Saturday, July 27, 2024
Top Stories

Pioneer Fire continues to grow; now 31,906 acres

A massive plume of smoke rises from the Pioneer Fire in the rugged terrain of Fish Creek on July 17.
STEHEKIN — The Pioneer Fire in Washington's Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has expanded to 31,906 acres, officials reported Friday.  Fire activity along the lakeshore moderated on …

Schrier calls for more resources to support wildfire fighting effort

WASHINGTON  DC—Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-WA) is urgently calling for additional resources to combat the Pioneer Fire in Washington State, which has burned over 30,000 acres and is …
The crew films a scene of “Evergreens” at the Outpost Saloon, which was discovered by the crew during a lunch stop on a scouting trip to the orchard.

Washington-based feature film highlights Cashmere, Leavenworth

CASHMERE – Cashmere, Leavenworth, and US-2 will be featured in “Evergreens,” a Washington-based feature-length film. The cast and crew spent multiple days filming at the Outpost …
Classic car enthusiasts braved the heat to attend and show their vintage cars at the Entiat Classic Car Show. The event included live music, hydroplane races, food vendors and more.

Vintage Cars and Hydroplanes draw crowds to Entiat's annual summer showcase

ENTIAT - The annual Entiat Vintage Car Show drew classic car enthusiasts to Entiat City Park last Saturday, July 20. Despite high temperatures, the event saw a strong turnout of both participants and …

Forest Service to hold virtual meeting on Central Washington Wildfire Prevention Initiative

WENATCHEE - Federal and state officials will host a virtual community meeting on July 30 to discuss the ongoing Central Washington Initiative, a comprehensive effort to reduce wildfire risks and …
More News
STEHEKIN -- Authorities have issued a Level 2 evacuation order for Stehekin, prompting the immediate departure of all visitors, campers, and hikers from the area.  Chelan County Emergency …
STEHEKIN — A Level 2 evacuation notice has been issued for the remote community of Stehekin as wildfire threats intensify in the region. The order, set to take effect at 8 a.m. on Thursday, …
CHELAN—The City of Chelan was reminded that the clock is ticking to commit the remaining funds it received through the America Recovery Plan Act (ARPA), created in March 2021 in the wake of the …
Latest info on the Pioneer Fire

Pioneer Fire continues to grow; now 31,906 acres

STEHEKIN — The Pioneer Fire in Washington's Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has expanded to 31,906 acres, officials reported Friday.  Fire activity along the lakeshore moderated on …

Pioneer Fire crosses Flick Creek, prompting expanded evacuations

STEHEKIN—The Pioneer Fire in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has intensified, crossing Flick Creek and prompting new evacuation orders for the Stehekin community. Officials reported …

Pioneer Fire containment efforts progress despite challenging weather conditions

STEHEKIN - Firefighters battling the Pioneer Fire in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest made progress on containment efforts despite challenging weather conditions. The fire, which started on …
Chelan Fire and Rescue crews boated to Stehekin Monday under a state mobilization strike team.  Assisting agencies on the strike team are from Benton County #1, Lewis County #5, Spokane County #3, and Skagit County #13.

State resources arrive to aid Pioneer Fire battle in Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest

STEHEKIN — The Pioneer Fire in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has grown slightly to 30,667 acres as of Tuesday, with containment remaining at 14%, fire officials reported. Despite …
Local Features
The Van Tassell Center at Wenatchee Valley College. As WVC develops a new strategic plan, President Dr. Faimous Harrison aims to reposition the college as a community-focused institution serving the diverse needs of North Central Washington's expansive region.

WVC crafts new strategic plan to strengthen community and address equity

WENATCHEE—Wenatchee Valley College is developing a new strategic plan to enhance its community focus, address equity gaps, and maintain academic excellence. WVC President Dr. Faimous …
IV Pro Mobile is a Wenatchee based mobile IV hydration and wellness clinic.

