Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Our top story

Chelan County Fair steps back to roots in cowboy boots

Country Star Easton Corbin lights up the stage with his top hits as well as a few fan favorites.
CASHMERE– Beautiful music, delicious food, and spectacular attractions intermingled once more in the Heart of Washington as the Chelan County Fair returned to Cashmere for an annual weekend of …
The Cashmere City Planning Commission discusses the benefits and shortcomings of development impact fees, considering the city’s future growth.
Cashmere Planning Commission weighs options to raise funding through future development
CASHMERE– As the City’s new Comprehensive Plan approaches completion, the Cashmere City Planning Commission met and discussed the future of Cashmere’s development and growth. …
Left to right: Amanda Ledezma, Susan Cellini, Vanessa West, and Whitney Coffin.
Upper Valley partnership tackles CNA shortage with paid training program
LEAVENWORTH – Through a partnership between Cascade Medical and Mountain Meadows Senior Living, the Upper Valley Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC) Training Program offers paid training to …
CEF Board Members Tania Sanchez, Diane Minerich, and Karen Turner table at the Community Block Party.
Charm Walk fundraiser to support Cascade School District teachers
LEAVENWORTH—Cascade Education Foundation (CEF) is hosting its second annual Charm Walk during the Autumn Leaf Festival, raising money to support teachers in Cascade School District (CSD). …
lanked by guy wires, the vertical upright of the cross being erected near the summit of Tumwater Mountain on August 24
Work suspended on controversial “Upper Valley Cross” being erected on Tumwater Mountain
LEAVENWORTH – Construction of the organization “Upper Valley Cross’s” (UVC) envisioned, seventy-foot tall, illuminated cross near the summit of Tumwater Mountain, which began …
From left, Pateros city councilmembers, Mike Harding, Holly Bange, former Mayor Carlene Anders, former councilmember Megan Sherrard, Rey Pascua, President of the Filipino American Community of the Yakima Valley, and late councilmember George Brady pose with the proclamations and Congressional Medal after the council approved a resolution proclaiming Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2018, as United States Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino and American World War II Veterans Recognition Day.
Pateros recognizes fifth anniversary of Filipino American History Month
PATEROS—At the August meeting of the city council, Mayor Kelly Hook read an official proclamation designating October 2024 as Filipino American History Month (FAHM). The proclamation …
Residents discussed their ideas in small groups before sharing them with the entire Festhalle.
Leavenworth kicks off community revisioning series
LEAVENWORTH – Approximately 150 people, plus 25 live stream viewers, attended the first session of the city’s four-part community revisioning series on Sept. 9. “I knew …
Smoke rises from a wildfire in the forested hills of Nahahum Canyon near Cashmere. The blaze, which reportedly started as a structure fire, quickly spread through the dry vegetation, prompting evacuations and a multi-agency response.
Nahahum Canyon wildfire contained, evacuation orders lowered
CASHMERE — A wildfire that threatened residents in  Nahahum Canyon has been contained, allowing officials to lower evacuation orders by Monday evening. The Wynnie Fire, which began as …
Smoke rises from a wildfire in the forested hills of Nahahum Canyon near Cashmere. The blaze, which reportedly started as a structure fire, quickly spread through the dry vegetation, prompting evacuations and a multi-agency response.
Nahahum Canyon wildfire prompts evacuations
CASHMERE — A rapidly spreading wildfire in the Nahahum Canyon area near Cashmere has prompted evacuations and a multi-agency response as firefighters battle the blaze in challenging terrain. …
A motor vehicle accident sparked the Swauk Fire on Sept. 8.
Fire crews gain control of Blewett Fire, focus shifts to new 100-acre Swauk Fire
BLEWETT PASS – Firefighting efforts continue along US-97 as crews gain control of the Blewett Fire and efforts shift to the 100-acre Swauk Fire, which started on Sept. 8. According to the …
Construction is on schedule to be finished by the spring of 2025.
Chelan Valley Hope, Food Bank expand to better serve community needs
CHELAN – Chelan Valley Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families in need, and its partner, the Lake Chelan Food Bank, are undergoing a significant remodel …
Fixers Amy Massey (right) and Virginia White (left) pose with their satisfied customer, Beryl, and her repaired pants.
Cashmere's Repair Cafe: Stitching community together while reducing waste
CASHMERE– The chatter of sewing machines and laughter echoed throughout one of Cashmere’s oldest buildings as locals gathered at Eastside Rebuild for a monthly Repair Cafe.  …
Wenatchee Valley Museum to host annual ‘Night at the Museum’ fundraiser
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center will host its annual fundraiser, "Night at the Museum," on Saturday, September 21, from 6-9 p.m. The event will feature local …
Other News
PATEROS—The NCW Sports Rink and Event Center is gaining momentum from both support and funding as it pursues its goal of creating a home for itself in Pateros. The proponents delivered a …
MANSON – Grab your paddles for the first-ever Manson Paddle on Saturday, September 14.  "It's open to anybody with a paddle," event organizer Richard Springer said. "It could be a …
CHELAN – The Lake Chelan School District is one of 13 rural school districts in Washington to receive funding through the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) to enhance college and …
CHELAN - In an effort to address growing political polarization, the "Ruby U" speaker series is set to host representatives from Braver Angels, a national organization dedicated to depolarizing …
CHELAN—The city received a $300,000 grant from the county .09 Cascade Public Infrastructure Fund to help the city move forward with its East Chelan projects, which have been delayed due to …
WENATCHEE — The Cascadia Conservation District has announced its upcoming Regular Board meeting, scheduled for Friday, September 20, at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, …
LEAVENWORTH — The Leavenworth Oktoberfest, recently recognized as one of the nation's top outdoor festivals, is set to return with an enhanced beer selection and a new cashless payment system …
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee River Salmon Festival will take place on Sept. 21 at Rocky Reach Park and Discovery Center, offering educational activities and cultural experiences centered around …
Local features
The Chelan Girls started vacationing in Chelan their senior year of high school and have been back every year since.

