Serving the community since 1922

Wonderful leads visioning workshop for housing development

Veronica Jacuinde, The Press and Tribune

The Wonderful Company recently hosted a visioning workshop, inviting Shafter community members to give design input on its planned Lerdo Residential Project. "The project is meant to provide affordable housing options for young families wanting to build their lives in a safe and welcoming community like Shafter. I hope people will feel like they belong and are proud to live in Shafter, just as I have these past 40 years," explained John Guinn, executive vice resident and chief operating officer...

No one killed in crash

The Shafter Press

A car was towed from a two-car accident at Santa Fe Way and Cherry Avenue last week. No one was hurt in the Wednesday morning mishap, according to the Shafter Police Department. (The Shafter Press | Diane...

Acting Police Chief Milligan gets the job

Veronica Jacuinde, The Shafter Press

Captain Randy Milligan, who has been acting chief of the Shafter Police Department for the past year, has been named to permanently head the force. A pinning ceremony will take place Saturday, Dec. 7, an email invitation said Friday. Milligan, a 26-year veteran of the force, replaces Kevin Zimmermann, who resigned on Wednesday following a long disability leave. The city agreed to pay Zimmermann a $245,203 12-month severance settlement, provide COBRA benefits for 12 months and pay out his...

Community leaders respond to Wasco's ranking

Veronica Jacuinde, The Press and Tribune

A recent WalletHub report ranked Wasco as the third worst small city in America, but community leaders are offering a much more positive outlook, highlighting the unique qualities that make Wasco special and the strides in public safety achieved by the new Wasco Police Department. Community Development Director Keri Cobb said she doesn't dwell on these types of reviews. "They can be informative in terms of concrete numbers and things we might need to work on, but ultimately, the folks at...

Local agencies unite for National Night Out

Veronica Jacuinde, The Press and Tribune

It was a celebration of local law enforcement at Wasco's National Night Out last week, as agencies from Wasco, Shafter, Avenal, McFarland, Arvin, the Kern County Probation Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation joined together in a show of unity with residents. The newly renovated downtown along 7th Street and the plaza in Wasco provided the setting for the festive block party. The event featured a variety of attractions, including food vendors, free hot dogs...

A hundred reasons to be thankful

The Shafter Press

One hundred Shafter residents who signed up received turkeys and other Thanksgiving ingredients last week as part of a giveaway, Thankful Thursday, sponsored by the City of Shafter, along with local businesses and civic groups. The drive-thru, at the West Complex parking lot, saw a lot of smiles in preparation for the holiday. (Photos courtesy of Jessica...

Generals play for Valley Championship

The Shafter Press

The Shafter High Generals host in the Division IV Valley Championship game Friday night against Coalinga. They won their semifinal 31-22 last Friday against the Immanuel Eagles. Details on page...

Community Calendar - Nov. 28, 2024

The Shafter Press

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.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday, call 661-292-5100 or email esoriano@TheShafterPress.com. Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday prior to publication. Updates will be on TheShafterPress.com and WascoTrib.com. ANNOUNCEMENTS Fall donations – Consider donating to SHS Pride Pantry this Thanksgiving season. Suggested items to donate include...

Everyone wins in Running 4 the House

Wasco Tribune

Terese Burke Elementary School is where the Running 4 the House event began 15 years ago, and it was still going strong last weekend at the school. This event was developed by PE teacher Jill Rodriguez, Principal Brad Maberry and Scarlet Sabin from the Ronald McDonald Organization. Each year staff and students raise donations for the Ronald McDonald House in Bakersfield then enjoy a fun day of running laps, sack races, dancing and prizes to celebrate their hard work. Last year, the event raised...

Wasco Scouts fight to stay open

Veronica Jacuinde, The Press and Tribune

Wasco Cub Scouts Pack 950, serving children from kindergarten through 5th grade, and the BSA Scouting Boys and Girls Troops 950, for 6th grade through age 17, are at risk of closing due to low membership. Destini Mello, committee chairman for Pack 950 and a former scoutmaster, explained the challenge: ""Membership is being affected by low numbers. We are down to six Cub Scouts, five boy troops, and no girl troops. At our highest, we had about 40 Cub Scouts and 20 in each of the boy and girl...

