NCW News - Ward Media

Steele, Goehner tour Peshastin Creek fish habitat restoration

Cascade Fisheries shares the details of the Peshastin Creek restoration project with stakeholders and legislative leaders.

PESHASTIN — Rep. Mike Steele and Sen. Keith Goehner paid a visit to the recently completed restoration project along Peshastin Creek on Oct. 23, which aims to enhance fish habitat, reconnect existing wetlands, and restore floodplain connectivity.

An inlet extends into a lined storage pond at the Port’s Malaga cooling water facility Oct. 22. The ponds will hold water from Microsoft’s cooling systems until it can be applied to spray fields during the growing season.

Malaga cooling water tour examines groundwater safeguards, challenges ahead

MALAGA — The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority plans to use vegetation to help manage cooling water from Microsoft’s Malaga campus, with monitoring and adjustments intended to protect groundwater as operations begin.

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

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

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.

Short-term rental fire inspection fees could rise in Chelan County

CHELAN COUNTY — Chelan County is considering increasing fire and life safety inspection fees for short-term rentals.

Leavenworth centenarian meets namesake great-great-granddaughter

LEAVENWORTH — A century separates two members of a Leavenworth family who recently met for the first time.

Two Chelan High School trumpeters selected for international band clinic

CHELAN — Two Chelan High School seniors will join musicians from around the world in SeaTac next month after earning spots in the Western International Band Clinic.

Housing, storage and home businesses among changes headed to public review

CASHMERE — Residents will have several opportunities in the coming weeks to weigh in on proposed changes to where housing, storage facilities and home-based businesses can be located as Cashmere updates its comprehensive plan and development rules.

Cashmere council examines utility OT as 2027 contract budget awaits approval

CASHMERE — Cashmere officials are taking a closer look at the cost of operating the city’s water and wastewater systems, including overtime for weekend checks, alarms and after-hours calls, as the City Council considers the contractor’s proposed 2027 budget.

Cashmere’s six-year transportation plan includes Aplets Way, Evergreen Road improvements

CASHMERE — Road repairs, sidewalks, bike lanes and pedestrian crossings are among the projects Cashmere officials hope to pursue over the next several years under a transportation plan adopted Oct. 26.

Three Rivers Hospital receives gold award for rural stroke care

BREWSTER — Three Rivers Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Rural Recognition Gold award for its efforts to improve stroke treatment and emergency care in rural communities.

Leavenworth Women's Exchange to host holiday entertaining program Nov. 11

LEAVENWORTH — The Leavenworth Women's Exchange will hold its monthly luncheon meeting Wednesday, Nov. 11, at noon at Kristall's Restaurant, 280 U.S. Highway 2, Leavenworth.

Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society to host presentation on war and migration

EAST WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society will host a presentation on the influence of war on migration in America during its monthly meeting Monday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m.

Cascade Medical Foundation completes $125,000 endoscopy equipment campaign

LEAVENWORTH — Cascade Medical Foundation has completed a $125,000 fundraising campaign to purchase new endoscopy equipment for Cascade Medical, reaching its goal two months ahead of schedule.

WA officials urge leaders not to spend $51 million Meta fine yet

Meta has paid Washington state a record-setting fine of more than $51 million for violating campaign finance laws, but lawmakers are being cautioned not to get too excited about the money.

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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. …

Washington unemployment rate falls to 4.8% in September

Confluence Health, Wenatchee Valley Medical Group award $505,474 to 75 regional nonprofits

Portland connection begins at Pangborn, with an Oktoberfest surprise aboard

Ouzel Kitchen centers food, community and connection

Upper Valley MEND: How a dynamic team is meeting each need with dignity

New owners see Fable as a bookstore and a place to belong

Leavenworth weighs home-based physical therapy

LEAVENWORTH — The Leavenworth Hearing Examiner is considering an appeal challenging the city’s interpretation of zoning rules that prohibit physical therapy as a home occupation.

Organizer Tarina Ferrel holds signs outside of Leavenworth City Hall.

Local advocates seek solutions to overcrowding, degradation in Enchantments

LEAVENWORTH — Local advocacy for protection of the Enchantments is ramping up as the popular hiking destination struggles with severe overcrowding, visitor safety, and environmental degradation.

Plain Valley Ski Trails launches fundraiser for youth team

PLAIN — Plain Valley Ski Trails has kicked off its annual fundraiser for the Plain Valley Nordic team, starting with an online auction and culminating with a benefit dinner and live auction.

966 calls to police and deputies across Chelan and Douglas counties, Oct. 16–22

NCW – Police officers and sheriff's deputies in Chelan and Douglas counties handled 966 calls for service Oct. 16–22, up 13% from the previous week, according to RiverCom 911 dispatch logs. Fire crews answered 50 fire, alarm, smoke and crash calls, and ambulance crews handled about 277 medical calls.

Forest Service seeks input on post-Little Giant Fire recovery

CHELAN COUNTY — A few days are left for the public to provide input on the U.S. Forest Service’s proposed recovery efforts on forest land impacted by the Little Giant Fire.

Manson's Old Swim Hole project faces $375,000 funding gap ahead of Nov. 15 deadline

MANSON — After more than a decade of planning and repeated efforts to secure construction funding, the Manson Park and Recreation District faces a Nov. 15 deadline to close a $375,000 funding gap for the Old Swim Hole restoration project or risk losing grant funding and delaying construction for several more years.