loni, Author at Lake Chelan News and Information

Q: New Stehekin Ferry to Begin Service in May

Year-round from Stehekin to Fields Point and Back by Dennis Rahm, LCN photo A long awaited Stehekin based ferry service is scheduled to begin operations on Wednesday, May 6 after years of efforts to gain operational approval. The SunnyJo, a 32-passenger catamaran operated by Backcountry Travels, will provide once a day service on Lake Chelan between Stehekin and Fields Point on a year-round basis. Colter Courtney says training will be conducted over the next couple of months in advance of beginning service in May which will kick off their summer schedule that operates May 6 to October 10. The ferry will depart Stehekin daily at 10:40 am with arrival at Fields Point Landing at 12:30 pm. The return trip will depart Fields Point at 1:00 pm and arrive back to the Stehekin dock at 2:45 pm. Stops can be made at Lucerne Landing or Prince Creek if arrangements are made in advance. The new ferry is operated by Colter and Lindsey Courtney along with Logan and Corianne Courtney. The 50-foot craft, built by Thain Boatworks in Everett, is light and efficient. The catamaran is powered by twin 200-hp outboards providing a cruising speed of 15-20 knots. For ticket and reservation assistance call Stehekin Reservations at 509-669-5045 or visit their website Related LCN Story: 10-9-19: Stehekin Based Ferry Ready for Launching

Q: Hospital Board Calls Special Meeting

Executive Session scheduled from 1 - 3 pm. on Wednesday Public Notice Released by Lake Chelan Community Hospital Chelan County Public Hospital District #2 will be holding a Special Board Meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. The meeting will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Board Room at 503 E. Highland Ave., Chelan, WA. This meeting will be called to order then adjourned to executive session for the specific purpose of discussing performance of a public employee, in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1)(g). Posted February 18, 2020

Q: Pangborn Sets Passenger Record

Nearly 128-Thousand Commercial Passengers in 2019 Information released by CDRPA Pangborn Memorial Airport announced another record year with 127,967 passengers in 2019. The airport had an outstanding December with 12,602 passengers which represents the best December on record. Due to continued passenger growth, Alaska Airlines has increased flights over 11% since 2015. Even with the added flights, the average monthly load factor (percentage of seats sold) remained above 74%. “Alaska continues to be a strong partner by adding more flights to serve visitors, residents and businesses”, said Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority President Rory Turner. “As we continue to pursue non-stop service to the Bay Area and other destinations, continuing to use the expanded Seattle service is the best way to secure additional air service”, said Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority, Director of Airports, Trent Moyers. Flying out of Pangborn just got easier with the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Pre-Check Program being implemented at the Airport. The program allows members to save time through security by not needing to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. The Airport is currently served by Alaska Airlines with three flights per day to Sea-Tac Airport. Alaska has been steadily increasing its frequency into the Wenatchee market with four flights per day during peak travel times. The Airport was awarded a $750,000 grant in 2018 which has been matched by $400,000 in local pledges to secure non-stop air service to the Bay Area. The airport continuities to hold meetings with several interested airlines. The Airport is owned and operated by the newly formed Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority. Contact Trent Moyers, Director of Airports, at 509-884-4700, with additional questions.