Slices of Wenatchee

Today: Vicci Martinez is back with her original band — and tonight, their music takes center stage in Leavenworth.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today: It's time for another installment of Rotten Apples, our weekly movie review. Each Thursday, our team will talk about the latest film releases, what they loved, what fell flat, and whether it’s worth your time.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today: Wenatchee’s police chief is stepping into double duty, ready to lead both the department and City Hall while the search for a new administrator continues.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read more: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/go/piano-prodigy-executive-director-of-wenatchee-valley-symphonys-next-movement/article_ddb0cbb1-a1f4-4baa-9468-c0b30a8f664d.html Classically trained pianist and arts administrator Anton Zotov has taken the helm as executive director of the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra. In this conversation with The Wenatchee World’s Jessica Drake, Zotov discusses his journey from Ukraine to Wenatchee, his plans to expand programming and grow audiences, and his vision for the symphony as it enters its 79th season and prepares for its 80th anniversary.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today: A promising health care expansion for undocumented immigrants in Washington has turned into a source of fear after sensitive data was shared with federal authorities.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today: Five years after the pandemic began, NCW Libraries is still redefining what it means to serve the community, one innovation at a time.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - A groundbreaking moment in Malaga could mark the beginning of a new era in clean energy, as Helion starts construction on what it hopes will be the world’s first fusion power plant.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we hear from Gary Hesse, who’s spent nearly 30 years bringing characters to life at Leavenworth Summer Theater, including all three of their productions this year. https://leavenworthsummertheater.org/ Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today:w A longtime East Wenatchee utility worker says he was fired for getting hurt on the job — and now a federal jury has awarded him $5 million for wrongful termination.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lorene Vehrs wakes each day when she pleases. The coffee is always black — no sugar, no cream, no apologies — and it flows constantly, all day, every day.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes of Leavenworth Summer Theater’s production of The Sound of Music at the Ski Hill Amphitheater. First up, we’ll be chatting with Emily Rollie, the director who’s bringing this beloved classic to life under the open sky. Then later, we hear from Fiona Palazzi—playing the part of Maria.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - A new tax increment financing district proposed near Malaga could bring major infrastructure investment and reshape economic development in Chelan County. Read more: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/chelan-county-chelan-douglas-regional-port-authority-weigh-details-of-proposed-malaga-tif-district/article_6717c5a7-0fb1-4c7e-beea-50acac65ec76.html Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today: A former crypto site in Douglas County is being transformed into a launchpad for local entrepreneurs, and two new small businesses are leading the way.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today: Rogers and Hammerstein’s Carousel has come to the Leavenworth Summer Theater. We talked with one of the show’s stars to learn all about it. Read more: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/go/carousel-song-lyrics-tell-sad-yet-hopeful-story-on-the-lst-stage/article_8c473c3d-83dc-4fb0-8c56-c7d65d700da0.html Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Downtown Wenatchee is transforming fast, but as new apartment complexes rise, some small business owners are sounding the alarm about being left behind. Read more: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/business/wenatchee-grapples-with-growth-as-downtown-businesses-voice-concerns-amid-new-development/article_d4c080bc-0f2f-46dd-a604-7893a03b7883.html Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Downtown Wenatchee is transforming fast, but as new apartment complexes rise, some small business owners are sounding the alarm about being left behind. Read more: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/business/wenatchee-grapples-with-growth-as-downtown-businesses-voice-concerns-amid-new-development/article_d4c080bc-0f2f-46dd-a604-7893a03b7883.html Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Students in Wenatchee and Eastmont are getting hands-on experience in tech careers before graduation, thanks to a growing apprenticeship program that’s helping meet the needs of local employers.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - A familiar face at the Chelan County jail is retiring—Gambit the drug-sniffing border collie is stepping away from service, while a new K-9 team prepares to carry on his important work.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - The Northwest cherry harvest is gearing up for one of its strongest seasons in years, and at the center of it all is the Wenatchee Valley—where the cherries are ripe, the packing lines are buzzing, and growers are feeling cautiously optimistic about what’s shaping up to be a fruitful summer.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Today, we take a closer look at the continuing manhunt for Travis Decker, as questions grow about missed warnings, court-ordered evaluations, and the pressures placed on a single parent trying to protect her children. Read more: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/crime/travis-decker-manhunt-3-things-to-know-as-the-search-goes-on/article_be855f00-70fb-4acd-a9c4-bec227c16cdf.html#tncms-source=homepage-top-story Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - East Wenatchee leaders are weighing a new public safety sales tax as they try to close a growing budget gap and secure the city’s financial future.