Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Top Story

Grief experts help community navigate the loss of Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn Decker f332y

Executive Director of Pacific Northwest  Services Julie Boyer shares advice on how to talk about death with children.
LEAVENWORTH – The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Behavioral Health Unit organized three town hall meetings to help the community as it mourns the deaths of three sisters, Olivia, …
U.S. Marshals Service Eastern District Washington Chief Jerome Brown speaks at the June 11 conference. Brown said his agency has deployed its Rapidly Advancing Manhunt (RAM) program in the search for Decker.

Manhunt evolves as search teams work to surround Decker 485g4s

WENATCHEE — The search for Travis Decker continues to evolve as law enforcement agencies shift tactics and deploy specialized resources in their pursuit. Decker, 32, of the Wenatchee area, …
Smoke rises out of Tumwater Canyon Tuesday evening.

Firefighters respond to brushfire in Tumwater Canyon 6525g

LEAVENWORTH – Firefighters responded to a brushfire in Tumwater Canyon at approximately 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. The highway remains closed in both directions at the Icicle Road and …
Local Features

Eagle Creek Flower Farm’s roadside stand thrives on simplicity and trust 551o57

LEAENWORH — From late spring into early fall, Eagle Creek Flower Farm’s roadside stand comes alive with colorful bouquets that change with the season. Every weekend, the stand is visited …
Alpine Lakes High Camp is a collection of nine backcountry huts and a communal lodge, as well as a cold plunge and sauna.

New owners breathe fresh air into historic Alpine Lakes High Camp 4z71h

NASON CREEK –  Alpine Lakes High Camp has found new stewards in long-time friends Tom Shelstad and Travis Cowan, who are embracing the challenges and rewards of owning and maintaining a …
Owners Bri Davey and Hannah Dewey stand beside the boutique’s long tables, which are intended to create a gathering space for connection and creativity.

New home and garden boutique offers curated goods, workshops and design services 59352g

LEAVENWORTH – Alpenglö Living, a home and garden boutique that offers curated goods, workshops, and design services, opened its doors in downtown Leavenworth on Feb. 21. Alpenglö …
Owners Marco Scheuer and Vincent LaBelle were inspired by the social and relaxation aspects of soaking in a natural hot spring after a long day of adventuring with friends.

The Springs opens with cold plunge, hot pools, and sauna 5pi1o

LEAVENWORTH – The Springs, an outdoor hydrotherapy experience in Leavenworth, officially opened on Feb. 4. The Springs offers 90-minute sessions for guests to rotate through a cedar sauna, …
The Koncz family became the new proprietors of Dan’s in May 2023.

From Columbia Market to Dan’s Food Market: Celebrating 75 years of service 6q5y1y

LEAVENWORTH – As chains continue to dominate the grocery business, Dan’s Food Market has remained a preferred destination for locals and tourists alike. After 75 years, the market is …
Other News
LEAVENWORTH — The Leavenworth Library will feature the work of abstract painter Melissa Osborne in an art exhibition running from June 17 through July 25 in the library’s Fireside Room. …
WENATCHEE — The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective June 13th, limiting campfires to designated, developed recreation sites and specific …
BLEWETT – Authorities say they have tracked a subject believed to be Travis Decker into the Blewett / Highway 97 area. In a June 10 update, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office …
BLEWETT – Authorities are searching the Ingalls Creek and Valley Hi area for Travis Decker, who is believed to potentially be in the area.  Decker is accused of killing his …
E-edition
Community Calendar
Obituaries
Margaret Eileen Kelly was born November 23, 1933, in Leavenworth to Kathryn and Guy Kelly. She ed away April 27, 2025 at age 91 surrounded by loved ones. During her eventful lifetime, Eileen …
“Life is eternal, Love is immortal. And death is nothing but a horizon; and the horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight”. - Rossiter W. Raymond Jackie Dean Camp, age 93, was …
Anita Louise (Farnsworth) Wisemore went to be with her Lord on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. Born to Simeon Osro and Margaret Magdeline (Meyers) Farnsworth in Ovando, MT on June 8, 1925, she was …
Our Mom, Claudia Jane Hohmann, was an amazing Mom, Gma, GeeGee, Wife, Sister, and Friend, touching the lives of many. She was born on May 22nd, 1939 in Kirkland, WA where she lived with her parents, …
Anita Louise (Farnsworth) Wisemore went to be with her Lord on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. Born to Simeon Osro and Margaret Magdeline (Meyers) Farnsworth in Ovando, MT on June 8,1925; she was …
Karen D. Strom of Leavenworth, WA ed peacefully on March 27, 2025 at the age of 89, attended by her niece. Karen, a long time resident of Leavenworth, loved music and travel, and was very …
Education

Cascade bids farewell to Class of 2025 in stadium ceremony 2t572w

Cascade High School’s Class of 2025 marked graduation on June 6 with speeches, student recognition, and a packed crowd at the football stadium in Peshastin. The ceremony included remarks from …

PESHASTIN – Cascade High School’s Class of 2025 made a visit to Peshastin-Dryden Elementary (PD) to take part in the Kindergarten graduation ceremony on June 6.  This is the …
LEAVENWORTH — Caroline Menna, a senior at Cascade High School, has been awarded a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Sisterhood. The scholarship, …
NORTH CASCADES — Sixth graders from Icicle River Middle School (IRMS) left their classrooms behind and headed deep into the forest during the last week in May for three days of learning, …
Chelan County Sheriff's Report

Chelan County Sheriff's Report 3d1w38

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.

