Friday, March 21, 2025
Top Stories

Family connection highlights Washington's Senate page program

Liam Hill, 15, sits at his grandfather's desk in the Washington State Senate chamber during his week as a Senate page. Hill, a Cashmere High School freshman, is pictured with his grandfather, Sen. Keith Goehner (R-12th District), who sponsored him for the legislative page program. This marks Hill's second experience in the program after serving as a House page in 2024. Senate pages participate in daily floor sessions, transport documents, and learn about the legislative process through a specialized page school program.
OLYMPIA — Liam Hill, a 15-year-old freshman at Cashmere High School, recently completed a week-long assignment as a page for the Washington State Senate, serving during the eighth week of the …

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 …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
Sports
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 …
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 …

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 – Good things usually come in threes, but the Wenatchee Wild are trusting that a better fate is on the horizon than the one that found them Friday at Town Toyota Center. For …
Outdoors
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 …
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 …
Obituaries
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 …
Gerald Homer Doyle, a longtime Cashmere orchardist, passed away peacefully at Confluence Health Hospital on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Born on November 2, 1937 in Wenatchee, he was raised in Cashmere …
Donna Joyce Tarver passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of Tuesday, May 28th. Donna grew up in the Cashmere Valley where her parents Howard and Dora (Dode) Balsdon owned and operated an …
Dwight Goehner was born to Walter and Alvina Goehner in May of 1957. He joined his sister Naomi and brother Keith in a loving Christian home, surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, most of …
Brian Lee Avery, 55, of Cashmere, passed away on April 7, 2024 surrounded by angels and loved ones that left before him, in the loving care of Mount Baker View AFH in Everett. From Brian, …
Education

Washington state launches Universal Online High School and Beyond Plan platform

OLYMPIA — The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has announced the statewide transition to a universal online High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) platform, a move aimed at …
Cashmere FFA members display the Horticulture Valentine’s floral arrangements they created in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Cashmere FFA celebrates National FFA week, prepares for spring

CASHMERE – Cashmere FFA is gearing up for a packed spring season filled with leadership and skill competitions, hands-on agricultural projects, and its highly anticipated spring plant sale. …

Cashmere student earns spot on University of Nebraska-Lincoln Deans' list

LINCOLN, Neb. - University of Nebraska-Lincoln officials announced that Kimmy Dodson of Cashmere has earned placement on the Deans' List for the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year. …

Cashmere High School set to perform uplifting musical: The Little Mermaid

CASHMERE- Cashmere High School is preparing to perform Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the end of the month. Since the casting in November of 2024, the CHS and Cashmere Middle …
State News

$100M plan for police hiring gets greenlight from Washington House

OLYMPIA - Democrats in the Washington state House on Tuesday approved a revamped plan to provide $100 million in grants to local police departments to hire more officers.  The vote on House …

Rep. Burnett's search and rescue funding measure heads to Senate

OLYMPIA — The Washington state House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that would provide financial assistance to local law enforcement aviation support units. House Bill …

Rent increase cap approved by Washington House

OLYMPIA - A bill to cap yearly rent increases cleared the Washington state House on Monday following a spirited debate on whether such limits will bring greater security for tenants or higher prices …

Unemployment insurance for immigrants falls short in Washington Legislature

OLYMPIA - As an agricultural worker in Wapato, Washington, Sandra D. works with her husband to support her three children.  Like many immigrants, Sandra came to the United States looking …

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
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 …
CASHMERE - Mayor Jim Fletcher informed the Cashmere City Council on March 10 that Fire District 6 will hold a levy to address budget shortfalls, warning that emergency medical services outside city …
OLYMPIA — A new interactive online tool is helping partners and organizations across Washington state plan for additional electric vehicle chargers, making it easier to expand charging access …
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 …
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Web Extra content
A brief history of the s'more, America’s favorite campfire snack
Every summer, millions of marshmallows will be toasted over fires across America. Many will be used as an ingredient in the quintessential summer snack: the s’more. Eating gooey marshmallows …
Summer Camps Guide: Helping Parents Choose the Right Fit for Their Child
Summer Camps Guide: Helping Parents Choose the Right Fit for Their Child
Spring break often reminds families of the approach of summer and the need to find the best summer camp experiences for their children. Whether a child is entering kindergarten or transitioning ...
Thrilling Spring Adventures in Myrtle Beach
(BPT) - Looking for the perfect spring getaway? Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is one of America's most beloved family beach destinations, delivering a perfect mix of adventure, entertainment and …
From catfishing to catphishing: The evolution of a romance scam
Spokeo explains how catfishing + phishing leads to catphishing, which happens when the grift goes from messing with your heart to messing with your identity, and maybe even your bank account.
Healthy Foods, Redefined – The Power of Salmon
(BPT) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently updated the nutrition requirements on the claim of using the word "healthy" on food packaging. This updated definition helps consumers cut …