Serving the community since 1970
Serving the community since 1970
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At the Shafter Chamber of Commerce Banquet last week, the awards committee recognized Maria Martinez with the Health Award. Martinez has spent the last couple of decades dedicated to the health and happiness of Shafter's seniors. Martinez is the senior adult coordinator for the Shafter Recreation Department, heading up a variety of programs and activities that are geared to keeping Shafter's seniors moving. "I think that our seniors can be an active, productive members of the...
Karl F. Clemens Elementary School announced its Super Students for the week. 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. Front row, from left, are Mayr Rodriguez (2nd grade), Sonny Vargas (transitional kindergarten), Mateo Castro (1st grade), Gracie Garza (5th grade) and Principal Anabel...
The Wasco High School Drama Club presented the musical Annie to hundreds over a three-day run of performances at the school's historic auditorium. A cast of 27 thespians graced the stage to put on a show that dazzled and entertained, complete with singing, dancing, original costumes and elaborate set designs. Annie is the classic tale of the red-headed orphan who eventually gets adopted by the millionaire Daddy Warbucks. Sophia Perezchica played the lead role of Annie. In a...
In collaboration with the city of Wasco, the Wasco Rotary Club placed 4-Way Test signs along Highway 43 near Filburn Street. The effort symbolized the Rotary mission and was a way to remind the community to be the best citizens possible. "Our club members came together to support and provide service to our community while embodying the Rotary 4-Way Test, which is: 1) Is it the truth? 2) Is it fair to all concerned? 3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships? and 4) Will...
A kidnapping scam is targeting local people, Sergeant Herbert Stout from the Kern County Sheriff's Office told the City Council Tuesday night. "It involves telephone calls to residents in which the caller states that they have kidnapped a family member and demands money," Stout said. "They would then tell the person they are talking to to wire them money through a green dot card or a wire transfer through a local store. After transferring the money, they would hang up on...
The City Council approved taking current donations of $3,350 from local vendors, donors and Wonderful Company grants and future donations for the Wasco Police Department, and other city departments and projects. "From time to time, companies and residents generously donate to city operations, and as such, staff will provide a report of donors and request authorization to accept the funds and increase appropriations," City Manager Scott Hurlbert said in a report to the...
The Shafter Chamber of Commerce held its annual Awards Banquet on Thursday night, celebrating select individuals and groups who have helped make Shafter the city it is. The evening at the Ford Theater began with a State of the City address by Shafter Mayor Chad Givens (see separate story) Before the regular awards, a special award was given to the late Helen Gaede, which was accepted for the family by Shafter Depot Museum Curator Stan Wilson. Gaede had worked tirelessly for...
It has been a busy year for the Class of 2024's Shafter Distinguished Young Woman, Emily Mcguire. In addition to representing Shafter in the state competition, Emily had the opportunity to attend events such as the Cinco de Mayo Parade and the Christmas Parade. She also had the opportunity to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the Fourth of July Celebration, cut the ribbon for a new caboose at the Shafter Train Depot, light the town's Christmas tree and sing carols with her DYW...
Retired Assistant Chief of Police Diana Burnett will lead this year's Cinco de Mayo Festival. Burnett was delighted by the festival committee's announcement and thinks that it is a huge honor. "I am so surprised and really humbled by their decision," said Burnett. She said that she has always loved the festival and is looking forward to being a part of it. "I have worked it so many years, and I just love all of the colors, the dancing, music and the wonderful time that the...
The city will spend up to $1.5 million for a new General Plan. The City Council approved a contract with Place Works, Inc., to create the updated document.. The agreement includes making a vision for the city for the next 20 years. This will include economic, business, retail expansion and education plans. The process is expected to take about two years to complete. The council also discussed regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the city. This includes...
It was more than just fun at the Wasco High School Tiger Parent Club Spring Paint Night – it was an evening of information to guide parents on better connecting with their children. Led by trained social workers, parents took home tools to inspire and motivate them to build stronger ties and closer relationships with their young ones. "The event aimed to provide a creative outlet for parents and students while offering practical strategies to help better serve their child a...
Shafter has been and is a city "where everything grows," Mayor Chad Givens emphasized in his State of the City address at the Chamber of Commerce Awards Saturday night. "Over 100 years ago, people found this land, and realized that this was land where everything would grow," Givens started his address to nearly 200 in the Ford Theater. "Today, the city is still that. Shafter is the city where everything grows." Givens was not just talking about crops, or the population, but...
