Monday, February 17, 2025
Top Stories

Cashmere's Downtown Bike closes, owner pivots to Squishworks

Owner Aaron Todd first opened Downtown Bike in Puyallup in 2015, then relocated Downtown Bike to Cashmere in 2020.
CASHMERE – After five years of operation in Cashmere, Downtown Bike closed its doors on Feb. 14, as owner Aaron Todd transitions full-time into his factory level suspension service for mountain …

Bipartisan bill aims to boost U.S. disease testing after COVID-19 shortfalls

WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation on Thursday aimed at strengthening the nation's diagnostic testing capabilities during public health emergencies, drawing on …

Washington lawmaker proposes regulations for self-checkout machines

OLYMPIA - Proposed legislation could change the way customers shop at grocery stores, as one Democratic lawmaker is pushing for regulations on self-checkout machines. House …
Local Features

Family's 9-Foot goose nests in Leavenworth

Greg Harris, an engineer, usually spends hours each year planning the structure of the family’s annual snow creature.
LEAVENWORTH – A nine-foot tall goose made of snow has temporarily made its home in Leavenworth for as long as weather permits. The impressive snow creature sits off of Suncrest Drive, and …
The Cashmere event space Brick and Rafters is now offering coworking space during the work week. The space features tables for working, a comfortable living room space and a kitchenette.

Brick and Rafters brings coworking option to Cashmere

CASHMERE – Brick and Rafters, an event space owned by Lisa and Tom Kriskovic, has expanded to offer coworking space for local residents during the week. Venue manager Leisa Osburn said the …
The documentary “Uncle Vic” was a family project with everyone contributing to the film in some way. From left to right in the behind the scenes family photo are Dan Pappas, Jess Pierson Pappas, Allison Int-Hout, Seth Pierson, Vic Underwood, Diane Underwood, Traci Pierson, and Steve Pierson.

Documentary release honors Vietnam War hero, veterans' stories

WENATCHEE – Siblings Seth Pierson and Jess Pierson Pappas, along with Jess’s husband Dan Pappas, set out to document the life of their Great Uncle Vic, a decorated Green Beret and Vietnam …
The entrance of the newly opened Dryden Roadhouse on Main Street in Dryden. The restaurant, owned by Terri Morris and John Bryant, is housed in a historic 1928 building that once served as the beloved Duffy’s Tavern.

Historic building reopens as Dryden Roadhouse

DRYDEN – The Dryden Roadhouse, located in Duffy’s former space, opened its doors to the public on Oct. 4.  Owned and operated by Terri Morris and John Bryant, the restaurant and …
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.
Other News
OLYMPIA - Legislation to update last year’s parental “bill of rights” initiative is heading to the Washington state House of Representatives amid a host of disagreements over what …
OLYMPIA — Health officials have identified raw pet food as the source of bird flu infections in house cats, according to a joint announcement from Washington and Oregon agriculture departments. …
EAST WENATCHEE — The Chelan-Douglas Health District issued an alert about fentanyl contamination in the local methamphetamine supply on February 10, following reports from healthcare partners …
WENATCHEE — The Columbia River Drug Task Force seized more than 5,500 grams of methamphetamine and over 6,300 fentanyl pills during operations in 2024. The multi-agency task force, …
WENATCHEE — Chelan County officials launched a public comment period on an updated wildfire protection plan. The draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be available for public …
Sports
WENATCHEE – Good things usually come in threes, but the Wenatchee Wild are trusting that a better fate is on the horizon than the one that found them Friday at Town Toyota Center. For …
SPOKANE  – With 7:48 to play Tuesday night at Spokane Arena, Brendan Dunphy pushed the Spokane Chiefs’ backs against the wall with a go-ahead goal, only his second …

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Bighorns professional basketball team is releasing single-game and season tickets for their 2025 The Basketball League (TBL) season, which opens March 1 at Wenatchee …
The Cashmere fourth grade boys battled to a first-place finish in the three-day Second Annual Path to the Podium at Brewster played Jan 31-Feb. 2. Along with bragging rights, the hoopsters qualified …
Outdoors
Conservation advocates and a federal wildlife agency are offering $20,000 for information on each of three recent wolf poaching incidents in Washington.  Since October, three gray wolves …
OLYMPIA — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will convene a virtual meeting Friday to address proposed commercial whale watching regulations and other matters. The three-hour …
Obituaries
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nina Fay Franck, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, on August 3, 2024. Wrapped in her loving grandchildren’s …
Gerald Homer Doyle, a longtime Cashmere orchardist, passed away peacefully at Confluence Health Hospital on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Born on November 2, 1937 in Wenatchee, he was raised in Cashmere …
Donna Joyce Tarver passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of Tuesday, May 28th. Donna grew up in the Cashmere Valley where her parents Howard and Dora (Dode) Balsdon owned and operated an …
Dwight Goehner was born to Walter and Alvina Goehner in May of 1957. He joined his sister Naomi and brother Keith in a loving Christian home, surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, most of …
Brian Lee Avery, 55, of Cashmere, passed away on April 7, 2024 surrounded by angels and loved ones that left before him, in the loving care of Mount Baker View AFH in Everett. From Brian, …
Richard “Boomer” Dueman Richard “Boomer” Dueman was born on July 10, 1943, and passed away peacefully, at the home of his daughter, Becky, on October 25, 2023. …
Education

