Thursday, October 1, 2026
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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.
A crew chips slash left behind from hazard tree mitigation near First Creek Sept. 15.
Evacuations decrease as crews shift from suppression to recovery on Little Giant, Sisi Fires
LEAVENWORTH — More and more crews are transitioning from active suppression to recovery and repair on the Little Giant and Sisi Fires as the end of September nears. The Sisi Fire, near …
This year’s Royal Lady of the Autumn Leaves Jenny Evans waves at the crowd.
Autumn Leaf Festival rings in the fall season
LEAVENWORTH — Sunny skies and fall colors set the scene for the annual Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival in downtown Leavenworth Sept. 25-27. Dating back to 1964, the Autumn Leaf Festival …
Cashmere FFA members Callen Pipkin, Amelia Flick and Kolton Weeks show their market steers during the Chelan County Fair. Weeks exhibited the grand champion steer, while Flick earned grand champion honors in beef showmanship.
Cashmere FFA students earn top honors at Fair
CASHMERE — Cashmere FFA students earned several top awards during this year's fair, including grand champion honors in the steer competition and beef showmanship. A total of 59 Cashmere FFA …
Chelan Middle School staff gather around the school’s 2024-25 Washington State Recognized School banner Sept. 25.
Chelan Middle School celebrates state award for closing gaps, academic growth
CHELAN — Chelan Middle School students and staff gathered in the gym Friday, September 25, to celebrate a state award recognizing the school’s progress in closing achievement gaps and helping …
An East Wenatchee Police Department Ford F-150 Lightning. The department added two electric pickups to its fleet.
East Wenatchee police add electric pickups, with Blazer EV on the way
EAST WENATCHEE — Two electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickups have joined the East Wenatchee Police Department’s fleet, and a Chevrolet Blazer EV is on the way, the department announced on Sept. 25. …
1,002 calls to police and deputies across Chelan and Douglas counties, Sept. 18–24
NCW – Police officers and sheriff's deputies in Chelan and Douglas counties handled 1,002 calls for service Sept. 18–24, up 21% from the previous week, according to RiverCom 911 dispatch logs. …
Kenworth electric heavy-duty trucks are among those available for the Washington Zero-Emission Program. (Photo by Aspen Ford/Washington State Standard)
Uptake slow for mid-size electric truck vouchers in WA’s new incentive program
A line of work trucks sat running in the parking lot of Kent’s Pacific Raceways Monday, but there was hardly any engine noise and no diesel exhaust.  The vehicles, ranging from forklifts …
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces his authorization to link Washington state in its carbon market during Climate Week in New York City on Sept. 23, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Department of Ecology)
Washington nears final step in joining California-Quebec carbon market
Taking the stage at Climate Week in New York City Wednesday morning, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his authorization to move forward with linking Washington into its carbon market that’s …
An election worker in Thurston County processes ballots on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Tumwater, Washington. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
WA voters of color more likely to have ballots challenged, per report
OLYMPIA – Younger voters and voters of color in Washington state see their ballots challenged for signature issues more often than their older and white counterparts. That’s according to an …
The name of Pangborn and Herndon’s plane, “Miss Veedol,” was taken from the motor oil they used in its maintenance. A giant can of it is still on display at the general aviation terminal at Pangborn Memorial Airport.
‘Forgotten Flight’ Pangborn film gets $50,000 boost from Port
WENATCHEE — A film about the Wenatchee Valley’s place in aviation history now has the financial backing of the agency that operates the airport bearing Clyde Pangborn’s name. The Chelan …
Josh Thaut, owner of Norwood Wine Bar and chair of the Wenatchee Downtown Association, is taking on a new role as executive director of the Wenatchee Valley Chamber.
Josh Thaut to lead Wenatchee Valley Chamber
WENATCHEE — In April of this year, the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce named Norwood Wine Bar its 2025 Business of the Year. Now Norwood owner Josh Thaut has been chosen to lead the Chamber …
Before the Port of Chelan can expand or renovate much of the Cashmere Mill District Business Park, site maintenance, including restoration of Brender Creek, must take place.
Port approves Brender Creek restoration at Cashmere Mill District
CASHMERE — The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority has approved an agreement to remove invasive grass from Brender Creek and restore vegetation along its banks at the Cashmere Mill District. …
City Administrator Laura McAloon, who also serves as the Lake Chelan Airport Manager, told City Council on Sept. 22 about a plan to partially fence the runway.
Chelan plans airport fencing after runway near-misses
CHELAN — Animals entering the Lake Chelan Airport runway have forced pilots to abort takeoffs and prompted the city to add partial fencing to its airport capital improvement plan. The Chelan …
A concept rendering of the Plaza that would be included in the “Gateway” design for Phase II of the Trades District.
Trades District Phase II designs take shape, with $20 million still to find
EAST WENATCHEE — Two months after port commissioners spent a meeting defining what the Trades District has become, architects returned Tuesday with three ways to build what comes next and a roughly …
Stops along Link Transit’s Route 21 drop visitors, students, and employees off in strategic locations across Chelan and Manson.
Link Transit looks to extend weekend service to Chelan
CHELAN — Link Transit hopes to run its Wenatchee-to-Manson buses later on Saturdays and Sundays next summer and is considering a separate local route as Chelan grows, CEO Don Billen told the Chelan …
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 …
Our Valley, Our Future’s survey results are in, and Wenatchee residents have an even brighter vision of the future than some of their valley counterparts in other cities.
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.
The Wenatchee Valley, the heart of North Central Washington, recorded its highest tourism year on record in 2025, according to Visit Wenatchee.
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.
The south end of the Loop Trail, which was scheduled to reopen in November, has suffered minor setbacks and will be delayed until next fall.
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.
The city is preparing to replace the Millerdale Avenue bridge over the Wenatchee irrigation canal, with construction expected to begin before mid-November.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
High school seniors and other students planning college or job training can now apply for financial aid for the 2027-28 school year.

