NCW News - Ward Media

Wenatchee to study connections across Chelan Avenue and Mission Street

SR 285, which runs the length of Wenatchee, is split into northbound and southbound one-ways between Spokane Street and Miller/N. Wenatchee Avenue.

WENATCHEE — The city plans to study how its downtown highway couplet — the pairing of Chelan Avenue for southbound traffic and Mission Street for northbound traffic — affects connections between residential neighborhoods and downtown, with residents, businesses and transportation interests helping identify potential improvements.

Dante Jester, a Wenatchee Valley College alum who grew up in Orondo, manages the Climate Resilience Program at Gonzaga University's Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment. Jester speaks Oct. 14 at WVC.

Orondo native to speak at WVC on surviving heat and wildfire smoke

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College alum Dante Jester will give a free public lecture Wednesday, Oct. 14, on how communities can prepare for extreme heat and wildfire smoke.

Tom Martin, a member of the Wenatchee Valley College facilities team for more than 20 years, will perform at a free retirement celebration Oct. 9 that also kicks off the college's new Coffeehouse series.

WVC launches Coffeehouse series with retirement concert by longtime groundskeeper Tom Martin

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College will mark longtime facilities worker Tom Martin's retirement with a free night of music Friday, Oct. 9, that also serves as the first event in a new Coffeehouse performance series.

Jennifer Faulconer, a CPA and wealth advisor with Cordell, Neher & Company, becomes a member of the Wenatchee accounting firm Oct. 1.

Two CPAs become members of Wenatchee's Cordell, Neher & Company

WENATCHEE — Jennifer Faulconer and Nathan Cacka, both certified public accountants who joined Cordell, Neher & Company in 2013, become members of the Wenatchee accounting and financial advisory firm Oct. 1, while longtime member Timothy Dilley steps into an advisory role.

The public comment period during a council meeting on Sept. 28 brought resident Matt Tait into the room via Zoom, and he asked the City to address drainage around his property.

Rank Road runoff complaint brings resident, officials into drainage debate

CASHMERE — A resident’s complaint about stormwater crossing Rank Road prompted a pointed discussion at the Sept. 28 Cashmere City Council meeting, with city officials defending previous drainage work while acknowledging the problem remains unresolved.

Cashmere City Clerk Elizabeth Martinez presented city council on Sept. 28 with its options regarding an impending increase in prosecution costs at Chelan County.

Cashmere joins other small cities in planning response to prosecution cost increase

CASHMERE — Cashmere is coordinating with three other small cities on a response to proposed increases in Chelan County prosecution charges, seeking alternatives to a rate that could nearly triple its annual bill.

A budget workshop set after the November 3 election, will reflect whether or not voters approve Prop 1, which would give the city room to breathe after public safety cost increases.

Cashmere schedules budget talks after election to account for Prop 1 outcome

CASHMERE — Cashmere will hold a budget workshop after the Nov. 3 election so council members can weigh spending decisions with a clearer picture of whether voters have approved Proposition 1.

Former Douglas County Prosecutor Gordon Edgar, who has been serving as a District Court judge, will return to the role following the departure of Sean Lewis on Sept. 30.

Former Douglas County prosecutor Edgar appointed to fill vacancy

WATERVILLE — Former Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney Walter Gordon Edgar will return to the office Oct. 1 following his appointment by the county Board of Commissioners.

An attendee reads the program at the 2025 North Central Washington Cybersecurity Summit + Tech Trailblazers. This year's free summit is Oct. 7 at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake.

Cybersecurity summit set for Oct. 7 in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Cybersecurity experts with backgrounds at Microsoft, Starbucks, Oracle, the U.S. Air Force and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will speak Oct. 7 at a free cybersecurity summit at …

Rocky, the Discovery Center's mascot, is surrounded by children. Rocky will be at Kids Day at the Chelan PUD Service Center in Wenatchee from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 7.

Chelan PUD opens Service Center for free Public Power Week activities Oct. 5-9

WENATCHEE — Chelan PUD will hold free activities, treats and giveaways from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each weekday Oct. 5-9 at its Service Center, 203 Olds Station Road in Wenatchee, as part of Public Power Week.

Cashmere residents Delia Cooper, left, and Diana Turner approached the city council with a request on Sept. 28: Make Cottage Avenue safe for trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

Cottage Ave residents ask Cashmere to make Halloween safer for trick-or-treaters

CASHMERE — For Diana Turner, Halloween on Cottage Avenue is one of the joys of living there. She and Delia Cooper came to the Cashmere City Council on Sept. 28 with a request: Find a way to keep the celebration fun while making the street safer for children.

Chelan Mayor Erin McCardle described the reactions as “incredibly excited” when the city presented its “blank slate” study proposal to the Community Economic Revitalization Board.

