Saturday, March 15, 2025
Top Story

Tumwater cross: a week of contradiction, potential conflict of interest, and a permit withdrawal

Chelan County Commissioner Shon Smith became a key figure in the Tumwater Cross saga, which saw rapid shifts, the project’s permit withdrawn, and conflicting narratives.
LEAVENWORTH - The contentious plan to erect a 70-foot illuminated cross on Tumwater Mountain has been abruptly halted following a week of dramatic developments that exposed conflicting statements and …
An eighth of an acre up Eagle Creek Road was a grassy field before Erickson tilled the grass, sheet mulched the pathways, installed a sprinkler, sowed seeds, and applied several rounds of compost tea.

Shelter and Seeds aims to turn your yard into a thriving, food-producing ecosystem

LEAVENWORTH – A new business in Leavenworth is helping landowners transform their properties using sustainable, regenerative practices. Shelter and Seeds, owned by Sean Eriksen, …

Leavenworth brush site permanently closes

LEAVENWORTH – The Leavenworth brush drop-off site will not reopen this spring after Chelan County Public Works announced its permanent closure.  The county-operated brush site, …
Local Features

New home and garden boutique offers curated goods, workshops and design services

Owners Bri Davey and Hannah Dewey stand beside the boutique’s long tables, which are intended to create a gathering space for connection and creativity.
LEAVENWORTH – Alpenglö Living, a home and garden boutique that offers curated goods, workshops, and design services, opened its doors in downtown Leavenworth on Feb. 21. Alpenglö …
Owners Marco Scheuer and Vincent LaBelle were inspired by the social and relaxation aspects of soaking in a natural hot spring after a long day of adventuring with friends.

The Springs opens with cold plunge, hot pools, and sauna

LEAVENWORTH – The Springs, an outdoor hydrotherapy experience in Leavenworth, officially opened on Feb. 4. The Springs offers 90-minute sessions for guests to rotate through a cedar sauna, …
The Koncz family became the new proprietors of Dan’s in May 2023.

From Columbia Market to Dan’s Food Market: Celebrating 75 years of service

LEAVENWORTH – As chains continue to dominate the grocery business, Dan’s Food Market has remained a preferred destination for locals and tourists alike. After 75 years, the market is …
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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Other News
The partially constructed “Upper Valley Cross” came to a sudden and unexpected halt at Tuesday’s Leavenworth City Council meeting.
LEAVENWORTH — The controversial Tumwater Mountain cross project near Leavenworth has been terminated after the property owner withdrew their building application, according to Chelan County …
The Washington state Capitol.
OLYMPIA - Democrats in the Washington state House on Tuesday approved a revamped plan to provide $100 million in grants to local police departments to hire more officers.  The vote on House …
The partially constructed “Upper Valley Cross” came to a sudden and unexpected halt at Tuesday’s Leavenworth City Council meeting.
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, …
The Washington State House of Representatives convenes for floor debate - Feb. 6, 2025.
OLYMPIA — The Washington state House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that would provide financial assistance to local law enforcement aviation support units. House Bill …
OLYMPIA — A new interactive online tool is helping partners and organizations across Washington state plan for additional electric vehicle chargers, making it easier to expand charging access …

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E-edition

March 12, 2025

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Community Calendar
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Obituaries
Anita McKinney
With love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Anita McKinney, who passed peacefully at her home, surrounded by family on January 25, 2025, at the age of 89. Anita was born on March 10, 1935, …
Sharon A. Smith, 82, passed away in Yakima, WA on January 22, 2025. Services details can be found at www.brooksidefuneral.com.
Carol Silvestri, 68, of Leavenworth, Washington passed away on January 16, 2025. Arrangements by Heritage Memorial Chapel. 
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. …
Lynn Alexander Takacs November 5, 1962 - January 2, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lynn Alexander Takacs, age 62, of Leavenworth, WA, on January 2, 2025. Born on November 5, 1962, in Seattle, WA, Lynn was the cherished son of …
Noreen (Noni) Freese January 31, 1925 - January 3, 2025
Life’s a journey, and our mom, Noreen Freese, met you along the way. It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our mom, Noreen (Noni) Freese, on January 3, 2025. Noreen was born on …

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Education
Anastasia "Sia" Haberberger

Local educators receive top honors in Cascade School District

LEAVENWORTH - The Cascade School District has named two longtime educators as their Employees of the Year for 2025, recognizing their dedication to students and the community. Anastasia "Sia" …

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal
OLYMPIA — The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has announced the statewide transition to a universal online High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) platform, a move aimed at …
The CSD School Board reappointed Zachary Miller to Director District #3, effective March 10.
LEAVENWORTH – Former Cascade School District (CSD) Board member Zachary Miller is returning to his position after resigning in January 2024 for family reasons. Miller previously served as …
Cascade High School partners with Chelan County Fire District #3 for hands-on firefighting experience.
LEAVENWORTH – As Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month highlights post-secondary training in schools nationwide, Cascade High School (CHS) is preparing its own students for success as they …

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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.

