Written by Herb Sargo

Published: 02 October 2020

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 26 September 2020

Manson Middle/High School Principal, Dr. Heather Ireland announced today that Grant Torgesen has been names a “Commended Student” in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2021 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).

''Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success," commented a spokesperson for NMSC. ''These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation.

We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success."

Written by Cami Harris, Executive Assistant, CDRPA

Published: 17 September 2020

Up to $5,000 is available for Chelan and Douglas county businesses with 20 employees or less to assist COVID-related response and recovery.

(September 15, 2020/East Wenatchee) – The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority is accepting applications for emergency grants up to $5,000 each for businesses with 20 employees or less in Chelan and Douglas counties. Grant money can be used to assist with a variety of expenses related to impacts from COVID-19.

To learn more and apply, visit our COVID-19 Small Business Resources page to find more information and applications in English and Spanish.

“To date the Regional Port has distributed over $2.2 million dollars in federal, state, and local funding to more than 400 small businesses located in Chelan and Douglas counties,” stated Regional Port Board President Rory Turner. “We have seven programs still accepting applications with an additional $1.6 million available for local businesses impacted by COVID-19.”

Grant funds include new state funding of $945,000 available to businesses in Chelan and Douglas counties. These funds come from the state’s Working Washington Small Business program that uses federal Coronavirus Assistance, Recovery and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to help with COVID-19 response and recovery efforts across Washington State.

“The length and depth of the pandemic have hit small, main street businesses hard,” said Washington State Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “In particular, restaurants, hotels and other service industries have not seen the expected number of customers. Small businesses need these resources to stay open as we respond to the public health crisis and help get people back to work.”

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 13 September 2020

This year has truly been filled with opportunities that have and continue to allow us to grow, adapt, and overcome. The Chelan Valley continues to put students first in supporting student endeavors and education, both in a classroom setting and out. Thirty-seven 4-H and FFA students between Manson and Chelan will be selling their sheep, goat, and pigs through the 2020 Chelan County Virtual Livestock sale, which runs September 14th through 17th. These student projects would not be possible without the continued support our community has provided over the years.

That being said, the Okanogan County Fair auction has been extended due to the fires. As a result, both Chelan and Okanogan County Fair auctions will run through Thursday, September 17th. There are many ways to support these students: bidding on animals, providing add-on support, or simply sharing this to others who may wish to help out. The link to both auctions is https://soldbybestbid.hibid.com/, while fair websites are https://www.chelancountyfair.com/ and https://okanogancounty.org/fair/. At this time, any questions, etc. may be best answered by reaching out to the specific fair or an advisor. 

If I have missed any Manson students, I sincerely apologize. Please feel free to reach out so we can make sure they also are highlighted for their hard work and dedication to being some of the best young people this world could hope for.

Thank you again for being the best support system these young entrepreneurs could ask for!

Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR

Published: 11 September 2020

AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, September 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: August 2020
• Payroll: August 1 -31, 2020 for $132,713.57 paid 09-05-2020
• General Account Vouchers: #746624 – 746658 for $21,372.32
• Capital Account Vouchers: #17132 – 17140 for $38,540.10
• Minutes: August 19, 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 – Update
• August 26th SWOT Analysis – Request to Board
• City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract - Update
• Station 75 Short Plat – Update
• IAFF Local 4816 Labor Agreement Negotiations – Update
• EF Recovery Services - Update
New Business:
• 2021 Budget Proposal and Meeting Schedule
• Extension of Seasonal Firefighter Employment
• Firefighter/EMT Testing/Hiring
Special Events:
Board for Volunteer Firefighters:
• Invoices
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments:Executive Session: RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) The Board will enter into executive session to review the performance of a public employee. This executive session will be held via conference call.
Adjournment:

Written by Robin Pittman

Published: 09 September 2020

Regular Board Meeting
September 10, 2020, 4:15pm
Phone-in meeting: 1-425-436-6260
Access code: 8182416

I. Call to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Additions and Deletions
IV. Public Comment
V. Approval of Minutes
a. August 13, 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
VIII. New Business
a. Request for steps into Singleton Park from Vista Del Lago
b. Resolution 2020-08 (surplus of old Singleton Park playground equipment)
IX. Adjournment

Next regular meeting is October 8, 2020 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831, unless otherwise posted.

Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT communications

Published: 04 September 2020

Plan ahead, use WSDOT tools to stay in the know before and during trips

OLYMPIA – Whether taking in the great outdoors or staying close to home, the last holiday weekend of the summer typically brings additional traffic, so planning ahead and allowing extra travel time is crucial as Labor Day approaches.

For those who are traveling, consulting the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Labor Day weekend traffic volume charts can help determine best times to travel on key routes. (Due to closure of the US-Canadian border to non-essential travel, there will not be travel charts for the border crossing.)

While some traffic volumes have dipped due to the pandemic, traffic to popular outdoor areas can still be heavy. If possible, altering travel to less busy times can improve individual trips and help keep all traffic flowing more freely. Staying close to home, limiting non-essential travel and having a backup plan if your location is already crowded also will help reduce travel stress as well as slow the spread of COVID-19.

Know before you go

Those venturing out on land or sea can use several WSDOT tools to keep updated throughout the trip:

• Check WSDOT’s mobile app, Facebook page, multiple Twitter accounts and online toolsfor traffic information and ferry schedules. (When driving, have a passenger check online updates or pull over to safe place before using electronic devices.)
• Call the 511 travel information hotline. For out-of-state callers, it’s 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).
• Pre-program vehicle radios to 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio alerts.
• Carry extra water, snacks and other supplies in case you’re delayed along the way.

Statewide construction halted, but expect holiday travel delays -- especially on passes

To ease congestion statewide, WSDOT suspends most state highway construction work during the weekend, starting Friday, Sept. 4, through Monday, Sept. 7, though some larger construction zones and detours may remain in place. Traffic is always heavy over Interstate 90’s Snoqualmie Pass on summer weekends, so travelers should allow extra travel time or consider traveling during non-peak times, typically early in the day or later in the evening.

Tolling

In the Puget Sound, weekend toll rates will be in effect on Monday, Sept. 7, on the State Route 520 bridge and the SR 99 tunnel. The Interstate 405 express toll lanes will be free and open to all drivers on the Monday holiday. Travelers can learn about toll roads and rental car tips on the Good to Go! visitors page.

Ferry travel

People boarding a state ferry by vehicle should prepare for long waits and plan to remain in their vehicle throughout the sailing as much as possible due to the pandemic. Some routes are operating on reduced sailing schedules. A face covering and proper physical distancing are required for all walk-on passengers.

• Sign up for ferry email alerts.
• Check terminal conditions and WSF’s COVID-19 travel updatesbefore leaving.
• Make a vehicle reservationfor the Anacortes/San Juan Islands or Port Townsend/Coupeville routes.

Other travel considerations

Travelers planning to avoid highway congestion by traveling via train, personal aircraft or transit also should factor the holiday into their plans and check ahead to see if there are any COVID-19 restrictions or requirements:

• Amtrak Cascades passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early and should plan to arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure. Book now or call 800–USA–RAIL for details.
• Check the status of state-operated airports online or by calling 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 Voni Walker, Superintendent, Manson School District

Published: 01 September 2020

The Manson School District is off to a great start.

Staff are on-site delivering engaging lessons via Zoom and our new, easy to use, learning platforms.

Students in the elementary are also receiving one on one conferences with their new teachers.  They are learning about their new classroom and practicing with the technology that has been checked out to them.

Thank you to all of our families for sticking with us and helping us make this a stellar year for the students of Manson.

Written by Ted Huetter, Senior Public Relations Manager, The Museum of Flight

Published: 27 August 2020

Stuti Dahal, senior at Auburn Mountainview High School, Auburn, Wash. Stuti was born in Nepal and moved to the United States when she was twelve years old. She is the recipient of two Museum 2020 scholarships: for flight training and post-secondary education. Photo by The Museum of Flight.