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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 …

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Sports
Zach Benson sets up in front of the net during a Wenatchee Wild preseason game Sept. 9, 2023, in Wenatchee. Benson, now with the Buffalo Sabres, is one of 11 players with ties to the Wild on NHL opening-night rosters. (File photo)

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 …

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Outdoors

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. …

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Obituaries
Howard Harlan Honeysett, born August 9, 1947, was adopted at birth by Louise and George Honeysett in Leavenworth Washington, along with his sister Patricia. He passed away at his home August 21, 2026 …
In Loving Memory of John Boswell Heaven got a little rowdier and a lot more country when John walked through the gates on July 25th, 2026. John was born on June 25th, 1956 in Everett, …
Roy McCulley – 1931 – 2026. It’s been said that few people die at 100 years old or more. Roy almost made it, passing at 95. Born in the family home of Fred and Fern McCulley, in Okanogan, …
Patricia Munk Patricia "Pat" (Davis) Munk passed away Aug. 11, 2026, in Lebanon. She was born in 1941 in California. She graduated from Napa High School and San Francisco State College. She was …
Verneta Marie Carstens
Verneta Marie Carstens passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, at 84 years old. She was born on September 14, 1941, to Vernon and Eleanor Harris. She was raised in Chelan and graduated from Chelan …
Paul Volkmann
It’s with incredibly heavy hearts that we share the unexpected loss of Paul Volkmann (age 79) who passed on July 19, 2026, in Chelan, WA. He’s preceded in death by his parents (Jack and Elaine), …

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State News
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson hopes the state’s space entrepreneurs can pilot their industry to infinity and beyond. To that end, Ferguson signed an executive order Monday night launching the …
Washington state Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove waves to the crowd during inauguration ceremonies at the Washington state Capitol, in Olympia, on Jan. 15, 2025. (Photo by Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)
Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove is dialing back his goal to protect 77,000 acres of older state forests from timber harvest even as he asks lawmakers to give him more tools to do …
The Washington state Capitol on Jan. 12, 2026. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)
The latest forecast of state tax collections released Friday did nothing to brighten Washington’s budget outlook. But it does predict the state’s new income tax will gross hundreds of …
The Washington Federation of State Employees largest unit of government workers approved a new two-year contract containing no general pay increase for thousands of workers. In late August, union members across the state, including about 100 in Olympia, held a midday informational picket to spotlight their demand for higher wages. (Photo by Aspen Ford/Washington State Standard)
In a closely watched decision, Washington’s largest union of state government workers has ratified a new two-year contract that provides no pay raises but avoids takeaways on health care and other …
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)
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 …
A ballot dropbox in Olympia on March 12, 2024. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Stadard)
Washington voters on Tuesday will start to winnow the competition in hundreds of local, state and federal races in this busy election cycle. All 98 seats in the state House and 24 in the Senate …

More state news

Education
Wenatchee School District, whose office is seen here behind Orchard Middle School, reported families are choosing WSD in growing numbers due to innovative programs.
WENATCHEE — Wenatchee School District enrolled 193 more full-time equivalent students than it budgeted for the 2026-27 school year, though enrollment remains 51 FTE below last year’s level, the …
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee School District will hold a Special Education Para Educator Hiring Fair from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30 as it seeks to fill immediate openings. The hiring fair will be held …
Backpacks full, ready to carry the M.O.R.E. (Motivated, Open-Minded, Respectful, and Engaged) mindset into the first day, students begin arriving at the shared campus of Chelan Middle and High School.
CHELAN — For Chelan freshmen, the first day of high school came with at least one final instruction before walking through the doors on the morning of September 1: Kiss your mom goodbye. A …
Friends travel toward their first day at Morgen Owings Elementary in a group, with Principal Erin Morin waiting to greet them by name, and even to tell one she’d dropped her lunch on the sidewalk.
CHELAN — Backpacks, hugs and a little first-day uncertainty returned to the sidewalks outside Morgen Owings Elementary School Tuesday morning as students arrived for the beginning of the 2026-27 …
The LCSD office is located at 309 E. Johnson Avenue in Chelan, just north of Morgen Owings Elementary.
CHELAN — Students across the Lake Chelan School District will head back to classrooms Sept. 1, opening a new school year with district officials emphasizing learning, student growth and safety as …

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Opinion
Before voters commit $48 million for hospital construction in Hospital District #1, they deserve solid county-wide information to confirm how best to meet the medical needs of the residents of …
John Traugott, executive director of the Washington Workforce Association
Executive order 26-03 was the right call. Building a verification hub that will help 400,000 more Washingtonians keep their Apple Health coverage, and standing up a committee to track the impacts of H.R. 1 is the leadership our state needs right now.
Terry Ward, Publisher
Labor Day has passed, school buses are back on the roads and another North Central Washington summer is beginning to give way to fall. But this year, it doesn't feel quite as simple as turning …
Terry Ward, Publisher
One of the responsibilities of publishing a newspaper is understanding that not everyone will agree with everything in it. That has always been true. Readers will disagree with news …
Terry Ward, Publisher
We spend an extraordinary amount of time talking about elections that happen thousands of miles away. Presidential campaigns dominate television, social media and conversations for months, …
Terry Ward, Publisher
Grace is one of those qualities that rarely makes headlines. It doesn't generate clicks. It doesn't trend on social media. It doesn't win many arguments. Yet it may be one of the most …

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

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Around the region
Nathan Cacka, 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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