- Written by Wayne E. Harris, D-ABMDI, Chelan County Coroner
On Friday, March 19th, at around 3:00 p.m. on the vacation rental property of The Lookout in Chelan, excavation work was being done, and the individual operating the excavator unearthed a human skull. As he briefly looked around, he also found an upper arm (humerus), shin bone (tibia), lower jaw (mandible), and some small rib fragments.
The operation was stopped and he called RiverCom to report the find. Detectives were notified, and they in turn notified the Coroner’s Office. The two entities met at the site of the find in an attempt to ascertain what was found.
Looking at the skull and corresponding with Dr. Kathy Taylor, the state forensic anthropologist, it was immediately determined that the remains belonged to a Native American. She immediately notified Dr. Guy Tasa, the state physical anthropologist with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. He contacted the Coroner’s office and obtained as much information as available about the situation. He began writing letters to the local tribes, notifying them of the find and coordinating a time when the departments would all meet back at the site and determine what the next steps would be.
On Monday, March 23rd, Dr. Tasa, a representative from the Colville Tribe and the Coroner met at the site and discussed the situation. Dr. Tasa and his assistant walked the area and were able to locate several other skeletal pieces to include a rib, an ankle bone, a finger bone, and the sacrum and tailbone (coccyx). These additional bones were collected, and the bones found Friday were turned over to Dr. Tasa.
Managers for The Lookout were also onsite, and they were given the legal requirements of the next steps. The site will be further investigated by an archeologist after proper permits are obtained. The process will continue to include the Colville Tribe representatives and may take up to 60 days.
When the investigation is completed, all of the skeletal remains will be placed in a cedar box and interred at the small cemetery on property that belongs to the Wapato Tribe, near the Mill Bay Casino.
The public are strongly advised to stay out of the area as it is an active Native American excavation site, and law enforcement will periodically drive through the area. Any remains or Native American artifacts found are to be turned over to local law enforcement, the Coroner, or the proper representative from the Colville tribe.
- Written by Cheryl Nelson, Member Services Director, CWHBA
Grab your clubs and spend a day on the course during this FUN MEMBER OUTING. It's a wonderful opportunity for members to get together for a little friendly competition, promote your company’s products & services, and build new relationships.
Central Washington Home Builders Golf Classic
Thursday, April 29, 2021 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PST
Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course
1050 Bear Mountain Ranch Rd
Chelan, WA 98816
Thursday, April 29th
9am - shotgun start followed by lunch and awards.
$500/team
Team & Single player cost includes: Greens Fee | Cart Rental | Pre-game Snacks | Boxed Lunch & Drink Ticket
$25 CADDY PACK per person
Caddy Pack includes: mulligan | chipping contest card | sponsor goodies
- Written by Robin Pittman
Manson Parks is auctioning off the used playground from Singleton Park. The auction is an online event and will run for 1 week (ending 3/29/21 @ 3pm.)
Interested parties can visit www.galabids.com/mansonparksauction to register and bid.
All of the equipment can be seen online, or in person at Singleton Park.
Any questions can be directed to us at 509-687-9635, or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Please spread the word if you’re able!
- Written by Brandon Asher, CCFD
On March 21, 2021 at 3:10 p.m. Chelan Fire and Rescue and Chelan County Fire District #5 were dispatched to a Brush Fire on Little Butte Ranch Rd.
Twenty mph wind gusts caused an ember from a smoldering burn pile to catch the nearby sage and grass on fire. A second alarm was called as the fire was spreading quickly in the thick pockets of sagebrush.
The erratic winds eventually shifted in the opposite direction helping crews to get around the head of the fire keeping it at about 3 acres in size.
This was the first significant brush fire for Chelan Fire and Rescue's new Brush 74 Heavy, which is a 6 wheel drive,1000 gallon brush truck with a high ground clearance allowing it to go over sagebrush and rougher terrain. This proved to be very helpful on this call.
- Written by Brandon Asher, CCFD
At approximately 1028 this morning Chelan Fire and Rescue with help from Chelan County Fire District 5 and Lake Chelan EMS responded to a Structure Fire at 114 E. Center St in the Lakeside area of Lake Chelan.
