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Eastmont District budget update sees staff cuts due to reduced enrollment

Many high school students have joined the Running Start program, which puts them in Wenatchee Valley College and out of Eastmont’s enrollment numbers.

EAST WENATCHEE — Interim Eastmont School District Superintendent Spencer Taylor is tasked with delivering difficult news to parents and the community. But a school district’s budget …

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Participants run along the Apple Capital Loop Trail during the Wenatchee Marathon.

Wenatchee Marathon returns on April 19

WENATCHEE – The Wenatchee Marathon, a Boston qualifier, will return to the valley on April 19. The annual event invites athletes of all levels to participate in its full marathon (26.2 …

The residence of the suspect is in the 10 block of Orondo Spur, adjacent to Martin Family Orchards.

Orondo man in custody after SWAT team responds to taser attacks, standoff

ORONDO — On Monday, March 24, Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call just before 3 p.m. for a disturbance on Orondo Spur off US97. Reports said that a man who was later …

The new-to-Stehekin Sheriff’s SUV sits in front of the North Cascades Lodge.

After more than twenty years, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has a cruiser in Stehekin

STEHEKIN — “You can’t get there by car.” That’s the answer you’ll get if you ask anyone who’s ever been there how to get to Stehekin, the tiny community at …

Local author Teri Fink wins multiple literary awards

WENATCHEE — Local author Teri Fink, who has spent most of her life in Wenatchee, has received several prestigious literary honors for her novels, including the Legacy Fiction Award from the …

Rep. Brian Burnett, Sen. Keith Goehner, and Rep. Mike Steele represent the 12th District.

District 12 Legislators address budget, education, and housing concerns in virtual town hall

OLYMPIA – State District 12 Legislators Senator Keith Goehner, Representative Mike Steele, and Representative Brian Burnett addressed key challenges facing Washington state in a virtual …

Veterans Larry Shannon, Mike Worden, and Paul Gray stand behind retired U.S. Air Force Major Fred Shannon.

Upper Valley Quilts of Valor presents first quilt to U.S. Air Force Major Fred Shannon

LEAVENWORTH – The recently formed Upper Valley Quilts of Valor chapter awarded its first quilt to retired U.S. Air Force Major Fred Shannon at the Chumstick Grange Hall on March 19. The …

Rockfall debris blocks a section of Icicle Road #7600 near Leavenworth during wintry conditions on December 8, 2014. Boulders and rocks litter the roadway as emergency vehicles respond to the hazard. The upcoming repair project, scheduled to begin April 7, will address chronic rockfall issues and road damage along this steep mountain corridor.

Travel delays coming to Icicle Road in April due to repair project

LEAVENWORTH — Travelers planning to visit the Icicle River corridor recreation area near Leavenworth should prepare for significant travel delays beginning next month due to a major road repair …

In addition to receiving a poster from CHS, Rieke will have her name placed on the record board in the athletic center.

Cascade High School Freshman beats record for most 3-point shots in one season

LEAVENWORTH – Cascade High School Freshman Lola Rieke has set a new CHS record for the most 3-point shots in one season. Rieke’s 56 3-point shots surpasses the 1996 record of 49 held …

The bike swap will take place in the back parking lot of Eastside Cycleworks, accessible through the store’s front entrance.

Second annual bike swap to return at Eastside Cycleworks

LEAVENWORTH – The second annual bikeswap hosted by Eastside Cycleworks will return on March 29, offering new and experienced cyclists an opportunity to get a deal on a used bike. …

The Leavenworth Alphorns perform at the Front Street Gazebo.

Leavenworth Alphorn recognized as most outstanding Alphorn Association in North America

LEAVENWORTH – The Leavenworth Alphorn Association was named Alphorn Association of the Year by the Alphorn Association of North America (AANA). The association earned recognition for its …

The familiar entrance gate to Ohme Gardens is open, but only to the cleanup crew until the park opens April 15.

