by Richard Uhlhorn

Congratulations to Daniella Ochoa, 2025 Miss Lake Chelan and her runner-up Miss Alexa Padilla.

The Miss Lake Chelan Scholarship Program began years ago and attracted numerous young junior high school girls to compete for a variety of scholarships. Over the years, the program diminished and almost disappeared. However, through the efforts of Lake Chelan Schools Director of Teaching and Learning, Ms. Tiffany Viall and her compatriot Jacquelynn Dalton, a local dance school owner, Miss Lake Chelan is being resurrected.

The scholarship program is designed to attract outstanding high school students who demonstrate excellence in all areas of their lives. Judging criteria focuses on scholastic achievements, community service, character, personality, creativity and intrapersonal skills.

This year’s event was held at the Lake Chelan School District’s meeting room and only parents and siblings were in attendance.

The girls are judged on each candidate’s speech (28%); an impromptu question (15%) and 57% when the candidates were interviewed by the panel of judges for 30 minutes. The judges were looking for each candidates presentation, clarity of expression, creativity and interpersonal communication skills.

This year’s judges were Andrea Gaven, owner of Corazon Core in Chelan, Debbie Edinger, a local entrepreneur working toward opening the Blu Lago Winery with her husband, Jim, and Alysha Ottrix, a former high fashion model who has moved to Chelan where she is busy with her own candle business.

Over the next year, royalty will be representing the Lake Chelan community at various community events and festivals.

The candidates:

Miss Alexa Padilla is a 16 year old junior at Lake Chelan High School with a passion for both academics and extracurricular activities. She is an active member of the Future Business Leaders of America and has participated in Chelan Project for three years. She is also active with concert and pep bands and the highly regarded marching band. She has also been a cheerleader.

She is involved with community activities and enjoys volunteering. Alexa is the third of four children and loved running with her older brother and enjoys supporting her younger brother at his sporting events.

Miss Daniela Ochoa Bernal moved to Chelan two years ago from the Tri-Cities. She comes from a music loving family of five.

Music is a central part of her life. She is a drummer for the jazz, pep and concert bands as well as her church.

Daniela enjoys engaging with people of all ages and is actively involved in school and community. She is an officer for Todos Unites and the Art Club. She is also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and Future Farmers of America where she participates in Public Speaking on Orchard Safety. She is also a member of the high school tennis team.

Crowning:

2024 Miss Lake Chelan’s Chloe Desgroseillier was on hand to crown this year’s Miss Lake Chelan and told the assembled parents and siblings how much she enjoyed representing Chelan last year and wished the ladies well in representing the community.

She then crowned Daniela as Chelan’s 2025 Miss Lake Chelan and Alexa as her princess.

Both Tiffany and Jacquelynn are looking forward to guiding and helping the ladies through their yearly commitments and are excited to look forward to expanding the Miss Lake Chelan Program back to its former self.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chamber contract discussion:
Two major issues were discussed at the Chelan City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 25. The meeting was presented over ZOOM because of ongoing construction work in council chambers.

Last year, Mayor McCardle appointed a committee to rewrite a contract between the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commere and the city. For a number of years, there has been little to no public accountability by the chamber on how it spends the $700,000 allocated from lodging funds collected at local motels, resorts and AirBnbs.

City Administrator Wade Farris opened the discussion on Tuesday stating that Chelan’s economy depends on tourism. “Without the tourism dollars we would have a hard time maintaining our parks, said Farris. He stated that the city was in the process of restructuring the Chamber’s contract and turned the discussion over to Finance Director Jackie Tupling to go over the details.

Tupling stated that the committee is looking at a one year nine month contract with the Chamber starting in April and ending December 31, 2026.

The criteria the Chamber will have to abide by is regular reporting monthly with a performance report each December on marketing results. “They will have to report what they are spending their money on monthly,” said Tupling.

Mayor McCardle thanked the committee for their work on the issue. It will be coming forward for more detailed discussion on Tuesday, April 8^th’s City Workshop.

Card Rooms:
Community Development Director John Ajax told the council that a number of residents have been inquiring about the potential to establish a card room in the city. “In 1999 this was a hot topic,” said Ajax.

Councilman Bob Goedde remarked that there are about 10 people who want to play. “What they want to do is recreation… some will sit all day long and play.”

