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The Icicle Fund is revitalizing Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort in Leavenworth, Washington, to honor the vision of its late founder, Harriet Bullitt. With new partnerships and a fresh management team, the resort aims to enhance community collaboration and adapt to the evolving hospitality landscape. General Manager Gemma Fortier emphasizes the importance of local connections in driving the resort's future.
Tierra Learning Center will open a groomed Nordic ski track for skate and classic skiing this winter, featuring a 1.6-kilometer loop. The center also offers a packed Bridge Trail for snowshoeing and walking, where dogs are permitted. Season passes are available for $100, with day passes priced at $10.
The Leavenworth and Cashmere Farmers Markets concluded their season on Oct. 11 and 12, attracting nearly 12,000 and over 3,400 attendees, respectively. Despite a successful harvest, organizers noted a decline in sales and are planning changes for 2026, including moving the Cashmere market to Wednesday evenings to enhance vendor participation and customer access.
US-97 over Blewett Pass reopened after a closure caused by heavy snowfall and multiple disabled semis. The Washington State Department of Transportation confirmed the road was blocked early Monday morning but reopened by 10 a.m. following the snowfall forecast of up to 12 inches.
The Chumstick Grange #819 celebrated its 100th anniversary on October 8, focusing on its agricultural heritage and community impact. The organization aims to engage younger generations and grow its membership, currently at 43, with only a quarter actively involved.
The Lower Sugarloaf Fire in Chelan County reached 90 percent containment, leading to the lifting of all evacuation orders on October 10. Despite reduced fire activity, officials warn of ongoing hazards, including unstable trees and residual hot spots, urging the public to respect closure areas.
The Labor Mountain Fire has consumed 39,324 acres since September 1, with only 10 percent containment. Officials warn that significant rain or snow is needed to fully control the blaze, which remains active despite steady growth. Evacuation levels in the area will remain unchanged as fire behavior persists.
Firefighting crews have contained 55 percent of the Lower Sugarloaf Fire in Chelan County, which spans 41,000 acres. Suppression efforts are now focused on the southern end, utilizing controlled ignitions and heavy equipment for repair work. Evacuation advisories have been lifted in some areas, improving local safety.
Blewett Pass reopened to travel on October 7 after being closed for over two weeks due to the Labor Mountain Fire. A pilot car will guide vehicles through the area, which is now accessible on US-97. Fire officials continue to monitor the situation as the fire remains active.
Chelan County PUD crews are clearing hazard trees along a high-voltage transmission line to enhance electrical grid safety before winter storms and wildfire season. This work is part of a multi-year project, which will ultimately secure reliable power for around 3,500 customers in the Upper Valley.