GoFundMe effort seeks to restore Ohme Gardens after windstorm

WENATCHEE — The Friends of Ohme Gardens, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization created to help maintain Wenatchee’s beautiful Ohme Gardens, has reached out to the community for help after the …

The ramp to the Clark Pipeline Bridge at the south end of the Loop Trail as it exists today.

As Loop Trail is upgraded, Clark Pipeline Bridge to close for 17 months for construction

WENATCHEE — The Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail is getting an upgrade. As it currently stands, the Clark Pipeline Bridge is an essential portion of the Loop Trail and serves to connect East …

Leading the Wayne Kelly Memorial St. Patty’s Top Dog Parade was Pat Kelly (on the left) holding the banner for the parade which honors his father, Wayne Kelly. He was joined by many in the wearing of the plaid and kilts.

Chelan goes green: Shamrock shuffle and top dog parade bring St. Patrick's spirit despite rainy start

CHELAN — Lake Chelan Valley residents braved cold and rainy conditions to participate in two St. Patrick's Day-themed events on Saturday, March 15, in downtown Chelan. The day began with …

“My Friend” by Paul Elkins is one of the bowls and platters in the online artist auction.

Upper Valley Empty Bowls to close 2025 season with auction and soup supper

LEAVENWORTH – Upper Valley Empty Bowls will have its annual soup supper on March 27, wrapping up another season of fundraising for Upper Valley MEND’s Community Cupboard. The annual …

Helion CEO and Founder David Kirtley speaks to a standing-room-only crowd about fusion power.

Helion opens dialogue with community on fusion power project

WENATCHEE – Approximately 350 people filled the Mission View Elementary gym to learn about the possible construction of the world’s first fusion power plant in Malaga during an …

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Rep. Newhouse absent from East Wenatchee event as staff holds mobile office hours

EAST WENATCHEE — There was no rally planned this time like last week in Yakima, nor was U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R, 4th District) invited to a town hall forum the way constituents in …

Port weighs redevelopment while citizens push for park expansion on vacant lot

MANSON – The future of a prime piece of property in Manson is undecided as the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority considers purchasing the vacant commercial lot next to Manson Bay …

Lake Chelan Health and Wellness Foundation scholarship applications due April 7

CHELAN — The Lake Chelan Health and Wellness Foundation has announced that applications for its 2025-26 college scholarships are now being accepted, with a submission deadline of Monday, April …

NCW Libraries, Write On The River launch 14th annual high school writers competition

WENATCHEE — NCW Libraries and Write On The River are now accepting submissions for their 14th annual High School Writers Competition, offering cash prizes for original fiction by students in …

Nighttime crack sealing scheduled for SR 28 in Quincy starting March 23

QUINCY — A Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crew will conduct crack sealing operations on a section of State Route 28 through Quincy beginning Sunday night, according …

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 …

Chelan-Douglas housing task force opens new grant application process March 31

WENATCHEE — The Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Task Force will begin accepting applications for its 2025-2027 grant cycle starting March 31. The task force, which serves Chelan and …

March 31 deadline approaching for studded tire removal in Washington

OLYMPIA – Spring is arriving in the Northwest, and with it comes Washington’s deadline to remove studded tires. Studded tires must be removed by the end of the day …

Three Rivers Hospital will conduct active shooter drills

BREWSTER – Three Rivers Hospital (TRH) will hold active shooter drills on Thursday, March 20, and has issued an advisory to community members. The following media alert was prepared by Jennifer …

Wenatchee holds its 44th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

WENATCHEE — At just half a block long, “The World’s Shortest Parade Route” is no blarney. The cobblestone section of Orondo Avenue in front of McGlinn’s Public House …

Chelan city council approves agriculture based short term rental code

CHELAN – A revised ordinance that will permit small-scale agriculturally based short term rentals within the Special Use District (SUD) won unanimous city council approval at its regular …

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Local features

The door to Wenatchee Valley Brewing is familiar to thirsty Loop Trail walkers who stop for a beer and stay for a game.

