Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Top Stories

Buckshot Honey brings local barbecue back to Cashmere

Buckshot Honey owner and chef, Dave Storm, prepares some of his signature Cascadian Barbecue.
CASHMERE– With dreams of cooking local meat for small-town customers, professionally trained chef Dave Storm looks forward to bringing his iconic Cascadian Barbecue techniques to Cashmere as he …
Executive Q&A
Barbara Walters<br>
Executive  Director of NCW Libraries

Meet Barbara Walters, Executive Director of NCW Libraries

NCW Libraries covers 14,500 square miles with branch locations from Curlew in Ferry County to Mattawa in Grant County. Walters took on the Executive Director role at NCW Libraries in 2018 after …
Mike Poirier<br>
Mayor of the City of Wenatchee

Meet Mike Poirier, Mayor of the City of Wenatchee

Poirier was elected in 2023 and began his term as mayor in 2024. Before that he served on the Wenatchee City Council from 2016-2019 and again from 2022-2023. Poirier, who grew up and raised his …
Allie Schank<br>
General Manager<br>
Wenatchee AppleSox Baseball Club

Meet Allie Schank, General Manager of the Wenatchee AppleSox Baseball Club

Schank, who has been with the team since 2018 and general manager since 2021, leads the team with a passion for sports and community engagement.  Established in 1999, the AppleSox is a …
Thom Nees<br>
Executive Director<br>
COMMON GROUND Community Housing Trust

Meet Thom Nees, Executive Director of COMMON GROUND Community Housing Trust

COMMON GROUND Community Housing Trust is a nonprofit organization that utilizes innovative solutions to address the housing crisis in the Greater Wenatchee Valley. Nees founded Common Ground in …
Kaylin Bettinger, Executive Director<br>
Upper Valley MEND

Meet Kaylin Bettinger, Executive Director of Upper Valley MEND

Kaylin Bettinger stepped into the executive director position at Upper Valley MEND in 2016 after working in communications for the nonprofit organization since 2014. With a background in social …
Other News
WENATCHEE — Ward Media will release a special section titled "Women in Business," featuring female business leaders and women-powered teams across the region. The section will appear in the …
WENATCHEE—The NCW Tech Alliance has announced the fifteen finalists for its 23rd Annual Innovator Awards Luncheon, which will be held on November 5 at the Wenatchee Convention Center. The …
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has proposed a 3.8 percent increase in workers' compensation insurance rates for 2025. If adopted, the proposal would raise …
Keeping up with People
The Lake Chelan Health & Wellness Foundation has named longtime community member Vita Monteleone as its new Director of Community Relations. Monteleone, a resident of the Chelan Valley since …
The P.E.O. Chapter JF - Leavenworth has announced the recipients of its local scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year. The organization, which supports women in their educational pursuits, awarded …
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. announced that Charles Naismith has joined the firm as a Wealth Advisor in its Wenatchee office. Naismith, who brings 20 years of experience in the …
BELLINGHAM, Wash.  — Peoples Bank announced the promotion of three veteran bankers to newly created Regional Commercial Director positions. Jon Ensch, Mike Fredlund, and Alex Sansoni will …
WENATCHEE — Russell J. Speidel, an estate planning and probate attorney based in Wenatchee, has been recognized in the 2024 edition of Washington Super Lawyers, marking his continued excellence …
Local Features
Bavarian Bagel Co. owners Sage Worden, Taylor Lapinski, and Sydney Lapinski (left to right).
LEAVENWORTH – Bavarian Bagel Co., which got its start with online sales and local farmers markets, held a soft opening at its new downtown storefront on Sept. 24. “It’s mind …
Read more.
Hot Tubs Liquidator’s new Wenatchee location officially opens, providing the valley with low-priced luxury spa experiences.
WENATCHEE—Hot Tubs Liquidators, a local Chelan business, continues to prove itself as one of the most affordable spa businesses in the region. Owners John and Carol Aldrich look forward to the …
Read more.
More Business News

U.S. job growth slows in August, unemployment rate holds steady

U.S. employers added fewer jobs than expected in August, signaling a potential cooling in the labor market amid economic uncertainties. The unemployment rate remained relatively stable, according to …

Preparing and protecting on the digital frontier

As October ushers in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it prompts an essential question: How are we preparing our young people, business professionals, and community members for cyber defense? In an era …

Home sales dip 2.5% in August amid inventory gains and price increases

The U.S. housing market exhibited further signs of deceleration in August as existing home sales declined for the second consecutive month, according to a comprehensive report released Tuesday by the …

Washington State unemployment dips to 4.8% in August, adds 1,600 jobs

Washington state's unemployment rate decreased to 4.8% in August from 4.9% in July, according to the latest Monthly Employment Report released by the state's Employment Security Department. The …
Construction is underway to build a bigger home for Chelan Valley Hope.