Chelan wins $75,000 grant to plan economy beyond tourism

CHELAN — Chelan has received a $75,000 state grant to study how the Lake Chelan area could develop an economic engine that relies less on a stream of tourism that can not only vary in length, but sometimes be subject to smoke conditions.

McKinstry project manager Ira Nolander described a proposed audit for a replacement of the municipal golf course’s irrigation system during a city council meeting Sept. 22.

Chelan explores water, power savings to help replace golf course irrigation

CHELAN — The city is exploring whether lower water and electricity costs could help pay to replace the aging irrigation system at Lake Chelan Golf Course.

A Nov. 19, 1986, Wenatchee World clipping reports the founding of the Greater Wenatchee Community Foundation, now the Community Foundation of North Central Washington. The foundation is marking its 40th anniversary this year with archival photos, clippings and community stories.

Community Foundation of NCW marks 40 years with $170,000 gift match

WENATCHEE — The Community Foundation of North Central Washington will match donations dollar for dollar through June 2027, up to nearly $170,000, as part of a yearlong celebration of its 40th anniversary.

Icicle Creek will open to coho salmon retention on Sept. 30.

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.

Damaged structures in the aftermath of the Spokane fires that began on Aug. 1. Some officials and consumer advocates fear the wildfire could lead to property insurance rate hikes and policy cancellations. (Photo courtesy of Spokane Valley Fire Department)

WA wildfire home damage totals at least $188M, Ferguson says

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday asked President Donald Trump for tens of millions of dollars in federal aid to help communities recover from devastating wildfires this summer. Across the …

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.

1,043 calls to police and deputies across Chelan and Douglas counties, Sept. 25–Oct. 1

NCW – Police officers and sheriff's deputies in Chelan and Douglas counties handled 1,043 calls for service Sept. 25–Oct. 1, up 4% from the previous week, according to RiverCom 911 dispatch logs. Fire crews answered 59 fire, alarm, smoke and crash calls, and ambulance crews handled about 314 medical calls.

Leavenworth Sausage Garten recognized for vegan sausage

LEAVENWORTH — The Leavenworth Sausage Garten has been recognized by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for having one of the best vegan sausages in the country. PETA named …

Wenatchee residents more optimistic amid regional growth, affordability concerns

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee respondents were more optimistic about the region’s future and less inclined to consider relocating than participants across the broader region, Our Valley Our Future Executive Director Rachel Evey told the City Council Sept. 24.

Wenatchee Valley tourism hits $441 million as year-round visits grow

WENATCHEE — Tourism generated an estimated $441 million in economic impact across Wenatchee and East Wenatchee in 2025, with record hotel demand reflecting a mix of visitors arriving for outdoor recreation, conventions, business, sports and cultural attractions.

Loop Trail reopening delayed as south-end bridge project stretches into fall 2027

WENATCHEE — The Apple Capital Loop Trail’s south-end connection will not reopen in November as previously targeted, and completion of the broader bike and pedestrian bridge project is now expected in fall 2027, city officials told the Wenatchee City Council Sept. 24.

Millerdale bridge replacement gets $2 million contract, with detour ahead

WENATCHEE — Replacement of the Millerdale Avenue bridge over the irrigation canal is expected to begin before mid-November, bringing a lengthy detour for nearby residents as crews remove the existing bridge and build its replacement.

Lake Chelan Dragon on the ballot as state student mock election opens

OLYMPIA — Washington's youngest voters can weigh in on whether the Lake Chelan Dragon or Sasquatch should be the state cryptid as the 2026 Student Mock Election opens to K-12 classrooms.

SBA opens East Wenatchee center to help Chelan Hills Fire survivors apply for loans

EAST WENATCHEE — Residents, businesses and nonprofits hurt by the Chelan Hills Fire can now get in-person help applying for federal disaster loans at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in East Wenatchee.

Washington students can now apply for 2027-28 college financial aid

High school seniors and other students planning college or job training can now apply for financial aid for the 2027-28 school year.

Chelan County to test vote-counting system Oct. 15

WENATCHEE — Chelan County elections staff and the Washington Secretary of State's Office will test the county's vote-counting system at 10 a.m. Oct. 15, ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

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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

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 …

Seven Acres Foundation Board President Brooke Isaak will serve as the Interim Executive Director at the LCCC as they search for a new leader to fill the role.

