Results from Andrew York Lineman Rodeo

From a PUD press release:

Chelan PUD team takes top honors at ninth annual Andrew York Lineman Rodeo

Journeymen linemen from Chelan County PUD based in Wenatchee, won top overall honors at the ninth annual Andrew York Lineman Rodeo on Saturday, June 15, 2013, in Wenatchee’s Walla Walla Point Park.

The team of Jared Montgomery, Jessie Nick and Andy Rice scored 698 points out of 700 with an overall time of 42 minutes even in the four events.

Evan Hufford from Seattle City Light was the top apprentice with 499 points and an overall time of 14 minutes and 11 seconds.

The Portland General Electric journeyman team of Terry Randall, Craig Randall and Jeremy Adamson was second with 698 points and a time of 43:6. Another Portland General Electric team of Chuck Palmateer, Dustin Miller and Steve Coutts was third with 696 points and a time of 36:8.

Chelan PUD apprentice Mikel Therien was second with 498 points and a time of 18:18. Brandon Hughes, also an apprentice at Chelan PUD, was third with 497 points and a time of 12:54.

Grant PUD journeymen teams placed fourth (696/43:2), eighth (694/45:0) and ninth (694/1:00:7). Ryan Bingham, Wayne Black and Eric Huber finished ahead of the team of Rodney Fronsman, Buck Gillmore and Kurt Myers and the team of Edward Olson, Josh Burnside and Daniel Lindemmeier.

Journeymen Kyle Pennington, Kole Pennington and Collin Hammond from Douglas PUD placed seventh with 696 points and a time of 47:9.

The top finishers were among 20 teams and 31 apprentices who competed at the event which honors the memory of Andrew York, a Chelan PUD journeyman lineman who died in 2000 after being struck while on the job by a drunken driver. The event’s mission is to raise awareness of the tragedies caused by impaired driving and the dangers of not wearing seat belts.

Complete results will be posted next week on the rodeo’s website.

Proceeds from the rodeo support the Andrew York Memorial Scholarship, which has awarded $27,000 in nine years to Washington state high school seniors active in preventing teen drug and alcohol abuse. Hannah Cain, a Wenatchee High School graduate, received this year’s $3,000 award.

This year’s rodeo attracted power linemen from as far away as Pennsylvania. Journeyman teams and apprentice linemen tested their skills and knowledge in events including a pole-top rescue, speed climb, armor rod change-out and “energized” dead-end change out. Safety is as important as speed in the scoring.

“Overwhelming – that’s the only way to describe the support for this event,” said Daryn Klinginsmith, a former lineman and rodeo committee member. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the line trade, honor Andrew York’s memory and put the spotlight on stopping impaired driving and making sure everyone wears seat belts.”

Joyce Grundy won the top prize in the fund-raising Rubber Ducky Drop; a revolver pistol.

Total proceeds from this year’s rodeo are still being tallied.

The rodeo is hosted by employees and volunteers from Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, and Okanogan PUDs and IBEW Local 77 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). The rodeo is held on the third Saturday of June each year.

Major sponsors for the rodeo are Alcoa’s Wenatchee Works; ESCI; Henkels & McCoy; Coming Hot Clothing; Puget Sound Energy; Washington PUDs Association and Wilson Construction; plus many other community members, business owners and volunteers. Earhart Collision Repair of Wenatchee sponsored the live radio broadcast from the rodeo on Country 104.7 FM.

The 2014 rodeo – the 10th annual - will be Saturday, June 14, at Wenatchee’s Walla Walla Point Park.

New Manson School Employees Looking For Housing

Manson School District is calling on the local community to assist in locating housing for new District hires for the coming year. A Public Notice reads:
The Manson School District has hired several new staff members for the upcoming school year. Those hires and families will be moving into our community and will be in need of housing.

Needs may range from a one to four bedroom homes. Most of the newcomers are still in the process of selling their current homes, so they are probably looking to rent right now.

Anyone who has something for rent should contact the Manson School District office at 687-3140 for details.

North Cascades National Park To Hold Public Meetings

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Suspends Search for Hildegard Hendrickson

79 Year Old Missing For More Than a Week in Mountains 10 Miles North of Lake Wenatchee Hildegard R. Hendrickson 79yoa White / Female / Height 5-04 / Weight 180lbs /Gry Eyes / Gry Hair

As of Monday, June 17th, 2013

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has suspended the search for 79 year old Hildegard Hendrickson in the Minnow Creek Trail and Basalt Peak area north of Lake Wenatchee in western Chelan County.

