Written by Carlye Baity, Clerk of the Board/Public Records Coordinator, Chelan County Commissioners

Published: 21 March 2020

Due to many of the offices limiting in-person contact the County will now go to a single point entry for both the Law and Justice Building as well as the Courthouse. Public Restrooms in County buildings will have rotating closures due to increased sanitizing efforts.

Both the Treasurer’s Office and the Noxious Weed Department will go to close to in-person interaction as of Monday, March 23rd. Please check our website www.co.chelan.wa.us to get up-to-date contact information for our offices.

Current face-to-face closures include:

Sheriff’s Office

Human Resources

Public Works

District Court Probation

Auditor’s Office

Starting Monday March 23rd

Chelan County Assessor

Chelan County Community Development

Noxious Weed

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

Published: 21 March 2020

The Special Meeting scheduled for 03-23-2020 starting at 9:00 a.m. has been cancelled.

The regular meeting scheduled for 03-23-2020 starting at 1:00 p.m. is still in effect.

Agenda 03-23-2020 Regular Meeting at 1:00 p.m.

Due to the COVID19 restrictions set upon all social distancing the board is conducting the meeting via phone conference. 

The public will have access to listen in.

Access codes are as follows:

Conference Call Dial-in: 1-623-600-3762

Conference Code:  284213

Call to Order at 1:00 p.m.:   Commissioner Moller, Chair

New Business:

• Resolution 2020-05 Continuation of Government in the event of a disaster 

Adjournment:

Written by Ann Briggs, WSDOT communications

Published: 21 March 2020

OLYMPIA – The arrival of spring typically means drivers in Washington have until March 31 to remove studded tires. However, this year the Washington State Department of Transportation is extending the deadline to Thursday, April 30, due to COVID-19 virus concerns and in support of Gov. Jay Inslee’s guidance to help reduce the spread of the virus by limiting social interactions.

“Washington is experiencing some extraordinary challenges with COVID-19 right now and we recognize this is not a time for ‘business as usual,’” said WSDOT Maintenance Operations Branch Manager James Morin. “People are dealing with a lot of concerns – trying to get tires changed by the end of the month doesn’t need to be one of them.” 

Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31. State law gives WSDOT authority to extend the deadline when circumstances call for it, most commonly when a forecast indicates widespread snow and ice. Currently many employers, including tire removal services, are sending employees home to help stop the spread of the virus, so people’s ability to meet the deadline could be difficult.

Because the COVID-19 event is rapidly changing, WSDOT will re-evaluate the situation near the end of the extension period. If no new extensions are granted at that time, the April 30 deadline means that starting at midnight on Friday, May 1, drivers with studded tires face a $136 fine.

WSDOT 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. Tire removal services can get crowded near the removal deadline, so please plan accordingly.

Crews continue to monitor roads, passes and forecasts, and work to quickly clear any late season snow or ice. 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.

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 Janice Stewart

Published: 19 March 2020

Food- Childcare and more (PDF)

Lunch Delivery Locations and Times (PDF)

Written by Jordyn Giulio, Risk Manager, Douglas County

Published: 19 March 2020

On March 17, 2020 the Douglas County Board of Commissioners have passed Resolution No. CE 20-14, Emergency Proclamation, in response to the potential COVID-19 situation in Douglas County.

On March 17, 2020 the Douglas County Board of Commissioners have passed Resolution No. CE 20-14, Emergency Proclamation, in response to the potential COVID-19 situation in Douglas County.The health, safety, and welfare of our community is Douglas County’s top priority. This resolution will allow efficient response to any COVID-19 threats as they emerge and will further ensure the ability to prepare for any developments in the coming weeks and months. This situation remains fluid and changes may occur rapidly.

To further the recommendations issued by the Chelan Douglas Health District, Centers for Disease Control, and the State of Washington, the Douglas County Commissioners have signed Resolution No. CE 20-16, restricting public access to all Douglas County facilities, effective March 19, 2020. Public access will be limited to Court hearings/other court dates or by appointment with other County offices. Douglas County is committed to providing public services and will continue to operate via email, phone, and other electronic means during this time. Attached is a resource sheet with information regarding whom to contact to discuss scheduling of appointments to meet in-person with County staff.

Douglas County is not closing or slowing any government processes. These operational changes will only serve to protect the community and those who serve it. We believe that instituting precautionary measures will strengthen our ability to add value to our constituents. All departments are fully staffed to respond to inquiries via telephone, email, or other portals available.

