Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Cashmere Valley Record Lake Chelan Mirror Quad City Herald The Leavenworth Echo Wenatchee Business Journal
Our top story

Deputies recover stolen ATV, arrest Malaga suspect

The Malaga Market, the scene of where a Sheriff’s Deputy first spotted Mitchell Plantillas on a stolen ATV.
MALAGA — According to a release from Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison, Wenatchee Police took a report on Saturday, May 3 of a stolen all-terrain vehicle (ATV) from inside Wenatchee city …
Other News
From left to right, Tsillan Cellars Head Winemaker Garrett Grubbs, Cellar Associate Maddie Raymond, and Vineyard Manager/Assistant Winemaker Nic Stevens stand in the estate barrel room following the winery’s recognition as the most awarded Washington winery at the 2025 Seattle Wine Awards.
Tsillan Cellars named most awarded Washington Winery at 2025 Seattle Wine Awards
CHELAN — Tsillan Cellars has been recognized as the most awarded Washington winery at the 2025 Seattle Wine Awards, earning 17 gold medals and continuing a string of accolades that has placed …
Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6853 and Boy Scouts Troop 34 march in the 2024 Memorial Day Parade.
Chelan Memorial Day Parade to honor fallen service members
CHELAN — The annual Chelan Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 26, at 7 p.m. in historic downtown Chelan. “Join the VFW Post 6853 in honoring the brave combat veterans …
Andru Gomez is in his element performing in an intimate setting.
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 …
Serve Wenatchee Valley is hosting the Big Wenatchee Yard Sale May 31 at Eastmont Community Church.
'Big Wenatchee Yard Sale' seeks donations, proceeds go toward preventing homelessness
EAST WENATCHEE — Maybe you have just enough stuff laying around your house that it’s time to get rid of it, but not quite enough to hold your own garage or yard sale. If so, local charity …
The event is sponsored by the Museum & Cultural Center and Write On The River.
Museum hosts 'Four Minutes of Fame' for local writers to shine on stage
WENATCHEE — Write On The River, the group that just brought back their writing workshop after a 7-year hiatus, is teaming up with the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center to present …
The Manson Apple Blossom royalty took time out of their busy schedule on Saturday morning, May 10, before the grand parade, to pose for a photo with the 220 walkers and runners in the fun run. Left to right are: Princess Isabella Alexander, Queen Genesis Torres and Princess Brynn Williams.
Manson celebrates 105th Apple Blossom Festival
MANSON - The 105th Manson Apple Blossom Festival ‘Legends of the Lake’ kicked off the two-day festival on Friday evening, May 9, with the Coronation Pageant held at the Manson High School …
Leavenworth resident Mara Bohman works on her home garden in early spring. Bohman plans to donate much of her produce to the Community Cupboard this year.
Hunger in the Valley: As community needs rise, food pantries face challenges
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 …
The beauty, commerce and community of Douglas County can only be improved with public input on how it should be developed and maintained.
Douglas County seeks public input for comprehensive growth plan through 2046
DOUGLAS COUNTY — A new survey available to residents of Douglas County marks the beginning of a planning process for 20-year growth in the area through guidelines established under the …
From left, WVC Foundation Development Director Lupe Brito, 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Bertha Sanchez, and WVC Foundation Executive Director Rachel Evey during a surprise presentation announcing Sanchez as this year’s honoree.
WVC Foundation names Bertha Sanchez as 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley College Foundation has named Bertha Sanchez, director of counseling and support services at WVC, as the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. …
Sen. Keith Goehner posing with Arlene Wagner as she receives the Senate resolution he sponsored in honor of her 100th birthday.
Goehner honors Nutcracker Museum founder with Senate Resolution
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, …
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.
Troopers arrest man who allegedly tried to stop drivers on Chumstick Highway
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. …
Wenatchee Valley College will be the site of the unveiling of a long-awaited literary and arts journal covering our area.
Mirror Northwest returns: Wenatchee Valley College revives literary journal
WENATCHEE — Arts culture in Wenatchee is undergoing a sort of renaissance these days. There has, of course, always been a vibrant theater “scene” here in the Valley. There’s …
For 27 summers, Viki Downey dedicated her talents to the Manson Bay Park, retiring earlier this year. She is pictured with 2025 Manson Apple Blossom royalty, Princess Isabella Alexander, Queen Genesis Torres and Princess Brynn Williams.
105th Manson Apple Blossom Festival to celebrate “Legends of the Lake”
MANSON — The 105th annual Manson Apple Blossom Festival returns to the Lake Chelan Valley this weekend, with a full slate of community events set for Friday and Saturday, May 10–11. …
Pet owners in Okanogan County take advantage of past drive-thru clinics hosted by Team Okanogan Animal Rescue (TOAR), where dogs received no-cost core vaccinations and microchips. TOAR’s upcoming free clinic in Brewster, scheduled for Sunday, May 18 at Brewster High School, is expected to serve hundreds of dogs in a region with limited access to low-cost veterinary care.
Free dog vaccine and microchip clinic coming to Brewster May 18
BREWSTER — Up to 300 dogs in Okanogan County will receive no-cost core vaccinations and microchips as part of a free two-day clinic organized by Team Okanogan Animal Rescue (TOAR). The Brewster …
Cascade School Board poses with the Green Ribbon award alongside OSPI representative Denise Davis.
Cascade School District named Washington Green Ribbon School District
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 …
Other News
BREWSTER – The outlook for the continued one day a week operation of the Brewster Food Bank has not improved since director David Burdick’s March update to the city council. …
CHELAN – Morgen Owings Elementary School will host its annual MOE Palooza spring carnival on Sunday, May 18, from 12 to 3 p.m.  Proceeds from the carnival will support purchasing …
CHELAN — With just weeks to go, organizers have released the full schedule for the 19th annual Cruizin Chelan Classic Car Show, set for May 30–31 in Historic Downtown Chelan. Hosted …
Chelan musician and graduating senior David Kelly (right) earned top marks at the state solo competition for his performance of the Marcello Oboe Concerto. He was accompanied by pianist John Duff (left).
CHELAN — Chelan musician and graduating senior David Kelly earned top marks at the WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble Contest on Saturday, April 26. The prestigious event, hosted at Central …
Caroline Menna is a senior at Cascade High School.
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 …
CHELAN — Wineries from the Lake Chelan region earned a total of 71 medals at the 2025 Seattle Wine Awards, one of Washington state’s most prominent wine competitions. The awards …
CASHMERE — Volunteers from the Cashmere American Legion Auxiliary will distribute red handcrafted poppies in the community on Friday, May 16, as part of a nationwide effort to honor U.S. …
LAKE CHELAN VALLEY - Chelan and Manson schools have been recognized by the state for their work to close opportunity gaps in education. Morgen Owings Elementary (MOE) and Chelan Middle School (CMS) …
Donna Moser
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee School District has appointed Donna Moser as interim principal of Wenatchee High School, effective July 1. Moser will step into the position following the …

