Chelan wins library project grant
CHELAN — The city of Chelan won a $490,000 Community Development block grant to help remodel the old Masonic Temple into a public library. In October, the city purchased the building at 216 Emerson St. after a committee considered several options for expanding the town’s small public library.
Carlton rancher to get first wolf-kill compensation
CARLTON — State and federal officials say a dead calf found near Carlton was likely killed by a wolf, and its owners will be the first in the state compensated for it. Bernard and Dianne Thurlow discovered the partially-eaten calf on his 3,000-acre ranch near Carlton on Saturday, May 19.
Biologists confirm wolverine kit born in North Cascades
MAZAMA — Six years after initiating the first wolverine study in the Pacific Northwest, Keith Aubry has been able to confirm that these elusive animals not only visit the North Cascades, but also breed and reproduce here. The research biologist got that confirmation a couple weeks ago, after flying over their snow-covered territory and finding and photographing not one, but two remote natal dens where Xena and Mallory were holed up to have kits. A remote video camera later caught Xena with a kit in her mouth.
Ecology to collect old woodstoves
WINTHROP — The state Department of Ecology is offering $250 to Methow Valley residents who will hand over old woodstoves in an effort to reduce smoke emissions.
Wenatchee among state’s worst for wood smoke pollution
WENATCHEE — We may think we live in one of the state’s most pristine areas, but when it comes to pollution from woodsmoke or diesel, Wenatchee is sixth worst in the Washington, a state Department of Ecology analysis shows. What’s more, it’s getting worse.
Wenatchee Valley College looks at way to avoid tuition increases
WENATCHEE — Frustrated over continuing tuition increases, the Wenatchee Valley College board of trustees on Wednesday began looking for a way not to impose another state-ordered tuition hike. “Basically, they’ve asked us to find a way, if there is one,” said Wenatchee Valley College President Jim Richardson. “We had in past years concluded they really didn’t have a lot of control, but we never really dug into it as far as they want us to now,” he added.
Chelan settles with teacher accused of making sexual advances
A former Chelan teacher accused of making sexual advances toward a fourth-grade boy and other students will get one year’s pay in a settlement Monday that ends his employment with the Lake Chelan School District.
Former Chelan teacher negotiates continuance
A former math teacher for the Lake Chelan School District who was arrested for hitting his wife and pointing a gun at his two daughters last fall entered into an agreement that could dismiss the most serious charges.
Nearly 200 sign up to Get Fit!
CHELAN — When doctors look for that teachable moment, they don’t expect a patient to grab on and run with it quite the way Ben Higgins did. After a blockage in his right coronary artery eight years ago, Higgins — the owner of Chelan Realty — went home and started walking daily. Then he tried eating healthier foods. Then last year, to stay inspired, he decided to get other people in the community to join him.
Not guilty of murder, Swezeys could face retrial for manslaughter
OKANOGAN — As a large sigh rang out across the courtroom, Greg and JaLea Swezey looked anything but relieved when the judge read their three not guilty, and three hung jury decisions Monday night. Accused of being criminally responsible for their son's death for praying at his bedside but failing to call a doctor three years ago, the Swezeys were both found not guilty of second-degree murder by an Okanogan County Superior Court jury.
Jury deliberates on faith healing case
OKANOGAN — Greg and JaLea Swezey did not know their 17-year-old son, Zachery, was dying, until just before he passed away from a ruptured appendix on March 18, 2009, a defense attorney told an Okanogan County jury this morning. By then, it was too late to call an ambulance to their remote Carlton home. Throughout three days of testimony last week, Ellensburg attorney Chelsea Korte tried to drive home the point that the Swezeys thought their very sick son had the flu, and that he was going to get better.
North Cascades Highway opens
Mazama North Cascades Highway opens
‘I’m going home’
Father accused in faith-healing case testifies
Father accused in faith-healing case testifies.
Courtroom drama intensifies in Swezey trial
OKANOGAN — An emotionally-charged second day in the murder trial of Greg and JaLea Swezey Thursday included tears and anger over their son’s autopsy photo, and mention of a possible mistrial as lawyers sparred over inadmissible testimony. The Swezeys are charged with the death of their 17-year-old son, Zachery, on March 18, 2009. In the three days before he died from a ruptured appendix, they asked church elders to their Carlton home to anoint him with oil, and asked family members to pray for him, but never sought medical attention.
