Explore the people, news and events that keep the Wenatchee Valley moving forward with Wenatchee World's podcast. Slices of Wenatchee brings you insights into the vibrant Apple Capital of the World three days a week. https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/
Today - The family of Elias Mora-Ontiveros, a 23-year-old Rock Island man who was tragically killed, has expressed profound disappointment following the sentencing of Erik Farias Reyes. And later - We look into the Eastmont School District's bond proposal which is currently failing to secure the necessary approval.
Today - The Wenatchee School District has partnered with the Community for the Advancement of Family Education to enhance interpretation services during school board meetings and public hearings. And later - Freddy’s Kitchen, a popular Mexican restaurant, is on the move again, while another local favorite plans expansion.
Today - Mike Malmin, the former pastor at Wenatchee Nazarene Church, has assumed the role of executive director at Serve Wenatchee Valley. And later - Rock Island Mayor Randy Agnew has officially declared his candidacy for the role of Douglas County Commissioner, aiming to fill the seat currently held by Commissioner Kyle Steinburg.
Today - The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority is steering a significant redevelopment effort in Wenatchee, starting with the early stages of discussions with Blewett Brewing Company to establish a new location at the site of the former Badger Mountain Brewing. And later - Washington State University has launched a naming contest for its new apple variety, the WA 64. This novel variety is a crossbreed between the Honeycrisp and Cripps Pink.
Today - Local authorities have recently completed the purchase of a strategically important property. The acquisition involves a 2.75-acre parcel located on Ohme Garden Road in Wenatchee. And later - We’re highlighting recent "30 Under 35" winner, Paola Silva Mota. Paola is a 21-year-old from Douglas County who has made significant strides early in her career.
Today - we explore the world of craft distilling in North Central Washington through the lens of Blue Spirits Distilling. And later - we’re highlighting an urgent appeal from the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Alaska and Washington chapter. They’re in search of air mileage donations to fulfill the wishes of children with critical illnesses who dream of traveling.
Today - Helion, an Everett-based nuclear fusion company established in 2013, has recently signed a letter of intent with the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority. And later - we look into the role of The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust in our community.
Today - The Eastmont School District is taking its $117 million construction bond back to the ballot in an attempt to secure approval from voters on April 23rd, after narrowly missing the mark by 34 votes in a February special election. And later - This Thursday, the city council will decide whether to enact a ban on the use and possession of exotic and wild animals for entertainment, a measure sparked by public concern over circus animal welfare.
Today - We dive into the challenges facing pear orchardists in Cashmere, Washington. And later - A look inside the life of Ella Stimmel, the Apple Blossom Festival Queen.
Today - The Supreme Court has signaled its approval for Washington's newly proposed legislative district maps, bringing significant changes to the representation of Wenatchee Valley. And later - Duane Chapman, whose life has been a public spectacle through the lens of his reality TV show "Dog the Bounty Hunter," has embarked on a mission to share his testimony of faith and transformation. Scheduled to speak at Awaken Church in Wenatchee on April 6th and 7th, the Chapmans aim to reach out to individuals seeking a relationship with Jesus.
Today - Four local businesses —Taco Loco, Becky's Beauty, Jade Nails, and Ditto Thrift Store—are being compelled to vacate their premises to make way for a new redevelopment project. And later - We're looking into the unfolding situation at the Leavenworth Adventure Park, which has stirred considerable debate within the community.
Today - On Tuesday, Grace City Church's private Christian school began its wait for approval from the City of Wenatchee's hearing examiner. And later - Todd Fryhover, the Washington Apple Commission president, will retire in November after an 18-year tenure.
Today - The "Be There" campaign, launched by Thriving Together NCW, the Grand Columbia Health Alliance, and the Washington State Hospital Association wants to increase awareness about substance use disorder. And later - The Chelan-Douglas Health District has reported an outbreak of whooping cough, with 58 confirmed cases in East Wenatchee's Chelan and Douglas counties.
Today - The school district recently hosted a public hearing about the proposed closure of Columbia Elementary School. This event drew attention from approximately 80 parents, staff, and community members, all converging at the Wenatchee High School commons to express their views. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NSEWAJdPeA And later - The Apple Cup Cafe, a community staple since 1957, faced a severe fire early Sunday morning.