Wenatchee's trivia scene lights up the nightlife

WENATCHEE - Are you secretly a genius? In Wenatchee, there's a simple way to find out, almost any night of the week: A friendly game of trivia. In fact, many of the places you already go on both …

Owners Bri Davey and Hannah Dewey stand beside the boutique’s long tables, which are intended to create a gathering space for connection and creativity.

New home and garden boutique offers curated goods, workshops and design services

LEAVENWORTH – Alpenglö Living, a home and garden boutique that offers curated goods, workshops, and design services, opened its doors in downtown Leavenworth on Feb. 21. Alpenglö …

Owners Marco Scheuer and Vincent LaBelle were inspired by the social and relaxation aspects of soaking in a natural hot spring after a long day of adventuring with friends.

The Springs opens with cold plunge, hot pools, and sauna

LEAVENWORTH – The Springs, an outdoor hydrotherapy experience in Leavenworth, officially opened on Feb. 4. The Springs offers 90-minute sessions for guests to rotate through a cedar sauna, …

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Non-profit News

Wenatchee Valley Humane Society to host "Kittens on Tap" fundraiser to support newborn kitten initiative

CASHMERE — The Wenatchee Valley Humane Society will host a "Kittens on Tap" fundraiser on March 27 to support its Save a Tiny Life initiative, which provides care for orphaned, unweaned kittens …

Wine and history blend in new Wenatchee Valley Museum tour series

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center announced the launch of a new historic wine walk series that will combine local viticulture with the region's architectural …

Pybus Public Market to host 10th annual Nonprofit Day

WENATCHEE — Pybus Public Market will host its 10th Annual Nonprofit Day on Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bringing together approximately 50 nonprofit organizations from across the …

Teen poets gather for a group photo following the 2025 Cashmere Teen Poetry Slam at the Riverside Center. The event featured performances from students selected from 60 entries, with participants receiving guidance from a public speaking workshop prior to the competition.

Teen poets shine at annual Cashmere Poetry Slam

CASHMERE - The Scouts Fireplace Room at the Cashmere Riverside Center was filled to capacity Thursday evening as the community gathered for the 2025 Cashmere Teen Poetry Slam, an event that showcased …

Manson Community Library seeks board members as terms expire

MANSON — The Manson Community Library Board of Directors is seeking applicants for two open positions as current terms near expiration. The board, consisting of seven members, has two …

Lake Chelan Community Choir begins preparations for Good Friday service

CHELAN -- The Lake Chelan Community Choir has announced the commencement of rehearsals for its upcoming Good Friday service, with the first session scheduled for Sunday, March 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at …

Chelan Valley Hope has moved into its new building allowing the Lake Chelan Food Bank to take over the building the two nonprofits previously shared. Work continues to remodel the space to fit the needs of the food bank and its clients.

Chelan Valley Hope, Lake Chelan Food Bank near completion of expansion, remodel work

CHELAN – Chelan Valley Hope has moved into its new building, providing more office space and privacy for clients while allowing the Lake Chelan Food Bank to expand in their previous shared …

Washington State House honors Chelan High School volleyball for fifth consecutive championship

OLYMPIA - The Washington State House of Representatives formally recognized the Chelan High School Volleyball Team today with the passage of House Resolution No. 2025-4639, honoring the team's …

Wenatchee Wild captain Evan Friesen celebrates after scoring a goal Wednesday at the Kamloops Blazers. Friesen added two more Saturday in a 5-3 Western Hockey League loss at the Prince George Cougars.

Friesen Scores Twice Saturday as Wild Drop 5-3 Decision at Prince George

PRINCE GEORGE, British Columbia – When the Wenatchee Wild have needed big goals of late, they’ve been able to count on Evan Friesen to come through in the clutch. At …

The Waterville-Mansfield Lady Shockers finished fifth.