Searchers have been combing the area surrounding the Minnow Creek Trailhead since last Tuesday (06/11/2013) afternoon using ground searchers, tracking and scent canines, searchers on horseback, and aircraft.

On Sunday eight separate dog teams and 50 ground searchers continued in the search for Hendrickson. No clues have been discovered during the massive search effort.

Search coordinators and detectives will continue to actively investigate this case. As new information is received, additional checks of specific areas may resume.

Hendrickson is confirmed as having last been seen at the trailhead in the early afternoon of Saturday June 8th by other mushrooms hunters with her vehicle a light green 2012 Ford Focus sedan. Hendrickson informed these witnesses she was going to pick a few morel mushrooms. Her vehicle remained parked at the trailhead undisturbed for three days. It was not until Tuesday that family and friends realized Hendrickson was missing as they checked her Seattle residence after a call from the Sheriff’s Office.

Hendrickson is known as a mushroom expert who has been actively hunting and identifying various species for nearly 40 years. Family and fellow mushroom hunters have all told Sheriff’s Office search coordinators that Hendrickson primary stays near the roads and trails while attempting to locate and collect mushrooms. She was last seen with her silver metal collection basket and a blue hiking pole while wearing a tan vest with pockets, a white or light straw hat, and glasses.

Anyone with additional information concerning Hildegard Hendrickson is encouraged to contact the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office at 509-667-6864.

DCFD4 photo

Fire 2 Miles North of Beebe Bridge Quickly Contained

From a Douglas County Fire District press release:

2013-6-15, 15:10
Orondo Fire, Chelan Fire 7 and LCCH EMS responded to a wildland fire 2 miles north of the Beebe Bridge.

An agricultural mower had a mechanical breakdown causing sparks which ignited dry grass and slash piles in a residential development along the Columbia River. Crews put a wet line between the dwelling and the fire, and then were able to work from both ends of the fire, meeting in the middle, putting the fire out.

Fourteen personnel responded with eight apparatus to the fire. There was no property damage or injuries.

Winter-Damaged PUD Fiber at Lake Wenatchee Restored

From a PUD press release:

South shore fiber rebuild complete; fiber storm repairs to wrap up June 21

Rebuilding Chelan PUD’s fiber-optic system on the south shore of Lake Wenatchee is complete and end-users are urged to contact their service provider to restore service.

About five miles of fiber infrastructure, from Lake Wenatchee State Park down Cedar Brae Road, was damaged beyond repair in last December’s storms.

Rebuilding the fiber along the south shore of Lake Wenatchee started March 25 and work finished June 7. The cost of rebuilding the line is about $525,000 and within the estimate of $495,000 to $605,000. Costs are still being gathered for the final tally. Potelco of Sumner, Wash., was the general contractor.

The work required some 30,000 feet of new fiber-optic cable and about 1,000 individual splices of the glass fiber strands that conduct data-carrying bursts of light through the network. An additional fiber data terminal was designed into the project to improve reliability and enhance the ease of future maintenance and repairs.

“We are pleased once again to provide network access to services for the south shore residents,” said Mike Coleman, PUD Fiber and Telecom managing director, noting the strong interest those residents have in accessing fast broadband services. “It is a testament to the skill and determination of PUD employees who designed and oversaw reconstruction on a very tight schedule.”

The PUD’s wholesale fiber network carries Internet, TV and phone services offered by private retail service providers.

In addition, final repair of storm damage to the main fiber line that runs over Beaver Hill will require a fiber outage from midnight to 6 a.m. on Friday, June 21.

The outage will affect all service from the Plain node to about 800 end-users on the north and south shores of Lake Wenatchee and in Plain, Ponderosa Pines, Shugart Flats, Chiwawa River Pines and along River Road.

The outage is needed so PUD crews can finish repairs on the main fiber line over Beaver Hill that was damaged in last winter’s storms.

The exhaustive search for a well known Western Washington woman missing in the rugged mountains north of Lake Wenatchee for nearly a week, continues.

