NCW News - Ward Media

From block party to protest rally, Wenatchee crowds get out the vote

Pens and voting materials await participants at a table during the No Kings rally at Memorial Park on Oct. 17.

WENATCHEE — Children played on an inflatable slide while adults talked with candidates at Methow Park. Across downtown, demonstrators lined Chelan Avenue with protest signs and reminders to vote. Later, conversations with legislative hopefuls continued over food and drinks at Pinnacle Beerworks.

Hayrides will take visitors through Rocky Reach Park during the free Fall Harvest Roundup from 1–4 p.m. Oct. 24.

Fall Harvest Roundup brings hayrides, Halloween fun to Rocky Reach Oct. 24

WENATCHEE — Hayrides, trick-or-treating and carnival-style games will fill Rocky Reach Park on Oct. 24 as Chelan PUD hosts its free Fall Harvest Roundup.

A map shows the area of Malaga Water District improvements currently underway. Construction of two pipelines expected to begin this fall have been moved to early 2027.

Malaga pipeline work moves to 2027 as new wells near completion

MALAGA — Two water pipeline projects expected to bring construction impacts to Malaga this fall will instead begin in early 2027, while a reservoir project remains under construction and two new wells approach completion.

Coils of construction-grade copper wire suspected of being stolen are displayed after Washington State Patrol troopers recovered them during a vehicle search Wednesday, Oct. 14, in East Wenatchee. The State Patrol is seeking the property's rightful owner.

Washington State Patrol seeks owner of suspected stolen construction equipment

EAST WENATCHEE — The Washington State Patrol is seeking the owner of suspected stolen construction materials and tools discovered during a vehicle search Wednesday, Oct. 14, in East Wenatchee.

The north end of East Wenatchee will look very different when construction finally begins on the Wenatchi Landing interchange.

‘A major push forward’: Wenatchi Landing interchange gains momentum after years of planning

WENATCHEE — A highway interchange envisioned for years as the key to developing Wenatchi Landing is moving through design, drawing enthusiastic support from regional officials who see a safer, more affordable route to opening the area for growth.

Flights in and out of Pangborn Memorial Airport to and from Portland have gotten off to a tremendous start, with planes nearly three-quarters full right from the start.

Portland flights draw early passengers as port eyes more service at Pangborn

WENATCHEE — The first passenger numbers for Pangborn Memorial Airport’s new Portland route are giving regional port officials encouragement as they look toward a larger goal: enough local air service to bring more North Central Washington travelers through their hometown airport.

Following an ordinance approved on Oct. 13, utility customers in Chelan will be able to dispute and appeal billing issues without facing the threat of immediate service termination.

Chelan adopts utility billing dispute process with protections against shutoff

CHELAN — Utility customers will have a formal process to challenge incorrect bills and protection against service cutoffs over disputed charges while their cases are reviewed under an ordinance approved by the Chelan City Council on Oct. 13.

Crews work along Chiwawa River Road during the Little Giant Fire.

Agencies assess post-fire hazards across Little Giant burn area

ENTIAT — Residents got a closer look at the ongoing risks left by the Little Giant Fire during an Oct. 14 meeting, where agencies outlined efforts to identify and mitigate post-fire hazards, as well as plan for long-term recovery.

The Chelan Municipal Golf Course will undergo an investment-grade audit to determine costs and potential savings that could derive from an upcoming irrigation system replacement.

Chelan approves audit of savings, costs of golf irrigation replacement

CHELAN — The city will move forward with a $144,974 study to determine how much water and electricity savings could help pay to replace the aging irrigation system at Lake Chelan Golf Course.

Magical Strings shares the joy of Celtic music and dance on stage at ICCA’s Snowy Owl Theater. Magical Strings will return to ICCA on Dec. 17.

ICCA holiday lineup features John Prine tribute, ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ and more

LEAVENWORTH — The holiday lineup at Icicle Creek Center for the Arts (ICCA) will feature John Prine tribute, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Celtic Yuletide, and a choral-orchestral collaboration throughout the month of December.

