Saturday, February 8, 2025
Top Stories

Manson Apple Blossom Royalty crowned

During selection festivities, the 2025 Manson Apple Blossom Festival royalty were crowned Saturday evening, Feb. 1, at Manson High School. Left to right, Princess Brynn Williams, Queen Genesis Torres, and Princess Isabella Alexander. This year’s Manson Apple Blossom Festival theme is Legends of the Lake for the 105th festival which will be held May 9 and 10 in downtown Manson. More photos on page A3.
MANSON - Queen Genesis Torres, along with Princesses Brynn Williams and  Princess Isabella Alexander will reign over the 105th Manson Apple Blossom Festival. They were among f ive candidates who …

Why a WA lawmaker wants to collect data on cow farts and burps

OLYMPIA - The latest beef in Olympia? Cow burps, farts, and poops. Washington lawmakers are considering a bill that seeks to gather better data on the scale and scope of methane emissions released by …

African drumming events set for WVC campuses

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College will host African drumming performances and workshops at its campuses this month as part of Black History Month celebrations, featuring ethnomusicologist …

Community Foundation seeking local advisory board volunteers

WENATCHEE - The Community Foundation of NCW is seeking new volunteer Local Advisory Board members to review and make decisions on local grants impacting their communities through its Legacy Fund …

RiverCom seeks matching State and Federal funding for new public safety answering point facility

WENATCHEE - RiverCom, the region's essential 911 call-taking and emergency services dispatching provider, is seeking state and federal support to help fund a new Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) …
More News
MANSON - The Chelan Valley Republican Women (CVRW) will hold their February meeting featuring presentations on women's healthcare services and financial preparedness at Radiance Winery in downtown …
CHELAN — Only7Seconds (O7S), a nonprofit organization focused on combating youth loneliness, has received a grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to expand its operations across …
CHELAN — Chelan Valley Hope has successfully launched their new cold-weather warming station.  The warming station provides safe shelter for unhoused people who would otherwise be …
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 lawmakers renew push to make clergy report child abuse

OLYMPIA - Two Democratic state lawmakers are trying again to require clergy members in Washington to report child abuse or neglect, including when it is disclosed to them by a congregant during …

Washington lawmakers look for ways to build more housing in rural areas

OLYMPIA - Building more housing in rural parts of Washington is again top of mind for some state lawmakers. Bills to allow backyard cottages in new areas, to expand where developers can receive …

Debate revived in WA Legislature over unemployment benefits for striking workers

OLYMPIA - When workers go on strike, they’re often making a bet to temporarily lose their wages to fight for better ones.  This year, the Washington Legislature is again trying to …

Washington farmers want agritourism law reforms

OLYMPIA - Farmers across the state say regulations are getting in the way as they develop products they can sell directly to the public. From pumpkin patches to u-pick berry farms, the impacts …

Proposal loosens controls on birth control prescriptions

OLYMPIA - Insurance companies will be required to fill up to a 12-month supply of birth control pills, if a bill by Sen. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle, is approved.  “I experience …

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 …
Obituaries
Ricky Wayne Bolinger, 70, of Chelan, Washington passed away on January 7, 2025. Precht Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family. 
Maria Elizabeth Lara Peneloza, 54, formerly of Chelan, Washington passed away in East Wenatchee on January 27, 2025.  Service - Centro Cristiano - 115 Paloalto Ln, Manson WA, Feb 8,  9 …
Jim Bee Stamps Born December 19, 1928 in Kingston Arkansas to Jesse and Grace (Carter) Stamps. Jim passed away peacefully January 23, 2025 in Chelan, Washington. Jim made his first trip to …
Jack D. Timmons went to be with the Lord on January 21, 2025, after having fought the good fight of faith in Jesus. Jack was born to Frank and Helen Timmons on December 24, 1940, in Culver, …
Jim Stamps, 96, of Chelan, Washington passed away on January 23, 2025. Precht Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family. 
Mary Ernestine Roe, 95, of Brewster, Washington, formerly of Chelan, Washington, passed away on January 22, 2025. Barnes 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.
    • Live Music: Leanna Shannon

      Tipsy Canyon Winery brings another winter evening with live music by Leanna Shannon on February 6 at 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.  “Leanna …

    • Fresh Press Friday

      Experience fresh apples like never before! Visit us at Cider Press in Manson on February 7 from  8 a.m. – 4 p.m. “Make …

    • Chelan Lanes Cosmic Bowling

      Join us on February 7 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. for a super fun bowling experience with black lights, lasers, dance music and family fun.  …

    • Red Hot Dance Party at LCW

      Come celebrate at Lake Chelan Winery with live music featuring The LakeBoys in the fabulous Barrel Room on Saturday, February 8, at 5 p.m.  …

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
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
Wenatchee Wild forward Luka Shcherbyna is challenged by the Brandon Wheat Kings’ Joby Baumuller as he drives the puck down the right wing in Wenatchee’s 5-2 loss Wednesday at Westoba Place.

Wenatchee Special Teams Come Through Wednesday, but Wild Fall 5-2

BRANDON, Manitoba – Wenatchee’s victory on Tuesday at the Moose Jaw Warriors certainly qualified as a bounce-back win, but a win over an East Division contender Wednesday would …

Wild Bounce Back with Resounding Win Tuesday at Moose Jaw

MOOSE JAW, Saskatchewan – As the Wild began a brand-new week of Western Hockey League competition and continued a six-game road trip over just nine days, Tuesday’s game at the …

Wenatchee Wild Announce Details for Playoff, Season Ticket Packages

WENATCHEE – With the Wenatchee Wild in the hunt for a 2024-25 Western Hockey League playoff spot, the club is doing the appropriate advance planning for the postseason, as well as the 2025-26 …
Web Extra content

Kendrick Lamar’s big Super Bowl moment

Lamar

The rapper has mastered the delicate balance between commercial success and politically charged music. How far will he push the envelope on one of the world’s biggest stages?

4 Vet-Approved Tips to Show Your Pets Love this Valentine's Day

(Family Features) For pet parents in the U.S., Valentine's Day is another chance to shower their pets with love. This Valentine's Day, consider these vet-recommended ways to show your pets just how much you love them.

Average US salary by state

SoFi examines the average salary in the U.S. and how income varies from state to state