Missing Person Hildegard R. Hendrickson 79yoa White / Female / Height 5-04 / Weight 180lbs /Gry Eyes / Gry Hair

UPDATE: Mushroom Hunter Still Missing

From the Chelan County Sheriff's Office:

Search Update for Friday, June 14, 2013:

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office continued their grid search for Hildegard Hendrickson today. Approximately 45 searchers are expanding the search area for Ms. Hendrickson and checking areas with limited or difficult access. The search teams consist of Chelan County Search and rescue members, members from neighboring agencies, and numerous volunteers. Teams are also utilizing specially trained dogs to aid in their search.

Search and rescue members and other Chelan County personnel continue to follow up on tips that have been provided by fellow mushroom pickers and others who believe they possibly observed Ms. Hendrickson.

Missing Person Hildegard R. Hendrickson 79yoa White / Female / Height 5-04 / Weight 180lbs /Gry Eyes / Gry Hair

UPDATE: Search for Missing Mushroom Hunter Continues

From the Chelan County Sheriff's Office:

Search Update for Thursday, June 13, 2013:

The Search for Hildegard Hendrickson resumed this morning after an exhausting day of searching the past two days in an area authorities describe as being about 10 miles north of Lake Wenatchee.

Chelan County used their helicopter for flights over the search area yesterday in an attempt to assist ground searchers in locating Ms. Hendrickson. Even though a fire burned through the area last year, there is still a large amount of underbrush which didn’t burn, making searching from both the air and ground difficult.

The area within ½ mile around where Ms. Hendrickson’s car was located has been grid searched, meaning every area of ground within this area has been visually inspected in an attempt to find her. This area is being expanded as best as possible.

Over 60 personnel have been involved with the search and rescue operation, with additional resources responding today to help in the effort to find Ms. Hendrickson. Members from the Kittitas County Search and Rescue with search dogs are assisting along with Snohomish County Search and Rescue. Forest Service Back Country Rangers, Forest Service Fire teams, Chelan County Search and Rescue and dog teams from both Chelan and Douglas Counties and the Chelan County Mountain Rescue are all aiding in the search. Members of the Mushroom Pickers Association familiar with Ms. Hendrickson and her methods of searching for mushrooms are also assisting with the search efforts.

The weather is holding, but cool temperatures of around 39 degrees have been common in the early mornings.

Initially, tracks were found in the search area of what we believe to have been made by some type of walking stick. Ms. Hendrickson was known to have some type of hiking stick with her as she searched for mushrooms. The search area has had numerous mushroom pickers, so it is really unclear if the tracks we found were from Ms. Hendrickson or someone else. Many people have called in with information on possibly having seen Ms. Hendrickson over the weekend in the area and we are actively pursuing these tips.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Manson School District Looking for LEGO Robotics Coach

DESCRIPTION: Looking for an individual to coach a LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Competition Team
of Manson middle and high school students.  Two-day training is mandatory and will be
provided by Central Washington University, as well as a week-long camp at CWU for two
students and the coach.
	
TIME COMMITMENT:  
Coach Training:   June 17 & 18
Student/Coach Camp:  August 12-16
Weekly team meetings through February to prep for competition
Final Competition (sometime in February)

SALARY/BENEFITS
$1,000 Stipend
Coach training and camp paid in full by GEARUP
No benefits

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
1.	Complete Application
2.	Letter of Interest

Applications are available at the District Office 687-3140 or at www.manson.org

For more information please contact Patti Stracener or Don Vanderholm at 687-9585.

Closing: Date: Open until filled

The Manson School District is committed to equal employment and educational opportunities. The District encourages inquiries and applications from all qualified individuals, including members of any protected group. It is the policy of the district not to discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin (including language), sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, creed, religion, age, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, as required by state and federal laws.

LCCH Foundation to Support New KidsFit! Program

Hospital Foundation gaining support for new health initiative to benefit local children.

Sam the Moose at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska inspired over 1,000 kids to walk 10,000 steps a day for 20 days as part of the hospital’s child wellness program. Lake Chelan Community Hospital prepares to launch its own child wellness program this fall. Photo provided by Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney, Nebraska.

Lake Chelan Community Hospital Foundation is currently raising funds to roll out a new children’s wellness program this fall. The program, which capitalizes on the success of the hospital’s GetFit! program for adults, will target children ages 5-11.

"This is a project I'm excited to support. Research shows that we now have the first generation of kids that is not expected to live as long as their parents due to the rising rate of obesity. I'm looking forward to being part of the solution in our community," said LCCH Foundation President Ed Rauvola.