Chelan Valley Hope, Food Bank expand to better serve community needs

CHELAN – Chelan Valley Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families in need, and its partner, the Lake Chelan Food Bank, are undergoing a significant remodel …
Opinion
Amy Yaley<br>
COO<br>
Ward Media
Why one marketing trick isn't enough: building a winning business strategy
As a small business owner, you're probably wearing many hats. You're the boss, the accountant, human resources, customer service, and yes, the marketing department. It's tempting to find one …
Terry Ward
Community spirit drives growth and innovation in North Central Washington
This month's Wenatchee Business Journal showcases the powerful combination of compassion and innovation driving growth in North Central Washington. Our region isn't just expanding; it's evolving in …
Tyler Kert<br>
Tamarack Wealth Management
What investors should know about dropping interest rates
On Wednesday, September 18, the Federal Reserve announced a pivotal decision to reduce interest rates by 50 basis points, or ½ of a percent. This move comes after rates had reached their …
Labor Reports
Unemployment rises to 4.7% in Okanogan County amid economic transition
OKANOGAN — Okanogan County's labor market displayed a complex mix of growth and challenges in July, according to a comprehensive labor area summary released by the Employment Security …
Local sectors show mixed results as Wenatchee area employment dips
WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) faces economic challenges as employment declined in July, according to a labor area summary released by the Washington State Employment …
Washington adds 7,100 jobs in June; unemployment rate holds steady at 4.9%
Washington state's economy showed modest growth in June, adding an estimated 7,100 jobs, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.9% for the second consecutive month, according to the latest …
Real Estate

Existing home sales inch up 1.3% in July, breaking four month decline streak

The U.S. housing market showed signs of stabilization in July as existing home sales increased for the first time in five months, according to data released by the National Association of Realtors …

North Central Washington’s Changing Real Estate Market

Adam Rynd<br>
Owner and Designated Broker of Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate
This year’s residential real estate season began with optimism, improving inventory as sellers grew more comfortable with current pricing. Buyers also re-entered the market after slow demand …

Foreign investment in U.S. housing market plummets

Foreign investment in the U.S. housing market has hit its lowest point in over a decade, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The annual study, released in …
Health Care
Dr. Andrew Jones
Patients win big in Confluence Health shift
As options expand in other industries, healthcare has had a lot of catching up to do. The desire for ready access, diverse availability, easy scheduling, and a variety of options has become …
WA company aims to bridge healthcare gap in rural areas
LEAVENWORTH – Dopl Technologies is on a mission to improve healthcare access in rural underserved areas of Washington state and beyond.  The Bothell-based software company provides …
An architectural rendering of the planned expansion to Family Health Centers' Omak campus. The expanded facility will include a new dental clinic with 18 additional operatories, allowing FHC to significantly increase access to oral health care services for the Okanogan County community. The modern, spacious design of the building aligns with FHC's mission to improve the health and well-being of the populations they serve.
Family Health Centers expanding dental care access in Okanogan County
OMAK - Family Health Centers (FHC) has announced plans to expand its Omak campus at 1003 Koala Drive by adding a new dental clinic. This expansion aims to increase access to oral health care for all …
After a decade, Mall Boyd is wrapping up her term on the Cascade Medical Board of Commissioners.
Cascade Medical bids adieu to Commissioner Mall Boyd
LEAVENWORTH—After a decade of dedicated service, Commissioner Mall Boyd bid farewell to her role on the Cascade Medical Board of Commissioners, marking the end of an era in community healthcare …
Five from Confluence Health honored with 2024 Champion of Public Health Awards
WENATCHEE - Three staff members and two providers at Confluence Health were recently honored with the 2024  Champions of Public Health Award, presented by the Chelan-Douglas Health District …
Bonus coverage from the web
Tourism & Travel

Chelan County Commissioners allocate over $319K in Lodging Tax dollars to boost local tourism initiatives

WENATCHEE — Chelan County Commissioners greenlit the allocation of nearly $320,000 in lodging tax dollars toward various tourism-related entities, benefitting a gamut of local organizations. …

Around the region

Manger Mall holiday gift program set to launch in Chelan Valley

CHELAN — The annual Manger Mall program, which provides holiday gifts to children in need within the Chelan and Manson school districts, will open registration in mid-October. The …

Chelan City Council revisits proposal for a two-way Woodin Avenue Bridge

CHELAN – The future directions – literally - of the Woodin Avenue Bridge was the main topic of a public hearing over amendments to the city’s six-year State Transportation …
A concrete channel routes Swamp Creek water behind a warehouse.

Brewster swings for the fences with $20 million EPA grant application

BREWSTER –It’s a long shot with a short application window, but the City of Brewster is applying to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in pursuit of a $20 million grant to fund …
The Lonesome Town Painters, set to perform in Cashmere on October 26, pose with their instruments. From left: Patrick Bartel (mandolin), Jeremy Freeman (banjo), Angelo Eidse (bass), and Fred Beach (guitar). The Vancouver-based bluegrass band will bring their traditional sound to the Cashmere Community Church as part of the Cashmere Community Concerts series.

Bluegrass band The Lonesome Town Painters to perform in Cashmere

CASHMERE -- Cashmere Community Concerts will host The Lonesome Town Painters, a bluegrass band from Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday, October 26 at 7:00 pm. The event will take place at …
Local artist Lupillo Beltran's work combines bold graphic elements with cultural symbolism, as seen in this striking black and white portrait surrounded by swirling patterns and a vibrant orange accent. Beltran will explore the use of symbols in art during his upcoming presentations at NCW Libraries.

NCW Libraries to host artist Lupillo Beltran for symbolic art presentations

WENATCHEE - NCW Libraries will host local artist Lupillo Beltran at three locations in October and November, exploring how humans utilize symbols to communicate and share stories and traditions. …