Community Briefs

Leavenworth

Leavenworth mayoral forum at WRI

In a bid to foster community engagement and connect Leavenworth residents, the Wenatchee Research Institute (WRI) is gearing up to host a pivotal event - the Leavenworth Mayoral Forum.

Scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., this forum aims to shed light on how the two mayoral candidates plan to address crucial issues in Leavenworth while aligning with WRI's mission.

WRI, a stalwart in fostering connections within the community, welcomes all to this event, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity and community involvement.

As part of the lead-up to the event, community members are encouraged to participate actively by submitting questions for the candidates. These questions should revolve around topics that are central to WRI's mission, encompassing areas such as climate change, fire management, tourism economics, watershed preservation, housing, education, leadership principles, and wildlife conservation.

The deadline for submitting questions is Sunday, Oct. 8, at 11:59 p.m. Questions can be submitted using the form at https://bit.ly/46ob5Rb.

The Leavenworth Mayoral Forum at WRI promises to be an informative and community-driven event, highlighting the intersection of local politics and the values that underpin WRI's mission.

For more information about this event, please visit WRI's website at wenatcheeriverinstitute.org.

Leavenworth Library hosts art show honoring Heidi Swoboda

The Leavenworth Library is set to host an inspiring art show dedicated to Heidi Swoboda, a prominent Leavenworth Professional Photographer, through Nov. 3 in the enchanting Fireside Room.

This captivating exhibition presents a harmonious blend of artistry and literature, curated in collaboration with the NCW Libraries System. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves fully in the essence of each artwork by exploring suggested complementary literature.

Heidi Swoboda's creations, primarily in the form of giclee with acrylic finish, showcase her remarkable talent. Her artwork is a testament to her deep connection with the beauty of our natural world and the profound moments and relationships that enrich our lives.

The show promises to be a unique experience, offering a glimpse into Heidi's distinctive artistic techniques and her passion for celebrating the wonders of our environment.

Leavenworth Library events

Read & Play Time for Babies with Amy. Tuesdays, 10-11 am. Babies and toddlers are welcome for books, songs, and playtime.

Preschool storytime with Gracie. Wednesdays, 11am-Noon. Join us for stories, songs and fun.

Trivia Night is back for a battle of the brains as Gracie cooks up trivia fun. Come with a team or join one. All ages are welcome. Friday, Oct. 20, from 4-6 pm.

Dungeons & Dragons & Libraries virtual online game led by Dungeon Master Gracie, Oct. 21 from 2:30-5:30 pm and every third Saturday monthly. Registration required. Fun for beginners and experts.

Art from the Heart doodling class for teens and adults, led by Celisse Ellis. Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 6-8 pm. Registration required.

Halloween Bash. Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 3-6 pm. Costume wearers and admirers are welcome to dazzle the "Costume Walk of Fame" and visit haunted bookshelves if you dare.

Questions: leavenworth@ncwlibraries 509-548-7923.

Link Transit Celebrates Completion of Leavenworth Roundabout

Thanks to a strong collaborative effort with the City of Leavenworth and the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Link Transit’s roundabout project at the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and Icicle Road was completed on time and under budget. The agencies involved in the project are celebrating with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18 on the south edge of the roundabout. The small event is not expected to impact traffic flow.

“We could not be more pleased with how this project went,” said Link Transit Chief Executive Officer Nick Covey. “We are even more pleased to bring safer, pedestrian and transit-friendly improvements to one of our region’s busiest traffic corridors.”

The improved intersection helps Link Transit buses navigate the length of the City of Leavenworth without having to detour through residential streets to turn around. Additionally, the tight turn of the roundabout forces traffic to slow down, enhancing safety for pedestrians and motorists alike.

With a price tag of $2.2 million, the project is more than $1 million shy of the initial projected cost of $3.3 million.

“Our partners at RH2 Engineering and KCRI Construction really delivered,” Covey said. “We are happy we are wrapping things up in time for cold weather and the busy holiday season.”

An April 2020 U.S. 2 Upper Wenatchee Valley Transportation Corridor Study conducted jointly by the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council and WSDOT identified the Icicle Road and U.S. 2 intersection project as a priority. Link Transit was able to finance the project out of its 2023 capital budget. The City of Leavenworth coordinated the installation of a new water main to coincide with the roundabout construction, a significant savings in terms of traffic disruption and direct costs to the City.

“We are always looking for opportunities to partner with other agencies to create a safer, more efficient transportation environment for our citizens,” Covey said. “Link’s motto is ‘Connecting our Communities’, and we feel this project is just one of the many ways we deliver on that promise.”

Peshastin

Chelan County Public Works to host community meeting on Peshastin bridge repairs

Chelan County Public Works is inviting the community to participate in a crucial discussion regarding the upcoming repairs to the historic Peshastin Bridge, originally constructed in 1932 over the Wenatchee River. The public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 12, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Peshastin Memorial Hall, located at 10204 Main St.

The proposed repairs to the Peshastin Bridge are set to commence next year and may necessitate a temporary closure of approximately four weeks. The primary focus of the project will be the replacement of the bridge's deck. Due to the bridge's narrow width, the contractor will be unable to maintain a single open lane during the repair process. Additionally, vital maintenance work will be carried out on the bridge's expansion joints, which facilitate the natural expansion and contraction of the concrete structure.

Chelan County Public Works staff will be present at the meeting to provide comprehensive information about the project, including anticipated traffic impacts. Spanish interpreters will be available to assist attendees.

It's important to note that the repairs to the Peshastin Bridge are part of a broader initiative encompassing various bridge repairs throughout the county. In 2024, the Ardenvoir Bridge (Mad River Road) and Chiwawa River Bridge (Chiwawa Loop Road) are also slated for deck repairs. Furthermore, repair work on expansion joints is scheduled for the Chelan Falls Bridge (Chelan Falls Road), New Griffith Bridge (Entiat River Road), and Stone Hill Bridge (Colockum Pass Road).

Funding for these critical infrastructure improvements has been secured through a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, ensuring the continued safety and reliability of Chelan County's vital transportation network. Public input and engagement are encouraged to facilitate a successful and informed project execution.

Regional

Cascadia Conservation Board Meeting Set for Oct. 20

The Cascadia Conservation District has announced its upcoming Regular Board meeting, offering the community an opportunity to participate either in person or remotely via call-in or Zoom.

Scheduled for Friday, Oct. 20,, at 1:30 p.m., the meeting will be hosted at 1350 McKittrick St., Suite B., Wenatchee. Those wishing to attend in person are encouraged to contact the office promptly, as space availability is limited.

For remote attendees, detailed instructions and additional information can be found on the district's official website, www. cascadiacd.org.org, or by reaching out to the District office directly at 509-436-1601.