One of the unique aspects of the program is the introduction of a KidsFit! mascot.

“Many youth-related healthcare initiatives across the nation use a friendly mascot as a way to engage youth in the message of the program,” said LCCH Wellness Manager Leah Thompson.

The National Capital Language Resource Center indicates that animal mascots can often be very effective when used as part of a learning strategy, particularly with children younger than 12. The mascots are shown to be effective in helping to take an abstract concept, such as healthy living choices, and make it tangible to young children.

KidsFit! is a comprehensive program that will offer fitness challenges to promote health initiatives. One such challenge planned for the upcoming school year involves using pedometers to encourage children to get active. Children will be provided with ‘step logs’ and can return them for promotional prizes.

Program coordinators will work in partnership with Morgen Owings Elementary and Manson Elementary to support existing educational goals related to nutrition and fitness.

“We’re excited to partner with the hospital on this program,” said Morgen Owings Elementary Principal Jeff Peck. “Our school district has made school-based health and fitness programs a priority.”

LCCH Foundation is currently seeking contributions to purchase educational resources that will support KidsFit! Contests and prizes involving the whole family, as well as social media communication will further promote good nutrition and fitness in our community.

“Our goal is to raise $6,000 among community supporters to assist in financing the launch of the program. We’re over 75% of the way to achieving that goal,” said Rauvola.

The Lake Chelan Community Hospital Foundation actively manages donor contributions, bequests, memorials, donor advised funds, endowments and an annual giving campaign. Each year the Foundation awards scholarships and assists the hospital to purchase necessary equipment to improve patient care.

The Foundation is incorporated and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. Contributions are tax deductible under IRS regulations. For additional information, contact Lake Chelan Community Hospital Foundation at 509-682-6125. Donations to the Foundation can be made at www.lcchfoundation.com.

Missing Person Hildegard R. Hendrickson 79yoa White / Female / Height 5-04 / Weight 180lbs /Gry Eyes / Gry Hair

Sheriff Requesting Help Locating Missing Mushroom Hunter

From the Chelan County Sheriff's Office:

Sheriff Brian Burnett reports a search began Tuesday afternoon for a 79 year old female mushroom hunter in the Chikamin Gulch area near the Basalt Peak trail. Hildegard Hendrickson (photo below) of Seattle has not been seen or heard from since Saturday (06/08/2013). Hendrickson has been an avid mushroom hunter for 37 years.

Hendrickson’s vehicle is believed to have been parked at the USFS Trailhead #1539 since some time on Saturday. However, the vehicle was not called in as “suspicious” to authorities until late Tuesday morning. When deputies checked with family members, it was determined Hendrickson had never returned home to her Seattle residence from a day trip to the Chikamin Gulch area on Saturday.

Chelan County Search and Rescue Coordinators initiated a search Tuesday evening using two canines and over a dozen ground search personnel at the trailhead. The search for Hendrickson will resume early Wednesday morning.

Anyone who may have seen or had contact with Hildegard Hendrickson in the Chikamin Flats or Basalt Creek area of Chelan County over the past weekend is asked to contact the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office via RIVERCOM dispatch at 509-663-9911.
FOR MORE ON THIS STORY - CLICK HERE

Manson Parks and Recreation District

Regular Board Meeting
142 Pedoi St., Bumgarner Building, June 13th, 2013, 4:10pm

I.    Call to Order
II.   Flag Salute
III.  Agenda Deletions and Additions
IV.   Public Comment/Questions
V.    Approval of Minutes
      a. Minutes of the May 9th, 2013 Regular Meeting
VI.   Financial Review
      a. Review Monthly Financial Reports
      b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
VII.  Old Business
      a. Manson Business Advisory Discussion
      b. Director’s Report
      c. Boat Club Lease
VIII. New Business
      a. Manson Community Council Update
      b. Commercial Rates
      c. Parks Conference Room Policy
IX.   Adjournment

Next Regular Meeting: July 11th, 2013 at 4:00pm,
142 Pedoi St., Bumgarner Building

Stehekin: June 24
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. open house
Golden West Visitor Center

Stehekin: June 25
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. site walk-through
NPS Maintenance Yard

Wenatchee: June 25
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Chelan County Public Utility District Auditorium
327 North Wenatchee Avenue

Seattle: June 26
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
319 Second Avenue South

NPS to Hold Three Public Meetings Concerning Stehekin

From an NPS press release:

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 - The National Park Service invites you to help identify the issues and concerns to be addressed in the Environmental Assessment for the “Replacement of Administrative Facilities at Stehekin” by attending one of three public meetings. Join members of the planning team and the park superintendent in Stehekin on June 24, Wenatchee on June 25, and Seattle on June 26 to discuss your ideas, thoughts, and concerns regarding the proposed actions.