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth stated that it would be a social card room with up to 15 tables and if allowed, subject to issues we apply. “There would be restrictions in place to keep people from becoming a nuisance.”

Hollingsworth was in line with Goedde, but Sgt. Rob Huddleston has reservations. Huddleston said that card rooms or casinos tend to attract a certain element. “The casino generates plenty of calls for the sheriff.” Huddleston said the department went undercover for one day and made nine drug related arrests. Goedde replied that he didn’t think a card room would develop those kinds of issues.

Councilman Jon Higgins stated that a card room would have the potential for bringing in a group of people to specifically play cards. “I don’t think it is a bad thing. With this group (the one’s requesting) in particular I don’t see a problem.”

Hollingsworth stated that a card room established in the city would have to be licensed by another agency who would enforce the rules and restrictions of operation.

It was suggested that the City of Wenatchee’s rooms be researched.

City Attorney Quentin Batjer stated that zoning would be an issue and that it would be regulated at a state level.

Hollingsworth said, “I would support giving it a try. I understand the Sheriff’s position and if it created problems, we could shut it down.”

Mayor McCardle said she would like to see community input on the issue. Councilman Mark Eriks, who comes from a law enforcement background, said he sides with Huddleston and that gambling brings its own kind of issues.

Hollingsworth added that he would be interested in community input and Goedde felt that everyone was exaggerating the issues.

Chelan River resolution:
During the community input period at the council meeting, members of the Water Front Access Group requested that the council adopt a letter of support for their proposed project that would have floating docks installed on the river side of Woodin Avenue Bridge and at the current PUD dock on the lakeside.

“It is a simple request,” said Ron Foster. Greg Peterson, another member of the group said, “We are only asking for a letter of support.” Peterson remarked that it was a proposal for an enhanced water front that would allow boaters access to the downtown commercial area.

The council discussed the river and a proposed resolution to cover activities on the river. Currently, the river can be used by motorized watercraft and non-motorized paddleboards, kayaks and swimmers.

Mayor McCardle told the council that the city is in a partnership with the PUD. “We have had a meeting with the Campbells and their group. There has been a lot of discussion around additional docking locations,” said McCardle.

There are also discussions with the PUD on landscape improvements, upgrading the current bathrooms and other opportunities at Riverwalk Park.

Councilman Brad Chitty says he has concerns about swimmers out in the waterway mixing with motorized water craft. Councilman Mark Eriks remarked that he supports prioritizing the river for non-motorized traffic.

The river already is designated as a No Wake Zone and has watercraft transiting from the PUD launch to the lake and back. Sgt. Huddleston has concerns about opening up the river to more watercraft. “Our patrol boats can’t access the river because of the bridge,” he said. “The river is a great place for recreational use.” He stated that rental boats with renters unfamiliar with boat operations accessing the river is a major concern for him.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said, “I fully support expanding the docks at Woodin Avenue. He agrees with Sgt. Huddleston and said, “Citizens spend a lot of time at Riverwalk recreating. He added that he can’t support adding docks for motorized boats in the river.

“We need to look at safety and define a channel for boats transitioning out or in the river,” said Hollingsworth. Councilman Jon Higgins added that swimmers and boats do not mix. “It is not a good,” said Higgins. He also supports additional docks at the end of East Woodin and would support a new dock at Emerson St. for paddleboarders and kayak ingress and egress. “Safety is a huge issue,” added Higgins.

Councilman Terry Sanders stated that a lot of work has been down by the Waterfront Access Group but that safety is a priority. Councilman Bob Goedde stated that the river is a PUD right of way. Mayor McCardle replied that the PUD has been very clear with these issues.

No action was taken at the council meeting, but will be discussed in detail at the next Council Workshop on April 8 which begins a 5:15 p.m.

by Richard Uhlhorn

The Lake Chelan Watershed Planning Unit held its quarterly meeting in hybrid fashion with participants signing in on Zoom or attending in person at the Chelan Fire Hall.

Watershed planning update:
The first item on the agenda was the recent Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) Water Smart Grant intended to help update the current watershed plan for the Lake Chelan Watershed. The grant, worth $300,000 over a three year period will be conducted by a group of interested stakeholders and a paid consultant.