Forty years of laughter, memories, and friendship in Chelan

CHELAN – The Chelan Girls have been coming to Lake Chelan every summer for 40 years. Each year, the eight women take time to set aside their many obligations and prioritize their friendships. …
Brandi Darnell (left) and Marian Leone-Lambert (right) stand in their Sole Sisters office, ready to provide simple and easy thermal imaging services with smiles on their faces.

Friendship sparks health tech venture in Downtown Wenatchee

In the heart of Downtown Wenatchee, two best friends work in an emerging industry to help community members better understand their bodies and identify health issues at early stages. Taking their …
Paelyn Lueondee, 12, holds a Happy Letters Book Packet. In the spring, Paelyn teamed up with Happy Letters founder Traci Pierson to spread joy and encouragement to kids fighting cancer through a Happy Letters drive and a book drive.

Local girl who brightened lives of cancer patients now needs your encouragement

CASHMERE – After spreading joy to children battling cancer, 12-year-old Paelyn Lueondee, now undergoing gene therapy for a rare blood disorder, is in need of some encouragement herself. In …
Non-profit News

NCW Tech Alliance launches AI Skill-A-Thon 

WENATCHEE — The NCW Tech Alliance, in collaboration with Microsoft and the Community Skills Initiative, will launch a month-long AI Skill-A-Thon on September 1 to enhance artificial …

Brewster American Legion Golf Fundraiser hits the links August 25

PATEROS – There is still time to hit the links and support Columbia Post 97 of the Brewster American Legion by purchasing a foursome at its golf tournament this week. The sixth annual …

Manson Legion reschedules Veterans Bbq, VFW plans Stand Down event

MANSON — The Manson American Legion has rescheduled its annual Veterans BBQ for Saturday, September 14, due to scheduling conflicts. The event will take place at Chelan Falls Park from 12 p.m. …
Volunteers pack bags for Leavenworth United Methodist Church's backpack program, which provides essential food support to children in need throughout the Cascade School District.

GladSong Choir raises funds for children in need with benefit concert

LEAVENWORTH - The GladSong Choir of Wenatchee will perform a benefit concert in support of the Leavenworth United Methodist Church's backpack program, which provides essential food support to …

Vietnam Veterans honored with Quilts of Valor in heartfelt ceremony

CHELAN — In a ceremony held Thursday, two Vietnam War veterans were honored with Quilts of Valor, recognizing their service and sacrifices decades after their return home. Kathy and Larry …
Sports

Kodiaks show promise at Ellensburg Invite

ELLENSBURG — Cascade High School delivered a solid performance at the Ellensburg Invitational Relays on Saturday, with several runners posting competitive times across multiple events. In …

