Friday, April 25, 2025
Top Story

Juvenile driver arrested after vehicle theft

LEAVENWORTH — Chelan County Sheriff’s Deputies had their work cut out for them first thing Monday morning, when a report of a stolen vehicle came in around 5:15 a.m. The Sheriff’s …

Cascade High School students join forces for school’s third annual Community Clean Up

LEAVENWORTH — Friday morning, students at Cascade High School (CHS) eagerly prepared for the school’s third annual Community Clean-Up in Leavenworth. Students first reported to their …

Chelan County Assessor talks property values at Lake Wenatchee meeting

LAKE WENATCHEE - Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius met with residents of Leavenworth and Plain on Wednesday, April 23, at the Administrative Office of Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue as one in a …
Local Features

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

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.
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, …
The Koncz family became the new proprietors of Dan’s in May 2023.

From Columbia Market to Dan’s Food Market: Celebrating 75 years of service

LEAVENWORTH – As chains continue to dominate the grocery business, Dan’s Food Market has remained a preferred destination for locals and tourists alike. After 75 years, the market is …
Greg Harris, an engineer, usually spends hours each year planning the structure of the family’s annual snow creature.

Family's 9-Foot goose nests in Leavenworth

LEAVENWORTH – A nine-foot tall goose made of snow has temporarily made its home in Leavenworth for as long as weather permits. The impressive snow creature sits off of Suncrest Drive, and …
The faces behind Dirty Face Dog Mushing, Lavi Capusan and Bella Gilreath.

Dog sledding tours open near Lake Wenatchee

PLAIN – Dirty Face Dog Mushing, a new dog sledding business near Lake Wenatchee, offers trail rides that combine outdoor adventure with an educational experience, welcoming guests of nearly all …
Other News
LEAVENWORTH - The Leavenworth City Council meeting on April 22 focused on key community priorities, including a proclamation supporting arts education and a presentation on the city’s future …
WENATCHEE — The Flywheel Angel Network has announced six finalists who will compete for over $200,000 in angel investment awards and prizes at the upcoming Flywheel Investment Conference, …
LEAVENWORTH –  In honor of Earth Day, the Leavenworth Lions Club announced that it will be taking steps to reduce waste when serving community pancake breakfasts in Lions Club Park this …
LEAVENWORTH – The City of Leavenworth will host its spring Community Engagement Night on May 6, providing updates on upcoming and ongoing efforts by the city and community partners. The …
EAST WENATCHEE — The Greater Wenatchee Mended Hearts chapter will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, May 5, focusing on nutrition and food label interpretation for heart patients and their …
Obituaries
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, …
Karen D. Strom of Leavenworth, WA passed peacefully on March 27, 2025 at the age of 89, attended by her niece. Karen, a long time resident of Leavenworth, loved music and travel, and was very …
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our son, Bryson Alexander Byrne, 30 of Port Angeles, WA, on March 14, 2025 in Bellingham, WA. Born on April 18, 1994, in Port Angeles, WA to Anita …
With love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Anita McKinney, who passed peacefully at her home, surrounded by family on January 25, 2025, at the age of 89. Anita was born on March 10, 1935, …
Sharon A. Smith, 82, passed away in Yakima, WA on January 22, 2025. Services details can be found at www.brooksidefuneral.com.
Education
Anastasia "Sia" Haberberger

Local educators receive top honors in Cascade School District

LEAVENWORTH - The Cascade School District has named two longtime educators as their Employees of the Year for 2025, recognizing their dedication to students and the community. Anastasia "Sia" …

OLYMPIA — The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has announced the statewide transition to a universal online High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) platform, a move aimed at …
LEAVENWORTH – Former Cascade School District (CSD) Board member Zachary Miller is returning to his position after resigning in January 2024 for family reasons. Miller previously served as …
LEAVENWORTH – As Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month highlights post-secondary training in schools nationwide, Cascade High School (CHS) is preparing its own students for success as they …
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

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 …
Boats congregate at Brewster Pool on the Upper Columbia River to try their luck at catching sockeye salmon. Photo credit: Mark Yuasa

Public meeting set to discuss salmon and steelhead seasons in NCW

WENATCHEE – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will hold an in-person public meeting in Wenatchee on Tuesday, March 18 from 6-8 p.m. to discuss the upcoming salmon and …
A gray wolf.

Reward up to $20,000 offered for information on each of three WA wolf killings

Conservation advocates and a federal wildlife agency are offering $20,000 for information on each of three recent wolf poaching incidents in Washington.  Since October, three gray wolves …
State News

Washington Legislature approves requirement for clergy to report child abuse

OLYMPIA - Washington is poised to require clergy members to report child abuse or neglect, even when it is disclosed in confession. Nearly two-thirds of state House members approved a Senate …

House committee unanimously endorses Goehner's water-sewer district bill

OLYMPIA — A House committee has unanimously endorsed legislation sponsored by Sen. Keith Goehner (R-Dryden) that aims to streamline the process for water-sewer districts to sell surplus …

Washington affordable housing fund poised for another big infusion of cash

OLYMPIA - Over the next few weeks, lawmakers in Washington’s state House and Senate need to resolve significant differences on new taxes, education funding, furloughs for state employees and …

Search is on in Washington Legislature for new tax options

OLYMPIA - How much Washington should raise in new tax revenue and who will pay is something state lawmakers and Gov. Bob Ferguson will hash out in the final weeks of the legislative session. …

Washington House passes budget, clearing way for talks with Senate

 

Washington governor rejects use of wealth tax to balance budget

OLYMPIA - Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday put the kibosh on Democratic lawmakers’ plans to use billions of dollars from a proposed wealth tax to balance the state budget. Ferguson, …

Rep. Mike Steele praises $7.63 billion bipartisan capital budget as "Bright Spot" for Washington

OLYMPIA — Washington state lawmakers have released a $7.63 billion bipartisan capital budget proposal for 2025-27 that focuses on statewide infrastructure needs and community investments. …

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
CASHMERE - The Kodiaks had a tough go of it at Cashmere last April 7, losing 5-0 in girls and 5-0 in boys matches.
CASHMERE - Cascade’s girls team fought hard but could not break through and ended up losing to the Cashmere Bulldogs on the road.
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox announced Tuesday that single game tickets for their 2025 season are now available for purchase . The team, entering its 25th anniversary season, is …

QUINCY - Cascade fought hard but ultimately succumbed to the hosting Quincy Jacks on April 3, 12-2 in a game that ended with the Kodiaks winning on a walk-off, mercy-rule walk in the fifth inning.
DALLAS, Texas – The Wenatchee Wild, a member of the Western Hockey League (WHL),  announced that Wenatchee alumnus Harrison Scott  has signed a one-year entry-level contract with the …
Opinion
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 …
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 …

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 …
The struggle is real. Across the nation, school districts are wrestling with the omnipresent cell phone, an all but universally acknowledged persistent source of distraction in the classroom.  …
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 …