Monday, April 21, 2025
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Wenatchee breaks ground on long-awaited Confluence Parkway project

The federal and local partnership for the Confluence Parkway officially turns the first dirt on the project’s Phase 1 portion.
WENATCHEE — The weather was perfect for the ceremonial turning of the dirt at 1600 North Miller in Wenatchee on Thursday. Golden shovels in tow, the City unveiled plans, pictures, and …
Other News
Recruits man a fire hose during a night training exercise in Pateros last month.
Fire District 15 recruits near graduation
BREWSTER – The current training class of recruits who will form the new corps of volunteer firefighters for Douglas Okanogan County Fire District 15 has completed about 75 percent of its …
The Jesus sculpture that once stood near the First Baptist Church has since toppled from decay.
Bridgeport's historic tree sculptures deteriorating beyond repair, council pivots to save remaining art
BRIDGEPORT – At its March 19 meeting, the city council hired Moses Lake contractor Storwick Specialty Services to perform restoration work on many of its deteriorating tree sculptures, …
Volunteers gathered recently to start cleaning up the newly acquired Manson Village Green property. Pictured from left to right are Hal Killian, Debbie Conwell, Auturo Zavala, Jeff Horton, John Peters, Bob Carleton, Doug Chevalier, Cathy Chevlier, Mary Ann Patton, Larry Hibbard, and Debbie Koenig.
Volunteers launch cleanup of newly acquired Manson Village Green
MANSON — Over 25 community volunteers gathered recently at the newly acquired Manson Village Green property to begin extensive cleanup efforts in preparation for the upcoming Apple Blossom …
The fully restored 1922 Dodge Touring Car now appears at local car shows, where Don Webb often sits nearby to share its remarkable history. After 45 years of careful storage and a journey through multiple owners, the vehicle has been returned to its former glory. The pristine black finish, folding top, and wooden-spoke wheels showcase the craftsmanship of early automotive design that attracts admirers at events throughout the Chelan area.
Historic 1922 Dodge Touring car finds new life after 45 years in storage
CHELAN - A rare 1922 Dodge Touring Car, once a cherished family heirloom, has been restored to its former glory after decades of careful preservation by the original owner's son. Don Webb, who …
Callie Holmes kneels beside one of the four benches she constructed as part of her Eagle Scout project for the Tierra Learning Center. The wooden bench, which features decorative floral stenciling on its backrest, was built, painted and installed by Holmes with the help of friends and family. Dunn Lumber donated materials for the project.
Eagle Scout constructs benches for Tierra Learning Center
LEAVENWORTH — Tierra Learning Center received four newly constructed benches as part of a local teen's Eagle Scout project. Callie Holmes, along with friends and family members, built, …
Man fatally shot in East Wenatchee neighborhood; suspect in custody
EAST WENATCHEE — A 48-year-old man died from a gunshot wound after an incident in an East Wenatchee neighborhood Friday night, according to police. East Wenatchee police officers responded …
Aaron Edwards of Lake Chelan Health explains the maternity conundrum his center will face if Medicaid is cut.
Schrier, Cantwell headline roundtable forum with healthcare leaders from across the region
EAST WENATCHEE — Congresswoman Kim Schrier of Washington’s 8th District, who is herself a pediatrician, convened a healthcare roundtable on Thursday with many of the CEOs, CFOs, doctors, …
Karen Francis-McWhite portrays Leavenworth pioneer Mary Posy in a scene from "Unsettled," a Dangerous Women production that ran for three seasons. The show, which featured Indigenous, Latina, Caucasian, and African American perspectives on the settling of North Central Washington, is one of four original works the Leavenworth-based arts collaborative has staged since 2016. The group recently received a $12,000 matching grant from Icicle Fund to develop their next show, "Force of Nature," scheduled to premiere in 2026.
Theater collective receives $12,000 grant for new production
LEAVENWORTH — Dangerous Women, a women's history and arts collaborative based in Leavenworth, has secured a $12,000 matching grant from Icicle Fund to support the development of an original …
Wenatchee Valley College will host the Write on the River Spring Writers Conference on May 16-18.
Spring Writers Conference returns to Wenatchee Valley College
WENATCHEE — After a seven-year absence, the Write on the River Spring Writers Conference is set to return to Wenatchee Valley College on May 16-18. The event will feature workshops and …
