NCW News - Ward Media

Wenatchee to mark Veterans Day with parade, ceremony and free barbecue

Wenatchee will host its 61st Veterans Day parade on Wednesday, Nov. 11 beginning at 10:45 a.m. along Chelan Avenue.

WENATCHEE – Wenatchee will mark Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, with a downtown parade, an 11 a.m. ceremony at Memorial Park and a free barbecue open to the public at Pybus Public Market.

Chelan County Sheriff’s deputies and a detective responded to a report from the Cashmere School District of a threat from a student, taking the student into custody on Nov. 4.

Cashmere student taken into custody after social media threat against other students

CASHMERE — A Cashmere student was taken into custody Nov. 4 after investigators determined the student had sent a social media message expressing a desire to harm other students, according to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.

Election 2026: Chelan County results at a glance

Chelan County voters weighed in on 17 races and measures Tuesday, from the 8th Congressional District to a $275 million Wenatchee school bond. Here's where each stood after Wednesday's count, according to unofficial results posted by Chelan County Elections at 4:37 p.m. Nov. 4. Turnout stood at 52.1%, with 28,748 ballots counted.

Packages of suspected cocaine seized during an Oct. 28 operation in Wenatchee are displayed alongside a Homeland Security Investigations emblem. Authorities reported seizing approximately six kilograms and arresting two men.

Two arrested, six kilograms of cocaine seized in Wenatchee operation

WENATCHEE — Two men suspected of transporting cocaine from the Seattle area to Wenatchee for sale were arrested Oct. 28 during a joint operation involving federal investigators, Chelan County …

Approximately two miles of new water main will be installed along West Malaga Road, from Wallace Road toward the Three Lakes Golf Course.

Port seeks bids for $4.6 million water-main project linking Malaga system

MALAGA — A planned water main along West Malaga Road would strengthen connections across the community’s water system, improve pressure management and provide capacity to replace an aging pipeline.

East Wenatchee’s Trades District, which is preparing to undergo a Phase II expansion, will be among the sites receiving a security camera system upgrade, along with Pangborn Memorial Airport and the cooling water facility in Malaga.

Port approves security-camera project at Pangborn, Trades District and Malaga

EAST WENATCHEE — Security cameras at Pangborn Memorial Airport, the Trades District and port facilities in Malaga will be upgraded under a $383,250 project approved Oct. 27 by Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority commissioners.

A new incentive program being instituted by the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority will offer one-time payments to employees who give adequate notice of retirement, so that filling positions for longtime employees is less arduous.

Retirement incentives aim to preserve expertise at airports and other facilities

WENATCHEE — Replacing an experienced airport employee can take months of recruitment, specialized training and supervised work. A new Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority policy aims to give the agency more time to prepare when those employees retire.

Cashmere Mill Business Park, the former home of the now-bankrupt Blue Spirits, is just one Port-owned location where vacancies will soon affect the CDRPA’s budget.

Port authorizes court action to regain Blue Spirits space as vacancies are prioritized

CASHMERE — The Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority has authorized court action to regain possession of space previously leased to Blue Spirits, saying delays in clearing the bankrupt company’s assets are preventing it from renting a building that could generate approximately $15,000 a month.

Residents can use an online tool to determine whether their own property is affected by new flood maps required by the federal government.

New flood maps could change risk designations for Chelan properties

CHELAN — Dozens of buildings in Chelan could see their flood-risk classifications change under preliminary federal maps that would replace boundaries established nearly 50 years ago, potentially affecting property owners' insurance requirements and future construction plans.

After a deeper inspection revealed less work would be required, the Chelan Library repair project is coming in much closer to budget, and could possibly be back open by spring.

Chelan library repairs move forward after $95,000 cost reduction

CHELAN — Repairs to the Chelan Public Library building are moving forward after exploratory construction work revealed that moisture damage could be addressed for nearly $95,000 less than originally proposed, bringing the project close to its $150,000 budget and raising hopes that library services could return to the building by spring.

