by Richard Uhlhorn
Manson Community Council’s guest speakers was Aaron Edwards, CEO of Lake Chelan Health and his Chief of Outpatient & Ancillary Services, Marcus Miller.
Edwards, who has guided the hospital for the last five year’s thanked the council for inviting them to speak. Edwards said when he took over as the CEO that up to that point the hospital had under performed. “It was a rural challenge with a lot of opportunity,” said Edwards.
Miller stated that residents of the valley can access the hospital’s primary healthcare clinic located on Johnson Ave. It is staffed with a family physician and is open 12 hours a day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to serve people who have to work.
Miller also said the hospital has purchased a trailer which will become a mobile clinic that can serve clients unable to make appointments during the day. It will be staffed with a physician’s assistant.
In addition, Chelan Health has revamped their surgical unit with a general surgeon on-site. “We have also added a dermatologist,” said Edwards. In addition, he added that they have added a cardiologist and are increasing their cardiac imaging capabilities. “All of these services have been added because of demand. “It’s been a very exciting timed. We are conducting more home visits.”
Edwards added that the hospital is 100% committed to its EMS and has zero interest of it going away.
The hospital is adding a new electronic records system to simplify patients and the hospital’s record sharing.
Edwards told the audience that in 2002 the hospital had $31 million in gross revenue which increased to $76 million in 2025 with a projection of reaching $97 million in 2026. “We are already $2 million ahead of that projection,” said Edwards.
Edwards and Miller took time to answer some questions before handing the meeting back to the council.
Councilman Dom Amor asked about the hospital’s situation under the new federal mandates on such services as Medicare and Medicaid. Edwards replied, “I think we are positioned well. We are helping people find insurance, but it is a challenge.” In addition, the state has made some changes in the law with regards to hospitals. “Health care is ridiculously expensive,” Edwards said.
Asked about the new EMS building, Edwards said it has 10 separate bedrooms and a large meeting room downstairs that can accommodate regional or even state wide training sessions.
Edwards said that the hospital has been asked to help administer another health facility.
In other business:
Under old business Chairman Mike Kirk stated that he felt the One Voice Coalition meeting went really well.
Dom Amor said it was his understanding that Chelan County has some updated information on its comprehensive plan for Manson. Gerry Ustanik said he felt they were looking more at Chelan. (Chelan is updating their own comp. plan.)
René Commons reported that there were no Manson to Chelan Trail updates, but added that it needs more community support.
Ustanik reported that the contractor working on the waterline upgrades is behind schedule but as assured them it would be completed by the end of June. “The contractor has been running into some (underground) issues,” Ustanik stated.
Amor reported that the Casino is updating its facilty with new carpeting. “They have already updated their HVAC system and are considering becoming a non-smoking facility.” He also added that there is some movement on a new hotel and that it would likely be separate from the existing casino.
Amor also said that the fire department is looking for a replacement for fire chief Arnold Baker who retires in July. Assistant fire chief Mike Williams is the interim chief. “The Fire Department is looking at purchasing Leffler Field from the Parks Department/School District.”
One big issue throughout the area is the potential for wildfire. With the lack of snowpack and another predicted hot summer, the potential is huge.
Council reports:
Jeff Conwell reported that Community Foundation of NCW is opening for grant funding opportunities on July 1. Ustanik said he would take on that challenge.
Conwell said he was still working on incorporation and is going to have a conversation with the City of Chelan. “We are looking at all the changes.”
Ustanik reported that a lot of people are showing an interest in the Dark Skies Initiative. He also talked with the wineries but said they close at night. A night skies event will be held at Echo Ridge sometime in June.
There will be a Lake Chelan Collaborative Meeting on June 3.
Manson Community Council’s next meeting is on June 16 at the Manson Grange Hall beginning at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
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