Saturday, January 25, 2025
Top Stories

JR NBA program takes off in Chelan despite gym space challenges

Local kids ages three through sixth grade play basketball through the Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club’s JR NBA program.
CHELAN – Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club’s JR NBA program for kids ages three through sixth grade is a popular new program with over 200 kids participating. However, the group …

After arson, WA lawmakers advance bill to warn of ballot box tampering penalties

OLYMPIA - Following an arson attack ahead of last November’s election that torched hundreds of ballots in a southwest Washington drop box, state lawmakers are looking at modest ways to better …

In tight budget year, pressure builds to boost WA school funding

OLYMPIA - Lawmakers have begun another hard conversation on what it may cost the state to amply fund basic education in public schools as required by Washington’s constitution. A state …

Chelan Parks and Recreation addresses Lakeside parking, capacity, enforcement

CHELAN – The Parks and Recreation Department is taking steps to regulate summer use at popular Lakeside Park after Lakeside community residents addressed the September 24, 2024, council meeting …

Residents, officials weigh in on proposed short-term rental code revisions

CHELAN COUNTY – The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) took public comment on proposed changes to Chelan County’s short-term rental (STR) code on Jan. 14. “By having these …
More News
OLYMPIA - Washington’s recycling system may soon get a makeover.  A proposal to require companies to reduce unnecessary packaging and fund statewide recycling services is making its …
CHELAN – Christmas may be over, but the spirit of giving continues all year long—a sentiment beautifully demonstrated by the family of the first baby of the new year. The family …
CHELAN –  The Lake Chelan School District has been awarded over $30,000 in grants, including two $10,000 Computer Science Grants and $12,000 from the Carl D. Perkins Act, to enhance Career …
Local Features
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 …
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 …
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. Dec 27 …
State News

Reykdal says Washington risks lawsuit if school funding isn’t hiked

OLYMPIA - Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal warned Thursday that Washington is not living up to its constitutional obligation to cover the cost of basic education and faces the …

People think the state should reduce spending but some programs deserve more support, poll shows

OLYMPIA - Washington State voters want legislators to cut spending but also support spending more on specific programs, according to a recent poll. “People are not anti-government,” …

State and gun shop clash at WA Supreme Court over high-capacity magazine ban

OLYMPIA - The fate of Washington’s ban on the sale of high-capacity firearms magazines now rests with the state Supreme Court.  On Tuesday morning, attorneys for the state and a …

Goehner named ranking republican on Senate Housing Committee

OLYMPIA — Washington State Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, has been selected as the ranking Republican member on the Senate Housing Committee as he begins his first term in 2025, following three …
Rep. Brian Burnett, R-12

Burnett takes oath, receives committee assignments

OLYMPIA — State Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, was sworn in Monday during opening ceremonies of the 2025 Legislature, officially beginning his term representing Washington's 12th Legislative …

WA’s newest state Supreme Court justice is sworn in

OLYMPIA - After a narrow election victory in November, Sal Mungia is officially Washington’s newest state Supreme Court justice.  Mungia, along with current justices Steven Gonzalez …

2025 Washington state legislative session begins

OLYMPIA - There was plenty of pomp and politics for the opening day of the Washington Legislature’s 2025 session. It began at noon Monday for the state’s 98 representatives and 49 …
Obituaries
James Anthony Seidensticker passed away on December 24, 2024. Jim was the second son born to Dr. John C. and Gladys B. Seidensticker on May 17, 1947 in Sheridan, Montana. Jim’s early years …
Catherine E. Harris of Chelan, WA, passed at the Lake Chelan Hospital on December 22 , 2024, with her husband, children, and granddaughters by her side.  She is survived by and will be greatly …
Autumn Marie Evans (Nolen), aged 72, passed away peacefully at home in Chelan, WA, on Sunday, January 5, 2025.  She was surrounded by her loved ones, including her dogs, Charlie Sue and Frankie …
Lenard Robert Cochran passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, in Sequim, WA.  He was born on March 12, 1934, in Bridgeport, NE, to Donald William and Margaret Lair Cochran. An infant brother, …
Lenard Cochran, 90, formerly of Chelan, Washington passed away in Sequim, Washington on January 3, 2025. Visitation – Precht Rose Chapel, Jan.9,  3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Service – …
Catherine Harris, 89, of Chelan, Washington passed away on December 22, 2024. Precht Rose 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.
    • Self Care Sundays at Elevate

      Elevate Medical Aesthetics and IV Bar in Chelan will host a Self-Care Sunday Series beginning on Sunday, January 12 at 9 a.m. “Take …

    • Journey of Self Discovery

      Brave Yoga Chelan will host an intention setting workshop called Journey of Self Discovery on Sunday, January 12, from 1-3 p.m. …

    • Tabletop Tuesday

      The Cove Wine and Games in Chelan will host Tabletop Tuesday on Tuesday, January 14, from 5-8 p.m. “The Cove is offering private …

    • Appreciate a Dragon Day Craft

      The Chelan Library will host an Appreciate a Dragon Day Craft for ages 10 and up on Thursday, January 16, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. …

    • Live music by Greg King

      Tipsy Canyon Winery in Manson will host live music by Greg King on Thursday, January 16, from 4-6 p.m. “Come enjoy the night with …

Opinion
From the Publisher
Terry Ward
CEO & Publisher
Ward Media

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 …

Gratitude in action, making thanks count

As Thanksgiving approaches, I've been thinking about what gratitude truly means—not just as words shared around a dinner table, but as an active force capable of transforming our communities. …
Features
Hot Tubs Liquidator’s new Wenatchee location officially opens, providing the valley with low-priced luxury spa experiences.

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 …

Forty years of laughter, memories, and friendship in Chelan

CHELAN – The Chelan Girls have been coming to Lake Chelan every summer for 40 years. Each year, the eight women take time to set aside their many obligations and prioritize their friendships. …
Sports
Wenatchee Wild forward Shaun Rios (left) lets out a roar after scoring in the third period of Wenatchee’s 3-2 Western Hockey League loss to the Tri-City Americans on Sunday.

Americans escape Wenatchee with 3-2 victory Sunday

WENATCHEE – After two Wenatchee Wild goals 56 seconds apart in the third period, the Wild forced the Tri-City Americans to put up a stingy defensive effort down the stretch to escape town with …

Entiat High School Sports Schedule

Boys Basketball         Wed, Jan 8 7:30 PM Entiat vs. Pateros Away Fri, Jan 10 7:30 PM …

Manson High School Sports Schedule

Boys Basketball          Fri, Jan 10 7:30 PM Manson vs. Chelan Home Tue, Jan 14 7:30 PM …
Web Extra content

Solar energy innovations consumers will love from CES 2025

(BPT) - Eager to discover the latest and greatest technology? If so, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the highlight of the year, and the 2025 offerings were bolder than ever. Consumers seeking …

5 Ways to Stick to Your 2025 Healthy Commitments

(BPT) - Research shows that by the start of February, up to 94% of people abandon the New Year's resolutions they made. In fact, two separate dates have been coined "Quitter's Day" and "Ditch Your …

Agriculture secretary oversees food production, rural life, and nutrition programs that help millions afford healthy diets

A farmer harvests corn near McIntire, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2023.

The USDA oversees food production and much more. However, it has little direct power to reduce food prices – a centerpiece of President Trump’s campaign.