Tumwater cross project abruptly ends, land swap deal announced at Leavenworth City Council meeting

EDITOR'S NOTE: Following the publication of this story, Chelan County issued a statement clarifying comments made by Commissioner Shon Smith during the March 11 Leavenworth City Council meeting. The County confirmed that there are no ongoing land exchanges between the U.S. Forest Service and the Johnson family related to the Tumwater Mountain property. Additionally, the property owner formally withdrew the building application for the proposed cross on March 12.

The County also noted that Commissioner Smith was speaking in his personal capacity as a business owner and county commissioner but was not representing the Board of County Commissioners.

LEAVENWORTH - A dramatic turn of events unfolded at the Tuesday Leavenworth City Council meeting, effectively ending the contentious Tumwater Mountain cross project. In a stunning announcement, Chelan County Commissioner Shon Smith, representing the Johnson family, owners of the land slated for the cross on Tumwater Mountain, revealed a tentative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service for a land swap.

Smith, in a genuine, heartfelt plea for community unity, disclosed that the Johnsons have reached a preliminary agreement to exchange their 20-acre parcel on Tumwater Mountain for a parcel on Mountain Home. The exchange would allow the Johnsons to consolidate their holdings on Mountain Home and, crucially, nullify the Tumwater cross project.

Smith made it clear that the Johnson family's intention is to foster better neighborly relations and bring an end to the divisive project. In line with that sentiment, Smith urged the Council to forego a vote on the resolution opposing the construction of the cross.

The Council then discussed, with only Councilman Mike Bedard in opposition. After a procedural matter was hurdled, Mayor Carl Florea announced that the Council, while reserving its right to do so in the future if necessary, would not be voting on the resolution.

Caroline Menna is an intern for Ward Media and a senior at Cascade High School, where she serves as Editor-in-Chief of the school’s Publications Group.