Too old for five-year plans: Chelan’s class of 1961 celebrates 65th reunion

A photo of Chelan High School’s Class of 1961, the very first class to attend the newest schools as they were built and remodeled, making lasting memories throughout the years.

CHELAN — At their 60th class reunion, members of Chelan High School’s class of 1961 decided five years was too long to wait to see one another again.

More news

An aerial map shows the location of Douglas County Fire District No. 4 at 13984 U.S. Highway 2 in Orondo, where the county's new mobile planning and permitting office will debut Oct. 22 to assist residents affected by the Chelan Hills Fire.

Douglas County to launch mobile permitting office for Chelan Hills fire recovery

ORONDO — Douglas County is launching a mobile planning and permitting office to assist residents affected by the Chelan Hills Fire with rebuilding and recovery efforts.

Visit Chelan County outlines 2027 tourism priorities following storms, wildfires

WENATCHEE — Visit Chelan County is developing its 2027 tourism strategy with an emphasis on year-round economic activity, environmental stewardship and increased coordination among communities following a period of severe weather, wildfires and travel disruptions.

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.

More News

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.

Little Giant Fire repair work continues as county warns of debris-flow risks

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 …

More news

Community Calendar

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 …

More local features

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

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.

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.

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 …

More state news

Genevieve Elaine Smith

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

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 Leon McCulley

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

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 …

Paul Volkmann

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 Hoback

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 …

More obituaries