The first unit on scene reported a working structure fire in a small single-story home with flames out the rear of the house. Crews entered the structure and were able to quickly find the location of the fire for extinguishment. The single occupant of the home was able to make it out but did have a minor burn injury to one arm.
The fire appears to have started in the attic area before dropping down into the house. The home is a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
While on scene of the Structure Fire, Chelan Fire and Rescue was then dispatched for a reported Aircraft Emergency at Chelan Airport. Rivercom advised that there was an inbound plane with possible malfunctioning landing gear with three souls on board. Crews staged along the runway and the plane was able to make a successful landing without incident.
- Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT communications
Plan ahead to avoid fines, prevent road damage
OLYMPIA – With spring almost here drivers have just a few more weeks to remove studded tires from their vehicles.
The Washington State Department of Transportation reminds drivers that state law requires all studded tires to be removed by the end of the day Wednesday, March 31. Starting at midnight on Thursday, April 1, drivers with studded tires face a $136 fine.
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.
WSDOT is not extending the studded tire deadline this year, but crews continue to monitor roads, passes, and forecasts and will 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.
Washington and Oregon share the same studded tire removal deadline. Other states may have later 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
AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA
The CFR Board of Commissioners will conduct the meeting in person at the fire station, you are welcome to join 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: February 2021
• Payroll: February 1 -28, 2021 for $120,384.12 paid 03-05-2021
• General Account Vouchers: #76964 – 747018 for $45,592.08
• Capital Account Vouchers: #17161-17164 for $2,530.16
• Minutes: February 17, 2021
Fire Chief Report:
• 2021 Budget & Financial Report
• February Emergency Response Report / Operations / Community Risk Reduction / Apparatus Update
Assistant Chief Report:
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
• City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract – Update
• Station 75 Short Plat – Update
• 2020-2021 Annexations – Update
• Citizens Group Advisory Board - Update
New Business:
Special Events:
• Thursday March 18th at 8:10 KOZI – Commissioner Moller and Chief Donnell or Chief Asher
Board for Volunteer Firefighters:
• Retirement/Pension for Dan Nutley – Board Approval
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments:
Executive Session: RCW 42.30.110 (1) ( g ) To evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee.
Adjournment:
- Written by Rich Magnussen, Emergency Management Specialist, CCSD
Sheriff Brian Burnett reports that a 42-year-old male from Leavenworth was fatally injured in a parasailing accident Sunday morning approximately 5 miles northeast of Leavenworth.
On March 14, 2021 at approximately 10:16am, RIVERCOM dispatch received a 911 call from another parasailer reporting the accident. The caller advised that the accident had occurred approximately 1000 feet above Eagle Creek Rd near milepost 4. The accident location was very difficult to access and required responders from multiple agencies. Chelan County Sheriff’s deputies, Chelan County Fire District #3, Chelan County Fire District #1 and Cascade Medical Center responded to the area.
CPR was administered by fellow parasailers until medics from Cascade Medical Center arrived on scene. Unfortunately, lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful and he died from his injuries. The victim was later transported out of the area by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office helicopter.
The identity of the victim is being withheld to allow time for family members to be notified.
- Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD
On 3/10/21 at 12:36 p.m. crews from Chelan Fire & Rescue were dispatched to a reported structure fire with extension into the brush at 16005 South Lakeshore Road.
Crews arrived on scene at 12:55 to find a 12 x 12 metal shed, housing a tractor and jeep, fully involved with fire spread into approximately 1-1/2 acres of brush on the north slope of the property.
Crews from Chelan Fire & Rescue along with Chelan County Fire District #8 (Entiat) were able to quickly control the fire spread by 2 p.m. and had completed mop up of the fire by 3:20 p.m.
Cause of the fire is undetermined but is believed to have been started by one of the vehicles in the shed. There were no reported injuries or fire loss estimate.
Chelan Fire & Rescue would like to remind the public that we are already seeing an early start for our wildfire season and encourage everyone to be proactive in making your property Firewise safe.
For more information on how we can help you, please call 509-682-4476 or visit our website at www.chelan7.org.
