Monday, June 17, 2024
Top Story

Leavenworth City Council accepts $1.97M bid for Front Street Park restroom and stairway project

Design of Leavenworth’s downtown Front Street Park Restrooms and Stairway Expansion Project.
LEAVENWORTH – The city will be moving forward with construction of its Front Street Park Restrooms and Stairway Expansion Project after accepting a construction contract 31 percent higher than …

Peshastin Library dances through renovation with free Folkloric Classes and Community Programs

PESHASTIN - Despite the temporary closure of its building for renovations since April, the Peshastin Library is bringing the community together through a series of free, Mexican folkloric dance …
The bagels are vegan, with the exception of cheese flavors. The company also offers a vegan spread option.

Bavarian Bagel Co. finds success with innovative approach to building a business in the Upper Valley

LEAVENWORTH—For Bavarian Bagel Co., a new bagel company based in Leavenworth, no storefront is no problem for getting the word out about its delicious hand-rolled, boiled bagels. The bagel …
Local Features

The Cheesemonger’s Shop owner to open Italian sandwich shop

The Cheesemonger’s shop owner John Pistoresi, earned the nickname “Pesto” in high school, inspiring the name of his new sandwich shop.
LEAVENWORTH –  The Cheesemonger’s Shop owner John Pistoresi is set to open Pesto’s La Panineria, a new Italian sandwich shop, in the former location of Viadolce Gelato, this …
Wenatchee Public Library employees Chelsea Evans and Molly Schuringa display snowflakes, made from popsicle sticks by youth at the Chelan County Juvenile Detention Center.

Library outreach brings hope to incarcerated youth

WENATCHEE—For Wenatchee Public Library employees Chelsea Evans and Molly Schuringa, outreach with youth at the Chelan County Juvenile Detention Center is one of their favorite parts of their …
Dr. Fitzgerald recently discovered this photo of his great-grandfather in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Descendants of Leavenworth’s first doctor revisit past

LEAVENWORTH — The Greater Leavenworth Museum welcomed over 70 descendants of Leavenworth’s first doctor and second mayor, Doctor George Washington (G.W.) Hoxsey, over Memorial Day …
Artists Peter and iMa James pose outside the gallery.

Photography Gallery to host grand opening

LEAVENWORTH – Peter James Photography will hold a grand opening for the new downtown Leavenworth gallery on June 6. The gallery showcases photography from all over Washington state, …
Davelaar’s favorite fudge flavor, dark chocolate raspberry.

Happy Fudge reopens: a labor of love honoring a legacy

LEAVENWORTH – For owner Jason Stewart and Manager Melissa Wike, reopening Happy Fudge, once Happy Happy Fudge, was not a money-making pursuit, but a way to preserve the legacy of one of their …
Other News
LEAVENWORTH – Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti made a visit to Leavenworth to discuss the Office of the State Treasurer’s (OST) roles and initiatives with city officials and …
WENATCHEE - The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) has awarded scholarships to several students from the Leavenworth, Peshastin, and Dryden areas who have ties to the tree fruit industry. …
CHELAN — The Pioneer Fire, burning in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Area and private land since June 8, has now grown to 3,474 acres. In response to the fire's progression, Chelan County …
CHELAN COUNTY — Chelan County has declared a state of emergency in response to a wildfire burning on Lake Chelan's north shore, which has consumed over 1,700 acres since June 8. …
LEAVENWORTH – The lot on which the permanently closed Leavenworth’s Finest Espresso was located will be converted into a temporary paid parking lot by the City of Leavenworth.  …
Obituaries
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 …
Dwight Goehner was born to Walter and Alvina Goehner in May of 1957. He joined his sister Naomi and brother Keith in a loving Christian home, surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, most of …
Education

Beaver Valley Elementary’s cameras reveal hidden world of wildlife

PLAIN – Every year, Beaver Valley Elementary releases a highlight reel of the most interesting video clips of wildlife caught on its game cameras. This year, the school captured enough exciting …

LEAVENWORTH – When Cascade High School’s 2024 Salutatorian Breanna Loomis sets her mind on achieving a goal, it’s hard to stop her from accomplishing it. This level of determination …
LEAVENWORTH – Cascade High School seniors Isabel Menna and Julian Valdez have been named co-valedictorians for the class of 2024, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements throughout …
PESHASTIN – Before rehearsing their own ceremony, Cascade High School graduating seniors gathered at Peshastin-Dryden Elementary School on June 7 to take part in the Kindergarten …
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. May 31 …

Outdoors
People dip for smelt on the Cowlitz River near Castle Rock, WA during the 2024 recreational smelt fishery.

