Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Top Story

Troopers arrest man who allegedly tried to stop drivers on Chumstick Highway

A Washington State Patrol trooper stands near a silver Ford Crown Victoria equipped with red and blue dash-mounted lights, which a Spokane man allegedly used in an attempt to impersonate law enforcement during two traffic stop attempts near Leavenworth on May 8.
LEAVENWORTH — A Spokane man was arrested Thursday after allegedly attempting to pull over a vehicle using a car outfitted with red and blue lights, according to the Washington State Patrol. …

Andru Gomez brings jazz, blues, and style to PNW music scene with new EP release

LEAVENWORTH — A restaurant in Leavenworth on a Thursday night at the beginning tourist season is not an ideal spot for a crowd that’s truly engaged with the performance. If you’re a …

Cascade High School Student named 2025 Merit Scholar

LEAVENWORTH – Cascade High School student Caroline Menna has been named a 2025 National Merit Scholar, joining only 6,900 students nationwide in the prestigious recognition and earning a $2,500 …
Local Features

New owners breathe fresh air into historic Alpine Lakes High Camp

Alpine Lakes High Camp is a collection of nine backcountry huts and a communal lodge, as well as a cold plunge and sauna.
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, …
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 …
Other News
CHELAN COUNTY – As North Central Washington food banks experience record demand, they are simultaneously facing unprecedented challenges in meeting community needs, such as higher food costs …
LEAVENWORTH – Washington State Senator Keith Goehner visited the Nutcracker Museum on May 9 to present a special Senate resolution to its co-founder, Arlene Wagner. “NOW, THEREFORE, …
LEAVENWORTH – Cascade School District (CSD) has been recognized as a Green Ribbon School District for reducing its environmental impact, improving health and wellness, and providing effective …
LEAVENWORTH – The Leavenworth International Alphorn Festival and workshop will invite musicians, music lovers, and curious visitors to immerse themselves in the timeless traditions of the …
OLYMPIA — With warmer and drier weather expected across Washington this summer, state officials are warning residents to prepare for an increased risk of wildfires. In 2024, the State Fire …
Community Calendar
Obituaries
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, …
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 …
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 …
Education
CHS students Cruz Martinez and Caroline Menna holding their nomination letters for the U.S. Scholars Program. Both students were two out of approximately 650 students throughout the country to be named semifinalists.

Cascade High School students named semifinalists for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

LEAVENWORTH – Cascade High School students Cruz Martinez and Caroline Menna have been named semi-finalists for the prestigious 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s …

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College has announced its Winter 2025 Dean’s List, recognizing students who earned a 3.5 grade point average or higher while completing at least 12 …
WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College has announced its Winter 2025 President’s List, honoring students who achieved a 4.0 grade point average while completing at least 12 college-level …
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" …
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

WA governor pressed to veto $1.8B piece of Democrats’ tax bill

OLYMPIA - Hoteliers, restaurateurs and grocers are asking Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson to veto part of a tax bill that they say will drive up food costs for them and their customers. Excising …

Why police accountability efforts failed again in the Washington Legislature

OLYMPIA - For a second year in a row, Washington police accountability advocates have seen their priorities fall flat in Olympia. They entered this year’s session wanting to grant the …

Five tax bills lawmakers passed to underpin Washington’s next state budget

OLYMPIA - A small pile of significant tax bills is getting delivered to Gov. Bob Ferguson.   Collectively, they form the financial linchpin to the state’s next budget and would …

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. …

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
EAST WENATCHEE — Central Cascade Youth Football and Cheer (CCYFC) will host a Town Hall Meeting on May 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Eastmont Junior High auditorium. The event is open to parents, …
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.
Opinion
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 …
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 …
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 …