MVT WebCam
- Written by Norm Manly, MCOC
My Buddy’s Place was buzzing early morning with eight teams preparing for the “6th Annual Meat in the Street” contest. Ray Medina, owner of My Buddy’s Place supplied each team with 100 chicken wings. All sizes of barbecues lined the street in front of Buddy’s and the aroma of barbecue soon filled the air.
At 11:30 am the doors of the Manson Grange opened to a Manson Chamber family-fun event. Inside the Grange Hall you could learn about bees and their impact on the world, youngsters could color and outside you could plant a seed in a container, take it home and watch it grow!
The 10th Annual “Soaring into Spring”, sponsored by North Shore Bible Church, in collaboration with Manson Chamber of Commerce’s “Spring Fling,” got underway at Singleton Park at 2:00 pm. Over 100 children were flying kites, shooting off rockets, enjoying popcorn and just having fun. Pastor Craig was very pleased with the turnout and said it was the best “Soaring into Spring” ever!
The Chelan Ridge Winery featured the Skiffs, a country/outlaw bluegrass band from Wenatchee starting at 2:00 and Alta Cellars highlighted Terry Buell, a local artist starting at 3:00.
Judges for the “Meat in the Street” contest started their judging at 2:15 and Ray Medina announced Tony Zuluaga’s team winner of the “Meat in the Street Cook Off” at 3:45, and the “People’s Choice” award. That makes it unanimous!
Starting at 6:30,Radiance Winery offered the tunes of Older and Wiser playing eclectic, semi-acoustic versions of songs from the 60s right up to the 90s.
Finally, if you’re a late-night person, My Buddy’s Place offered karaoke by FatKidd DJ until midnight.
If that wasn’t enough for one day, “Taste Chelan” was in full swing and offered carefully selected food and wine pairings at wineries and restaurants throughout the Lake Chelan Valley. www.lakechelanwinevalley.com/events/taste-chelan/
Topping off this remarkable day was the amazing weather enjoyed by all. We thank everyone that took part in the activities,and we will be looking forward to the 3rd Annual Spring Fling in 2023.
- Written by Chief Adam Musgrove, CCSO
At approximately 4:46 pm. on March 24th, 2022, RIVERCOM Dispatch reported receiving a call from male who advised he had left a package wrapped in a black trash bag, in a garbage can across from the Rhein Haus in the 700 Block of US Hwy 2 in Leavenworth, WA. The caller advised he had an “analog clock” attached to the package and was insinuating it was a bomb. The caller never said it was a bomb but insinuated it several times on the phone. The caller then made 2 other calls into businesses, Icicle River Brewery and The Wok About. The caller advised that he had placed a package in their businesses and for them to leave immediately.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, with the help of Chelan County Fire District 3, the Washington State Patrol, WASDOT and Chelan Roads quickly moved in and started evacuating the area. Road blocks were set up and traffic East and Westbound was diverted around Leavenworth. An incident command post was established.
The Washington State Patrol Bomb K-9 teams were called in, and two teams responded to the area from Marysville. Upon their arrival, they immediately searched the entire downtown area, sweeping all garbage cans and areas around them. They then moved in to clear Icicle River Brewery, the Wok About and the Rhein House. No suspicious packages were located. After an extensive search of the area, the decision was made to reopen the area.
At 2112 hrs. Hwy. 20 was reopened to traffic. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate this and will pursue charges when located.
- Written by Bill Bennion, Program Administration and Communications Office, Multimodal Planning and Data Division, WSDOT
Online open house, virtual public meetings coming statewide
Olympia – The approach of spring brings a new opportunity for the public to help grow and improve the state’s Highway System Plan. The Washington State Department of Transportation is hosting an online open house to gather public input on future highway system investments for the update to the plan.
The opinion poll linked in the online open house asks people to weigh-in on highway investment priorities, such as maintenance, operations, walking and bicycling.
WSDOT is also hosting seven regionally focused virtual public meetings in late March and April to discuss the Highway System Plan and answer questions.
The plan, last updated in 2007, creates a 20-year vision for preserving, maintaining, improving and operating state highways. This long-term outlook is shaped by the diversity of the people who live in Washington, which helps ensure the highway system meet the needs of people who use transit, vanpools and vehicles; people who walk, ride bikes and use wheelchairs, and people who transport goods and services around the state. The update will address major challenges, including aging infrastructure and climate change.
Highway System Plan online open house information
When: Open through Monday, May 2
Where: Online at engage.wsdot.wa.gov/highway-system-plan/
Locate a free drive-in Wi-Fi access using the Washington State Department of Commerce location finder.
Details: Participants will learn about the Highway System Plan and can use the opinion poll to share their preferences on future highway system investments. The poll is hosted by the University of Washington.
Virtual public meeting information
When: March 29 - April 14
Where: Zoom (virtual)
Details: The public can sign up for a virtual public meeting through the online open house to learn more about the highway plan. Each of the seven meetings focuses on a specific region of Washington, however anyone can participate in any meeting.
