Serving the community since 1970
Serving the community since 1970
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A 52-year-old woman suffered multiple life-threatening stab wounds and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment after an carjacking attack Monday. The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. in the 400 block of Peppermint Court in Wasco. During an investigation, deputies from the Wasco and North Area substations identified Randy Flores-Lopez, 21, from Wasco, as the suspect. Flores-Lopez also took the victim’s silver 2005 Chrysler minivan, California license plate 6LQE901, according to the...
At the City Council meeting on Tuesday, the Wasco City Council recognized the newly formed Wasco Police Officers Association. Employees of the department formed the WPOA to represent officers and other staff when negotiating a memorandum of understanding with the city. In Wasco, as is common in most cities, the MOU document acts as a labor contract to establish hours, wages, working conditions and policies for its members in collective bargaining. "We are happy to see our Police Department emplo...
Esmeralda Díaz is the proud owner of Esmeralda’s Flower Shop & More, a quaint flower shop and secondhand store that offers a variety of new and gently used items. She bought the establishment from a previous owner who had the business for over 40 years, and she wants to continue with the legacy. “I opened two years ago and have been blessed so far. The community has supported me, and for that, I am grateful. After being around for so long, the business has great potential, and I’m lookin...
The Wasco High School wrestling team, under the guidance of Head Coach Juan Gallardo, has emerged victorious from the South Sequoia League Championship. The team's achievements and the dedication of both players and coaches have led to a memorable season. About the win, Coach Gallardo said, "It's wonderful. Overall, with varsity boys, varsity girls and the JV boys, we had 20 champions." As the head coach, Gallardo oversees 48 wrestlers with the help of eight other coaches. "I've got a great...
The Wasco Police Department and Arvin Police Department have announced a long-term collaboration to enhance police operations, training and interagency relationships. WPD Chief of Police Charles Fivecoat said, "We have used the same model throughout my time as a chief, even when I was in Shafter. The idea is to maximize resources to benefit our communities' citizens, which is why this collaboration is good." "You look at all the officers, sergeants, lieutenants and everybody; they all have...
A recreation and parks district enhances a community's overall quality of life by providing spaces for residents to engage in activities promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being. In Wasco, Chris Serna is the manager of this city agency and is responsible for leading the organization in innovative and interactive programming for all ages. She has held the position for two years, previously being employed primarily in the public sector. She is not from Wasco – "But I have worked in W...
Criston McPhetridge is an outreach pastor for Westside Family Fellowship who turned his life around after being addicted to drugs and alcohol and who now volunteers to help the homeless and minister in the Philippines. He is gives of his time not for the recognition but for the love of it. His story is one of inspiration, having overcome a 20-year addiction that almost destroyed him. "I started using meth at 17 and didn't stop until I was 40. I was going down a path where I was either going to...
Barber Bros launched in 2023 and has since developed a reputation for its commitment to quality service and its vibrant, friendly atmosphere. Owner Luis Magallanes said he started the business because of all the luxuries afforded by being an entrepreneur: "I wanted the freedom to make my schedule and have the flexibility to spend time with my growing family." Magallanes is a Wasco native and thought the city was the perfect place to open the barbershop. He's familiar with the town and thinks...
On Saturday, it was the official grand opening and ribbon cutting of the completion of the renovation of the old PG&E building by California Home Pros. It was an opportunity to spotlight the business along, with Sherry Knapp's California Home Loans and the opening of Pops Barbershop. "It's a culmination of a year's worth of hard work of getting the building ready for our customers and contributing to the beautification of downtown 7th Street," California Home Pros owner Tilo Cortez said. "We...
The Shafter Ford Theater has set auditions for their upcoming production of "Anne of Green Gables." This classic tale is set to come alive on stage, and the theater is looking for talented individuals to bring this beloved story to life. Audition packets for "Anne of Green Gables" will be provided upon request. These packets contain information about the characters, scenes and the overall audition process. Auditions will be held on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Tin...
The Wasco Union Elementary School District held its 41st annual Science Fair on Saturday, showcasing the talent of its student body. A total of 267 projects were displayed, representing the efforts of 377 students. The event demonstrated the district's commitment to fostering a love for science and learning while providing a platform for young minds to explore, innovate and share their discoveries with the community. Kory Mildenberger, a Palm Avenue Middle School science teacher, spearheaded...
With the recent passing of the beloved Wasco community activist Cherylee R. Wegman-Craig, many friends remembered her with kind words and shared memories of working with and knowing her in various capacities. Petra Rueda, former president of the Wasco Union Elementary School District board, knew Cherylee for almost 30 years and got close to her recently, working alongside her on the school board. "She was a very nice, respectful woman and had a lot of knowledge to share with her experience,"...
For over two decades, Tilo and Jenny Cortez have served the greater Kern County Community and beyond with their real estate and property management company, California Home Pros. With a commitment to excellence of the highest quality, they have helped many families achieve the American dream of owning their own home. Their business continues to expand, and the company purchased the old PG&E building to grow its business and renovated the location for its new office last year. To celebrate, they...
