Monday, July 14, 2025
Top Story

Historic channel restoration takes shape as Lower Peshastin Creek Project enters phase two

Cascade Fisheries Executive Director Jason Lundgren walks between log jams, where the future channel will flow.
PESHASTIN — The Lower Peshastin Creek Habitat Restoration Project is making major progress this summer, with crews completing lead contamination cleanup and now rebuilding fish habitat. …

Nominations open for NCW Cancer Heroes Awards

WENATCHEE — Wellness Place is seeking nominations for its NCW Cancer Heroes event, an awards ceremony set to honor individuals who have made a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected …
Volunteer Steve Raymond assists with the deconstruction process.

Eastside Rebuild’s deconstruction services gives second life to building material

CASHMERE — Before taking a hammer to the wall on that demolition project, Eastside Rebuild wants to have a word.  The local nonprofit, which offers low-cost tool rentals, workshops, …
Local Features

Leavenworth mechanics build community trust with honesty and commitment

Icicle Valley Automotive owners Roberto Granados (left) and Jesus Herrera (right).
LEAVENWORTH – Tucked along East Leavenworth Road, a small mechanic shop hides behind a lot packed full of cars belonging to local residents and stranded visitors, waiting to be fixed. Yet, the …

Eagle Creek Flower Farm’s roadside stand thrives on simplicity and trust

LEAENWORH — From late spring into early fall, Eagle Creek Flower Farm’s roadside stand comes alive with colorful bouquets that change with the season. Every weekend, the stand is visited …
Alpine Lakes High Camp is a collection of nine backcountry huts and a communal lodge, as well as a cold plunge and sauna.

New owners breathe fresh air into historic Alpine Lakes High Camp

NASON CREEK –  Alpine Lakes High Camp has found new stewards in long-time friends Tom Shelstad and Travis Cowan, who are embracing the challenges and rewards of owning and maintaining a …
Owners Bri Davey and Hannah Dewey stand beside the boutique’s long tables, which are intended to create a gathering space for connection and creativity.

New home and garden boutique offers curated goods, workshops and design services

LEAVENWORTH – Alpenglö Living, a home and garden boutique that offers curated goods, workshops, and design services, opened its doors in downtown Leavenworth on Feb. 21. Alpenglö …
Owners Marco Scheuer and Vincent LaBelle were inspired by the social and relaxation aspects of soaking in a natural hot spring after a long day of adventuring with friends.

The Springs opens with cold plunge, hot pools, and sauna

LEAVENWORTH – The Springs, an outdoor hydrotherapy experience in Leavenworth, officially opened on Feb. 4. The Springs offers 90-minute sessions for guests to rotate through a cedar sauna, …
Other News
WENATCHEE — The Chelan County Regional Justice Center has significantly enhanced its medical monitoring capabilities with the installation of 44 new medical sensors, bringing the total to 68 …
LAKE WENATCHEE — A group of alumni, former staff, and community supporters have formed Friends of Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp in an effort to preserve the near-century old summer camp property. …
LEAVENWORTH — The Leavenworth City Council signed off on design services for the expansion of Mountain View Cemetery during the brief July 8 meeting. The city council approved a design …
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is accepting applications for its Master Hunter Permit Program now through Aug. 15, inviting skilled and ethical hunters to join a …
CHELAN COUNTY – Chelan County will receive nearly $6 million in state grant funding for outdoor recreation and conservation efforts, as part of a broader $148 million allocation by the …
Obituaries
John Butruille had a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Forest Service, from Colorado and Wyoming to Alaska, Oregon and Washington, D.C. He retired as Region 6 Regional Forester, 1989 - …
Kay Smith, 80, of Leavenworth, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Arrangements by Heritage Memorial Chapel, E. Wenatchee & Cashmere.
Margaret Eileen Kelly was born November 23, 1933, in Leavenworth to Kathryn and Guy Kelly. She passed away April 27, 2025 at age 91 surrounded by loved ones. During her eventful lifetime, Eileen …
“Life is eternal, Love is immortal. And death is nothing but a horizon; and the horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight”. - Rossiter W. Raymond Jackie Dean Camp, age 93, was …
Anita Louise (Farnsworth) Wisemore went to be with her Lord on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. Born to Simeon Osro and Margaret Magdeline (Meyers) Farnsworth in Ovando, MT on June 8, 1925, she was …
Our Mom, Claudia Jane Hohmann, was an amazing Mom, Gma, GeeGee, Wife, Sister, and Friend, touching the lives of many. She was born on May 22nd, 1939 in Kirkland, WA where she lived with her parents, …
Education
CHS graduate Cruz Martinez Nieto poses with CSD Superintendent Tracey Edou, who presented the WASA Student Leadership Award during the CSD Board meeting on June 23.

Cascade graduate earns state leadership award for leadership, inclusion

LEAVENWORTH — Cascade High School graduate Cruz Martinez was the only North Central Washington student to receive the Student Leadership Award from the Washington Association of School …

Cascade High School’s Class of 2025 marked graduation on June 6 with speeches, student recognition, and a packed crowd at the football stadium in Peshastin. The ceremony included remarks from …
PESHASTIN – Cascade High School’s Class of 2025 made a visit to Peshastin-Dryden Elementary (PD) to take part in the Kindergarten graduation ceremony on June 6.  This is the …
LEAVENWORTH — Caroline Menna, a senior at Cascade High School, has been awarded a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Sisterhood. The scholarship, …
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.

