Friday, July 26, 2024
Top Story

Leavenworth Electric Bikes reaches milestone with permanent location in Plain, adds rentals

Leavenworth E-Bikes owner Christy Weihs stands in front of her new location in Plain.
PLAIN – After operating out of a mobile unit for the past three seasons, Leavenworth Electric Bikes (E-Bikes) is opening a permanent establishment in Plain, expanding its offerings to e-bike …

Multiple fire agencies contain Dryden house fire, prevent major wildland spread

DRYDEN– Chelan County Fire District 6 worked alongside a team of local fire agencies to contain an actively spreading house fire in the North Dryden Road area.  Reports of the fire …
The crew films a scene of “Evergreens” at the Outpost Saloon, which was discovered by the crew during a lunch stop on a scouting trip to the orchard.

Washington-based feature film highlights Cashmere, Leavenworth

CASHMERE – Cashmere, Leavenworth, and US-2 will be featured in “Evergreens,” a Washington-based feature-length film. The cast and crew spent multiple days filming at the Outpost …
Local Features

WVC crafts new strategic plan to strengthen community and address equity

The Van Tassell Center at Wenatchee Valley College. As WVC develops a new strategic plan, President Dr. Faimous Harrison aims to reposition the college as a community-focused institution serving the diverse needs of North Central Washington's expansive region.
WENATCHEE—Wenatchee Valley College is developing a new strategic plan to enhance its community focus, address equity gaps, and maintain academic excellence. WVC President Dr. Faimous …
Hotelier and property manager Hans Mulders in front of his Obertal Inn, a Bavarian institution in the center of Leavenworth.

Savor homemade fare at the storybook Obertal Inn

LEAVENWORTH – In the heart of downtown Leavenworth every morning, the aroma of freshly baked biscuits and homemade granola wafts through the air, inviting visitors to experience the charm of …
IV Pro Mobile is a Wenatchee based mobile IV hydration and wellness clinic.

IV Pro Mobile brings hydration, wellness to your doorstep

WENTACHEE – Through her two decades of nursing experience Aura Brazill saw a need for hydration and wellness care outside of the confines of the hospital.  That prompted her to start …
Glade Brosi and his son Wendell harvesting Bartlett pears from their Leavenworth orchard, which Brosi and his wife, Andrea, bought last year.

Roots of Abundance: pear orcharding in Leavenworth faces an uncertain future

LEAVENWORTH – Most think of Leavenworth as a Bavarian-themed village nestled in scenic beauty with a lively festival and outdoor culture. Yet, for generations, another equally compelling way of …
A picture of men and women sorting, wrapping, and packing pears by famed Pacific Northwest photographer Asahel Curtis.

Roots of Abundance: The immigrant journey through Leavenworth’s pear industry

LEAVENWORTH – Growing pears in Leavenworth began as a modest agricultural pursuit in the late 1800s. Soon, though, it blossomed into a thriving industry, drawing in not just the fruits of the …
Other News
LEAVENWORTH – Shari Campbell has been appointed as the newest commissioner on the Cascade Medical Board, following the retirement of former commissioner Mall Boyd. “I think we have a …
LEAVENWORTH – The City Council received an update from Fire District #3, approved contracts for city improvement projects, and said goodbye to a city staff member in its July 23 meeting. …
WENATCHEE - Federal and state officials will host a virtual community meeting on July 30 to discuss the ongoing Central Washington Initiative, a comprehensive effort to reduce wildfire risks and …
WENATCHEE -- Chelan County officials have announced the implementation of Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning Friday, as wildfire risks escalate across the region. The restrictions, affecting …
WENATCHEE - As wildfires continue to ravage Chelan County, State Senator Brad Hawkins is calling for more air assets and initial attacks to address the region's long-term fire risks. In a statement …
Obituaries
Sheldon (John) Inglet 77 passed peacefully June, 21, 2024 in Cashmere, Wa. He was born March 8, 1947 in Olympia, Wa. He married the love of his life Sharon (Gifford) Inglet on June 18, 1966. …
Born on April 24, 1956, in Spokane, Washington, to Roger and Mardette Flodin, Kerry Flodin was a talented visual artist and a man who loved his family, good music, the island lifestyle, and good …
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Diane Lou Norman on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee at the age of 89 years. Diane was born in …
Barbara Joan (McKinney) Bergeron August 27, 1934 –May 2, 2024 Barbara “Barb” Joan Bergeron passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 2, 2024, leaving behind a life well lived. Barb …
John passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024 at his mountain home he built and cherished overlooking the Icicle Valley.  John was born February 3, 1933 to Donald and Jesse Parish in …
Dora Imojean Martensen, 89, a longtime resident of Leavenworth, Washington passed away with family by her side on April 26, 2024.  Imojean was born on October 26, 1934 in Dandridge, Tennessee to …
Education
At its mid-July meeting, held at the Cascade School District offices, Superintendent Edou and the School Board embraced a positive outlook.