The main group will focus on the development of the watershed plan with a subcommittee focusing on developing an aquatic invasive species management plan. Chelan County Natural Resource Department is looking volunteers for the AIS subcommittee. CCNRD is looking for recommendations of who to ask in Chelan and Manson to serve on the larger collaborative.

“The selected committee would work with the consultant,” said Natural Resource Specialist Elle Robinson. “It would kinda be like a steering committee.” Individuals interested in assisting the consultant can email Elle at elle.robinson@co.chelan.wa.us if interested.

CCNRD has posted a RFP to potential consultants to work on the watershed plan and hopes to have a consultant selected by the end of April.

Chelan PUD Update:
Sara Peck, PUD, that there was nothing new to report. However, Scott Hopkins reported that the Lake Chelan Fishery Forum met with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife who reported that they had conducted kokanee and cutthroat creel surveys. The National Park Service stated that some of their creel surveys were delayed by the Pioneer Creek Fire. Both entities are working to develop a new work plan for 2025.

Water rights update:
Andrea Reyes, DOE, reported that not much has changed on the coordinated cost reimbursement program since the last watershed meeting. They are currently working on the 4^th batch and have reviewed 7 our of 9 applications. Reyes stated that she should be able to show a balance of reserve changes. In the next few months Reyes said they would be contacting applicants in Batch 5 which will likely take the reserve to zero.

Chelan County Commissioner Brad Hawkins said he was digging into the water issue and asked what happens when the reserve gets to zero. Reyes replied that once the reserve hits zero, no more water applications will be processed.

Dan Haller gave Hawkins a quick history of the PUD/DOE litigation that eventually ended with the PUD giving 65,000 acre feet for development and water right purposes. Reyes added that the DOE has not outlined how or where new water would come from.

Another question was whether or not the PUD was utilizing all the water they have been allocated. “It’s a difficult issue,” said Reyes. The issue will be addressed in greater detail during the watershed planning process.

Aquatic Invasive Species Update:
Stephen Lesky reported that there was only $45,000 left in the NPS grant for its watercraft inspection operation. This means that the inspection program will be downsized to only Saturday and Sunday inspection in 2025 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Lesky is working on other potential funding opportunities, particularly with WDFW in hopes of expanding the boat inspection program to mirror past summer operations. Justin Bush, WDFW, is also working with the State Legislature to secure funding for AIS inspections across the state.

LCRI director, Phil Long said, “People in Chelan can’t imagine that people can launch a boat without being checked. It only makes sense to make (inspections) mandatory.” Lesky replied that a fulltime AIS coordinator is needed.

EPA/Ecology Toxics Project Update
Clay Patmont, Anchor QEA, gave an overview and background of the ongoing toxics project. The Project is in the wings for EPA funding of $1 million over a five year period.

Patmont stated that Lake Chelan still has the highest levels of DDT in North America. These levels are based on core samples and samples taken from Lake trout. “We’ve seen no decline in 20 years,” said Patmont. DDT was applied to 12,000 acres of orchard land in the 50s and 60s, primarily in Manson.

According to Patmont, leaching into the lake from orchard drains and creeks is going to continue for a long time. The potential solution to the problem is to direct DDT outlets into wetlands where it will be taken up by aquatic plants.

More sampling is taking place this week. “We will report back from time to time on how it is going.”

The Washington State Department of Health has had a consumption warning about Lake Trout for a number of years concerning the potential for getting cancer.

Steve, a resident on Roses Lake asked about DDT levels there. Patmont replied that the levels are considerable lower in Roses Lake probably because of the lake’s ecology versus Lake Chelan’s pristine nature. “Lake Chelan is so pristine; there is not enough algae.”

Phil Long, LCRI director, said he is working with Roses Lake volunteers to collect water temperatures and Secchi disk readings.

Restore the Shore event:
Long introduced Anna Galipeau to the group and talked about the upcoming trash clean-up on April 12 along the shorelines of the lake.

Galipeau, a degreed environmental scientist has been visiting various areas along the lake and picking up trash. “I have a special passion for trash and where it comes from,” said Galipeau. She is hoping to see a huge turnout on the 12^th to help clean the beaches. She told the group that she and other volunteers are willing to pickup the trash collected that day, or the collectors can bring it to the LCRI office and drop it off.

A separate article will be forthcoming on the Restore the Beach program.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Commissioners Report:
On Thursday, February 13, Chelan Fire and Rescue hosted a Zoom meeting with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner personnel. Joining in this meeting were fire chiefs and commissioners from other districts.