More news

Local features
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 …
Derby Canyon Natives is a Peshastin-based nursery supplying native plant species from the shrubsteppe near the Columbia River, up to the forests near Stevens Pass.

Local businesses rooted in stewardship are reshaping the upper Wenatchee Valley landscape

LEAVENWORTH – As environmental awareness grows across North Central Washington, a new wave of land stewardship is taking root in the upper valley. Local businesses such as Derby Canyon Natives, …
Dianne Hall started cooking so early today, she hasn’t even had a chance to scribble out the day’s specials on the menu board yet.

She waited in the wings for years, and now she’s a trailblazer on the Loop Trail

WENATCHEE — Just a few steps from the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail and less than a hundred yards from the parking lot you’d use to leave your car behind and take the 10-mile …

More local features

Non-profit News

Mark Judy Memorial Caregiver Education Fund awards scholarships to seven Cascade Medical employees

LEAVENWORTH – Seven Cascade Medical Center employees were awarded a total of $5,600 in scholarships through Cascade Medical Foundation’s Mark Judy Memorial Caregiver  Education …

Mended Hearts chapter to host meeting on nutrition and food labels

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 …
A Cowboys receiver under the watchful eye of a Dolphins defender goes out for a pass.

Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club launches NFL Flag Football for ages 3-12

CHELAN — At Sargent Field this spring, there’s a new football team in town. Make that a few new teams. And with jerseys donated by the NFL from teams you already watch on Sundays in the …

Eagle Scout constructs benches for Tierra Learning Center

LEAVENWORTH — Tierra Learning Center received four newly constructed benches as part of a local teen's Eagle Scout project. Callie Holmes, along with friends and family members, built, …

Chelan County Fair announces special vendor spots for local nonprofits

CASHMERE — The Chelan County Fair, held this year from September 4–7, has announced they will be offering vendor spaces for nonprofit charitable organizations at a drastically reduced …
Volunteers collect food during the Methodist Church’s food drive last year.

Upper Valley MEND to host Easter weekend food drive

LEAVENWORTH – As food insecurity continues to rise in the region, Upper Valley MEND’s Community Cupboard food pantry is seeking additional support to meet the growing need in the …

Washington apple license plate program marks five-year anniversary, raises $142,000 for students

WENATCHEE — The Washington Apple Education Foundation announced Thursday that its specialized license plate program has raised more than $142,000 for student scholarships over the past five …

Read more non-profit news

Sports

Central Cascade Youth Football and Cheer to hold town hall meeting

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, …
Mandy Barba is all business during her doubles match against Cascade on April 7. The duo of Barba and Hadley Westlund defeated Hazel Eschen and Harper Baker, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.

