- Written by Mr. Robert Calkins, WSP
(Olympia)—The Washington State Patrol is reminding drivers that state law requires them to slow down, and move left if safe, when passing emergency vehicles stopped beside the roadway.
Emergency vehicles include police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles with emergency lights activated.
The law went into effect in 2011, after a series of incidents involving not only police cars, but other emergency vehicles and the death of a tow truck driver.
“This law couldn’t be easier to comply with,” said State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste. “All you have to do is ease off the gas and, if it’s safe, ease to the left.”
Batiste added a caution, however, about sudden maneuvers intended to comply with the law. He stressed that simply slowing down and easing left is sufficient.
“We don’t want people making sudden maneuvers that could be even more dangerous,” he said.
Since the law went into effect, State Troopers have contacted more than 10,000 violators using a mix of education and enforcement to win compliance. Troopers report that most drivers understand the reason for the law once it’s explained to them.
Although failure to move left is a traffic violation, if the behavior is egregious enough to endanger emergency workers the conduct becomes criminal, and can result in a jail sentence.
Over the next few weeks, troopers statewide will be making an extra effort to contact violators they might observe in the course of other routine work.
“We’ve asked them to keep a watchful eye on their fellow emergency workers, and take action when they observe a violation,” Batiste said.
- Written by Kimberlee Craig, CCPUD
River and trail users cautioned to stay away from exposed banks; be alert to fluctuating water levels
WENATCHEE – With safety as the top priority, Chelan County PUD continues to respond to rapid changes in river conditions as water levels are lowered in response to conditions downstream at Grant PUD’s Wanapum Dam.
On Sunday, Chelan PUD activated the Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for Rock Island and Rocky Reach dams as a means to alert emergency responders to the much lower water levels and to limited river access in the reservoirs behind its two dams. Chelan PUD’s top priority is protecting public and employee health and safety.
In addition, power generation is being adjusted at both dams to protect the reliability of equipment as river conditions fluctuate and to ensure the safety of PUD employees. Analysis by PUD engineers has determined its dams are safe and stable.
Chelan PUD staff is closely coordinating with counterparts at Douglas and Grant PUDs on response issues arising from lower river levels.
Water levels at Rock Island Dam, about 15 miles south of Wenatchee, could be as much as 10 feet below normal operating levels. The river level behind Rocky Reach Dam, seven miles north of Wenatchee, could be as much as 5 feet lower than normal.
Chelan PUD is taking this action in response to the Columbia River being lowered downstream by Grant County PUD to relieve pressure on the impacted section of Wanapum Dam and to allow Grant PUD to inspect the damage. Wanapum Dam is south of the Interstate 90 bridge that crosses the Columbia River near Vantage.
To ensure public safety, Chelan PUD has closed boat ramps in all its parks on the Rock Island reservoir between Rock Island Dam and Rocky Reach. The PUD is evaluating the need to close boat ramps along the Rocky Reach reservoir.
Chelan PUD also urges people to stay away from riverbanks and mud flats because of concerns about the stability of the exposed areas as the water recedes. There may be impacts to private docks above Rock Island Dam and below Rocky Reach Dam. Property owners should use caution. These historically low conditions leave shoreline areas exposed. All recreationists need to exercise prudence and caution to avoid hazards and rapidly changing river levels.
Chelan PUD Natural Resources staff is analyzing potential environmental impacts associated with adult and juvenile fish passage at the projects due to these unusual river conditions. Staff is coordinating closely with natural resource agencies and with tribes.
Chelan PUD will provide updates as new information becomes available. Information is being posted on the home page of the PUD’s website, chelanpud.org, under “Spotlight” in the top right hand corner.
- Written by Kathleen Knappert, POCC
The Port of Chelan County will host the first Port Side Luncheon on March 13th, 2014, at Noon, at the Confluence Technology Center, 285 Technology Center Way, Wenatchee. This is the first of a series of regular updates to the community on Port of Chelan County activities and economic development happenings in the region.
