Thursday, October 8, 2026
Top Stories

Chelan PUD opens Service Center for free Public Power Week activities Oct. 5-9

Rocky, the Discovery Center's mascot, is surrounded by children. Rocky will be at Kids Day at the Chelan PUD Service Center in Wenatchee from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 7.
WENATCHEE — Chelan PUD will hold free activities, treats and giveaways from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each weekday Oct. 5-9 at its Service Center, 203 Olds Station Road in Wenatchee, as part of Public Power Week.

Ferguson seeks $13.2 million in additional federal aid for wildfire recovery

OLYMPIA — Gov. Bob Ferguson has requested up to $13.2 million in additional federal disaster assistance to repair public infrastructure damaged by wildfires that swept through Central and Eastern …
Morgen Owings Elementary students carry books during author Ben Clanton’s Oct. 2 visit. Local donations and school Book Fair funds helped purchase books for students.

Community effort brings author Ben Clanton and his books to Morgen Owings

CHELAN — Every student in kindergarten through fifth grade at Morgen Owings Elementary received a book by author Ben Clanton as part of an Oct. 2 visit made possible by local donors, businesses and parents.

Man arrested after reported firearm assault and pursuit in Manson

MANSON — A man was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault after another man reported that someone pointed a firearm at him and followed him in a vehicle as he drove away Oct. 4.

Chelan PUD approves $1.35 million annual county payment amid strained relations

WENATCHEE — Chelan County PUD commissioners approved an agreement Oct. 5 that will pay Chelan County at least $1.35 million annually beginning in 2027, despite objections that the arrangement shifts county expenses onto the utility and strains relations between the agencies.
More News
CHELAN COUNTY —As firefighting crews perform repair work on the nearly-contained Little Giant Fire, Chelan County Emergency Management is warning residents to be aware of post-fire dangers. As …
Van Keough-Michaels is balancing academics and life in Hawaii while pursuing a degree in physical therapy at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Adults looking to improve strength, balance and fitness can participate in S.A.I.L. classes offered at the Chelan Senior Center.
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

Judge permanently blocks WA sheriff standards law

OLYMPIA – A judge on Friday threw out tough new job standards for county sheriffs approved by Washington lawmakers this year that critics argued would force some out of office.

As immigrant Medicaid cuts take effect, some in WA can keep their coverage

OLYMPIA – Roughly 10,000 immigrants in Washington are losing their Medicaid health coverage due to federal cuts Republicans in Congress approved last year.

WA wildfire home damage totals at least $188M, Ferguson says

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 …

It’s primary election day in WA. Here’s what you need to know

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 …

Ferguson proposes statewide school cellphone ban

SEATTLE — Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Tuesday that he will seek a statewide ban on student cellphone use during school hours in Washington public K-12 schools. The proposed “Away for the …

DOJ moves to vacate Jan. 6 conviction for Proud Boys leader from WA

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to erase the conviction of a prominent leader of the Proud Boys from Washington state for his actions during the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol. …

Work underway to create new WA housing agency

OLYMPIA – Washington boasts 221 housing-related programs across 30 state agencies.  But despite all of these initiatives, Lt. Gov. Denny Heck thinks the state is still going in the wrong …
Obituaries
Genevieve Elaine Smith, age 87, passed away on August 30, 2026, wrapped in the loving arms of her namesake granddaughter, Genevieve Stephens. This Amazing Woman is now in the arms of Jesus, her …
Kathryn Ann Wiley, age 73, died Monday, September 21, 2026 at Mountainview Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born September 9, 1953 to Virgil Rudolph Hanford and Ellen Louise Southwick Hanford. …
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, …
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 …
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), …
Teresa Marchand Hoback September 18, 1949 – July 4, 2026 Teresa Marchand Hoback, a woman whose life was defined by love, generosity, and service to others, passed away peacefully, surrounded …
Opinion
From the Publisher
Terry Ward, Publisher

The value of doing something badly

There was a time when most of us were perfectly comfortable being bad at things.

Who is still here when the smoke clears

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 …

Opinion has a place. So does disagreement.

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 …
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 …

Manson Apple Blossom Royalty crowned

MANSON - During selection festivities, the 2024 Manson Apple Blossom Festival royalty were crowned Saturday evening, January 27, at Manson High School. Left to right, Princess Liliana Narvaez, Queen …
Sports
Darrell “Doc” Richards displays the Larry Wold Memorial “Wold Cup” after winning the low net competition during the 2026 Golf Binge.

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 …

Chelan, Brewster set for fifth annual Cherry Cup

CHELAN — The Chelan Goats will travel to Brewster on Friday for the fifth annual Cherry Cup football game against the Brewster Bears. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The annual rivalry …
Web Extra content

What are typical mistakes homeowners make when refinishing hardwood floors?

(BPT) - Key takeaways:Homeowners value hardwood floors because of their warmth, beauty and endurance.It's important to protect the appearance, value and lifespan of hardwood floors by …

17 therapist-approved tips for dealing with seasonal depression

Talkspace reports on 17 therapist-approved tips to cope with seasonal depression, including therapy, hydration, sunlight, and exercise, aiding in symptom relief.

5 common mistakes homeowners make refinishing hardwood floors

(BPT) - Key takeaways:Hardwood floors are valued for their beauty, warmth and endurance.Refinishing protects the lifespan, appearance and value of hardwood floors.Zack Clavin, Bona's "Floor Doctor," …