Wenatchee SPEAKS

New Site Announcement

2006-11-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

We've consolidate pictures from our two sites, WenatcheePicADay and NCWphotos, and relaunched at NCWpics.com

Feel free to browse the pictures, play a game of North Central Washington Hangman, read some local news, and rate and comment on the photos in the photo gallery.

Thanks.

Wenatchee Man Hikes Pacific Coast Trail (PCT)

2006-08-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

An article on hiking the Pacific Coast Trail includes a quote from a Wenatchee thru-hiker.

Man Arrested For Car Robbery In Wenatchee May Have Been Involved In Holdup In Kettle Falls

2006-08-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

Police suspect that a man recently arested for armed robbery involving a car may also be involved in robbing the Chevron station near Kettle Falls.

President Bush Pardons Wenatchee Man

2006-08-16T21:39:00.000-07:00

President George W. Bush pardoned 17 minor criminals today, including one Wenatchee man.

Seattle Times Features Wenatchee's Apple Capital Loop Trail

2006-08-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

Wenatchee's very own loop trail featured in a write-up in the Seattle Times.

Wells Dam Area Cited For Wildlife Viewing

2006-08-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

Salem, Oregon's Statesman-Journal reports on wildlife viewing areas and highlights the Wells Dam area north of Wenatchee.

1500 Marijuana Plants Seized

2006-08-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

Roughly 1500 marijuana plants were seized in a canyon north of Waterville.

Wenatchee Cows Make The (Mock) News

2006-08-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

Funny "news" site attributes new technology to Wenatchee.

Wenatchee Man Suffers Injuries In Car Crash

2006-08-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

A Wenatchee man was taken to Harborview Medical Center with injuries sustained in a traffic accident on State Route 970.

Fire Crew Battling Blaze Discover Human Remains

2006-08-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

Crews battling a fire in North Central Washington have discovered human remains, possibly belonging to a missing Conconully man.

Data Center Springs To Life In East Wenatchee Wheat Field

2006-08-08T23:53:00.000-07:00

The Seattle P.I. does a nice write up on the data centers that are popping up in the Central Washington area.

Hot August Days Bike Ride - Coming Soon!

2006-08-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

The annual Hot August Days bike ride is coming up Saturday, August 19th. Choose from a 50, 100, or 150 mile bike ride. More details found at the official website.

Elmo, Sesame Street, And Stemilt Cherries!

2006-08-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

For a second straight year, Stemilt Growers and The Sesame Workshop (the people who bring us Sesame Street) have worked together in a national cherry campaign.

Former WVC Lady Knight To Coach LaSalle Boys Varsity Basketball Team

2006-08-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

Alyssa Goins, a graduate of West Valley (Yakima) High School and former basketball player at Wenatchee Valley College, has taken the position of Boys Varsity Basketball Coach at LaSalle High School.

Stemilt To Produce And Market New Sequoia Cherries

2006-08-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

Warmerdam Packing LLC of Hanford, California has reached an agreement allowing Stemilt Growers to grow, pack, and market a new cherry.

Local Auto Dealership Makes Pitch In Tacoma

2006-08-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

Cascade Auto Center was one of three electric vehicle dealerships in the state who made presentations to The Port Of Tacoma as they consider replacing some of their current vehicles with new electric vehicles.

Wenatchee Being Eyed As Senior Games Event Site

2006-08-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

Washington State Senior Games President Perry Dolan says Wenatchee is on the list of possible event sites for the Games.

Search Continues For Missing Plane In Alaska

2006-08-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

Plane may have been sighted by fishing boat before it disappeared.

Camper Burning Journal May Have Started Flick Creek Fire

2006-08-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Harum says that the woman hiker who says it was her campfire that started the Flick Creek fire says she was burning pages from her journal.

Check Out North Central Washington Portal Website

2006-07-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't know, there is a great site out there called North Central Washington Portal. It contains news and information on the entire North Central Washington region. So, give it a try - just click on ncwportal.com or click on the link on the right side of the screen.

Book Review: River Of Memory

2006-07-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

The Seattle P.I. reviews the book 'River Of Memory' about the Columbia River.

Ellensburg Lands Biodiesel Production Plant

2006-07-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

There is a Biodiesel production plant set to be built and operated in Ellensburg, WA. Biodiesel and other alternative fuels are increasing in popularity as concerns about environmental issues and fossil fuel prices increase.