Additionally, per Resolution CE 20-15, all Board of Commissioner’s meeting sessions will be moved temporarily from the Courthouse in Waterville and will now be held at the Public Services Building, 140 19th NW, East Wenatchee WA. This change will take place effective immediately and will remain in place for the duration of the emergency.

The County has undertaken a number of proactive measures in response to COVID-19. Facilities maintenance has instituted increased building protocols, physical contact has been curtailed, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) have been provided, and mail handling has been altered.

For additional information regarding COVID-19 and resources available to the community, please see the following sources:

 The Chelan Douglas Health District: https://cdhd.wa.gov/

 The Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

 For information regarding disaster relief for businesses - Small Business Administration https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

 For tax relief information: https://dor.wa.gov/about/2019-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-covid-19-update

 Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus;

 Information about Health Care Coverage for impacted workers: https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/Homepage.html & https://www.hca.wa.gov/health-care-services-supports/apple-health-medicaid-coverage;

 Information for impacted workers and employers - Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus

Additional documents:

Resolution No. CE 20-14B

Resolution No. CE 20-16

Written by Carlye Baity, Clerk of the Board/Public Records Coordinator, Chelan County Commissioners

Published: 18 March 2020

Chelan County is operating under its various departmental emergency plans. We are encouraging the use of our on-line resources rather than in-person services. Several of our offices are closed to face-to-face interaction.

Before venturing out to a County Office, please check our website www.co.chelan.wa.us to see if the service you desire is being affected.

Though an office may be closed to face-to-face contact services are available by phone or email. Contact information is available through our website.

Current face-to-face closures include:

Sheriff’s Office

Human Resources

Public Works

District Court Probation

Starting Monday March 23rd

Chelan County Assessor

Chelan County Community Development

Written by Jason Reinfeld, Chief of Special Operations, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office

Published: 18 March 2020

Sheriff Brian Burnett reports on March 17th, 2020 at approximately 9:30 human remains were discovered in a ravine off of Horselake Road. A group was walking in the area when one of their dogs discovered part of the remains. They reported the discovery and Deputies responded. Soon after, the remainder of the body was located.

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Detectives responded to the scene to begin the investigation. Washington State Patrol’s Crime Scene Response Team were called in to assist and were processing the scene into the evening.

This morning, the Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue group and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Officers will be conducting an evidence search in the area coordinated by CCSO Detectives.

The identity and gender has not been confirmed yet. An autopsy will be conducted by the end of this week

Written by Carlye Baity, Clerk of the Board/Public Records Coordinator, Chelan County Commissioners

Published: 18 March 2020

The Chelan County Board of Commissioners are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Director for the Chelan County Regional Justice Center.

Chief Christopher Sharp has been selected to succeed Interim Director Bill Larson. Chief Sharp will officially take over the Director position on April 1, 2020.

Having served Chelan County citizens for 20 years, first as a Corrections Officer, then promoting to Corporal, Sergeant and finally Chief in January 2019, Sharp has all of the skills needed to successfully move into his new role. He possesses strong skills in communication, organizational development and leadership.

We are looking forward to a seamless transition.

Written by Jonnie Crossland, Social Media & PR Coordinator, 12 Tribes Colville Casinos

Published: 18 March 2020

OMAK, WASH. MARCH 17, 2020 - After much consideration and out of concern for the safety and health of customers, employees and the community, 12 Tribes Colville Casinos has made the necessary decision to temporarily close all three casino properties (12 Tribes Resort Casino in Omak, 12 Tribes Mill Bay Casino in Manson, and 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino in Coulee Dam).

The closure will take effect at 5PM on March 17, 2020 and will last through April 1, 2020, in accordance with the guidance and practice of the State of Washington.

“The Colville Tribal Federal Corporation’s primary mission is to serve and enrich our communities,” said Colville Tribal Federal Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Kary Nichols. “The health and wellbeing of our team members and our patrons, as well as the larger communities in which we work, is paramount to that mission.”

12 Tribes Colville Casinos have followed guidelines set by the CDC and local health authorities amid concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak and have worked with Tribal health authorities to take appropriate action regarding the spread of COVID-19.

“Despite dedicating additional resources for sanitation efforts and limiting certain aspects of our operations, it is apparent that the correct response to this public health crisis is to do our part in slowing its progression,” said Nichols.

Updates will be made available on 12 Tribes Colville Casino’s website at www.colvillecasinos.com.