- Written by Sheriff Harvey Gjesdal
On 12/13/16 at approximately 10:15 AM RiverCom dispatch received a weapons compliant at Bridgeport High School.
The information was that there was a male in the parking lot with a pistol. Deputies arrived and located the suspect vehicle within 11 minutes. There was a single male occupant. Deputies immediately spotted a pistol in the center console. They took custody of it and found it was loaded. The subject was removed from the vehicle and detained without injury or incident.
The school had immediately gone into a lockdown. Investigation revealed that the suspect was 24 year old Armando Morales-Cervantes of Bridgeport. The incident also involved a 17 year old female and a 17 year old male who attended the high school. It appeared that the suspect and the female had been in a dating relationship. The suspect sent the female text messages from his car in the parking indicating he would kill the other male or himself. She reported the messages to school officials who called 9-1-1.
Morales-Cervantes was arrested for Felony Harassment (threats to kill), possessing a firearm on school grounds, and possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. He was booked at the Okanogan County Jail. The pistol was a Ruger 9mm and had not been reported stolen.
The Deputies did an excellent job responding to and investigating this incident. I was also impressed at the effective measures the school took to protect their students and staff. Their level of cooperation with the Sheriff’s Office was remarkable.
- Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director
OLYMPIA – Drivers will have a chance to “test drive” a proposed system that would charge them by the mile, rather than by the gallon of gas for their road usage. The Washington State Transportation Commission today approved a plan to conduct a Road Usage Charge pilot project in fall 2017 that will simulate how this system might work.
“As the fuel efficiency of vehicles increases, gas consumption decreases and this equates to a reduction in gas tax revenues over time. The gas tax serves as the major source of funding for building and maintaining our state highways and ferries,” said Commission Chairman Jerry Litt. “Under the direction of the state Legislature, the commission has been assessing a road usage charge as a possible replacement for the gas tax in the future.”
The commission’s Executive Director Reema Griffith added, “During the commission’s evaluation over the past four-plus years, we’ve determined a road usage charge is feasible and that it could produce the revenue needed for Washington’s roads well into the future.”
The commission’s next step is to test the concept with the public and see what people think of it based upon actual experience using it. Recruitment will begin in spring 2017, with up to 2,000 volunteers needed from across the state to participate in the year-long test. Individuals who want to learn more about the project and have an interest in participating can visit the Road Use Charge website at www.waroadusagecharge.org.
Pilot project participants will choose different ways to participate and report their vehicle’s mileage. Some options do not involve any technology, such as manually reporting odometer readings; others do involve technology utilizing smartphones or in-vehicle technology. Because this is a simulation, participants will not be charged for any miles driven.
A 25-member steering committee has guided this work since 2012. The steering committee includes representatives from: auto and truck manufacturers, ports, environmental groups, trucking industry, cities, public transportation, business community and state agencies. The committee also includes three transportation commissioners and eight legislators.
A key finding from the work of the steering committee is that the gas tax is becoming more and more inequitable. Under Washington state’s current gas tax system, drivers pay widely different amounts for roadway use, depending on their vehicle’s fuel efficiency; those driving older, less efficient vehicles fill up more often and therefore, pay more in taxes. This inequity is expected to grow each year as vehicle fuel efficiency continues to rise, and as more alternative fuel vehicles that don’t use gas at all come onto the market.
Currently, 14 other states are evaluating a shift from the gas-tax revenue model to a road use charge. Funding for this work stems from a $3.8 million Federal Highway Administration competitive grant received earlier this year.
For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov/
- Written by Wai Peterson
Regular Board Meeting
142 Pedoi St., Bumgarner Building, December 8th, 2016, 4:00pm
I. Call to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Agenda Deletions and Additions
IV. Public Comment/Questions
V. Approval of Minutes
a. Minutes of the November 10th, 2016 Regular Meeting
VI. Financial Review
a. Review Monthly Financial Reports
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
VII. Old Business
a. Director’s Report
b. Park Improvements
i. Downtown Waterfront: Design Firm Selection
ii. Willow Point Restrooms
iii. Project Priorities (Park & Ride, Right of Way Parks, Singleton Old Mill Trail, Old Mill Day Use Parking)
c. Singleton Drainage
d. 2017 Budget
VIII. New Business
a. Shoreline Watercraft: Request for additional commercial moorage
IX. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: January 12th, 2017 at 4:00pm, 142 Pedoi St., Bumgarner Building
- Written by Herb Sargo
Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation
GIVE A GIFT OF LOVE AND CARING
Adopt-A-Tree
A Great Way to support the Orchard!
Looking for a stocking stuffer, a special gift to commemorate a memory or loved one, or to create a sense of caring and nurturing in a young person? Consider giving an adopted tree at the Buckner Orchard for 2017.
If the Buckner Orchard is going to continue as the treasure we know it to be, it must have caretakers now, as well as long into the future. What better way to ensure that future than by giving a child a gift of a tree?
The response of children who received trees is touching. They picked out their trees, wanting "to grow up" with a younger tree, pulling weeds, placing mouse guards, and running water to "their tree". They have become attached to "their" tree and now have a wonderful opportunity to care and help nurture a living thing for many years to come.
