Written by Jeff Adamson, WSDOT Communications

Published: 08 December 2018

WSDOT Photo - Railraod Bridge before work

The barricades east of Othello will be removed at noon Friday

OTHELLO – Work to replace the State Route 26 bridge deck over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks east of Othello will be complete at noon on Friday, Dec. 14. After barriers are removed by contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation, traffic between Colfax and Vantage will no longer need to use the 32-mile detour for this primary route between western Washington and Washington State University in Pullman.

Between now and Dec.14, the concrete barrier rails will cure for the necessary ten days since they were poured. Specialty crews will finish curbing and guardrail work, paint temporary striping and perform deck pavement grooving before traffic flow is restored at noon.

“Safety for travelers and workers is always WSDOT’s first priority and we appreciate the support and patience from parents and WSU students who were inconvenienced.  We are also grateful for the difficult work in harsh conditions accomplished by Degerstrom crews and BNSF,” said Project Engineer Dan Lewis. “At the same time, the simple detour has proven capable of safely accommodating high traffic volumes without significant delays.”

The deck replacement project began Oct. 15 and was expected to take six weeks. The contractor, N.A. Degerstrom Inc., initially hoped to finish the $1.2 million project by Nov. 21, but the new concrete bridge deck and rails could not be poured and cured following delays due to permitting and weather.

Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director

Published: 08 December 2018

Dec. 11-12 meeting takes place in Olympia

OLYMPIA – An updated statewide transportation policy plan, Washington Transportation Plan 2040 and Beyond, ongoing transportation technology work and the first round of findings and recommendations on autonomous vehicle policy needs are on the Washington State Transportation Commission’s agenda next week in Olympia.

The meeting starts 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, and at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the Transportation Building, 310 Maple Park Ave. SE, on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.

On Tuesday morning, the commission will receive a briefing on the Road-Rail Project Final Report, which recommends to the Legislature a statewide project list for separating road and rail traffic in places where they cross at the same level.

Then, the commission will continue its information gathering on transportation technology and autonomous vehicles so that it can provide timely and insightful recommendations to the Legislature in the 2019 session. First, the commission will hear from industry leaders on truck platooning. INRIX, an international traffic data company headquartered in Kirkland, has identified corridors that can most immediately benefit from freight truck platooning, including Interstate 5 in Oregon and Washington as a prime corridor. Platooning is when trucks, operating with autonomous systems, can safety follow each other at a close distance to achieve travel and fuel efficiency and increase safety. 

On Tuesday afternoon, the commission will receive a report on the progress of the Autonomous Vehicle Work Group and its subcommittees. This briefing and discussion will frame the commission’s report to the Legislature and Governor with findings and recommendations about autonomous vehicle policy needs prior to the 2019 session.

Tuesday’s agenda concludes with an update on the Road Usage Charge (RUC) pilot project and a briefing on the Office of Financial Management’s 2018 Transportation Attainment Report. This report measures areas of improvement and challenges to be addressed in the statewide transportation system and operations.

Wednesday morning’s agenda begins with a briefing on proposed changes to broaden the scope of the Commute Trip Reduction Program, a partnership with business to encourage their workers to drive alone less often, reduce carbon emissions and keep the busiest commute routes flowing.

The commission then turns to tolling items, beginning with an update on the tolling options under consideration for the “Gateway Program,” which relies on tolling revenues to complete the SR 509 and SR 167 connections with I-5 near SeaTac and in Pierce County. Following this, there will be an update on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge financial plan, and an overview of SR 520 tolling.

The meeting concludes with commission action to adopt WTP 2040 and Beyond, the long-range statewide transportation plan that establishes policy and fiscal guidance within the context of the six transportation policy goals established in law: promoting economic vitality, mobility, safety, preservation, environmental health and stewardship. This plan is updated every four years and provides guidance for other plans and statewide investments.

The commission also will adopt its 2018 Annual Report, which contains near-term policy and fiscal recommendations for the Legislature and Governor to consider in the 2019 session.

The commission meeting is open to the public and persons wishing to speak to the commission may do so during several public comment periods throughout the two-day meeting.