Undefeated Cashmere girls tennis blanks rival Cascade Kodiaks 5-0

CASHMERE - In a gray day for tennis on April 7, the Bulldogs showed no mercy against the visiting archrivals Cascade Kodiaks from Leavenworth. The girls won their matches 5-0. Both the boys’ …
Kamren Meloy, in the foreground, and Tony Bumgarner in the background take care of business in two separate matches against the Cascade Kodiaks, April 7. Meloy and his doubles teammate Quentin Christensen defeated Melvin Northrup and Adan Vargas 6-3, 6-0, while Bumgarner won his singles match, defeating Miles Porter, 6-0, 6-4.

Undefeated Bulldogs sweep rival Cascade 5-0

CASHMERE - Cashmere hosted their longtime archrivals, now a non-conference foe, in a cloudy, drizzly afternoon of tennis on April 7. The Bulldogs proved to be rather unwelcoming hosts, beating the …

Lady Bears handle Almira-Coulee-Hartline, 8-3

Emily Pulsifer, 7, advances to second base on a single by Naiyomee Aparicio in the early innings against visiting ACH last Thursday, April 10. Brewster defeated the Warriors, 8-3.

Brewster Bears fall to Meridian, 6-2

Bears first baseman Will Reynolds easily beats a Meridian base runner barely visible at left during a non-conference game against the visiting 1A Trojans last Thursday, April 10. Meridian won the …
Adan Vargas delivers a shot against a Cashmere doubles team last April 7. Vargas and Melvin Northrup lost in two sets.

Kodiak boys tennis falls 5-0 to Cashmere

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.

Read more sports

Outdoors

Patterson Lake access area to close temporarily for construction work

WINTHROP — The Patterson Lake Access Area, a popular site for anglers and recreational boaters near Sun Mountain Lodge, will be temporarily closed to the public from May 1 to May 14, the …

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 …

Read more outdoors

Obituaries
Maxine Mae Melcher
With heavy hearts, we are sad to announce that Maxine Melcher, 94, of East Wenatchee, passed away quietly and peacefully on Sunday, May 4. Maxine Mae Batliner was born on April 16, 1931, to …
Charles 'Chuck' Jacob Reynolds
Charles “Chuck” Jacob Reynolds was born to Jacob Guy and Mertie Debbie Elizabeth Beckham Reynolds on January 21, 1932, in Sterling, Colorado, where he was the 5th of 7 children. When …
Jacquelyn 'Jackie' Iannello
Jacquelyn (“Jackie”) Iannello was born on February 1, 1959, in Millville, NJ. She was 66 years old when she went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Wenatchee, …
Ordell “Gus” Gustafson
Ordell “Gus” Gustafson, age 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his wife & girls. He was a loving husband, father, and papa. Gus was born …
Nora Louise Rappe'
Nora Louise Rappe' (Philmon-Light) was 92 years young when she passed away on May 3rd, 2025, joining her late husband Elmer, whom she shared her life with on the beautiful Chiliwist. On the …
Javier Rodriquez, 62, of Bridgeport, Washington, passed away on May 4, 2025.  Barnes Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family. 

More obituaries

State News
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 …
The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025.
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 …
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 …
Governor Bob Ferguson (third from left) signs House Bill 1156 into law on April 16, 2025, as Rep. Mike Steele (far left), Chelan County Fire District #5 Chief Arnold Baker (second from left), and Rep. Joe Schmick 9th Dist. (far right) look on during the ceremony in the Governor's Office in Olympia. The bill grants volunteer firefighters access to the state's deferred compensation program.
OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1156 into law, expanding retirement savings options for volunteer firefighters across Washington state by granting them access to the state's …
State Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, seen here in an undated photo, has pushed for three years for legislation to set new requirements for clergy to report child abuse. Her bill won final approval in the Legislature on April 11 and is headed to the governor's desk.
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 …
Sen. Keith Goehner (R-Dryden)
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 …

