Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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Shafter has been and is a city "where everything grows," Mayor Chad Givens emphasized in his State of the City address at the Chamber of Commerce Awards Saturday night. "Over 100 years ago, people found this land, and realized that this was land where everything would grow," Givens started his address to nearly 200 in the Ford Theater. "Today, the city is still that. Shafter is the city where everything grows." Givens was not just talking about crops, or the population, but...
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Annette M. Castillo was a kind and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend. She passed away on Feb. 27, 2024, at the age of 64 after a 13-year battle. Annette was born to Angel and Madeline Barbosa on May 4, 1959. She attended St. John's Catholic School and graduated from Wasco High School in 1977. She married her husband, Julian Castillo, in 1978. She worked at Wasco Valley Rose Golf Course for 15 years. Before retiring, she had worked at GEO Correc...
Eusebio Rodriguez, 55, of McFarland, passed away March 4, in Mexico. Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. Maria Nevarez, 70, of Shafter, passed away March 2, in Bakersfield. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. David Whitbey, 58, of Shafter, passed away March 2, in Shafter. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Ofelia Lopez, [75, of Shafter, passed away March 7, in Shafter. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Rafaela Lara de Arroyo, [75, of Shafter, passed away Feb. 13, in Shafter. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Martha Trujillo...
Receiving an inheritance was a big deal in the Old Testament. People set their hearts on entering into their inheritance, and were serious about maintaining that inheritance and passing it on to their own children. They had a great reason for that. God had promised to give them an inheritance, which we often call “the Promised Land.” We call it that just because God had promised it to them. God enacted special legislation to preserve that land as an inheritance. For ins...
Richard Keith Reding, Sr. was born Sept. 10, 1935, in Montgomery County, Tennessee to Richard Carroll Reding and Leola Keith Reding. He was the first of their three children, followed by a brother, John, and their little sister, Sue Ann. Sometime later, the Reding children's dad became the Sheriff of Cheatam County, Tennessee. He enlisted in WW2 because he possessed the skills needed, so his wife, Leola, finished his term as sheriff! In Mayfield, Kentucky, his family lived...
3 years ago: April 20, 1994 The candidates that ran for Shafter Cinco De Mayo Queen were Alma Moreno, Carmen Martinez, Vicki Perez, Consuelo Maravilla, Lorena Lopez, Irene Gonzalez, Monica Saldivar and Sagui Graciliano. 50 years ago: April 14, 1974 Six SHS juniors ran for Miss Shafter: Mary Lopez, Vicki Bender, Carla Crawford, Sheryl McGinty, Candy Paul and Anne Zachary. --Compiled by Erica Soriano...
FRESNO – The Shafter Spartans youth wrestling team traveled to the State Tournament last weekend and came away with several medals, including a State Champion. The tournament was held at the Selland Arena in Fresno. Led by Coach Eli Espericueta, the Spartans had a champion in Jayden Gonzalez. Gonzalez, along with his brother Julian and sister Janali, all came home with medals. The Gonzalez family is no stranger to winning, with their older sister, Julissa, becoming the f...
Karl F. Clemens Elementary School announced its Super Students for the week. 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. Front row, from left, are Mayr Rodriguez (2nd grade), Sonny Vargas (transitional kindergarten), Mateo Castro (1st grade), Gracie Garza (5th grade) and Principal Anabel...
Retired Assistant Chief of Police Diana Burnett will lead this year's Cinco de Mayo Festival. Burnett was delighted by the festival committee's announcement and thinks that it is a huge honor. "I am so surprised and really humbled by their decision," said Burnett. She said that she has always loved the festival and is looking forward to being a part of it. "I have worked it so many years, and I just love all of the colors, the dancing, music and the wonderful time that the...
The Wasco High School Drama Club presented the musical Annie to hundreds over a three-day run of performances at the school's historic auditorium. A cast of 27 thespians graced the stage to put on a show that dazzled and entertained, complete with singing, dancing, original costumes and elaborate set designs. Annie is the classic tale of the red-headed orphan who eventually gets adopted by the millionaire Daddy Warbucks. Sophia Perezchica played the lead role of Annie. In a...