The Orange Heart Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to enhance the community of Wasco. The organization aims to instill optimism through educational and recreational initiatives, uniting through events, and focusing on the betterment of the local area. The goal is to elevate the quality of life in the community by establishing constructive and inspiring customs that represent the entirety of residents. The OHF was founded in 2015 following the organization...
Since the 1950s, Marlene Swan has tirelessly volunteered her time and energy to various Wasco organizations. Through her acts of kindness and service, her commitment and dedication have made an impact on the community. Marlene was born in 1932 in Wasco and attended all local schools, including Wasco High School. "It was there that I first became involved with different things. There were the parades the FFA put on then, and the adults got that started, but I also helped out....
Joshua Huddleston is the director of athletics and activities at Wasco High School. His story is one of turning his life around and using it to inspire the young people he works with. "I dropped out of high school at the beginning of my sophomore year. I went back in my junior year because my grandfather, on his deathbed, made me promise I would. One of the reasons I do this job is to try to build connections between students and the school, so they will be more likely to...
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 [email protected]. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: The John Miller dairy ranch in 1932....
Schools in the Richland School District celebrated the Reading Across America event last week, with classrooms filled with special guest readers of numerous Dr. Seuss books. The event encouraged reading in and out of the classroom and shows that reading is an enjoyable event, not just an educational tool. There were dozens of guests at local elementary schools that helped celebrate the joy of reading. Members of the Shafter community came to read to the students, including...
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 Chamber of Commerce Dinner and State of the City – Mayor Chad Givens’ annual report highlights the pro...
The Shafter Chamber of Commerce Banquet and Awards event is Thursday, March 14, beginning at 5 p.m., with an hors d'oeuvre hour followed by dinner and then the awards. Before the awards presentations, the mayor of Shafter, Chad Givens will be giving the State of the City address, which highlights the accomplishments of the city the past year, as well as the future. Givens gave a speech last year that was full of hope and promise, with several of these goals coming to fruition,...
This article features the second half of the contestants in the Shafter Distringuished Young Women program set for this month. The other eight were in last week's paper, which can be seen at TheShafterPress.com. A total of 16 young women will be vying for the title of Shafter Distinguished Young Woman at this year's competition on Friday, March 22. The event is one of the oldest scholarship programs for junior girls in the state, with the Shafter event celebrating over 40...
Wasco Union High School had the honor of being one of only 293 middle schools and high schools in California to be selected for the 2024 California Distinguished Schools Program. This recognition, announced on Feb. 29 by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, highlights schools such as WHS that demonstrate excellence, growth, outstanding academic achievements and a commitment to fostering a positive school environment. WHS is one of only two high schools in...
In the dynamic realm of football, where strategies evolve and victories are crafted through innovation, Wasco High School varsity football Head Coach Chad Martinez shines. Known for connecting with his players extremely well and for his attention to detail, under his leadership, those skills propelled his team forward into greatness – including playing in the State Championship game last year. He is originally from Inglewood, in the center of Los Angeles. "I grew up there. I...
On a light agenda Tuesday night,, the Wasco City Council approved a couple of residents as new members of the Wasco Sales Tax Oversight Committee (Measure X). John Pallares and Rosalio Armendariz were appointed to serve for an unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2025. The council had sent a recruitment notice that was published in the Wasco Tribune advertising for interested candidates. Pallares and Armendariz were both interviewed by Mayor Alex Garcia, City Manager Scott Hurlbert...
David Couch appears to be headed to another term as in his race for re-election, according to the Kern County Elections office, with results as of early Wednesday morning. In the race for supervisor of the 4th District, Couch has amassed a big lead, with 52% of the vote, enough to return him to office without a runoff. Candidate Veronica Cruz Vasquez has received a little over 17% of the vote, with Wasco Mayor Alex Garcia with 16% and Salvador Solorio-Ruiz with 14%. If the per...
Marcus Ballard is an inspiring leader who is both an educator and assistant pastor. He is a shining example of someone committed to building a brighter future for the community of Wasco. Ballard has been a teacher for 10 years, now teaching 6th grade at Palm Avenue Middle School. As a teacher, he said, "I hope to inspire, motivate and be a role model to my students. Not just in education, but in life." He was born and raised here, and he graduated from Wasco High School in...
