Tuesday, July 15, 2025
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WVC students develop new control system to modernize Dryden Dam

Juan Martinez (left) and Dillon Cornelius (right) stand with the 3D model and prototype they built. The two graduated from Wenatchee Valley College in June.
DRYDEN — Wenatchee Valley College students Dillon Cornelius and Juan Martinez presented a groundbreaking prototype on July 7 to modernize operations at the Dryden Dam. Collaborating with Chelan …
Other News
Cottage layouts with and without alley access.
Hearings propose small housing for Chelan code, Apple Blossom Center
CHELAN – One of the public hearings held at the July 8 city council meeting addressed amending the Chelan Municipal Code (CMC) to allow smaller cost-efficient housing choices to the code. The …
Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay (right) listens as Manson Community Council President Mike Kirk (left) explains the location and scope of the town’s proposal.
Manson Community Council seeks roundabout at SR 150 intersection amid safety concerns
WENATCHEE — Mike Kirk, Jeff Conwell, Rene Commons and Dom Amor were on hand at the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council (CDTC) meeting on July 10 for a reason: To represent the unincorporated …
The front entrance of Heritage Heights in Chelan is decorated with patriotic bunting and potted flowers ahead of the facility’s grand reopening celebration on July 22. The senior living community recently completed a major renovation to expand memory care and end-of-life services.
Heritage Heights in Chelan unveils renovated facility with memory care and end-of-life services
CHELAN — Heritage Heights Senior Living will celebrate the grand reopening of its facility on Tuesday, July 22, following a multi-million-dollar renovation that expands services to include …
Beautiful Lake Chelan is getting a brand new addition to its array of recreational destinations with the Chelan Bay Marina by Seattle Boat Company.
Chelan Bay Marina celebrates Grand Opening with “Sip & Surf” event July 19
CHELAN — Chelan Bay Marina by Seattle Boat Company, a new full-service boating facility at 101 Bass Lane on Lake Chelan, officially opened on July 1. This new destination offers boat rentals, …
Eastside Rebuild deconstructs a garage just outside of Leavenworth.
Eastside Rebuild’s deconstruction services gives second life to building material
CASHMERE — Before taking a hammer to the wall on that demolition project, Eastside Rebuild wants to have a word.  The local nonprofit, which offers low-cost tool rentals, workshops, …
Officials from various state jails visit the Chelan County Regional Justice Center in 2024 to study the new sensors. The jail now has 68 medical sensors in single-occupancy cells that monitor breathing and heart rates.
New medical sensors in county jail ease burden on employees, aid in detoxes
WENATCHEE — The Chelan County Regional Justice Center has significantly enhanced its medical monitoring capabilities with the installation of 44 new medical sensors, bringing the total to 68 …
Larry Handy Lodge of Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp.
New advocacy group aims to save historic Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp
LAKE WENATCHEE — A group of alumni, former staff, and community supporters have formed Friends of Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp in an effort to preserve the near-century old summer camp property. …
Wenatchee Public Library is offering a chance to learn solutions to your gardening needs with the WSU Chelan-Douglas Master Gardeners at a plant clinic on July 14.
Wenatchee Public Library to host plant clinic with WSU Master Gardeners
WENATCHEE — On July 14, the WSU Master Gardeners will be holding a plant clinic at the Wenatchee Public Library. Their diagnosis team will be available to help identify problems with plants or …
Wenatchee’s City Council, with member Chelsea Ewer attending via online meeting, meets to hear the proposal for a junior city council.
Wenatchee City Council approves creation of Junior City Council
a couple of local students to come before the council and ask for a vote on establishing something that’s been a big endeavor for them: The creation of a junior city council. Maybe they …