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

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

Published: 06 December 2018

AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 5:30 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: October 2018
* Payroll: $151,229.06 November 1-30, 2018 Paid: 12-05-2018
* Vouchers for November General Account: Vouchers #18454 – 18468 for $9,364.65; Vouchers #18469 – 18488 for $12,907.58; Vouchers #18489 – 18499 for $10,572.16; Vouchers 18500-18507 for $4,134.80.
* Vouchers for November Capital Account: Vouchers #17081 for $697.19.
* Minutes: November 14, 2018.
Fire Chief Report:
* 2018 Budget / Emergency Response Report / Facilities/Apparatus/Equipment
◦ Deputy Chief Operations Report: Operations / Fire Prevention / Public Education / Career Staff
◦ Assistance Chief of Volunteer Services: Volunteer Recruitment and Training / Volunteer Staff / Explores/Junior Firefighters
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
* Ladder 71
* Assistant to Firefighters Grant - SCBA
* Rescue Boat
New Business:
* 2019 Shift Staffing
* Hiring Process – Administrative Assistant
* Long Range Planning - Schedule Meeting
* Resolution 2018-07 – Commissioner Compensation Increase
* Change Board of Commissioner Meetings date and time
* Appoint Chairman of the Board and Secretary for 2019
Special Event:
* 12/18/2018, CFR Holiday Social - Station 71, 6-9
Board for Volunteer Firefighters
* Invoices & Accident Report
Commissioner Comments: No action to be taken.
Executive Session:
Adjournment:

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 06 December 2018

Manson High School Robotics Club competed in their first competition on December 1, 2018 at Central Washington University. Students who attended were Cole Cochran, Jonathan Sarmiento, Cara Hutton, Zoe Thomas and Grant Torgesen. Students competed in the skills challenge where they earned  1^st Place for their autonomous and driver control skills. 

Students also competed in the brackets challenge and earned 9th Place out of 16 teams who competed. This is the first year for Robotics Club and students are off to a great start!

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 06 December 2018

Cara Hutton, freshman at Manson High School was invited to speak at a kick-off of Computer Science Education Week in Seattle at the Microsoft offices. 

Miriam Brady, TEALS Rural and Distance manager was impressed with Cara’s enthusiasm and her computer science experience that she observed while on a visit to Manson High School. 

Cara was one of three students chosen to speak at the event. 

Below is a video link that shares this great event.

Link to code.org page: https://www.youtube.com/user/CodeOrg/featured

Written by Herb Sargo

Published: 05 December 2018

A Great Way to support the Orchard!

Looking for a stocking stuffer, a special gift to commemorate a memory or loved one, or to create a sense of caring and nurturing in a young person? Consider giving an adopted tree at the Buckner Orchard for 2019.

If the Buckner Orchard is going to continue as the treasure we know it to be, it must have caretakers now, as well as long into the future. What better way to ensure that future than by giving a child a gift of a tree!

The response of children who received trees is touching. They picked out their trees, wanting "to grow up" with a younger tree, pulling weeds, placing mouse guards, and running water to "their tree". They have become attached to "their" tree and now have a wonderful opportunity to care and help nurture a living thing for many years to come.

TREES ARE NOT JUST FOR CHILDREN!. Maybe you know someone who doesn't get to Stehekin often enough, who has a special memory of the Orchard, or you just want to support the work of the Foundation in caring for the Orchard? The adoption of trees also raises awareness of the Orchard and its care. 

Adopt-A-Tree is one way in which you can support the work of the Foundation in caring for the Buckner Orchard.  With your support much can be done to protect and conserve the heritage of this national treasure, and to continue its place as an important part of the Stehekin Community.

Adopt a tree for yourself and be a part of the Buckner Orchard!

Adopt-A-Tree funds are used exclusively to support the care and maintenance of the Buckner Orchard and are tax deductible.

HOW TO ADOPT A TREE

Step 1. E-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ensure a certificate arrives in time, providing the first and last name of the person the gift is being given to, as well as the address to which you would like it sent.  Be sure to include your e-mail address; this saves the Foundation both time and money in getting the receipt to you.

A personal message may be included on the certificate, such as, With love and fond memories, from Aunt Cinda and Uncle Jim.  You choose the one-line wording.

Step  2. Mail a check (@$25.00 per tree) to the Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation,  PO Box 184, Manson, WA 98831. Because some may be given as Christmas gifts, a certificate will be mailed immediately, trusting that the appropriate payment will be forthcoming.

Certificates can also be sent to you in PDF format via e-mail, ready to print from your computer, name of the recipient included.  Let us know your preference.

RENEWALS

This is also a great time to renew trees adopted during previous years. Please let us know if a new certificate is needed and follow the directions above.