Super Students at Karl Clemens

Wasco Tribune

Karl F. Clemens Elementary School announced its Super Students for the week of Nov. 18. Criteria for selection were based on significant math improvement, showing kindness to all friends, respect and hard work, following class procedures, helping other students understand new concepts and improving learning English. Pictured, from left, are Principal Anabel Garrison, Neveah Aparicio (5th grade), Angie Nava (2nd grade), Miguel Negrete-Castillo (kindergarten), Claudio Canseco (4th grade), Jorge...

  • Pastor's Corner: Thankfulness in all things

    Pastor Chad Givens, Canyon Hills Shafter

    What does it mean to be thankful? During this season we are reminded of Paul speaking to the church in Thessalonia when he states: [BEGIN ITAL]“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”[END ITAL] 1 Thessalonians 5:18. And although this is a perfect scripture for this week, we still, as only we can do, struggle with giving thanks in difficult times. He proceeded before this moment to tell the church to “Always be joyful,” which is an interesting statement to make when you follow...

  • Helen Marie Tyler Ballard

    Helen Marie Tyler Ballard, 69, of Wasco, passed away peacefully on Nov. 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 6, 1955, in Bakersfield, to Geneal and Augusta Tyler, Helen lived a life defined by faith, love and kindness. She shared God's love generously, offering prayer and encouragement to all she met. Helen grew up in Wasco, graduating from Wasco Union High School in 1973. She found her faith early and became a devoted member of Apostolic Faith Temple Church. Helen's life...

  • Death Notices - Nov. 28, 2024

    The Shafter Press

    Mario A. De Leon, 66, of Lost Hills, passed away Nov. 18, in Lost Hills. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Leland Keith Prigmore, 61, of Bakersfield, passed away Nov. 15, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Richard Molina Jr., 75, of Wasco, passed away Nov. 18, in Wasco. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Muriel Catherine, 83, of Wasco, passed away Nov. 16, in Wasco. Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. Branda A. Rodriguez Navarro, 41, of Wasco, passed away Nov. 16, in Wasco. Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. Ricky Dale Howard, 75, of Wasco, passed...

  • Arrest Report - Nov. 28, 2023

    The Shafter Press

    Nov. 18 Erik Richard Tovar, 35, of Shafter, was arrested in the 400 block of Calloway Street for disorderly conduct: under the influence of a drug. Nov. 20 Omar Chavez, 35, of Shafter, was arrested in the 100 block of West Orange Avenue for scavenging and on a bench warrant/failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Guadalupe Gomez, 40, of Shafter, was arrested on the South Shafter Avenue and West Los Angeles Avenue on a bench warrant/failure to appear on a felony charge. Nov. 21 Trinidad Jaime Perez, 57, of Shafter, was arrested in the 500...

  • Mystery History - Nov. 28, 2024

    The Shafter Press

    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 ShafterPress.com. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: The 1994 Shafter High junior varsity cheerleaders, from top left, Brandi Root, Stacey Routh, Amy Person, Julie Russell and Hailey Hodges;...

  • Headlines in History - Nov. 28, 2024

    The Shafter Press

    60 years ago: Dec. 2, 1964 A $2.5 million project was approved to build the California Aqueduct from Tupman to north of Lerdo Highway. 40 years ago: Dec. 5, 1984 The Shafter Cornet Store gave away four Cabbage Patch dolls in a drawing. The demand for popular dolls was intense, especially during the holiday season. 10 years ago: Dec. 10, 2014 The city said "goodbye and thank you" to Jon Johnston upon his retirement after 16 years of service on the City Council....

  • Looking for love? Pepper could be the one

    Wasco Animal Shelter

    Pepper is a sweet, energetic 10-month-old German shepherd mix who came to the Wasco animal Shelter as a stray. This playful pup is great with people and other dogs and is always excited to make new friends. She loves her walks and would make an amazing, loyal companion for someone ready to give her the love she deserves. Her house/crate training status is unknown, and her behavior around children hasn't been tested. Pepper will be available for adoption on Thursday, Nov. 28. Don't miss your...

  • Classified Ads - Nov. 28, 2024

    The Shafter Press

    To see this week's Classified Ads, click on the e-edition icon at the top of the...

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