Friday, April 18, 2025
Top Stories

Navy Veteran Jim Taylor honored with Quilt of Valor

Jim Taylor received a Quilt of Valor during March 8 ceremony held at Lake Chelan Winery: Left to right are: Craig Pittson, Carole Hanson, Marie Cannon, Doug Marsh, Jim Taylor, Brian Strausbaugh and Robin Bloch.
MANSON - Jim Taylor, a United States Navy veteran and esteemed member of the Manson American Legion, Post 108, was recently honored with a Quilt of Valor during a ceremony held at the Lake Chelan …
Rep. Kim Schrier speaks animatedly at a healthcare discussion on Thursday with leaders from around the valley.

Schrier, Cantwell headline roundtable forum with healthcare leaders from across the region

EAST WENATCHEE — Congresswoman Kim Schrier of Washington’s 8th District, who is herself a pediatrician, convened a healthcare roundtable on Thursday with many of the CEOs, CFOs, doctors, …

Spring Writers Conference returns to Wenatchee Valley College

WENATCHEE — After a seven-year absence, the Write on the River Spring Writers Conference is set to return to Wenatchee Valley College on May 16-18. The event will feature workshops and …
Ramona Wilson

Lake Chelan Historical Society to host annual meeting featuring life stories of Chief Long Jim

CHELAN — The Lake Chelan Historical Society will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Chelan's Historic Ruby Theatre, featuring a presentation on Chief Long Jim by …

Chelan County Fair announces special vendor spots for local nonprofits

CASHMERE — The Chelan County Fair, held this year from September 4–7, has announced they will be offering vendor spaces for nonprofit charitable organizations at a drastically reduced …
More News
MANSON – At their March 25 meeting, the Manson School Board reopened the discussion on pursuing the Economy Efficiency Waiver (4-Day School Week) for the 2025-2026 academic year. Initially …
CHELAN - Families and visitors in the Chelan Valley will have plenty of ways to celebrate Easter Sunday with a variety of festive brunches and events planned for April 20.  From elegant …
CHELAN - Community members are invited to attend Good Friday services on the evening of Friday, April 18, as churches across the Lake Chelan Valley observe this important day of reflection in the …
Local Features
Edd and Sharon La Mar opened Lake Chelan Building and Supply in 1979 in Manson.

Lake Chelan Building Supply, where customers become friends

CHELAN - When it came time for Brett La Mar to hand over the reins to his family business, Lake Chelan Building and Supply, he wanted a buyer who would embody his parents’ motto – where …
Chelan Scout Master Mark Carroll and Eagle Scout Cameron Willoughby open and refold the first United States flag, featuring only 13 stars, at Willoughby’s Eagle Scout ceremony.

Manson teen soars to Eagle Scout rank

MANSON – Cameron Willoughby, a 2024 Manson High School grad, celebrated a major milestone in December when he was recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.  Earning the Eagle …
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.
State News

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 …

Washington affordable housing fund poised for another big infusion of cash

OLYMPIA - Over the next few weeks, lawmakers in Washington’s state House and Senate need to resolve significant differences on new taxes, education funding, furloughs for state employees and …

Search is on in Washington Legislature for new tax options

OLYMPIA - How much Washington should raise in new tax revenue and who will pay is something state lawmakers and Gov. Bob Ferguson will hash out in the final weeks of the legislative session. …

Washington House passes budget, clearing way for talks with Senate

 

Washington governor rejects use of wealth tax to balance budget

OLYMPIA - Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday put the kibosh on Democratic lawmakers’ plans to use billions of dollars from a proposed wealth tax to balance the state budget. Ferguson, …

Rep. Mike Steele praises $7.63 billion bipartisan capital budget as "Bright Spot" for Washington

OLYMPIA — Washington state lawmakers have released a $7.63 billion bipartisan capital budget proposal for 2025-27 that focuses on statewide infrastructure needs and community investments. …
Obituaries
Kathy Alice Kulstad, 72, of Chelan, Washington passed  on April 7, 2025. Precht Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family. 
Lynne Marie Godwin passed away peacefully with her husband and dear friends by her side, at home overlooking the beautiful Lake Chelan, WA, on Friday, April 4, 2025. She was 74. She was born in …
Albert L. Marcear Jr., 85, of Chelan, Washington, passed away on March 12, 2025. A Memorial Service is being planned and will be announced at later date.
Albert L. Marcear Jr, 85, of Chelan, Washington, passed away on March 12, 2025.
Marie Goulet, 64, of Chelan Washington passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.  Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee. 
Pamela J. Kipp, 77, formerly of Winthrop, Washington passed away in Chelan Washington on February 24, 2025.  Precht Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family.
Opinion
From the Publisher
Terry Ward
CEO & Publisher
Ward Media

Community Conversations: Building bridges through local dialogue

Our community newspaper serves as a vital gathering place for meaningful local dialogue. We believe that the strongest communities are built on understanding, shared experiences, and the collective …

Mountains of possibility, our shared tomorrow

In these early days of 2025, as winter settles across North Central Washington, I'm struck by an overwhelming sense of possibility. From the snow-dusted orchards of the Wenatchee Valley to the …

Serving as your legislator was my honor and privilege

The Washington State Legislature will begin its 105-day session on January 13th. Thanks to your support in the recent election, I’m now in the process of transitioning to the County Courthouse …
Features
An artist's rendering shows the plans for the new Hub Center which will be housed in the old Chelan Hospital building.

Former Chelan hospital to transform into 'Hub Center' with offices, coworking space

CHELAN – The former hospital building in Chelan is being repurposed into a mixed-use business building called the Hub Center. Managed by Coldwell Banker Cascade, the property will provide …

Hot Tubs Liquidators expands to Wenatchee

WENATCHEE—Hot Tubs Liquidators, a local Chelan business, continues to prove itself as one of the most affordable spa businesses in the region. Owners John and Carol Aldrich look forward to the …
Sports

Lake Chelan Ladies Golf Club opens 2025 season despite chilly conditions

CHELAN - The 2025 golf season has officially begun at Lake Chelan Golf Course, with the Lake Chelan Ladies Golf Club commencing play despite lingering cool temperatures.. Opening Day took place …

Wenatchee AppleSox 2025 single game tickets now on sale

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 …

Wenatchee Wild announce pro signing of alumnus Harrison Scott

DALLAS, Texas – The Wenatchee Wild, a member of the Western Hockey League (WHL),  announced that Wenatchee alumnus Harrison Scott  has signed a one-year entry-level contract with the …
Web Extra content

How bird flu differs from seasonal flu − an infectious disease researcher explains

There is currently no bird flu vaccine for people.

Avian influenza infections in the US have been rising over the past year, but there’s no evidence so far that people can infect each other with this strain of the virus.

How do hurricanes affect baby names?

Spokeo compared data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Social Security Administration to see how storm names impact baby names.

A Springtime Twist on Classic Chicken Soup

(Family Features) This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup calls to mind those classic brothy soups from when you were a kid but with a flavorful spring twist. Serve with fresh cucumber sandwiches for a veggie-forward meal.