Work on a waterline headed to the Chelan Municipal Airport could lead to the closure of parts of US97A during construction, in order to shorten the window for job completion.

Chelan weighs US 97A closures to shorten airport waterline construction

CHELAN — Closing part of US 97A on workdays could shorten construction of a waterline to Chelan Municipal Airport by about six weeks and save an estimated $300,000, city officials told the Chelan City Council on Oct. 13.

Wenatchee Valley College professor Saxon Spillman will present “Ancient Philosophers: Socrates and Buddha” Oct. 22 as part of the WVC Speaks Lecture Series.

WVC lecture explores what Socrates and Buddha can teach us about living well

WENATCHEE — What can Socrates and Buddha teach us about living a good life today? Wenatchee Valley College professor Saxon Spillman will explore that question during a free public lecture on October 22.

A water faucet in a Wenatchee School District facility is marked with a sign restricting its use. Districtwide testing found elevated lead levels in 87 of 932 water outlets, prompting fixture replacements and restrictions on outlets that continued to exceed state standards.

Wenatchee School District reports elevated lead levels in 87 water outlets

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee School District testing found elevated lead levels in 87 drinking water outlets across district facilities, prompting fixture replacements, restrictions on some water sources and plans for additional plumbing improvements.

Author David B. Williams on the Sahale Arm in North Cascades National Park.

New book traces human and natural history of Cascades

LEAVENWORTH — Washington writer David B. Williams will discuss his new book, “In the Range of Fire and Ice: A Human and Natural History of Washington’s Cascades,” at Wenatchee River Institute (WRI) on Oct. 27.

Rolling hills and open grasslands characterize the Lookout Natural Area on Burch Mountain above Wenatchee. A community fundraising campaign raised $2.5 million to support conservation, future public access and long-term stewardship of the 134-acre property.

Lookout Natural Area fundraising campaign raises $2.5 million, exceeds goal

WENATCHEE — The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and the City of Wenatchee have raised $2.5 million to support conservation, public access planning and long-term management of the 134-acre Lookout Natural Area on Burch Mountain above the Sunnyslope neighborhood.

Surveillance images released by the Chelan County Sheriff's Office show individuals investigators are seeking to identify in connection with a series of burglaries at seven Chelan businesses Oct. 9-10. Authorities are asking the public for information about the suspects and a potentially associated vehicle.

Chelan County Sheriff's Office seeks suspects in seven business burglaries

CHELAN — The Chelan County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help identifying three suspects and a vehicle believed to be connected to a series of burglaries targeting seven businesses in Chelan over the weekend.

Data center growth lowers ESD school bond estimate, offers funding benefits on both sides of river

EAST WENATCHEE — Data center construction is lowering the projected tax rate for Eastmont School District’s proposed $125 million bond, highlighting a benefit that school officials on both sides of the Columbia River expect to help finance building improvements.

Les Misérables to make Leavenworth Summer Theater premiere in 2027

LEAVENWORTH — Fans hoping to catch “The Sound of Music” at the Ski Hill Amphitheater next summer will have to wait another year, says Leavenworth Summer Theater (LST).

Have a say in Douglas County’s future: Three meetings offer opportunities for input

EAST WENATCHEE — How should Douglas County grow over the next 20 years? Residents have three upcoming opportunities to learn what local officials are considering and share their views before decisions are made.

Poet Subhaga Crystal Bacon to give free readings in Wenatchee and Omak

WENATCHEE — Poet Subhaga Crystal Bacon will read and discuss their work during two free public events Oct. 28 and 29 as part of Wenatchee Valley College’s Visiting Writers Series.

One dead, one injured in fiery East Wenatchee crash

EAST WENATCHEE — One person was killed and another injured in a fiery vehicle crash late Friday, Oct. 16, in East Wenatchee, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Deputies were …

Port weighs $1.74 million parking conversion at former Lineage property

WENATCHEE — Structural problems in a building at the former Lineage property have the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority weighing whether to spend approximately $1.74 million replacing it with parking for the site’s growing businesses.