IV Pro Mobile brings hydration, wellness to your doorstep

WENTACHEE – Through her two decades of nursing experience Aura Brazill saw a need for hydration and wellness care outside of the confines of the hospital.  That prompted her to start …
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. …
Election 2024

Chelan County mails ballots for August 6 primary election

WENATCHEE — Ballots for the August 6 primary election have been mailed to registered voters in Chelan County, Auditor Skip Moore announced Thursday. To be counted, completed ballots must …

Voting begins Friday for Washington's August 6 Primary Election

OLYMPIA—Washington state is gearing up for its August 6 Primary Election, with county elections offices set to mail out ballots and open official drop boxes by Friday. More than 4.8 million …

League of Women Voters launches comprehensive voter guide for Washington primary

SEATTLE — The League of Women Voters of Washington (LWVWA) announced Wednesday that its online voter guide, VOTE411.org , has been updated with comprehensive information for the upcoming August …

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 …
Obituaries
Maria Garcia Esparza, 74, of Chelan, Washington passed away in Brewster, Washington on July 14, 2024. Precht Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family. 
Chuck Sherman, 91, of Manson, Washington passed away July 8, 2024. He was born in Troy, Michigan September 24, 1932. Services were held July 18, 2024.
Nina Florence Ellington Collier January 20, 1935 – January 12, 2024 Nina wrote the following in 1981:   “January was cold in Minneapolis, the night I was born- 20 …
Larry Bruce “Ozzie” Morley Formerly of Ritzville and Brewster, WA Larry Bruce “Ozzie’ Morley passed away on July 10, 2024, of dementia, after a short stay at Casa …
John Wesley Maynard Jr., 53, of Chelan, Washington passed away on June 29, 2024. Precht Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family.
Connie Buchanan, 70, of Chelan, Washington passed away on July 12, 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.
    • U-Pick at Chelan Ranch Organics

      In July, Chelan Ranch Organics is open for U-Pick blueberries, cherries, and lavender from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. “Come …

    • Apple Blossom fundraiser

      Come support the Manson Apple Blossom Festival Fundraiser on Saturday, July 27, from 7-9 p.m. at the Lady of the Lake in Chelan. …

    • U-pick flowers

      Antheia of Chelan will offer half off the normal u-pick flower price when you bring your dog on Sunday, July 28, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. …

    • Live Music by Carly Schoening

      Rocky Pond Tasting Room in Chelan will host live music by Carly Schoening on Thursday, August 1, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event page states, …

    • The Dimestore Prophets live

      Tipsy Canyon Winery in Manson will host live music by The Dimestore Prophets on Thursday, August 1, from 6-9 p.m. “Tipsy Canyon …

Opinion
Terry Ward, Publisher

The power of your vote in the primary election

As the August 6 primary election draws near, it is crucial that we, as citizens, recognize the immense power we hold in our hands. The act of voting, often taken for granted, is the very foundation …

Standing behind our Firefighters

As wildfires like the Pioneer Fire continue to rage across our region, it's easy to feel frustrated and scared. The smoke-filled air, evacuations, and constant worry take their toll on all of us. But …

Local journalism needs your support more than ever

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 …
Features
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 …

Ruby U launches speaker presentations at historic Chelan Ruby Theatre

CHELAN—The Ruby Theatre in downtown Chelan has launched a new speaker series called Ruby U. The series features free public presentations, panels, and discussions on topics of community …
Sports

AppleSox rally late to edge NorthPaws, clinch 10th series win

WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee AppleSox overcame a late deficit to secure a 5-4 victory against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Thursday night, clinching their 10th series win of the season. In a tightly …

AppleSox stumble in 9-3 loss to NorthPaws, defense commits five errors

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox's defensive woes proved costly as they fell to the Kamloops NorthPaws 9-3 on Wednesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, snapping their winning streak. …

AppleSox's Vassar shatters strikeout record in 15-0 rout of NorthPaws

WENATCHEE — In a dominant performance Tuesday night, the Wenatchee AppleSox routed the Kamloops NorthPaws 15-0, securing their fourth consecutive victory and etching a new name in the franchise …
Web Extra content

Extreme heat, wildfires and weather events: Prepare for the unexpected this summer, inside and outside the home

(BPT) - Wildfires and extreme weather conditions have brought greater attention to poor air quality, and while some areas may be more affected than others, air quality and pollution are still a major …

Standout college athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics

BestColleges highlights several of the standout student-athletes who qualified to compete for Team USA at this year's Summer Olympics in Paris.

Marine Toys for Tots' Christmas in July Campaign Delivers Hope to Children in Need

Marine Toys for Tots' Christmas in July Campaign Delivers Hope to Children in Need

(NewsUSA) - Marine Toys for Tots, best known as the Nation's premier children's Christmastime charity, doesn't wait until the holiday season to support children in need. Toys for Tots has evolved …