The lunch is designed to inform and start a conversation with the residents of Chelan County and surrounding areas on Port of Chelan County and other efforts to grow the regional economy. In addition to a series of presentations, time is planned for comments, questions and an open discussion. The event is free and open to the public, RSVP requested.
Specific topics to be addressed include:
- An update on property acquisition for the runway extension and a review of the recent performance of commercial air service at Pangborn airport;
- Cashmere Mill Site Remediation Update;
- Peshastin Mill Site marketing;
- A briefing from the WVTC on the Highway 2 study and proposed Confluence Parkway;
- Presentation from the Small Business Development Center on its services to business; and
- A presentation from the City of Wenatchee on waterfront development.
Contact Craig Larsen, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 509-663-5159, with questions or to RSVP.
- Written by Sgt. Kent Sisoon, CCSO
Sheriff Brian Burnett reports a family of six became stranded in a cabin located in the Sears Creek drainage of west Chelan County over the weekend. Due to heavy and constant snow from Saturday through Wednesday morning the subjects, who had skied into the cabin, cabin could not ski the 2 ¼ miles back to their vehicles located on the White River Road.
Search and Rescue coordinators with the Sheriff’s Office were advised of the situation at 7:00pm on Tuesday evening. A local family member had called RIVERCOM to advise they attempted to ride snowmobiles into the stranded group earlier in the day, but the snow was so deep the snowmobiles bogged down and became stuck.
On Wednesday morning, SAR personnel assessed the situation and determined over 26 inches of snow had fallen in the White River and Sears Creek drainages since Saturday afternoon. Sears Creek Road is primarily private and is not maintained. A snow cat - tracked vehicle - was requested from the Chelan County PUD to assist. The snow cat, accompanied by Sheriff’s Office personnel on snowmobiles, was driven from the White River Road to the cabin. All six subjects were transported out to their vehicles on White River Road by 12:15pm without incident.
Paul (65yoa) and Pamela (64yoa) Scott of Richland, WA own the cabin and had skied into the location on February 9th prior to the wave of storm fronts beginning to release large amounts snow over the Cascade Range beginning on February 15th. Their son, Ryan Scott with wife Emily (both 37yoa) and two children (4years and 1 ½ years old) skied in and joined them on Saturday the 15th. The family attempted to leave the cabin on their own accord Monday, but was stopped by the deep snow. Ryan Scott had to climb to a nearby ridge to obtain cell service and call other family members for assistance. The Scott’s had a good supply of food and firewood during the stay at the cabin.
- Written by Heidi Neal
2/14/14 -3:00 PM Media Update — Manson Elementary School — Water Damage/Building Restoration
Feb 14, 2014
Manson School District has contracted with an independent environmental consultant to assess the water damage and restoration efforts. The consultant will assist the restoration contractor in developing a protocol and timeline for recovery.
Click here for the complete story.
Manson HIGH School Academic Awards
Feb 14, 2014
Presented by Principal, Don Vanderholm and Manson A.S.B. Officers and Photos by Heidi Neal.
Click here for the complete story.
2/17 - 2/21 What's Happening @ Manson Elementary???
Feb 13, 2014
Submitted by Principal, Heather Ireland.
Click here for the complete story.
Manson FFA Ag Mechanics teams' place 1st and 2nd
Feb 13, 2014
Manson FFA Ag Mechanics team of recently competed in a contest hosted at Okanogan High School.
Click here for the complete story.
- Written by Gregory Kennedy
OLYMPIA –Toll rates and policies for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the future I-405 express toll lanes will be among the topics for discussion at the Washington State Transportation Commission’s meeting next week in Olympia.
The meeting starts 9 a.m. each day, Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 18 and 19, at the Transportation Building, 310 Maple Park Ave. SE, on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. The meeting is open to the public and persons wishing to speak to the commission may do so during the public comment period scheduled at the end of each day.
