Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Top Story

Leavenworth Community Workspace: supporting a community and its visitors

The downtown workspace overlooks 8th Street.
LEAVENWORTH - Since 2015, the Leavenworth Community Workspace has slowly fostered a community of local members while also catering to visitors. “Small town coworking spaces I think are …

Lawmakers return to Olympia for meetings ahead of 2025 session

OLYMPIA - Child care affordability, crime trends, environmental protections, access to addiction treatment and housing costs. These are some of the issues on Washington lawmakers’ agenda this …

Cascadia Conservation District sets hybrid board meeting for December 20

WENATCHEE — The Cascadia Conservation District announced its upcoming Regular Board meeting will be held in a hybrid format, offering both in-person and remote attendance options on December …
Local Features

Documentary release honors Vietnam War hero, veterans' stories

The documentary “Uncle Vic” was a family project with everyone contributing to the film in some way. From left to right in the behind the scenes family photo are Dan Pappas, Jess Pierson Pappas, Allison Int-Hout, Seth Pierson, Vic Underwood, Diane Underwood, Traci Pierson, and Steve Pierson.
WENATCHEE – Siblings Seth Pierson and Jess Pierson Pappas, along with Jess’s husband Dan Pappas, set out to document the life of their Great Uncle Vic, a decorated Green Beret and Vietnam …
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.

Historic building reopens as Dryden Roadhouse

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.  …

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Other News
WENATCHEE — Camp Fire USA's North Central Washington Council announced early registration discounts for its 2025 summer camp program at Camp Zanika Lache. Parents who register their …
CHELAN COUNTY – With the holiday season underway, families in the Wenatchee Valley have several options for sourcing their Christmas trees, ranging from locally operated tree sales supporting …
BJ Andersen joins Wenatchee Valley Humane Society with 20 years of experience.
WENATCHEE – The Wenatchee Valley Humane Society appointed BJ Andersen as its new executive director on Nov. 4, following the departure of James Pumphrey in June. Andersen first began her …
Tammy Hayrynen, Jenny Hoffman, and Susan Johnson prepare lunch at the Senior Center.
LEAVENWORTH – Every Wednesday, the Senior Center offers a chance for seniors to connect with one another over a nutritious, home-cooked meal. The weekly meals are $8 for seniors, …
Casey Sixkiller, left, seen here at a former industrial site near Olympia in 2023, with U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland, is incoming Gov. Bob Ferguson’s pick to lead the Washington State Department of Ecology. Sixkiller currently serves as a regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration.
OLYMPIA - Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson is tapping a Biden Administration official to lead the state’s Department of Ecology and to keep Washington at the forefront of the nation’s fight …

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E-edition

December 4, 2024

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Community Calendar
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Obituaries
Linda K. Riggs, passed away on November 15, 2024, in Leavenworth, Washington. Our beloved wife, mother & grandmother passed away at home at the age of 78 after extended health issues. …
Karen A. (Kelley) Mains, 81, of Leavenworth passed away November 15, 2024, in Wenatchee. She was born on May 21, 1943, to Leslie and Rose Kelley in Omak. When she was a young girl, the family moved …
Calvin A Blackburn Jr, 86, of Leavenworth WA passed away in his home November 4th 2024 with family by his side. Cal was born December 25th, 1937 in Bozeman Montana to the late Calvin Arthur Blackburn …
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 …

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Education

North Central Education Foundation awards record 225 Teacher Grants

WENATCHEE — The North Central Education Foundation announced a record-breaking distribution of classroom grants to 225 teachers across four Washington counties, marking the largest number of …

WENATCHEE -- Schools across North Central Washington are joining a nationwide initiative to promote computer science education through interactive events and community partnerships this December. …
LEAVENWORTH – Cascade School District (CSD) is considering implementing a district wide policy regarding restricting phone use in schools. Currently, cellphones are allowed in school for …
The Cascade School Board and Superintendent Tracey Edou from left to right: Vice Chair Cyndi Garza, Mike Worden, Chair Trey Ising, Edou, and Judy Derpack.
LEAVENWORTH — The Cascade School District Board of Directors (CSD Board) has received one of thirty-seven 2024 Board of Distinction awards from the Washington State School Directors’ …

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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

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 …

State Parks seeks applications for Winter Recreation Advisory committees

OLYMPIA —  The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking applications from winter sports enthusiasts for the agency’s snowmobile and non-motorized advisory …

Mount Rainier National Park announces 2025 construction projects

ASHFORD  –  Two major Mount Rainier National Park construction projects starting in 2025 will replace decades-old crumbling infrastructure in the park’s popular Ohanapecosh …

State Fish Commission to hold virtual meeting on Coastal Steelhead management

OLYMPIA - The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will convene a virtual Fish Committee meeting later this month to address coastal steelhead management and future planning initiatives. The …