Sally Ann Firkins was born on May 19, 1940, in Santa Monica. She spent her childhood years in Downey, before relocating to Shafter in 1946. In Shafter, her father, Charles "Chuck," owned Chuck's Flying A Service Station, while her mother, Celia "Sally," worked at Stringham's Drug Store for 20 years, caring for Sally and her siblings Donald, Betty and Tommy Firkins. Sally, the eldest sibling, contributed to her family's endeavors from an early age, working in the cotton...
Consuelo "Chelo" Salinas, 79, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 11, 2024. Consuelo was born Nov. 22, 1944, in La Fiera, Texas. She married Porfirio "Pilo" Salinas Feb. 23, 1965, in Edinburg, Texas. They quickly moved to California the same year and settled in Wasco. Consuelo began to attend a small church that was using a rented building on G Street called Mision Pentecostes. She served the church as a Sunday school teacher and became the...
In collaboration with the city of Wasco, the Wasco Rotary Club placed 4-Way Test signs along Highway 43 near Filburn Street. The effort symbolized the Rotary mission and was a way to remind the community to be the best citizens possible. "Our club members came together to support and provide service to our community while embodying the Rotary 4-Way Test, which is: 1) Is it the truth? 2) Is it fair to all concerned? 3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships? and 4) Will...
The city will spend up to $1.5 million for a new General Plan. The City Council approved a contract with Place Works, Inc., to create the updated document.. The agreement includes making a vision for the city for the next 20 years. This will include economic, business, retail expansion and education plans. The process is expected to take about two years to complete. The council also discussed regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the city. This includes...
The City Council approved taking current donations of $3,350 from local vendors, donors and Wonderful Company grants and future donations for the Wasco Police Department, and other city departments and projects. "From time to time, companies and residents generously donate to city operations, and as such, staff will provide a report of donors and request authorization to accept the funds and increase appropriations," City Manager Scott Hurlbert said in a report to the...
A kidnapping scam is targeting local people, Sergeant Herbert Stout from the Kern County Sheriff's Office told the City Council Tuesday night. "It involves telephone calls to residents in which the caller states that they have kidnapped a family member and demands money," Stout said. "They would then tell the person they are talking to to wire them money through a green dot card or a wire transfer through a local store. After transferring the money, they would hang up on...
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: Wendy Wilson's Richland Primary School 3rd grade class at the Shafter Depot with Curator Stan Wilson in...
March 12 Rodolfo Gerardo Mendoza, 34, of Shafter, was arrested at Elizabeth Avenue and Clarence Street for disorderly conduct: under influence of drugs. March 17 Gabriel Reyes, 39, of Shafter, was arrested at Community Drive and Cotton Creek Lane for driving without a license, stop required and DUI. BUTTONWILLOW As reported by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Buttonwillow substation: March 9 Harvey Lee Joe Watkins, 48, of Buttonwillow, was arrested in the 30000 block of Stockdale Highway in Buttonwillow for possession of a c...
It was more than just fun at the Wasco High School Tiger Parent Club Spring Paint Night – it was an evening of information to guide parents on better connecting with their children. Led by trained social workers, parents took home tools to inspire and motivate them to build stronger ties and closer relationships with their young ones. "The event aimed to provide a creative outlet for parents and students while offering practical strategies to help better serve their child a...
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 Egg Hunt – Spring it on! A free community event given by the Wasco Recreation and Parks District. At the...
It has been a busy year for the Class of 2024's Shafter Distinguished Young Woman, Emily Mcguire. In addition to representing Shafter in the state competition, Emily had the opportunity to attend events such as the Cinco de Mayo Parade and the Christmas Parade. She also had the opportunity to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the Fourth of July Celebration, cut the ribbon for a new caboose at the Shafter Train Depot, light the town's Christmas tree and sing carols with her DYW...
The Shafter Chamber of Commerce held its annual Awards Banquet on Thursday night, celebrating select individuals and groups who have helped make Shafter the city it is. The evening at the Ford Theater began with a State of the City address by Shafter Mayor Chad Givens (see separate story) Before the regular awards, a special award was given to the late Helen Gaede, which was accepted for the family by Shafter Depot Museum Curator Stan Wilson. Gaede had worked tirelessly for...