The City Council on June 8 reviewed updated design plans for the Imagine Downtown Chelan project, including proposed improvements to the Woodin/Emerson intersection, streetlight upgrades, ADA accessibility enhancements, and landscaping changes presented by Beckwith Consulting Group.
Design plans for Imagine Downtown Chelan project presented to City Council
CHELAN — The latest design updates for the Imagine Downtown Chelan (IDC) project were presented to the City Council on July 8 by Beckwith Consulting Group, marking another milestone in the …
Trail crews work to restore paths in the lower Lake Chelan valley as part of a $75,000 grant awarded to the U.S. Forest Service's Chelan Ranger District. The project, funded through the Recreational Trails Program, includes maintaining nearly 300 miles of multiuse trails, clearing brush, repairing drainage structures, and grooming winter trails to support hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and motorized recreation throughout the year.
Chelan County receives nearly $6 million in state grants for parks, trails, and conservation projects
CHELAN COUNTY – Chelan County will receive nearly $6 million in state grant funding for outdoor recreation and conservation efforts, as part of a broader $148 million allocation by the …
North Central ESD Superintendent Michelle Price administers the oath of office to newly appointed Board Member Robert Shacklett, who will represent District 1 serving school districts in Okanogan County.
Shacklett appointed to NCESD board, will represent Okanogan County region
WENATCHEE — The North Central Educational Service District has appointed veteran educator Robert Shacklett to its Board of Directors, representing District 1 in Okanogan County. Shacklett, …
Cashmere’s Riverside Center is the site of the upcoming Piano Wars: Playing it Forward fundraiser event for the Brave Warrior Project on July 25.
Piano Wars puts the fun in fundraising for Brave Warrior Project in Cashmere
CASHMERE — On July 25 at 6 p.m., you can treat yourself to a night of music and comedy and fun as Felix and Fingers, a dueling piano troupe based in Chicago (but with members nationwide), comes …
New owners Stefani and Tyler Miller bring fresh energy—and a deep love of books—to Riverwalk Books in Chelan.
A new chapter for Riverwalk Books
CHELAN – A new chapter is unfolding at Riverwalk Books, Chelan’s beloved independent bookstore since 1994. Husband-and-wife duo Tyler and Stefani Miller recently took ownership of …
The 1.05-mile Lakeside Trail project follows the W. Woodin Avenue/Highway 97A corridor from West Lakeshore Place to Water Street, improving safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists along Lake Chelan’s southern shoreline.
Chelan breaks ground on long-awaited Lakeside Trail Project
CHELAN — Construction has begun on the City of Chelan’s Lakeside Trail, a $3.8 million infrastructure project aimed at improving pedestrian and cyclist safety along the W. Woodin …
Other News
WENATCHEE — Wellness Place is seeking nominations for its NCW Cancer Heroes event, an awards ceremony set to honor individuals who have made a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected …
LEAVENWORTH — The Leavenworth City Council signed off on design services for the expansion of Mountain View Cemetery during the brief July 8 meeting. The city council approved a design …
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is accepting applications for its Master Hunter Permit Program now through Aug. 15, inviting skilled and ethical hunters to join a …
BREWSTER – The 19 th annual Brewster King Salmon Derby has been cancelled this year. The largest derby on the Columbia River is normally held during the first weekend of August. The event …
CASHMERE — Local author Kasey Safford will visit Understory Book Shop in downtown Cashmere for a book signing and meet-and-greet event on Saturday, July 20, from 4 to 6 p.m., to promote her …
MANSON — The Manson School District will hold a public hearing on its proposed 2025–2026 annual budget on Monday, July 28, ahead of the regularly scheduled school board meeting. The …
CHELAN — A Chelan resident is urging city officials to take stronger action to address what she described as increasingly dangerous behavior on the Woodin Avenue Bridge, including teens …
CHELAN — The Lake Chelan Men’s Golf Association has awarded $12,000 in scholarships to eight graduating seniors from Chelan and Manson high schools, continuing its commitment to …
Latest Videos