Small Earthquake Shakes Entiat Area

2006-07-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

Many residents reported feeling a small tremor in the Entiat area yesterday.

Pictorial Update On Contaminated Soil Clean-Up At Local Schools

2006-07-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

For those interested here are some recent photos of the contaminated soil clean up projects at Washington Elementary and Lincoln Elementary schools. The project is a partnership between the Wenatchee School District and the Washington State Department of Ecology to rid the playgrounds of lead and arsenic found in the soil.

Washington Elementary School:

Lincoln Elementary School:

The Thermometer Should Be Heading Down For Awhile

2006-07-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

The good news, according to a number of sources, is that this extreme heat wave we've been experiencing is going to be on the decline. Now that the local stores have had their run on air conditioners, bags of ice, and slushy machines it appears we will get back into normal temperatures. From here on out it looks like it will merely be "hot".

KIRO's website carries an article about the heat wave and some related deaths due to many people seeking relief from the heat by going to the water.

Some Upcoming Events In The Wenatchee Area

2006-07-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

We are very lucky to be in our neck of the woods. The Wenatchee area, and truly all of North Central Washington offer such a wide variety of things to do. Here's a list of some of the upcoming events. If your club or group's event was left out, please click 'comment' and mention it here.

SHORT SHAKESPEAREANS
August 3, 2006 - August 12, 2006
The Riverside Playhouse brings you 'Short Shakespeareans'.
Adults: $10 - Children (Under 13) $6

CENTENNIAL PARK BANDSHELL ENTERTAINMENT
August 4th at 7pm
Performers: The Michael Carlos Band (Folk Rock)
Corner of South Wenatchee Avenue and Yakima.

CHELAN-DOUGLAS LAND TRUST CANOE TRIP
Saturday, August 5th - 10am to 3pm
Canoe trip down the lower White River. You will need to provide your own canoe and picnic lunch. Limited participants so RSVP is required. Call the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust Office at (509) 667-9708.

ACCOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 5th
Live accoustic music in Waterfront Park, Leavenworth.
Contact Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce for details

CENTENNIAL PARK BANDSHELL ENTERTAINMENT
August 18th at 7pm
Performers: Wenatchee High School Mariachi Band
Corner of South Wenatchee Avenue and Yakima.

HOT AUGUST DAYS
Saturday, August 19th
Bike tour of the Columbia Basin. Choose from a 50, 100, or 150 mile organized biking event.
More information at www.hotaugustdays.com

LEAVENWORTH WINE TASTING FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 19th
Admission: $10/$20
Enjoy browsing art exhibits, listening to live music, and of course tasting some of the finest wines Washington State has to offer.

CENTENNIAL PARK BANDSHELL ENTERTAINMENT
August 25th at 7pm
Performer: Jeff Parker (Classic Rock)
Corner of South Wenatchee Avenue and Yakima.

DIAMOND CUP
August 26th & 27th
Rock Island, Washington
Radio controlled 1/8 scale hydroplanes take to the water in this great hobby competition.

And don't forget the enjoyment available on any day of the summer.
Boating on Lake Chelan or the Columbia River. Camping at Lake Wenatchee or any of the beautiful campgrounds up the Icicle Canyon. Swimming, Fishing, Hiking, we have it all in North Central Washington.

Two New NCW Hockey Teams According To Canadian News

2006-07-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

A new junior hockey league starting up and our friends north of the border are talking about having two new teams in the North Central Washington area.

DOT Opens River Access Near Dryden

2006-07-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

The Washington State Department Of Transportation has opened access to the Wenatchee River at the Dryden Weir.

Forgotten NCW Town Remembered By Quincy Student

2006-07-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

The almost forgotten town of Low Gap, Washington was researched and remembered by a Quincy High School student. Now you'll know what that roadside marker is for on your next trip through.

Clear Blue Skies And Traffic At A Stand-Still

2006-07-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

Clear blue skies, freshly washed cars, and traffic at a stand still on North Wenatchee Avenue. All common sights so far this summer here in Wenatchee. I guess in the grand scheme of things complaining about Wenatchee Avenue traffic seems kind of pitiful, but it's become normal to have a mile plus line of cars piled up just from traffic levels, but throw in this repaving project and you're starting to see the frustration mount in other drivers. The newly paved roads are a pleasure to drive on, so the payoff appears to be worth it, but in the meantime we'll all have to take a deep breath and do our best to keep our cool when trying to use this northernmost section of "the ave.".