The Knights of Columbus set up hundreds of crosses on the lawn of St. John the Evangelist Church as a visual tribute to lives lost to abortion. This observance aligns with National Sanctity of Human Life Day to encourage reflection on the value of human life amid the ongoing abortion debate. "The Knights have been doing these for four or five years," Grand Knight Joe Blanchard, the group's leader, said. "It's been just our way of letting people know about the sanctity of life, that we support...
The Wasco High School varsity cheer team competed in the California Interscholastic Federation Valley Championship and won, making history by being the first in the school ever to earn this title. Cheer Advisor Hailey Coyle said, "I am extremely proud of the girls and coaches on this huge accomplishment. This team is so deserving of this title. It takes a lot of hard work, long practices, dedication and drive to achieve something like this. Cheer is not easy. It's not easy competing, and it's...
The Wasco High School varsity girls soccer team is blazing a trail of success this season, emerging as the top leader in the South Sequoia League. With an impressive record of five wins and one loss, they have firmly secured the top spot and are poised for further triumphs. Jose Castro has been the head coach for the last four years. He said the team's success can be attributed to the girl's willingness to try and learn. "We have been working off-season for the last two years and have been...
The Shafter Police Department is supporting the newly established Wasco Police Department by selling three vehicles at a discounted rate of $600. "We know that Wasco is an up-and-coming agency, and we want to support as much as possible. So that is when I contacted Chief Fivecoat and asked if he would be interested in obtaining the three vehicles we were going to be taking out of our inventory," Acting Shafter Police Chief Randy Milligan said this week. "These vehicles are very hard to obtain...
The Wasco City Council approved a contractor for the $1.1 million demolition and cleanup of the Wasco Farm Labor Camp "It's a move in the right direction toward completing the labor camp cleanup," City Manager Scott Hurlbert said, "The process has been complex, but we're ready for the final step." The city came to an agreement with the High-Speed Rail Authority in June 2023 to get reimbursement for work at the property at 750 H St. Over the past few years, the area has been marred by problems...
The Wasco Recreation and Parks District is currently accepting registrations for its Co-Ed Youth Flag Football League, with the registration period running through Friday, Jan. 26. This league offers kids a fun and engaging opportunity to stay active and fosters qualities like confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship, organizers say. Youth also learn life skills, setting them up for success on and off the field. Chris Serna, WRPD manager, said, "The game inspires character, leadership, resilience...
Reverend Wayne Dee Montgomery was a beloved and admired Wasco community member known for his kindness and compassionate nature. A man of God and a trusted public servant, he will be remembered as a man who cared deeply for the well-being of others. Wayne traveled the world as a spiritual teacher, spreading the Lord's message. He never lost sight of his true calling and held steadfast to his faith at the Christ Community Church in Wasco, which he called home, where he shared God's word until his...
The Wasco Elks Lodge is preparing for its annual Valentine's Day dinner, promising good food, great company and a chance to give back to the Wasco community. The highlight of the evening is the steak dinner, a 18-ounce ribeye accompanied by a baked potato, salad, beans and dessert – all for $30. The event is scheduled for Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will go toward generating grants that the Wasco Elks Lodge will distribute among various community groups, focusing on supporting y...
Former mayor and community activist Cherylee R. Wegman-Craig passed away on Christmas Day. at age 70. Wegman-Craig, a resident of the city all her life, served on the Wasco City Council for over 20 years, becoming the first female mayor of the city in 2001. She was elected to the role four times. In 2018, she was honored as Assembly District 32 Woman of the Year. Cherylee's involvement as a public servant was extensive, including participating as a member of the California Partnership Board for...
The Wasco Downtown Rehabilitation Project is underway. On Monday, there was a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of the project to revitalize the downtown area and enhance local culture through green spaces and public art installations. The project will include low water use landscaping, ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities, shade trees, street furniture, seating areas, waste bins, improved lighting, murals, upgrades to parking lots and rehabilitating the 7th Street Park to include a...
Born and raised in Wasco, Alex Garcia is taking on the role of mayor for the third time. It is his continued love of public service that has kept him in local politics for almost a decade. Garcia is a small business owner of a real estate company and director of the Kern Economic Development Corporation as a representative for Wasco. He said that Wasco is a growing community with small-town values and is a great place to raise a family, start a business, buy a home and thrive. As his third time...
After three years of serving as pastor for St. John the Evangelist Parish, Rev. Guillermo Preciado is stepping down. "I want to take a moment to thank God for a year filled with blessings and for allowing me to be with you in this wonderful St. John the Evangelist Parish for three Christmas seasons," Preciado said in a note to his congregation. "With sadness and regret, I announce that effective Wednesday, January 3, I will leave the parish to focus on my health and spiritual growth" He...