Thursday, December 5, 2024
Top Stories

First bills drop ahead of WA’s 2025 legislative session

Washington state Capitol.
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 …

Chelan County commissioners to hold 2025 budget hearing

WENATCHEE — Chelan County commissioners will consider a $61 million spending plan for 2025 at a public hearing next week, with projected expenditures driven largely by increases in salary and …

Weather service warns of slick roads, mountain snow

WENATCHEE — A complex winter weather system is expected to bring challenging travel conditions to North Central Washington this weekend, with forecasters warning of a wintry mix including …
Dan Koch

Chelan PUD names three new senior leaders to management team

WENATCHEE — Chelan County Public Utility District has announced three new senior management appointments, naming leaders for operations, energy resources, and financial oversight. Dan Koch …

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 …
More News
WENATCHEE — Acclaimed Indigenous photographer and social documentarian Matika Wilbur will headline the Native American Classic at Wenatchee Valley College on December 7, joining a lineup that …
WENATCHEE — The National Weather Service in Spokane is warning residents across North Central Washington of hazardous winter weather conditions expected to persist through the weekend, with the …
WENATCHEE — Chelan County Public Utility District unveiled its comprehensive 50-year strategic vision on Tuesday, introducing a new mission statement and long-term objectives for the public …
Local Features
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 …
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. …
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.
State News

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, …

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.  …

Same-day voter registrations hit new high mark in Washington

OLYMPIA - Long lines on Election Day aren’t common in Washington with the state’s vote-by-mail system. But this year, some counties were inundated with people taking advantage of a …

Boeing layoffs will include nearly 2,200 workers in Washington

Boeing’s planned job cuts will include 2,199 layoffs in Washington, according to a notice issued Monday by the state’s Employment Security Department. The Society of Professional …

Gun buyer background checks restart as WA courts’ online systems are running again

OLYMPIA - Most of Washington state courts’ computer systems are up and running again following a two-week shutdown that disrupted operations in local courts and halted processing of thousands …
Obituaries
Linda J. White, 79, of Chelan, Washington passed away on November 26, 2024. Precht Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family.
Miguel Mendoza Farias, 40, of Manson, Washington, passed away on November 12, 2024.  Mass of Christian Burial – Nov. 19, 11 am -12 pm at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 210 W …
On October 7, loving husband and father Wes Morris passed away at the age of 77. Wes Morris was born in South Dakota to George and Irene Morris. They quickly made their way to Washington, where …
Joel Davis, 51, a former resident of the Chelan Valley, passed away peacefully after a struggle with cancer on September 21, 2024. He was surrounded by his family. Joel was born in Sheridan, …
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, for Jaymes Richerson of Manson and Pateros, WA. It will be held at the Pateros Memorial Park from 1-5 pm.
William H. Kruse AKA William H. Bowers, 82, of Chelan, Washington passed away on September 4, 2024.  Services will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus …

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.
    • Ugly Sweater Craft Night

      The Cove Wine and Games in Chelan will host an Ugly Sweater Craft Night on Thursday, December 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. “Join us at The …

    • Santa’s Workshop

      The Manson Chamber Visitor Center will host Santa’s Workshop on Saturday, December 7, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Step into …

    • Meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus

      Cider Press in Manson will host photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Join us at the Cider …

    • Chelan Eagles Holiday Bazaar

      The Chelan Eagles will host an Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Join us for the Annual Lake …

Opinion
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Terry Ward<br>
CEO & Publisher<br>
Ward Media

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. …

The strength in vulnerability, embracing our shared challenges

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 …

From politics to governance: Transition time here and across America

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, …
Features
The U-Press Manson business, Cider Press, recently opened its doors as a family-friendly spot to learn more about the area's agricultural traditions.

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 …

Rustic Rise Cafe & Bakery catches on with customers

MANSON -- Looking back on it now, perhaps a more appropriate name for Rustic Rise Café & Bakery might have been Rustic Rise on the Run because that is much of what owner Holly Vejar has …
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.

Nachbaur earns 700th win as Wild take 5-4 victory in Kelowna Wednesday

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 closes weekend with 4-2 Win, Hauser earns 100th WHL victory

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, …

Topsy-turvy tilt Saturday sees Calgary prevail in Wenatchee, 4-3

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 …
Web Extra content

LA Auto Show Returns with Exciting Innovations

(BPT) - The Los Angeles International Auto Show is back, bringing together the latest in automotive advancements, from electrification to safety and emerging tech trends. With over 1,000 cars, …

New money scams are popping up: Here are the ones to look out for

Money.ca explores the different kinds of evolving money scams and how to avoid them.

Ultimate gift guide to spark endless creativity in kids

(BPT) - The best holiday gifts keep kids engaged and creatively entertained for hours. So, if you're looking for exciting new gifts to spark the imagination of the kids in your life, check out the …