Wednesday, January 22, 2025
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Cascade School District seeks voter support for replacement levies

A sign of support for the levies sits along Chumstick Highway.
LEAVENWORTH –  Voters will see two proposed replacement levies from Cascade School District on their Feb. 11 ballots. The two proposed levies will replace current levies that are set …
Other News
Members of the Confluence Health security team pose with Atlas, a German Shepherd who recently joined the hospital's new K9 security program. Atlas and his handler completed extensive training before beginning their duties.
Confluence Health adds new security dog
WENATCHEE -  Patients and visitors to Confluence Health Hospital’s Central and Mares campuses soon might see the  newest member of the Confluence Health staff on duty, and this staff …
Trash piles up at the park restroom after a weekend of heavy use.
Chelan Parks and Recreation addresses Lakeside parking, capacity, enforcement
CHELAN – The Parks and Recreation Department is taking steps to regulate summer use at popular Lakeside Park after Lakeside community residents addressed the September 24, 2024, council meeting …
City Administrator Jord Wilson
TIB awards Pateros year-end chip seal multiple locations grant
PATEROS – As the curtain came down on 2024, the city still had a Christmas present or two to unwrap heading into a new year. One was a several hundred-thousand-dollar gift from the state …
Upper Columbia steelhead and coho season closed Jan. 20
PATEROS – The long-awaited fishing season for hatchery steelhead and coho salmon on the Upper Columbia River including the lower Methow River closed effective Jan. 20. The Washington Department …
Pelican and young detail from one of Bridgeport’s more than two dozen tree sculptures. Some require immediate intervention to combat rotting and pest infestation.
Bridgeport’s deteriorating tree sculptures raises preservation alarm
BRIDGEPORT – The deteriorating condition of some of the city’s earliest tree sculptures is once again a priority issue of concern for city authorities. Public Works Lead Mike West, …
Sean Lynn of Love Leavenworth Vacation Rentals provides comment to Chelan County Commissioners.
Residents, officials weigh in on proposed short-term rental code revisions
CHELAN COUNTY – The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) took public comment on proposed changes to Chelan County’s short-term rental (STR) code on Jan. 14. “By having these …
In character as Ariel, Makenna Fritz poses in front of the "Under the Sea" backdrop designed by senior cast member Kimberly Strong for Cashmere High School's production of "The Little Mermaid," opening Jan. 31.
Cashmere High School set to perform uplifting musical: The Little Mermaid
CASHMERE- Cashmere High School is preparing to perform Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the end of the month. Since the casting in November of 2024, the CHS and Cashmere Middle …
Sen. Liz Lovelett, D-Anacortes, and Rep. Liz Berry, D-Seattle, speak at a press conference about a new bill that would require manufacturers to pay for a new statewide recycling system.
Washington lawmakers look at making packaging producers pay for recycling
OLYMPIA - Washington’s recycling system may soon get a makeover.  A proposal to require companies to reduce unnecessary packaging and fund statewide recycling services is making its …
Cross-country skiers glide along the newly opened 1.6-kilometer Nordic track at Tierra Learning Center in Leavenworth, where both skate and traditional Nordic skiing are available on the groomed trail system constructed on the center's hay fields.
Tierra Learning Center opens new groomed Nordic Track
LEAVENWORTH — Tierra Learning Center has expanded its winter recreational offerings with the opening of a new Nordic ski track, providing both skate skiing and traditional Nordic skiing …
Infrastructure and housing are top priorities in Leavenworth’s new budget.
Leavenworth unveils 2025-2026 budget focused on infrastructure and community needs
LEAVENWORTH - The City of Leavenworth has released its comprehensive 2025-2026 biennial budget, outlining a plan for responsible fiscal management while addressing key priorities like housing …
