Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Top Story

Plug-In NCW’s EV Line Up champions electric vehicle adoption in North Central Washington

A variety of electric vehicles line the access road at Rocky Reach Dam Park on October 2 for Plug-In NCW’s second annual “EV Line Up,” part of National Drive Electric Week.
WENATCHEE – On October 2, Plug-In North Central Washington (Plug-In NCW) hosted its second annual 'EV Line Up' at Rocky Reach Dam Park, as part of National Drive Electric Week, which ran from …

Leavenworth Library to showcase local artist's nature-inspired works

LEAVENWORTH —The Leavenworth Library will host an art exhibition featuring works by local artist Cynthia Neely in its Fireside Room from October 15 through November 22. Neely, a Leavenworth …
Karen Dickinson and Bill Burgess stand in a home built by Burgess’s great-grandfather in 1914.

Preserving History: 110-year-old home returns to market after restoration

PLAIN – A 110-year-old home built by the oldest living pioneer family in Plain is refurbished and back on the market.  The home is the second of three homes built by William Wesley …
Local Features

Historic building reopens as Dryden Roadhouse

The entrance of the newly opened Dryden Roadhouse on Main Street in Dryden. The restaurant, owned by Terri Morris and John Bryant, is housed in a historic 1928 building that once served as the beloved Duffy’s Tavern.
DRYDEN – The Dryden Roadhouse, located in Duffy’s former space, opened its doors to the public on Oct. 4.  Owned and operated by Terri Morris and John Bryant, the restaurant and …
Rusty and Amanda Gibbs, owners of Gibbs Graphics, celebrate 20 years of shaping Leavenworth's iconic signs and murals. The couple started the business after moving back to Rusty's hometown of Leavenworth and have since become integral to the town's Bavarian aesthetic.

The signmakers that shape Bavarian Leavenworth: Gibbs Graphics celebrates 20 years

LEAVENWORTH – Gibbs Graphics, the creative force behind Leavenworth’s iconic signs and murals, celebrated 20 years of business on Oct. 3. Over the last two decades, the business has …
Bavarian Bagel Co. owners Sage Worden, Taylor Lapinski, and Sydney Lapinski (left to right).

Bavarian Bagel Co. opens downtown Leavenworth storefront

LEAVENWORTH – Bavarian Bagel Co., which got its start with online sales and local farmers markets, held a soft opening at its new downtown storefront on Sept. 24. “It’s mind …
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.  …
The Boyal family cuts the ribbon on Peshastin Storage alongside their parents, friends and the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce.

Peshastin Storage opens, fulfilling entrepreneurial dreams

PESHASTIN—Navi and Inder Boyal, owners of Wedge Mountain Inn, celebrated the opening of their new self-storage business, Peshastin Storage, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 20. …

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Other News
WENATCHEE — Ward Media will release a special section titled "Women in Business," featuring female business leaders and women-powered teams across the region. The section will appear in the …
Local artist Lupillo Beltran's work combines bold graphic elements with cultural symbolism, as seen in this striking black and white portrait surrounded by swirling patterns and a vibrant orange accent. Beltran will explore the use of symbols in art during his upcoming presentations at NCW Libraries.
WENATCHEE - NCW Libraries will host local artist Lupillo Beltran at three locations in October and November, exploring how humans utilize symbols to communicate and share stories and traditions. …
WENATCHEE — A panel discussion on recycling and composting practices in Chelan and Douglas Counties will take place on October 29. The event, scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pybus …
District 12 candidates left to right: Rep. Keith Goehner, Heather Koellen, Rep. Mike Stelle, and Daniel Scott. Brian Burnett attended via Zoom.
WENATCHEE – Legislative candidates from Districts 7, 12, and 13 shared their thoughts on the future of STEM education and career-connected learning for youth through a forum on Oct. 7.  …
LEAVENWORTH—The Leavenworth City Council passed a resolution to oppose Initiative 2117 (I-2117), which would repeal the Climate Change Act, during its Oct. 8 meeting. The council chose not to …