‘This was not a faith healing death,’ lawyer tells jury
Greg and JaLea Swezey murder trial begins
OKANOGAN — An Okanogan County jury heard two very different stories describing the last days of Zachery Swezey’s life during opening arguments in his parents’ murder trial Wednesday. The 17-year-old Carlton boy died of a ruptured appendix on March 18, 2009, and Greg and JaLea Swezey are charged in Okanogan County Superior Court with second-degree murder, or first-degree manslaughter as an alternative.
Jury seated in faith healing case
OKANOGAN — Some potential jurors said that Greg and JaLea Swezey have suffered enough, and that they should have never been charged with second-degree murder for the death of their 17-year-old son, Zachery. Others said that they couldn’t be impartial knowing that a child may have died because of someone’s religious beliefs.
Prescribed burns planned for Lake Wenatchee
Several small prescribed fires may be set today and are expected to be very visible from the Lake Wenatchee, Plain and Highway 2.
Jury selection for Swezeys starts today
OKANOGAN — Jury selection is scheduled to begin today in Okanogan County Superior Court for Greg and JaLea Swezey, a Carlton couple charged with second-degree murder in the death of their 17-year-old son. The Swezeys are accused of failing to call for medical help as Zachery Swezey was dying from a ruptured appendix. He died on March 18, 2009, after being ill with flu-like symptoms for about three days.
Film contest to help state parks
NCW — A Seattle organization is sponsoring a short film contest for students in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties designed to give state parks a boost and students a creative outlet — and maybe win a cash prize. “Why I Love My State Park” will be the theme of these two- to five-minute videos, produced by students.
Peace walkers to hold 29th annual event
OROVILLE — Groups from Canada and the United States will walk to the Oroville-Osoyoos border and call for peace in the 29th annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace Sunday. Anyone is welcome to join marchers at noon at the Oroville Public Library for a march to the border, or drive to the border for a celebration of peace beginning at 2 p.m.
Ranger District hosts open house
LEAVENWORTH — The Wenatchee River Ranger District is inviting the community to learn about its work during an open house from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursdayat the Leavenworth office, 600 Sherbourne St. U.S. Forest Service employees will describe their work including prescribed burning, timber harvest, noxious weed treatment, fish, wildlife and recreation.
The Worm: Of beasts and butterflies
You may have read in The Worm a few weeks back that Lake Chelan’s monster needed a name. Well, the votes are in, and, according to GoLakeChelan, Tsilly (pronounced chilly) is the winner out of some 100 names suggested. The contest was for a promotional book signing with Seattle author John Fahey, who just released, “Lake Chelan, the Greatest Lake in the World,” where this fabled monster is mentioned. Another favored name was “Geisa,” or “Geisla” a name some say that American Indians gave to the monster many years ago.
Spokane squad destroys pipe bomb
TONASKET — A live pipe bomb found by a fisherman at the edge of Fancher Lake northeast of Tonasket was detonated by a bomb disposal unit from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Thursday afternoon. The bomb was discovered at about 9 p.m. Wednesday, and — to protect the public — an Okanogan County Sheriff’s deputy stayed with the the device through the night until about noon on Thursday, when the bomb unit arrived, said Sheriff Frank Rogers.
Number of pertussis cases jumps in Methow
WINTHROP — The number of confirmed pertussis cases in the Methow Valley jumped from two to seven in less than a week, and authorities say there are eight additional suspected cases. “It’s snowballing, and that’s to be expected,” said Lauri Jones, community health director at Okanogan County Health District. She said she expects the outbreak to spread to other parts of the county, but there have been no confirmed cases in other areas since January.
Forest Service considers removing fire lookout
TONASKET — The Tonasket Ranger District wants to remove a heavily vandalized 42-foot fire lookout tower in cooperation with the Forest Fire Lookout Association. The Cornell Butte Lookout is on a 5,800-foot summit about nine miles southwest of Republic, and east of Tonasket.