Tuesday’s agenda begins with a briefing on Washington State Ferries’ work toward retrofitting the six Issaquah Class ferries to use liquefied natural gas as a source of fuel. Pending U.S. Coast Guard approval and funding, WSF could begin the first conversion of an Issaquah Class ferry as early as 2016. The commission also will hear about the Lean management reforms and resulting efficiencies undertaken by the Transportation Improvement Board, a state agency that distributes and manages street construction and maintenance grants to cities and urban counties throughout the state.
On Tuesday afternoon, the commission will receive a briefing on the Puget Sound Regional Council’s proposed long-range transportation plan update for the region, which is out for public comment and review until March 10. The commission also will receive a briefing on the National Freight Advisory Committee from Karen Schmidt, executive director of the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board and the only member of the national committee from the Pacific Northwest. The NFAC is developing national freight policy and a strategic framework for freight movement.
On Wednesday, the commission will be briefed on the latest research on seismic hazards in Washington and the implications for transportation planning and projects. It also will receive a report evaluating the feasibility of merging the tolling and ferries customer service centers.
The commission also will receive recommendations from Washington State Department of Transportation and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee on whether a planned 25-cent toll increase is sufficient to meet financial obligations. This rate increase was adopted by the commission last year, subject to review this winter, and is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2014.
The commission will continue its discussion of toll rates and policies for the I-405 express toll lanes, currently under construction between Bellevue and Lynnwood. The project is the first phase of a planned 40-mile-long express toll lane system that will ultimately connect to the existing SR 167 HOT lanes and run from Lynnwood to Puyallup.
For more information about the Commission and complete meeting agendas, visit the Transportation Commission’s Web site at: http://www.wstc.wa.gov/
- Written by Kimberlee Craig, CCPUD
Campaign to raise awareness of conservation measures wins regional award
WENATCHEE, Wa - Chelan County PUD’s campaign to introduce customers to energy-efficiency rebates and benefits in 2013 has been recognized with a top community relations award.
The Puget Sound chapter of the Public Relations Society of America recognized the PUD’s “Conservation Makes Cents” outreach campaign with a “Totem Award” at the Thursday evening annual awards banquet in Seattle. The award is the top honor in the organization’s Community Relations category.
2013 was the first year that Chelan County PUD offered a comprehensive menu of energy-efficiency measures to residential customers. The measures were introduced through a Conservation Department outreach campaign called “Conservation Makes Cents” that included an animated video by North 40 Productions of Wenatchee, print and radio ads, billboards, and fliers available at local stores, home shows and other public events.
Chelan PUD customers who took advantage of energy-efficiency programs saved 20,761,200 kilowatt hours of energy last year – enough to power about 1,000 homes in Chelan County.
The savings helped the PUD surpass its 2013 conservation goal by about 40 percent.
Some 1,890 homeowners participated in programs to save energy and money including rebates on appliances, windows, insulation and ductless heat pumps; duct sealing for manufactured homes; and refrigerator/freezer recycling. Thirty-five businesses installed energy-efficiency improvements with help from the PUD. And 94 low-income households received weatherization help using PUD funding through the Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council.
Saving energy is a winning proposition for everyone. Customers save money by reducing electric bills. When customers save energy, more power is available to sell at wholesale rates on the open market; those revenues help keep local retail rates low. Customers also help the PUD meet state-mandated targets under the Energy Independence Act.
Surveys of customers who participated in programs last year showed high satisfaction with their products and PUD customer service.
There’s still time to participate this year as all programs are continuing. The Conservation Department’s 2014 theme is “Better Ways to Save.” The 2014 program kicked off last week with another short North 40 video that stars a chicken.
Find details and application forms for 2014 programs on the PUD’s website.