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E-edition

October 9, 2024

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Community Calendar
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Obituaries
Irmgard Eckel
Irmgard “Irma” Eckel, beloved mother and Oma, was born in Ulm, Germany on Feb. 26, 1928 and passed away peacefully on Sept. 28, 2024 in Leavenworth, WA at the age of 96. Irma was the only …
Join us to honor and celebrate the life of Ronald A. Hill Sr. Date: Monday, October 14, 2024 Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m Location: Kristall's Restaurant, Leavenworth, WA Light refreshments will be …
Dan Davies
Dan Davies passed away August 29, 2024 following a short but courageous battle with metastatic brain cancer. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He lived his life always trying …
Dennis M. Newell, 75, of Leavenworth, passed on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Arrangements by Heritage Memorial Chapel, E. Wenatchee & Cashmere.
Julie Ellen (Reed) Farmen was born on February 13, 1963, in Selma Alabama. She died on August 23rd, 2024 in Port Orchard Washington. Julie grew up in Grand Rapids Michigan where her parents Doug …
Ronald Arvid Hill Sr. was born 11-02-1937 to Earl Arvid Hill and Wilma Ingrid Nikko. He grew up in Issaquah Washington and graduated from Issaquah High School in 1955, where he participated in band …

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Education
Caroline Menna

Cascade High School Student named National Merit Scholar semifinalist

LEAVENWORTH – Cascade High School student Caroline Menna was named a 2025 National Merit Scholar semifinalist, representing North Central Washington as the only semifinalist in the region. …

WENATCHEE — Organizers are seeking exhibitors for the upcoming 2024 College & Career Expos and Computer Science & Tech Fair events across North Central Washington. Businesses, …
Students pose together in front of a photo backdrop made by the PD and AL PTO.
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 …
CSD students created thank you posters for both VAP and ICCA.
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 …

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Chelan County Sheriff's Report

Chelan County Sheriff's Report

This report is compiled from records provided by the Chelan County Sheriff's Office and RiverCom. The publisher cannot certify the complete accuracy of the information provided. August 3 …

Outdoors
A map detailing the 14 motorized Sno-parks in Washington state slated for temporary closure during the 2024-25 winter season. The closures, marked in red, are part of a response to a 25% reduction in funds from snowmobile registrations that support the Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program. The impacted parks include Echo Valley, Skate Creek, Bethel Ridge/Soup Creek, Crow Creek, Cloverland, Elk Heights, Fish Creek, French Cabin, Nile, Taneum, Reecer Creek, Crawfish, Nine Bark, and Clear Lake.

Washington State to close 14 motorized Sno-Parks for 2024-25 season

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program will temporarily close fourteen motorized Sno-parks for the 2024-25 winter season. This decision is due to a roughly 25 percent …
This image, created using Adobe Firefly for illustrative purposes, depicts the natural river habitat in the Upper Columbia region, highlighting the environment crucial for salmon recovery efforts.

Upper Columbia Region receives $5.07 million in salmon recovery grants

WENATCHEE — The Upper Columbia region has been awarded $5,071,069 in state grants for salmon recovery projects, as part of a $50.3 million funding initiative approved by the Salmon Recovery …
WDFW sign directing hunters to a check station.

Hunters face fines for illegal game meat imports

OLYMPIA — As hunting seasons commence across the U.S. and Canada, Washington state officials are reminding hunters of strict regulations concerning the importation of game meat to prevent the …

Washington State releases 2024 hunting prospects, emphasizes new regulations

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has released its annual hunting prospects for the upcoming fall season, providing crucial information for hunters across the state. …
Bear cubs search for picnic remains at a developed campground.