Stabbing victim arrested as the aggressor
LEAVENWORTH — Adam D. Ellis, a 45-year-old Leavenworth man whose ex-girlfriend stabbed him in the neck Tuesday afternoon, was released from the hospital and arrested Wednesday as the aggressor in the incident, officials said. Ellis suffered at least one life-threatening wound after he was stabbed four or five times with a four-inch blade, Chelan County Sheriff’s Lt. Maria Agnew said.
Four suspects still sought in drive-by
QUINCY — Quincy Police seized the vehicle used in a drive-by shooting on Sunday and are collecting fingerprints and DNA samples hoping to identify four other occupants involved in the 8 p.m. incident in the 200 block of B Street NE. Police Chief Richard Ackerman said four to five shots were fired toward a residence, and an unoccupied vehicle was struck.
Citizen report leads to arrests
Wenatchee Citizen report leads to two graffiti arrests
Wednesday crash kills Bridgeport man
BRIDGEPORT — A Bridgeport man was killed in a crash near Bridgeport Wednesday afternoon. Edgar Luna-Barajas, 23, was killed at the scene of the 6:45 p.m. crash at Fisher and Pearl Hill roads, about one and a half miles east of Highway 17, said Douglas County Sheriff Harvey Gjesdal.
Truck hauling mine’s wastewater spills 4,200 gallons
CHESAW — A truck carrying concentrated wastewater from the Buckhorn Mine crashed Tuesday and spilled about 4,200 gallons into Marias Creek. The spill does not pose a threat to human health, said Mark Ioli, the mine’s general manager.
Bar says complaint against Grant prosecutor warrants hearing
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Bar Association’s disciplinary arm says there’s enough evidence that Grant County Prosecutor D. Angus Lee was unethical in his behavior to take an ethics complaint against him to a hearing. The April 25 was sparked by decision a grievance filed more than two years ago by former Grant County Sheriff’s deputy Daniel Couture claiming unethical actions by Lee in his attempt to win reelection in 2009.
Pertussis persists in NCW
NCW — The Ephrata School District and the Methow Valley School District have each reported two new cases of lab-confirmed pertussis — or whooping cough — in the past week. Chelan and Douglas counties also have three new cases, bringing to total pertussis cases in the two counties to 11 so far this year, said Mary Small, director of community health and preparedness at the Chelan-Douglas Health District.
Coroner uses DNA comparison to confirm identity of skull
EAST WENATCHEE — After nearly 15 years, Carolyn Turner can finally lay some of her brother’s remains to rest in an East Wenatchee cemetery, and fulfill one of her mother’s final wishes. Her brother, Delbert Joseph “Joe” Brazil is now officially dead. He’s been missing since Sept. 9, 1997, when he was 49 years old.
Stabbing sends Leavenworth man to hospital
A Leavenworth man was stabbed in his neck multiple times Tuesday after a dispute with his ex-girlfriend. Authorities said Adam D. Ellis, 45, was taken to Central Washington Hospital, but a hospital spokeswoman said he is not listed as a patient there this morning.
Drive-by shooting suspect arrested
QUINCY — An 18-year-old Quincy man was arrested Sunday after a drive-by shooting and a one-mile chase. No one was injured in the shooting in the 200 block of B Street NE, but a vehicle was damaged, a news release this morning from the Quincy Police Department said.
Fatal crash victim identified
QUINCY — The driver of a fatal crash near Quincy Friday morning was identified by the Washington State Patrol as Gordon A. Hyde, 62, of Quincy. Hyde was driving a Kia Sportage SUV when it rear-ended a semi three miles south of Quincy on Highway 281.
Trial postponed for faith-healing couple
A trial for a Carlton couple charged with second-degree murder for the 2009 death of their 17-year-old son was postponed Monday for at least one week and possibly one month.
Police seek man after attempted kidnapping
ENTIAT — Chelan County Sheriff’s deputies are looking for a man who on Saturday grabbed a woman who was walking on the sidewalk in Entiat and tried to pull her into his car. The 22-year-old Entiat woman told deputies she was walking south on Highway 97A shortly after 6 p.m. and was approaching the fenced area near U.S. Aluminum Castings when a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses got out of a parked car and grabbed her arm, Sgt. Jerry Moore said.
