Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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)...
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,...
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...
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...
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....
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...
It was a magical evening, where fathers and daughters stepped onto the dance floor, hand in hand, and embraced the beauty of the moment at the Orange Heart Foundation-hosted Father-Daughter Dance. It was an opportunity to create lasting memories, fostering bonds to last a lifetime. Ysidro Castro came with his daughter Violet, "She's my baby, and I want to show her I'm always going to be here for her, and I think this is a good chance to bond with her. "It also brings out our...
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...
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: Em...
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...
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...
The Wasco AG Boosters will host the first Lavender Garden 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, June 1, opening the Lavender Garden Festival. Proceeds from the run will support Wasco High School FFA students. Benito Juarez is a Booster member and coordinator of the event. “The organizers of the Lavender Garden Festival wanted to create an event that would draw people to come to the festival, and their thought was to create the run. And they were looking for someone to put it on, and t...
The Wasco City Council reviewed the preliminary 2024-25 budget and found it balanced, with general fund revenues of $15.4 million and general fund operating costs of $15.1 million. Public safety was the largest cost area, accounting for 43% of general fund operating costs, comprising fire, police and animal control. Animal services accounted for $0.45 million, fire services for $0.74 million and police for $5.38 million, for a total of $6.56 million. Public Works added $3.44...
The Palm Avenue Middle School robotics team took high honors at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas late last month. Both the 1920R CLS Invaders and 1920D Coneheads teams were there representing Wasco. They went onto a global stage, competing against over 400 teams split into divisions of 80-plus teams from all over the world, including facing teams from Korea, China, Australia, the United Kingdom and across the United States April 27-30. Students on the 1920D team...