Update On Local Fishing In The Columbia River

2006-07-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

The Spokane Spokesman-Review carries an article regarding tyhe local fishing on the Columbia river.

Wenatchee Area Contractor Noted For Recycling Effort

2006-07-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

Goodfellow Brothers, of Wenatchee, earns special note in Recycling Today for how they disposed of rubble from a bridge demolition job in Oregon.

Lake Chelan Bach Fest

2006-07-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

Classical music enthusiasts, information for Chelan's upcoming "Lake Chelan Bach Fest" can be found here.

Rock Slide Near Rock Island Dam Injures Four

2006-07-07T21:07:00.000-07:00

Four people travelling to Leavenworth from the Tri-Cities were injured in a rock slide near Rock Island Dam.

Guam Newspaper Reports On Former WVC Basketballer

2006-07-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

Former Wenatchee Valley College basketballer, Willie Stinnett, is following up his two years of education at WVC by going to Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

Sad Update To The Donkey Walk From Entiat To Texas

2006-07-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

It appears that Rosie, the donkey half of the donkey walk to Texas, has become ill while travelling through Arizona.

Problems Are Many For Chelan Triathlon

2006-07-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

Triathlon in Chelan appears in doubt.

Seattle Woman Plunges 800 Feet To Her Death In Icicle Canyon

2006-07-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

Tragedy strikes Seattle woman while rock climbing near Leavenworth.

Missing Man's Body Found In Mine Shaft Just Off Blewett Pass

2006-07-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

Searcher recover missing man's body from 100 feet inside mine shaft on Blewett Pass.

Former Wenatchee Valley College President Moving On From NCTC

2006-07-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

Former Wenatchee Valley College President Dr. James Davis is leaving his position at Northland Community and Technical College.

Former Wenatchee Junior College Linebacker Hired By Carolina Panthers

2006-07-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Don Gregory, former linebacker for Wenatchee Junior College (1974-75) has been named Director of College Scouting for the NFL's Carolina Panthers.

Former Wenatchee School District Administrator In The News In Connecticut

2006-07-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Interesting story found here.

RacingWest.com reports on the Wenatchee Valley Super Oval

2006-07-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

Story found here.

Alcoa Has Been Busy

2006-07-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

Alcoa announced it has reached an agreement to purchase the minority interests in two smelters, one located in Ferndale, WA and the other in Frederick, MD.

WHS Class Of 1976 Reunion

2006-06-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

It's come to our attention that the 30 year reunion of the WHS Class Of '76 is coming up.

When: Saturday, July 22, 7pm
Where: Chateau Fair Le Pont Winery
Price: $35 per person in advance
Contact: www.classreport.com
Questions: Gina, 662-4742 or Vicki, 662-4746

Stemilt Pays Fine

2006-06-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

Stemilt Growers paid a $2,800 fine regarding a State Department of Labor & Industries violation from this past January.

One Year Ago Today

2006-06-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

It was one year ago today that Wenatchee had the eyes of the entire state upon it. Yes, 365 days ago Judge John Bridges ended the legal challenge to Governor Christine Gregoire's election victory. Rarely does Wenatchee get so much attention from the west side of the mountains as it did at the beginning of last summer. What has transpired since then? The only remnants I can see of that statewide disagreement are the sporadic "She's Not My Governor" bumper stickers scattered about town. But for one short time everyone in the state was wondering "what are they going to decide in Wenatchee"?

Good News For Cherry Growers

2006-05-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Good news so far this year for area cherry growers. It appears that this years cherry harvest could be even bigger than last year's record setting cherry harvest.

List Your Website In Our Free Links Directory

2006-05-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

Don't forget, we are starting to compile a directory of Wenatchee based websites. If you know of one or have one of your own, please feel free to submit it so it can be listed in our free directory and others can find you. You can find our Wenatchee Links page here.

Sacramento State Baseball News - Includes Info On Travis Kane

2006-05-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

A nice summary article on Sacramento State University's baseball team. Includes mentioning of Wenatchee, Washington native Travis Kane.

Hiking Destination: Northrup Canyon

2006-05-21T00:14:00.000-07:00

As many area visitors know, the entire North Central Washington area is a paradise for hikers. One fun dryland hike is Northrup Canyon, about an hour and a half east of Wenatchee off of Banks Lake on the way to Grand Coulee Dam.

