Written by Pete Palmer, Land Use/Shoreline Administrator

Published: 20 May 2019

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Colville Tribes Land Use Review Board will be holding a public hearing to make a ruling on the following shoreline development conditional use permits:

1. Colville Tribal Federal Corporation has submitted a land use and development permit application to develop an RV Park at their existing Casino site in Mill Bay on Tribal Tract MA-08 commonly known as 455 Wapato Lake Road, Manson, WA.

A public hearing for the above mentioned Conditional Use Permits will be conducted on Wednesday May 29, 2019, at the Colville Tribes Public Works Department located at 12 Lakes Street (Colville Indian Agency) starting at 9:30 a.m.    

Written comments will be accepted until Tuesday May 28, 2019 at 4 p.m. or comments can be made verbally at the public hearing.

All comments may be sent to Pete Palmer, Land Use/Shoreline Administrator, Public Works Department, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155 or they can be emailed to her attention at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Contact the Tribal Public Works Department at the afore-mentioned address or phone number to request a copy of the permit documents.

Written by Karla A Mendoza, Administrative Assistant, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 19 May 2019

At 6:38 AM on 5/17/19, Chelan Fire & Rescue responded to a structure fire in the 100 block of S. Robinson Street. The homeowner called 9-1-1 and reported that smoke was filling the house and that all occupants had been evacuated.

When firefighters arrived they located an older model toaster that had malfunctioned and was the cause of the smoke. It was quickly removed from the residence and firefighters cleared the smoke from the residence and turned the property back over the homeowner. Nno further damage to the residence was reported.

Chelan Fire & Rescue would like to remind everyone that even though an appliance is not in use it can malfunction and potentially become a fire hazard. It is recommended that residents unplug small appliances when not in use as an important step in reducing the risk of a fire starting in your home.

Firefighters also discovered there were outdated and non-working smoke alarms in the residence. Fire & Rescue personnel checked all other smoke alarms and replaced those that were not working.

Smoke alarms save lives by providing early warning when a fire starts. All residents are encouraged to install, test and maintain their smoke alarms.

Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT communications

Published: 19 May 2019

Use WSDOT tools, allow extra time for holiday weekend traffic

OLYMPIA – With summer-like weather already here, travelers hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend should prepare for additional traffic – especially during peak travel times.

By following these steps, travelers can plan ahead for wherever they’re headed during the three-day weekend:

• Check the Washington State Department of Transportation's best times to travel charts to help plan your trip and avoid congestion.
• Get informed about WSDOT's online tools, including the WSDOT mobile app, traffic cameras and email alerts.
• Visit online traveler information for traffic, weather and ferry schedules.
• Follow WSDOT's social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook.
• Pre-program your vehicle radio to 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio alerts.
• Call 5-1-1 for updated road conditions.
• Allow extra time for travel to avoid rushing or distraction.

Most state highway construction work is suspended through the holiday weekend – including Monday, May 27 – to ease congestion. However, please stay alert for new lane shifts or work zone staging areas that may remain in place.

Snoqualmie Pass

No lane closures or other construction is planned on Interstate 90 from Friday, May 24, until to Tuesday, May 28. However, the usual holiday increase in traffic volumes means travelers should expect delays, especially eastbound on Friday, May 24, and westbound Monday, May 27. Receive text message alerts about significant delays by texting the number 468311 with the words "WSDOT Snoqualmie."

Chinook and Cayuse passes

Both Chinook Pass, State Route 410, and Cayuse Pass, SR 123, are expected to be open in time for the Memorial Day weekend, but exact dates and other details are still being finalized. Check the Chinook and Cayuse passes webpage for updates as the holiday approaches. Both these passes close each winter due to weather and hazardous conditions.

Tolling

In the Puget Sound, weekend toll rates will be in effect on Monday, May 27, on the State Route 520 bridge. The Interstate 405 express toll lanes will be free and open to all drivers on the Monday holiday. Out-of-town travelers, including those using rental cars, can learn about toll roads and short term account options on the Good to Go! visitors page.