Confluence Health Hospital celebrated the introduction of state-of-the-art medical technology Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Central Campus, thanks to a donation from a retired local surgeon, Dr. Chris Stahler.
Retired physician's donation brings advanced medical technology to Confluence Health Hospital
WENATCHEE — Confluence Health Hospital celebrated the introduction of state-of-the-art medical technology Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Central Campus, thanks to a donation from …
The Wenatchee School District will host a community forum for residents to meet the three finalists for the Wenatchee High School Athletic & Activities Director position. The forum is set for Thursday, April 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the Wenatchee High School Commons.
Community forum scheduled to meet Wenatchee High School Athletic & Activities Director finalists
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee School District will host a community forum next week for residents to meet the three finalists for the Wenatchee High School Athletic & Activities Director …
Bavarian Walking Tours co-owners and guides Tom Potter and Coco Hopkins lead a group down Front Street.
Two local guides bring depth to Leavenworth tourism
LEAVENWORTH – As thousands of visitors are drawn to Leavenworth each year for the picturesque views and Bavarian attractions, locals Tom 'T-Pot' Potter and Coco Hopkins have made it their …
Chief Long Jim
Lake Chelan Historical Society to host annual meeting featuring life stories of Chief Long Jim
CHELAN — The Lake Chelan Historical Society will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Chelan's Historic Ruby Theatre, featuring a presentation on Chief Long Jim by …
The Chelan County Fair wants to promote charitable organizations this year, so they’re offering special discounts for booth space.
Chelan County Fair announces special vendor spots for local nonprofits
CASHMERE — The Chelan County Fair, held this year from September 4–7, has announced they will be offering vendor spaces for nonprofit charitable organizations at a drastically reduced …
Skiers and snowboarders celebrate the close of winter with a pond skim at the base of Showcase during the annual Stevens Pass Spring Fest.
Celebration, fundraiser highlight Stevens Pass season end
SKYKOMISH — Stevens Pass closed out the winter season with its annual Spring Fest on April 13. The weekend festivities kicked off with the annual Chuck-a-Duck fundraiser, which supports …
Other News
WENATCHEE - Microsoft has contributed $45,000 to the Microsoft Technology Scholarship at Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) through its Datacenter Community Development Charitable Giving Program. …
EAST WENATCHEE — No criminal charges will be filed against four law enforcement officers involved in the December 2023 shooting of Troy A. McMaster in East Wenatchee, according to a …
East Wenatchee’s City Council and Mayor Jerrilea Crawford, who was appointed on Tuesday to the PFD board once again.
EAST WENATCHEE — On Tuesday, the East Wenatchee City Council held a special meeting to determine the next member of the Greater Wenatchee Regional Public Facilities District (PFD). Applicants …
Familiar signage promises breakfast, lunch and dinner at the new location.
CASHMERE — At this point, if you haven’t been to at least one of the locations or variations of the Wild Huckleberry in the Wenatchee Valley, you’ve been missing out. Now …
CASHMERE  — A Community Forum will be held on June 3 to obtain public input and feedback to assist in updating Cashmere's 20 Year Comprehensive Plan and the development of the new Climate …
John Mainord, his wife Hailey, and his sister Mary have taken Cashmere into their hearts and brought in ideas that will fill others’ hearts.
CASHMERE — Even if you believe that Cashmere is someday going to be an urban hotbed of shopping, dining and nightlife, the focus for now is on community. In fact, it has been for more than 120 …
Awaken Church in Wenatchee plans a host of Easter services, and fun for the kids on Sunday, April 20.
WENATCHEE — Easter is just days away, and for many in the Valley it’s a time of reflection, fellowship and celebration. And it’s a holiday that usually comes with traditional foods …
Economic Development Specialist Mason Duke
BREWSTER -- Representatives of the Economic Alliance attended the regular monthly of the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, April 9, with handouts involving training opportunities this month and next. …
BREWSTER – As it has for the past nine years the Brewster Boys and Girls Club’s largest annual fundraiser, the Weinstein Beverage Shootout at Gamble Sands Golf Course tees up on Monday, …

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Local features
Jewelry, belts, hats, and more accessories run along the counter beside the cash register.

