Monday, May 12, 2025
Top Stories

Olalla Canyon blooms draw crowds — and concerns — in Cashmere

People from all over the state grab their hiking boots, sunglasses and water bottles for this 4-mile in and out hike.
CASHMERE — It’s easy to see why Olalla Canyon is one of the most popular areas to hike for Central Washington locals: The lupine and balsamroot blooms have become synonymous with the …

Cashmere Auxiliary to distribute Memorial Poppies May 16 in honor of veterans

CASHMERE — Volunteers from the Cashmere American Legion Auxiliary will distribute red handcrafted poppies in the community on Friday, May 16, as part of a nationwide effort to honor U.S. …
Grocery Rescue volunteer Ted Alway picks up donated food to bring back to the Community Cupboard.

Hunger in the Valley: As community needs rise, food pantries face challenges

CHELAN COUNTY – As North Central Washington food banks experience record demand, they are simultaneously facing unprecedented challenges in meeting community needs, such as higher food costs …
Local Features

Family's 9-Foot goose nests in Leavenworth

Greg Harris, an engineer, usually spends hours each year planning the structure of the family’s annual snow creature.
LEAVENWORTH – A nine-foot tall goose made of snow has temporarily made its home in Leavenworth for as long as weather permits. The impressive snow creature sits off of Suncrest Drive, and …
The Cashmere event space Brick and Rafters is now offering coworking space during the work week. The space features tables for working, a comfortable living room space and a kitchenette.

Brick and Rafters brings coworking option to Cashmere

CASHMERE – Brick and Rafters, an event space owned by Lisa and Tom Kriskovic, has expanded to offer coworking space for local residents during the week. Venue manager Leisa Osburn said the …
The documentary “Uncle Vic” was a family project with everyone contributing to the film in some way. From left to right in the behind the scenes family photo are Dan Pappas, Jess Pierson Pappas, Allison Int-Hout, Seth Pierson, Vic Underwood, Diane Underwood, Traci Pierson, and Steve Pierson.

Documentary release honors Vietnam War hero, veterans' stories

WENATCHEE – Siblings Seth Pierson and Jess Pierson Pappas, along with Jess’s husband Dan Pappas, set out to document the life of their Great Uncle Vic, a decorated Green Beret and Vietnam …
The entrance of the newly opened Dryden Roadhouse on Main Street in Dryden. The restaurant, owned by Terri Morris and John Bryant, is housed in a historic 1928 building that once served as the beloved Duffy’s Tavern.

Historic building reopens as Dryden Roadhouse

DRYDEN – The Dryden Roadhouse, located in Duffy’s former space, opened its doors to the public on Oct. 4.  Owned and operated by Terri Morris and John Bryant, the restaurant and …
Chelan County Sheriff's Report

Chelan County Sheriff's Report

This report is compiled from records provided by the Chelan County Sheriff's Office and RiverCom. The publisher cannot certify the complete accuracy of the information provided.
Other News
LEAVENWORTH — A Spokane man was arrested Thursday after allegedly attempting to pull over a vehicle using a car outfitted with red and blue lights, according to the Washington State Patrol. …
LEAVENWORTH – The Leavenworth International Alphorn Festival and workshop will invite musicians, music lovers, and curious visitors to immerse themselves in the timeless traditions of the …
OLYMPIA — With warmer and drier weather expected across Washington this summer, state officials are warning residents to prepare for an increased risk of wildfires. In 2024, the State Fire …
OLYMPIA - Hoteliers, restaurateurs and grocers are asking Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson to veto part of a tax bill that they say will drive up food costs for them and their customers. Excising …
WENATCHEE — The Cascadia Conservation District will hold its next regular board meeting on Friday, May 16, at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be conducted both in person and remotely via call-in or …
Sports
EAST WENATCHEE — Central Cascade Youth Football and Cheer (CCYFC) will host a Town Hall Meeting on May 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Eastmont Junior High auditorium. The event is open to parents, …
CASHMERE - In a gray day for tennis on April 7, the Bulldogs showed no mercy against the visiting archrivals Cascade Kodiaks from Leavenworth. The girls won their matches 5-0. Both the boys’ …

CASHMERE - Cashmere hosted their longtime archrivals, now a non-conference foe, in a cloudy, drizzly afternoon of tennis on April 7. The Bulldogs proved to be rather unwelcoming hosts, beating the …
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox announced Tuesday that single game tickets for their 2025 season are now available for purchase . The team, entering its 25th anniversary season, is …
Outdoors
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 …
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 …
Obituaries
Kevin M Austin formerly of Cashmere Wa was killed in a traffic accident on March 9 2025 in Winnamucca NV.
Our Mom, Claudia Jane Hohmann, was an amazing Mom, Gma, GeeGee, Wife, Sister, and Friend, touching the lives of many. She was born on May 22nd, 1939 in Kirkland, WA where she lived with her parents, …
Lyle (Les) O. Kile, 97, of Wenatchee, Washington, Passed Away Peacefully It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lyle (Les) O. Kile , a beloved husband, father, grandfather …
Julie Castro Reyes was born November 25, 1950 to Jose Pablo Reyes and Librada Castro Reyes. She was raised in Talofofo, Guam with her 9 brothers and 3 sisters. Until her family moved to Peshastin, …
Marjorie Lorraine Byrd Farrens 99, a longtime resident of Cashmere, WA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Feb 15, 2025. She was born to Lester & Ivie Byrd on Sept. 25, 1925 in Oroville, …
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nina Fay Franck, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, on August 3, 2024. Wrapped in her loving grandchildren’s …
Education
The Eastmont Drama Club performs the hit musical “Big Fish.”

Spotlight on student talent as Apple Awards return to Numerica PAC

WENATCHEE — It’s Apple Awards time again, when we celebrate high school theater, both plays and musicals, and give the equivalent of Tony awards to actresses, actors and crew. What used …

Cashmere students recognized on WVC Winter 2025 Dean’s List

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College has announced its Winter 2025 Dean’s List, honoring students who earned a 3.5 grade point average or higher while completing at least 12 college-level …

Cashmere students named to WVC Winter 2025 President’s List

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College has announced its Winter 2025 President’s List, recognizing students who achieved a 4.0 grade point average while completing at least 12 college-level …

Cashmere FFA to host annual plant sale

CASHMERE - The Cashmere High School FFA chapter announced its annual plant sale will return with both online and in-person shopping options this spring. The online portion of the sale will begin …
State News

Why police accountability efforts failed again in the Washington Legislature

OLYMPIA - For a second year in a row, Washington police accountability advocates have seen their priorities fall flat in Olympia. They entered this year’s session wanting to grant the …

Five tax bills lawmakers passed to underpin Washington’s next state budget

OLYMPIA - A small pile of significant tax bills is getting delivered to Gov. Bob Ferguson.   Collectively, they form the financial linchpin to the state’s next budget and would …

Washington Legislature approves requirement for clergy to report child abuse

OLYMPIA - Washington is poised to require clergy members to report child abuse or neglect, even when it is disclosed in confession. Nearly two-thirds of state House members approved a Senate …

House committee unanimously endorses Goehner's water-sewer district bill

OLYMPIA — A House committee has unanimously endorsed legislation sponsored by Sen. Keith Goehner (R-Dryden) that aims to streamline the process for water-sewer districts to sell surplus …

Get your event in the spotlight with Ward Media!

If you have an exciting event to share, email Reporter Quinn Propst at quinn@ward.media. We’ll showcase the five most captivating events of the week, giving your event the recognition it deserves. Even if your event isn’t among the top five, it will still be added to our events calendar and featured online. Don’t miss this chance to make your event shine!

Here is this week's list of 5 Things to do this Week.
    • NCW Bridal Premiere 2025

      The 2025 NCW Bridal Premiere will be at the Toyota Town Center on Saturday, February 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “NCW Bridal …

    • Valentine Pet Portraits

      Fire House Pet Shop in Wenatchee will host Valentine Pet Portraits on Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2-4 p.m. …

    • Galentine's Charm Party

      Brassbound Collective in Cashmere will host a Galentine's Charm Party on Sunday, February 9, from 3-6 p.m. “Bring your friends and …

    • Wine and Chocolate Pairing

      Visit Wenatchee Visitor's Center and Tasting Room will host a Wine and Chocolate Pairing on Thursday, February 13, from 5-7 p.m. …

    • Empty Bowls Festival Glazing Days

      Help feed the hungry, strengthen community, and celebrate the arts through the Upper Valley Empty Bowls Festival, which begins on Friday, …

More News
WENATCHEE – Since 1985, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust has been working to preserve the region’s natural areas – securing clean air and water, supporting wildlife, and ensuring the …
CASHMERE — Amanda Goodmanson has big ideas, and they start in the Mission District of Cashmere. Right under the sign announcing what part of town you’re in, at 207 Mission Avenue, is the …
CHELAN COUNTY – In a trend that mirrors statewide statistics, North Central Washington food banks are experiencing historically high numbers as residents struggle to make ends meet. According …
OLYMPIA — As celebrations for Cinco de Mayo approach, state officials are warning drivers to prioritize safety on the roads. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Washington Traffic Safety …
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Tick bites are on the rise. Here's how to protect yourself.
Northwell Health partnered with Stacker to examine the reasons behind rising rates of tick bites and the expanding regions where they are reported.
Many Americans Want to Keep Their Natural Teeth—But Aren’t Taking the Right Steps
(BPT) - Americans overwhelmingly want to keep their natural teeth for their lifetime. But a new survey from the American Association of Endodontists reveals a disconnect between that goal and the …