- Written by Eddy Hensley, state unpiloted systems coordinator, WSDOT
OLYMPIA – Drone usage is on the rise for both personal and commercial use. Beginning April 1, people or businesses using drones for commercial purposes will need to start registering their drone with the Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division.
In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill directing the WSDOT Aviation Division to create and manage a commercial drone registration program. Commercial drone operators must register unmanned aircraft every year beginning in April 2022.
The $15 drone registration fee will support WSDOT Aviation’s work to assess and collaboratively work on integration of emerging technologies.
Steps on how to register commercial drones can be found on the Aviation Division’s website.
For any questions regarding drone registration, contact State Unpiloted Systems Coordinator Eddy Hensley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT communications
Plan ahead to avoid the rush and possible fines
OLYMPIA – The arrival of spring brings a reminder to drivers in Washington to remove studded tires before the end of the day Thursday, March 31. By planning ahead, drivers can beat the rush at tire service shops and avoid a potential fine of $136, starting Friday, April 1.
Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31. The Washington State Department of Transportation encourages drivers to remove studded tires prior to the deadline, if possible. Studded tires damage pavement, so removing them promptly after winter has passed helps preserve state roadways.
State law gives WSDOT the authority to extend the deadline when circumstances call for it, most commonly when a forecast indicates widespread snow and ice. While late season storms are possible in the mountain passes, there are no forecasted statewide conditions that would call for an extension of the deadline. For mountain travel, WSDOT recommends drivers use approved traction tires and carry chains, if necessary.
Travelers are always advised to “know before you go” by checking road conditions before heading out and staying up-to-date on changes by using WSDOT’s social media and email alert tools or calling the 5-1-1 road conditions report.
Washington and Oregon share the same studded tire removal deadline. Other states may have different studded tire removal dates, but the Washington law applies to all drivers in the state, even visitors. No personal exemptions or waivers are issued.
More information about studded tire regulations in Washington is available online.
- Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR
PUBLIC NOTICE
Chelan Fire and Rescue Board of Commissioners have canceled the Special Meeting scheduled for Monday, March 21, 2022.
Commissioners meeting agenda for March 17, 2022
- Written by Sarah Deenik, Communications Coordinator/Finance Specialist, Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority
Rory Turner, Commissioner representing Port of Chelan County District #3 and Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority Board Member, is announcing his intention to resign effective April 30, 2022.
Commissioner Turner was elected in November 2015 and has served on the Chelan County Port Commission since January 2016. “When I filed for re-election last May, it was my hope to serve another term on the Board. However, as a partner in several businesses and the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, my full-time focus is needed to help transition these businesses into a new operating environment. Regretfully, I cannot dedicate the time necessary to continue serving on the Regional Port Board,” explained Commissioner Turner.
One of Commissioner Turner’s lasting impacts will be his support and leadership in the formation of the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority in 2019. Commissioner Turner supported a regional approach to economic development. The Regional Port is the first of its kind in the State of Washington when Port of Chelan County and Port of Douglas County, two county-wide port districts functionally consolidated into one operating entity. The Regional Port gained statewide attention, and the Washington Public Ports Association named the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority the “2021 Port of the Year” for its political leadership in forming a Regional Port.
Commissioner Turner’s tenure as a Port of Chelan County Commissioner, and now as a Regional Port Board Member, has resulted in both organizations being very active in regional economic development projects. The Port of Chelan County purchased the former Lineage Properties in downtown Wenatchee and will soon reveal an adaptive reuse plan for the properties that will focus on providing small businesses with access to reasonably priced production space. The Port also purchased industrially zoned property in Malaga and is working on a promising economic development lead that could result in a significant new private sector investment in Chelan County.
One of the many positive outcomes of the Regional Port is a renewed focus on critical infrastructure investments at Pangborn Memorial Airport. The Regional Port is investing in a new approach lighting system that will improve commercial air service reliability in the winter months. In addition, reconstruction projects for the terminal building aviation ramp and the main taxiway system are underway. In total, approximately thirty million dollars in projects will be completed within the next two years.
Regional Port President and Port of Chelan County Commissioner District #2, JC Baldwin said, “Commissioner Turner has been an excellent Board Member and his knowledge of real estate development will be missed. His positive outlook and business background allowed the Regional Port to make smart strategic investments.”
Commissioner Turner commented “While I have mixed emotions regarding my resignation, it is tempered with the knowledge that the Regional Port Board is strong and actively engaged in setting policy that benefits our communities. I would also like to recognize the Regional Port staff. It has been an honor to work alongside talented, hardworking individuals that believe the Regional Port can make a difference in enhancing the economic vitality of the region.” While stepping down from the Regional Port Board, Commissioner Turner plans on staying actively engaged in community affairs and remains optimistic about our region’s economic potential.