TREES ARE NOT ONLY FOR CHILDREN!. Maybe you know someone who doesn't get to Stehekin enough, who has a special memory of the Orchard, or you just want to support the work of the Foundation in caring for the Orchard. The adoption of trees also raises awareness of the Orchard and its care.
Adopt-A-Tree is one way in which you can support the work of the Foundation in caring for the Buckner Orchard. With your support much can be done to protect and conserve the heritage of this national treasure, and to continue its place as an important part of the Stehekin Community.
Adopt a tree for yourself and be a part of the Buckner Orchard!
Adopt-A-Tree funds are used exclusively to support the care and maintenance of the Buckner Orchard and are tax deductible.
How to Adopt-A-Tree
Step 1. E-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ensure a certificate arrives in time, providing the first and last name of the person the gift is being given to, as well as the address to which you would like it sent. Be sure to include your e-mail address; this saves the Foundation both time and money in getting the receipt to you.
A personal message may be included on the certificate, such as, With love and fond memories, from Grandma Cinda and Uncle Jim. You choose the one-line wording.
Step 2. Mail a check (@$25.00 per tree) to the Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation at PO Box 184, Manson, WA 98831. Because some may be given as Christmas gifts, a certificate will be mailed immediately, trusting that the appropriate payment will be forthcoming.
Certificates can also be sent to you in PDF format via e-mail, ready to print from your computer, name of the recipient included. Let us know your preference.
Renewals
This is also a great time to renew trees adopted during previous years. Please let us know if a new certificate is needed and follow the directions above.
Adopt-A-Tree is one of three means by which the Foundation raises funds to support the Orchard and Homestead. The other two are memberships and donations. Please help us today and give a gift of love and caring.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created specifically to support and preserve the Buckner Homestead and Orchard in Stehekin, Washington and is registered as such with the State of Washington and the IRS
(Tax ID #452913458)
- Written by Sheriff Harvey Gjesdal
On 12/0216 at approximately 1:47 AM a Washington State Patrol officer contacted what appeared to be a disabled vehicle on Hwy. 28 at about mile post 6. The female, a 14 yea ar old juvenile from East Wenatchee, confided in the state officer that she had set her parents’ house at the 2000 Blk. of Valley View Blvd. near East Wenatchee on fire before she left. WSP contacted Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies who rushed to the house and found the suspects parents asleep in their beds. There was no fire at the time but a 12” by 4” section of carpet had been burned. It appeared an unignited trail of lighter fluid, possibly barbeque lighter fluid had been poured up the stairs to the room occupied by the suspect’s mother and father. The door to their room had been blocked by an ottoman from the outside. Accelerant also let to the room of her 4 year old brother.
During an interview with Deputies, the juvenile female suspect admitted she attempted to set her parents’ house on fire, steal their car, and run away. She admitted squirting lighter fluid on carpets, curtains, and windowsills to make sure no one could get out. She created a trail of accelerant from the bedrooms, down the stairway, to the bottom step. There she lit the fire and watched it grow until she thought it was “pretty nice”. She then left.
The suspect had preloaded the vehicle with items she felt she needed for the trip. She planned to escape to Canada, Arizona, or Mexico. The suspect said she expected her entire family to die from smoke inhalation.
The suspected was arrested for three counts of attempted first degree murder, arson in the first degree, and theft of a motor vehicle.
This case is chilling and shocking to the senses. I am grateful to the WSP officer who first contacted the suspect and the Douglas County investigators who did such a thorough job unraveling the facts of this case. I am eternally grateful no one was hurt or killed.
Very Respectfully,
Sheriff Harvey Gjesdal
- Written by Rich Magnussen, CCSO
WENATCHEE, WA – The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Lake Wenatchee Recreation Club, is offering a free Snowmobile Safety Certification Class to young snowmobilers in December.
The free class is designed for youth ages 12 to 16 but is open to new riders of all ages. The class is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10th at the Lake Wenatchee Recreation Club, 14400 Chiwawa Loop Rd, Leavenworth, WA. Lunch will be provided for the participants by the Lake Wenatchee Rec. Club.
The key to safe snowmobiling lies in the operator’s knowledge, capabilities, limitations and understanding of the machine. It is recommended that snowmobilers be aware of weather and trail conditions and the safety of other winter sports enthusiasts, while respecting wildlife and the environment. The snowmobile safety course training includes:
- Basic snowmobile maintenance.
- Survival skills and dealing with emergencies, including avalanche awareness.
- The proper clothing and equipment for winter weather.
- Hand signals while riding and other basic skills.
- Properly preparing for a ride.
- Riding skills test
Registration deadline is December 9th. A parent or guardian will need to sign a consent form for each child registered and must sign them out at the conclusion of the class. For more information or to register, contact Rich Magnussen with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office at (509) 667-6508 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Written by Chief Dave Helvey, CCSO
On November 18, 2016 at 6:45 p.m. a Cashmere resident reported the theft of his 2010 Ford pickup. A Chelan County Deputy located the stolen truck near the intersection of Hay Canyon Road and U.S. Highway 2. The male driver fled the pickup, crossed Highway 2 and ran toward the Wenatchee River bank. Deputies located the male hiding near the edge of the river. The male ignored deputies commands and jumped into the Wenatchee River. Deputies tried to convince the man to swim back to shore but he refused, and was last seen near the middle of the river.
