Sunday, February 16, 2025
Top Stories

Pateros holds second annual Community Open House

The streets highlighted in red will wear a new chip seal coat in time for next summer’s Apple Pie Jamboree.
PATEROS – The city council chamber held about two dozen people who listened and contributed to two hours of presentations and discussion at the second annual Community Open House on Jan.28. …

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 …

What is WA’s parental ‘bill of rights’? And how are Democrats seeking to change it?

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 …

Raw pet food linked to bird flu outbreak in house cats

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. …
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 …

Sports

Winterhawks Swoop In, Snare 6-5 Overtime Win at Wild Friday

Wenatchee Wild forward Luka Shcherbyna controls the puck during a recent Wenatchee home game. Shcherbyna scored Wenatchee’s first goal Friday, but the Wild dropped a 6-5 overtime decision to the Portland Winterhawks at Town Toyota Center.
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 …
Wenatchee Wild defenseman Brendan Dunphy flies by the Wild bench after scoring a go-ahead goal in the third period Tuesday at the Spokane Chiefs. Spokane forced overtime with a last-minute goal, ultimately pulling out a 4-3 overtime win against Wenatchee.
Spokane Forces Overtime in Final Seconds, Steals 4-3 Win Tuesday Over Wild
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 Bighorns open ticket sales for 2025 season
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 …
Wenatchee Wild forward Tye Spencer (bottom, 20) steps in to take a faceoff in Friday’s Western Hockey League game against the Regina Pats. Spencer posted two assists in a 4-2 loss at Brandt Centre in Regina.
Pats Pull Ahead Friday, Take 4-2 Win Over Wild
REGINA, Saskatchewan – Tye Spencer played a major part in his own homecoming at Brandt Centre for the Wenatchee Wild Friday against the Regina Pats. Unfortunately, the Pats …
Opinion
Terry Ward
CEO & Publisher
Ward Media

Community Conversations: Building bridges through local dialogue

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 …
Other News
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, …
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 …
Find us on Facebook
Business news from Wenatchee Business Journal,
part of the NCW News network
Obituaries
Kenneth Rader, 88, of Bridgeport, Washington passed away on February 6, 2025. Barnes Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family.
Dennis Dale Cosens, 76, of Brewster, Washington passed away on February 2, 2025. Barnes Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family.
Porfirio Garcia Cortez, 87, of Brewster, Washington passed away on January 30, 2025. Barnes 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.
Dan Biddle of Bridgeport, Washington, passed away on January 7, 2025, after an extended illness. He was 79. Dan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cynthia Biddle, his son, Kurt Biddle, …
Rubin Edward Rawley November 2, 1938 — December 26, 2024 Puyallup Rubin Edward Rawley was born on November 2, 1938. He passed away peacefully, on December 26, 2024, in his home …

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.
    • Shakespeare In-Person

      Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM at the Winthrop Library- Main Area “Join us at the library to read a play by …

    • Ski to the Sun Marathon & Relay

      Ski as an individual or as a relay with up to 5 other friends or family members on North America's largest trail network” the event page …

    • Cheer on Our Local Talent

      OVOC (Okanogan Valley Orchestra & Chorus) Variety Show, Sunday - February 9, 2025 starts at 6:00pm “Once a year, our stage …

Web Extra Content
People work inside the TikTok building in Culver City, Calif., in March 2024.
‘For You’: What to know about news on TikTok
A social media researcher explains how to analyze your news feed in terms of content, circulation and consumption.
Congress has the authority to spend the nation's money. Presidents try to get around that limitation.
Congress, not the president, decides on government spending − a constitutional law professor explains how the ‘power of the purse’ works
Congress has the authority to control government expenditures. Donald Trump is the latest president to try to get around that power, as he slashes government programs and staff.
Smart ways to budget your tax refund
(BPT) - Tax season is here, and many Americans are eagerly awaiting their tax refunds. While it might be tempting to splurge on something fun, there are other clever ways to use this extra cash to …
Make Your Car Your Valentine: Mercury Insurance Advises How to Save on Auto Repairs
(BPT) - Regularly Showing Your Car Some Love Can Save on Auto RepairsValentine's Day is the perfect time to show your trusty vehicle some love, and maintaining it is the best and most cost-effective …
Beyond the classroom: How schools are getting creative to help struggling families
Chalkbeat reports on how teachers are looking out for the tens of thousands of migrant and/or homeless families across New York City whose children often lack essential items needed for school.