Kevin Rounce
Chikamin Fire More Contained, but Also Larger
There has been some slight growth in the size of the Chikamin fire, burning north of Plain in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, as it now nears 400 acres.
Containment is also growing though as crews are at 65%.
On Monday, helicopter bucket drops were used to cool down hotspots along the west flank as the fire slowly backs down toward a wet ravine
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Lakeview Drive-In Closing Temporarily
The Lakeview Drive-in restaurant in Chelan has closed temporarily beginning today citing concerns over an increasing number of positive COVID-19 tests in the county along with larger than normal numbers of tourists.
In a letter to the community, the owners say they are encouraging their employees to take stock of their and their families health for a couple of weeks
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WalletHub Survey Shows Parents Desire In-Person Learning
A recent survey by WalletHub showed 55 percent of parents believe schools should return with in-person learning this fall.
Analyst Jill Gonzalez says for many it's a practical matter.
"A significant share of parents, 32 percent, cannot work remotely
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Home Sales and Prices Rise in July
Home sales in the Wenatchee Valley for the month of July were up 12% compared to last year with the median sales price for the year also up to $355,000 according to numbers provided by Pacific Appraisal Associates.
This despite the number of active listings is down 57% from last year and new homes on the market is down 14%
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Department of Health Says 11 Cases of Rare, COVID-19 Related Illness in Washington
The Washington State Department of Health says they have confirmed 11 cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, also known as MIS-C, across the Evergreen State.
Six cases are in kids 9 or younger, with the other five in kids 10 or older
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Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Onions
A multi-state outbreak of salmonella newport has infected approximately 650 people across the county, including 25 in Washington State.
Health Officials are linking the disease to onions that were sold by Thomson International Inc. in cartons and mesh sacks ranging from 2 to 50 pounds under the following brand names: Thomson Premium, TLC Thomson International, Tender Loving Care, El Competitor, H
Coulee Meadows Fire Now Approximately 650 Acres
The Coulee Meadows Fire has burned about 650 acres as of last report though it has calmed.
Douglas County Fire District 1 Chief Dale Jordan says they were called a little after 7:00 Thursday night to a fire on the bluff above Rimrock Meadows, though they couldn't access it by vehicle
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State Mobilization for Fire Near Ephrata, Palisades
State fire assistance has been mobilized in support of local firefighters working to contain the Coulee Meadows Fire located in Douglas County, near Ephrata.
The blaze began a little before 8:00 Thursday night and as of the last report was about 250 acres and threatening homes, crops and the Palisades
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Hiker Rescued Off Lichtenburg Mountain
The King County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office and King County Medical rescued a fallen hiker on Lichtenburg Mountain, which is near Stevens Pass, Wednesday.
No details about the man were released, but according to a video showing the rescue, he fell approximately 40 feet and suffered injuries that prevented him from hiking down
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Tips for Hiking in the Heat
If you're looking to get outside and hike in the national forest, make sure you are prepared for the hot temperatures.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Public Affairs Officer Robin DeMario has a few tips.
"You may not be acclimated to the high temperatures, so take it easy and think about whether or not you should leave your dog at home rather than take them out in the hot temperatures
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