Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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UPDATE: The body of a 16-year Kern County Sheriff's Department veteran was identified as the deceased man found in the Gossamer Grove area on Tuesday, May 21, the county Coroner's Office announced on Thursday. He died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, the statement said. The man was identified as Senior Deputy Benjamin Alan Michael Harmonson, who began work with the Sheriff's Office in 2008. Harmonson, 36, was found in an unmarked patrol vehicle on Seventh...
A new business opened in Shafter last weekend, a balloon and gift shop located on Central Avenue next door to Sno-Fun. Owned and operated by Judith and Noe Gonzalez, the store sells balloons, greeting cards, t-shirts and gifts for the family. A ribbon-cutting took place on Friday, with Mayor Chad Givens, Mayor Pro-Tem Cathy Prout and Councilmember Pete Espinoza on hand, as well as a good number of the community. Gonzalez said that he is so excited to be open, not only for the...
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...
3 years ago: June 22, 1994 Richland District broke ground on the corner of Mannel Avenue and Fresno Avenue for Sequoia Elementary School. 20 years ago: June 2, 2004 Richland School District was in the process of approving the "After School Child Care Program." This program has helped with the care of their children while parents/guardians provide for their families. --Compiled by Erica Soriano...
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Ricky Estavillo, 58, of San Jose, passed away May 10, in San Jose. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Alberto Gomez Rivera, 70, of Shafter, passed away May 5, in Bakersfield. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Jesus Verdoza Garcia, 61, of Shafter, passed away May 12, in Shafter. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Jose Mosqueda Mendoza, 74, of Wasco, passed away May 18, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Wasco....
[James Dearl Gibson passed away May 15, 2024. Viewing will be Friday, May 31, at 8 a.m. at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter, with a graveside service at 10 a.m. at Shafter Cemetery.] James Dearl Gibson, known to most as Jim, was born Aug. 27, 1941, in Bragg City, Mo., to parents J. Harold and Marie Gibson. When Jim was 5 years old, the family relocated to Wasco, where he attended local schools, graduating from Wasco Union High School and later attending Bakersfield College. In 1...
The Shafter High Generals baseball team headed to the semifinals of the Central Section Division V playoffs with a 3-1 victory over rivals Wasco High. Shafter used a three-run second inning to put up all of the runs they would need to take care of the visiting Tigers. The Generals used three pitchers in the contest, when starter Lukas Pena had a little trouble from the beginning of the game. Andy Gomez came in and promptly put the Tigers down in order. Gomez dominated until...
This weekend, we celebrate Memorial Day, the day of remembrance, where we honor the memory of our soldiers who gave their lives defending our nation and our freedom. Unfortunately, for many it is just another three-day weekend marking the beginning of the summer season, when it should be an opportunity to reflect on the gratitude and honor we owe to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us. For most, it is not mere ingratitude, but inattention caused by stressful, busy lives and our human tendency to forget. I...
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...
Mona came into the Wasco Animal Shelter as a stray. She is approximately a 2-4-year-old female dachshund mix. She is great with staff and other dogs. At the time, it is unknown if Mona is house/crate trained. Dogs are not tested with children; her behavior towards children is unknown. Mona will be available for adoption on Thursday, May 23. Everyone is welcome to adopt from our facility, and we like to give everyone the same opportunity to adopt. Adopters can be from out of...
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...
A teacher at Sequoia Elementary School saw her case in a Bakersfield Superior Court postponed for the third time last week. Candie Springer is now scheduled for a preliminary hearing Thursday, June 6, on a felony count of child cruelty and a misdemeanor count of allowing an unlicensed driver to operate a motor vehicle. Last year, Springer allowed her then-15-year-old son to take her car for what she thought would be a quick trip to the market. Jace Springer instead picked up...
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 community showed its support for their Shafter Police Department last week as they participated in National Police Week. In addition to the proclamations given out by Mayor Chad Givens to the different departments in the police force, residents participated in Project Blue Light. Police dispatchers and police officers were honored for their sacrifices in making Shafter one of the safest cities in the county, if not the state of California. Retired Assistant Police Chief...
In May 9’s Press, a caption misidentified the action and the athlete involved in a play during the Shafter-Wasco baseball game. Wasco’s second baseman, Gerardo Aldana, made the tag to get an out during the game. Aldana is the only freshman on the Wasco varsity team. The Press regrets the error....
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: Shafter's 1938 sugar beets harvest at a shed on Lerdo Highway. Answered by Shafter resident Jimmy...
May 11 Patricia Gonzalez, 26, of Shafter, was arrested at Eielson Street and Elizabeth Avenue on a bench warrant/failure to appear on misdemeanor charge. May 13 Efrain Cano Chacon, 43, of Shafter, was arrested at Mannel Ave.nue and Rodriguez Strett on a bench warrant/failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. May 14 Kenia Jacquelina Chavez, 26, of Shafter, was arrested in the 200 block of Nickel Street for vandalism more than $400 and trespassing and occupying property without consent. Desiree Marie Diaz, 32, of Shafter, was...
The Shafter Press and Wasco Tribune encourage local organizations to let the public know about coming events and activities through this column. Drop off or mail items at the office, 455 Kern St., Suite E, in Shafter, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, call 661-292-5100 or email [email protected]. Deadline is 4 p.m. Thursday prior to publication. Updates will be on TheShafterPress.com and WascoTrib.com. ANNOUNCEMENTS Job Fest – Shafter Community Action Partnership of Kern at the Shafter Youth Center, 455 E. Euclid A...
The Shafter Generals' Jesus Figueroa added to his accolades last week as the Central Section's Scholar Athlete of the Year. Figueroa was named to the South Sequoia League's First Team for his prowess on the champion Shafter High Generals football team. He also excels in track and field, competing in running and jumping events, just missing qualifying for the State Track Meet this weekend in Clovis. Figueroa is not only a star on the field and track. He is also a star in the...
The Shafter High School Senior Awards took place last Thursday, giving Shafter's seniors a total of over $100,000 in scholarships. The event was held at the Fred Starrh Performing Arts Center on the high school campus. Over 150 seniors were presented with scholarships, giving them a head start on their future educational journey. Principal Russell Shipley welcomed the family and friends of the students. "I am so excited and proud of this graduating class. They have been...
