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Articles from the February 15, 2024 edition


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  • 3 inmates guilty in fatal prison 'beatdown'

    Updated Feb 21, 2024

    Three inmates were found guilty of the fatal beating of another inmate at the Wasco State Prison last year. Benjamin Kolehmainen, 30; Tyler Douglas, 25 and Joshua Mitchell, 45, were all convicted of assault by an inmate with force likely to cause great bodily injury, and Kolemainen and Douglas also were convicted for involuntary manslaughter. All were acquitted of second-degree murder, and Mitchell was also acquitted for involuntary manslaughter. The victim of the March 7,...

  • City Finance Department honored with professional award

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Updated Feb 21, 2024

    The City of Wasco has been awarded the prestigious Annual Comprehensive Financial Report award for 2022. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the city, since it was last recognized in 2012. "This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of our team. Over the years, we've faced challenges such as frequent staffing shortages and frequent leadership turnover within the Finance Department, making this achievement even more remarkable,"...

  • Magdalena "Maggie" Dabalos

    Updated Feb 19, 2024

    Magdalena "Maggie" Dabalos, age 74, of Shafter, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 7, 2024. She was born in Sundown, Texas, on March 28, 1949, to Hilario Dabalos and Luisa Garza. Maggie moved to California in 1987. She worked as a cafeteria aide for 31 years. She loved her job at Grow Academy. Maggie is survived by her partner, Johnnie Martinez: daughters JoAnn Munoz and Sofia Sanders: stepson Johnny Martinez; grandchildren Joe Munoz, Joel Munoz, Joseph Munoz, Maggie...

  • Death Notices - Feb. 15, 2024

    The Shafter Press|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    Eldalene M. Peters, 82, of Shafter, passed away Feb. 11, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Marcus “Gene” Absher, 66, of Shafter, passed away Feb. 5, in Shafter. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Bruce Ralph Batchelder, 80, of Bakersfield, passed away Feb. 8, in Shafter. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter....

  • Longino Eligio Gonzales

    Updated Feb 19, 2024

    Longino (Kino) Gonzales, age 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones. He was married to the love of his life, Margie on Sept. 20, 1958. They had five children, Longino Gonzales Jr. married to Sandra, Christina Smart married to Wesley, Pedro Gonzales, Andrea Hernandez married to Chon and Marina Dunn. He was preceded in death by his son, Longino Gonzales Jr., and his great-granddaughter, Hope Gonzales. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 28...

  • Pastor's Corner: Go forward

    Pastor Jim Glasco, Seventh Standard Pentecostal Church, Shafter|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    We Christians realize that the devil is a liar and a deceiver. He plays with our minds and tells us that there is no hope for what we are facing. It’s not always an easy road for us, but there is victory for us if we follow the Lord. In Exodus 14:15 as the children of Israel were at the Red Sea and the Egyptians were closing in on them, God told Moses to go forward. Get your eyes on the Lord. Exodus 14:10 shows that the Israelites lifted up their eyes and saw the Egyptians closing in, and fear gripped their lives. The Bible s...

  • Classified Ads - Feb. 15, 2024

    Wasco Tribune|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    To see this week's Classified Ads, click on the e-edition icon at the top of the page....

  • Pet of the Week: Terry needs a loving home

    Wasco Tribune|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    Terry came into the Wasco Animal Shelter as a stray. She is approximately a 3-4 year old female husky mix. She is great with staff and other dogs. It is unknown if Terry is house/crate trained at the time. Dogs are not tested with children. Her behavior towards children is unknown. Terry will be available for adoption on Friday. Feb. 16. Everyone is welcome to adopt from our facility, and we like to give everyone the same opportunity to adopt. Adopters can be from out of town...

  • Zoe Ann Smith

    Updated Feb 19, 2024

    Zoe Ann Smith, age 85, of Shafter, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 3, 2024. She was born in Shafter on July 18, 1938 to Willard and Helen (Ratzlaff) Janzen. Her parents were farmers, and later owned and operated a car wash in Fresno. Zoe Ann graduated from Wasco High School in 1955 and studied music at the Pacific Bible Institute (now Fresno Pacific University). She was a talented pianist and singer, and also performed in community musical productions. She married Jack...

  • Clay shooting for a cause

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    The Wasco Elks Lodge #2419 will host its 2nd Annual Clay Shoot Tournament on Saturday, April 6, at the Kern County Gun Club. Jeff Tackett, past exalted ruler, is spearheading the event. "It's a shotgun start like golf. There are teams of five with 18 stations. Each team will take turns shooting at each station. The highest score among the teams, male, female, youth shooter, will win a trophy." He invites the community to attend. "Come out. You'll have fun. It's interesting."...

  • KC Public Works to hold hazardous waste event at landfill

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    Kern County Public Works will be holding a Free Hazardous Household Waste event at the Shafter/Wasco Landfill on Scofield Avenue in Shafter on Saturday, Feb. 17. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents will have a chance to dispose of items that are not accepted with regular trash collection. Examples are batteries, motor oil, paint, light bulbs, pool chemicals, automotive products and cleaning products. Residents must label all containers, make sure the containers...

  • WHS wrestlers are Valley Champions

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    In another historic accomplishment for Wasco High School athletics, the varsity boys wrestling team made history by winning the Valley Championship. The girls team had standout performances, with Areli Solis securing the Valley Champion title in Division 1 and seven girls qualifying for the masters. Juan Gallardo, the head coach, described winning the prestigious championship as exciting. "It was something I never felt before that the kids did it. The kids were committed to...

