NCW News

07/12/2026

A rapidly growing wildfire west of U.S. Highway 97 forced evacuations and closed a portion of the highway Sunday afternoon, July 12, as firefighters worked to protect homes on the south edge of Chelan.

CHELAN — A rapidly growing wildfire west of U.S. Highway 97 forced evacuations and closed a portion of the highway Sunday afternoon, July 12, as firefighters worked to protect homes on the south …

07/11/2026

Firefighters are responding to the Stemilt Creek Fire in Chelan County, which had grown to approximately 30 acres Saturday afternoon, according to incident reports and emergency officials.

WENATCHEE — Firefighters are responding to the Stemilt Creek Fire in Chelan County, which had grown to approximately 30 acres Saturday afternoon, according to incident reports and emergency …

07/10/2026

A downtown storefront that stood vacant during last year's Downtown Possibilities Tour is now home to Timberline Brewing, where this year's tour will conclude July 22 with a networking reception highlighting the next generation of available commercial spaces.

WENATCHEE — A downtown storefront that stood vacant during last year's Downtown Possibilities Tour is now home to Timberline Brewing, where this year's tour will conclude July 22 with a networking …

07/09/2026

The North Central Education Foundation is inviting the community to a July 12 benefit concert supporting classroom grants that help teachers bring innovative learning opportunities to students across the region.

WENATCHEE — The North Central Education Foundation is inviting the community to a July 12 benefit concert supporting classroom grants that help teachers bring innovative learning opportunities to …

07/08/2026

When the Chelan Hills Fire raced through homes north of Chelan over the Fourth of July weekend, it did more than destroy buildings. It interrupted dreams years in the making, erased places families believed would always be there and forced neighbors across North Central Washington to begin rebuilding almost overnight.

CHELAN — When the Chelan Hills Fire raced through homes north of Chelan over the Fourth of July weekend, it did more than destroy buildings. It interrupted dreams years in the making, erased places …

07/08/2026

Organizations across North Central Washington are being invited to strengthen digital access in their communities through a new regional campaign that includes microgrants of up to $2,000 for qualifying projects.

WENATCHEE — Organizations across North Central Washington are being invited to strengthen digital access in their communities through a new regional campaign that includes microgrants of up to …

07/08/2026

Three Rivers Hospital is asking voters to renew its one-year emergency room levy in the Aug. 4 primary election, seeking continued support for the tax measure that funds around-the-clock physician staffing in the hospital's emergency department.

BREWSTER — Three Rivers Hospital is asking voters to renew its one-year emergency room levy in the Aug. 4 primary election, seeking continued support for the tax measure that funds around-the-clock …

07/07/2026

After months of flood recovery work powered by volunteers, local businesses and nonprofits, Blackbird Island Pond is open once again for fishing.

07/07/2026

Tickets are now on sale for Leavenworth’s annual Oktoberfest festival, which will transform the Bavarian Village into a festive, music-filled celebration of German culture. The 2026 festival will be held over three weekends: Oct. 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17.

LEAVENWORTH — Tickets are now on sale for Leavenworth’s annual Oktoberfest festival, which will transform the Bavarian Village into a festive, music-filled celebration of German culture. The 2026 …

07/07/2026

Chelan County Fire District #3 is looking for its next fire chief following the retirement of Fire Chief Kelly O’Brien.

The district recently announced the position, offering a salary range of $130,000-$140,000 plus benefits, with applications due Aug. 14. District officials described the position as requiring a “hands-on leadership style and experience balancing career and volunteer staff.”

LEAVENWORTH — Chelan County Fire District #3 is looking for its next fire chief following the retirement of Fire Chief Kelly O’Brien. The district recently announced the position, offering a …