Friday, June 20, 2025
Top Story

Grief experts help community navigate the loss of Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn Decker

Executive Director of Pacific Northwest Support Services Julie Boyer shares advice on how to talk about death with children.
LEAVENWORTH – The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Behavioral Health Unit organized three town hall meetings to help the community as it mourns the deaths of three sisters, Olivia, …

Sheriff’s Office refutes TikTok claim as search for Travis Decker continues

CHELAN COUNTY – Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has debunked a TikTok video claiming Travis Decker was taken into custody after a standoff, reiterating that the interagency search …

Public memorial for Decker sisters to be held June 20 at Rocky Reach Dam Park

WENATCHEE — A public memorial service honoring Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, June 20. The three young sisters—Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, …
Local Features

Eagle Creek Flower Farm’s roadside stand thrives on simplicity and trust

LEAENWORH — From late spring into early fall, Eagle Creek Flower Farm’s roadside stand comes alive with colorful bouquets that change with the season. Every weekend, the stand is visited …
Alpine Lakes High Camp is a collection of nine backcountry huts and a communal lodge, as well as a cold plunge and sauna.

New owners breathe fresh air into historic Alpine Lakes High Camp

NASON CREEK –  Alpine Lakes High Camp has found new stewards in long-time friends Tom Shelstad and Travis Cowan, who are embracing the challenges and rewards of owning and maintaining a …
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.

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

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 …

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Other News
Visible smoke and flames from the Pomas Fire, located 6 air miles northwest of Entiat.
GLACIER PEAK WILDERNESS – Firefighters face low humidity, west winds, and heavy dead timber as they continue to respond to the Pomas Fire, which has grown to an estimated 362 acres since it was …
Protesters gathered in Wenatchee and across North Central Washington on June 14 for the “No Kings” demonstration, joining a nationwide movement rejecting authoritarianism and what organizers called “strongman politics.” More than 400 people participated regionally.
Hundreds of people across North Central Washington took part in the “No Kings” protest on June 14, joining a nationwide movement opposing authoritarianism and calling for the protection …
Protestors stand in front of Leavenworth CIty Hall during the “No Kings” protest. Many protestors wished to not disclose their names at the rally.
CHELAN COUNTY –  Hundreds of protestors gathered throughout North Central Washington for the “No Kings” Protest on June 14, to protest the actions of the Trump Administration …
Updated photos of murder suspect Travis Decker, who is wanted for the deaths of his three daughters. Authorities believe Decker is currently in the Blewett Pass / Highway 97 area.
KITTITAS COUNTY – Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies and tactical team members are continuing to maintain elevated patrols as law enforcement searches for Travis Decker in …
Chip the Duck, the mascot for Link Transit, is finally recovered from this year’s Apple Blossom and will be on hand for Kids’ Day on June 14.
WENATCHEE — Link Transit is holding its inaugural Kids’ Day, a special event celebrating families and young riders as part of June’s “Ride Transit” Month. This free …

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E-edition

June 18, 2025

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Community Calendar
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Obituaries
Kay Smith, 80, of Leavenworth, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Arrangements by Heritage Memorial Chapel, E. Wenatchee & Cashmere.
Margaret Eileen Kelly
Margaret Eileen Kelly was born November 23, 1933, in Leavenworth to Kathryn and Guy Kelly. She passed away April 27, 2025 at age 91 surrounded by loved ones. During her eventful lifetime, Eileen …
Jackie Dean Camp
“Life is eternal, Love is immortal. And death is nothing but a horizon; and the horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight”. - Rossiter W. Raymond Jackie Dean Camp, age 93, was …
Anita Louise (Farnsworth) Wisemore
Anita Louise (Farnsworth) Wisemore went to be with her Lord on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. Born to Simeon Osro and Margaret Magdeline (Meyers) Farnsworth in Ovando, MT on June 8, 1925, she was …
Our Mom, Claudia Jane Hohmann, was an amazing Mom, Gma, GeeGee, Wife, Sister, and Friend, touching the lives of many. She was born on May 22nd, 1939 in Kirkland, WA where she lived with her parents, …
Anita Louise (Farnsworth) Wisemore went to be with her Lord on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. Born to Simeon Osro and Margaret Magdeline (Meyers) Farnsworth in Ovando, MT on June 8,1925; she was …

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Education

Cascade bids farewell to Class of 2025 in stadium ceremony

Cascade High School’s Class of 2025 marked graduation on June 6 with speeches, student recognition, and a packed crowd at the football stadium in Peshastin. The ceremony included remarks from …

