Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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A recreation and parks district enhances a community's overall quality of life by providing spaces for residents to engage in activities promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being. In Wasco, Chris Serna is the manager of this city agency and is responsible for leading the organization in innovative and interactive programming for all ages. She has held the position for two years, previously being employed primarily in the public sector. She is not from Wasco – "But I have worked in W...
Criston McPhetridge is an outreach pastor for Westside Family Fellowship who turned his life around after being addicted to drugs and alcohol and who now volunteers to help the homeless and minister in the Philippines. He is gives of his time not for the recognition but for the love of it. His story is one of inspiration, having overcome a 20-year addiction that almost destroyed him. "I started using meth at 17 and didn't stop until I was 40. I was going down a path where I was either going to...
Barber Bros launched in 2023 and has since developed a reputation for its commitment to quality service and its vibrant, friendly atmosphere. Owner Luis Magallanes said he started the business because of all the luxuries afforded by being an entrepreneur: "I wanted the freedom to make my schedule and have the flexibility to spend time with my growing family." Magallanes is a Wasco native and thought the city was the perfect place to open the barbershop. He's familiar with the town and thinks...
The Wasco Union Elementary School District held its 41st annual Science Fair on Saturday, showcasing the talent of its student body. A total of 267 projects were displayed, representing the efforts of 377 students. The event demonstrated the district's commitment to fostering a love for science and learning while providing a platform for young minds to explore, innovate and share their discoveries with the community. Kory Mildenberger, a Palm Avenue Middle School science teacher, spearheaded...
With the recent passing of the beloved Wasco community activist Cherylee R. Wegman-Craig, many friends remembered her with kind words and shared memories of working with and knowing her in various capacities. Petra Rueda, former president of the Wasco Union Elementary School District board, knew Cherylee for almost 30 years and got close to her recently, working alongside her on the school board. "She was a very nice, respectful woman and had a lot of knowledge to share with her experience,"...
For over two decades, Tilo and Jenny Cortez have served the greater Kern County Community and beyond with their real estate and property management company, California Home Pros. With a commitment to excellence of the highest quality, they have helped many families achieve the American dream of owning their own home. Their business continues to expand, and the company purchased the old PG&E building to grow its business and renovated the location for its new office last year. To celebrate, they...
The Knights of Columbus set up hundreds of crosses on the lawn of St. John the Evangelist Church as a visual tribute to lives lost to abortion. This observance aligns with National Sanctity of Human Life Day to encourage reflection on the value of human life amid the ongoing abortion debate. "The Knights have been doing these for four or five years," Grand Knight Joe Blanchard, the group's leader, said. "It's been just our way of letting people know about the sanctity of life, that we support...
The Wasco High School varsity cheer team competed in the California Interscholastic Federation Valley Championship and won, making history by being the first in the school ever to earn this title. Cheer Advisor Hailey Coyle said, "I am extremely proud of the girls and coaches on this huge accomplishment. This team is so deserving of this title. It takes a lot of hard work, long practices, dedication and drive to achieve something like this. Cheer is not easy. It's not easy competing, and it's...
The Wasco High School varsity girls soccer team is blazing a trail of success this season, emerging as the top leader in the South Sequoia League. With an impressive record of five wins and one loss, they have firmly secured the top spot and are poised for further triumphs. Jose Castro has been the head coach for the last four years. He said the team's success can be attributed to the girl's willingness to try and learn. "We have been working off-season for the last two years and have been...
The Shafter Police Department is supporting the newly established Wasco Police Department by selling three vehicles at a discounted rate of $600. "We know that Wasco is an up-and-coming agency, and we want to support as much as possible. So that is when I contacted Chief Fivecoat and asked if he would be interested in obtaining the three vehicles we were going to be taking out of our inventory," Acting Shafter Police Chief Randy Milligan said this week. "These vehicles are very hard to obtain...
Former mayor and community activist Cherylee R. Wegman-Craig passed away on Christmas Day. at age 70. Wegman-Craig, a resident of the city all her life, served on the Wasco City Council for over 20 years, becoming the first female mayor of the city in 2001. She was elected to the role four times. In 2018, she was honored as Assembly District 32 Woman of the Year. Cherylee's involvement as a public servant was extensive, including participating as a member of the California Partnership Board for...
The Wasco City Council approved a contractor for the $1.1 million demolition and cleanup of the Wasco Farm Labor Camp "It's a move in the right direction toward completing the labor camp cleanup," City Manager Scott Hurlbert said, "The process has been complex, but we're ready for the final step." The city came to an agreement with the High-Speed Rail Authority in June 2023 to get reimbursement for work at the property at 750 H St. Over the past few years, the area has been marred by problems...