First-time parents Breanna Spencer and Daniel Jones welcome their daughter, Zoey Mae May Jones, alongside Dr. Scott Hippe at Lake Chelan Health on January 7. The family received a special gift basket, passed on from the hospital's first New Year's baby, continuing a cherished tradition of giving supported by Lake Chelan Health Hospital Guild B.
The spirit of giving lives on with the first baby of the year
CHELAN – Christmas may be over, but the spirit of giving continues all year long—a sentiment beautifully demonstrated by the family of the first baby of the new year. The family …
Local kids ages three through sixth grade play basketball through the Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club’s JR NBA program.
JR NBA program takes off in Chelan despite gym space challenges
CHELAN – Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club’s JR NBA program for kids ages three through sixth grade is a popular new program with over 200 kids participating. However, the group …
Chelan Fire Captain Taylor Rains and firefighters Brandon Fogelson, Stephanie Preheim, and Duke Odenrider are in California to help fight the wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
Chelan Firefighters continue to fight California wildfires
CHELAN – Four Chelan firefighters are on the front lines in Southern California, helping to protect communities from the devastation caused by multiple wildfires in the Los Angeles area. …
Together, Chelan County PUD and the City of Leavenworth will evaluate the feasibility of putting the city’s public works campus on a portion of the PUD’s 13 acres of land, which surround its Leavenworth offices.
Leavenworth considers PUD site for public works, MEND could benefit
LEAVENWORTH – Leavenworth City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) on Jan. 14 to explore the feasibility of relocating the …
Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is sworn in on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Wash. Reykdal was first elected to the job in 2016.
Reykdal says Washington risks lawsuit if school funding isn’t hiked
OLYMPIA - Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal warned Thursday that Washington is not living up to its constitutional obligation to cover the cost of basic education and faces the …
Other News
EAST WENATCHEE — Columbia Valley Community Health (CVCH) announced Tuesday it will open a new behavioral health clinic in East Wenatchee to expand mental health services in Chelan and Douglas …
BREWSTER – The city needs to create a new water comp plan for 2025 following the completion is its previous 20-year plan - in its entirety - in a remarkable span of just seven years. In the …
OKANOGAN – The Okanogan County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a change to the county’s nightly rental code at its regular Jan. 6 meeting, according to notes taken by …
PLAIN – Plain Valley Ski Trails is set to host the Washington Nordic Cup, a cross-country ski race series designed to bring youth together for fun, affordable, and low-stress ski racing …
CASHMERE - The Cashmere City Council reviewed a draft ordinance aimed at regulating unauthorized use of city property during their January 13 meeting, spurred by recent concerns over unauthorized …
CHELAN –  The Lake Chelan School District has been awarded over $30,000 in grants, including two $10,000 Computer Science Grants and $12,000 from the Carl D. Perkins Act, to enhance Career …
PATEROS – A three-car collision that occurred early in the morning of Friday, Jan. 17, near Pateros claimed the life of one driver and caused the temporary closure of US 97 while the Washington …
The radar-activated signs warn drivers of a tight turn under the train trestle.
LEAVENWORTH – Chelan County Public Works is seeking answers to vandalism incurred on Chumstick Highway road signs. The radar-activated flashing warning signs located at the train trestle …
OMAK — The documentary film "Covenant of the Salmon People" will be screened at the Mirage Theatre in Omak on January 27, at 6 p.m. The event, hosted by Columbiana, is free and open to the …