New food storage rules aim to curb bear encounters in Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest

WENATCHEE — The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest implemented new food storage regulations on September 16 to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with bears. The rules require …

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Election 2024

Pool’s future secured with levy reauthorization

CHELAN COUNTY – A property tax levy that supports the maintenance and operation of Howard Hopkins Memorial Pool received enough votes to pass in the Aug. 6 election. Upper Valley Parks and …

Secretary of State orders statewide recount for Commissioner of Public Lands race

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 …

Hawkins maintains strong lead in county commissioner primary race

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 …

Steele maintains strong lead in state rep primary race

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, …

Upper Valley Parks and Recreation Service Area levy reauthorization holds strong in latest ballot 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 …

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Legislative Coverage

Federal court redistricting ruling shakes up Washington State legislative districts, faces Republican criticism

OLYMPIA – In a development impacting Washington State politics, the Ninth Circuit Court has dismissed an emergency motion to stay a federal court decision regarding legislative district …

Blending education and technology a goal for Wellman

OLYMPIA - On the last Monday morning of the 2024 legislative session, Washington State Sen. Lisa Wellman’s office brimmed with sunlight, an early peek at spring, as she sipped tea from a white …

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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.
    • Cyanotype Workshop

      The Wenatchee River Institute will host a Cyanotype Workshop on Saturday, August 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Learn how to create blue …

    • Live R&B

      LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends, with special guest James Counts Band, will perform at the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts on Saturday, August …

    • Mountain Melodies Concert

      The Eclectic Cloggers will perform a Mountain Melodies Concert on Saturday, August 17, from 8 to 9 p.m. at the South Park Amphitheater at Lake …

    • Eastside Rebuild fundraiser

      Eastside Rebuild will hold a Fundraising Campaign Launch Party on Sunday, August 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Sage Mountain Natural Foods in …

    • Community supper

      The Leavenworth Methodist Church will host a Free Community Supper for friends and neighbors on Tuesday, August 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. …

Sports
Wenatchee Wild Senior Sales and Operations Coordinator David Rayfield poses on the balcony at Town Toyota Center ahead of his annual Military Appreciation Campout in 2023. The Wild announced Wednesday that Rayfield’s campout will return on Monday, October 21. Rayfield will camp on the balcony at Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee until he has sold 1,000 tickets to the team’s Military Appreciation game on November 9.
WENATCHEE – The return of a Wenatchee Wild tradition on the ice also means the return of a Wenatchee Wild tradition in the front office, as the team gets ready for its annual Military …
Riley Emmerson
RED DEER, Alberta – The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), are excited to announce that two of the club’s prospects and one of its Canadian provincial …
Cascade High School senior Harper Baker runs beneath the arches at the Nike Twilight XC Invitational last Saturday evening. Baker posted a season-best time at the race.
MARYSVILLE – The Cascade High School cross-country team joined ninety-seven other teams from across the Pacific Northwest at Cedarcrest Golf Course in Marysville last Saturday evening, October …

Cascade High School football team seniors celebrate their win over the Tonasket Tigers last Friday night. The win takes the Kodiaks to 3-1 on the season.
TONASKET - The Cascade High School varsity football team is on a winning streak. After a disappointing season opener following a winless 2023-24 season, the Kodiaks turned the ship around and have …
Wenatchee Wild defenseman Reid Andresen (right, 21) pushes Kamloops Blazers forward Oren Shtrom (center) away from the puck in Sunday’s Western Hockey League game at Town Toyota Center. Andresen had an assist as the Wild took a 2-1 overtime defeat against Kamloops.
WENATCHEE – Going into Sunday’s Western Hockey League contest at Town Toyota Center, the Wenatchee Wild had closed both weekends of competition so far with a win to carry them …

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Opinion
Terry Ward, Publisher
Across North Central Washington, nonprofits are the threads that bind our communities together, weaving a fabric of support, compassion, and progress. From food banks that nourish the hungry to …
Terry Ward, Publisher
In our hyperconnected world of constant notifications, streaming media, and 280-character hot takes, a vital human skill is quietly slipping away: the art of listening. True listening – …

Terry Ward, Publisher
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. …
Terry Ward, Publisher
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 …
Letters
The 2024 Upper Valley Empty Bowls Festival just concluded on Thursday, March 21 st .  This long standing festival, this the 28 th season, is only possible because it is loved by our village, and …
Rhona Baron (The Whistle) has written several pieces regarding the current city’s approach to building codes, which have provided misleading facts and incomplete analyses. She and others have …
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