Lake Chelan Community Center begins search for new executive director

CHELAN — The Seven Acres Foundation has announced a leadership transition at the Lake Chelan Community Center following the resignation of Executive Director Maribel Cruz, who has led the …

Serve Wenatchee opens registration for back-to-school clothing event

WENATCHEE — Families who need help purchasing back-to-school clothing for their children can now register for Serve Wenatchee's annual Clothes for the Classroom event, scheduled for Aug. 8 at …

Joshua Willey joins Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center board

WENATCHEE — Joshua Willey has joined the board of directors for the Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center, bringing experience in regional planning and a lifelong connection to the Wenatchee …

Eleven players with Wenatchee Wild ties open NHL season on league rosters

WENATCHEE — Eleven hockey players with ties to the Wenatchee Wild are on National Hockey League opening-night rosters this season, including three who played for the club during its junior A era from 2008 to 2023, the team said.

Brewster edges Cascade 3-2 in varsity soccer

BREWSTER — Brewster edged Cascade 3-2 in a varsity soccer match Tuesday, Sept. 22, while the Cascade junior varsity team earned a 2-0 win in a shortened match. Cascade took an early 1-0 …

Thunderbirds edge Wild 1-0 in overtime in season opener

WENATCHEE — Luke Puchner scored 3:59 into overtime Saturday to lift the Seattle Thunderbirds to a 1-0 victory over the Wenatchee Wild in the Western Hockey League season opener at Town Toyota …

Members of the 2026 Golf Binge gather at Circling Raven Golf Club. Pictured from left are Darrell “Doc” Richards, Matt Froman, Doug Grout, Brian Dougan, Bob Matson, Gil McKinnie, Ellis Nierenberg and Don Valentini.

Golf Binge members compete during annual trip to Idaho

MOSCOW, Idaho — Eight members of the Golf Binge traveled to Idaho during the first week of September for the group's 2026 event, playing five courses and competing in a series of individual and …

Wild rally past Tri-City 5-2 in preseason finale

KENNEWICK — The Wenatchee Wild scored five consecutive goals to rally from an early two-goal deficit and defeat the Tri-City Americans 5-2 on Sunday afternoon at Toyota Center in the preseason …

Lakeside Surf in Chelan hosts the Continental Surf Cup over Labor Day weekend. Team USA earned its first team victory in the international river surfing competition. (Photo by Craig McMillen)

Team USA wins first Continental Surf Cup title in Chelan

CHELAN — Team USA captured its first Continental Surf Cup title, defeating three-time defending champion Team Europe 27.75-23.25 during the two-day standing wave surfing competition at Lakeside …

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 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. …

WDFW seeking applicants for Wolf Advisory Group

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking applicants to fill four vacant positions on its Wolf Advisory Group (WAG), which advises the department’s director on …

Road closures planned as Leavenworth Marathon returns Oct. 3

LEAVENWORTH — Motorists traveling through Leavenworth should expect slowdowns, closures and heavier-than-usual foot traffic due to the Leavenworth Marathon Oct. 3.

This is only a drill: Emergency crews to converge on Pangborn Oct. 1

EAST WENATCHEE — An increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel at Pangborn Memorial Airport all day on Oct. 1 will be part of a planned regional training exercise, the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority announced.

Cashmere to enforce scooter, e-bike rules as council raises safety concerns

CASHMERE — Cashmere will begin enforcing existing rules governing scooters, electric bicycles and motorized mini bikes while developing additional regulations as needed, following renewed safety concerns at the Sept. 28 City Council meeting.

Washington minimum wage to rise to $17.73 an hour Jan. 1

Washington's minimum wage will go up 60 cents to $17.73 an hour on Jan. 1, the state Department of Labor & Industries announced Sept. 30.

Pinnacles Prep opens 2027-28 applications with cider-pressing party Oct. 16

WENATCHEE — Pinnacles Prep, a tuition-free public charter school in South Wenatchee, will open applications for the 2027-28 school year with an apple cider-pressing party Oct. 16.

Link Transit riders can win prizes for skipping solo car trips in October

WENATCHEE — Link Transit is joining Switch Your Trips WA, a statewide challenge that asks people to replace driving alone with walking, biking, carpooling or riding the bus during October.

Leavenworth adjusts recycling center hours, yard waste pickup this fall

LEAVENWORTH — Schedule changes for recycling and yard waste in Leavenworth are coming this fall. At the Leavenworth Recycling Center, winter hours will go into effect Oct. 3. It will be …

Chelan extends union contract with 3.5% raise, new health plan and standby rule

CHELAN — Chelan city employees covered by a union contract will receive a 3.5% wage increase next year and a new health insurance option under a one-year agreement approved by the City Council on Sept. 22.

Manson Bay Park's marina closes November through January while crews replace the breakwater that protects the marina and shoreline from waves.

Park upgrades bring temporary closures to Chelan, Manson this fall

CHELAN — Visitors to three Lake Chelan-area parks will run into temporary closures this fall and winter as crews make improvements at Riverwalk Park, Manson Bay Park and Old Mill Park, Chelan PUD announced Sept. 28.