In Downtown Wenatchee, a hidden gem of a store turns tragedy into triumph

WENATCHEE - Liliana’s Fashion Boutique on South Wenatchee Avenue doesn’t just sell dresses, as the name might imply, as you drive by. What owner Joaquin Granados sells is hope. What form …
Office & Operations Manager Shelley Monda restocks aisles in a non-uniform shirt that clearly states her mission at this business.

Serve Wenatchee is a business that’s all about heart

WENATCHEE - Tucked away in the bottom level of the Midtown Building at the corner of Wenatchee and Orondo Avenues is a business you may never have a reason to go into yourself. But if you do, …
The door to Wenatchee Valley Brewing is familiar to thirsty Loop Trail walkers who stop for a beer and stay for a game.

Wenatchee's trivia scene lights up the nightlife

WENATCHEE - Are you secretly a genius? In Wenatchee, there's a simple way to find out, almost any night of the week: A friendly game of trivia. In fact, many of the places you already go on both …

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Non-profit News
Volunteers collect food during the Methodist Church’s food drive last year.

Upper Valley MEND to host Easter weekend food drive

LEAVENWORTH – As food insecurity continues to rise in the region, Upper Valley MEND’s Community Cupboard food pantry is seeking additional support to meet the growing need in the …

Washington apple license plate program marks five-year anniversary, raises $142,000 for students

WENATCHEE — The Washington Apple Education Foundation announced Thursday that its specialized license plate program has raised more than $142,000 for student scholarships over the past five …
Youngsters from the YMCA grab shovels and get to “work” at the groundbreaking ceremony.

YMCA Groundbreaking Ceremony brings together generations for first new building in more than 100 years

WENATCHEE — If you’ve driven down Wenatchee Avenue, you’ve seen the site of the old PUD building, with excavators and yellow vests on workers at street level and down below the old …

TREAD launches "One for the Outdoors" program to support public lands conservation

WENATCHEE — TREAD, a nonprofit organization focused on outdoor recreation in North Central Washington, has launched a new initiative to address growing pressures on public lands in the region. …

Apple STEM Network to host regional data center summits in North Central Washington

WENATCHEE — The Apple STEM Network announced plans to hold two regional Data Center Summit events this spring to share research findings on the data center industry's impact in North Central …

Genealogical Society to host presentation on Douglas County historic records

EAST WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society will host a hybrid presentation featuring Douglas County Assessor Jim Ruud on Monday, April 14, at 2:00 p.m. Ruud will present …

Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra launches executive director search

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra announced Friday it is seeking a new executive director to lead the organization forward. The orchestra, which has been a fixture in the …

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Sports
Mandy Barba is all business during her doubles match against Cascade on April 7. The duo of Barba and Hadley Westlund defeated Hazel Eschen and Harper Baker, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.

Undefeated Cashmere girls tennis blanks rival Cascade Kodiaks 5-0

CASHMERE - In a gray day for tennis on April 7, the Bulldogs showed no mercy against the visiting archrivals Cascade Kodiaks from Leavenworth. The girls won their matches 5-0. Both the boys’ …
Quentin Christensen delivers a backhand during his doubles team’s match against Cascade on April 7. The duo of Christensen and Kamren Meloy defeated its Kodiak counterparts Melvin Northrup and Adan Vargas, 6-3, 6-0.

Undefeated Bulldogs sweep rival Cascade 5-0

CASHMERE - Cashmere hosted their longtime archrivals, now a non-conference foe, in a cloudy, drizzly afternoon of tennis on April 7. The Bulldogs proved to be rather unwelcoming hosts, beating the …

Lady Bears handle Almira-Coulee-Hartline, 8-3

Emily Pulsifer, 7, advances to second base on a single by Naiyomee Aparicio in the early innings against visiting ACH last Thursday, April 10. Brewster defeated the Warriors, 8-3.

Brewster Bears fall to Meridian, 6-2

Bears first baseman Will Reynolds easily beats a Meridian base runner barely visible at left during a non-conference game against the visiting 1A Trojans last Thursday, April 10. Meridian won the …
Adan Vargas delivers a shot against a Cashmere doubles team last April 7. Vargas and Melvin Northrup lost in two sets.