Trial starts Tuesday in faith-healing murder case
OKANOGAN — A state law that allows faith healing for Christian Scientists but not other religions is not arbitrary, an Okanogan County judge has ruled. The decision clears the way for the Tuesday start of a second-degree murder case against a Carlton couple Greg and JaLea Swezey — members of the Church of the First Born — are charged with second-degree murder by “criminal mistreatment” in the death of their 17-year-old son, Zachery, in 2009. He died of a burst appendix while his parents and other church members prayed for his recovery, and failed to call a doctor or ambulance.
Body in Methow River deemed suicide
TWISP — Twisp Police say a woman in her late 60s whose body was discovered Wednesday morning in the Methow River killed herself. Police were called to the Twisp Park after residents in the area heard a gunshot at about 7 a.m., said Chief Paul Budrow.
Longtime Brewster clerk accused of stealing from the city
OKANOGAN — Pamela I. Olsen, a Brewster city clerk for 25 years, is accused of stealing more than $31,000 from the city, and is facing criminal charges in Okanogan County Superior Court. She has been summoned to appear in court on May 14 to hear the charges against her, which include 20 counts of theft, including first- second- and third-degree, due to the varying amounts taken. She also faces one count of misappropriation of funds by a treasurer for issuing an unauthorized $5,000 check from the city to the Brewster Housing Authority.
Once a queen
Natalie Bird Mahler Today: Natalie lives in Canton, Conn., with her husband, John, and their 1-year-old son, William.
EASE Cancer uses holistic approach to help people deal with cancer
WENATCHEE — People who’ve had cancer say the diagnosis becomes a dividing line in their lives. There were the days before they knew they had cancer, and the days after. It’s not just the physical drain of the disease and its treatments that make this diagnosis so life-changing.
Police investigate body discovered in river
TWISP — Twisp Police and the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a body discovered in a river inside Twisp city limits this morning. Sheriff Frank Rogers said he was told the body appeared to be female, but that he was unable to get more information from his chief criminal deputy who was at the scene, due to communication disruption.
Burn victim still critical
OMAK — Patricia “Tracy” Boyd, a 48-year-old Omak woman who was seriously burned escaping a camper trailer fire early Monday, is still in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, a hospital spokeswoman said this morning. Boyd was taken to Harborview after Omak police discovered the camper in flames at about 1:20 a.m., along with Boyd, who was seeking help. Omak Fire Chief Kevin Bowling said the trailer was destroyed, and that he saw nothing suspicious at the scene. “There’s really nothing to investigate, from the fire department, but the tribe may decide to go in and investigate it further” since the trailer was located within the boundary of the Colville Indian Reservation, he said.
Mission Ridge tracked out by snowmobilers playing in non-motorized area
MISSION RIDGE — When the Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort closes for the season, it becomes a playground for skiers and snowboarders who hike up the slopes to have a little extra winter fun in the sun while other people are out planting gardens or hiking the foothills. But last weekend, their fun was cut short on several runs after snowmobilers used the empty slopes.
Authorities seek suspect in Omak stabbing
OMAK — Authorities are looking for a suspect in an April 4 stabbing that sent a 63-year-old Oroville man to a Spokane trauma center with serious stab wounds to his abdomen and arm. Police have probable cause to arrest Eric S. Laducer, 31, of Omak, for assault in the 3:30 a.m. stabbing of Richard R. Pooler, Colville Tribal Police said.
Omak man assaulted with ax, suspect arrested
OMAK — An Omak man was hit in the face with an ax Sunday and was in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle this morning. A suspect is in custody. Arthur B. Chuweah, 71, was assaulted at a residence at 630 Index St., according to the Colville Tribal Police Department. Police were called about 1:50 a.m. Chuweah is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
Woman burned in trailer fire is critical
OMAK — A 48-year-old Omak woman suffered serious burns early Monday escaping a fire in her 18-foot camper trailer. Patricia “Tracy” Boyd was burned on her arms, legs and possibly her face, according to Omak police. She was able to make her way to an Omak police officer who noticed the fire and was responding to it.
DNR begins recreation planning for Naneum forest
WENATCHEE — The state is making plans to manage recreation on the 131,000-acre Naneum Ridge State Forest south of Wenatchee, and is asking the public to weigh in. The state Department of Natural Resources will host a meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Wenatchee Convention Center, Orchard Exhibit south room, at 121 N. Wenatchee Ave.
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