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Local features
Chelan Scout Master Mark Carroll and Eagle Scout Cameron Willoughby open and refold the first United States flag, featuring only 13 stars, at Willoughby’s Eagle Scout ceremony.

Manson teen soars to Eagle Scout rank

MANSON – Cameron Willoughby, a 2024 Manson High School grad, celebrated a major milestone in December when he was recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.  Earning the Eagle …
Greg Harris, an engineer, usually spends hours each year planning the structure of the family’s annual snow creature.

Family's 9-Foot goose nests in Leavenworth

LEAVENWORTH – A nine-foot tall goose made of snow has temporarily made its home in Leavenworth for as long as weather permits. The impressive snow creature sits off of Suncrest Drive, and …
The faces behind Dirty Face Dog Mushing, Lavi Capusan and Bella Gilreath.

Dog sledding tours open near Lake Wenatchee

PLAIN – Dirty Face Dog Mushing, a new dog sledding business near Lake Wenatchee, offers trail rides that combine outdoor adventure with an educational experience, welcoming guests of nearly all …

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Non-profit News

Icicle Creek Center for the Arts names Monica Miller its new Executive Director

LEAVENWORTH – Icicle Creek Center for the Arts’s (ICCA) Board of Directors have named Monica Miller as its new Executive Director (ED). Miller, who holds a BA in Studio Arts from The …

Lake Chelan Health and Wellness Foundation reflects on year of giving

CHELAN – In 2024, the Lake Chelan Health and Wellness Foundation awarded $96,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers in diverse medical fields. The foundation also gave over …

Give NCW fundraising campaign nets record $904K for local nonprofits

WENATCHEE — The Community Foundation of North Central Washington's annual Give NCW campaign raised a record-breaking $904,765 during the 2024 holiday season, marking a 31% increase from the …

Cascade High School student selected for year abroad through Leavenworth Rotary Club's Youth Exchange

LEAVENWORTH – Leavenworth Rotary Club will be sponsoring a year abroad for Cascade High School student Coal Fiano as part of its decades-long youth exchange program. “Coal will be …
Mary Lou Schoolcraft, President of the Lake Chelan Health Hospital Guild B, second from left, poses with Guild B members Lynette Teeny, and Diane Tryon by the guild's Lights of Love Christmas tree in the Orchard Cafe at Lake Chelan Health Hospital.

Guild B delivers donations to enhance healthcare at Lake Chelan Health Hospital

CHELAN – Lake Chelan Health Guild B recently presented two donations to Lake Chelan Health Hospital.  Lake Chelan Health Guild B works to support the greater Chelan community and …

Community Foundation now accepting applications for scholarships

WENATCHEE - The Community Foundation of NCW is now accepting scholarship applications for students who plan to attend community college, university, or trade school in Fall 2025.   …
Wade Nash

Cascade Medical Foundation names new chairman, board members for 2025

LEAVENWORTH — Rich Adamson will lead the Cascade Medical Foundation as chairman of its executive committee in 2025, part of leadership changes at the nonprofit healthcare organization. …

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Sports
Wenatchee Wild forward Shaun Rios (left) lets out a roar after scoring in the third period of Wenatchee’s 3-2 Western Hockey League loss to the Tri-City Americans on Sunday.

Americans escape Wenatchee with 3-2 victory Sunday

WENATCHEE – After two Wenatchee Wild goals 56 seconds apart in the third period, the Wild forced the Tri-City Americans to put up a stingy defensive effort down the stretch to escape town with …
Wenatchee Wild forward Shaun Rios seeks the pass the puck in a recent Wenatchee home game. Rios had two goals and two assists Saturday as the Wild charged to a 6-3 Western Hockey League win at the Portland Winterhawks.

Wild power play hammers away for 6-3 win Saturday at Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. – After being thwarted by strong goaltending Friday in Vancouver, the Wenatchee Wild were eager to get back on the scoreboard against a U.S. Division opponent Saturday …

Vancouver uses third-period push to nab win against Wild Friday

LANGLEY, British Columbia – After 45 scoreless minutes of hockey in Friday’s Western Hockey League game at Langley Events Centre, the Wenatchee Wild and Vancouver Giants knew …

Wenatchee Wild announce trade with Calgary Hitmen

WENATCHEE. – The Wenatchee Wild have announced a trade with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL), acquiring forward Maxim Muranov and the WHL playing rights to …

Wenatchee Wild announce trade with Victoria Royals

WENATCHEE, – The Wenatchee Wild have announced a trade with the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League (WHL), acquiring three WHL Prospects Draft selections and the WHL playing …

Wild jump out to five-goal lead, jump into eighth place with 6-1 win Tuesday

WENATCHEE – New Year’s Eve games at Town Toyota Center have become a bit of a staple of life in the Wenatchee Valley lately. Over the last few weeks, the win column has become a …

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Outdoors

Reward up to $20,000 offered for information on each of three WA wolf killings

Conservation advocates and a federal wildlife agency are offering $20,000 for information on each of three recent wolf poaching incidents in Washington.  Since October, three gray wolves …

Washington wildlife commission to meet virtually, discuss whale watching rules

OLYMPIA — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will convene a virtual meeting Friday to address proposed commercial whale watching regulations and other matters. The three-hour …

Forest Service announces public meeting on Northwest Forest Plan updates

WENATCHEE — The U.S. Forest Service will hold a public meeting this month to discuss proposed changes to the Northwest Forest Plan, which has guided federal forest management since 1994. …

State land agencies announce 2025 Discover Pass free days

OLYMPIA — Washington state agencies announced Thursday that visitors will have 12 days in 2025 when they can access state-managed lands without purchasing a Discover Pass, including a new free …

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Obituaries
Sue Denney Briggs April 12, 1943 - January 19, 2025
Sue Denney Briggs, 81, of Ellensburg, WA, passed away at her home on Sunday, January 19, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. The family invites all to a memorial service held at 2 p.m. …
Dan Biddle
Dan Biddle of Bridgeport, Washington, passed away on January 7, 2025, after an extended illness. He was 79. Dan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cynthia Biddle, his son, Kurt Biddle, …
James Anthony Seidensticker May 17, 1947 - December 24, 2024
James Anthony Seidensticker passed away on December 24, 2024. Jim was the second son born to Dr. John C. and Gladys B. Seidensticker on May 17, 1947 in Sheridan, Montana. Jim’s early years …
Catherine E. Harris September 25, 1935 - December 22, 2024
Catherine E. Harris of Chelan, WA, passed at the Lake Chelan Hospital on December 22 , 2024, with her husband, children, and granddaughters by her side.  She is survived by and will be greatly …
Rubin Edward Rawley November 2, 1938 — December 26, 2024
Rubin Edward Rawley November 2, 1938 — December 26, 2024 Puyallup Rubin Edward Rawley was born on November 2, 1938. He passed away peacefully, on December 26, 2024, in his home …
Beverly Barbara Russell April 15, 1950 - December 15, 2024
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Beverly Barbara Russell on December 15, 2024, at the age of 74. Bev was born on April 15, 1950, to Terry and Sherry Hayes of Hayes Ranch …

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Get your event in the spotlight with Ward Media!

If you have an exciting event to share, email Reporter Quinn Propst at quinn@ward.media. We’ll showcase the five most captivating events of the week, giving your event the recognition it deserves. Even if your event isn’t among the top five, it will still be added to our events calendar and featured online. Don’t miss this chance to make your event shine!

Here is this week's list of 5 Things to do this Week.
    • Art Show Opening Night

      The Art Alley at Pybus Public Market will host an Art Show Opening Night on Friday, December 6 from 5-7 p.m. “Art Alley at Pybus …

    • Holiday Craft Bazaar

      The Wenatchee High School will host the Golden Apple Band Boosters' Holiday Craft Bazaar on Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. …

    • Holiday Family Fun Day

      The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center will host a Holiday Family Fun Day on Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. …

    • Santa's Ride Around Town

      Santa will ride around East Wenatchee on Saturday, December 7 from 1-3 p.m. “Come out and wave to Santa as he rides through town on a …

State News
Solicitor General Noah Purcell argues his case for upholding the state’s ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines before the Washington Supreme Court on Tuesday.
OLYMPIA - The fate of Washington’s ban on the sale of high-capacity firearms magazines now rests with the state Supreme Court.  On Tuesday morning, attorneys for the state and a …
Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden
OLYMPIA — Washington State Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, has been selected as the ranking Republican member on the Senate Housing Committee as he begins his first term in 2025, following three …
State Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, sits at his desk on the House floor during the opening day of Washington's 2025 legislative session in Olympia. The former Chelan County Sheriff was sworn in Monday and appointed to four committees, including roles focusing on public safety and human services.
OLYMPIA — State Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, was sworn in Monday during opening ceremonies of the 2025 Legislature, officially beginning his term representing Washington's 12th Legislative …
Chief Justice Debra Stephens swears in the Washington state Supreme Court’s newest justice, Sal Mungia, on Monday in Olympia.
OLYMPIA - After a narrow election victory in November, Sal Mungia is officially Washington’s newest state Supreme Court justice.  Mungia, along with current justices Steven Gonzalez …
Members of the Washington state House of Representatives are sworn into office by state Supreme Court Justice Steven González, on Jan. 13, 2025 in Olympia.
OLYMPIA - There was plenty of pomp and politics for the opening day of the Washington Legislature’s 2025 session. It began at noon Monday for the state’s 98 representatives and 49 …
Democratic leaders, Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, and House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, speak at a press conference on Jan. 9, 2025.
OLYMPIA - Democratic state lawmakers are again pushing a proposal to restrict rent hikes across Washington. Despite the rent cap bill’s dramatic failure last session, backers say its …

