Serving the community since 1970
Wasco Cub Scouts Pack 950, serving children from kindergarten through 5th grade, and the BSA Scouting Boys and Girls Troops 950, for 6th grade through age 17, are at risk of closing due to low membership. Destini Mello, committee chairman for Pack 950 and a former scoutmaster, explained the challenge: ""Membership is being affected by low numbers. We are down to six Cub Scouts, five boy troops, and no girl troops. At our highest, we had about 40 Cub Scouts and 20 in each of the boy and girl...
It was a celebration of local law enforcement at Wasco's National Night Out last week, as agencies from Wasco, Shafter, Avenal, McFarland, Arvin, the Kern County Probation Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation joined together in a show of unity with residents. The newly renovated downtown along 7th Street and the plaza in Wasco provided the setting for the festive block party. The event featured a variety of attractions, including food vendors, free hot dogs...
A recent WalletHub report ranked Wasco as the third worst small city in America, but community leaders are offering a much more positive outlook, highlighting the unique qualities that make Wasco special and the strides in public safety achieved by the new Wasco Police Department. Community Development Director Keri Cobb said she doesn't dwell on these types of reviews. "They can be informative in terms of concrete numbers and things we might need to work on, but ultimately, the folks at...
A car was towed from a two-car accident at Santa Fe Way and Cherry Avenue last week. No one was hurt in the Wednesday morning mishap, according to the Shafter Police Department. (The Shafter Press | Diane...
Karl F. Clemens Elementary School announced its Super Students for the week of Nov. 18. Criteria for selection were based on significant math improvement, showing kindness to all friends, respect and hard work, following class procedures, helping other students understand new concepts and improving learning English. Pictured, from left, are Principal Anabel Garrison, Neveah Aparicio (5th grade), Angie Nava (2nd grade), Miguel Negrete-Castillo (kindergarten), Claudio Canseco (4th grade), Jorge...
Terese Burke Elementary School is where the Running 4 the House event began 15 years ago, and it was still going strong last weekend at the school. This event was developed by PE teacher Jill Rodriguez, Principal Brad Maberry and Scarlet Sabin from the Ronald McDonald Organization. Each year staff and students raise donations for the Ronald McDonald House in Bakersfield then enjoy a fun day of running laps, sack races, dancing and prizes to celebrate their hard work. Last year, the event raised...
The Wonderful Company recently hosted a visioning workshop, inviting Shafter community members to give design input on its planned Lerdo Residential Project. "The project is meant to provide affordable housing options for young families wanting to build their lives in a safe and welcoming community like Shafter. I hope people will feel like they belong and are proud to live in Shafter, just as I have these past 40 years," explained John Guinn, executive vice resident and chief operating officer...
The Shafter High Generals host in the Division IV Valley Championship game Friday night against Coalinga. They won their semifinal 31-22 last Friday against the Immanuel Eagles. Details on page...
The Shafter Press and Wasco Tribune encourage local organizations to let the public know about coming events and activities through this column. Drop off or mail items at the office, 455 Kern St., Suite E, in Shafter, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday, call 661-292-5100 or email esoriano@TheShafterPress.com. Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday prior to publication. Updates will be on TheShafterPress.com and WascoTrib.com. ANNOUNCEMENTS Fall donations – Consider donating to SHS Pride Pantry this Thanksgiving season. Suggested items to donate include...
The Shafter Generals football season came to an end on Friday with a heartbreaking loss to the Coalinga Horned Toads in the Central Section Division IV championship game, 34-33. The top-seeded Generals just missed winning their second title in three years, dropping the contest to the third-seeded Horned Toads after allowing Coalinga to come back from a 12-point deficit with under five minutes remaining in the game. Coalinga got on the board first after a long drive on their first possession,...
The Shafter Generals football team punched their ticket to the Valley Championship game with a 31-22 win against the Immanuel Eagles on Friday night. Shafter, the top seed in the Division IV bracket, beat the 5th-seeded Eagles with a mixture of offense, defense, and special teams, with each faction contributing to the victory. The Generals jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first half, thanks to some key runs from Maryion Sloan and Christopher Espinoza, accounting for the majority of the yardage...
