Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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Aera Energy and Strata Credit Union have partnered to sponsor 380 Wasco elementary school students to attend Camp KEEP, a weeklong environmental education program in San Luis Obispo. Camp KEEP, run by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office, provides hands-on learning experiences for students to explore and appreciate the natural world. Through interactive activities, students gain a deeper understanding of environmental science, ecology and conservation. "Our donations provide the...
Good Samaritan Hospital – Rural Health Clinic Wasco is a community health care organization whose mission is to provide safe, effective medical and neuropsychiatric services in a caring manner for all. "We are here to serve the community and their health care needs," Office Manager Praksha Patel said. GSH has four providers with their own specialty. They are Bertha Barraza, a nurse practitioner who provides primary care and wound care; Harjeet Cheema, a nurse practitioner psychiatrist; Mirna G...
With the 4th of July right around the corner, Wasco Police Department Chief of Police Charles Fivecoat shared tips and information on how to keep safe this holiday when using fireworks and warned that the use of illegal fireworks can cause severe injury and can result in heavy fines or jail time. "The fireworks that are illegal and nonsafe are more dangerous to use than the ones that are sold legitimately; couple that with people having weekend parties and alcohol is involved, there is always...
The Wasco City Council has approved the 2024-25 fiscal year annual operating budget, balancing general fund revenues and operating costs at $15.4 million and $15.2 million, respectively. This year's budget reflects a significant decrease from the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Last year's budget projected revenues of $18.9 million and general operating costs of $18.0 million. This reduction of approximately $4 million in revenue is primarily due to the one-time American Rescue Plan Act grant funding to...
Wasco will get a $250,000 state grant to fight fentanyl abuse under the Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force Bill introduced by Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, as the City Council approved final paper work at a special meeting last week. "This drug is not just a stand-alone drug. People are lacing this drug into all kinds of other drugs, trying to get those people hooked on it," said Chief Charles Fivecoat. The city plans on spending $75,000 on personnel costs, $100,000 on training...
Wasco Sno-Shack is a seasonal business open from late May through Labor Day. With its doors open now, customers have the popular shaved ice cones in time for the summer heat. The business has served the community for the last 34 years. It is family owned, founded by Elvia Garza in 1991 and passed down to her daughter, Stella Guerra, in 2010. As a proud owner, Guerra said she will continue to cherish the family tradition of making the best snow cones since 1991. "It has been an honor to work at...
Wasco Code Compliance Division held its Summer Safety event on Monday at Barker Park to educate youth and parents about bike, water and fire safety, and prepare them for the summer. Code Compliance Office rChristian Tova, spearheaded the event. "We want to make sure our kids are aware of the dangers and how proper techniques are needed, being that they are going to be using their bikes more over the summer, being around pools and with the 4th of July right around the corner, learning about...
It was a special day for Grocery Outlet owners Amor Regis and James Sauco as they celebrated the first anniversary of their store with a festive pop-up event on Saturday. The occasion was marked by a lively community gathering with music, food and raffles, reflecting the strong bond they've tried to build with their customers over the past year. "I am blessed because people have supported us since day one, and it was a good turnout. Some people even brought their folding chairs because they...
When temperatures hit 105 and above, the City of Wasco provides a haven for residents with a cooling center complete with free wi-fi, cold water and snacks. There also is complimentary transportation to and from the center between 1 and 7 p.m. when it is open. Public Works Director Luis Villa, who helps oversee the center at the Old Court House, said, "Everyone is welcome. Bring board games or books to read and enjoy some cool air." He added that the center is a benefit to the community. "Some...
Joe Blanchard recently earned recognition for his 30 years of dedicated service. as a teacher at Wasco High School. Throughout his time at WHS, he has taught physics, chemistry, earth and physical science, and math. "Wasco High School is a good place to teach at. I know many teachers that have taught for 30 years, but they've gone from one school to another, so they haven't taught the whole time at one school, but Wasco High has always been an excellent school to work at, and I've never wanted...
Jennifer Aufforth has almost two decades of experience as an educator at Wasco High School. This year, she is the recipient of the Wasco Union High School District's Teacher of the Year award for her creativity, hard work, contagious spirit, innovative teaching skills and extraordinary commitment and unwavering passion for her students. A WHS alumnus, she said her students have kept her teaching English at her alma mater for so many years. "I love what I do. I'm teaching a subject that I've...
For the third consecutive year, the Wasco Community Scholarship Association has awarded over $100,000 to graduating seniors and alums of Wasco High School. In 2022, WCSA gave $100,000 for the first time. The following year, the award total was $107,000. This year, 32 scholarships were provided for a total of $117,000. "I am thrilled for the Wasco High students who continue to benefit from WCSA scholarships," Wasco High Superintendent and WCSA Director Kevin Tallon said. "The WCSA has had many...
Dr. Mario Uresti is the coordinator of special education services for Wasco High School. He is an educator who pours his heart and soul into his profssion and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the children he serves. He also loves Wasco and moved to the town after falling in love with what he calls "a magical place." "I monitor the special education department, which includes the special ed teachers and instructional aids, and work with other administrators on campus to ensure...