CHS graduates applaud for the graduating kindergarteners.
PESHASTIN – Cascade High School’s Class of 2025 made a visit to Peshastin-Dryden Elementary (PD) to take part in the Kindergarten graduation ceremony on June 6.  This is the …
JoAnne Prusa presents the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship award to Caroline Menna during Cascade High School’s Awards Night on June 3.
LEAVENWORTH — Caroline Menna, a senior at Cascade High School, has been awarded a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Sisterhood. The scholarship, …
All smiles: Icicle River Middle School sixth grade girls in the Tall Timber Ranch dining hall during Cascade School District’s Sixth Grade Camp in the last week of May.
NORTH CASCADES — Sixth graders from Icicle River Middle School (IRMS) left their classrooms behind and headed deep into the forest during the last week in May for three days of learning, …

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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

Campfire restrictions take effect June 13 for Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest

WENATCHEE — The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective June 13th, limiting campfires to designated, developed recreation sites and specific …

Annual Discover Pass cost set to increase in October

OLYMPIA — Starting Oct. 1, the annual Discover Pass will increase from $30 to $45, marking the first price hike since the program was implemented in 2011. The Discover Pass is required to …

WDFW approves new hunting season rules

OLYMPIA — Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind has approved most proposed changes to hunting season regulations for the 2025-2026 seasons, with one notable …

State Parks expands same-day camping reservations to all campgrounds 

OLYMPIA  —  The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is opening up more camping opportunities for visitors by expanding its same-day reservation option to all parks with …

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 …

More outdoors

State News

Washingtonians will need state permit to buy guns under new law

OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday signed into law a controversial policy requiring gun buyers to first pay for a new state permit.  Starting in two years, House Bill …

WA governor signs parental ‘bill of rights’ rewrite

OLYMPIA — The parental “bill of rights” overhaul, one of the most divisive bills approved during this year’s Washington state legislative session, was signed by Gov. Bob …

Ferguson signs budget boosting Washington state spending and taxes

OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson entered office warning that a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall would require spending cuts and, as a last resort , higher taxes. On Tuesday, the …

Money crunch: Nearly 50 WA State Library employees facing layoffs

OLYMPIA - Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is preparing to lay off nearly 50 Washington State Library employees due to a decline in state and federal funding. In the past two weeks, 47 workers at …
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5104 on Monday, May 12, which intends to give immigrants better tools when facing coercion in the workplace.

Trio of immigrant rights laws signed by WA governor

OLYMPIA _ Gov. Bob Ferguson signed three bills to protect immigrant rights last week.  These included measures to strengthen state power to inspect private detention facilities, prevent …

Washington will offer special education to students longer under new law

OLYMPIA - A new law triggered by a lawsuit will ensure public school students in Washington are offered special education instruction until they are 22 years old. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed …

WA budget includes $150M to maintain health coverage for low-income immigrants

OLYMPIA - Thousands of people who are not U.S. citizens would continue to receive Medicaid-like health care coverage in Washington state under the budget plan the Legislature recently approved. …

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
NANAIMO, B.C. — A late offensive burst propelled the Wenatchee AppleSox to a 9-4 win over the Nanaimo NightOwls on Saturday night at Serauxman Stadium. Wenatchee broke open a close game …
WENATCHEE — Blake Sandvik tossed six shutout innings and struck out seven as the Wenatchee AppleSox defeated the Kelowna Falcons 13-0 Tuesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. The AppleSox …
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox delivered a dominant 17-4 victory over the Yakima Valley Pippins on Sunday night, powered by a breakout performance from newcomer Kyle Panganiban and a strong …

WENATCHEE — Alec Johnson delivered a dominant start and the Wenatchee AppleSox backed him with 10 runs to defeat the Yakima Valley Pippins, 10-0, on Saturday night, evening the opening series …
WENATCHEE — Despite a three-hit performance from Brady Bean, the Wenatchee AppleSox fell to the Yakima Valley Pippins, 5-1, on Opening Night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. The Pippins (1-0) …

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Opinion
Terry Ward, Publisher
In this space, I often write about compassion, connection, and community—those quiet but powerful forces that bind us together, especially in times of crisis. Over the past week, North Central …
Terry Ward, Publisher
We live in a time when it’s easier than ever to share an opinion, voice frustration, or criticize someone or something. Social media, online forums, and even community meetings have become …

Terry Ward, Publisher
Most of us won’t leave behind statues or headlines. But maybe — just maybe — a few words we said, a kindness we offered, or a hand we extended will echo longer than we know. I …
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 …
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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