- Written by Gregory Kennedy
Port of Chelan County Board of Commissioners
Meeting of February 6, 2014
Meeting Highlights
Goodwin Bridge Study Matching Funds Approved
Jeff Wilkens, Wenatchee Valley Transportation Council (WVTC) Executive Director, updated the Commission on a Highway 2 corridor study, focusing in on the Cashmere intersections. The Goodwin Street Bridge is expected to be closed in ten years due to capacity, age, and deterioration. A proposed Transportation Study will evaluate all Cashmere Hwy 2 intersections, freight mobility and truck routes, and Goodwin Bridge replacement. Port Commission Chair JC Baldwin noted that freight mobility is an extremely high priority, especially for the tree fruit industry. In view of this, and the Port’s ownership of the Cashmere Mill Site, the Commissioners approved contributing $30,000 in matching funds for this study. Chelan County, the City of Cashmere, and the WVTC are also providing funds. WSDOT will contribute staff engineering services, and the study will include a public input component.
Business Development Director Reviews Plans
Craig Larsen, Port of Chelan County Business Development Director, reviewed with the Commission some work plan goals for 2014 including real estate portfolio review, community relations and communications, partnerships, marketing properties, recruitment of new businesses, and business retention. The Commission directed staff to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for real estate services for the lease or sale of the Peshastin Mill Site property. The marketing and eventual lease or sale of the property will incorporate the Port’s commitment to provide public access to the Wenatchee River and to accommodate a future trail corridor, in a manner to be determined.
Industrial Building #4 HVAC Project
The HVAC Project for Industrial Building #4 (IB#4) was put out to bid in December, 2013. Only one bid was received and was much higher than the Engineer’s estimate. The Commission approved rejecting the previous bid. Revised plans and specifications were presented and the Commission authorized the engineer’s estimate of $142,356 including WA state sales tax to be placed on file and a call for new bids. The project will replace a significant portion of the IB#4 HVAC system. Pregis, which manufactures bubble wrap products, has been a long term tenant with 13 employees in IB#4. The HVAC improvements were a condition of the recent renewal by Pregis of their lease of IB#4. Pregis is a manufacturer of packaging materials used by the agricultural industry.
Cashmere Mill Site Update
The Port of Chelan County Commissioners unanimously approved Task Authorization 01.129 with RH2 Engineering to finalize plans and specifications for Phase II of the Cashmere Mill Site Wood Waste Removal Project. The project is funded by the Washington Department of Ecology, using dedicated funding from the State’s Model Toxics Control Account (MTCA). Plans and specifications are scheduled to be ready to go out to bid in late February, 2014. A major portion of the Mill Site remains under contract to Crunch Pak to accommodate potential future expansion.
Pybus Market Update
The Port of Chelan County Commissioners approved a policy involving the lease with the Pybus Market Charitable Foundation. The policy addresses the receipt and review of financial information from the Foundation anticipated by the lease. The policy was suggested by the State Auditor, as a means of assuring compliance with requirements of the HUD federal grant that funded a significant portion of the project.
Laura Jaecks, Port of Chelan County Capital Projects Manager, also advised the Commissioners that the project to add stairs from Pybus Market to Riverfront Park is progressing. However, the recent freezing weather has put the project on hold, but the mild winter weather has allowed contractors to pour the concrete steps and ramp.
Agreement Approved for Small Business Development Center
The Port of Chelan County Commissioners unanimously approved an Interagency Agreement for Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Services. The Agreement, with Washington State University, continues the services provided by Jim Fletcher, SBDC Business Counselor, to assist existing businesses looking to expand, improve product sales, or other business management issues in addition to assisting people starting a business. Services are also provided to retain existing businesses within North Central Washington. The contract is $40,000 over two years. For information on services provided, contact Jim Fletcher (509-888-7252, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) at the Port of Chelan County Office located at 238 Olds Station Rd, Suite A, Wenatchee, WA.
Port Hiring Policy Approved
Port of Chelan County Commissioners unanimously approved a hiring policy for future full time employees. The policy states notice of availability of an open position will be posted including the application process and compensation range. There is no statutory mandate requiring the Port to follow this process, but the Commission approved this policy for future full time employee hiring by the Executive Director.