The meeting format will include a short presentation on the proposed project, followed by an open house format during which you can review project information, talk with park staff, ask questions, and provide comments. The meeting at Stehekin will also include a walk-through of the alternative sites under consideration.

The purpose of the proposed action is to provide cost-effective and sustainable facilities and infrastructure for maintenance and fire operations and housing critical to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area operations that are outside of environmentally sensitive areas. The proposed action is needed to remove several of the existing facilities from the Stehekin River floodplain. The existing facilities also are inefficient to operate and maintain, and a long-term solution for solid waste disposal must be identified and implemented.

Existing maintenance facilities would be removed from the channel migration zone of the Stehekin River, allowing the area to be restored to more natural conditions. In accordance with the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area General Management Plan, new maintenance facilities would be consolidated near the airstrip and would include shuttle bus storage and maintenance; equipment storage; a repair building; a fire cache and dorm; helicopter pad; hazardous storage; and a solid waste compaction/recycling transfer facility. One single-family house for NPS staffs would be built in one of four potential locations.

Comments received before the close of the public scoping period on July 10, 2013, will help identify the issues and concerns to be addressed in the Environmental Assessment. In addition to the public meetings, comments can be submitted on-line at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca or in writing to:

National Park Service, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
Stehekin Administrative Facilities EA
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, Washington 98284

Auto Accident on South Shore Sends 1 To Jail and 2 To Hospital

Twenty-two year old Collin Irons of Seattle has been charged with Vehicular Assault, DWI, Violation of Ignition Interlock, and Providing False Information, after the vehicle he was driving was involved in an accident Sunday that sent his passengers to the hospital.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office is reporting the Irons was driving a 1993 Acura Integra at a high rate of speed around milepost 5 on the South Lakeshore Road, Sunday morning. Irons failed to negotiate a curve in the road, left the roadway and came to rest in a small ravine on the south side of the highway.

A passenger in Iron's vehicle, 23 year old Keeley Montoya of Bellevue, sustained injuries in the accident and was ulimately taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where she was listed in satisfactory condition today. Another passenger, Kevin Johnson, 20, of Seattle, was treated and released at Lake Chelan Community Hospital.

Sheriff's Deputies report that Irons was placed under arrest for DUI, Vehicular Assault, violation of ignition interlock, and providing false information. And a Chelan County Sheriff's Office "Accident Technician" was called to the scene and collected evidence to determine the exact cause of the collision which occurred around 11:04 am on June 9th.

Jim Oatey (L), Fire Chief, Orondo Fire Department and R. Mille Watkins (R), Superintendent, Orondo School District

Douglas County Fire District 4 Receives Community Leadership Award

Douglas County Fire District No 4, Orondo, was presented with the Community Leadership award from the Washington Association of School Administrators Sunday at the Orondo School Graduation.

This award is presented to community members or groups in recognition of their outstanding contributions toward education. The Orondo School nominated Douglas County Fire District No. 4 for their ongoing support of the local education system.

Photos taken at the site of the Memorial Day mudding, northwest of Buck Lake Campground

"Mudding" on National Forest is Illegal

Mudders, take note: It is against the law to tear up forest roads and meadows for the fun of it, and the legal and financial consequences can be steep. Tearing up high-country meadows with four-wheel-drive and off-road vehicles destroys wildlife habitat and ecosystems.

During a recent investigation, Law Enforcement officers gathered information about mudding that occurred over Memorial Weekend northwest of Buck Lake Campground, near Winthrop Washington. The meadow was torn up by vehicles; here there was green grass, there are now mud pits and tire tracks. The activities that caused this damage are illegal under both state and federal law. Participants could face charges including malicious mischief and fines up to and including paying for the costs of restoration.