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Leavenworth celebrates opening of new Front Street Restrooms

LEAVENWORTH — The City of Leavenworth celebrated the completion of the Front Street Restrooms and Stairway Expansion Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 1. The new restroom …

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Two homes damaged in Ringold Street fire

WENATCHEE — A house fire erupted in the 800 block of Ringold Street in Wenatchee on Thursday, June 5, prompting a response from the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department and Wenatchee Police …

Local features
Steve Hays of Wenatchee is on a mission to pick up a loaf of English muffin bread from baker and cashier Yuli Infante, for his wife back at home.

Sure to Rise Bakery marks 78 years of tradition in Cashmere

CASHMERE — In our ongoing series on businesses that have been continuously operating for more than 40 years in the Wenatchee Valley, this entry comes from the heart of downtown Cashmere. …
Icicle Valley Automotive owners Roberto Granados (left) and Jesus Herrera (right).

Leavenworth mechanics build community trust with honesty and commitment

LEAVENWORTH – Tucked along East Leavenworth Road, a small mechanic shop hides behind a lot packed full of cars belonging to local residents and stranded visitors, waiting to be fixed. Yet, the …
Marcia and Jesus Diaz cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Antojitos El Chulo on May 24.

Antojitos El Chulo packs ‘em in at old Brewster theater

The old RIO Theater building at 507 Main Street has not shown a movie since 2009, but the place is once again a hub of activity thanks to Antojitos El Chulo, a new coffee and specialty drink spot …
Non-profit News
A student at Cascade Elementary uses an adaptive trike to build confidence and motor skills. The equipment was funded through a $1,000 NCW Foundation for Youth Grant awarded to Eastmont School District, part of the Community Foundation of NCW’s $31,800 investment in youth programs across North Central Washington.

Community Foundation awards $31,800 in grants to youth-focused programs across NCW

WENATCHEE — The Community Foundation of North Central Washington (CFNCW) has awarded $31,800 in grants through its NCW Foundation for Youth program over the past year, funding projects that …

Inflation and tariffs challenge Serve Wenatchee’s annual back-to-school clothing event

WENATCHEE — Serve Wenatchee Valley’s 23rd annual Clothes 4 the Classroom event is preparing to serve more than 1,000 low-income students this August, but rising global economic pressures …

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 …
Sports

AppleSox pull away late to defeat NightOwls 9-4

NANAIMO, B.C. — A late offensive burst propelled the Wenatchee AppleSox to a 9-4 win over the Nanaimo NightOwls on Saturday night at Serauxman Stadium. Wenatchee broke open a close game …

Wenatchee blanks Kelowna behind Sandvik’s six scoreless innings

WENATCHEE — Blake Sandvik tossed six shutout innings and struck out seven as the Wenatchee AppleSox defeated the Kelowna Falcons 13-0 Tuesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. The AppleSox …

AppleSox rout Pippins to clinch series behind Panganiban’s seven-RBI performance

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox delivered a dominant 17-4 victory over the Yakima Valley Pippins on Sunday night, powered by a breakout performance from newcomer Kyle Panganiban and a strong …

AppleSox shut out Pippins, Darlington earns 100th career win

WENATCHEE — Alec Johnson delivered a dominant start and the Wenatchee AppleSox backed him with 10 runs to defeat the Yakima Valley Pippins, 10-0, on Saturday night, evening the opening series …

Pippins defeat AppleSox 5-1 in season opener

WENATCHEE — Despite a three-hit performance from Brady Bean, the Wenatchee AppleSox fell to the Yakima Valley Pippins, 5-1, on Opening Night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. The Pippins (1-0) …

Wenatchee AppleSox unveil 25th Anniversary Team ahead of 2025 season opener

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox have announced their 25th anniversary team, honoring standout individual seasons as the club prepares to open its 25th season of play on Friday. The …
Outdoors

Campfire restrictions take effect June 13 for Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest

WENATCHEE — The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective June 13th, limiting campfires to designated, developed recreation sites and specific …

Annual Discover Pass cost set to increase in October

OLYMPIA — Starting Oct. 1, the annual Discover Pass will increase from $30 to $45, marking the first price hike since the program was implemented in 2011. The Discover Pass is required to …