Chelan falls to Chewelah in season opener

CHEWELAH — The Chelan Mountain Goats stumbled in their season opener, falling to the Chewelah Cougars 23-7 in a non-league football matchup Friday night at Snyder Field. Despite high hopes …

Young Chelan squad falls to Tenino in season opener, 3-1

TENINO — The Chelan High School girls' soccer team opened their season with a 3-1 loss to Tenino High School in a non-league match on Saturday. The Goats, fielding a young squad after …

Turnovers costly as Manson falls to Cle Elum-Roslyn 21-17

CLE ELUM — The Cle Elum-Roslyn Warriors overcame a 10-point deficit to defeat the Manson Trojans 21-17 in a non-league high school football matchup Friday night. The Trojans, who had …
Marissa Bartels is dressed to drive.

Bartels Racing sisters in race for points leader

BREWSTER – When the owners, drivers, and boats with the Pacific Northwest Boat Racing Association (PNBRA) rolled into town for the third annual Brewster Thunderfest - Tony Newton Memorial …

Cashmere Bulldogs dominate in 56-0 rout of Wapato in conference opener

WAPATO — The Cashmere High School Bulldogs made a strong statement in their South Central Athletic Conference debut, overwhelming the Wapato Wolves 56-0 on Friday, Sept. 6, at Wapato High …
Outdoors

WDFW officers to start wearing body cameras

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will equip all 152 of its commissioned law enforcement officers with body-worn cameras starting this month. The program will …

Bobcat hunters face rule change

OLYMPIA — Washington state has new requirements for small game hunters and trappers who harvest bobcats. The requirement that went into effect on September 1 requires hunters to submit the …

King salmon season open for annual Brewster Derby

BREWSTER – King salmon season is open for the upcoming 18 th annual Brewster King Salmon Derby, August 2-4, but there are restrictions as to where kings can be caught. The popular Brewster …

Wenatchee River salmon season canceled for 2024 due to low Chinook returns

WENATCHEE — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced that the planned salmon fishing season on the Wenatchee River will not open in 2024 due to low Chinook salmon …
Obituaries
Agapito Esquivel, 72, of Bridgeport, Washington passed away on August 31, 2024. Barnes Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family. 
John Graham, 75, of Tonasket, Washington passed away on August 31, 2024. Barnes Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family.
James Wick, 23, of Mansfield, Washington passed away on August 28, 2024. Barnes Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family. 
William H. Kruse AKA William H. Bowers, 82, of Chelan, Washington passed away on September 4, 2024.  Services will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus …
Elda Carrillo, 81, of Chelan, Washington passed away on September 1, 2024. Precht Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family.
Dennis M. Newell, 75, of Leavenworth, passed on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Arrangements by Heritage Memorial Chapel, E. Wenatchee & Cashmere.

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.
    • Shrub-Steppe Poetry Reading

      The Visit Wenatchee Visitor’s Center and Tasting Room will host the Shrub Steppe Poetry group on Thursday, August 15, from 5 to 6 p.m. …

    • Lila Forde live

      Lila Forde, a standout finalist from season twenty-four of NBC's The Voice, will perform live at the Old Barn Drinkery in Wenatchee on Saturday, …

    • Percy Jackson's Birthday Party

      The Wenatchee Library will host Percy Jackson's Birthday Party on Sunday, August 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Robert W. Woods Reading Room. …

    • Family movie afternoon

      The Wenatchee Library will host a Family Movie Afternoon on Wednesday, August 21, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Sagebrush Meeting Room. …

    • NCW Writer's Group

      The Wenatchee Library will host the NCW Writer's Group on Wednesday, August 21, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Balsamroot Meeting Room. …