More state news

Education
Foothills Middle School is a standout in achievement for the 2023–2024 school year.
WENATCHEE — In welcome news for the Wenatchee School District, the Washington State School Recognition Program (WSSRP) has identified two Wenatchee schools, Foothills Middle School and …
The Eastmont Drama Club performs the hit musical “Big Fish.”
WENATCHEE — It’s Apple Awards time again, when we celebrate high school theater, both plays and musicals, and give the equivalent of Tony awards to actresses, actors and crew. What used …
MANSON -– Members of the Manson High School Interact Club recently shared highlights from their service trip to Guatemala during a presentation at the school, reflecting on the …
Dr. Gina Ann Garcia, a professor at U.C. Berkeley and national expert on Hispanic Serving Institutions, delivered the keynote address at Wenatchee Valley College’s Dean’s Day on April 25, focusing on equity in education and centering student voices.
WENATCHEE — Dr. Gina Ann Garcia, a nationally recognized expert on Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), delivered the keynote address during Wenatchee Valley College’s Dean’s Day …
Mareli Arevalo-Martinez, a senior at Brewster High School, displays a summary of her job shadow experience in the accounting department at Gebbers Farms. Her 20-hour internship helped confirm her plans to pursue a degree in accounting and become a CPA.
BREWSTER – From Brewster Marketplace to Mid Valley Hospital and Gebbers Farms to Gritworks, Brewster High School seniors are getting a head start on their post-graduate career path thanks to a …

Read more education

Opinion
Terry Ward, Publisher
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 …
Terry Ward CEO & Publisher Ward Media
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 …
Terry Ward CEO & Publisher Ward Media
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 …
Rep. Brad Hawkins addresses the House of Representatives in 2013 on “Children’s Day” with his two boys, Luke and Tyler. Hawkins served four years in the House of Representatives and eight years in the State Senate. He begins his role as Chelan County Commissioner on January 1.
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 …
A typical passing period at Cascade High School. Cascade School District is working on a new policy regarding the use of cell phones and other mobile devices in its schools.
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.  …
Terry Ward CEO & Publisher Ward Media
As Thanksgiving approaches, I've been thinking about what gratitude truly means—not just as words shared around a dinner table, but as an active force capable of transforming our communities. …

Read more opinion

Business news from Wenatchee Business Journal,
part of the NCW News network

More from the WBJ

Around the region

Cascadia Conservation District Board to meet May 16 in Wenatchee

WENATCHEE — The Cascadia Conservation District will hold its next regular board meeting on Friday, May 16, at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be conducted both in person and remotely via call-in or …

Chelan-Douglas Land Trust celebrates 40 years of conservation

WENATCHEE – Since 1985, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust has been working to preserve the region’s natural areas – securing clean air and water, supporting wildlife, and ensuring the …
Icicle Bicycle Club rider and Cascade High School freshman Lane Bedard charges down the Big Hill amid blooming balsamroot at Leavenworth’s Ski Hill.

‘Thrill at Ski Hill’ draws student bike racers from across the state

LEAVENWORTH – Ski Hill was alive with the sound of gears and cheers over the May 3-4 weekend as hundreds of student mountain bikers from across Washington State descended on the inaugural …
Mountain Highway Towing and Recovery provides a tow truck for kids to explore.

Touch A Truck returns to Wenatchee with hands-on fun for kids

WENATCHEE — The Women’s Service League of North Central Washington is once again bringing their annual Touch A Truck event to the Wenatchee Valley College campus on Saturday, May 17, from …

New state bill will bring stronger PFAS monitoring measures

PATEROS – City Administrator Jord Wilson delivered an advisory to the April 21 city council meeting regarding PFAS, termed the ‘forever chemical’ and pending legislation that will …

Methow Swap Meet set for Saturday, May 17

METHOW – The second annual Methow Swap Meet is scheduled to get underway at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 17, at the Methow Community Club located 6 Arkansas Avenue next to the post office. Vendor …
Marchers gather in a circle in Centennial Park on Monday afternoon.

March in Wenatchee honors Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

WENATCHEE — Organizers Amanda Keewatinawin and Shelly Nelson led a group of mostly women on Monday afternoon from Pybus Public Market up Orondo Avenue and onto Wenatchee Avenue, then to …
This year’s Fire Chief for the Day, Tilly Love, rides in the WVFD’s ladder truck, fulfilling her one wish.

Stemilt Grand Parade draws thousands with more than 100 entrants from around the state

WENATCHEE — Apple Blossom 2025 comes nearly to a close with this year’s Stemilt Grand Parade, the final giant spectacle of the festival. More than one hundred participants marched, rode, …
The 800-square foot space is open at the top, and still feels very much like the original building style all the way back to the days when Mission was the name of the town.

Cashmere artist launches community ceramics studio

CASHMERE — Amanda Goodmanson has big ideas, and they start in the Mission District of Cashmere. Right under the sign announcing what part of town you’re in, at 207 Mission Avenue, is the …

More from around the region

Our publications
May 14, 2025

Browse other issues

May 14, 2025

Browse other issues

May 14, 2025

Browse other issues

May 14, 2025

Browse other issues

WBJ May 2025

Browse other issues

© Copyright 2025 Ward Media
Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions