Tuesday, October 15, 2024
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Documentary release honors Vietnam War hero, veterans' stories

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.
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 …
Linda Ingraham, President of Cashmere American Legion Auxiliary #64, stands with essay contest winners Elias Fuller, Noemi Rivera, and Gloria Smith (from left to right) at the awards presentation. The students' essays on
Cashmere students advance in American Legion Auxiliary essay contest
CASHMERE—Four students from Cashmere Schools have been recognized for their participation in the American Legion Auxiliary's annual Americanism Essay Contest, which addressed the theme of …
A safety pad will be installed around the new playground equipment.
Berryman Park renovation nears completion in Bridgeport
BRIDGEPORT—Berryman Park is sporting a new look as the final pieces of its facelift fall into place this month. The Quad City Herald spoke with Public Works Superintendent Stuart Dezellem last …
Sunset Marina on Lake Chelan, where researchers are studying the growth of periphyton along the shoreline. Dr. Nate Hough-Snee will discuss findings on this algae at an upcoming
Lake Chelan Research Institute to present findings on shoreline algae growth
CHELAN - The Lake Chelan Research Institute will present new findings on periphyton growth along Lake Chelan's shoreline on October 24 at the Ruby Theatre in Chelan. Dr. Nate Hough-Snee, a …
Top finishers in the Lake Chelan Men's Golf Association 2024 President's Cup Tournament pose on the course. From left: Mike Talley (5th/6th place), Jim Wisdom (4th), Bob Tomsett (2nd), John Hancock (champion), and Club President Bob Navin (5th/6th place). Not pictured: Cliff House (3rd place).
Lake Chelan Men's Golf Association crowns 2024 President's Cup Champion
CHELAN — The Lake Chelan Men's Golf Association has concluded its annual President's Cup Match Play Tournament for 2024, with John Hancock named as champion. The tournament, which ran from …
The house in its early years. The scanned photograph has been flipped to accurately reflect the position of the house.
Preserving History: 110-year-old home returns to market after restoration
PLAIN – A 110-year-old home built by the oldest living pioneer family in Plain is refurbished and back on the market.  The home is the second of three homes built by William Wesley …
A concrete channel routes Swamp Creek water behind a warehouse.
Brewster swings for the fences with $20 million EPA grant application
BREWSTER –It’s a long shot with a short application window, but the City of Brewster is applying to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in pursuit of a $20 million grant to fund …
The Lonesome Town Painters, set to perform in Cashmere on October 26, pose with their instruments. From left: Patrick Bartel (mandolin), Jeremy Freeman (banjo), Angelo Eidse (bass), and Fred Beach (guitar). The Vancouver-based bluegrass band will bring their traditional sound to the Cashmere Community Church as part of the Cashmere Community Concerts series.
Bluegrass band The Lonesome Town Painters to perform in Cashmere
CASHMERE -- Cashmere Community Concerts will host The Lonesome Town Painters, a bluegrass band from Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday, October 26 at 7:00 pm. The event will take place at …
Local artist Lupillo Beltran's work combines bold graphic elements with cultural symbolism, as seen in this striking black and white portrait surrounded by swirling patterns and a vibrant orange accent. Beltran will explore the use of symbols in art during his upcoming presentations at NCW Libraries.
NCW Libraries to host artist Lupillo Beltran for symbolic art presentations
WENATCHEE - NCW Libraries will host local artist Lupillo Beltran at three locations in October and November, exploring how humans utilize symbols to communicate and share stories and traditions. …
District 12 candidates left to right: Rep. Keith Goehner, Heather Koellen, Rep. Mike Stelle, and Daniel Scott. Brian Burnett attended via Zoom.
Legislative candidates weigh in on STEM education at Wenatchee forum
WENATCHEE – Legislative candidates from Districts 7, 12, and 13 shared their thoughts on the future of STEM education and career-connected learning for youth through a forum on Oct. 7.  …
Construction of the seventy-foot cross near the summit of Tumwater Mountain, which was halted due to Chelan County permitting issues, may resume next spring.
Construction of ‘Upper Valley Cross’ likely to resume next spring
LEAVENWORTH – The construction, and subsequent evening illumination, of the steel, seventy-foot self-designated ‘Upper Valley Cross’ (UVC) is expected to be completed next spring. …
Bridgeport Public Library, set to undergo interior redesign, invites community input at an upcoming town hall on October 23. The branch is part of NCW Libraries' multi-year
Bridgeport Library invites public to shape future design
BRIDGEPORT — The Bridgeport Public Library will host a community engagement event as part of a larger initiative to reimagine library spaces across North Central Washington. The October 23 …
Mediation skills training available in Wenatchee Valley this fall
WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center (WVDRC) announced its upcoming mediation training courses, scheduled for November 2024 and March 2025. The courses will train new mediators …
Other News
WENATCHEE — Ward Media will release a special section titled "Women in Business," featuring female business leaders and women-powered teams across the region. The section will appear in the …
LEAVENWORTH —The Leavenworth Library will host an art exhibition featuring works by local artist Cynthia Neely in its Fireside Room from October 15 through November 22. Neely, a Leavenworth …
CHELAN - Lake Chelan School District celebrated its Chelan High School Homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 11, drawing crowds of residents and students to the town's streets. Superintendent Brad …
CHELAN — The annual Manger Mall program, which provides holiday gifts to children in need within the Chelan and Manson school districts, will open registration in mid-October. The …
CHELAN – The future directions – literally - of the Woodin Avenue Bridge was the main topic of a public hearing over amendments to the city’s six-year State Transportation …
WENATCHEE — A panel discussion on recycling and composting practices in Chelan and Douglas Counties will take place on October 29. The event, scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pybus …
LEAVENWORTH—The Leavenworth City Council passed a resolution to oppose Initiative 2117 (I-2117), which would repeal the Climate Change Act, during its Oct. 8 meeting. The council chose not to …
MOSES LAKE - The Columbia Basin Development League (CBDL) will host its Conference and 60th Annual Meeting on October 29 at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake. The Washington State Potato …
Local features
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 …
Rusty and Amanda Gibbs, owners of Gibbs Graphics, celebrate 20 years of shaping Leavenworth's iconic signs and murals. The couple started the business after moving back to Rusty's hometown of Leavenworth and have since become integral to the town's Bavarian aesthetic.

The signmakers that shape Bavarian Leavenworth: Gibbs Graphics celebrates 20 years

LEAVENWORTH – Gibbs Graphics, the creative force behind Leavenworth’s iconic signs and murals, celebrated 20 years of business on Oct. 3. Over the last two decades, the business has …
Buckshot Honey owner and chef, Dave Storm, prepares some of his signature Cascadian Barbecue.

Buckshot Honey brings local barbecue back to Cashmere

CASHMERE– With dreams of cooking local meat for small-town customers, professionally trained chef Dave Storm looks forward to bringing his iconic Cascadian Barbecue techniques to Cashmere as he …
Non-profit News

Okanogan Valley Soroptimists offer $1,500 education grant for women

OKANOGAN VALLEY - Soroptimist International of Okanogan Valley has announced the opening of applications for its Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women program. The initiative …

Haunted Museum returns to Wenatchee Valley for ‘Ringmaster’s Revenge’

WENATCHEE—The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center has announced the return of its annual "Haunted Museum" event for October. This year's theme, "Ringmaster's Revenge," will feature a …

Ice Age Floods Institute to explore unlikely catalyst for Oregon rush

WENATCHEE—The Wenatchee Valley Erratics Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute has announced its upcoming meeting. The meeting will explore an intriguing intersection of 19th-century history …

PVNT launches annual Ski-a-Thon to fund youth ski education in Upper Valley

PLAIN — The Plain Valley Nordic Team (PVNT) has launched its annual SKIER run PVNT Ski-a-Thon, a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting youth ski education programs in the upper valley …
Manson Grange Youth Fairs member Denali Lewman won several ribbons for her still life entries and for showing her Lavender Orpington chicken at the Chelan County Fair.

Manson Grange Youth Fairs Program celebrates fair success

MANSON – The Manson Grange Youth Fairs program had a successful showing at the Chelan County Fair, with 27 students participating. This was the group's second year of going to the fair. …
Sports
Wenatchee Wild Senior Sales and Operations Coordinator David Rayfield poses on the balcony at Town Toyota Center ahead of his annual Military Appreciation Campout in 2023. The Wild announced Wednesday that Rayfield’s campout will return on Monday, October 21. Rayfield will camp on the balcony at Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee until he has sold 1,000 tickets to the team’s Military Appreciation game on November 9.

Wenatchee Wild announce return of fifth annual Military Appreciation Campout

WENATCHEE – The return of a Wenatchee Wild tradition on the ice also means the return of a Wenatchee Wild tradition in the front office, as the team gets ready for its annual Military …
Riley Emmerson

Wenatchee Wild prospects to compete in annual WHL Cup

RED DEER, Alberta – The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), are excited to announce that two of the club’s prospects and one of its Canadian provincial …

A Day of Personal Bests for Kodiak XC Team at Nike-Sponsored Race

MARYSVILLE – The Cascade High School cross-country team joined ninety-seven other teams from across the Pacific Northwest at Cedarcrest Golf Course in Marysville last Saturday evening, October …

Kodiaks secure third straight win

TONASKET - The Cascade High School varsity football team is on a winning streak. After a disappointing season opener following a winless 2023-24 season, the Kodiaks turned the ship around and have …

Wild close weekend with 2-1 overtime loss to Kamloops Sunday

WENATCHEE – Going into Sunday’s Western Hockey League contest at Town Toyota Center, the Wenatchee Wild had closed both weekends of competition so far with a win to carry them …

Wild Stumble: Wenatchee shut out by visiting Royals

WENATCHEE — Spencer Michnik made 22 saves for a shutout as the Victoria Royals defeated the Wenatchee Wild 3-0 in Western Hockey League action Saturday night at Town Toyota Center. Logan …
Outdoors

Section of Upper Columbia River to open for hatchery steelhead and coho

BREWSTER - A section of the Upper Columbia River will open for hatchery steelhead and coho salmon fishing on October 16. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced that …

Washington State to close 14 motorized Sno-Parks for 2024-25 season

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program will temporarily close fourteen motorized Sno-parks for the 2024-25 winter season. This decision is due to a roughly 25 percent …

Upper Columbia Region receives $5.07 million in salmon recovery grants

WENATCHEE — The Upper Columbia region has been awarded $5,071,069 in state grants for salmon recovery projects, as part of a $50.3 million funding initiative approved by the Salmon Recovery …

Hunters face fines for illegal game meat imports

OLYMPIA — As hunting seasons commence across the U.S. and Canada, Washington state officials are reminding hunters of strict regulations concerning the importation of game meat to prevent the …
Obituaries
Irmgard “Irma” Eckel, beloved mother and Oma, was born in Ulm, Germany on Feb. 26, 1928 and passed away peacefully on Sept. 28, 2024 in Leavenworth, WA at the age of 96. Irma was the only …
On October 7, loving husband and father Wes Morris passed away at the age of 77. Wes Morris was born in South Dakota to George and Irene Morris. They quickly made their way to Washington, where …
Join us to honor and celebrate the life of Ronald A. Hill Sr. Date: Monday, October 14, 2024 Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m Location: Kristall's Restaurant, Leavenworth, WA Light refreshments will be …
Joel Davis, 51, a former resident of the Chelan Valley, passed away peacefully after a struggle with cancer on September 21, 2024. He was surrounded by his family. Joel was born in Sheridan, …
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, for Jaymes Richerson of Manson and Pateros, WA. It will be held at the Pateros Memorial Park from 1-5 pm.
Roberta Oliver, 89, of Brewster, Washington passed away on September 8, 2024. Barnes Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family.

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.
    • Shrub-Steppe Poetry Reading

      The Visit Wenatchee Visitor’s Center and Tasting Room will host the Shrub Steppe Poetry group on Thursday, August 15, from 5 to 6 p.m. …

    • Lila Forde live

      Lila Forde, a standout finalist from season twenty-four of NBC's The Voice, will perform live at the Old Barn Drinkery in Wenatchee on Saturday, …

    • Percy Jackson's Birthday Party

      The Wenatchee Library will host Percy Jackson's Birthday Party on Sunday, August 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Robert W. Woods Reading Room. …

    • Family movie afternoon

      The Wenatchee Library will host a Family Movie Afternoon on Wednesday, August 21, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Sagebrush Meeting Room. …

    • NCW Writer's Group

      The Wenatchee Library will host the NCW Writer's Group on Wednesday, August 21, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Balsamroot Meeting Room. …

Election 2024
OLYMPIA — The Office of the Secretary of State has certified the results of the August 6 Primary and ordered a mandatory statewide manual recount for the Commissioner of Public Lands …
WENATCHEE — The Chelan County Auditor's Office is seeking citizens to serve on committees responsible for writing statements in favor of or against ballot measures for the upcoming November …
CHELAN – State Senator Brad Hawkins has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the primary race for Chelan County Commissioner District 3, securing a commanding lead that positions him strongly …
CHELAN – Incumbent Mike Steele continues to show a commanding lead in the primary race for the State Representative seat representing Washington's 12th District. As of the August 9 count, …
CHELAN COUNTY – A proposition that supports the Howard Hopkins Memorial Pool maintained over 70 percent approval in the Aug. 9 election update. Upper Valley Parks and Recreation Service …
WENATCHEE– As Washington State primary elections continue well underway, results for Wenatchee Valley Fire Department’s (WVFD) fire benefit charge appear overwhelmingly positive in both …
Education
LEAVENWORTH – Cascade High School student Caroline Menna was named a 2025 National Merit Scholar semifinalist, representing North Central Washington as the only semifinalist in the region. …
CHELAN - A smaller-than-expected enrollment decline for the 2024-2025 school year has been reported, according to LCSD Superintendent Brad Wilson. The district’s September full-time equivalent …
WENATCHEE — Organizers are seeking exhibitors for the upcoming 2024 College & Career Expos and Computer Science & Tech Fair events across North Central Washington. Businesses, …
CHELAN – The Lake Chelan School District is one of 13 rural school districts in Washington to receive funding through the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) to enhance college and …
PESHASTIN – Cascade School District’s youngest and newest students entered the halls of Peshastin-Dryden Elementary to start their first day of Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and …
Opinion
Across North Central Washington, nonprofits are the threads that bind our communities together, weaving a fabric of support, compassion, and progress. From food banks that nourish the hungry to …
In our hyperconnected world of constant notifications, streaming media, and 280-character hot takes, a vital human skill is quietly slipping away: the art of listening. True listening – …
Compassion. It's a word we hear often, but when was the last time you truly felt it? Not just a fleeting moment of sympathy, but a profound understanding of another's pain that moved you to action. …
Today, as we observe Labor Day, we pause to reflect on the state of work in America and the evolving relationship between employers and employees. This holiday, born from the labor movement of the …
Imagine a world where every conversation is an echo chamber, where differing opinions are met with hostility, and where the fear of the unfamiliar drives every decision. Now open your eyes – …
The Biden administration recently announced that Intel will receive $8.5 billion in funding to ramp up U.S. manufacturing of semiconductors. These investments will help rebuild a previously declining …
Around the region

Wenatchee man sentenced to 32 years to life in prison for rape

WENATCHEE – A Wenatchee man, found guilty of raping a young woman while she was incapacitated, has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison. On Oct. 3, Chelan County Superior Court …
The Bridgeport Class of 1974 gathers at Lone Point Cellars.

Bridgeport Class of 1974 opens 50-year time capsule

BRIDGEPORT—Half a hundred years ago, in 1974, President Richard Nixon resigned over the Watergate scandal. The average price of a gallon of gas was 42 cents, a dozen eggs 45 cents, and the …
Chelan Valley Hope representatives accept the Non-Profit of the Year award at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce's annual awards dinner on Sept. 27. The organization was recognized for its community support and advocacy efforts.

Lake Chelan Chamber honors top businesses at annual awards dinner

CHELAN — The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce honored local businesses and organizations at its annual awards dinner on September 27. The event, held at the Cider Press in Manson, brought …

Lake Chelan Health to transition to hospitalist model

CHELAN – Lake Chelan Health Hospital recently announced the decision to contract with Rural Physicians Group (RPG) to provide hospitalists for inpatient care. Under this new model, an RPG …

Leavenworth City Councilmember Rhona Baron resigns

LEAVENWORTH – Leavenworth City Council is seeking applicants to fill a position left vacant following the resignation of Councilmember #4 Rhona Baron, announced on Oct. 4. In her letter of …

Douglas County Commissioners to hold budget work sessions

EAST WENATCHEE—According to the board's official agenda, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a series of budget work sessions for October 7 and 8. The sessions will …

Budget workshop, employee recognition on Chelan County Commission docket

CHELAN COUNTY -- Chelan County Commissioners will meet on October 7 and 8 to address county business, including employee recognition, budget discussions, and potential policy changes. The …

Plug-In NCW’s EV Line Up champions electric vehicle adoption in North Central Washington

WENATCHEE – On October 2, Plug-In North Central Washington (Plug-In NCW) hosted its second annual 'EV Line Up' at Rocky Reach Dam Park, as part of National Drive Electric Week, which ran from …

Cascadia Conservation District to hold board meeting on Oct. 18

WENATCHEE - The Cascadia Conservation District will hold its Regular Board meeting on Friday, October 18, at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format, offering both in-person and …
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