Thursday, November 12, 2026
Top Stories

Stacy Willoughby declares victory over Brian Burnett in exclusive interview

Stacy Willoughby, who campaigned against incumbent Brian Burnett in Washington’s 12th Legislative District, declared victory Tuesday evening at Pybus Public Market.
WENATCHEE – Stacy Willoughby declared victory over Republican incumbent Brian Burnett in the 12th Legislative District’s Position 1 House race Nov. 10, as the remaining ballot count left her opponent facing a steep path to overcoming her lead.

Wenatchee Valley Humane Society hires Daniel Segovia to lead fundraising and communications

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee native Daniel Segovia is the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society's new director of development and communications.

Prescribed fire and smoke pilot continues in Chelan County this season, expands into western Okanogan County

WENATCHEE — Federal, state and tribal agencies are expanding a Central Washington pilot program that aims to increase prescribed burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest while giving nearby communities more warning and protection from the smoke.

Chelan County's $8.7 million jail and courthouse plumbing overhaul is 70% done; jail kitchen reopens

WENATCHEE — Chelan County's $8.7 million project to replace the aging plumbing in the Law and Justice Building is about 70% complete and remains on schedule and on budget, with construction expected to wrap up in the first quarter of 2027, the county said.
Motorcyclists cross the bridge into downtown Chelan during the annual Veterans Day parade Nov. 11. The lead motorcycle played “God Bless the USA” along the route.

Chelan honors veterans with downtown parade and fire hall luncheon

CHELAN – Calls of thanks greeted veterans along Woodin Avenue on Nov. 11 as an estimated 200 to 300 people gathered for Chelan’s annual Veterans Day parade.
More News
CHELAN – Chelan Valley residents can learn about protecting their homes, preparing emergency supplies and what to expect during a wildfire-related power shutoff at a free community meeting Nov. 19.
WENATCHEE — Fourteen arts and culture organizations in the Wenatchee Valley, Leavenworth and Lake Chelan area will share $192,500 in grants they can use for programming, staffing or other operating needs.
CHELAN COUNTY — Periods of heavy rain this week could pose flood and debris-flow risks in and downstream of the Little Giant Fire area, officials warn.
Local Features
Edd and Sharon La Mar opened Lake Chelan Building and Supply in 1979 in Manson.

Lake Chelan Building Supply, where customers become friends

CHELAN - When it came time for Brett La Mar to hand over the reins to his family business, Lake Chelan Building and Supply, he wanted a buyer who would embody his parents’ motto – where …
Chelan Scout Master Mark Carroll and Eagle Scout Cameron Willoughby open and refold the first United States flag, featuring only 13 stars, at Willoughby’s Eagle Scout ceremony.

Manson teen soars to Eagle Scout rank

MANSON – Cameron Willoughby, a 2024 Manson High School grad, celebrated a major milestone in December when he was recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.  Earning the Eagle …
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

WA officials urge leaders not to spend $51 million Meta fine yet

Meta has paid Washington state a record-setting fine of more than $51 million for violating campaign finance laws, but lawmakers are being cautioned not to get too excited about the money.

As immigrant Medicaid cuts take effect, some in WA can keep their coverage

OLYMPIA – Roughly 10,000 immigrants in Washington are losing their Medicaid health coverage due to federal cuts Republicans in Congress approved last year.

Judge permanently blocks WA sheriff standards law

OLYMPIA – A judge on Friday threw out tough new job standards for county sheriffs approved by Washington lawmakers this year that critics argued would force some out of office.

WA wildfire home damage totals at least $188M, Ferguson says

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday asked President Donald Trump for tens of millions of dollars in federal aid to help communities recover from devastating wildfires this summer. Across the …

It’s primary election day in WA. Here’s what you need to know

Washington voters on Tuesday will start to winnow the competition in hundreds of local, state and federal races in this busy election cycle. All 98 seats in the state House and 24 in the Senate …

Ferguson proposes statewide school cellphone ban

SEATTLE — Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Tuesday that he will seek a statewide ban on student cellphone use during school hours in Washington public K-12 schools. The proposed “Away for the …

DOJ moves to vacate Jan. 6 conviction for Proud Boys leader from WA

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to erase the conviction of a prominent leader of the Proud Boys from Washington state for his actions during the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol. …
Obituaries
Roger Roy Ault 1937 - 2026 Died November 7, 2026 of natural causes. Survived by his younger brother, Earle Ault, his daughters, Shauna Ware, Heather Christiansen, and Kymberely Schneider, …
Kathryn passed away surrounded by friends and family in her home October 26th, 2026. Celebration of Life details to come.
Mary Rosaleen “Rosalee” Clark, 81 Rosalee passed away at Fieldstone Memory Care on October 5, 2026. Rosalee’s ashes will be spread in a few of the places that brought her happiness …
Doyle Eugene “Gene” Starcher was born to Doyle and Thela Starcher on August 8th, 1939 and died peacefully on September 21st, 2026. Many in Chelan remember him as the jeweler, alongside his …
Genevieve Elaine Smith, age 87, passed away on August 30, 2026, wrapped in the loving arms of her namesake granddaughter, Genevieve Stephens. This Amazing Woman is now in the arms of Jesus, her …
Kathryn Ann Wiley, age 73, died Monday, September 21, 2026 at Mountainview Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born September 9, 1953 to Virgil Rudolph Hanford and Ellen Louise Southwick Hanford. …
Opinion
From the Publisher
Terry Ward, Publisher

The day after the election

A week from today, the election will be over.

Manson’s Old Swim Hole: An Opportunity We Can’t Afford to Lose

Thank you for bringing attention to the urgent funding challenge facing Manson’s Old Swim Hole restoration project. With the November 15 deadline approaching and approximately $375,000 still needed, I hope this coverage will be a catalyst for action across our valley.

When outrage masquerades as journalism

There is a difference between journalism that makes people uncomfortable and content that is designed to make people angry.
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 …

Manson Apple Blossom Royalty crowned

MANSON - During selection festivities, the 2024 Manson Apple Blossom Festival royalty were crowned Saturday evening, January 27, at Manson High School. Left to right, Princess Liliana Narvaez, Queen …
Sports

Chelan football pulls away from Quincy 52-27

CHELAN — Chelan's defense shut Quincy out in the first quarter, and the Goats' offense took over from there in a 52-27 nonleague football win Friday, Oct. 16.

Entiat football rolls past Soap Lake 63-24

ENTIAT — Entiat led 19-0 after the first quarter and beat Soap Lake 63-24 in a 1B Central Washington 8-man football game Friday, Oct. 16.

Manson football rolls past Waterville/Mansfield 62-14

MANSON — Manson football beat visiting Waterville/Mansfield 62-14 on Saturday.
Web Extra content

Traveling for the holidays? Here's how to save

Ally Financial reports tips for holiday travel budgeting: create an agenda, budget your stay, shop early for gifts, travel off-peak, go with a group, and consider travel insurance.

The Thanksgiving NFL archive: 5 statistical anomalies that defy decades of football logic

SBD reports on five Thanksgiving NFL statistical anomalies, highlighting remarkable performances, odd trends, and historical records from Turkey Day games.

What research shows about studying techniques and recall

Quizlet reports that research shows self-testing improves memory retention more than rereading materials, despite students feeling more confident when rereading.