Scholarships distributed annually and made possible through donor-funded endowments and funds

SEATTLE, Aug. 21, 2020—The Museum of Flight’s Boeing Academy for STEM Learning awarded $217,000 in scholarships to 14 Washington state high school students for post-secondary education and flight training during a virtual ceremony held on August 5. The ceremony was emceed by outgoing Vice President of Education, Reba Gilman and featured keynote speaker, astronaut and former Museum of Flight President, Dr. Bonnie Dunbar. The fourteen recipients represent a racial and economic diversity of male and female students with dreams of STEM and aerospace careers.

The 2020 scholarships include one post-secondary scholarship of up to $29,500 per year for four years for the recipient to pursue a STEM degree that is directly connected to aviation and aerospace; five $12,000 awards, each to be put toward earning a Private Pilot license; one $10,000 award to be put toward earning a Private Pilot license; three awards of up to $6,000 each to be put toward earning a Private Pilot solo endorsement, with the potential of additional funding for earn a Private Pilot license; two awards to one recipient that include an award of $3000 toward flight training or post-secondary education, and an award of $1500 toward post-secondary education; two awards of $1500 toward post-secondary education; and one award of $2500 toward post-secondary education.

The Museum’s annual scholarships are made possible through generous endowments and funds established by the Estate of Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston; Jim and Sue Johnson; Alaska Airlines; Benjamin L. Ellison; Bill Ayer; Stephen and Hazel Eastman and their family members; and Chris and Leon Knopp in honor of their father, Stuart D. Knopp.

THE AWARDS
2020 Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship Recipient | Up to $29,500 per year for four years of post-secondary education:

Rafael Urrea, a graduate of Raisbeck Aviation High School, Tukwila, Wash. Urrea has also participated in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) Program for two years, earning 60 free college credits and 6 high school credits. “The most beneficial part of my learning experience at The Museum of Flight has been the incredible opportunities I have had to immerse myself in the world of aviation.”

2020 Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston Post-Secondary Flight Training Scholarship Recipients | Up to $12,000 each toward earning a Private Pilot license:

Kelly Scott, a sophomore at Columbia High School, Burbank, Wash. Scott participated in the Museum’s Private Pilot Ground School during the summer of 2019. “I live in rural Eastern Washington, my school is small, and none of my classmates share my aviation interests. At Private Pilot Ground School, I found students who share my enthusiasm.”

William Fleshman, a junior at Bonney Lake High School, Bonney Lake, Wash. Fleshman has already begun Private Pilot training, and currently participates in the Museum’s ASP program. “I am honored to be able to include this experience and accomplishment on my resume and also get a head start into the aviation industry.”

William Esposito, a homeschooled senior residing in Everett, Wash. Esposito has participated in the Museum’s Western Aerospace Scholars Sophomore program and is currently enrolled in the Museum’s ASP program. “The most beneficial part of my Museum experiences has been further development of my work ethic, holding myself accountable, being professional, and working effectively on a team.”

Steven Rosengren, a senior at Kentridge High School, Kent, Wash. Employed as lifeguard during the summer, Rosengren has participated in the Museum’s ASP program. “Book learning and study are essential, but being able to apply classroom content to an actual aircraft was, for me, priceless.”

Roman Thomas, a freshman at Bellarmine Preparatory School, Tacoma, Wash. Thomas is a violinist in the school’s chamber orchestra, and a member of the Model United Nations Program. “Each day I was greeted by an enthusiastic staff of aviation professionals who truly wanted to help me succeed and achieve my goal of becoming a pilot.”

2020 Alaska Airlines Flight Training Scholarship | Up to $10,000 toward earning a Private Pilot License:

Francesca Keel, a junior at Meadowdale High School, Edmonds, Wash. Keel is enrolled in the Museum’s ASP program, and has her sights on becoming a U.S. Air Force pilot. “For eight years, our family was separated from my dad while he worked for Boeing in Seattle. Being in ASP has reinforced a relationship with my dad due to our mutual interest in aviation.”