Kodiak boys tennis falls 5-0 to Cashmere

CASHMERE - The Kodiaks had a tough go of it at Cashmere last April 7, losing 5-0 in girls and 5-0 in boys matches.
Anna Reichlin readies her backhand during her singles match against Cashmere’s Freya Dronen. Reichlin lost 4-6, 1-6.

Cascade girls tennis falls to Cashmere Bulldogs

CASHMERE - Cascade’s girls team fought hard but could not break through and ended up losing to the Cashmere Bulldogs on the road.

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Outdoors

WDFW approves new hunting season rules

OLYMPIA — Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind has approved most proposed changes to hunting season regulations for the 2025-2026 seasons, with one notable …

State Parks expands same-day camping reservations to all campgrounds 

OLYMPIA  —  The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is opening up more camping opportunities for visitors by expanding its same-day reservation option to all parks with …

New Hunters: Complete hunter education before spring seasons

OLYMPIA – With Washington's spring turkey hunting season quickly approaching, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) urges new hunters to complete hunter education so they can …

Public meeting set to discuss salmon and steelhead seasons in NCW

WENATCHEE – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will hold an in-person public meeting in Wenatchee on Tuesday, March 18 from 6-8 p.m. to discuss the upcoming salmon and …

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Obituaries
Lyle (Les) O. Kile, 97, of Wenatchee, Washington, Passed Away Peacefully It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lyle (Les) O. Kile , a beloved husband, father, grandfather …
Kathy Alice Kulstad, 72, of Chelan, Washington passed  on April 7, 2025. Precht Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family. 
Lynne Marie Godwin August 20, 1950 - April 4, 2025
Lynne Marie Godwin passed away peacefully with her husband and dear friends by her side, at home overlooking the beautiful Lake Chelan, WA, on Friday, April 4, 2025. She was 74. She was born in …
Karen D. Strom of Leavenworth, WA passed peacefully on March 27, 2025 at the age of 89, attended by her niece. Karen, a long time resident of Leavenworth, loved music and travel, and was very …
Albert L. Marcear Jr., 85, of Chelan, Washington, passed away on March 12, 2025. A Memorial Service is being planned and will be announced at later date.
Bryson Alexander Byrne April 18, 1994 - March 14, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our son, Bryson Alexander Byrne, 30 of Port Angeles, WA, on March 14, 2025 in Bellingham, WA. Born on April 18, 1994, in Port Angeles, WA to Anita …

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State News
State Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, seen here in an undated photo, has pushed for three years for legislation to set new requirements for clergy to report child abuse. Her bill won final approval in the Legislature on April 11 and is headed to the governor's desk.
OLYMPIA - Washington is poised to require clergy members to report child abuse or neglect, even when it is disclosed in confession. Nearly two-thirds of state House members approved a Senate …
Sen. Keith Goehner (R-Dryden)
OLYMPIA — A House committee has unanimously endorsed legislation sponsored by Sen. Keith Goehner (R-Dryden) that aims to streamline the process for water-sewer districts to sell surplus …
An apartment building construction site in Olympia, Washington in January 2025.
OLYMPIA - Over the next few weeks, lawmakers in Washington’s state House and Senate need to resolve significant differences on new taxes, education funding, furloughs for state employees and …
OLYMPIA - How much Washington should raise in new tax revenue and who will pay is something state lawmakers and Gov. Bob Ferguson will hash out in the final weeks of the legislative session. …
The Washington state Capitol building in Olympia.
 
Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks to reporters about the budget on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
OLYMPIA - Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday put the kibosh on Democratic lawmakers’ plans to use billions of dollars from a proposed wealth tax to balance the state budget. Ferguson, …