Reverend Wayne Dee Montgomery was a beloved and admired Wasco community member known for his kindness and compassionate nature. A man of God and a trusted public servant, he will be remembered as a man who cared deeply for the well-being of others. Wayne traveled the world as a spiritual teacher, spreading the Lord's message. He never lost sight of his true calling and held steadfast to his faith at the Christ Community Church in Wasco, which he called home, where he shared God's word until his...
The Wasco Recreation and Parks District is currently accepting registrations for its Co-Ed Youth Flag Football League, with the registration period running through Friday, Jan. 26. This league offers kids a fun and engaging opportunity to stay active and fosters qualities like confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship, organizers say. Youth also learn life skills, setting them up for success on and off the field. Chris Serna, WRPD manager, said, "The game inspires character, leadership, resilience...
The Wasco Elks Lodge is preparing for its annual Valentine's Day dinner, promising good food, great company and a chance to give back to the Wasco community. The highlight of the evening is the steak dinner, a 18-ounce ribeye accompanied by a baked potato, salad, beans and dessert – all for $30. The event is scheduled for Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will go toward generating grants that the Wasco Elks Lodge will distribute among various community groups, focusing on supporting y...
Born and raised in Wasco, Alex Garcia is taking on the role of mayor for the third time. It is his continued love of public service that has kept him in local politics for almost a decade. Garcia is a small business owner of a real estate company and director of the Kern Economic Development Corporation as a representative for Wasco. He said that Wasco is a growing community with small-town values and is a great place to raise a family, start a business, buy a home and thrive. As his third time...
The Wasco Downtown Rehabilitation Project is underway. On Monday, there was a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of the project to revitalize the downtown area and enhance local culture through green spaces and public art installations. The project will include low water use landscaping, ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities, shade trees, street furniture, seating areas, waste bins, improved lighting, murals, upgrades to parking lots and rehabilitating the 7th Street Park to include a...
After three years of serving as pastor for St. John the Evangelist Parish, Rev. Guillermo Preciado is stepping down. "I want to take a moment to thank God for a year filled with blessings and for allowing me to be with you in this wonderful St. John the Evangelist Parish for three Christmas seasons," Preciado said in a note to his congregation. "With sadness and regret, I announce that effective Wednesday, January 3, I will leave the parish to focus on my health and spiritual growth" He...
The Bakersfield Condors will host a charity hockey game on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Mechanics Bank Arena to benefit the Wasco High School football team. Chad Martinez is the varsity head coach. "This season, we competed for a State Championship, and although we fell short, we were still State Regional Champions for the first time in Wasco High history. We will commemorate our Regional Championship with rings, which a portion of the proceeds from the event will help buy." Martinez said...
For many, few hobbies are as rewarding as volunteering. For Stephanie Mixco, it isn't just a pastime - it's an essential part of her life's fabric. "Volunteering keeps me up and going. It's where I meet new people, extend a helping hand and find comfort in being part of a family." Stephanie started volunteering in her teens and first became involved with the Wasco Community Volunteer Coalition with leader Camilo Vasquez. She said of the experience, "It was incredible. I loved organizing the...
This continues last week's recap of 2024 Wasco events. The first half can be viewed online at WascoTrib.com. JULY. It was a festive celebration of our nation's independence in July at the Wasco Recreation and Parks District's Red, White & Boom Fireworks Festival. The event started with a flag ceremony hosted by the Boys and Girls Scouts Troop 950. A watermelon eating contest and the Toys for Tiger's sponsored ride around Barker Park, where participants decorated their bikes in a 4th of July...
Petra Rueda is a member of the Wasco community who is committed to the values of service. Her journey into activism was deeply influenced by her late husband, Danny, who is also a respected Wasconian leader. Petra was born in Wasco when there was a hospital and attended all local schools. She comes from a family of eight and was raised in the Catholic Church, having been baptized and completed all her sacraments. After graduating from Wasco High School, she went to Job Corps in San Bernardino...
7 was eventful for the City of Wasco, and here are the highlights: JANUARY welcomed new leadership with the appointment of Vincent Martinez as mayor. He came equipped with experience, enthusiasm and a willingness to work as a team. He said he was excited to take on the role and added that the city was in an excellent position to make many positive changes. He said his two years on the City Council prepared him to put his best foot forward to demonstrate a commitment to honesty, integrity,...
The Knights of Columbus is a worldwide fraternal organization rooted in the Catholic faith. Founded in 1882 by Father Michael. J. McGivney, it has grown to encompass millions of members. Locally, the Wasco council is spearheaded by Grand Knight Joe Blanchard, who carries the vision of charity, unity,and brotherhood while championing charitable initiatives. Blanchard is a physics/chemistry teacher at Wasco High School and has been with the Knights organization for 10 years. He said he enjoys not...