Today - we dive into a recent decision by the Link Transit board of directors, capturing a moment of civic engagement in action in Wenatchee. And later - On March 2nd, VonHart Goods Bakery & Deli in Mason officially opened their doors. They’ve quickly become the talk of the town.
Today - The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, has officially declared the 2023 cherry harvest a disaster. So what does that mean for farmers in Washington? And later - Wenatchee Police Chief Steve Crown, has announced his retirement after an eight-year tenure.
Today - 19 Orondo students recently got free bikes as part of the “Move Ahead Washington” program. And later - Ziply Fiber is set to acquire LocalTel Communications, an East Wenatchee-based company.
Today - a tense situation unfolded late Wednesday afternoon, leading to the arrest of a 45-year-old woman after a nearly four-hour standoff with local police and SWAT teams. And later - we remember Matt Primomo, a cherished member of the Leavenworth community and a respected avalanche forecaster and mountain guide, whose life was tragically cut short last week.
Today - The Wenatchee Valley Islamic Center has officially opened its doors at 38 North Chelan Avenue. And later - we dive into the financial challenges facing the Wenatchee School District and their exploration of alternatives to closing Columbia Elementary.
Today - 383 Threads is a new thrift store that's capturing the attention of the local community. And later -Meet this year’s Business Impact Award winner, Travis Hornby.
Today - we're looking into the escalating cost of policing in the unincorporated cities of Douglas County. And later - Meet Darci Christoferson, this year’s winner of the The Community Connection Award.
Today -The Wenatchee World recently honored five exceptional individuals and organizations at the fourth annual Community Impact Awards. And later - the inspiring yet challenging journey of John Miklosh, a resident of Peshastin, who navigates life with ALS.
Today - a significant incident involving the derailment of several railcars has led to the arrest of a 38-year-old woman. And later - we’re taking you behind the scenes of Wenatchee High School’s latest theatrical production, the Tony Award-winning musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Today - we dive into the transformative work being done by the Wenatchee Valley Community Transitions program, a pioneering initiative aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment for adults with disabilities. And later - an update on the proposed closure of Columbia Elementary School.
Today - In Wenatchee, Grace City Church is taking steps forward with its plans to open Garden City Academy, a private K-12 Christian School, at the King's Orchard Church of Christ. And later - In an upcoming series of town hall discussions, the Chelan County commissioners, along with key department heads, are set to engage directly with the community.
Today - In a significant move to combat the growing threat of wildfires in Washington, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has allocated nearly $22 million in funding aimed at enhancing wildfire prevention efforts in Central and Eastern Washington communities. And later - we’ll highlight 30 under 35 winner, Morgan Thornton.
Today - The Wenatchee School Board is still grappling with a decision that has sparked concern and mobilized the local community: the potential closure of Columbia Elementary due to declining enrollment and budget constraints. And later - we explore a compelling story of survival and care from Chelan County, following the Twenty-Five Mile Creek Wildfire in 2021.
Today - We sit down with Mrs. Chelan County, Clory Dahlgren, and Mrs. Capital City, Vanessa Ruiz, to learn more about their journey as the first mother and daughter competing for the Mrs. Washington America title. And later - East Wenatchee City Council member Sasha Sleiman has declared her resignation due to health complications.
Today - we're diving into a significant development involving the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority and the Washington Army National Guard. And later - we spotlight the NCW Bridal Premiere in Wenatchee, an event that stands as a testament to love, creativity, and community involvement in the wedding planning process.
Today - we dive into the recent announcement by the Wenatchee School District regarding the planned consolidation of Columbia Elementary. And later - the inspiring story of a unique local duo, setting a historic precedent in the realm of pageantry.
Today - In a significant legal development, the Eastmont School District has reached a settlement with the family of a disabled student, ending a lawsuit that accused the district of discrimination. And later - we explore the inspiring journey of Lauren Head, a local nutritionist with a deep-seated passion for enhancing community health through plant-based nutrition.
Today - A queen and two princesses were chosen at the royalty selection pageant for the 2024 Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Saturday at the Numerica Performing Arts Center. And later - We're highlighting Sarah Kate Deenik, a recent 30 under 35 winner.