New law requires recreational fishing license for freshwater smelt, crawfish, and carp

OLYMPIA, - Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation requiring Washington fishers to possess a recreational fishing license for freshwater smelt, crawfish, and carp. The new law, which goes into effect on …

National Forests offer free admission for Get Outdoors Day

PORTLAND - The USDA Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Region is encouraging the public to enjoy the great outdoors by waiving day-use fees at most recreation sites in national forests across …

Cast your line for free during Washington's Annual Free Fishing Weekend

OLYMPIA - Fishing enthusiasts across Washington state are gearing up for the annual Free Fishing Weekend, set to take place on June 8-9. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is …

Hatchery spring Chinook season opens on Cascade River

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced the opening of a portion of the Cascade River to fishing for hatchery spring Chinook salmon. The season will run from May …

Tulalip Terminal area opens for Salmon fishing season

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced the opening of the Tulalip Terminal Area for salmon fishing from May 24 through September 2. The area, located west of …
Election 2024

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 …

Brian Burnett announces candidacy for State Representative, District 12

WENATCHEE—Former Chelan County Sheriff Brian Burnett is running for State Representative, District 12, Position 1, as a Republican candidate. The announcement, made through a press release, …

Hawkins makes it official, files for Chelan County Commissioner

WENATCHEE - On the first day of candidate filing week, State Senator Brad Hawkins (R-Wenatchee) officially declared his candidacy for the open position of Chelan County Commissioner, District 3. The …

Candidate Filing Week 2024 begins May 6

OLYMPIA — Interested in running for public office in Washington? The opportunity to formally declare candidacy for the 2024 elections opens online on May 6 at 8 a.m. and at elections offices …
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.
    • Drag Bingo

      The Leavenworth Adventure Park will host Drag Bingo on Friday, June 14 from 8-10 p.m. “Hosted by Wenatchee’s Matthew Pippin as …

    • Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival

      The Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival is coming to Cashmere on June 14-16 at the Chelan County Expo Center. The festival will feature …

    • Nutcracker Day

      The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum will host Nutcracker Day, on Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Crack some nuts with the "Beast" …

    • Ride for Pride

      The Leavenworth Adventure Park will host Ride for Pride on Saturday, June 15 from 6-10 p.m. The event features unlimited rides from 6-8 …

    • Free community dinner

      The Leavenworth Methodist Church will host a free Community Dinner on Tuesday, June 18 from 5-7 p.m. “Our entire community is welcome …

Sports
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — The Wenatchee AppleSox completed a sweep of the Kamloops NorthPaws on Sunday afternoon with a resounding 15-5 victory at Norbrock Stadium, fueled by Cannon Peery's grand slam …
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — The Wenatchee AppleSox's bats came alive on Saturday night, propelling them to a decisive 13-2 victory over the Kamloops NorthPaws at Norbrock Stadium. The win clinched the …
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Evan Canfield pitched eight dominant innings, leading the Wenatchee AppleSox to a 2-1 victory over the Kamloops NorthPaws in a pitcher's duel at Norbrock Stadium on Friday …

WENATCHEE — Aidan Dougherty's walkoff double in the bottom of the 10th inning lifted the Wenatchee AppleSox to an 8-7 victory over the Bellingham Bells on Thursday night at Paul Thomas Sr. …
WENATCHEE, Wash. (AP) — The Wenatchee AppleSox will host the Bellingham Bells for the rubber match of their three-game series at Paul Thomas Sr. Baseball Stadium on Thursday night. Both teams …
Opinion
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 …
Washington state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) was passed in 2021 with the goal of reducing and phasing out carbon emissions.  Unfortunately, there have been several problems with …
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 …