Thursday, July 17, 2025
Top Stories

‘Big Fix 3.0’ brings free spay/neuter clinic to Okanogan County, treats thousands of pets

TOAR team members host the Big Fix 3.0 at the Okanogan County fairgrounds. From left are board members Cindy Koch and Robynn Coulter, consultant Jeanine Foucher, secretary Stephanie Kraemer, treasurer Anita Eylar, president Jill Servais, and board member Pam Shull.
OKANOGAN – Big Fix 3.0, the popular free spay and neuter clinic held at the Okanogan County Fairground and Agriplex from June 26-29, was another venue that played to a packed house of canines …

Homes lost in Omak area wildfire

OKANOGAN – A day that began with another morning of rising temperatures on Monday, July 14, turned into one of high wind warnings, power outages, and wildfire by mid-afternoon.  …

WDFW accepting Master Hunter Permit Program applications through Aug. 15

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is accepting applications for its Master Hunter Permit Program now through Aug. 15, inviting skilled and ethical hunters to join a …

Low Salmon returns force cancellation of Brewster King Salmon Derby

BREWSTER – The 19 th annual Brewster King Salmon Derby has been cancelled this year. The largest derby on the Columbia River is normally held during the first weekend of August. The event …

Shacklett appointed to NCESD board, will represent Okanogan County region

WENATCHEE — The North Central Educational Service District has appointed veteran educator Robert Shacklett to its Board of Directors, representing District 1 in Okanogan County. Shacklett, …
State News

Washingtonians will need state permit to buy guns under new law

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 …

Sports

AppleSox pull away late to defeat NightOwls 9-4

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 blanks Kelowna behind Sandvik’s six scoreless innings
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 …
AppleSox rout Pippins to clinch series behind Panganiban’s seven-RBI performance
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 …
AppleSox shut out Pippins, Darlington earns 100th career win
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 …
Opinion
Terry Ward, Publisher

Remembering our shared ideals this Independence Day

As fireworks light up the skies across North Central Washington, we are reminded of the celebration at the heart of Independence Day—a commemoration of our nation’s founding ideals: …
    • A community that shows up

      In this space, I often write about compassion, connection, and community—those quiet but powerful forces that bind us together, especially in …

    • Less complaining, more connection

      We live in a time when it’s easier than ever to share an opinion, voice frustration, or criticize someone or something. Social media, …

    • What we leave behind

      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 …

Other News
The old RIO Theater building at 507 Main Street has not shown a movie since 2009, but the place is once again a hub of activity thanks to Antojitos El Chulo, a new coffee and specialty drink spot …
PATEROS – The public works department has issued a heads-up to city residents and visitors concerning the third phase of a street chipseal project that will require the cooperation of vehicle …
PATEROS – Another piece of the city’s Mall Revitalization Project fell – or rather rose – into place last Thursday, July 3, with the installation of the 20-foot lighted …
WENATCHEE — The ice rink at the Town Toyota Center recently hosted an event that, while more restrained than a typical Wenatchee Wild hockey game, left a significant impact. On July 2, …
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Obituaries
Ellen (Hublitz) Park, 74, Wenatchee, WA Ellen Marie (Hublitz) Park passed away on Thursday, May 8th, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. Ellen was surrounded by family …
A celebration of life will be held in Bridgeport, WA on September 6, 2025, (details to follow in near future).
Jose M. Karlis Lozano, 78, of Brewster, Washington, passed away on May 19, 2025.  Barnes Chapel in Brewster, Washington is handling the arrangements for the family. 
Sheryl Gross, 79, of Bridgeport, Washington, passed away on May 17, 2025.  Barnes Chapel in Brewster, Washington is handling the arrangements for the family.
Javier Rodriquez, 62, of Bridgeport, Washington, passed away on May 4, 2025.  Barnes Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family. 
Gilbert Barton, 92, of Brewster, Washington, and formerly of Twisp, Washington, passed away on May 4, 2025.  Barnes Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family.
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Are concerns about AI a bridge across the polarization divide?
Poll finds bipartisan agreement on a key issue: Regulating AI
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