“Mudding, or driving through moist areas and puddles while mud sprays up onto a vehicle, is considered fun by some motor sports enthusiasts,” said Shannon O’Brien, Public Affairs Specialist for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. “Some people enjoy the challenge of maneuvering a vehicle through a situation where they could get stuck, or they may simply get a thrill out of seeing how high they can fling mud. There are websites and groups that cater to this interest and there are places, mostly private land (with a landowners permission), where such activities are allowed.”

“But the National Forest is not such a place,” she said. “Individuals responsible for causing damage to roads, property or forest land can be sited for malicious mischief and face financial charges for the cost of rehabilitating any damage they cause. It can run into thousands of dollars.”

The Memorial Day incident isn’t the first time such damage has occurred. Several years ago, there was a similar case on National Forest Lands managed by the Methow Valley Ranger District and the individuals responsible for the damage faced criminal charges along with being billed by the Forest Service for the costs of restoration.

There is a difference between acceptable use of off-highway vehicles and mudding. The difference is that mudding is illegal and it is destructive. Off-highway vehicles are permitted on designated trails within the National Forest system. These trails are built specifically to minimize the impact of vehicles on fragile ecosystems, such as meadows and streams. Many trails are maintained by volunteers, and are prime examples of citizens acting as stewards of public land.

“Mudding can occur on roads or off of them,” said O’Brien. It’s more a question of whether the activity is causing damage. Is it tearing through grass to expose underlying soil, or is the individual unnecessarily driving through a soft spot in the road? If the answers to those questions are yes, the activity is illegal and the individuals involved could face charges.”

Some may ask themselves, “What’s the big deal?” People have enjoyed playing in puddles forever. The big deal though is that mudding is illegal and it damages the forest. It rips up plants, compacts soil, harms wildlife and costs a lot of money to fix.

Under 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261.13, section h: "It is prohibited to operate any vehicle off Forest Development, State or County roads... in a manner which damages or unreasonably disturbs the land, wildlife, or vegetative resources."

Spinning tires on plants destroys the plants, leaving behind bare dirt. When plants are gone, there is nothing to stop soil from washing into nearby streams and lakes. Muddy streams and lakes are bad for fish, wildlife, irrigators, recreationists, and towns dependent upon clean water and tourism for survival. When native plants are gone, noxious weeds move in. A meadow of native grasses and flowers may soon become a field of thistles and knapweed.

Mudding compacts soil. Healthy soil should bounce a bit when you walk on it. Tire tracks create hard, dried up soil. This hard soil doesn't allow water to move into the ground. Instead, water runs down tire tracks and into creeks and lakes, carrying mud and pollutants with it. It is hard for plants to grow in compacted soil-imagine trying to extend your legs through a concrete floor.

Meadows and wetlands provide important breeding, rearing, and foraging habitats for many birds and other animals. Tearing-up these areas removes nesting and hiding cover, decreases forage, interferes with feeding, and pushes animals out into areas where they may not survive.

Restoring an area damaged by mudding is expensive. Smoothing ruts, reseeding or planting and repairing roadbeds costs a lot of money. In situations where the individuals are not caught, every taxpayer has to pitch in to cover the restoration costs. When caught, individuals responsible for the damage can be fined up to $5000. In addition, the U.S. Forest Service may bring a civil suit against the individual to pay for the costly restoration.

Lake Chelan Clinic Welcomes 1st Year Medical Student Kevin Critchlow

My name is Kevin Critchlow. I am an incoming student at the University of Washington School of Medicine with my first-year campus in Spokane. I will be spending a week this summer before classes start in Chelan to get to know my primary mentor Dr. Tobe Harberd and the Chelan community. I am excited to get to know you all more over many subsequent visits the next four years.

I am originally from Bellevue, and I lived there until age 15. In high school, my family moved to Westlake Village, California, near Los Angeles. I attended Yale University in Connecticut where I majored in Biomedical Engineering. Eager to return to Washington State after graduating, I spent a year as an Ameri- Corps volunteer in East Lewis County, where I tutored and mentored teens, and I taught English as a Second Language. I studied MRI imaging in college, but my service experience affirmed my desire to find ways to improve health with a community approach to medicine, lifestyle and behavior. My AmeriCorps term also cemented the Evergreen State as my home.