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 …
Obituaries
John Butruille had a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Forest Service, from Colorado and Wyoming to Alaska, Oregon and Washington, D.C. He retired as Region 6 Regional Forester, 1989 - …
Kay Smith, 80, of Leavenworth, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Arrangements by Heritage Memorial Chapel, E. Wenatchee & Cashmere.
In Loving Memory of Sandra “Gay” Cordell November 11, 1945 – June 7, 2025 Sandra “Gay” Cordell was peacefully called into the presence of the Lord on June 7, …
Terrence J. Skube, 69, of Pateros, Washington, passed away on June 1, 2025.  Precht Rose Chapel in Chelan, Washington is handling the arrangements for the family. 
Jessie D.R. Hawk, 55, of Chelan, Washington, passed away on May 28, 2025.  Precht Rose Chapel in Chelan, Washington is handling the arrangements for the family.
Ellen (Hublitz) Park, 74, Wenatchee, WA Ellen Marie (Hublitz) Park passed away on Thursday, May 8th, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. Ellen was surrounded by family …
State News
OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday signed into law a controversial policy requiring gun buyers to first pay for a new state permit.  Starting in two years, House Bill …
OLYMPIA — The parental “bill of rights” overhaul, one of the most divisive bills approved during this year’s Washington state legislative session, was signed by Gov. Bob …
OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson entered office warning that a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall would require spending cuts and, as a last resort , higher taxes. On Tuesday, the …
OLYMPIA - Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is preparing to lay off nearly 50 Washington State Library employees due to a decline in state and federal funding. In the past two weeks, 47 workers at …
OLYMPIA _ Gov. Bob Ferguson signed three bills to protect immigrant rights last week.  These included measures to strengthen state power to inspect private detention facilities, prevent …
OLYMPIA - A new law triggered by a lawsuit will ensure public school students in Washington are offered special education instruction until they are 22 years old. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed …
Education
LEAVENWORTH — Cascade High School graduate Cruz Martinez was the only North Central Washington student to receive the Student Leadership Award from the Washington Association of School …
WENATCHEE—Twenty-six students in Washington, including several from North Central Washington, have been awarded scholarships through AgWest Farm Credit’s 2025 scholarship program, …
CHELAN – Members of the Chelan schools’ HOPE Squad delivered a slide show presentation to the June 9 meeting of the board of Lake Chelan School District (LCSD). HOPE Squad is a …
MANSON — Elementary students at Manson School District are getting firsthand experience in leadership, thanks to the district’s implementation of the “Leader in Me” program. …
WENATCHEE — Two North Central Washington school employees have been recognized with top regional honors by the North Central Educational Service District. Madonna Carlton, a LifeSkills …
Opinion
You wouldn’t expect to get in shape by going to the gym once, nor would you train for a marathon with a single jog around the block. Marketing works the same way. It’s not a one-and-done …
As fireworks light up the skies across North Central Washington, we are reminded of the celebration at the heart of Independence Day—a commemoration of our nation’s founding ideals: …
In this space, I often write about compassion, connection, and community—those quiet but powerful forces that bind us together, especially in times of crisis. Over the past week, North Central …
In today’s evolving business environment, B2B buyers are more cautious, more informed, and more selective than ever before. With longer sales cycles and increased scrutiny of every dollar …
We live in a time when it’s easier than ever to share an opinion, voice frustration, or criticize someone or something. Social media, online forums, and even community meetings have become …
When the economy starts to wobble, the first instinct for many businesses is to scale back spending, and marketing is often one of the first things on the chopping block. But history and consumer …
Around the region

WSDOT set to begin US-2 repaving near Coles Corner

LEAVENWORTH — The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will repave a stretch of US-2 near Coles Corner starting July 14. The project will stretch from milepost 78, west of …
Cindy Wallitner holds one of five three-week-old kittens that she will foster until they are old enough to become available for adoption.

‘Big Fix 3.0’ brings free spay/neuter clinic to Okanogan County, treats thousands of pets

OKANOGAN – Big Fix 3.0, the popular free spay and neuter clinic held at the Okanogan County Fairground and Agriplex from June 26-29, was another venue that played to a packed house of canines …

Pateros advises public of upcoming street striping

PATEROS – The public works department has issued a heads-up to city residents and visitors concerning the third phase of a street chipseal project that will require the cooperation of vehicle …
Graybeal Signs handles the installation.

Recreation Base Camp sign rises in Pateros

PATEROS – Another piece of the city’s Mall Revitalization Project fell – or rather rose – into place last Thursday, July 3, with the installation of the 20-foot lighted …

Chelan County seeks community feedback in tourism impact survey

CHELAN COUNTY — Chelan County’s board of county commissioners has enlisted BERK Consulting to conduct a comprehensive study on the multifaceted impacts of tourism. This study aims to …

Wildly Caring: “Hockey Fights Cancer” night raises funds for local patients

WENATCHEE — The ice rink at the Town Toyota Center recently hosted an event that, while more restrained than a typical Wenatchee Wild hockey game, left a significant impact. On July 2, …

Law enforcement and justice system see new trend in the Valley: Prioritizing mental health

WENATCHEE — Despite the effort to create a network of fairness and equity in the justice system for residents of the Wenatchee Valley, the factors that go into any number of misdeeds, from …
The hedgerow behind EZ’s currently conceals an area that is also under consideration by the city for a planned shared-use trail that would run along the back of the property.

City of Wenatchee addresses public concerns over possible impacts to EZ’s Burger Deluxe

WENATCHEE — EZ’s Burger Deluxe has been a community landmark of Wenatchee dining for more than 30 years, since owner Pete Ezetta purchased the old Flying J service station and turned the …

Blake Relief Day to provide legal support for drug conviction vacations

WENATCHEE — On July 18, people with Blake-related drug possession convictions in Washington state can seek financial and record-clearing assistance at the first-ever “Blake Drug …
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