- Written by Bruce Long, CCSD
On Sunday, 12/27/20, at aprx 1530 hours, residents of Monitor, WA were walking in the area of the Monitor County Park day use area. Their attention was drawn to large birds feeding on something laying on a rock bar aprx 150 feet offshore from the day use area river bank.
Upon closer inspection, they discovered the birds were feeding from a human body so they called Rivercom. Deputies soon arrived and confirmed it was human.
Detectives and Coroner Wayne Harris responded along with specially trained water rescue/recovery deputies. The body was brought to shore and briefly examined. The person was a male who does not fit the description of any current missing subject from Chelan County.
A detailed examination will be performed by the coroner's office. More details will be released at that time in order to gain the publics' assistance in identifying the man.
- Written by Barb Chamberlain, Active Transportation Division director, WSDOT
Online open house, webinars scheduled to provide overview
OLYMPIA – Every Washingtonian uses active transportation connections at some point in a trip, whether crossing the street from their parking spot to their destination, walking to a bus stop or bicycling to school or work. That is why the Washington State Department of Transportation is asking for comments on its draft of the new State Active Transportation Plan, 2020 and Beyond.
The new plan comes during a time when more people than ever are walking and bicycling – according to WSDOT’s multimodal transportation dashboard – both as alternatives to transit use and to maintain physical and mental health during the pandemic. At the same time, a preliminary assessment of crash statistics found that 2020 fatal crashes involving those vulnerable road users appear to be occurring at higher rates than the averages for 2010-2019.
“Highways in most places weren’t originally designed for people walking or cycling, so it’s no surprise we found a number of places with gaps,” said Barb Chamberlain, director of WSDOT’s active transportation division “This analysis helps us understand how the use of state routes has changed as population centers have expanded, and why they may no longer be safe for the mix of uses and people there.”
The draft plan assesses the needs for accessible pedestrian and bicyclist facilities, highlights safety concerns and provides the first-ever examination of state right of way and its suitability for active transportation. An online open house and a series of webinars will provide opportunities to learn more about the draft plan and to provide comments.
Active transportation plan online open house information
When: Friday, Dec. 18, to Monday, Feb. 15, 2021
Where: Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, plan information is available to view in an online open house.
Details: A copy of the draft active transportation plan document is available in an accessible PDF, and a link to a feedback form to collect input from Washington residents is provided. Deadline for comments is Monday, Feb. 15.
WSDOT will also host virtual events with staff providing an orientation to the draft plan document. Slides will be presented with real-time closed captioning and descriptions of visual content. Participants will be able to submit questions and comments using the chat function in the presentation software. These webinars will be recorded and available online after they’re completed.
Active transportation plan overview webinars
Participants must register to view one of the three webinars:
- Webinar 1: 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021
- Webinar 2: Noon 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021
- Webinar 3: 4 to 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 (subject to cancellation based on registration numbers)
Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/.
The draft plan is Part 1 of a two-part plan. Part 1 covers:
- The purpose and need of the statewide active transportation plan.
- Benefits of active transportation.
- The current state of active transportation in Washington.
- Concerns and priorities gathered through public engagement.
- Broad cost estimates for changes to state right of way and local systems to improve conditions for active transportation.
Part 2 of the plan will come out in 2021 and cover relevant policy topics, performance measures associated with the plan’s goals, and next steps in developing an implementation and action plan. WSDOT staff will use comments received on Part 1, as well as past community and partner input, to help identify policy topics in Part 2.
To receive future updates specifically for the plan subscribe to the ATP E-News. For active transportation news updates including grant opportunities, webinars, and activities of WSDOT and partners subscribe to the WSDOT Walk + Roll E-News.
- Written by Chief Rick Johnson, EWPD
On December 13th at approximately 8:53 AM RiverCom dispatch advised Douglas County Fire District #2 of a fire on the porch of a residence at 953 S.E. Tedford in East Wenatchee. The resident had been alerted by individuals who had observed the fire when passing by in their vehicle.
Fire damage was to the front porch of the residence and gasoline had been poured on a vehicle parked in front of the residence. More evidence of arson was located at the scene. The investigation is ongoing with staff from Douglas County Fire District #2, and the East Wenatchee Police Department.
We are asking for assistance from the public. If anyone observed a potential suspect(s) walking in the 900 block of S.E. Tedford, or in the 800 – 1000 block of Grant Road before 9:00 AM on Sunday December 13th, please call the East Wenatchee Police Department at (509) 884-9511 or RiverCom Dispatch at (509) 663-9911.
We are also requesting residents who reside in these areas and have security cameras please check their footage for any potential evidence.
- Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR
AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA
The CFR Board of Commissioners will conduct the meeting via Zoom. The public is welcome to join by following this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87284665516 Meeting ID: 872 8466 5516 or dial +1 253 215 8782
Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.
Roll Call:
Regular Meeting Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment:
Consent Agenda:
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: November 2020
• Payroll: November 1 -30, 2020 for $118,579.88 paid 12-04-2020
• General Account Vouchers: #746777 – 746830 for $34,710.25
• Capital Account Vouchers: #17153 - 17159 for $49,122.28
• Minutes: November 9 and 18, 2020
Fire Chief Report:
• 2020 Budget & Financial Report
• Emergency Response Report / Operations / Community Risk Reduction / Apparatus Update
Assistant Chief Report:
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
• 2021-2025 DRAFT Strategic Plan – Presentation for Approval by Board
• City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract – Update
• Station 75 Short Plat – Update
• CF&R and IAFF Local 4816 2021-2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement – Board Approval
• Firefighter/EMT Testing/Hiring – Update
• 2020-2021 Annexations – Update
• 2021 Budget – Board Approval
New Business:
• 2021-2026 Budget – Presentation to Board
• Resolution 2020-10 – Radio/Pager Surplus – Board Approval
Special Events:
Board for Volunteer Firefighters:
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments:
Executive Session:
Adjournment:
- Written by Janet Matkin, WSDOT communications
Study focuses on next steps in governance models, funding and outreach
OLYMPIA – A new report, the 2020 Framework for the Future, sets forth a roadmap for continued work in a post-COVID-19 future to bring ultra-high-speed ground transportation to the Pacific Northwest.
The report builds on previous studies conducted over the past three years and details next steps on governance, strategic outreach and funding and financing. It was released Tuesday, Dec. 8, and submitted to the executive and legislative branches of Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia.
Offering travel time of less than an hour between each major city – at speeds of up to 250 mph (402 km/hour) and 20 to 30 trips per day – the new system would link the metropolitan areas of Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia while also offering connections to stations in between and beyond. Uniting this megaregion could transform the Pacific Northwest by improving overall mobility, boosting economic growth and significantly decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 6 million metric tons (tonnes).
The 2020 report focuses on three areas crucial to future decision making. It offers direction on creating a coordinating entity to advance the project beyond the initial concept phase and outlines a more formal governing model for the future. It also emphasizes the importance of robust engagement with communities, elected officials, state and national officials, business and labor leaders and advocacy organizations. Finally, it sets forth several funding and financing scenarios that include possible federal, state and private investments.
Earlier studies estimated that the ultra-high-speed system could generate $355 billion in economic growth and more than 200,000 family-wage jobs. Construction costs were estimated to be between $24 and $42 billion and revenues are expected to cover project costs by 2055. (All dollar figures are US currency). Using high-speed rail, magnetic levitation or hyperloop technology, the system would be stand-alone, rather than sharing or relying on existing infrastructure. It would include some elevated tracks and tunnels, with no at-grade crossings with roads. The exact route and type of technology has not been determined and requires more analysis.
The 2020 ultra-high-speed study was led by the Washington State Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Province of British Columbia and Microsoft, which all shared equally in the costs.
“We are living in unprecedented times that call on us to envision our future in new ways. Transformative infrastructure projects like this one could help us rebuild our economy in the short term and provide us with a strong competitive advantage in the future,” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Imagine fast, frequent and reliable travel with the potential for zero emissions and the opportunity to better compete in a global economy. It could transform the Pacific Northwest.”
“This study is another important step toward better, faster ways for people to get where they need to go throughout the Pacific Northwest,” said British Columbia Premier John Horgan. “Improving connections through ultra-high-speed rail is good news for people on both sides of the border as B.C. moves forward with Washington and Oregon on a path to building a stronger post-COVID19 regional economy that works for everyone.”
“Bringing high-speed rail to the Pacific Northwest would bolster our economies, while contributing to our efforts to combat climate change,” said Oregon Gov. Kate Brown. “This study affirms that a regional high-speed rail system would yield an equitable and modern transportation infrastructure that benefits people, the environment, and the economy. This type of bold investment would help position our region for the future.”
“High-speed rail will shrink travel times throughout the Cascadia Corridor, providing a strong transportation core for our region,” said Microsoft President Brad Smith. “This report provides a valuable roadmap for making this international project a reality.”
An advisory committee, representing public, private and nonprofit sectors from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, provided input during the year-long analysis. The study was completed by consultant WSP USA along with IMG Rebel and EnviroIssues.
- Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD
On 12/7/20, at 3:18 PM, Chelan Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the Lakeview area.
First arriving units found a single story structure with moderate smoke coming from the ceiling vents and eaves and initiated fire attack. The fire was located in the kitchen area and quickly extinguished.
Crews remained on scene for overhaul to make certain fire spread was contained.
Renters were not home at the time of this incident and the residence and contents were heavily damaged due to fire, smoke, and water.
Cause investigation is currently concentrated on a possible stove malfunction with damage estimates unknown at this time.
- Written by Chief Rick Johnson, EWPD
On December 6th at approximately 2:20 AM, a nightshift officer observed a vehicle parked at the 7-11 Store on 9th St NE. A check of the Colorado license plate on the front of the vehicle showed “No License Record”. The officer checked the license plate more than once and confirmed there was no license record for it. During this time the driver of the vehicle got into the vehicle and drove onto Valley Mall Parkway. When the officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in a parking lot off Valley Mall Parkway the driver attempted to flee in the vehicle. The driver drove the vehicle onto a curb and the vehicle became high centered. The driver got out of the vehicle and fled on foot towards SR 28. Responding units were unable to locate the driver at this time. There were two other occupants in the vehicle. One occupant had an arrest warrant from Colorado. A check of the vehicle’s VIN showed it to be a stolen vehicle from the state of Colorado. The vehicle is a black, 2005, Toyota, RAV 4. The vehicle was impounded for a search warrant.
Through their investigation officers identified the driver as KC Hatley, a 20-year-old male with ties to Grand Junction, Colorado and Omak, Washington. At approximately 2 PM on December 6th, deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office located Hately outside the BJ’s Shell near Lincoln Rock. Hately was arrested and later booked for possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of a dangerous weapon, and fail to stop/obey law enforcement. Hately had an arrest warrant for burglary from Colorado as well. Hately may be facing narcotics related charges pending some material testing results from the state crime lab.
When the search warrant was executed on the vehicle officers located drug paraphernalia including loaded syringes, license plates from another vehicle, shot gun shells, the stock of a shotgun, and numerous shaved car keys. Shaved keys are altered car keys commonly used in vehicle theft.
- Written by Robin Pittman
Regular Board Meeting
December 10, 2020, 4:15pm
Phone-in meeting: 1-425-436-6260
Access code: 8182416
I. Call to Order
II. Additions and Deletions
III. Public Comment
IV. District Signature Form 2021
V. Approval of Minutes
a. November 12, 2020 regular meeting minutes
VI. Financial Review
a. Review monthly financial report
b. Review and approve monthly voucher
VII. Old Business
a. Director’s Report
b. Approval of 2021 Budget
c. April Special Election Levy for 2022-2024
d. Old Mill commercial policy
VIII. New Business
a. Wapato Lake Campground policy
b. Manson Bay Marina policy
c. Old Mill parking permits for locals?
d. Winter newsletter approval
IX. Adjournment
Next regular meeting is January 14, 2021 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831, unless otherwise posted.
- Written by Herb Sargo
ort the work of the Foundation in caring for the Orchard? The adoption of trees also raises awareness of the Orchard and its care. 
