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Articles from the February 4, 2021 edition


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  • Council discusses a city police department

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Feb 4, 2021

    The City Council is considering a feasibility study to determine if the city can sustain its own police department. At its Feb. 2 meeting, the council discussed the city's investigation of an alternative to using the Kern County Sheriff's Office in the future. The city's contract with the sheriff's office expires this year. The annual cost for the fiscal year 2020-21 was $3.98 million, which is a 5% increase over the previous year. The last contract with the sheriff's office was a five-year...

  • Wasco school district to continue distance learning for rest of year

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Feb 4, 2021

    Wasco Union High School District Superintendent Rob Cobb addressed all students, parents, families, teachers and staff members about the difficult year everyone has encountered with the pandemic. Cobb shared the district's reopening plan and what the district is doing to keep students and staff safe from the spread of covid-19 and what everyone can anticipate as the district looks forward to the end of this school year. "I first want to emphasize that our district considers the covid-19...

  • Maria's Ultimate Look thriving despite pandemic

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Feb 4, 2021

    Maria's Ultimate Look, 822 5th St., is tucked back from the sidewalk and if it wasn't for the sign in the front, you would think the small cottage was someone's home. Maria Sanchez has been in the beauty business for 30 years and has owned her own salon for the past 18 years in several different locations in Wasco. The salon offers the cuts, perms, colors and also airbrush tanning. There is a tanning bed upstairs for those who want that summer glow all year round. You must be at least 18 years...

  • Area vaccination site ready, waiting on supply

    Toni DeRosa, The Shafter Press and Wasco Tribune|Feb 4, 2021

    Vaccination efforts are continuing in the region as Bakersfield College has been designated a vaccine site. It is unclear whether there is enough of the vaccine to give everyone. As of Tuesday, Feb. 2, Kaiser Permanente is only giving the vaccine out to health care workers and adults over the age of 75. There is also a large vaccination center at the Kern County Fairgrounds. Vanguard in Wasco has been giving out vaccinations during the past week; however, Wasco’s Adventist Health does not have the vaccine. Omni Health in Shafter is open for v...

  • Wasco Community Scholarship accepting applications

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Feb 4, 2021

    The Wasco Community Scholarship Association is now accepting applications for 2021 awards. “The application is available on the Wasco High School website,” Wasco Community Scholarship Committee member Sharon Sharp said. “All Wasco High graduates attending a 2-year college, 4-year college or university, or trade school are encouraged to apply.” Sharp added that the four-year university and college scholarship award is $1,500. The two-year college, trade or technical school scholarships will be $700 this year. “Qualified recipients will be d...

  • Shafter High football stadium renovations begin

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Feb 4, 2021

    Although the pandemic has dampened their season, the Shafter Generals will have a newly renovated stadium to look forward to once they can play again. Renovations have begun on a brand new stadium for Shafter High School, with the demolition of the homestands and portions of the track last Monday. The project, which will cost between $7-8 million, is expected to take approximately 305 days to complete. According to Principal Russell Shipley, they are hoping to be finished by October or...

  • Vendors gather for pop-up shop event

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Feb 4, 2021

    Over the weekend on Atlantic Avenue, a dozen vendors gathered to sell their wares from their home-based businesses. The items included jewelry, soaps, sweets, baked goods, and beauty accessories. One of those vendors was Paola Castro, who began making custom door mats during the pandemic to sell to bring in some extra cash. Castro purchases the mats at a major retailer and paints them with different logos, sayings and pictures. She produces a variety of them to bring to events, but she also can...

  • Richland returns to distance learning

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Feb 4, 2021

    The Richland School District has returned to distance learning after implementing a return to campus in late November. With a number of teachers and parents unhappy with the decision, a petition had begun circulating that would return the district back to distance learning. This past week, the decision was made to have the district suspend the return to school plan. According to Superintendent Rosa Romero, the decision to return to distance learning was not the result of the petition. "One...

  • Shafter community mourns passing of Karolyn Kay Millwee

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Feb 4, 2021

    If you have ever attended a Distinguished Young Woman program, formerly known as the Junior Miss program, you undoubtedly have heard of one of Shafter's beloved icons, Karolyn Kay Millwee. Millwee passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy in the community. Born in 1938, Millwee served the community for over five decades. Millwee moved to Shafter when she was a young child and she graduated from Shafter High in 1956. She married Robert Millwee in 1960 and were married for 38 years before the...

  • Community Calendar - Feb. 4, 2021

    Wasco Tribune|Feb 4, 2021

    As activities restart and businesses reopen, we will try to update readers on the status of events and activities throughout the area. Please contact Erica Soriano with additions and changes at [email protected] or call 661-292-5100 by Monday at 4 p.m. for that week’s paper. Ongoing Warm clothing drive — District 4 Supervisor David Couch is collecting blankets, coats, gloves, hats, scarves and socks. Donations will benefit families in District 4. To schedule an in-person pickup, call 661- 868-3680. Utility bills — The City of Wasco...

  • Arrest Report - Feb. 4, 2021

    The Shafter Press|Feb 4, 2021

    Jan. 25 Julian Joseph Castillo, 42, of Wasco, was arrested at 748 F Street in Wasco on a misdemeanor warrant. He was cited and released at the scene. Jorge Martinez Garcia, 28, of Wasco, was arrested in the 1400 block of 7th Street in Wasco for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of alcohol over 0.08%. He was booked into the Kern County Jail. Jan. 26 Bridey Villasana Murillo, 23, of Wasco, was arrested in the 700 block of F Street in Wasco on a misdemeanor warrant. She was cited and released at the scene....

