Sunday, January 12, 2025
Top Stories

Riverwalk boardwalk damaged in Chelan, temporary detour in place

Fallen trees and branches cover a section of the wooden boardwalk at Riverwalk Park in Chelan. The damage spans approximately 20-30 feet of the trail.
CHELAN — A section of wooden boardwalk at Riverwalk Park in Chelan has been closed after sustaining damage from fallen trees. The Chelan Public Utility District has implemented a temporary …

Lake Chelan Health and Wellness Foundation reflects on year of giving

CHELAN – In 2024, the Lake Chelan Health and Wellness Foundation awarded $96,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers in diverse medical fields. The foundation also gave over …
Loren Honaas helps with a bike repair for the Bike CoOp.

Sustainable NCW’s Bike CoOp expands under Ecology grant

WENATCHEE – Sustainable NCW’s Bike CoOp will be launching its mobile bike repair, CoOp on the Go, after receiving grant funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology through the …

Lake Chelen water project gets $9M federal funding boost

CHELAN – The Lake Chelan Water Resiliency and Efficiency Project received $9 million in funding authorization through the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. …

Washington lawmakers revive plan for state cap on rent increases

OLYMPIA - Democratic state lawmakers are again pushing a proposal to restrict rent hikes across Washington. Despite the rent cap bill’s dramatic failure last session, backers say its …
More News
OLYMPIA - Washington Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson released his blueprint Thursday for chopping billions in state spending while investing millions in education and public safety in his first term …
WENATCHEE — Chelan County officials are seeking applicants to fill a vacant position on the county's Planning Commission following the resignation of commissioner David Donovick. The …
OLYMPIA - Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson on Wednesday named Julie Meredith, who manages massive road and highway projects like the replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and State Route 520 floating bridge, …
Local Features
An artist's rendering shows the plans for the new Hub Center which will be housed in the old Chelan Hospital building.

Former Chelan hospital to transform into 'Hub Center' with offices, coworking space

CHELAN – The former hospital building in Chelan is being repurposed into a mixed-use business building called the Hub Center. Managed by Coldwell Banker Cascade, the property will provide …
Hot Tubs Liquidator’s new Wenatchee location officially opens, providing the valley with low-priced luxury spa experiences.

Hot Tubs Liquidators expands to Wenatchee

WENATCHEE—Hot Tubs Liquidators, a local Chelan business, continues to prove itself as one of the most affordable spa businesses in the region. Owners John and Carol Aldrich look forward to the …
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. Dec 27 …
State News

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’s Legislature, by the numbers

OLYMPIA - In about two weeks, 147 state representatives and senators will descend on the Capitol for 105 days of lawmaking.  Hundreds of others — lobbyists, support staff, press and …

Tax debate hangs heavy over approaching Washington legislative session

OLYMPIA - Washington Democrats are preparing for a legislative session where new taxes will be a major focus to solve a multi-billion dollar state budget hole.   House Speaker Laurie …

Meet the new faces of the 2025 legislative session

OLYMPIA - The upcoming legislative session will see high levels of turnover among Washington state lawmakers.  Following the retirements of longtime legislators, a few redistricting …

Ferguson taps Seattle state senator to lead WA Department of Commerce

OLYMPIA - State Sen. Joe Nguyen will be the new director of the Department of Commerce . Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson on Thursday announced Nguyen’s appointment to lead the agency, which …

Ferguson keeping Batiste as Washington State Patrol chief

OLYMPIA - Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste will soon be serving under his third chief executive. Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson on Thursday announced Batiste’s reappointment to lead the …

Child care and early learning central to debate over how to close WA budget gap

OLYMPIA - Gov. Jay Inslee’s budget proposal offered some hope for child care and early learning advocates who were prepared to fight against deep cuts.   Inslee’s plan …
Obituaries
Autumn Marie Evans (Nolen), aged 72, passed away peacefully at home in Chelan, WA, on Sunday, January 5, 2025.  She was surrounded by her loved ones, including her dogs, Charlie Sue and Frankie …
Lenard Robert Cochran passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, in Sequim, WA.  He was born on March 12, 1934, in Bridgeport, NE, to Donald William and Margaret Lair Cochran. An infant brother, …
Lenard Cochran, 90, formerly of Chelan, Washington passed away in Sequim, Washington on January 3, 2025. Visitation – Precht Rose Chapel, Jan.9,  3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Service – …
Catherine Harris, 89, of Chelan, Washington passed away on December 22, 2024. Precht Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family.
On December 23, Robert (Bob) Gervais passed away peacefully at age 92 in his home in Chelan. Robert was born in Syracuse, New York, and spent a lifetime serving his family, his community, and his …
Linda J. White, 79, of Chelan, Washington passed away on November 26, 2024. Precht Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family.

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.
    • Self Care Sundays at Elevate

      Elevate Medical Aesthetics and IV Bar in Chelan will host a Self-Care Sunday Series beginning on Sunday, January 12 at 9 a.m. “Take …

    • Journey of Self Discovery

      Brave Yoga Chelan will host an intention setting workshop called Journey of Self Discovery on Sunday, January 12, from 1-3 p.m. …

    • Tabletop Tuesday

      The Cove Wine and Games in Chelan will host Tabletop Tuesday on Tuesday, January 14, from 5-8 p.m. “The Cove is offering private …

    • Appreciate a Dragon Day Craft

      The Chelan Library will host an Appreciate a Dragon Day Craft for ages 10 and up on Thursday, January 16, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. …

    • Live music by Greg King

      Tipsy Canyon Winery in Manson will host live music by Greg King on Thursday, January 16, from 4-6 p.m. “Come enjoy the night with …

Opinion
From the Publisher
Terry Ward
CEO & Publisher
Ward Media

Mountains of possibility, our shared tomorrow

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 …

Serving as your legislator was my honor and privilege

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 …

Gratitude in action, making thanks count

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. …
Features
The Chelan Girls started vacationing in Chelan their senior year of high school and have been back every year since.

Forty years of laughter, memories, and friendship in Chelan

CHELAN – The Chelan Girls have been coming to Lake Chelan every summer for 40 years. Each year, the eight women take time to set aside their many obligations and prioritize their friendships. …

New Manson business offers U-Press cider fun, learning

MANSON – Manson Growers recently opened the doors to their newest addition, Cider Press. Cider Press offers a U-Press cider experience. Visitors can pick out the variety of apples they …
Sports

Entiat High School Sports Schedule

Boys Basketball         Wed, Jan 8 7:30 PM Entiat vs. Pateros Away Fri, Jan 10 7:30 PM …

Manson High School Sports Schedule

Boys Basketball          Fri, Jan 10 7:30 PM Manson vs. Chelan Home Tue, Jan 14 7:30 PM …

Chelan High School Sports Schedule

Boys Basketball         Fri, Jan 10 7:30 PM Chelan vs. Manson Away Sat, Jan 11 5:15 PM …
Web Extra content

Music fests and tours and concerts in 2025: What's lined up

Way.com shares details about the music festivals, concerts, and tours lined up for 2025.  

How long do New Year's resolutions actually last?

Way.com dives into the numbers and logic behind how long New Year's resolutions actually last.

America’s Spam Scorecard

Your phone company can help you avoid wasting time and risking your money on spam callers.

(NAPSI)—The next time your phone rings, there’s a good chance it will be a spam call—but there are ways you can protect yourself. The Problem The average person sees around 9 spam calls a …