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Education
MOE First grader Finley (pictured with her teacher Mrs. McHargue) was an attendance award raffle winner earlier this year.
CHELAN - In a time when schools across Washington are facing rising rates of absenteeism, the Lake Chelan School District is giving the community something to celebrate.  According to new …
Wenatchee School Board Director Mark Belton (position 4).
WENATCHEE — On April 3, the Wenatchee School Board held a special meeting to interview the four candidates who offered themselves up to fill a position on the Board that has been vacated by …
Community professionals, educators, and business representatives participated in Cashmere High School's Career Week, March 17-21. The "Ready, Set, Action" themed event featured a Career Expo, guest speakers, and site visits, helping students explore post-graduation pathways while connecting classroom learning with real-world career opportunities.
CASHMERE – Cashmere High School students took a deep dive into career exploration during Career Week, held March 17-21. The event, themed "Ready, Set, Action," capped off a month-long advisory …
MANSON — Manson High School is launching a pilot program featuring SchoolAI, a platform designed to enhance the educational experience for students, teachers and parents, school officials …
CHELAN — The Lake Chelan School District (LCSD) will hold a public information session titled "Talking Buildings with Brad" on Wednesday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the district's Central Office …

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Opinion
Terry Ward CEO & Publisher Ward Media
Our community newspaper serves as a vital gathering place for meaningful local dialogue. We believe that the strongest communities are built on understanding, shared experiences, and the collective …
Terry Ward CEO & Publisher Ward Media
In these early days of 2025, as winter settles across North Central Washington, I'm struck by an overwhelming sense of possibility. From the snow-dusted orchards of the Wenatchee Valley to the …
Rep. Brad Hawkins addresses the House of Representatives in 2013 on “Children’s Day” with his two boys, Luke and Tyler. Hawkins served four years in the House of Representatives and eight years in the State Senate. He begins his role as Chelan County Commissioner on January 1.
The Washington State Legislature will begin its 105-day session on January 13th. Thanks to your support in the recent election, I’m now in the process of transitioning to the County Courthouse …
A typical passing period at Cascade High School. Cascade School District is working on a new policy regarding the use of cell phones and other mobile devices in its schools.
The struggle is real. Across the nation, school districts are wrestling with the omnipresent cell phone, an all but universally acknowledged persistent source of distraction in the classroom.  …
Terry Ward CEO & Publisher Ward Media
As Thanksgiving approaches, I've been thinking about what gratitude truly means—not just as words shared around a dinner table, but as an active force capable of transforming our communities. …
Terry Ward CEO & Publisher Ward Media
North Central Washington has always been a place where strength is measured in visible metrics: the size of the harvest, the height of the dam, the acres of orchards, the megawatts generated. Our …

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Both Chelan and Manson have exciting egg hunts planned for Saturday, April 19.

Egg-citement in the Lake Chelan Valley with annual egg hunts on April 19

CHELAN - Families in the Lake Chelan Valley can gear up for a fun-filled day of egg-hunting excitement as two beloved community traditions return on Saturday, April 19.  Both Manson and …

Superintendent Wilson brings school upgrade plans before Chelan council

CHELAN – Lake Chelan School District Superintendent Brad Wilson delivered a District Facility Plan update to the April 8 meeting of the city council, where he outlined priority projects and …

Conservation District announces April board meeting

WENATCHEE — The Cascadia Conservation District has scheduled its regular board meeting for Friday, April 18, at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at the district's office located at 1350 …

Chelan County secures previously frozen wildfire defense grant

CHELAN COUNTY – After facing an uncertain delay due to frozen federal funding, Chelan County has secured access to its $9.275 million Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) for wildfire risk …

City of Leavenworth recognizes International Dark Sky Week

LEAVENWORTH – The week of April 21–28 was proclaimed International Dark Sky Week for the City of Leavenworth by Mayor Carl Florea and the city council. Mayor Florea read the …

Cascade High School artists to display work at Leavenworth Library

LEAVENWORTH - The Leavenworth Library will host an art exhibition featuring works by Cascade High School students from April 15 through May 2 in the Fireside Room. The exhibition will showcase a …

Local photographer earns recognition from American Society of Photographers

LEAVENWORTH – Local photographer Heidi Swoboda has received the highly sought after American Society of Photographers (ASP) State Elite Award for her image titled, “Wind Runners.” …

Leavenworth area hopping with activities over Easter weekend

LEAVENWORTH – From Lake Wenatchee to Leavenworth, families can enjoy a variety of Easter activities throughout the weekend of April 19 and 20, including brunch, egg hunts, and visits from the …

Wenatchee AppleSox 2025 single game tickets now on sale

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox announced Tuesday that single game tickets for their 2025 season are now available for purchase . The team, entering its 25th anniversary season, is …

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