‘The Haunt’ brings Halloween scares to long-vacant Chelan PUD headquarters

WENATCHEE — A downtown office building that has stood vacant for years will welcome visitors again this month, though the reception may be less than friendly.

Veterans urge Rep. Kim Schrier to address mental health care shortages in Wenatchee Valley

WENATCHEE — In a meeting with Representative Kim Schrier Oct.13, advocates called for more support to meet the growing need for mental healthcare for local veterans.

Legendary Halloween haunt prepares for one last fright

LEAVENWORTH — This Halloween, the beloved “Terror on Cedar Street” tradition will be celebrating its 25th and final year of haunted mazes, all-out decor and “Thriller” dances in the neighborhood of Cedar Street and Kelley Avenue.

Manson Fire skips 2027 levy increase, citing wildfire season’s economic toll

MANSON — Chelan County Fire District 5 commissioners have voted to forgo an allowable 1% increase in regular property tax levy collections for 2027, citing financial pressures on residents and businesses following a difficult wildfire season.

Chelan considers software overhaul with online problem-reporting portal

CHELAN — Residents could report potholes, graffiti and other problems through an online portal and track the city’s response under a proposed software overhaul presented to the Chelan City Council on Oct. 13.

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Local features

The Whistlepunk Ice Cream shop displays a sign featuring the ice cream cart that began it all.

More than a scoop: the story behind Whistlepunk Ice Cream

LEAVENWORTH – On a busy summer afternoon, the line at Whistlepunk Ice Cream often stretches out the door and down the sidewalk as employees hustle between tubs of handcrafted ice cream, fresh …

Stay, leave, or return? Cascade High School graduates reflect on building a future beyond Leavenworth

LEAVENWORTH – Every June, another class of Cascade High School graduates walks across the stage knowing one decision still lies ahead: whether to build a life in the Upper Valley, leave in pursuit …

The handcrafted wooden sign was made by local artisans at Gibbs Graphics.

Twenty years in the making: Carta brings Chef Ben Herreid’s culinary vision to Leavenworth

LEAVENWORTH – Nearly a year after opening its doors, Carta is preparing to become the restaurant Chef Ben Herreid always envisioned. This August, the downtown Leavenworth restaurant will unveil a …

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Non-profit News

Participants in a previous Give NCW Turkey Trot walk past the Pybus Public Market sign in downtown Wenatchee. The fourth annual Thanksgiving event returns Nov. 26, featuring 5K and 10K races and a free Kids Fun Run to benefit nonprofit organizations across North Central Washington.

Give NCW Turkey Trot returns to Wenatchee on Thanksgiving

WENATCHEE — The Community Foundation of North Central Washington will host its fourth annual Give NCW Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, along the Wenatchee riverfront, raising money for nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

Sunset lights the hills during the Lake Chelan Community Center’s Sept. 12 Golden Hour Gala.

Golden Hour Gala raises nearly $250,000 for Lake Chelan Community Center

CHELAN — The Lake Chelan Community Center’s Golden Hour Gala raised nearly $250,000 Sept. 12, supporting the facility’s work to provide spaces for recreation, learning and community connection throughout the valley.

Zoe Jaspers, left, receives a 2026 Peacebuilder Award from Pastor Deb Sperry, accepted on behalf of the Interfaith Justice Coalition.

Ward, Interfaith Justice Coalition honored as peacebuilders at WVDRC celebration

WENATCHEE — A newspaper publisher, a coalition of faith communities and a longtime mediator were honored Oct. 1 as the Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center celebrated 20 years of helping people find common ground.