Pangborn Memorial Airport (PMA)
Air Service Presentation February 11
Trent Moyers, Pangborn Airport Director, and Craig Larsen, Port of Chelan County Business Development Director, briefed the Port Commission on an upcoming visit Feb. 10-11 by our air service consultant Jack Penning of Sixel Consulting. A series of meetings will be held with stakeholders, community leaders, and a public presentation is scheduled for February 11 at the Confluence Technology Center. See the attached media release for more details. This effort is being funded largely by a federal grant awarded to Pangborn for the purpose of maintaining and increasing scheduled commercial air service connecting North Central Washington to the national and international air transportation system.
Port of Chelan County to Host Air Service Presentation
Jack Penning, Director of Market Analysis at Sixel Consulting, will brief the public and community leaders on current and future air service at Pangborn Memorial Airport on Tuesday, February 11th. The meeting will be held at the Confluence Technology Center, 285 Technology Center Way, Wenatchee at 10 a.m. There is no cost and all are encouraged to attend.
Sixel Consulting recently prepared a successful Small Community Air Service Development Grant application for Pangborn in the amount of $200,000 from the Federal Department of Transportation to support current and future air service. Jack’s visit is the kick-off of the process of engaging stakeholders and the public served by Pangborn in the process of deciding how best to use these funds to benefit Pangborn and the entire region. Topics to be covered include: The state of the airline industry, recent performance of the Wenatchee market, and marketing current and future air service. The presentation will be followed by an opportunity for questions from the audience.
- Written by Carol A. Kibler, CFR
AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Commissioners Regular Meeting
Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 4:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA
Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.
Regular Meeting Call to order
* Flag Salute
Approve Agenda
Public Comment
Consent Agenda
* Revenue Report and Expenditure Report: December 2013
* Payroll: January 2014 $94,219.63
* Vouchers for General Account: Voucher #12133 through #12141 for $5,531.67; Voucher #12157 through #12178 for $15,498.12; Voucher #20140101 through #20140114 for $4278.54; Vouchers #20140116 through #20140128 for $5,994.41; Vouchers #20140129 through #20140133 for $3,703.30.
* Vouchers for Capital Account: Voucher #2014102 for $2,740.00; Vouchers #2014104 and 2014104 for $34,213.65; voucher #2014105 for 187,648.56
* Minutes: January 8, 2014
Fire Chief Report
* Personnel (Career/Volunteer)
* Facilities/Apparatus and Equipment
* Emergency Response Report
* Fire Prevention Activities
* Public Education/PSA
* Training (Capt. Moore)
Firefighters Association Report
Unfinished Business
* Station 75 Status
* Long Range Plan 2014
New Business:
* Disposal of archived documents
* High and Low Angle Rescue Program
* Apparatus Committee
* Budget up-date and Amendment
Special Event:
* 02/15/2014, Annual Awards Dinner
Executive Session:
* RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) for the purpose of evaluating the performance of a public employee
Adjournment:
Board for Volunteer Firefighters
* Invoice
- Written by Kimberlee Craig, CCPUD
Phone survey seeks responses from 400 customers to use to improve customer service
WENATCHEE, Wa - Chelan County PUD residential customers may be contacted by phone in the next week or two and asked for their opinions about their electric service. This is part of a benchmarking effort to see how the PUD compares with other public utilities when it comes to customer service and power reliability.
SDS Research, a Utah firm that specializes in survey work for customer-own utilities, is conducting the phone survey. The firm has bilingual staff in its call center so that we can gather responses from a broad cross-section of our customers who agree to participate in the seven- to eight-minute telephone survey.
The calls will come from a “208” area code with “SDS Research” as the caller I.D.
SDS has interviewed more than 500,000 public utility customers in 34 states during the past 15 years. Data collected from the Chelan PUD survey will be analyzed to see how well the utility is doing when compared to like-utilities.
Chelan PUD is paying SDS $10,000 to help develop the questions, conduct the survey, analyze and match the results from 400 PUD customers with the SDS benchmark data, and to present the findings to commissioners and other interested parties.
Customers who have questions about the survey are asked to call PUD Customer Accounting staff at (509) 661-8002.