Outdoors

Campfire restrictions take effect June 13 for Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest

WENATCHEE — The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective June 13th, limiting campfires to designated, developed recreation sites and specific …

Annual Discover Pass cost set to increase in October

OLYMPIA — Starting Oct. 1, the annual Discover Pass will increase from $30 to $45, marking the first price hike since the program was implemented in 2011. The Discover Pass is required to …

WDFW approves new hunting season rules

OLYMPIA — Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind has approved most proposed changes to hunting season regulations for the 2025-2026 seasons, with one notable …

State Parks expands same-day camping reservations to all campgrounds 

OLYMPIA  —  The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is opening up more camping opportunities for visitors by expanding its same-day reservation option to all parks with …

New Hunters: Complete hunter education before spring seasons

OLYMPIA – With Washington's spring turkey hunting season quickly approaching, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) urges new hunters to complete hunter education so they can …
State News

Washingtonians will need state permit to buy guns under new law

OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday signed into law a controversial policy requiring gun buyers to first pay for a new state permit.  Starting in two years, House Bill …

WA governor signs parental ‘bill of rights’ rewrite

OLYMPIA — The parental “bill of rights” overhaul, one of the most divisive bills approved during this year’s Washington state legislative session, was signed by Gov. Bob …

Ferguson signs budget boosting Washington state spending and taxes

OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson entered office warning that a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall would require spending cuts and, as a last resort , higher taxes. On Tuesday, the …

Money crunch: Nearly 50 WA State Library employees facing layoffs

OLYMPIA - Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is preparing to lay off nearly 50 Washington State Library employees due to a decline in state and federal funding. In the past two weeks, 47 workers at …
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5104 on Monday, May 12, which intends to give immigrants better tools when facing coercion in the workplace.

Trio of immigrant rights laws signed by WA governor

OLYMPIA _ Gov. Bob Ferguson signed three bills to protect immigrant rights last week.  These included measures to strengthen state power to inspect private detention facilities, prevent …

Washington will offer special education to students longer under new law

OLYMPIA - A new law triggered by a lawsuit will ensure public school students in Washington are offered special education instruction until they are 22 years old. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed …

WA budget includes $150M to maintain health coverage for low-income immigrants

OLYMPIA - Thousands of people who are not U.S. citizens would continue to receive Medicaid-like health care coverage in Washington state under the budget plan the Legislature recently approved. …

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.
    • NCW Bridal Premiere 2025

      The 2025 NCW Bridal Premiere will be at the Toyota Town Center on Saturday, February 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “NCW Bridal …

    • Valentine Pet Portraits

      Fire House Pet Shop in Wenatchee will host Valentine Pet Portraits on Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. …

    • Valentine’s Cookie Decoration Class

      Neu Flessenow Winery will host a Valentine’s Cookie Decoration Class on Saturday, February 8, from 5-7 p.m. “Love is in the air …

    • Roller Skating Night

      The Leavenworth Festhalle will host a Roller Skating Night on Wednesday, February 12, from 6:30-9 p.m. “Join us for themed Roller …

    • Galentine’s celebration

      Milbrandt Vineyards in Leavenworth will host Sip, Sparkle and Sway: A Galentine’s Celebration on Thursday, February 13 from 6-8 p.m. …

Sports
NANAIMO, B.C. — A late offensive burst propelled the Wenatchee AppleSox to a 9-4 win over the Nanaimo NightOwls on Saturday night at Serauxman Stadium. Wenatchee broke open a close game …
WENATCHEE — Blake Sandvik tossed six shutout innings and struck out seven as the Wenatchee AppleSox defeated the Kelowna Falcons 13-0 Tuesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. The AppleSox …
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox delivered a dominant 17-4 victory over the Yakima Valley Pippins on Sunday night, powered by a breakout performance from newcomer Kyle Panganiban and a strong …

WENATCHEE — Alec Johnson delivered a dominant start and the Wenatchee AppleSox backed him with 10 runs to defeat the Yakima Valley Pippins, 10-0, on Saturday night, evening the opening series …
WENATCHEE — Despite a three-hit performance from Brady Bean, the Wenatchee AppleSox fell to the Yakima Valley Pippins, 5-1, on Opening Night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. The Pippins (1-0) …
Opinion
As fireworks light up the skies across North Central Washington, we are reminded of the celebration at the heart of Independence Day—a commemoration of our nation’s founding ideals: …
In this space, I often write about compassion, connection, and community—those quiet but powerful forces that bind us together, especially in times of crisis. Over the past week, North Central …

We live in a time when it’s easier than ever to share an opinion, voice frustration, or criticize someone or something. Social media, online forums, and even community meetings have become …
Most of us won’t leave behind statues or headlines. But maybe — just maybe — a few words we said, a kindness we offered, or a hand we extended will echo longer than we know. I …
Letters
The 2024 Upper Valley Empty Bowls Festival just concluded on Thursday, March 21 st .  This long standing festival, this the 28 th season, is only possible because it is loved by our village, and …
Rhona Baron (The Whistle) has written several pieces regarding the current city’s approach to building codes, which have provided misleading facts and incomplete analyses. She and others have …