The community came together last Thursday night for the grand opening ceremony of the new Wasco Police Department, marking a new chapter in the community's safety. There was food, music and speakers recognizing key stakeholders, including the chief of police, Charles Fivecoat, the city manager, Scott Hurlbert, and Councilmember Gilberto Reyna, who played significant roles in establishing the police department. "Tonight was extremely humbling," Chief Fivecoat said. "I truly wanted to express to...
At Tuesday's City Council meeting, the City of Wasco accepted a $50,000 state grant to fight the illegal sale and marketing of alcohol to minors. City Manager Scott Hurlbert said, "It's just a piece of the entire policing effort in Wasco. This portion helps fund targeted efforts related to improper sale of alcoholic beverages." Police Chief Charles Fivecoat also reported that in the department's first seven weeks, over 2,300 incidents have been reported and handled. The alcohol enforcement...
Kern County firefighters were dispatched at 12:14 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, to a 3-alarm fire at an abandoned home on the 1000 block of 6th Street. Multiple dwellings were affected, and abandoned vehicles also caught on fire. Thirty-nine Kern County firefighters worked on the fire, which involved eight fire engines and one fire truck. The Wasco Police Department also assisted. According to an incident report from the Kern County Fire Department, Engine 31 arrived on the scene of a fully involved...
The Wasco Union High School Athletic Hall of Fame will induct eight accomplished athletes, coaches and teams on Saturday, Oct. 26. The 2024 Hall of Fame class is comprised of the 2012 Tiger Football Team, Sherril Boyett (basketball, football, track), Elizabeth Holtermann (basketball, golf, volleyball), Mike Johnson (football, wrestling), Sean Medley (football, track and field, wrestling), Coach Rusvel Prado (football), Veronica Sanchez Gregory (cross country, track and field) and Kayla Wilburn...
Juneteenth is a day to commemorate the freedom of African Americans from slavery in the country. On Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Barker Park, the community is invited to join in Juneteenth: a celebration of "Heritage, Healing and Hope." "We also use this holiday to highlight the rich Black history in this town. We try to do both. Wasco has a rich black history unlike any small town in this area in Kern County," New Generation Church Assistant Pastor Marcus Ballard, one of the...
Wasco Elks Lodge #2419 will present its annual car show on Saturday, Oct. 5. Since 2017, the free event will be in memory of long-time Elks Lodge member Blaine Willard. "The Blaine Willard Memorial Car Show will be a fun day for all ages to enjoy," said Trustee Jerry Bozarth, who has been a member of the lodge since 1978. "It will commemorate a past member who did so much for the club and community. He participated in all our projects, working hard with his tireless efforts, bringing passion...
Miguel Raya was appointed by a City Council committee to serve on the Wasco Recreation and Parks District board, filling the unexpired term expiring Nov. 30, 2025. The city was looking to fill a vacancy on the WRPD board due to the resignation of the appointed member, Sharon Sharp, to fill the remainder of the term expiring at the same time. The city received applications from Carlos Barraza, Rosalio Armendariz and Miguel Raya. All three candidates were found to be qualified. Carlos Barraza...
Wasco High School held its baccalaureate on Sunday night. It was a way to celebrate graduation in a religious ceremony to bless the graduates, sharing a message of a higher power and the love of Jesus Christ. The speakers were Nino Vasquez and Hector Bernal from Templo Immanuel, Pastor La Ronna Rhodes from Westside Family Fellowship and Ross Shafer, former longtime Wasco High School counselor. Miranda Cortez is the student council publicity manager and one of the key organizers. "This is a...
Greg "Sparky" Sparks is a dedicated educator who brings enthusiasm and passion to his role as the music director at Wasco High School. Energetic with a vibrant personality, he takes great pride in instilling a deep appreciation for music and love for the art form in his students. He is originally from Maryland and moved here in 2003. He decided to make a move that bettered his family, finding his way to Wasco. "There is not a better community I could have moved to. This is such an incredible...
The city's Code Compliance Division is thrilled to present a Summer Safety Event on Monday, June 17, at Barker Park for children ages 5 to 12. With a fresh twist on their traditional Bike Rodeo, this year's activities include fire and water safety education, along with bike raffles, bike repairs, swimming, lunch, snow cones, free helmets and information booths for a fun and interactive morning of learning how to stay smart and safe this summer. "This year, we are incorporating fire and water...
Wasco High School hosted its first annual SkillsUSA National Signing Day, honoring 17 seniors who have trained in the skilled pathways of culinary, multimedia, public safety, construction or allied health and are continuing in those pathways after high school through additional college programs, internships and jobs. These seniors signed a pledge to continue in their pathways as adults and were given certificates celebrating their hard work and dedication. The students are: Emma Brown, Evelyn To...
Wasco High School celebrated over 280 students at the first STRIPES Field Day earlier this month. Students who earned five or more STRIPES this school year were treated to lunch in the sun on the administration lawn, along with field games, La Rosa ice cream and music from DJ David Armendariz. Principal Rusvel Prado said after the May 2 event, "At Wasco High School, the STRIPES Field Day was a joyous celebration under the sun, rewarding students who earned ALL their STRIPES with a lunch period...