Travelers making a trip by ferry, train, personal aircraft or bus also should plan ahead to avoid holiday delays:

• Anticipate heavy ferry traffic for the holiday and plan accordingly. Peak travel times on most routes are expected to be westbound Thursday and Friday, May 23-24, and eastbound, Monday, May 27. Check the Washington State Ferries website, www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/, or call toll-free 888-808-7977 for details, including reservations on some routes. Customers also can bypass vehicle lines by traveling as a walk-on passenger.
• Amtrak Cascades passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early and should plan to arrive at the station one hour before departure. All Amtrak Cascades trains require reservations. Visit www.amtrakcascades.com/ or call 800–USA–RAIL for details.
• For information about traveling via state-operated airports, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/airports/Amenities.htm or call 800-552-0666.
• Check with local public transit agencies for any holiday schedule or service changes, including some Dial-A-Ride and fixed-route service that may not run on holidays

Written by Christina Crea, WSDOT Aviation Communications

Published: 19 May 2019

West tie down apron expansion starts May 28, requires no runway closures 

WINTHROP – Pilots will have access to an updated tie down area after Methow Valley State Airport gets its long-awaited apron layout expansion. Work starts May 28 with plans for new spaces to open after approximately 30 days.

Visiting pilots will not encounter any delays or runway closures while using the airport during the construction. However, pilots should still regularly check Notices to Airmen.

This update will also expand this airport’s apron into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) design standards. This expansion adds three additional parking positions designed for the critical design aircraft. There will be 54.49 foot spacing between tie down points and seven more parking positions for smaller aircraft with 34 foot spacing between tie down points. Some of the new tie downs will better accommodate aircraft with wingspans in the typical range of 30 – 38 feet.

The spacing of tie down points for smaller aircraft was one of the highlighted issues after the completion of last year’s $5 million pavement rehabilitation project at the airport. This project was originally intended to be included as part of last year’s pavement rehabilitation work, but due to availability and timing of federal funding, the apron expansion was be re-bid in Fall 2018 for construction this Spring/Summer 2019.

The contract was awarded to Wenatchee general contractor, Selland Construction, in the amount of $1.26 million.

Construction costs are split between the FAA Airport Improvement Program and Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation. The FAA is supporting 90 percent and WSDOT Aviation is supporting 10 percent of the total cost. 

Drainage system improvements with this project include a new underdrain system along the perimeter of the expanded aircraft apron. The new underdrain system will flow into existing drainage structures, infiltration ponds, or adjacent infield areas.

The project was designed by Denver based engineering firm Jviation, who will also provide construction management services during the project

Methow Valley State Airport in Winthrop is the largest of 16 WSDOT-managed airports, serving commercial aircraft that weigh up to 30,000 pounds. The airport also supports Washington’s smoke jump base, medical evacuation flights, wildland firefighting staging and more.

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 14 May 2019

Washington State Legislator Mike Steele visited Manson High School on Monday May 6th to share information about the award his family sponsors each year, the Mel Steele Memorial Award.

Mel (Mike’s Uncle) was a standout athlete and student who was killed in a tragic football injury while he was a student at Manson High School.

Each year Representative Steele visits with seniors and shares the attributes his family admired in Mel and those that Manson Staff Members look for in one senior student who is awarded the medal and scholarship.

Manson seniors thanked Representative Steele for his work in the 2019 Legislative Session and in particular for his work in securing $400,000 in funds to assist in building an Early Childhood Center on Manson’s campus.

His leadership and advocacy in the Capital Budget process is very much appreciated by Manson students, staff and families.

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

Published: 14 May 2019

AGENDA

Chelan Fire and Rescue

Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 3:00 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: April 2019

• Payroll: $131,886.35 April 1-30, 2019 Paid: 05-05-2019

• Vouchers for April 2019 General Account: Vouchers #18759 – 18776 for $12,730.93; Vouchers #18777 – 187892 for $32,340.56; Vouchers #18791 – 18800 for $7,269.11.

• Vouchers for April 2019 Capital Account: None

• Minutes: April 17, 2019

Fire Chief Report:

• 2019 Budget / Emergency Response Report / Facilities/Apparatus/Equipment

  • Deputy Chief Operations Report: Operations / Fire Prevention / Public Education / Career Staff

  • Assistant Chief of Volunteer Services: Volunteer Recruitment and Training / Volunteer Staff

Firefighters Association Report:

Unfinished Business:

• Ladder 71

• Rescue Boat

• LRP Presentation to the Public

New Business:

Special Event:

• 05-17-19-2019 WSFFA 96^th Conference – Wenatchee Convention Center

• 05-18-2019 WSFFA Banquet 6 p.m. – Volunteer Firefighter of the year award – Jonathan Mendoza

• 05-20-2019 WFC Conference – Kennewick / Chief Donnell and Chief Asher

• 05-23-2019 Memorial Day Parade

• 05-30-2019 CFR Town Hall Meeting – Chelan Senior Center 6-8

Board for Volunteer Firefighters

• Invoices

Commissioner Comments: No action to be taken.