Adopt-A-Tree is one of three means by which the Foundation raises funds to support the Orchard and Homestead. The other two are memberships and donations. Please help us today and give a gift of love and caring.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web site:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created specifically to support and preserve the Buckner Homestead and Orchard in Stehekin, Washington,

and is registered as such with the State of Washington and the IRS

(Tax ID #452913458)

Written by Sergeant Kent Sisson, CCSO

Published: 04 December 2018

Funeral services to celebrate and honor the life of Sergeant Leandro Jasso will be held Sunday, December 9th at 11 a.m. at Cascade High School in Leavenworth. Motorist should expect delays as the funeral procession makes it way from East Wenatchee to Leavenworth Sunday morning.

The procession will depart Heritage Memorial Chapel in East Wenatchee at 9:30 a.m., head north on Valley Mall Parkway to Sunset Hwy, North on Sunset Hwy, and then east on State Highway 2 to Leavenworth. Intersections along the route will be temporarily closed as the procession passes through. Motorists should plan ahead and expect delays if they are traveling in the area.

If the public would like to show their respect to Sergeant Jasso and his family, the recommended viewing areas are Valley Mall Parkway in East Wenatchee and along Highway 2 from Riverbend Drive to the Chumstick Hwy in Leavenworth.

The funeral procession is being managed by local law enforcement and fire agencies from Chelan and Douglas Counties.

Written by Deputy Rich Magnussen, CCSO

Published: 29 November 2018

Photo by Unknown - https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=At4DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA359Photograph and article appeared in Popular Mechanics of March 1911, no author or photographer listed., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11767459

WENATCHEE, WA – The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Lake Wenatchee Recreation Club, is offering a free Snowmobile Safety Certification Class to young snowmobilers in December.

The free class is designed for youth ages 12 to 16 but is open to new riders of all ages. The class is scheduled for Saturday, December 8th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lake Wenatchee Recreation Club, 14400 Chiwawa Loop Rd, Leavenworth, WA.  Lunch will be provided for the participants by the Lake Wenatchee Rec. Club.

The key to safe snowmobiling lies in the operator’s knowledge, capabilities, limitations and understanding of the machine. It is recommended that snowmobilers be aware of weather and trail conditions and the safety of other winter sports enthusiasts, while respecting wildlife and the environment. The snowmobile safety course training includes:

• Basic snowmobile maintenance.
• Survival skills and dealing with emergencies, including avalanche awareness.
• The proper clothing and equipment for winter weather.
• Hand signals while riding and other basic skills.
• Properly preparing for a ride.
• Riding skills test.

Registration deadline is December 6th. A parent or guardian will need to sign a consent form for each child registered and sign them out at the conclusion of the class. For more information or to register, contact Deputy Rich Magnussen with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office at (509) 667-6508 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Written by Jeff Adamson, WSDOT Communications

Published: 29 November 2018

DIABLO – Get the holiday decorations ready – the snowy season has arrived, at least in the mountains. Enough snow has fallen in the North Cascades that avalanche chutes are full and, for traveler safety, the 37-mile seasonal stretch of State Route 20 will close at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28.

 The Washington State Department of Transportation will swing the North Cascade Highway gates closed at milepost 134 near Diablo and milepost 171 near Mazama. This section will remain closed until sometime in 2019 when the snow stops falling and melts enough to make it safe for maintenance crews to plow the road.

 Winter access

Snowshoers, cross-country skiers, fat-tire bikers or snowmobilers can access the closed area throughout the winter. Parking is available near each closed gate. Anyone choosing to use the area should know the conditions, including avalanche risks, watch the forecast and bring proper gear.

 Later this winter, once there is significant snowfall, adventurers should plan for the gate closures to expand on both ends of the North Cascades Highway. In the Diablo area it will move back to milepost 130, on or after Jan. 2, 2019. The closure in Mazama will move back to milepost 178 once snow is too deep for snow blowers. Extending the closure area when the snow gets heavier and deeper saves money and resources. There will still be parking available at both closure locations.

 Highway history 

WSDOT opened the final section of SR 20/North Cascades Highway in 1972. Each year crews close it to vehicles for the winter due to the snow in the 27 avalanche chutes that loom above the highway. That closure usually happens in November or December. However, in previous years the highway has closed as early as October. The latest closing was Jan. 3, 1990 and in 1976-77 the highway remained open all winter due to the lack of snow.

 Spring 2019 reopening

Avalanche experts will assess conditions in the spring. When it is safe, WSDOT will move snow blowers, plows and loaders to the area to start clearing snow, removing winter debris and replacing damaged guardrail and signs. That clearing process usually takes about eight weeks.