Chelan City Administrator Laura McAloon, who also serves as the city’s airport manager, discusses the need for more communication with the Port at an Oct. 27 meeting.

Chelan airport growth plans prompt questions over city-port coordination

CHELAN — Plans to bring more business and potentially commercial air service to Lake Chelan Airport prompted a broader discussion Oct. 27 about how the city and Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority coordinate their work, with officials identifying different expectations over airport planning and development around it.

Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center certifies new mediator

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center has certified Theresa D-Litzenberger as a volunteer mediator following her completion of the organization's mediator certification …

Todd Broadman of the Small Business Administration appeared in Chelan on Oct. 27 to let the city know about disaster assistance available in the form of low-interest loans.

Disaster assistance remains available across North Central Washington

CHELAN — A business doesn't have to burn in a wildfire or flood during a storm to suffer the financial consequences of a disaster. For businesses across North Central Washington, lost customers, canceled visits and disrupted travel can be enough to create serious financial hardship, and federal assistance may be available even when no physical damage occurred.

Cashmere residents have opportunities to help shape the city’s future through decisions about growth, services and the features of their community they want to preserve.

Growth, services and local control: Why civic engagement matters in Cashmere

CASHMERE — What does it take to keep Cashmere the kind of place its residents want to call home?

Carol Marie Adamson, 100, of Leavenworth, holds her 3-month-old great-granddaughter and namesake, Carolynn Marie Adamson, during a family visit Friday, Oct. 23. The elder Adamson was born in Leavenworth in 1926 and now resides at Mountain Meadows Senior Living. Carolynn, born July 10, lives in Vancouver, Washington.

Leavenworth centenarian meets namesake great-granddaughter

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

Chelan High School seniors Kole Nelson, left, and Jayden Burdick were selected by audition to participate in the Western International Band Clinic in SeaTac. Both play trumpet.

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.

Fire District #3 appoints new fire chief

LEAVENWORTH — Chelan County Fire District #3 (CCFD #3) has announced Drew Bono as its new fire chief.

Chelan County passes preliminary 2027 budget

CHELAN COUNTY — The Board of County Commissioners passed a 2027 preliminary budget on Nov. 2, working with a gap of about $4.6 million between department requests and 2027 projected revenues.

$14 million Woodin Avenue Bridge conversion falls outside Chelan’s draft spending plan

CHELAN – A proposal to restore two-way traffic on the Woodin Avenue Bridge remains on Chelan’s transportation project list, but the estimated $14 million conversion is among seven projects left out of the city’s draft six-year street spending plan.

Port seeks state and federal funding for $20 million Trades District expansion

EAST WENATCHEE – The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority has $4 million in federal funding for the second phase of the Trades District and is looking to state and federal sources to help pay for the roughly $20 million expansion. The Port must spend the money already in hand by Nov. 30, 2028, CEO Jim Kuntz told commissioners at their Nov. 4 retreat.

Chelan targets spring 2027 for recycling center rebuild

CHELAN – Chelan plans to break ground on a replacement recycling center as early as weather allows in spring 2027, more than two years after a fire destroyed the city’s facility.

Lake Chelan Community Center nears completion of gym and performance space

CHELAN — A new parking lot is in place at the Lake Chelan Community Center, and work is nearing completion on a gymnasium and performing arts space that will give the center room for sports, live performances and larger community events.

Chelan proposes $100,000 to plan Don Morse Park improvements

CHELAN – When a piece of playground equipment breaks at Don Morse Park, Chelan parks crews sometimes have to remove it. Replacement parts are no longer available for some of the equipment, and some facilities at the waterfront park are inaccessible to people with disabilities.

Chelan’s proposed water meter upgrade could help residents avoid costly leaks

CHELAN – A water leak can run up a household’s bill long before anyone sees water coming out of the garage. Chelan is proposing a $750,000 meter upgrade that could help catch those leaks sooner by giving the city access to water use readings year-round.