2020 Benjamin L. Ellison Future Pilot Scholarship Recipients | Up to $6,000 each toward solo, with the potential for additional funding to earn a Private Pilot license:

Samantha Schrama, a senior at Auburn Mountainview High School, Auburn, Wash. Schrama is enrolled in the Museum’s ASP program, and works weekends to help finance her flight training in pursuit of a career in aviation. “When I joined the Aeronautical Science Pathway I was introduced to a network of inspirational women who were pilots in command of an aircraft. That’s when I knew it was something I wanted to accomplish.”

Stephen Green, a senior at Rogers High School, Puyallup, Wash. Green participated in the Museum’s ASP program, and recently earned a Private Pilot license. “Through this course I have learned more about aviation than ever before. This course has given me so many opportunities that have changed my life.”

Tricia Kimball, a senior at Federal Way High School, Federal Way, Wash. Kimball is enrolled in the Museum’s ASP program and will attend the University of Washington this fall. “I know that I am fully prepared to realize my dream of becoming an Air Force Pilot.”

2020 Aeronautical Science Pathway Scholarship Recipient | $3,000 toward flight training or post-secondary education and
2020 Stephen and Hazel Eastman Memorial Scholarship Recipient | $1,500 toward post-secondary education: 

Stuti Dahal, senior at Auburn Mountainview High School, Auburn, Wash. Stuti was born in Nepal and moved to the United States when she was twelve years old. “Someone told me that one cannot dream of something that one cannot see. I never dreamt of becoming a pilot in Nepal because I had no source of a dream. This changed when we moved to the USA. I saw female pilots which gave me a source to dream.”

2020 Stephen and Hazel Eastman Memorial Scholarship Recipient | $1,500 toward post-secondary education:

Nicholas Petregal-Lemay, a senior at Lake Washington High School, Kirkland, Wash. Petregal-Lemay has participated in the Museum’s Aerospace Camp Experience, Private Pilot Ground School, and Western Aerospace Scholars Sophomore and Junior programs. “Although I did not have the opportunity to attend a “STEM” high school, I could still prepare for and ultimately obtain a career in the aerospace industry.”

2020 Stuart Knopp Memorial Scholarship Recipients | $2,500 toward post-secondary education:

Devin Graves, a senior at Mount Rainier High School, Des Moines, Wash. Graves attended the Museum’s Aerospace Camp Experience for eight summers, then became a volunteer in the Counselor Apprenticeship Program for two years, and finally worked as a counselor for one year. He also participated in Private Pilot Ground School. “The Museum of Flight is such an essential part of my life and passion for aviation that I consider it a home away from home.”

Atharva Kashyap, a senior at Interlake High School, Bellevue, Wash. Kashyap was born in India and moved to the United States in 2015. He has participated in multiple education programs at The Museum of Flight, including Private Pilot Ground School and Western Aerospace Scholars Sophomore and Junior programs. “Being involved in Museum of Flight programs has introduced me to professionals who are engaged in the aerospace field, thus introducing me to the various career options that this field has to offer. Their experiences gave me a line of sight to career and education options that I can explore.”

The Museum of Flight’s Boeing Academy for STEM Learning
All education programs at The Museum of Flight operate under the umbrella of
The Boeing Academy for STEM Learning, which was created in 2015 through a major investment by The Boeing Company and Mr. and Mrs. William E. Boeing, Jr. From pre-kindergarten to college prep and career readiness programs, the Academy provides unparalleled learning opportunities for students to explore and prepare for education and career pathways in flight, engineering, and space.  

The Academy strives to accelerate opportunities for all youth, with particular focus on under-resourced and underrepresented populations, by connecting them to fulfilling, in-demand STEM careers. The Academy operates in partnership with schools, community-based organizations, government, business and industry to ensure that the next generation of workers are ready to lead and innovate. The Academy awarded over $314,000 in student scholarships in 2019.