Cashmere student earns spot on University of Nebraska-Lincoln Deans' list

LINCOLN, Neb. - University of Nebraska-Lincoln officials announced that Kimmy Dodson of Cashmere has earned placement on the Deans' List for the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year. …

Cashmere High School set to perform uplifting musical: The Little Mermaid

CASHMERE- Cashmere High School is preparing to perform Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the end of the month. Since the casting in November of 2024, the CHS and Cashmere Middle …

Cashmere student named to Miami University dean's list

OXFORD, Ohio  - JJ Groner of Cashmere has been named to the Dean's List at Miami University for the 2024 fall semester. The distinction recognizes students ranking in the top 20 percent of …
Cashmere FFA Apple Judging Team 2 finished third place at the State FFA Apple Judging Contest in Yakima. Pictured from left to right are FFA State Officer Ashley Landt, Mason Roehl, and Paige Dart.

Cashmere FFA crowned state apple judging champions

CASHMERE  — The Cashmere FFA team earned top honors at the State FFA Apple Judging Contest in Yakima, with first and third place team finishes and landed four individuals in the top …
State News

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 …

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 …

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.
    • NCW Bridal Premiere 2025

      The 2025 NCW Bridal Premiere will be at the Toyota Town Center on Saturday, February 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “NCW Bridal …

    • Valentine Pet Portraits

      Fire House Pet Shop in Wenatchee will host Valentine Pet Portraits on Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2-4 p.m. …

    • Galentine's Charm Party

      Brassbound Collective in Cashmere will host a Galentine's Charm Party on Sunday, February 9, from 3-6 p.m. “Bring your friends and …

    • Wine and Chocolate Pairing

      Visit Wenatchee Visitor's Center and Tasting Room will host a Wine and Chocolate Pairing on Thursday, February 13, from 5-7 p.m. …

    • Empty Bowls Festival Glazing Days

      Help feed the hungry, strengthen community, and celebrate the arts through the Upper Valley Empty Bowls Festival, which begins on Friday, …

More News
OLYMPIA — Workforce development advocates gathered in the state capital to champion the Economic Security for All (EcSA) program, highlighting its success in connecting Washington …
LEAVENWORTH — P.E.O. Chapter JF of Leavenworth is now accepting applications for a scholarship program designed to assist women returning to higher education. The scholarship targets women …
WENATCHEE — The Cascadia Conservation District announced its upcoming Regular Board meeting will offer both in-person and remote attendance options for February 21. The meeting is …
CASHMERE - The Cashmere Planning Commission received a detailed briefing on February 3 regarding the development of a new Comprehensive Plan, with special emphasis on climate resiliency requirements …
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Web Extra content
AI chatbots are becoming romance scammers — and 1 in 3 people admit they could fall for one
(BPT) - By McAfeeIt started with a DM.For five months, 25-year-old computer programmer Maggie K. exchanged daily messages with the man she met on Instagram, convinced she had found something …
10 can't-miss places to visit in the winter
Are you looking for trip ideas to embrace the cold weather months? CoPilot compiled 10 drivable U.S. locations that are ideal for winter visits.
A forecaster monitors incoming data for Hurricane Irma in 2017 at the National Hurricane Center, part of the NOAA.
NOAA’s vast public weather data powers the local forecasts on your phone and TV – a private company alone couldn’t match it
NOAA operates fleets of satellites, sensors on airplanes and ocean-going buoys, as well as radar, providing the data used by weather forecasters nationwide – and freely available to anyone.
What are the most distinctive baby names by state?
Spokeo used data from the Social Security Administration to find the most unique baby names in every state across the country as of 2023.
The best spring break destinations for both kids and their parents
(BPT) - Spring break takes on a whole new meaning when you become a parent. But that doesn't mean adults have to sacrifice all the fun for their kids.Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, home to …