Bonnie Hilory, Co-Founder
Friends of Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp

Friends of Lake Wenatchee Y Camp establishes $20,000 endowment fund

WENATCHEE — Friends of Lake Wenatchee Y Camp has established its first endowment fund with three founding gifts totaling $20,000, the organization announced Sept. 10. The Camp Magic Fund will …

Methow Arts Alliance rebrands as Steppe Arts

OKANOGAN — Methow Arts Alliance has changed its name to Steppe Arts, Okanogan County, as the nonprofit arts organization expands its countywide presence and prepares to open a new office in …

Give NCW opens applications for 2026 campaign

WENATCHEE — The Community Foundation of North Central Washington is accepting applications from nonprofits interested in participating in its 2026 Give NCW fundraising campaign. Applications …

Concie Luna will receive the 2026 Community Mediation Legacy Award from WVDRC for her decades of work in mediation.

WVDRC honors community peacebuilders at 20th anniversary

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center will recognize Ward Media CEO and Publisher Terry Ward and the Interfaith Justice Coalition as recipients of its 2026 Community …

Burpee nets two hat tricks as Cascade girls soccer routs Tonasket, Oroville

LEAVENWORTH — Zoie Burpee had a hat trick in each of Cascade girls soccer's two home wins this week: a 9-1 rout of Tonasket on Senior Night and a shutout of Oroville. The Kodiaks then lost 1-0 at unbeaten Cashmere.

Carlson throws six TDs as No. 2 Cashmere blanks Naches Valley 63-0

NACHES — The Cashmere Bulldogs scored 35 points in the first quarter and shut out Naches Valley 63-0 in a 1A South Central League football game Friday night, Oct. 16. It was Cashmere's second straight shutout.

Cascade football rallies past Omak 21-14

PESHASTIN — Cascade football scored the final 14 points to beat Omak 21-14 in a 1A Caribou Trail League game Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Peshastin-Dryden Sports Complex.

Chelan football pulls away from Quincy 52-27

CHELAN — Chelan's defense shut Quincy out in the first quarter, and the Goats' offense took over from there in a 52-27 nonleague football win Friday, Oct. 16.

Entiat football rolls past Soap Lake 63-24

ENTIAT — Entiat led 19-0 after the first quarter and beat Soap Lake 63-24 in a 1B Central Washington 8-man football game Friday, Oct. 16.

Manson football rolls past Waterville/Mansfield 62-14

MANSON — Manson football beat visiting Waterville/Mansfield 62-14 on Saturday.

Coho retention opens on Columbia from Priest Rapids to Rock Island Dam

WENATCHEE — Anglers may keep coho salmon on the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam upstream to Rock Island Dam through Oct. 15, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said.

Icicle River opens to coho salmon retention Sept. 30

LEAVENWORTH — Anglers may keep coho salmon caught in two stretches of the Icicle River starting Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.

Icicle River will not open for spring Chinook fishing in 2026

LEAVENWORTH — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that the Icicle River will not open for spring Chinook fishing in 2026, citing the timing of the fish run and successful …

WDFW urges new hunters to complete education courses before fall seasons

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is urging prospective hunters to complete required hunter education courses this summer to avoid delays before the fall hunting seasons. …

852 calls to police and deputies across Chelan and Douglas counties, Oct. 9–15

NCW – Police officers and sheriff's deputies in Chelan and Douglas counties handled 852 calls for service Oct. 9–15, down 16% from the previous week, according to RiverCom 911 dispatch logs. Fire crews answered 57 fire, alarm, smoke and crash calls, and ambulance crews handled about 242 medical calls.

Chelan weighs $20.25 million in parks improvements as needs exceed funding

CHELAN — From playground safety surfacing to a multimillion-dollar golf course irrigation overhaul, Chelan faces approximately $20.25 million in identified parks and recreation capital needs over the next six years, according to a draft plan presented to the City Council on Oct. 13.

Washington Wellbeing Initiative offers up to $40,000 for regional partnerships

WENATCHEE — Community organizations in North Central Washington are invited to apply for up to $40,000 in funding through the Washington Wellbeing Initiative, a statewide collaboration seeking to support projects focused on community belonging, civic health and wellbeing.