State Parks Commission announces virtual November meeting

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene virtually on November 13 to discuss several key initiatives, including land transfer and park planning efforts across …

More outdoors

State News

Scammers claiming to be from a state agency are targeting WA businesses

OLYMPIA - Businesses and nonprofit organizations should watch out for fraudulent letters that claim to be asking for money on behalf of the Washington Office of the Secretary of State. Since …

Costs remain high for WA affordable housing projects

OLYMPIA - Many affordable housing projects in Washington are funded in part by the state’s Housing Trust Fund.  A new report from the Department of Commerce looked at the cost of …

Fees that pay for WA homelessness programs running short

OLYMPIA - State funds that pay for homelessness services in Washington are running low, and the Legislature may need to find extra money to avoid program cuts.  The Department of Commerce …

WA Gov. Inslee orders hiring and travel freeze for state agencies

OLYMPIA - With the state facing a multi-billion dollar budget gap , Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has ordered state agencies to freeze “most non-discretionary and non-essential” hiring, …

First bills drop ahead of WA’s 2025 legislative session

OLYMPIA - Washington lawmakers have begun teeing up legislation ahead of the 2025 session. Monday marked the first day they could pre-file bills. Legislators will have 105 days to push their …

WA public employee union sues state following failed contract vote

OLYMPIA - A 5,000-member public employee union in Washington that overwhelmingly rejected a new two-year contract in September is accusing the governor’s office and several community colleges …

WA agency seeks funding for new juvenile detention center as overcrowding persists

OLYMPIA - With overcrowding at Washington’s two juvenile detention centers, the Department of Children, Youth and Families is asking state lawmakers for money to open a new facility.  …

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.
    • Santa photos

      Santa will be available for photos at the Leavenworth Festhalle on Thursday, December 5, from 3 to 4 p.m. “Take a break from the cold …

    • Winter Party

      Children and families are invited to celebrate winter at the Leavenworth Library on Thursday, December 5, from 6-7 p.m. “Storytime, …

    • The Sugarplums holiday concert

      The Sugarplums will perform a holiday concert at the Gazebo on Saturday, December 7, from 6 to 7 p.m. “The Sugarplums are the winners …

    • A Marlin Handbell Christmas

      The Marlin Handbell Ringers will perform a holiday concert at Snow Owl Theater on Sunday, December 8, from 2 to 3 p.m. “Experience …

    • Holiday Market

      Icicle Brewing Company will host a Holiday Market on Wednesday, December 11, from 5-8 p.m. “Join us at our taproom to do some local …

Sports
Wenatchee Wild players celebrate after forward Shaun Rios’s goal in the third period of a 5-4 win at the Kelowna Rockets Wednesday. Rios scored his first goal with the Wild in Wednesday’s game, as head coach Don Nachbaur earned his 700th victory as a WHL head coach.
KELOWNA, British Columbia – The list of Western Hockey League coaches to reach the 700-win plateau is quite brief. The Wenatchee Wild did their part to make that list a little …
Wenatchee Wild goaltender Daniel Hauser is greeted by his team after a 4-2 win Sunday over the Kamloops Blazers at Town Toyota Centre in Wenatchee. Hauser made 30 saves to earn his 100th WHL victory, the 19th goaltender in league history to reach that milestone.
WENATCHEE – Sunday evening’s game at Town Toyota Center will be one worth remembering for a long time, for a long list of reasons. Two players recorded personal milestones, …
Wenatchee Wild forward Deagan McMillan (right) knocks Calgary’s Sawyer Mayes off-balance during the first period of Saturday’s Western Hockey League game at Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee. McMillan scored a power play goal in the third, but the Hitmen prevailed with a 4-3 overtime victory.
WENATCHEE  – After the first 40 minutes Saturday at Town Toyota Center, it appeared the next goal might be enough to grind out a win in a defensive battle. The final 20 minutes of …

Cascade High School Cross Country Head Coach Dayle Massey on his final day as coach, Saturday, November 9, with the five seniors who ran for him all four of their years: Cruz Martinez, Napiqua Gibbs, Alice Farrell, Ben Jerome, and Caroline Menna.
PASCO   — After 15 years at the helm, Dayle Massey coached the Kodiak XC teams for the last time on Saturday, November 9, at the Washington State Championships, where his Class 1A teams …
The Kodiak girls’ team put together a dominant performance in Naches on Saturday, taking second, fifth, and seventh places, and the district championship.
NACHES — Both the boys’ and girls’ Cascade High School cross country teams ran to become the 2024 Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 1A, District 5 champions …

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Opinion
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<br> CEO & Publisher<br> 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<br> CEO & Publisher<br> 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, …
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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