What does it mean to be thankful? During this season we are reminded of Paul speaking to the church in Thessalonia when he states: [BEGIN ITAL]“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”[END ITAL] 1 Thessalonians 5:18. And although this is a perfect scripture for this week, we still, as only we can do, struggle with giving thanks in difficult times. He proceeded before this moment to tell the church to “Always be joyful,” which is an interesting statement to make when you follow...
Helen Marie Tyler Ballard, 69, of Wasco, passed away peacefully on Nov. 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 6, 1955, in Bakersfield, to Geneal and Augusta Tyler, Helen lived a life defined by faith, love and kindness. She shared God's love generously, offering prayer and encouragement to all she met. Helen grew up in Wasco, graduating from Wasco Union High School in 1973. She found her faith early and became a devoted member of Apostolic Faith Temple Church. Helen's life...
Mario A. De Leon, 66, of Lost Hills, passed away Nov. 18, in Lost Hills. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Leland Keith Prigmore, 61, of Bakersfield, passed away Nov. 15, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Richard Molina Jr., 75, of Wasco, passed away Nov. 18, in Wasco. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Muriel Catherine, 83, of Wasco, passed away Nov. 16, in Wasco. Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. Branda A. Rodriguez Navarro, 41, of Wasco, passed away Nov. 16, in Wasco. Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. Ricky Dale Howard, 75, of Wasco, passed...
Nov. 18 Heriberto Morales Jr, 18, was arrested in the 700 block of F Street on a misdemeanor bench warrant. He was cited and released. Salvador Gutierrez, 43, was arrested at the intersection of Highway 43 and 16th Street for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and on a misdemeanor bench warrant. He was cited and released. Guadalupe Estrada, 31, was arrested at the intersection of Highway 43 and 16th Street on a misdemeanor bench warrant. She was cited and released. Nov. 19 Raymond R Marr, 60, was arrested in the 700 block of F Street on a...
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, 455 Kern St., Suite E, Shafter, CA 93263, or e-mail it to mysteryphoto@WascoTrib.com. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: J. McGinnis, a Wasco High School football player, from...
Pepper is a sweet, energetic 10-month-old German shepherd mix who came to the Wasco animal Shelter as a stray. This playful pup is great with people and other dogs and is always excited to make new friends. She loves her walks and would make an amazing, loyal companion for someone ready to give her the love she deserves. Her house/crate training status is unknown, and her behavior around children hasn't been tested. Pepper will be available for adoption on Thursday, Nov. 28. Don't miss your...
60 years ago: Dec. 2, 1964 A $2.5 million project was approved to build the California Aqueduct from Tupman to north of Lerdo Highway. 40 years ago: Dec. 5, 1984 The Shafter Cornet Store gave away four Cabbage Patch dolls in a drawing. The demand for popular dolls was intense, especially during the holiday season. 10 years ago: Dec. 10, 2014 The city said "goodbye and thank you" to Jon Johnston upon his retirement after 16 years of service on the City Council....
To see this week's Classified Ads, click on the e-edition icon at the top of the...
Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) plays a crucial role in supporting the Wasco community through targeted programs designed to meet local needs. Food Assistance CAPK ensures food security for Wasco residents through its Food Bank programs. Food access points include Wasco Free Will Baptist Church at 938 7th St, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Gridstone at 1879 Gaston St, open every Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Westside Family Fellowship at 2150 Palm Ave., open every first...
The City of Wasco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Police Officer $2,524.58 - $3,222.10 / biweekly Police Dispatcher $2,072.05 - $2,644.50 / biweekly Homeless Outreach Coordinator $2,254.16 - $2,876.94 / biweekly Volunteers Apply online at: www.cityo...
Nov. 27-28 City offices will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving Day Nov. 29 City offices closed Friday Dec. 3 City Council Meeting, 746 8th St., 6:00 p.m. Dec. 7 Wasco Christmas Festival Parade, 6:00...
All adoption fees are waived at the Wasco Animal Shelter, until further notice. W a s c o A n i m a l S h e l t e r Find your new friend today! 5409 7th Street Wasco, CA 93280...
Free spay/neuter for Wasco residents To schedule an appointment, call/text 661-331-6216 Location: 801 8th St., Wasco Hours: 8am to 5pm For more information, call...