Growing up, I devoted my time to sports. I never could and I never will refuse a game of soccer or basketball, a run, a bike ride, or anything involving hiking boots, canoes or snowshoes. As I've gotten older, I've diversified my interests to include cooking, gardening, folk music, and art. As excited as I am for the opportunity to learn medicine in Chelan, I am looking forward to sharing many a soccer game, barbecue, and banjo jam! I'm honored to join the vibrant Chelan community, and I hope to contribute a little bit of my own spirit over the next four years.

Click Here for the Lake Chelan Clinic website

TRUST - (Targeted Rural/Underserved Track)

The goal of Washington TRUST is to allow for a focused medical school experience in underserved care, with the eventual goal of returning physicians to practice in the underserved areas of Washington. Washington TRUST scholars will have multiple opportunities to experience first hand the joys and satisfaction of practicing medicine in an underserved community.

"Overpass for Animals" Top Concept Drawings

Creative ideas for Snoqualmie Pass wildlife crossings win scholarships for 2 high school students

A first place tie means two Washington high school students are earning green for college in a scholarship contest focused on Interstate 90 wildlife crossings, east of Snoqualmie Pass.

Brydon Eakins, a senior at University High School in Spokane, and Elaina Thomas, a junior at Garfield High School in Seattle, both received a $1,000 scholarship from the I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition on Thursday, June 6.

“We received an amazing response from very talented high school students, making our job to select the best entries an exciting challenge,” said Charlie Raines, contest judge and Wildlife Bridges Coalition director. “Two students stood out in their work, and how ironic that they reside in cities that bookend I-90 in Washington.”

Juniors and seniors from across the state submitted creative scholarship entries. Students were asked to provide concepts that tackle the same problem Washington State Department of Transportation engineers are solving: Building a wildlife crossing over I-90. The crossing had to be similar to the structure scheduled to be built in 2015 near the Price Noble Creek Sno-Park and temporary rest area. The wildlife crossing is part of the second phase of the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project.

Entries were whittled down to the top five and given to a judging panel of transportation and I-90 project experts. The judging panel included Charlie Raines, director of the I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition; Kirk Holmes, director of Kittitas County Public Works; Douglas MacDonald, former secretary of transportation; U.S. Sen. Dave Reichert; Sen. Curtis King, 14 legislative district; and Lynn Peterson, secretary of transportation.

Eakins submitted a computer design that focused on an environmentally-friendly crossing while Thomas’ 3-D model focused on safety for wildlife and drivers.

“We appreciate the work by all of the students who entered this contest, and congratulate the two winners,” said Brian White, WSDOT assistant regional administrator for construction. “We’ll be displaying the top five designs in our Olympia headquarters office during the summer.”

In addition to wildlife crossings that help reconnect habitat in the central Cascades, WSDOT is improving I-90 by building a new six-lane freeway from Hyak to Keechelus Dam. This project:

• Replaces deteriorated concrete pavement in the existing lanes and shoulders for a smoother ride
• Stabilizes rock slopes to reduce the risk of rocks falling onto the roadway
• Extends chain-up and -off areas to improve safety
• Straightens sharp curves to improve visibility
• Replaces the snowshed east of Snoqualmie Pass with a new structure to reduce avalanche-related closures
• Adds lights, traffic cameras and variable message signs

WSDOT received funding from the 2005 gas tax package to design and construct this project. The first five miles of improvements are scheduled to be complete in 2017.

Helen Cromar to Speak at Genealogical Society

How’s your genealogical research? Gathering dust? Hit a brick wall? Not even started?

Time to get back in the saddle and ride the Genealogy Trail!

Chelan Valley Genealogical Society Meeting

HELEN CROMAR, Speaker
“How to Use the F. H. C.”
JUNE 15, 2013 - 11 am
Chelan Family History Center
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“Rockin’ Fireworks” to Light Chelan’s Sky on July 6th

HDCA Display Shot From a Barge on Lake Chelan

The Historic Downtown Chelan Association (HDCA) announces its July “Rockin’ Fireworks” display will light the Chelan sky for the sixth consecutive year. The fireworks will be discharged on Saturday, July 6th, from a barge on the lower basin of Lake Chelan at dark (approximately 10:00 PM) by Western Display Fireworks.

People in Chelan can enjoy “front row” seats from downtown Chelan, Don Morse Park, Lakeside Park (on the south shore of Lake Chelan), on the lake, and throughout Chelan’s lower basin area. The incredible display will last approximately 20 minutes and include crowd pleasing favorites.