Executive Session: None

Adjournment:

Written by Sergeant Kent Sisson, CCSO

Published: 08 May 2019

Vessel prior to boom deployment

Vessel after boom deployment

(CHELAN) - Sheriff Brian Burnett reports a partially submerged vessel on Lake Chelan initiated a “spill response” due to leaking diesel fuel Tuesday afternoon (05/07/2019). Emergency management personnel from the Sheriff’s Office were notified by State Department of Ecology (DOE) just after 4:00pm concerning a 29ft sailboat which was approximately 60% submerged along the south shore of the lake just down lake of the 25 Mile Creek USFS dock.

A DOE Spill Response Team responded from Yakima while Chelan County Emergency Management personnel responded to assess the situation and begin boom deployment around the derelict vessel. By 9:30pm the vessel had been surrounded by boom and absorbent material to mitigate the diesel flow out into the lake.

An attempt to locate the owner of the vessel at several different locations in Chelan was unsuccessful Tuesday evening.

The investigation concerning what caused the large sailboat to sink is ongoing.

The boat will need to be removed from the lake which will require a contractor specializing in the removal of submerged vessels. The Dept. of Ecology and Sheriff’s Office are working collaboratively to make this happen as soon as possible. The spill is currently contained.

Written by Gregory Kennedy

Published: 08 May 2019

For all the information on the 99th Manson Apple Blossom Festival go to https://moretomanson.com/events/manson-apple-blossom-festival-2019.

Written by Sergeant Kent Sisson, CCSO

Published: 08 May 2019

ENTIAT – Chelan County emergency management officials are reminding mushroom hunters headed into areas burned by the Cougar Creek Fire to be vigilant about keeping up to date on weather forecasts and having a pre-planned escape route in the event of seasonal rain showers.

The Cougar Creek Fire was one of the largest wildfires in the state last year, burning more than 42,700 acres in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The Entiat Ranger District is preparing for a busy mushroom season – and the hundreds of people it may attract.

The impact of rainfall over a recently burned area can be severe, warned Sgt. Kent Sisson of the Chelan County Department of Emergency Management. A burned surface may not absorb even light to normal rainfall, causing the precipitation to travel quickly, taking rocks, boulders, dirt and other debris with it and potentially overwhelming drainage systems, Sisson explained.

In fact, debris flows can move at up to 60 miles an hour on steep slopes, according to information from the National Weather Service.

“In Central Washington, we’re headed into thunderstorm season,” Sisson said. “While locals know there is no cell phone service in most of the Entiat Valley, visitors may not realize this. So we hope to help people understand that if a thunderstorm hits, or if it rains, there may be little warning of a debris flow event.”

Chelan County shares the following tips with not only mushroom hunters but also other people recreating in burned areas:

• Watch for hazards in burns areas. Snags and damaged trees – blackened killed trees or green trees burned through at the bottom – can fall at any time. Or they can block trails or roads, including your exit if you should need to leave quickly during a rainstorm.

• Before you head out for the day, look at the weather forecast. If you are in an area that does not have cell phone service, consider purchasing or bringing along an NOAA weather radio to keep up on weather events.

• Have your escape plan in place prior to a weather event occurring. Maps are available for purchase at the Entiat Ranger District, 2108 Entiat Way. Be familiar with your surroundings.

• Move to higher ground in the case of a rain event. Do not drive across flooded roads or washes or wade through flooded areas. Rapidly flowing water can easily sweep you off your feet.

• Leave the area immediately in the case of a summer thunderstorm. If you see the tell-tale signs of a thunderstorm – rapidly rising cumulus clouds, a darkening sky, lightning in the distance and an increase in the wind – do not hesitate to get to a safe zone.

• Always tell someone where you are going when headed into the forest and when to expect you back. Search crews will not be able to reach you if they don’t know you’re in the forest.

Lastly, Sisson stresses that a little preparation can go a long way in having a successful mushroom harvest this year.

“Checking the weather and being aware of your surroundings are things we should all be doing when we go into the forest,” Sisson said. “It is especially vital when recreating in these burned areas.”