The purpose of this meeting was to explore reasons behind home owner cancellations and rate increases along with how changes can be made to make the market more equitable and efficient for the homeowner.

David Forte, policy advisor at the OIC (Office of the Insurance Commissioner), explained that the insurance industry have no laws governing how they can cancel a policy. “If they just don’t want your property, there is nothing to stop them from cancelling.”

“We have no authority to tell them how they keep their data,” he added.

Forte explained that if a homeowner can’t find a new insurer after being cancelled, they can get a policy through the State’s bare bones Fair Plan. “We have 326 insured under this plan.”

California has 420,000 and Florida has 1 million insured under the Fair Plan.

There are 100+ companies underwriting home owners insurance in Washington. State Farm, Pemco, Liberty Mutual under Safeco are the three largest holding policies.

Forte said OIC’s new commissioner is seeking additional funding from the State to examine modern fire district ca. pabilities.

Chelan Fire commissioner Mark Donnell stated that “mitigation is what we do as a fire service. People pay us a lot of money to do that.” He went on to say that 90% of wildfires are kept below 10 acres.

Assessment is the home owner’s responsibility, but also the fire departments. It was noted that there is good product for insurance companies to use in their assessments.

Forte stated that assessments should be recognized, but not the guy who drives by and takes a few photos. “There should be a comprehensive report made yearly.”

Commissioner Russ Jones stated that property should be assessed for hardening.

“We need some consumer protection guardrails.”

“If we all start working together we will get something done,” stated a fire commissioner.

Forte stated he would be willing to come and talk to residents or at a town hall meeting. “The legislature are the ones who can affect change,” stated Forte. Donnell said he has already reached out Chelan’s representatives.

February 19 commission meeting:
Commissioner comments on Special Insurance meeting:

“It’s going to be challenge to come up with a plan,” said Russ Jones. “California is going to be painful,” stated Mark Donnell. “I’m not optimistic but we need to have these players in the room and work out something that works for everybody.”

The district would like to know what companies insurance underwriters use to determine rates and/or cancellations of home owner insurance policies. “We need to work with our representatives,” said Jones. Ron Simmons remarked that he wouldn’t be surprised if more cancellations or rate increases were coming. “I did have the yacht club contact me asking about water issues,” said Simmons.

The Round Table with OIC on February 11 didn’t answer any concrete questions on how to deal with insurance issues, but the District will continue to work on the issues.

Chief’s Report:
Chief Brandon Asher reported that 2024 saw five percent more calls than 2023.

Sixty nine percent of call outs were EMS and there were no fire calls in January.

Asher reported that the District received a $15,000 quote for a camera system for Station 71. “It’s a lot of money,” said Asher. “However, we have a lot of valuable and don’t always have the time to lock our doors when a call comes in.” Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman added that there have been break-ins in the past.

Assistant Chief Report:
Sherman reported that they have one new recruit but that applicant signed up after the Fire Academy was filled up.

Chelan Fire will be training with Manson District 5 at Old Mill Bay on March 25.

Firefighter John Steiner is taking an investigation course through WSRB.

Unfinished Business:
TIF:
Asher reported that Mayor McCardle is pretty confident that the $9 million from the U.S. Corp of Engineers would come through for the one million gallon reservoir in East Chelan lowering any TIF collections.

Boat offer:
Sherman reported that he traveled to PASCO to inspect the work boat the Pasco Fire Department is surplusing. Pasco FD obtained this boat through a grant from the Department of Ecology for potential oil spill containment on the Columbia River and for search and rescue operations.

The boat, worth an estimated $180,000 is being offered for free to another fire agency, however the district would like $20,000 for the electronics retrofitted since receiving this vessel. Sherman said the electronics alone are worth $50,000.

This aluminum vessel is a flat bottom platform capable of giving close to shore firefighting suppression.

Commissioner Mark Donnell said he was concerned. “There is no plan for the boat. I can’t support it.” Commissioner Ron Simmons stated that if Chelan didn’t already have a boat he’d be all over obtaining this one, but is also concerned about maintenance and operation issues it would bring to the department. “It would take another vehicle to pull the trailer. I don’t think I can support it right now.”

Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman argued that this vessel has a larger capacity for a larger pump and could be a mobile water firefighting platform to homes located on the water.

Commissioner Russ Jones said that from an economic standpoint, it makes sense to get this boat.

Sherman stated that the boat could be moored at Manson Marina where an operator could walk across the street from District 5 and respond to any on water issue.

Chief Asher remarked that Lake Chelan will have another fire sometime in the future where this boat could be of use.

Donnell argued that obtaining the boat would be a burden on the fire department. “We are still a small fire department.”

Sherman added that as a fire fighting vessel it would have a huge impact because of its capability to get close to shore. Jones said that if the department took the boat on it wouldn’t have to keep it forever. “If we can’t come up with a plan, sell it.”

Asher added that if someone was offering the department another brush truck, the department would be all over it. We have a lake and providing protection on the lake at a minimal cost is important. If it was a fire truck how would we look at it.”

Jones stated that the boat could be a backup vessel with the other boat. “We prevented a $100,000 dock from burning during the Pioneer Fire. We provided some pretty valuable services.” Donnell shot back that it wasn’t in the district. “We are not in a profit making business.”

It was decided to have a special meeting to discuss the boat and strategic plan.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Apple cider… a wonderfully crisp and satisfying drink normally available in the Fall during harvest. Pressed from perfectly inperfect apples, apple cider has been a standard drink around apple orchards during and after harvest as a way to celebrate that years harvest. Usually the cider is pressed with apples that are blemished and not good enough for the commercial market.

No more… Manson Growers now makes apple cider available year-round at their new facility, Cider Press. Located at Manson Growers, Cider Press is the brainstorm of the upper echelon staff as a way to diminish the amount of apples called culls from being transported to the juicing processers.

Kyla Allen who is in charge of marketing Cider Press said, “Our valley has a great opportunity to offer more year-round family friendly activities.”

Cider Press had a soft Grand Opening last July and the new venture was well received by the local community. “We received so much positive feedback from the community and out-of-town visitors,” Allen stated.

Kari Petersen, the businesses project manager, added, “We want people to experience agriculture and fall in love with it.” The entire enterprise is geared for family fun. “How much fun is it for a young child to put apples in the press and watch the cider flow into a bucket? They love it!

“We are in our slow season right now,” said Wai Tim Petersen who is Manson Growers director of sales. “We are gearing up for maximizing a year around business,” he said. “We are also keeping it affordable for the locals”

Cider Press is in more than pressing those apples for the general public. It also offers other locally produced products like honey, apple jelly, caramel and candles along with gift boxes for those special occasions with different packing options that can be shipped anywhere in the country.

Customers can also register to press their own cider. A one hour pressing runs $75 and produces up to 10 half gallon containers of cider. The Presses expert staff guides customers through the process including apple selection to the final bottling stage. It’s a great educational and fun experience for families.

Cider Press also offers light food items like paninis, ice cream, smoothies, and coffee made from the Methow Valley’s Blue Star Coffee Roasters. It’s a great place to enjoy breakfast or lunch.

“It’s a great example of repurposing,” said Petersen. “We are looking for more apple inspired products. The opportunities are endless,” said Allen.

Cider Press doesn’t just offer products and a light food service, but the business can also cater events like weddings, corporate gatherings, receptions and other special celebrations. They can also provide an educational tour of Manson Growers apple processing plant.

Cider Press is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. six days a week (closed on Sunday). More information is available on its website at www.mansongrowers/ciderpress.com or by email at ciderpress@mansongrowers.com. Cider Press phone number is 509-423-5911.

Manson Growers:
Manson Growers has been growing world class apples since 1959 and exporting them around the world to a variety of customers. Currently Manson Growers and orchardists are growing apples on 3,500 acres, 1,400 acres of which are Manson Growers orchards.

“We have a large group that helps its growers with anything they need from labor to other issues they face in a highly regulated business that has rising costs.

“Exports are a large share of our market,” said Petersen. Most of our packs are shipped to S.E. Asia and Mexico. Our customers still like Reds and they want the best. We sell our apples at a premium.” The company does not sell to big grocery chains. “It all comes down to our business model which is based on our volume.”

“We’ve got some customers who are very loyal. We work with people.”

The company brought in 56,000 bins this past harvest. “That is low,” said Petersen. In a good growing year, Manson Growers will handle up to 90,000 bins.