Thursday, February 13, 2025
Top Stories

Manson Apple Blossom Royalty crowned

During selection festivities, the 2025 Manson Apple Blossom Festival royalty were crowned Saturday evening, Feb. 1, at Manson High School. Left to right, Princess Brynn Williams, Queen Genesis Torres, and Princess Isabella Alexander. This year’s Manson Apple Blossom Festival theme is Legends of the Lake for the 105th festival which will be held May 9 and 10 in downtown Manson. More photos on page A3.
MANSON - Queen Genesis Torres, along with Princesses Brynn Williams and  Princess Isabella Alexander will reign over the 105th Manson Apple Blossom Festival. They were among f ive candidates who …
Chelan Firefighter and EMT Duke Odenrider climbed 69 flights of stairs to the top of Seattle’s Columbia Tower at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Annual Stair Climb Fundraiser in 2024.

Chelan firefighters prepare for Seattle Firefighter Stairclimb with local fundraiser

CHELAN – Chelan Fire and Rescue firefighters are preparing to take on the Seattle Firefighter Stairclimb, an annual fundraiser benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in March.  …

Ruby Theatre to screen century-old silent films with rare musical accompaniment

CHELAN — The historic Ruby Theatre is set to showcase a rare collection of century-old silent films on Thursday, February 13th, offering viewers a glimpse into cinema's earliest era. The …

Manson organizations unite to form community visioning coalition

MANSON — Three leading community organizations in Manson announced the formation of the Manson One-Voice Coalition, launching a yearlong initiative aimed at developing a unified vision for the …

City of Chelan launches new text alert system

CHELAN — The City of Chelan announced the launch of a new text-based alert system designed to provide residents and visitors with real-time emergency notifications and community updates. …
More News
CHELAN – Chelan Valley’s Tender Loving Care (TLC) for Seniors is a newly independent nonprofit dedicated to helping seniors live independently by providing free, volunteer-driven support, …
CHELAN — A local reading program for elementary school students received a $1,000 donation from tribal gaming to support youth literacy in North Central Washington. The Lake Chelan Rotary …
LEAVENWORTH — P.E.O. Chapter JF of Leavenworth is now accepting applications for a scholarship program designed to assist women returning to higher education. The scholarship targets women …
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

Why a WA lawmaker wants to collect data on cow farts and burps

OLYMPIA - The latest beef in Olympia? Cow burps, farts, and poops. Washington lawmakers are considering a bill that seeks to gather better data on the scale and scope of methane emissions released by …

Washington lawmakers renew push to make clergy report child abuse

OLYMPIA - Two Democratic state lawmakers are trying again to require clergy members in Washington to report child abuse or neglect, including when it is disclosed to them by a congregant during …

Washington lawmakers look for ways to build more housing in rural areas

OLYMPIA - Building more housing in rural parts of Washington is again top of mind for some state lawmakers. Bills to allow backyard cottages in new areas, to expand where developers can receive …

Debate revived in WA Legislature over unemployment benefits for striking workers

OLYMPIA - When workers go on strike, they’re often making a bet to temporarily lose their wages to fight for better ones.  This year, the Washington Legislature is again trying to …

Washington farmers want agritourism law reforms

OLYMPIA - Farmers across the state say regulations are getting in the way as they develop products they can sell directly to the public. From pumpkin patches to u-pick berry farms, the impacts …

Proposal loosens controls on birth control prescriptions

OLYMPIA - Insurance companies will be required to fill up to a 12-month supply of birth control pills, if a bill by Sen. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle, is approved.  “I experience …

After arson, WA lawmakers advance bill to warn of ballot box tampering penalties

OLYMPIA - Following an arson attack ahead of last November’s election that torched hundreds of ballots in a southwest Washington drop box, state lawmakers are looking at modest ways to better …
Obituaries
Eugene Christopher Ramos of Chelan, Washington passed away on February 06, 2025.
Ricky Wayne Bolinger, 70, of Chelan, Washington passed away on January 7, 2025. Precht Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family. 
Maria Elizabeth Lara Peneloza, 54, formerly of Chelan, Washington passed away in East Wenatchee on January 27, 2025.  Service - Centro Cristiano - 115 Paloalto Ln, Manson WA, Feb 8,  9 …
Jim Bee Stamps Born December 19, 1928 in Kingston Arkansas to Jesse and Grace (Carter) Stamps. Jim passed away peacefully January 23, 2025 in Chelan, Washington. Jim made his first trip to …
Jack D. Timmons went to be with the Lord on January 21, 2025, after having fought the good fight of faith in Jesus. Jack was born to Frank and Helen Timmons on December 24, 1940, in Culver, …
Jim Stamps, 96, of Chelan, Washington passed away on January 23, 2025. 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.
    • Live Music: Leanna Shannon

      Tipsy Canyon Winery brings another winter evening with live music by Leanna Shannon on February 6 at 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.  “Leanna …

    • Fresh Press Friday

      Experience fresh apples like never before! Visit us at Cider Press in Manson on February 7 from  8 a.m. – 4 p.m. “Make …

    • Chelan Lanes Cosmic Bowling

      Join us on February 7 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. for a super fun bowling experience with black lights, lasers, dance music and family fun.  …

    • Red Hot Dance Party at LCW

      Come celebrate at Lake Chelan Winery with live music featuring The LakeBoys in the fabulous Barrel Room on Saturday, February 8, at 5 p.m.  …

Opinion
From the Publisher
Terry Ward
CEO & Publisher
Ward Media

Community Conversations: Building bridges through local dialogue

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 …

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 …
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 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 …
Sports
Wenatchee Wild defenseman Brendan Dunphy flies by the Wild bench after scoring a go-ahead goal in the third period Tuesday at the Spokane Chiefs. Spokane forced overtime with a last-minute goal, ultimately pulling out a 4-3 overtime win against Wenatchee.

Spokane Forces Overtime in Final Seconds, Steals 4-3 Win Tuesday Over Wild

SPOKANE  – With 7:48 to play Tuesday night at Spokane Arena, Brendan Dunphy pushed the Spokane Chiefs’ backs against the wall with a go-ahead goal, only his second …

Wenatchee Bighorns open ticket sales for 2025 season

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Bighorns professional basketball team is releasing single-game and season tickets for their 2025 The Basketball League (TBL) season, which opens March 1 at Wenatchee …

Pats Pull Ahead Friday, Take 4-2 Win Over Wild

REGINA, Saskatchewan – Tye Spencer played a major part in his own homecoming at Brandt Centre for the Wenatchee Wild Friday against the Regina Pats. Unfortunately, the Pats …
Web Extra content

NOAA’s vast public weather data powers the local forecasts on your phone and TV – a private company alone couldn’t match it

A forecaster monitors incoming data for Hurricane Irma in 2017 at the National Hurricane Center, part of the NOAA.

NOAA operates fleets of satellites, sensors on airplanes and ocean-going buoys, as well as radar, providing the data used by weather forecasters nationwide – and freely available to anyone.

What are the most distinctive baby names by state?

Spokeo used data from the Social Security Administration to find the most unique baby names in every state across the country as of 2023.

The best spring break destinations for both kids and their parents

(BPT) - Spring break takes on a whole new meaning when you become a parent. But that doesn't mean adults have to sacrifice all the fun for their kids.Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, home to …