Outdoors

Annual Discover cost set to increase in October 665nj

OLYMPIA — Starting Oct. 1, the annual Discover will increase from $30 to $45, marking the first price hike since the program was implemented in 2011. The Discover is required to …

WDFW approves new hunting season rules 5f732g

OLYMPIA — Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind has approved most proposed changes to hunting season regulations for the 2025-2026 seasons, with one notable …

State Parks expands same-day camping reservations to all campgrounds  3j126g

OLYMPIA  —  The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is opening up more camping opportunities for visitors by expanding its same-day reservation option to all parks with …

New Hunters: Complete hunter education before spring seasons 302w3e

OLYMPIA – With Washington's spring turkey hunting season quickly approaching, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) urges new hunters to complete hunter education so they can …
Boats congregate at Brewster Pool on the Upper Columbia River to try their luck at catching sockeye salmon. Photo credit: Mark Yuasa

Public meeting set to discuss salmon and steelhead seasons in NCW h3o2j

WENATCHEE – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will hold an in-person public meeting in Wenatchee on Tuesday, March 18 from 6-8 p.m. to discuss the salmon and …
State News

Washingtonians will need state permit to buy guns under new law fa4i

OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday signed into law a controversial policy requiring gun buyers to first pay for a new state permit.  Starting in two years, House Bill …

WA governor signs parental ‘bill of rights’ rewrite 5uz4s

OLYMPIA — The parental “bill of rights” overhaul, one of the most divisive bills approved during this year’s Washington state legislative session, was signed by Gov. Bob …

Ferguson signs budget boosting Washington state spending and taxes q1p2n

OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson entered office warning that a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall would require spending cuts and, as a last resort , higher taxes. On Tuesday, the …

Money crunch: Nearly 50 WA State Library employees facing layoffs 5j5sc

OLYMPIA - Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is preparing to lay off nearly 50 Washington State Library employees due to a decline in state and federal funding. In the past two weeks, 47 workers at …
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5104 on Monday, May 12, which intends to give immigrants better tools when facing coercion in the workplace.

Trio of immigrant rights laws signed by WA governor 14516d

OLYMPIA _ Gov. Bob Ferguson signed three bills to protect immigrant rights last week.  These included measures to strengthen state power to inspect private detention facilities, prevent …

Washington will offer special education to students longer under new law 5o2l59

OLYMPIA - A new law triggered by a lawsuit will ensure public school students in Washington are offered special education instruction until they are 22 years old. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed …

WA budget includes $150M to maintain health coverage for low-income immigrants 2y1i1

OLYMPIA - Thousands of people who are not U.S. citizens would continue to receive Medicaid-like health care coverage in Washington state under the budget plan the Legislature recently approved. …

Get your event in the spotlight with Ward Media! 572541

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 w5q34

      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 5i1z61

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

    • Valentine’s Cookie Decoration Class 2o246o

      Neu Flessenow Winery will host a Valentine’s Cookie Decoration Class on Saturday, February 8, from 5-7 p.m. “Love is in the air …

    • Roller Skating Night 2x5e22

      The Leavenworth Festhalle will host a Roller Skating Night on Wednesday, February 12, from 6:30-9 p.m. “ us for themed Roller …

    • Galentine’s celebration 58555i

      Milbrandt Vineyards in Leavenworth will host Sip, Sparkle and Sway: A Galentine’s Celebration on Thursday, February 13 from 6-8 p.m. …

Sports
NANAIMO, B.C. — A late offensive burst propelled the Wenatchee AppleSox to a 9-4 win over the Nanaimo NightOwls on Saturday night at Serauxman Stadium. Wenatchee broke open a close game …
WENATCHEE — Blake Sandvik tossed six shutout innings and struck out seven as the Wenatchee AppleSox defeated the Kelowna Falcons 13-0 Tuesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. The AppleSox …
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox delivered a dominant 17-4 victory over the Yakima Valley Pippins on Sunday night, powered by a breakout performance from newcomer Kyle Panganiban and a strong …

WENATCHEE — Alec Johnson delivered a dominant start and the Wenatchee AppleSox backed him with 10 runs to defeat the Yakima Valley Pippins, 10-0, on Saturday night, evening the opening series …
WENATCHEE — Despite a three-hit performance from Brady Bean, the Wenatchee AppleSox fell to the Yakima Valley Pippins, 5-1, on Opening Night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. The Pippins (1-0) …
Opinion
In this space, I often write about comion, connection, and community—those quiet but powerful forces that bind us together, especially in times of crisis. Over the past week, North Central …
We live in a time when it’s easier than ever to share an opinion, voice frustration, or criticize someone or something. Social media, online forums, and even community meetings have become …

Most of us won’t leave behind statues or headlines. But maybe — just maybe — a few words we said, a kindness we offered, or a hand we extended will echo longer than we know. I …
Our community newspaper serves as a vital gathering place for meaningful local dialogue. We believe that the strongest communities are built on understanding, shared experiences, and the collective …
Letters
The 2024 Upper Valley Empty Bowls Festival just concluded on Thursday, March 21 st .  This long standing festival, this the 28 th season, is only possible because it is loved by our village, and …
Rhona Baron (The Whistle) has written several pieces regarding the current city’s approach to building codes, which have provided misleading facts and incomplete analyses. She and others have …