Swiftwater Rescue personnel from Leavenworth Fire, Cascade Ambulance, and CCSO Volunteer Services along with personnel from the Cashmere Fire Department, Ballard Ambulance, and CCSO were unable to locate the male. The initial search was suspended at 9:00 p.m. due to darkness.
Searchers located the male on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. The male has been identified as 30 year old Daniel Posey of Wenatchee. Mr. Posey was deceased.
- Written by Janice Stewart
Local Veterans attended a breakfast in their honor on Thursday, November 10 in the Manson High school student center. Students from Mrs. Carlton’s Career Choices Class prepared and served eggs, bacon and pancakes. One student, Everardo Guillen, prepared a beautifully decorated cake for the Veterans which he made while working at Safeway for his internship.
Following breakfast Manson students lined the halls of the high school where our guests walked in tribute and were thanked by student’s for their service to our country!
- Written by Herb Sargo
IN THIS ISSUE
- Harvest Fest Review
- Work Party
- Projects Update
- Adopt-A-Tree is on its way!
- Chelan Seaplanes - one round trip and two one-way flights between Chelan and Stehekin
- Adrienne Carpenter - quilted wall hanging of the head of Lake Chelan
- Dick Bingham - Buckner Orchard apple wine, 8 bottles
- Buckner Family - two copies of The Stehekin We Remember
- Susan Burke - four CD's of violin/fiddle music
Sunday, Poetry night 19 participants
- Removing apples that would feed mice from around trees
- Raking Leaves
- Building the band platform
- Setting up presses and other materials for Harvest Fest
- Collecting and storing hoses and sprinklers
- Filling ruts in road to the river
- Collecting downed limbs and other wood
- Setting up canopies and tarps
- Sweeping and cleaning the Buzzard Cabin
- And, more!
Additional Projects
Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Buckner Homestead and Orchard is a National Park Service site located in Stehekin,Washington,
within the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
The Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation is a not-for-profit organization
created specifically to support and preserve the Buckner Homestead and Orchard in Stehekin, Washington,
and is registered as such with the State of Washington and the IRS (Tax ID #452913458)
- Written by Laura Kingman, WSDOT

TRAIN | STATIONS | TRAIN | ||||
511 | 514 | |||||
11/23/2016 11/27/2016 | OPERATING DATES | 11/23/2016 11/27/2016 | ||||
DP | 12:30 PM | SEATTLE | AR | 10:00 PM | ||
12:45 PM | TUKWILA | 9:16 PM | ||||
1:25 PM | TACOMA | 8:46 PM | ||||
2:13 PM | OLYMPIA-LACEY | 7:58 PM | ||||
2:35 PM | CENTRALIA | 7:35 PM | ||||
3:21 PM | KELSO-LONGVIEW | 6:50 PM | ||||
4:03 PM | VANCOUVER, WA | 6:05 PM | ||||
AR | 4:45 PM | PORTLAND, OR | DP | 5:45 PM | ||
DP | 5:00 PM | PORTLAND, OR (Bus) | ||||
AR | 6:10 PM | SALEM (Bus) | ||||
AR | 6:55 PM | ALBANY (Bus) | ||||
AR | 7:40 PM | EUGENE (Bus) | ||||
AR | 7:50 PM | EUGENE – UO (Bus) |
- Purchasing Tickets: Tickets sell out quickly so customers are encouraged to plan ahead and book tickets early for best availability. Travelers may purchase tickets early using AmtrakCascades.com, or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.
- Baggage: Amtrak has a generous baggage allowance. Customers can bring two bags (up to 50 pounds each) and two carry-ons (up to 25 pounds each), collectively weighing up to 150 pounds, for free.
- Avoid the Rush: The busiest travel days are the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday. Other than Thanksgiving Day, morning trains typically have more available seats than those in the afternoon or evening.
- Arrive Early: Allow plenty of time at stations prior to departure – at least 45 minutes beforehand if picking up tickets. Arrange for pre-boarding if you need extra time or assistance.
- All Aboard Pets: Bring Fluffy and Fido to Thanksgiving. Amtrak Cascades welcomes cats and dogs weighing 20 pounds or less for $25 each. Advance pet reservations are required. Some restrictions apply.
- Bring your Bike: Some places are meant to be explored on two wheels. Make bicycle reservations when booking tickets.
- Carry Photo ID: Customers are required to show valid photo identification when purchasing tickets. Make sure to carry valid photo ID at all times, as it may be requested aboard trains.
- Be Safe: Passengers should be aware of their surroundings, stand back from the edge of the platform, never leave bags unattended, and watch their step when boarding or leaving the train or when walking between cars when the train is in motion.
- More information: Visit the Rider’s Guide for details on baggage, pets reservations and bicycle reservations.