Your trusted source for local Leavenworth, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Discover Pass fee in Washington will rise from $30 to $45 starting October 1, marking its first increase since 2011. The new revenue will not significantly boost funding for state parks due to budget shortfalls and increased agency costs. Approximately 71% of State Parks funding will now come from earned revenue in the 2025-27 biennium.
State legislators Keith Goehner, Brian Burnett, and Mike Steele will hold a town hall meeting on June 4 in Cashmere to discuss the recent legislative session. The event aims to foster transparency and engage constituents on topics such as the state budget and education.
Small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and are now leveraging accessible technology to thrive. Companies like Aledade are partnering with primary care doctors to improve healthcare outcomes while addressing the evolving needs of small enterprises. This shift marks a significant change in how small businesses operate in a tech-driven economy.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed a new law extending special education services for public school students to age 22. This change, resulting from a federal court ruling, aligns state law with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, ensuring students with disabilities receive education until they turn 22 or graduate. The law takes effect on July 27, 2025.
Chelan County Public Utility District will start its annual helicopter inspection of high-voltage transmission lines next week, covering about 300 miles from Cashmere to Malaga. The inspections, which aim to maintain the integrity of the power delivery system, will utilize a grey and white Long Ranger helicopter. Residents may see the helicopter flying low as crews conduct visual checks.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed three bills aimed at enhancing immigrant rights, including measures for inspecting detention facilities, preventing workplace coercion, and restricting bail bond agents from enforcing immigration laws. These laws respond to ongoing federal crackdowns on undocumented immigrants. The legislation takes effect immediately or on July 1 and July 27, respectively.
Washington state maintains $150 million in Medicaid-like coverage for low-income immigrants under its Apple Health Expansion program. However, this could attract federal Medicaid cuts as Republicans in Congress pursue legislation penalizing states with such programs. Local advocates commend the initiative for providing essential health care to marginalized communities.
Cascade High School student Caroline Menna earned the title of 2025 National Merit Scholar, one of only 6,900 students nationwide. She received a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship and expressed gratitude for the support of her family and school. Menna plans to pursue science journalism at Dartmouth College.
Food banks in North Central Washington face record demand as Upper Valley MEND's pantry reports 3,000 visitors in 2025, up from 1,800 last year. Rising food costs and funding cuts from the USDA threaten their ability to provide essential services. Executive Director Kaylin Bettinger emphasizes the need for culturally relevant staples amid increasing expenses.
Brex outlines key aspects of material procurement, emphasizing effective strategies for small businesses. The article highlights the importance of understanding procurement processes to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. It also addresses the benefits of streamlined procurement practices in fostering supplier relationships.