Brewster, Pateros, Waterville-Mansfield girls win state trophies

SPOKANE – The Brewster Lady Bears, Pateros Nannies, and Waterville-Mansfield Lady Shockers varsity girls’ basketball teams crowned their quests to the WIAA state tournament with trophies …

NCW Senior All-Star Game to showcase region's top basketball talent

CHELAN. — The annual North Central Washington Senior All-Star Basketball Game will take place Sunday, March 16, at Chelan High School, featuring top senior players from across District 5 in …

Cross-country skiers from Plain Valley Nordic Team compete at Junior Nationals

MIDWAY, Utah - The 2025 Cross Country Skiing Junior Nationals kicked off Monday at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, with athletes from across the country gathering for what organizers describe as …

Wenatchee Bighorns open training camp, announce public showcase event

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Bighorns basketball team announced the start of their 2025 training camp, with fifteen players currently participating and additional arrivals expected next week. The …

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 …

Public meeting set to discuss salmon and steelhead seasons in NCW

WENATCHEE – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will hold an in-person public meeting in Wenatchee on Tuesday, March 18 from 6-8 p.m. to discuss the upcoming salmon and …

Upper Columbia steelhead and coho season closed Jan. 20

PATEROS – The long-awaited fishing season for hatchery steelhead and coho salmon on the Upper Columbia River including the lower Methow River closed effective Jan. 20. The Washington Department …

Reward up to $20,000 offered for information on each of three WA wolf killings

Conservation advocates and a federal wildlife agency are offering $20,000 for information on each of three recent wolf poaching incidents in Washington. Since October, three gray wolves …

Cascadia Conservation District to host Conservation Fair at Pybus Market

WENATCHEE - The Cascadia Conservation District will hold its annual Conservation Fair on Tuesday, March 25, at Pybus Market in Wenatchee, offering a day of environmental education, family activities, …

Rotarians bake Valentine’s Day cookies for Mountain Meadows Senior Living residents.

Leavenworth Rotary to celebrate 50th anniversary during annual Rotaryfest fundraiser

LEAVENWORTH – This year, the Rotary Club of Leavenworth will be celebrating 50 years of service during its annual Rotaryfest. The Gold Rush-themed fundraiser will be held at the Leavenworth …

WVC to host event honoring Vietnam war veterans on 50th anniversary

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College will commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day with a special ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the war's end. The event is scheduled for …

Leavenworth Mountain Film Festival returns after four-year hiatus

LEAVENWORTH – After a four-year hiatus prompted by the pandemic, the Leavenworth Mountain Film Festival will return on March 22 at the Leavenworth Festhalle. The 8th annual film festival …

Leavenworth Women's Exchange to host Deputy Fire Chief at April luncheon

LEAVENWORTH - The Leavenworth Women's Exchange will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Wednesday, April 9, featuring Chelan County Fire District #3 Deputy Chief Mike Smith as the guest speaker. …

Early morning gunfire startles East Wenatchee residents

EAST WENATCHEE – Police were summoned to the 100 block of North Iowa Avenue early Monday morning after multiple reports were made about a “group of guys firing guns,” according to a …

Wenatchee resident Karen Dunning-Wells was one of the early arrivals in solidarity with the students who organized the event.

Wenatchee students protest healthcare policies at Memorial Park

WENATCHEE – Students from Wenatchee’s Pinnacles Prep gathered Friday in Memorial Park with attendees from around the valley for a protest regarding the state of American healthcare, which …

Wildfire defense grant stalled by funding freeze, timeline remains uncertain

CHELAN COUNTY – A $9.275 million grant intended to improve wildfire resilience throughout the upper valley is paused indefinitely, delaying key projects in one of the region's most vulnerable …

While South Lakeshore Road is closed, travelers must detour in SR 971 Navarre Coulee Road to the junction of US 97A.

Rockslide forces extended closure of South Lakeshore Road in Chelan

CHELAN - State Route 971/South Lakeshore Road remains closed indefinitely following a significant rockslide that occurred in early March, with officials warning that the closure could extend for …