  • Mystery History - Feb. 4, 2021

    The Shafter Press|Feb 4, 2021

    Here's this week's challenge, courtesy of the Wasco Historical Society. If you know the location, circumstances, exact or rough date and/or people in the photo, send your educated (or semieducated) guess to the Tribune, 406 Central Ave., Shafter 93263, or e-mail it to [email protected]. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: A photo of the 1952 WUHSD adult basketball team sponsored by Clarence Crawford. Back row from left, Finis Garland '52, Mickey Carter '52, and Benny...

  • Shafter's Distinguished Young Woman competes at state level

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Feb 4, 2021

    Shelbee Ramos, Shafter's Distinguished Young Woman for 2020, competed in the state competition over the weekend and received a special award. The event was done virtually this year because of the covid-19 limitations, just as the local competition was held, with the performances sent online and the interviews being done via Zoom. Ramos said that the competition was a great learning experience and she had such a good time competing in all of the phases, even though it wasn't the same experience...

  • Meet our newest reporter

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Feb 4, 2021

    The Wasco Tribune recently welcomed Sarah Velarde as our newest reporter. Velarde was born in Bakersfield and was raised in Smith's Corners in Shafter. She is a 2005 graduate of Shafter High and understands the importance of a small community. Velarde was cheer captain and known as the class clown. After high school she attended Taft Community College. "After high school graduation, I quickly realized a car equaled freedom so I worked at Generals Headquarters and saved for my first car - a 2006...

  • Pastor's Corner: Emulation

    Pastor Jim Neal, First Southern Baptist Church, Shafter|Feb 4, 2021

    “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps…” I Peter 2:21 I was watching the Heisman trophy presentation on TV the other night. Coach Saban, of the University of Alabama, had two players nominated for the award. It was only the 6th time that two players were nominated from the same team in the prestigious history of the award. Quite an honor for any coach; but it is what he said about the players that I would like...

  • Mary Idanell Nunlist

    Feb 4, 2021

    Mary Idanell Nunlist 77, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Jan. 26, 2021, at home in Shafter, with her loved ones by her side. Idanell was born Aug. 6, 1943, in Torrance to Ollis and Lorene Prickett. A godly woman whose favorite pastime was doting on her family, whether they be blood related or her next-door neighbors; she fiercely loved all. She had a heart for teaching children. which was exemplified in her career choice as a teacher's aide for special education students and by serving...

  • Marciano "Don Chano" Aguayo

    Feb 4, 2021

    Marciano was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, on Oct, 16, 1932, the son of Marciano Aguayo and María Ramos. Marciano was a hard worker, a great father and provider. His unconditional love for his family made him the best father and grandfather one could ask for. Marciano cherished moments with his family, enjoying long talks full of laughter and love. Marciano entered eternal life on Jan. 30, 2021, surrounded by his beloved family. Marciano is survived by his daughters, Yesenia Vargas, María A. G...

  • Doris Lee Kirschenmann

    Feb 4, 2021

    Doris Lee Kirschenmann was born on April 21, 1937, in Bakersfield, to L. Dee Wilson and Rena Bell Taylor Wilson. She was the surviving twin and only sister to brothers Woodrow and the late Weldon. In high school, Doris met Leroy Kirschenmann and quickly fell in love. Leroy always said she was a fun date because her family owned one of the first televisions in town. They were married on Nov. 6, 1955, shortly after her graduation. In 1957, they welcomed their first son, Kenneth, and in 1959, their...

  • Karolyn Kay Millwee

    Feb 4, 2021

    Kay Millwee was born on June 8, 1938, in Vian, Okla. She moved to Kern County with her mother as a child while in grade school, and she was adopted by Ray Holly Duerksen when he married her mother, Sadie. Kay graduated from Shafter High in 1956. She married Robert Millwee on Feb. 20, 1960 and they were married 38 years before his passing in 1998. They had two children, Jeff in 1966 and Jana in 1971. Kay was a homemaker while Robert joined her father, Ray, working at his new car dealership,...

  • Death Notices - Feb. 4, 2021

    The Shafter Press|Feb 4, 2021

    Delores Sears, 84, of Bakersfield, passed away Jan. 20. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Maria Torres de Leyva, [ 84, of Buttonwillow, passed away Jan.20 in Buttonwillow, Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Ruby Mooney, 86, of Bakersfield, passed away Jan.27 in Buttonwillow, Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Christine “Chris” Ash, 84, of Bakersfield, passed away Jan.28 in Buttonwillow, Peters Funeral Home, Shafter....

  • OBITUARY: Janet Grimes Reed

    Feb 4, 2021

    Janet Grimes Reed, 88, of Bakersfield, passed away on Feb. 5, 2021. She was dedicated to her family and helping the family business be successful. Born in Taft to Dawson Grimes and Stella Sparks, she lived her entire life in Kern County, residing in the communities of Taft, Arvin and Bakersfield. Early in life, Jan met and fell in love with the love of her life, Frank Wallace "Wally" Reed. They were married for 72 years until his passing in 2020. Jan joined the Reed family business shortly...