Leavenworth Echo

🔔✨ Enjoy the enchanting melodies of the Leavenworth Marlin Handbell Ringers this holiday season! 🎶🎄 Directed by Joyce Phipps, this group combines the charm of English handbells with beloved Christmas tunes. Experience the magic at three festive concerts across North Central Washington.

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/news/marlin-handbell-ringers-present-holiday-concerts

In the Chelan County Sheriff’s Report from November 24th to November 30th, various incidents were documented across the region. These included an unknown-injury accident near Lake Wenatchee, trespassing incidents at several locations including Safeway on River Bend Dr., parking/abandoned vehicle reports, animal problems, su***de threats, assaults, domestic disturbances, thefts, fraud/forgery incidents, traffic offenses, welfare checks, harassment/threat reports, and numerous other disturbances and agency assists. The comprehensive report encompassed a range of issues spanning from different locations within the county, indicating the multifaceted nature of law enforcement responses during this period.

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/chelan-county-sheriff%E2%80%99s-report

Attention all bird enthusiasts! Leavenworth's cherished tradition, the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC), is back, thanks to the Wenatchee River Institute (WRI) leading the effort. As part of a nationwide community science initiative by the National Audubon Society, this historical event covers a 15-mile radius around town with 11 diverse routes, welcoming everyone—no prior birding skills required!

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/leavenworths-annual-christmas-bird-count-community-science-tradition

Saturday road closures are in full effect for the Village of Lights. In order to address the heavier than normal traffic during the Christmastown celebrations, traffic control was enforced last Saturday and will continue the next two Saturdays, Dec. 9 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Village of Lights causes road closures | The Leavenworth Echo LEAVENWORTH – Saturday road closures are in full effect for the Village of Lights. In order to address the heavier than normal traffic during the Christmastown celebrations, traffic control was enforced last Saturday and will continue the next two Saturdays, Dec. 9 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

UVCares, a trailblazer in healthcare, has expanded its services just in time for the holidays. As the first nonprofit in Washington state licensed for telehealth chemical dependency counseling, UVCares now boasts five new therapists and four counselors, meeting the rising demand for support. Offering accessible online counseling and a diverse team of specialists, including an elder care expert, they're revolutionizing mental health and addiction treatment.

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/news/uvcares-expanding-mental-healthcare-upper-valley-and-beyond

UPDATE: Stevens Pass Alters Opening Plans due to Snowfall Conditions!

❄️ Due to a lack of snow, Stevens Pass had to postpone its anticipated Dec. 1 opening. Instead, they hosted an epic rope-tow rail jam from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2!

🎿 The event showcased six to 10 features, inviting enthusiasts to explore rails, boxes, and jibs in the rope tow area. Groove to tunes spun by a live DJ, relish delicious bites, and grab cool merch at Fall Line Sports!

🌨️ A substantial storm upped the snow base from 10 to 30 inches, causing NWAC to commence full-forecasting operations, issuing avalanche alerts for the Stevens Pass vicinity.

🚫 Stevens Pass hasn't set a new opening date amid forecasts predicting warmer temps and rain this week. Determining the exact snow volume necessary for opening remains a challenge, considering terrain diversity and snow density, notes Amanda Bird, Communications Manager at Stevens Pass.

🏔️ Other ski areas are also facing weather-related delays. Hurricane Ridge, White Pass, Crystal Mountain, and Mt. Baker are monitoring conditions closely, while Summit at Snoqualmie is yet to make a decision.

🎉 On the brighter side, Mission Ridge celebrated its 11th opening in 12 years during Thanksgiving weekend. Despite limited terrain, their snowmaking efforts allowed for a festive kick-off!

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/news/update-stevens-pass-delays-opening-date

At Doghaus Brewery, the spirit of De the Weimaraner lives on through wagging tails and frothy beers. This cozy spot nestled in the basement of LOGE Hotel celebrates man's best friend like no other. De, the original furry muse, pawed his way into the hearts of locals and visitors alike, becoming the face of this canine-friendly brewery. From following his owners around the hotel to ruling the beer garden, De's legacy lives in every pint poured and every bark of laughter shared.

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/news/beloved-beer-garden-dog%E2%80%99s-legacy-lives-doghaus-brewery

Important updates emerged from the recent Leavenworth City Council session. Approval was granted to upgrade downtown parking kiosks, addressing mounting concerns about existing meters' functionality, with an investment of $26,100. Additionally, a significant agreement was reached with CDTC for an off-road pathway connecting cities, backed by federal funding of $1.2 million, with Leavenworth committing $100,000.

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/news/city-council-meeting-parking-kiosk-upgrades-interlocal-road-plan

In the spirit of gratitude and personal growth, it's important to take a moment to reflect on the simple notion of "blooming where you're planted." This timeless wisdom is a reminder that no matter where life has taken us, there are opportunities for growth, joy, and success right in our own backyards.

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/columnists/bloom-where-you%E2%80%99re-planted

📰 Extra! Extra! 🗞️ The latest edition of The Leavenworth Echo is here! 🎉 Get your copy now at newsstands or dive into the digital version online. Subscribers, keep an eye on your mailboxes—your copy is on its way! Stay informed with the latest news, stories, and updates from our vibrant community. 📬🗞️

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/

In a Point of View opinion piece, Senator Brad Hawkins writes...

The Washington State Legislature will begin its 60-day session on January 8. The main focus of this year’s legislative session will be developing and approving updates to the three state budgets – the operating, transportation, and capital – for the 2023–2025 biennium. The Legislature will likely make adjustments to various laws, including in energy, natural resources, healthcare, education, and other areas. The legislative session will be very fast-paced.

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/opinion/five-steps-legislature-should-take-support-business-washington

4,161 more ballots have been counted for the 2023 General Election, with 1,100 ballots remaining. The recent count shows similar trends from Tuesday night.

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/news/election-results-95-percent-votes-are-counted-mayor-likely-be-reelected-general-election

Leavenworth City Council hosted a public forum Tuesday night regarding the Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption (MFTE), a plan intended to incentivize developers to build more affordable, multi-family homes. The forum was held in an effort to answer unresolved questions about the complex plan.

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/news/leavenworth-city-council-grapples-controversial-multifamily-housing-tax-exemption-plan

Preliminary counts for Leavenworth Tuesday night revealed a somewhat split vote for mayor, and a fairly definitive count for City Council Members.

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/news/leavenworth-mayor-race-preliminary-counts-show-tight-contest-council-seats-hang-balance

Every year on November 11th, our nation comes together to pay tribute to the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans Day is a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance, and its history is as rich and meaningful as the sacrifices made by those it honors.

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/opinion/honoring-those-who-served