Election 2024
OLYMPIA — The Office of the Secretary of State has certified the results of the August 6 Primary and ordered a mandatory statewide manual recount for the Commissioner of Public Lands …
WENATCHEE — The Chelan County Auditor's Office is seeking citizens to serve on committees responsible for writing statements in favor of or against ballot measures for the upcoming November …
CHELAN – State Senator Brad Hawkins has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the primary race for Chelan County Commissioner District 3, securing a commanding lead that positions him strongly …
CHELAN – Incumbent Mike Steele continues to show a commanding lead in the primary race for the State Representative seat representing Washington's 12th District. As of the August 9 count, …
CHELAN COUNTY – A proposition that supports the Howard Hopkins Memorial Pool maintained over 70 percent approval in the Aug. 9 election update. Upper Valley Parks and Recreation Service …
WENATCHEE– As Washington State primary elections continue well underway, results for Wenatchee Valley Fire Department’s (WVFD) fire benefit charge appear overwhelmingly positive in both …
Education
PESHASTIN – Cascade School District’s youngest and newest students entered the halls of Peshastin-Dryden Elementary to start their first day of Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and …
LEAVENWORTH – Through a collaborative “Save the K-8 Art Teachers” effort, Village Art in the Park (VAP) and Icicle Creek Center for the Arts (ICCA) were able to support the salaries …
CASHMERE– Cashmere High School’s class of 2025 rode through town in a celebratory annual parade, kicking off the first day of yet another successful school year. With a promising …
CHELAN – School enrollment numbers in the face of declining numbers statewide were among the leading back-to-school topics of interest at the meeting of the Lake Chelan School District Board on …
LEAVENWORTH – School is back in session for Cascade School District (CSD). Students arrived for their first day of the 2024-2025 school year on Aug. 27. At Peshastin-Dryden Elementary …
Opinion
Compassion. It's a word we hear often, but when was the last time you truly felt it? Not just a fleeting moment of sympathy, but a profound understanding of another's pain that moved you to action. …
Today, as we observe Labor Day, we pause to reflect on the state of work in America and the evolving relationship between employers and employees. This holiday, born from the labor movement of the …
Imagine a world where every conversation is an echo chamber, where differing opinions are met with hostility, and where the fear of the unfamiliar drives every decision. Now open your eyes – …
The Biden administration recently announced that Intel will receive $8.5 billion in funding to ramp up U.S. manufacturing of semiconductors. These investments will help rebuild a previously declining …
In an era marked by polarization and heated rhetoric, the notion of civil discourse has become both a beacon of hope and a subject of intense scrutiny. As we reflect on the state of public …
Much attention and resources have been directed in recent weeks to Wenatchee’s Balsam Root Fire in early July and the Pioneer Fire currently burning near Lake Chelan. These fires are just two …
Around the region

Unit lot subdivision advances to Leavenworth City Council following Planning Commission approval

LEAVENWORTH – The Planning Commission unanimously approved drafted code for unit lot subdivision, which is intended to allow more flexible creation of lots of varying sizes and types. The …
Vocalist Alesha Perrin leads the Wenatchee Big Band. Jive Time in the Cascades concert, now in its third year, supports Cascade Medical Foundation's healthcare initiatives in the community.

Jazz concert to boost local healthcare

LEAVENWORTH — The Cascade Medical Foundation will host its third annual "Jive Time in the Cascades" fundraising concert on Sept. 21, 2024, at the Leavenworth Festhalle in downtown Leavenworth. …

Suspect arrest leads to brief school lockdown at Brewster Elementary School

BREWSTER – The arrest of a man suspected of intoxication and cocaine use near the Brewster Elementary School prompted a brief lockdown of the school as Brewster police officers responded to the …

Climber rescued after 25-foot fall on Castle Rock near Leavenworth

LEAVENWORTH — A 43-year-old female climber was rescued after falling approximately 25 feet on the Saber Route of Castle Rock in the Tumwater Canyon on Friday morning. The Chelan County …

Blewett Fire reaches 35 percent containment

BLEWETT PASS – The 17-acre Blewett Fire is at 35 percent containment, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced shortly before 11 a.m. on Sept. 6. Highway 97 is open with a reduced speed zone …

Highway 97 reopens as firefighting efforts continue on Blewett Pass

BLEWETT PASS—Highway 97 reopened with single-lane pilot car-controlled traffic from mileposts 163 to 164 on Blewett Pass, where fire activity and emergency response vehicles are present, …

Stayman Fire alters hunting plans in Chelan Wildlife Area

CHELAN — The recent Stayman Fire has significantly impacted the Chelan Butte Wildlife Area, burning approximately 3,118 acres and prompting extensive restoration efforts, according to …

Brewster Fire Chief honored with Friend of Children award

BREWSTER – Whenever you see the city fire and emergency vehicles serving among the escorts for Brewster students and athletes heading off to compete in the many events they qualify for every …
The Beeline, a 1948 International KB-6 truck, won Best of Show.

Dozens drive to Boys and Girls Club Cars at the Cove show

BREWSTER – Dozens of classic and custom cars and trucks – in this case nearly four dozen – turned out for an afternoon of music, food, fun, and craftsmanship at the 2024 Cars at the …
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