Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
Registered voters can cast their ballots using those received by mail or at their polling places in Shafter and Wasco: LIVE VOTING Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Shafter Veterans Building Wasco Veterans Hall,309 California Ave 1202 Poplar Ave DROP BOXES Now through Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m. Kern County Fire Station #32, 325 Sunset Ave., Shafter Wasco Branch Library,1102 7th St. MAIL YOUR BALLOT Must be postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 5 If you are registered and did not receive a ballot,...
A groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday for The Wonderful Company Community Sports Complex in Shafter was attended by dignitaries and other prominent figures, generating excitement for the project that will feature four basketball courts, three soccer fields, four baseball fields, two softball fields, five baseball batting cages, three universal courts, three handball courts, two large youth/child playgrounds, two barbecue picnic areas, a baseball concession stand, three parking lots and two...
The Wasco Union High School Athletic Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2024 with an intimate dinner and ceremony on Saturday night. The gathering in the school cafeteria honored those who have left a lasting impact on Wasco's sports legacy, bringing together family, friends and former teammates to celebrate their achievements. The 2024 inductees include Sherril Boyett, recognized for her achievements in football, basketball and track; Beth Holtermann, a standout in volleyball, basketball and...
The Shafter Rotary Club held a spine-tingling Ghost Tour fundraiser on Sunday, captivating guests with local legends and eerie stories just in time for Halloween. The tour began at the historic Green Hotel, where guests boarded a glow-lit school bus that set the tone for the spooky journey ahead. The bus took attendees on a chilling tour through the Shafter Cemetery and then to the former Dewitt Paradise Labor Camp, the infamous location where Rose Marie Riddle was abducted in 1961. The night...
The Shafter Tiger Chase Color Fun Run last Saturday at the SHSl was the kickoff to Shafter/Wasco rivalry week. Yearbook teacher Larissa Davis, who co-organized the inaugural event with student advocacy teacher Sharya Durant, was inspired to start a new tradition that would bring the whole community together. "It was something we had talked about for a couple of years and thought this year was a good year for it." Around 60 students, teachers, families and friends joined the noncompetitive...
Wasco Police Department Chief of Police Charles Fivecoat received the Administrator of the Year award from the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation for his 50 years of contributions to the law enforcement community and for serving as the key facilitator in the startup of the Wasco Police Department. "What made me proud was that my peers – the fellow chiefs in Kern County – were the ones who voted for me. It was humbling to know that your peers support you that way," he said in an...
The Gossamer Grove Trunk or Treat event was a delight, setting a new attendance record with over 300 people and 23 decorated cars. The family-friendly Halloween event, organized by Villagers Inc., has grown each year, drawing neighbors together for a night of festive fun, food and candy, according to the organizers. Villagers Inc. founder James Osborne appreciated the overwhelming support that helped make the event successful. "We at Villagers Inc. cannot thank our community enough for coming...
The City of Wasco invites the community and all military families to a ribbon cutting ceremony to inaugurate and dedicate the newly renovated Veterans Memorial Park and 7th Street. The event will be a tribute to the courage, dedication and patriotism of those who have served and continue to serve our nation. "The new Veterans Memorial Park is the renovation of the old 7th Street Park. Our vision was to honor our veterans and their families for their sacrifices," Assistant City Manager Maria...
Get ready for a spooky good time at the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, Oct. 31. Residents are encouraged to bring your favorite costumes and enjoy collecting candy at Barker Park, where there will be music and costume contests. Hosted by the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, District Manager Chris Serna promises a fun-filled experience for kids. "There'll be lots of candy. Kids get the thrill of trick-or-treating, but instead of walking through an entire neighborhood, they quickly...
Karl F. Clemens Elementary School announced its Super Students for the week of Oct. 28. 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, Alicia Gutierrez (5th grade), Destiny Barrios (4th grade), Kevin Martinez (3rd grade), Mateo Castro (2nd grade), Samarah Guzman...
It’s almost time again for Election Day as excitement, political pressure and intrigue reach their height. We all have been bombarded constantly with political ads, calls, mailers, news and interviews all aimed at influencing our vote, which will impact our city, our county, our state and our country. It is a good time to review what the Bible says about politics and Christians. First, beware of the cult of politics. Politics has the tendency of becoming all consuming, like a religion. And 24/7 media coverage in our time has not helped....
Phyllis June Pruitt, born Jan. 3, 1951, passed away Oct. 26 in Shafter at the age of 73. She leaves behind her three children. Eric Hopkins, wife Tammy, Darrell Hopkins and Carie Jackson, as well as her grandchildren, Samantha Hopkins, Ryan Hopkins, Vanessa Garcia, Amanda Hopkins, Naomi Ruiz, Olivia Ruiz, Rebekah Murrieta, Adrianna Murrieta, Adam Hopkins, Isaiah Hopkins, Dillian Hopkins and Justin Hopkins, along with many great-grandchildren. Phyllis was dearly loved and will be profoundly...
Oct. 20 Allen Parnell Scales, 42, of Shafter, was arrested in the 5000 of Stearman Avenue for inflicting corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant and possession of illegal assault weapon. Oct. 21 Martha Laura Lopez Gamez, 34, was arrested at Burbank Street and Zachary Avenue for inflicting corporal injury onto spouse/cohabitant and disorderly conduct: alcohol. Stephanie Barrio, 31, of Shafter, was Shafter was arrested on Burbank Street and Zachary Avenue for inflicting corporal injury to spouse/cohabitant and disorderly conduct: alcohol. Oct. 22...
Here's this week's challenge, courtesy of the Shafter 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 Press, 455 Kern St., Suite E, Shafter, CA 93263, or e-mail it to mysteryphoto@The ShafterPress.com. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: The Ratzlaff brothers, who served in World War I, came from a long-established Wasco...
To see this week's Classified Ads, click on the e-edition icon at the top of the...
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