Upbeat mood at Cascade School District Board midsummer meeting

LEAVENWORTH – After a year of bi-monthly meetings dominated by budgetary woes, the July 15 meeting of the Cascade School District (CSD) Board of Directors was decidedly upbeat and optimistic. …

LEAVENWORTH – Cascade School District (CSD) will be reimbursed $111,000 by the state for special education expenses accrued during the 2023-2024 school year. “We have students who …
LEAVENWORTH – Students in Cascade School District (CSD) are attending school more often than state data shows, due to a recently discovered error in schools’ attendance reporting to the …
LEAVENWORTH - It was standing room only in Icicle Creek Center for the Arts’ (ICCA) Snowy Owl Theater on the evening of June 11 at the concert to support choir programs at Icicle River Middle …
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

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 …

Washington State Parks Commission approves new camping stay limits

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has approved new limits on camping stays in state parks to improve access and resource management. At its meeting on July 18, …

WDFW urges prospective hunters to complete education courses ahead of fall season

OLYMPIA  - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is urging prospective hunters to complete mandatory hunter education courses ahead of the upcoming fall hunting season. With the …

Lake Wenatchee opens for Sockeye fishing as surplus exceeds spawning goals

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced that Lake Wenatchee will open for sockeye salmon retention starting July 22, 2024, due to projected surplus fish counts …

Forest Service imposes fire restrictions in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest as dry conditions persist

WENATCHEE - The U.S. Forest Service has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions across the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, effective immediately. The decision comes as prolonged warm weather …
Election 2024

Chelan County mails ballots for August 6 primary election

WENATCHEE — Ballots for the August 6 primary election have been mailed to registered voters in Chelan County, Auditor Skip Moore announced Thursday. To be counted, completed ballots must …

Voting begins Friday for Washington's August 6 Primary Election

OLYMPIA—Washington state is gearing up for its August 6 Primary Election, with county elections offices set to mail out ballots and open official drop boxes by Friday. More than 4.8 million …

League of Women Voters launches comprehensive voter guide for Washington primary

SEATTLE — The League of Women Voters of Washington (LWVWA) announced Wednesday that its online voter guide, VOTE411.org , has been updated with comprehensive information for the upcoming August …

Candidates certified for Washington's August 6 primary election

OLYMPIA - The Office of the Secretary of State has officially certified candidates for Washington's upcoming August 6 Primary election. The certification took place on Tuesday in the Legislative …

Auditor seeks residents for ballot measure committees

WENATCHEE - The Chelan County Auditor's Office seeks individuals to serve on "For" or "Against" committees for ballot measures in the upcoming August 6 Special Election Local Voters' Pamphlet. The …
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 …

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.
    • Live music by Benni James

      Silvara Cellars will host live music by Benni James on Saturday, July 25, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. “ Benni has opened for global rock …

    • Books+Board Games Meetup

      The Leavenworth Library will host a Books+Board Games Meetup for tweens and teens on Thursday, July 25, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. “This …

    • Low waste cooking series

      Seasonal Abundance: A Low Waste Cooking Series will be held at the Tierra Learning Center in Leavenworth on Thursday, July 25, from 5-7 p.m. …

    • Naturalists on the River

      Join Wenatchee River Institute, in partnership with Leavenworth Outdoor Center, on an evening paddle down the Wenatchee River on Wednesday, July …

    • Friends of the Library meeting

      The Friends of the Leavenworth Library will meet on Thursday, August 1, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the library's main area. “Monthly …

Sports
WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee AppleSox overcame a late deficit to secure a 5-4 victory against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Thursday night, clinching their 10th series win of the season. In a tightly …
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox's defensive woes proved costly as they fell to the Kamloops NorthPaws 9-3 on Wednesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, snapping their winning streak. …
WENATCHEE — In a dominant performance Tuesday night, the Wenatchee AppleSox routed the Kamloops NorthPaws 15-0, securing their fourth consecutive victory and etching a new name in the franchise …

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox completed their fourth sweep of the 2024 season, defeating the Yakima Valley Pippins 10-8 in a dramatic comeback victory on Sunday night at Paul Thomas Sr. …
WENATCHEE -- The Wenatchee AppleSox staged a dramatic comeback, scoring five runs in the eighth inning to defeat the Yakima Valley Pippins 12-9 on Saturday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. …
Opinion
As the August 6 primary election draws near, it is crucial that we, as citizens, recognize the immense power we hold in our hands. The act of voting, often taken for granted, is the very foundation …
As the publisher of our local newspaper, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the recent Pew Research Center report on the changing relationship between Americans and their local news outlets. The …

SPOKANE — Washington State Republican Party leaders say they want party unity, but they torpedoed unity, at least for a bit, all for the sake of attempted control.  When it became …
Our state approves three budgets every two years. These budgets fund Washington’s operating ($71.9 billion), transportation ($14.6 billion), and capital ($10.3 billion) expenditures, including …
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 …