Manson American Legion donates to six Chelan Valley organizations

MANSON — Manson American Legion Wilkinson-Beeman Post 108 contributed $4,000 to six organizations serving veterans, seniors and families throughout the Lake Chelan Valley in 2026, continuing its annual community giving program.

Burnett pulls ahead as late ballots tighten 12th District race

CHELAN COUNTY — Late-counted ballots have flipped the closest race on North Central Washington's ballot, the 12th Legislative District's Position 1 House seat, while challengers held their leads in four Chelan County races and the Wenatchee School District's $275 million high school bond remained short of the supermajority it needs.

891 calls to police and deputies across Chelan and Douglas counties, Oct. 30–Nov. 5

NCW – Police officers and sheriff's deputies in Chelan and Douglas counties handled 891 calls for service Oct. 30–Nov. 5, down 1% from the previous week, according to RiverCom 911 dispatch logs. Fire crews answered 61 fire, alarm, smoke and crash calls, and ambulance crews handled about 260 medical calls.

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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. …

Cascade senior, Chelan retailers, RiverCom 911 among NCW Tech Alliance Innovator Award winners

Numerica, SELCO Credit Unions announce plans to merge

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

Ferguson appoints Soo Ing-Moody to WVC board, trustees elect Tamra Jackson chair

WENATCHEE — Gov. Bob Ferguson has appointed Douglas County Economic Development Director Soo Ing-Moody to a five-year term on the Wenatchee Valley College Board of Trustees. The board also elected longtime trustee and Bridgeport High School Principal Tamra Jackson as chair, the college announced Nov. 4.

Shauna Field joins dispute resolution board as center expands to Okanogan County

WENATCHEE — Shauna Field has joined the board of directors of the Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center as it begins serving Okanogan County. Field previously spent 14 years on the board of the Dispute Resolution Center of Okanogan County and worked for 10 years as office manager for the county prosecutor’s office.

Ana Maria Spagna to explore story of Chinese miners on the Columbia at WVC

WENATCHEE — Author and Wenatchee Valley College English professor Ana Maria Spagna will share her research into a story about Chinese miners who may have been killed along the Columbia River in 1875 during a free public performance Thursday, Nov. 19.

Chelan PUD reviews customer feedback ahead of Nov. 16 vote on five-year rate plan

WENATCHEE — Chelan PUD customers raised concerns about the cost of living and asked about the impact of data centers on their bills and whether surplus hydropower revenue could be used to lower rates as commissioners prepare to vote Nov. 16 on a proposed five-year rate plan.

East Wenatchee to interview nine applicants, vote on two City Council seats Nov. 10

EAST WENATCHEE – The East Wenatchee City Council will interview all nine applicants for two vacant seats at a special meeting Nov. 10, Mayor Jerrilea Crawford said. The agenda calls for the council to nominate and vote on candidates for both seats that night.

East Wenatchee advances North Jackson Avenue annexation proposal

EAST WENATCHEE – The East Wenatchee City Council took an initial step Nov. 3 toward bringing three properties along North Jackson Avenue into the city, adding the East Wenatchee Seventh-Day Adventist Church property at 10th Street NE to the area proposed for annexation.

East Wenatchee remembers former Councilmember Shayne Magdoff for years of service

EAST WENATCHEE — Long before Shayne Magdoff had a seat on the East Wenatchee City Council, she was already coming to meetings every month. She turned up at ribbon cuttings, open houses and festivals after she and her husband, Paul, moved to East Wenatchee in 2015.

Pangborn weighs new entrance, automated payments in parking overhaul

EAST WENATCHEE – The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority is looking at overhauling parking at Pangborn Memorial Airport, with options that include a new entrance, automated payments and a place for drivers to wait for arriving passengers.

Port weighs using Pangborn tax increment funds for hangar, Trades District

EAST WENATCHEE – The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority is considering using tax increment revenue from the area around Pangborn Memorial Airport to help cover costs for the Airlift Northwest hangar and the first phase of the Trades District. Before making the first allocations, commissioners want to talk with Douglas County about road and utility improvements that could open nearby land to industrial development.