In closing Commissioner Turner commented, “I would like to express my humble appreciation to the Citizens of Chelan County for entrusting me to serve as a Port Commissioner and Regional Board Member. It has been an honor.”
The Regional Port will begin the process of appointing a new Port of Chelan County District #3 Commissioner. The position will be publicly advertised, and the Board will soon approve a timeline and process for appointing a new Commissioner. Port of Chelan County District #3 encompasses the communities of Chelan, Manson, Entiat and the North portion of the City of Wenatchee. The appointed person will serve until the November 2023 election.
On March 12, 2022 at about 11:00 PM Douglas County Deputies were advised of a 911 hangup call in the 2500 block of SR 28.
When Deputies arrived, they found a male in his 20’s from the Wenatchee area had been stabbed multiple times in the abdomen.
The suspect identified as Miguel Angel Lopez-Montes Jr., a 34 year old Ephrata man, had fled the scene on foot prior to Law Enforcement’s arrival. It was learned the suspect was injured and bleeding when he fled.
Deputies had the area medical facilities advised and requested notification if he attempted medical attention for his injuries. At about 1:30 AM Deputies were notified the suspect was at the Quincy hospital. Quincy PD Officers were requested to contact and detain the suspect.
Miguel Angel Lopez-Montez Jr. was arrested and booked into Chelan County Jail for Assault in the 1st degree and Felony threats to kill, without incident.
The victim is in critical condition at Central Washington Hospital.
- Written by Chief Chris Foreman, Columbia River Drug Task Force Commander
On March 11th, 2022 at around 2:05 pm, Rivercom received a report of a non-injury accident at the intersection of US 2 and Easy Street in Wenatchee, WA.
The suspect vehicle, a black Dodge Dakota, fled the collision Westbound on US 2.
Multiple callers reported the vehicle driving erratically on US 2 at speeds estimated to be over one hundred miles an hour.
A Chelan County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted the vehicle in Dryden, WA westbound on US 2 at a high rate of speed and continuing to drive erratically.
The Deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and the vehicle fled, passing other vehicles on the shoulder and forcing vehicles off the road.
The Deputy terminated the pursuit.
A 2nd CCSO Deputy was traveling Eastbound from Leavenworth on US 2 and observed the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed coming towards him. The Deputy activated his emergency lights while the suspect vehicle was continuing eastbound on US 2. The suspect vehicle went around a vehicle traveling westbound and veered into the eastbound lane striking the Deputy’s patrol vehicle along the driver’s side and ultimately disabling the deputy’s vehicle.
The suspect vehicle crashed a short distance later near Prey’s Fruit Stand on US 2. The suspect fled on foot, attempting to flag down vehicles for a ride.
The suspect was contacted by CCSO deputies in the Prey’s Fruit stand parking lot and taken into custody at around 2:22 pm.
The Washington State Patrol was called out to handle the collision between the suspect vehicle and the CCSO Deputy vehicle.
The suspect is under investigation for numerous felonies to include eluding and possession of a stolen vehicle, along with DUI and Hit and Run.
The suspect is a 21 year old male from Bremerton, WA. The suspect vehicle was reported stolen out of Bremerton, WA. The deputy who was struck by the suspect vehicle was checked out at the hospital and released with minor injuries.
- Written by Chief Chris Foreman, Columbia River Drug Task Force Commander
The Mission of the Columbia River Drug Task Force is to combat illegal drug activity in our community to help promote successful and thriving communities in both Chelan and Douglas County. Along with that mission we realize there are other serious issues driven by illegal drugs that are affecting our communities as well. Current issues facing law enforcement and our communities today that we are dealing with include: violent crime involving gang members and drug dealers, rampant drug use in the homeless community, property crime to include retail theft, vehicle prowls, trafficking in stolen property, vehicle thefts, wanted felons fleeing from law enforcement, and a flood of Fentanyl pills coming into our communities resulting in more overdoses than we have ever seen.
Based on these serious problems the Columbia River Drug Task Force has combined with the Wenatchee Police Department’s Pro Act team to expand their mission and take on these issues to combat these specific crimes in Chelan and Douglas Counties. We recognize if these issues are not given the priority they deserve our community’s safety is at stake. We plan on partnering with our communities and the Chelan and Douglas County Prosecutor’s Office to work hand in hand on these issues. Our goals are to reduce crime rates, have our community members feel safe each and every day as they go about their way of life, and continue to have a reputation where Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Chelan and Douglas County are great places to raise their families and live here for generations to come.
Here are some examples of what the Columbia River Drug Task Force has accomplished to promote this expanded mission since January 1st, 2022.
12 Felony warrant arrests
3 Investigations that led to the recovery of stolen property in both Wenatchee, Chelan County, and East Wenatchee
5 illegally possessed firearms were seized
13 arrests involving simple possession or possession with intent of Fentanyl Pills
Approximately 870 Fentanyl Pills seized