  • WHS swim team gears up for SSL meet

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    The Wasco High School swim team is set for its first meet on March 1 at the Wasco pool. It is a South Sequoia League meet and Shafter, Taft and Delano will compete. It promises to be an opportunity for the team to showcase the talents they have been working hard to cultivate under the leadership of Head Coach Chris Gebhardt. "Chris has almost a decade of coaching experience. His coaching philosophy is unique. "I look at coaching swimming more than just the swimming. My goal is...

  • Lady Generals basketball undefeated, heading to playoffs

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    The Shafter High Lady Generals basketball team completed an undefeated SSL season on Thursday night, crushing their rival Wasco High by a score of 78-15, making the Lady Generals back-to-back SSL Champions. Led by Coach Shawn Pennell, Shafter used a smothering defense to force several turnovers, resulting in numerous points in the transition. Shafter had the lead 50-7 at the end of the first half, The second half was played with a running clock, preventing the score from...

  • WRPD keeps kids active with sports programs

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    There is full lineup of activities for the youth of Wasco offered by the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, with registration now open. "Wasco Little League Baseball is open to boys ages 7-12 who reside or attend any schools within our boundaries," WRPD Manager Chris Serna said. It is a live-pitch baseball program. "This is a competitive division with rules and guidelines associated with Little League International. There is a Majors and Minors Division offered." The Majors...

  • Community Calendar - Feb. 15, 2024

    Wasco Tribune|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    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.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, call 661-292-5100 or email [email protected]. Deadline is 4 p.m. Thursday prior to publication. Updates will be on TheShafterPress.com and WascoTrib.com. ANNOUNCEMENTS Prisoner of war camp lecture – The Shafter Library and Learning Center hosts Shafter Depot Museum c...

  • City of Shafter welcomes new employees

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    The Shafter Police Department recognized several officers and employees at a welcome ceremony recently. Police officers and dispatchers took their new oaths at the event on Tuesday, making their entry onto the force official. The SPD welcomed dispatchers Jannete Denis, Emanuel Gomez and Joshua Ryan, who replaced a number who joined the new Wasco force.. Also honored were Animal Control Services Worker Kelly New and extra help administrative assistant Hermila Aleman. Acting...

  • Glad Raggs still finding treasures

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    Glad Raggs has been a mainstay in the Shafter community for almost 40 years, giving the residents of Shafter and the surrounding communities a variety of treasures, be they furniture, antiques or other items that bring a sense of nostalgia. Owner Ronnie Carroll has been at the helm of the business, leading the store in its mission of bringing Shafter a rich history that will remain with families for generations. The store has a wide variety of furniture, with an array of...

  • Minter Field celebrates anniversary

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    Minter Field in Shafter celebrated the 82nd anniversary of the Dedication of the Minter Field Air Field on Saturday, holding an open house for residents to check out the facelift the museum underwent recently. Thanks to a donation from the Johnson Family Foundation, the museum was able to repaint the building and also remodeled a storage room into a new exhibit for the museum. According to Museum President Ronald Pierce, the support from numerous individuals and organizations...

  • Mystery History - Feb. 15, 2024

    Wasco Tribune|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    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 93263, or e-mail it to [email protected]. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: The view of snow from the Wasco Union High School office in 1962....

  • Arrest Report - Feb. 15, 2024

    WASC|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    Feb. 5 Randy Flores Lopez, 22, of Wasco, was arrested in the 700 block of F Street for felony mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon, and on a felony probable cause warrant. He was booked into the Kern County Jail. Feb. 7 Geman Abel Alvarez, 26, of Wasco, was arrested near the intersection of Birch Avenue and Sunset Drive for possession of a controlled substance and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia. He was booked into the Kern County Jail. Juan Ordaz Brigido, 55, of Wasco, was arrested in the 700 block of S Stre...

  • A full weekend in living Colours

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    Colours: The Shafter Arts Festival is back and there's something for everyone. Just look at the schedule. The festival goes from Thursday, Feb. 22, through Sunday, Feb. 25, starting with the traditional Shafter Community Chest drive-thru Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday, followed by Coffee House Strings music at the Tin Cup. On Friday, take a history tour of the Minter Field Air Museum, then the Art Gallery at the Ford Theater, and end the day at The Tin Cup with an evening of...

  • THE RACE FOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR | Alex Garcia

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune and The Shafter Press|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    First in a series of interviews with candidates for Kern County supervisor in the 4th District, including the Shafter and Wasco areas. VERONICA JACUINDE The Shafter Press and Wasco Tribune Alex Garcia was born and raised in Wasco. He attended Fresno State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Garcia moved back to Kern County in 2015 to work for Assemblyman Rudy Salas as a field representative for Arvin, Lamont, Wasco and Shafter. “I built goo...

  • Richland improves in English and match, but absenteeism doubles

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Feb 19, 2024

    The Richland School District is on track with their budget so far this year, according to the LCAP report that tracks educational and financial goals. The district's Board of Trustees received the midyear report Tuesday night, The budgetary evaluation was "satisfactory," with the only difference from the budget and the actual spending so far is the money which was used as part of the emergency covid funding that every district received. On the educational front, the district i...