More state news

Education
OXFORD, Ohio  - JJ Groner of Cashmere has been named to the Dean's List at Miami University for the 2024 fall semester. The distinction recognizes students ranking in the top 20 percent of …
CHELAN — The Lake Chelan School District announced that 21 of its educators have achieved National Board Certification, the highest credential in the teaching profession. The district also …
Mia Dreis, a senior at Cascade High School, earned top honors for her STEM-themed children’s book, How Otto Found His Way at the Technology Student Association (TSA) National Championship in Orlando, Florida, this past summer.
LEAVENWORTH - Cascade High School senior Mia Dreis earned national recognition this past summer when she took first place at the Technology Student Association’s (TSA) 2024 National Conference …
Cashmere FFA Apple Judging Team 1 came in first place at the State FFA Apple Judging Contest in Yakima. From left to right are FFA State Officer Ashley Landt, Gloria Smith, Amelia Flick, Sophia Batanoiu, Abigail Kim, and Tony Bumgarner.
CASHMERE  — The Cashmere FFA team earned top honors at the State FFA Apple Judging Contest in Yakima, with first and third place team finishes and landed four individuals in the top …
Two students at Peshastin-Dryden Elementary School participate in the school's composting program by sorting their milk cartons after lunch. The waste-sorting initiative, which began in 2022, helped the Cascade School District earn the first "Soil Friendly School District" designation.
LEAVENWORTH - Cascade School District (CSD) has become the first school district to receive the "Soil Friendly School District" designation from Winton Manufacturing Compost Works, following the …

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Opinion
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 …
Sen. Brad Hawkins, R-12
With all of the election advertising concluded and campaign signs now removed, the all-consuming “political season” we endured is quickly becoming recent history. With so many local, …

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Business news from Wenatchee Business Journal,
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Around the region

Chelan County Sheriff's Office warns of Venmo payment scam targeting residents

WENATCHEE — The Chelan County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about an ongoing financial scam targeting local citizens through the mobile payment platform Venmo. According to law …

Port Authority to open applications for new Trades District

WENATCHEE — The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority (CDRPA) announced Monday that applications for its new Trades District development will open January 17, expanding business infrastructure …
Sacred Salmon interpretive sign

Methow Memorial to expand exhibits at Pateros park

PATEROS – Following nearly a decade serving as the anchor attraction in Lakeshore Park, the Methow Memorial, a sculpture and interpretative installation celebrating the Methow Tribe, plans are …
Bridgeport Mayor Sergio Orozco

Bridgeport installs security cameras to combat vandalism

BRIDGEPORT – In its efforts to discourage vandalism and tagging in its parks and other areas, the city is installing two camera security systems to monitor both vehicle traffic and citizen …

Lake Chelan Chamber gears up for two weekends of Winterfest

CHELAN – Chelan and Manson will celebrate the magic of winter with two weekends of Lake Chelan Winterfest this month. Ice Weekend in Chelan will be held on January 17-19. The festivities …

Endless Orchards Cider earns top honors at Best of the Northwest Awards

CHELAN – Endless Orchard Cider earned top honors at Sip Magazine's 13th Annual Best of the Northwest Cider Awards, with three of its signature ciders recognized for their exceptional quality …
Loren Honaas helps with a bike repair for the Bike CoOp.

Sustainable NCW’s Bike CoOp expands under Ecology grant

WENATCHEE – Sustainable NCW’s Bike CoOp will be launching its mobile bike repair, CoOp on the Go, after receiving grant funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology through the …

Cashmere Planning Commission backs floodplain code updates

CASHMERE — The Cashmere Planning Commission voted unanimously on Jan. 6 to recommend approval of updated floodplain regulations to the City Council following a public hearing on the matter. …

Leavenworth Planning Commission advances manufactured home amendments, rejects height deviation removal

LEAVENWORTH – The Planning Commission moved forward with proposed amendments to manufactured home standards and denied a proposed administrative deviation during its Jan. 8 meeting. The …

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