Outdoors

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 …
Boats congregate at Brewster Pool on the Upper Columbia River to try their luck at catching sockeye salmon. Photo credit: Mark Yuasa

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 …
A gray wolf.

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. …

More outdoors

State News

Rent increase cap approved by Washington House

OLYMPIA - A bill to cap yearly rent increases cleared the Washington state House on Monday following a spirited debate on whether such limits will bring greater security for tenants or higher prices …

Unemployment insurance for immigrants falls short in Washington Legislature

OLYMPIA - As an agricultural worker in Wapato, Washington, Sandra D. works with her husband to support her three children.  Like many immigrants, Sandra came to the United States looking …

Controversial permit-to-purchase gun bill clears Washington House

OLYMPIA - Democrats in the Washington state House on Saturday approved an overhaul of the state’s system for buying guns.  House Bill 1163 would require a state permit to purchase …

Voters could get final say on changes to Washington’s parental ‘bill of rights’

OLYMPIA - The conservative political group behind three failed measures on last year’s Washington ballot filed an initiative Tuesday to prevent the Democrat-controlled Legislature and governor …

Latest deadline in Washington Legislature fells more bills

OLYMPIA - More legislation fell by the wayside Friday in the Washington Legislature, including bills on signature gathering for ballot initiatives, free school meals and ballot box tampering.  …

Senate passes Goehner bill to reduce red tape for water-sewer districts

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate approved a bill that seeks to streamline the process for water-sewer districts to sell surplus property, reducing administrative hurdles and increasing …

Washington could exempt medical debt from credit reports

OLYMPIA - When Kristopher Shook was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer at age 42, his only concern was beating it, no matter the cost. As a result, he accumulated hundreds of thousands of dollars in …

More state news

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.
    • NCW Bridal Premiere 2025

      The 2025 NCW Bridal Premiere will be at the Toyota Town Center on Saturday, February 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “NCW Bridal …

    • Valentine Pet Portraits

      Fire House Pet Shop in Wenatchee will host Valentine Pet Portraits on Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. …

    • Valentine’s Cookie Decoration Class

      Neu Flessenow Winery will host a Valentine’s Cookie Decoration Class on Saturday, February 8, from 5-7 p.m. “Love is in the air …

    • Roller Skating Night

      The Leavenworth Festhalle will host a Roller Skating Night on Wednesday, February 12, from 6:30-9 p.m. “Join us for themed Roller …

    • Galentine’s celebration

      Milbrandt Vineyards in Leavenworth will host Sip, Sparkle and Sway: A Galentine’s Celebration on Thursday, February 13 from 6-8 p.m. …

Sports
CHELAN. — The annual North Central Washington Senior All-Star Basketball Game will take place Sunday, March 16, at Chelan High School, featuring top senior players from across District 5 in …
MIDWAY, Utah - The 2025 Cross Country Skiing Junior Nationals kicked off Monday at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, with athletes from across the country gathering for what organizers describe as …
Wenatchee Wild forward Luka Shcherbyna controls the puck during a recent Wenatchee home game. Shcherbyna scored Wenatchee’s first goal Friday, but the Wild dropped a 6-5 overtime decision to the Portland Winterhawks at Town Toyota Center.
WENATCHEE – Good things usually come in threes, but the Wenatchee Wild are trusting that a better fate is on the horizon than the one that found them Friday at Town Toyota Center. For …

Wenatchee Wild defenseman Brendan Dunphy flies by the Wild bench after scoring a go-ahead goal in the third period Tuesday at the Spokane Chiefs. Spokane forced overtime with a last-minute goal, ultimately pulling out a 4-3 overtime win against Wenatchee.
SPOKANE  – With 7:48 to play Tuesday night at Spokane Arena, Brendan Dunphy pushed the Spokane Chiefs’ backs against the wall with a go-ahead goal, only his second …
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Bighorns professional basketball team is releasing single-game and season tickets for their 2025 The Basketball League (TBL) season, which opens March 1 at Wenatchee …

Read more sports coverage

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.  …
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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