Good morning, Wenatchee.

Twenty-eight senior girls from Wenatchee and Eastmont Schools will compete for Apple Blossom Festival royalty, with candidate interviews and public speeches scheduled for January 13, 2026 at the Performing Arts Center—an event that will narrow the field to a top 10 before the Royalty Selection Pageant. The pageant will be held at 7 p.m. on February 14, 2026 at the Numerica Performing Arts Center.

The Cascade School District said lead was detected in several drinking water outlets (affecting multiple school buildings) and officials are testing water samples to protect student health.

The Washington State Fire Marshal and Chelan Douglas Health District warned that Thanksgiving is the riskiest day for home cooking fires and advised people to stay in the kitchen while cooking, keep grills away from structures, and have a fire extinguisher ready—these tips come as national data shows home-cooking fires occur three times more often on Thanksgiving than on other days. Families are also urged to remove flammable decorations and keep children out of the kitchen to reduce burn injuries.

A gift guide offers 10 unique Washington-themed Christmas ideas that include creative items such as grass flip flop sandals and nostalgic apparel with local designs.

The guide gives holiday shoppers clear options for presents that celebrate state pride—helping them choose the right gift—at a busy time before Christmas.

Local farmers harvest Washington’s fresh apples from August to November and offer seasonal produce such as zucchini, tomatoes, and strawberries — giving residents a chance to enjoy locally grown flavors.

Lake Chelan was named one of America's top lake beaches by Fodors—boasting over 50 miles of shoreline and more than 300 days of sunshine, it offers hiking trails, local wineries and family outings for visitors in the region.

Jazz, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, is training with the Stevens Pass Ski Patrol to learn avalanche rescue skills for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

The pup’s compact build and agility will let him work closely with his handler on chair lifts—an approach that sets him apart from larger rescue dogs.

Give NCW Turkey Trot

9-11 a.m. — Pybus Public Market — Registration fees apply — Kick off the holiday season with timed 5K and 10K races plus a free kids run amidst the scenic Apple Capital Loop.