Today - recent legislative efforts could see the Lunar New Year become an official state holiday. And later - Wenatchee's Pybus Public Market is set to host its ninth annual Nonprofit Day
Today - A closer look at the recently reported increase in unsheltered individuals currently living in Chelan and Douglas counties. And later - The Wenatchee Valley Senior Activity Center is currently raising funds for a $4 million capital improvement project.
Today - we dive into a pressing issue affecting our veterans and communities: the intersection of mental health crises and law enforcement responses. And later - Sunday’s Superbowl 58 pairs the San Francisco 49ers against the Kansas City Chiefs. So where should you go to watch it locally?
Today - we dive into a recent legal development from Wenatchee, where a state appeals court has rendered a decision in a highly scrutinized negligence lawsuit. And later - we’ll commemorate Black History Month by spotlighting three influential African Americans who significantly impacted North Central Washington during the 1800s and 1900s.
Today - A significant development unfolding at the Greater Wenatchee Regional Landfill. This facility, known for managing waste, is set to become a pivotal player in the renewable energy sector. And later - We'll explore the unique bond between a mobility service dog and his owners, and how this special dog has become a beloved fixture at local hockey games.
Today - we’ll focus on a significant development in the state legislature concerning short-term rental properties. And later -we’ll look into the closure of Dusty's In-N-Out, a longstanding eatery in Wenatchee, and its transformation into a new dining concept.
Today - The Wenatchee School Board recently held a meeting that attracted over 100 people, including parents and teachers, voicing their concerns about the proposed closure of Columbia Elementary. And later - We're delving into Meta's recent initiative to enhance the safety of teenage users on Instagram.
Today - we're diving into the remarkable journey of Delilah Cabrera, a 16-year-old from Wenatchee, whose musical aspirations have taken her from local stages to signing with a major record label. And later - a look at the recent production of J.B. Priestly's "An Inspector Calls" by Music Theatre of Wenatchee, staged at Riverside Playhouse.
Today - Columbia Elementary School is set to close its doors next year, marking a major shift in the local educational landscape. And later -The Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council recently hosted its Empty Bowls fundraiser, a unique initiative blending art, community spirit, and a commitment to combating food insecurity.
Today - Wenatchee Valley residents experiencing homelessness will be surveyed this coming week as part of a nationwide yearly count. And later - Pet-royalty is called to be elected canine king and queen to march in the Apple Blossom Festival Stemilt Parade on May 4th.
Today - We look into the paradoxical situation faced by the Washington cherry industry in 2023. While the season yielded excellent quality cherries, it is being termed a “disaster” by industry leaders. This intriguing scenario unfolds in the backdrop of unique weather patterns and market dynamics. And later - we're diving into a unique and exciting event that's taking the Wenatchee Valley by storm - "Dancing with the Wenatchee Stars."
Today - The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center hosted the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Multicultural Fest over the weekend. The gathering was more than just a commemoration; it was a vivid display of the region's rich cultural tapestry. And later -we spotlight Brenda Alcala, a recent "30 Under 35" winner.
Today - We're delving into a significant development in the Eastmont School District, which is poised to make substantial changes in its infrastructure, pending a crucial bond vote. This episode is based on a report by Gabriel Garcia, a staff writer for the World. And later - The Wenatchee Rescue Mission has opened its doors as a 24-hour cold shelter for the weekend.
Today - we delve into the ongoing developments in Wenatchee, where the city is reevaluating the application of Grace City Church to establish a private K-12 Christian school. This story was originally reported by World Staff Writer Oscar Rodriguez. And later - We’ll discuss the "Energy Extravaganza" at the Rocky Reach Discovery Center.
Today - we dive into the significant changes and developments in law enforcement in Chelan and Douglas counties. We explore the transition from traditional methods to modern practices, focusing on officer-involved shootings, de-escalation techniques, mental health considerations, and the incorporation of technology in policing. And later - Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison reviews the principles of patrol tactics that all deputies in his department learn as part of ongoing training.
Today - we're talking about a notable move by the Town Toyota Center. And later - A look into New Year's Day polar plunges at Lake Wenatchee.
Today - we dive into the heartwarming story of the Wenatchee Rescue Mission and its latest developments. And later - Wenatchee Mayor Mike Poirier and city council members are having a "Meet Your City Council" event.
Today - World War II veteran, Ben Read, recently received surprise honors in an East Wenatchee ceremony. And later - A nine-month learning experience specially designed to empower local women entrepreneurs.