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Articles from the March 3, 2022 edition


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  • City receives $5M grant to repair Shafter Aquatic Center

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Mar 3, 2022

    The city was successfully awarded a Clean California grant for almost $5 million with part of the money earmarked for repairing the Shafter Aquatic Center, Public Works Director Michael James reported to the City Council. Included in the projects earmarked for this money is the improvements needed to get the Shafter Aquatic Center open, possibly as early as the beginning of next year. In other news, the city also received over $130,000 in monies from KernCOG in their Clean Air project programs. At its recent meeting, the City Council approved...

  • Shafter man dies in helicopter crash

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Mar 3, 2022

    Steve Wilson, 53, of Shafter, died when his helicopter crashed in orchards in the Coalinga area. At around 3 a.m. last Tuesday night, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office received a call from American West Aviation, a crop dusting company, about a missing pilot of one of their helicopters. Deputies responded to the area known as Five Points, in the Coalinga area near Harris Ranch to conduct a search. At the same time, the California Highway Patrol and the company sent out airplanes of their own...

  • Lady Generals' season ends with loss to Warriors

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Mar 3, 2022

    The Shafter High Lady Generals basketball team ended its season with a loss to the Tehachapi Warriors. The 9th ranked Lady Generals dropped the contest 62-54. Shafter gave a great effort, but couldn't match the Warriors size in the middle, with Tehachapi getting several easy buckets during the game. Shafter closed out their SSL season with a 6-3 record and a 15-9 overall record. The Lady Generals got two league wins against rivals Wasco about a week ago, with a 55-40 win and a 62-31 blowout of...

  • Academy continues to GROW despite challenges

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Mar 3, 2022

    The GROW Academy of Shafter has continued to grow its student population, as well as its progress in the classroom. The GROW Academy was one of the first schools in the area to return to in-person teaching during the pandemic, with a majority of the students preferring to return to the classroom, instead of the distance learning option. According to Principal Brooke Webb, this decision was a good one for the students and staff as well. "There is really no replacement for learning in the...

  • Nortena Bakery offers a taste of Mexico

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Mar 3, 2022

    If you are looking for homemade and delicious traditional Mexican pastries and food, then Nortena Bakery is the place to go. Owners Paz and Alfredo Alvarez have operated the business since January 2021, after taking over Paz Alvarez's father's bakery, which he owned for more than 20 years. Nortena Bakery is family-owned, with Alfredo, Paz, her mother, cousin, and three children running the bakery. Paz Alvarez arrives every day at 2:30 a.m. to start baking and cooking. "We are modeled after a...

  • Wasco Council begins redistricting process

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Mar 3, 2022

    The City Council held its first public hearing about the upcoming redistricting process. All cities and counties in California that elect members of the governing bodies for local jurisdictions must review district boundaries when the decennial U.S. Census is released. The 2020 U. S Census was released in August 2021. The consulting group FLO Analytics presented an analysis regarding the steps needed for redistricting and outlined an outreach and engagement strategy to get the community involved in the planning and creation process. “They a...

  • Community Calendar - March 3, 2021

    The Shafter Press|Mar 3, 2022

    As activities restart and businesses reopen, we will try to update readers on the status of events and activities throughout the area. Please contact Erica Soriano with additions and changes at [email protected] or call 661-292-5100 by Monday at 4 p.m. for that week’s paper. Ongoing Wasco Elks Golf Tournament — The 2022 Wasco Elks Golf Tournament is on April 23. Registration starts at 7 a.m. and it is four-man teams. The tournament will be at the North Kern Golf Course, 17412 Quality Road, Bakersfield. Call Sergio at 661...

  • Arrest Report - March 3, 2022

    The Shafter Press|Mar 3, 2022

    Feb. 20 Jaysn Daryl McIntyre, 37, of Shafter, was arrested on E. Lerdo Hwy/Driver Rd. for driving under the influence. Eduardo Bernal, 32, of Shafter, was arrested on the 18600 Block of Zerker Rd for hit and run property damage and driving under the influence. Cesar Alexander Deltoro, 28, of Shafter, was arrested on the 700 Block of S. Shafter Ave. for driving under the influence. Feb. 21 Miguel Angel Garcia, 56, of Shafter, was arrested on James Street and State Avenue for driving under the influence. Anthony Joel Ramirez, 26, of Shafter, was...

  • Richland Junior High students to play in Honor Band, Shafter High Drumline

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Mar 3, 2022

    Richland Junior High is celebrating the selection of three Trojan students who have been recognized for their musicianship. Two of the students have been selected to the Kern County Honor Band. Emely Faith Chavez and Rodrigo Mondragon were selected to perform with the ensemble at the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield on March 1. They were performing in the Kern County Honor Music Festival, an annual event that displays the county's musicians and singers. The best students from across the...

  • Mystery History - March 3, 2022

    The Shafter Press|Mar 3, 2022

    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 93263, or e-mail it to mysteryphoto@The Shafter- Press.com. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: The photo showed 250-260 Central Ave., the Johnson Newman store in Shafter, built 1934....

  • Salas seeks to invest millions in teachers

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Mar 3, 2022

    Assemblymember Rudy Salas recently introduced AB 2489, which will provide $50 million in grant funds to teachers who work at and live near underserved and understaffed schools. The grant intends to supplement teachers' salaries who agree to live within the boundaries of the priority school they teach at for five years. Eligible priority schools are K-12 schools with 50 percent or more of their student population eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. According to a news release by Salas,...

