. “WSDOT is building a transportation system that works just as well for people driving as it does for people walking, biking and rolling. As we expand Washington’s network of bike routes, WE-Bike makes it possible for more neighbors to take advantage of a convenient, healthy form of transportation.”
WSDOT and its contractor will finalize program logistics over the next few weeks. This includes training staff at participating bike shops statewide on handling rebates and educating consumers, preparing customer service staff to guide people through the application process and more.
WSDOT will share more information about the program launch soon through the Active Transportation Division’s Walk & Roll Newsletter, a dedicated e-bike program listserv and the agency's program webpage.
Indecent Exposure, Criminal Trespass Arrest Made:
On 3/17/26, Chelan County Deputies were dispatched to a Lewd Conduct call in the area of E. Trow Ave. and S. Navarre St. in Chelan WA. The juvenile victims alleged that an adult male had exposed himself to the juveniles while sitting in his vehicle. The victims provided a description of the adult male and his vehicle.
Through a follow-up investigation by deputies, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the 300 block of Woodin Ave. in Chelan. The male suspect was known to deputies through past contacts and was identified as, Isai I. Suarez-Sanchez, a 23 year old male from Chelan, WA.
Isai was known to live in a nearby residence to where the vehicle was parked.
Probable cause existed to arrest Isai and contact was made with him at his residence and he was taken into custody.
Isai was transported and booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center for violations of Indecent Exposure to a person under 14 years of age and for Criminal Trespass 2nd degree.
Spring is right around the corner and that means it’s time to get ready for one of Manson’s most exciting spring sporting events - Shake & Bake on the Lake Pickleball Tournament!
Players from across the region will gather for a weekend of great competition, fun, and community on the courts. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just love the thrill of tournament play this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy pickleball in the stunning Lake Chelan Valley.
Early Registration Ends March 15th
Now is the perfect time to secure your spot and take advantage of early registration before prices increase.
Tournament Highlights
• Competitive divisions for multiple skill levels
• Prize money opportunities
• Play at the scenic Wapato Point courts on the north shore of Lake Chelan
• A fun and welcoming atmosphere for players and spectators
Grab your partner, register your team, and get ready to have fun out on the courts! We can’t wait to see you in Manson for a fantastic weekend of pickleball, sunshine, and community!
On March 7, 2026, at approximately 1506 hrs, emergency responders were dispatched to the Tripp Canyon area after receiving a 911 call regarding a medical emergency involving a dirt bike rider on a steep hillside.
A 42-year-old Monitor man had been riding dirt bikes in the area with his sons. While assisting his 14-year-old son in repositioning a bike on the hillside, the man reportedly became dizzy and fell. According to his son, he briefly lost consciousness before regaining awareness. The teen immediately called 911 and was able to direct rescuers to their location.
Responders determined the pair were approximately 300 feet up a very steep hillside, creating challenging access conditions for emergency personnel. Medics on scene evaluated the patient and determined he was likely experiencing a heart-related medical issue.
Due to the difficult terrain, the deputy on scene, Deputy McLeod, requested assistance from regional rope rescue teams (Wenatchee Valley Fire and Chelan County Sheriff’s Office). Fire personnel responded and worked alongside ambulance crews (Ballard Ambulance) and additional fire resources (Cashmere Fire) to safely lower the patient down the hillside. Once at the base, he was transported by UTV to a waiting ambulance and then taken to Central Washington Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
This incident highlights the professionalism and coordination between multiple emergency response agencies. Through teamwork and effective communication, responders were able to safely reach the patient and ensure he received prompt medical care. The Sheriff’s Office would also like to recognize the quick actions of the man’s son, whose calm response and clear directions to dispatch helped responders locate the scene quickly.
This rescue serves as a strong example of cooperating agencies working together to benefit and protect the citizens they serve.
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