The HDCA Fireworks Committee Chairperson, Barb Wadkins, along with Eric Campbell, Libby Manthey, and Brian Merrill are currently soliciting donations from the community in support of this year’s fireworks display. Special thanks to the following businesses who stepped forward early with their contributions:

Apple Inn
Jim Colbert Orchards
Bear Foods
Kelly’s Ace Hardware
Cascade Weed & Pest Management
Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce
Cevado Technologies
Lake Chelan Sports
Chelan Printing & Custom Signs
Lakeview Drive-In
Culinary Apple
Lulu Boutique & Annex
DeLeon Custom Homes
Main Street Gallery
Jay Witherbee
Spectrum Eye Care

Public donations for Rockin’ Fireworks are being accepted by HDCA—every dollars helps! Donors may contact Barb Wadkins by phoning her shop, Lake Chelan Sports, at 509.679.5356 or the HDCA office at 509.682.4322. Donations are tax deductible.

NCNB is a proud sponsor of HDCA events

What Others Are Saying About Lake Chelan - Produce News Daily

The Produce News has a nice write up on the Orondo Ruby Cherry; an exclusive fruit for Chelan Fresh that is expected to produce some "serious growth."

Click the image for the article.

Chelan PUD Hedging on Wholesale Power Sales
Helps Protect Revenue and Keep Electric Rates Predictable

An approach to Chelan PUD’s wholesale power sales known in financial circles as “hedging” is protecting against drops in revenue and in turn, the need for possible spikes in electric rates, Gregg Carrington, Energy Resources managing director, reported to commissioners Monday. He outlined the benefits of the approach and its limitations. The goal of the District’s hedging program is to provide stable revenue over the long-term, Carrington said.
Achieving that aim helps the PUD meet customer preference for modest and predictable electric rate increases, he said.

Since starting the hedging program in 2010, the PUD has received an estimated $80 million more for its surplus power than selling it on the spot market during a time of low prices, Carrington said. Those earnings have helped the District meet financial policies outlined in its Strategic Plan, stabilize finances during a deep recession and take steps that customers value such as paying down debt.

However, if market prices rebound when most of the surplus power is already sold, the District won’t see an immediate benefit from the price rise, he explained. Still, the program would be judged a success if the District continues to meet its financial objectives, Carrington said. Hedging also is designed to reduce the risk to revenue from low stream flows or the loss of generation from a mechanical breakdown at one of the dams because most sales are for a percentage – or “slice” - of total power output, not a set amount.

Carrington said the program is meeting the goal of securing stable wholesale revenue. It also is helping keep PUD finances stable and meeting customer priorities for: ·

· Paying down debt

· Keeping electric rates modest and predictable

· Saving for a raining day

· Maintaining dams, power lines and equipment for reliable service

In other business, commissioners:

- Recessed Monday’s meeting and reconvened at noon on Tuesday to meet in executive session to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment as allowed under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g).

- Scheduled two special meetings for executive sessions to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment as allowed by state law. Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, and at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 10. Both meetings will be in the PUD boardroom at 327 N. Wenatchee Ave.

- Rescheduled the June 17 regular meeting to June 24 at 10 a.m. in the boardroom at 327 N. Wenatchee Ave.

Lake Chelan Museum Hosts Book Signing June 7th
Introducing Drew Crooks, Author and Historian's New Publication

Edward Lange: An Early Artist of Lake Chelan and Washington State
By Drew W. Crooks, Author and Historian

Author and historian Drew W. Crooks brings his new book on the artist, Edward Lange, to the Chelan Museum for an illustrated presentation and book-signing. tist, Edward Lange, to the Chelan Museum for an illustrated presentation and book-signing.

Edward Lange came to Washington State in 1889 from Long Island, New York. Based in Olympia, he traveled across the region. The artist was especially interested in the Lake Chelan area and Central Washington. His highly detailed drawings were often printed as panoramic bird’s-eye views of towns or as illustrations in publications that boosted businesses and communities. After a PowerPoint presentation, Crooks will be available to sign copies of his new book, Edward Lange:

An Early Artist of Olympia and Washington State. This publication has over 120 illustrations, many of them full page in size. Originals of some of Lange’s Lake Chelan artwork will also be on display during the program.

Friday's book signing runs from 5-7 PM, and is open to all who are interested in attending.