  • Groups help feed families in times of need

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Mar 3, 2022

    Westside Family Fellowship, in partnership with CAPK (Community Action Partnership of Kern) and The Wonderful Company, hosted a free food drive for over 250 families on Feb. 24. Although each family had their own unique story as to why they needed the extra help, they all had one thing in common; that it is getting harder and harder to survive in these difficult times. "We are here because we need food," said Dolores Pineda. "Prices have gone up so much it has been hard to keep up. Rent, gas...

  • Wasco High preparing youth for the future

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Mar 3, 2022

    On March 17, Wasco High School will host its annual Spring College and Career Fair for all of its students grades 9-12. Colleges and employers will attend to allow youth to explore potential possibilities post-graduation. "With this special event, students will be presented with a wide range of different schools, careers, and jobs," said Career Guidance Technician for Wasco High School Samantha Wymer. "We are very excited for them because this gives students the ability to meet with key...

  • Crime prevention specialist to speak in Wasco

    Supervisor David Couch, Kern County Board of Supervisors|Mar 3, 2022

    Next Tuesday, March 8, at 7 p.m., the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Specialist Lorie Meza will be presenting at the Old Courthouse Building in Wasco, 810 8th St. She will be discussing community oriented policing to members of the community. I will be joining her to speak at this event. District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer has been invited as well. Representatives from the Sheriff’s and the District Attorney’s Office will be there to speak. With the recent shooting in Wasco, on Feb. 16, and the uptick in serious crimes in gener...

  • Death Notices - March 3, 2022

    The Shafter Press|Mar 3, 2022

    Zoila Mejia Cabrera, 70, of Wasco, passed away Feb. 20, in Delano. Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. Guillermo Leon, 23, of Wasco, passed away Feb. 23, in Wasco. Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. Robert Ray Green, 73, of Wasco, passed away Feb. 25, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. Keith Edward VanDam, 58, of Bakersfield, passed away Feb. 20, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Kimberly Dawn Davis, 56, of Shafter, passed away Feb. 28, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Alannah Kay Rill, 69, of Shafter, passed away Feb. 26,...

  • Planet Dance Studio wins competition

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Mar 3, 2022

    Planet Dance Studios's Team Galaxy recently participated in a dance competition in Redondo Beach, taking home top prizes. Representing Wasco, they made studio history, with all 10 of their dance routines receiving the highest scoring of the competition. They were also recognized with special awards for their exceptional and entertaining performances. The competition was fierce as they went against teams from throughout the Los Angeles and Southern California region. "There were many other great...

  • Shafter Generals batting strong in season start

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Mar 3, 2022

    Shafter High's baseball team is off to a great start this season, making them one of the favorites in the SSL this season. With victories already this season over West High School, Foothill High, and South High, the Generals come into a tournament at Wasco beginning on Wednesday afternoon with momentum. Shafter has used some great pitching, which has held their opponents under two runs except for a loss to powerhouse Porterville and against a tough Arvin Bear squad. The General began the season...

  • Wasco High softball begins first full season in 2 years

    Marco Espinoza, For the Wasco Tribune|Mar 3, 2022

    The Wasco High softball team is back for a regular season for the first time in two years. The team is currently 2-2 in the regular season, which is more wins than any other team in the South Sequoia league so far. The team beat Ridgeview High from Bakersfield, 14-0, and Bakersfield Christian, 1-0. “After two short seasons, we are excited and blessed to get back to playing a regular season.” said Sonia Wedel, head coach for softball at Wasco High. This year is Wedel’s ninth year as head coach for Wasco High’s varsity team, an endeavor which b...

  • Obituary: Erwin Joe Bartel

    Mar 3, 2022

    Erwin Joe Bartel was born on the family farm at Fairview, Okla., on Oct. 10, 1937, to Pete and Bienna (Kliewer) Bartel. He departed this life on Feb. 19, 2022, in Fairview. He was number nine of 11 children. Erwin accepted the Lord as his savior at a young age. He attended Progressive School, Fairview High School, Corn Bible Academy, Okla., and Tabor College, Kan., and finished his higher education in California, earning a business degree. While at Tabor, he met Winnie Enns. They married Aug....

  • Obituary: Fernando Alaniz Ochoa ``Fernie'' -- Coach Alaniz

    Mar 3, 2022

    Fernando Alaniz Ochoa "Fernie" -- Coach Alaniz -- was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on Feb. 14, 1972. He resided in Wasco and taught high school and coached the varsity boys' basketball team at McFarland High School. He passed away on Feb. 7, 2020 alone in his classroom while on his prep period. He was getting everything ready for the upcoming basketball tournament at Wasco High School, his alma mater. Fernando is the son of Sara Ochoa Vento, but was raised by his grandparents/adoptive...

  • Pastor's Corner: Jesus Wept

    Pastor Jim Glasco, Seventh Standard Pentecostal Church, Shafter|Mar 3, 2022

    As a child in Sunday school when the teacher said quote a Bible verse and you will get a candy bar every student quoted John 11:35 Jesus wept. Every time Jesus wept it was connected with the effects or consequences of sin. No wonder he was known as the man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Jesus stood over Lazarus and he wept. The strongest manhood has its roots in tender feeling. The ancient Stoics would conceal and hide their tears, but not Jesus. As he wept over Lazarus people said, O...

  • Classified Ads - March 3, 2022

    The Shafter Press|Mar 3, 2022

    To see this week's Classified Ads, click on the PDF....