Once at the trailhead it is a not-too-difficult meander up the treeless canyon. Things you can or will see are Rattlesnakes, Bald Eagles, well over 100 types of flowers, a turn of the century (or earlier) farmhouse, and beautiful dryland scenery.

Well worth the trip and you can also hit Steamboat Rock State Park, Grand Coulee Dam, Dry Falls, and Sun Lakes State Park... time permiting.

Local Species Becoming Extinct

2006-05-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

The North Central Washington / Eastern Washington areas made headlines recently when the last male of a local species, the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit, died.

Apple Blossom in the rear view mirror

2006-05-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well the big celebration is over and Wenatchee can return to "normal" life. Back to the traffic problems on the north end of town, letters in the safety valve about immigration and Molly Ivins, and businesses comings and goings.

One thing we've noticed lately is how outspoken we've become. From the semi-regular anti-war demonstrations at Memorial Park, the May Day immigration march, anti-Bush sign carrying people during the parade, and the "She's not my governor" bumper stickers, Wenatchee area residents are not shy about sharing their beliefs.

Here's hoping the weather warms up soon, this chilly wind is for the birds.

Oops! Least I forget!

2006-05-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

I received an email from a friend who wanted to make sure I knew that there was plenty more going on other than cruising, food fair and the parade this weekend:

Apple Blossom Musical: "Disney's Beauty & The Beast", Friday and Saturday night and a matinee on Sunday.

The Carnival... all weekend long.

Apple Blossom Golf Tournament: Friday at The Highlander.

Les Schwab Classy Chassis Parade and Car Show: Parade is Friday at 6pm, Car Show starts Saturday at 10am

Apple Blossom Square Dance: May 5-7 at Cashmere Middle School

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast: Saturday May 6th at Triangle Park, starts at 6am and goes until 10:30am

Apple Blossom Fun Run: On the parade route, starts at 9:50am, registration at 8am

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament: Walla Walla Park, Saturday and Sunday

All this and more, I'm sure!

Hitting our Apple Blossom stride.

2006-05-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

Thursday night before the second Apple Blossom weekend and there are a few things on people's mind.

One more night of peace before the cruising starts. Lots of talk about avoiding the scene, but c'mon... it's fun to show up and at least do some really good people-watching.

Don't forget that the Apple Blossom Idol finals are tomorrow night. The winners get to ride in the parade on Saturday.

Speaking of the parade... if you don't have your lawn chair set out by now or your chunk of grass roped off it may be standing room only for you. Let's watch our parade manners and not squat on someone else's area, thanks.

Have fun all!

Survived the first weekend

2006-05-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well, the youth parade was wildly successful (winners posted soon) and the entertainment in the park on Sunday (despite the colder than anticipated weather) was fun. It's monday now and we still have a full week of carnival, food fair, and entertainment in the park before we get to the festivities of the second weekend of Apple Blossom.

2006-04-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

At 8:30 am there was a nearly abandoned looking street lined with lawn chairs and benches of all sorts cutting through the heart of Wenatchee.

But a couple hours later it was filled with the sights and sounds of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival's Keyes Fiber Youth Parade. Bands, schools, floats, animals... a wide variety of entertainment on what turned out to be a very warm day.

2006-04-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

In the mood for a late-night-snack? Have we got the place for you! It was country music night at Memorial Park and good time seemed to be had by all. Wolf down that corndog and get on home though, the Youth Parade is tomorrow morning.

Funnelcakes and more!

2006-04-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

Just a quick personal report... the funnel cakes are just as good this year as last year. Phew! That's a relief. Just the right amount of cake mixed with just the right amount of funnel.

Apple Blossom 2006 Pictures On The Web!

2006-04-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

We've setup a website to display some pictures of this year's Apple Blossom festivities. Just surf on over to Apple Blossom 2006 Pics.

Food Fair Gets Setup

2006-04-26T23:42:00.000-07:00

Whether it's a German bratwurst or a Mesquite chicken fajita... a beef brisket or a Shishkaberry... A funnel cake or a Turkish doner sandwich, there's something for everyone at the food fair that was just being setup today. Despite the looks of it up above, we wouldn't count on there being much elbow room once the booths open on Thursday. Good eating, everyone.

The Big Blog Kickoff

2006-04-26T23:37:00.000-07:00

How fitting that we kick off the Wenatchee SPEAKS blog a few days before the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival kicks off. Come back often for reports of what's happening in Wenatchee, both during Apple Blossom, and after. Don't forget to stop by our main site, WenatcheeSPEAKS.com.