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - The search for Travis Decker, accused of killing his three daughters, has become one of the largest and most complex manhunts in Chelan County’s history. Read more: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/crime/decker-manhunt-among-largest-in-chelan-county-history/article_abde4fb9-1969-455c-9c53-aa3b703b4145.html Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Wenatchee is confronting a critical housing crisis as city leaders, developers, and residents work to balance growth, affordability, and equity. Read more: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/wenatchee-confronts-housing-crisis-as-city-plans-for-growth-affordability-equity/article_b1a6f204-314a-4267-b83c-d305f7ab4043.html Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chelan County officials have clarified courthouse security protocols following the arrest of a man by federal immigration authorities just outside the county courthouse three weeks ago. Read more: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/chelan-county-officials-clarify-courthouse-arrest-protocols-following-ice-encounter/article_9b093456-bb5e-474d-81ac-8bb03f6a269a.html Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 800 community members gathered on Friday at Rocky Reach Dam in shared grief and love to honor the lives of her three daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8 and Olivia, 5. Attendees wore pink, green and purple (the girls’ favorite colors) and held candles.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - A new coffee shop in East Wenatchee is brewing more than just espresso — it’s becoming a hub for community and connection.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode takes a leap into the future of clean energy: Helion, a Washington-based fusion startup, just secured a lease from Chelan County PUD to build what could be the world’s first commercial fusion power plant. We break down what this means for Central Washington, local power supplies, and the global energy landscape. Plus, before we get to the news, we’re introducing a new segment: Rotten Apples, our biweekly movie review. First up? Materialists, the latest romantic drama from director Celine Song.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Flag Day, hundreds gathered in Wenatchee’s Memorial Park for a “No Kings” protest—honoring American democratic ideals while mourning political violence and calling out authoritarian overreach.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the Chelan County community prepares to honor three young sisters lost in a tragic crime, as law enforcement intensifies its search for their father, the prime suspect in their deaths.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Protesters across the country are preparing for what could be the largest coordinated demonstration of Trump’s second term — and Wenatchee is joining in.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wenatchee High School senior Ben Madson capped off his swimming career with a state title, a broken record, and a near win in one of the sport’s fastest events. We look at the training, team culture, and technical focus that powered his historic performance—and what comes next as he heads to the collegiate level.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deaths of three young sisters in Wenatchee have left a community grieving and a mother calling for change. As the search for Travis Decker continues, Whitney Decker is pushing for reforms to Washington’s Amber Alert system and expanded mental health support.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're bringing you a story that’s shaken our community — a heartbreaking case involving three young sisters, a desperate search, and a father now wanted for murder. This episode includes details that some listeners may find disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An effort to reintroduce grizzly bears to Washington’s North Cascades is facing fierce local opposition, concerns over safety and economics, and new political uncertainty under the Trump administration.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As concerns about gang activity grow in school districts across North Central Washington, they are reinforcing policies aimed at preventing gang-related behavior from entering school environments, including restrictions on rosaries.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As wildfire risk grows across North Central Washington, homeowners in Chelan and Douglas counties are facing rising premiums, dropped coverage, and tough choices. We explore why insurers are pulling back, what factors raise red flags, and what options remain for those living in fire-prone areas.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Washington’s wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, Spanish-speaking communities, many made up of migrant and seasonal farmworkers, are still being left out of critical safety messaging. In this episode, we follow Maria Blancas, a researcher who grew up in Quincy, and local advocates like Yesenia Perez from CAFÉ, as they work to close that gap. From bilingual bulletins to face-to-face outreach in labor camps, these community-led efforts are changing how wildfire information is shared—and who it reaches.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proposed federal Medicaid cuts could have major consequences for rural communities in North Central Washington. Lawmakers and local care providers warn that reductions in funding could force nursing homes to close, eliminate in-home care services, and put added strain on families and emergency services. With Medicaid covering more than half the cost of long-term care in some counties, the impact could be severe. This episode breaks down the data, the local response, and what’s at stake for thousands of Washington seniors.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Anna Gullickson and her partner Eric spotted a 300-pound goat stranded near Stevens Pass, they had no idea he would change their lives. That rescue led to the creation of Ridge 2 River, a sanctuary in the hills above Cashmere where farm animals and people learn side by side. In this episode, we explore how one unexpected moment became the catalyst for a nonprofit that now houses 70 animals, runs humane education programs, and challenges assumptions about the food system.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wenatchee World reporter Jessica Drake recently sat down with Paula Poundstone for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from her upcoming tour and regional humor to interviewing techniques, banned books, politics, and more. Find tickets: https://numericapac.org/events/paula-poundstone-2/ Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Students from Wenatchee and Eastmont High are teaming up for a unique performance of “Sign Idol,” using American Sign Language to interpret songs from hit films like Barbie and Wicked. But this collaboration is about more than music, it’s a celebration of Deaf culture, community, and the power of expression beyond words.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new state budget eliminates funding for the Imagination Library of Washington, a program that mailed free books each month to kids from birth to age five. The decision affects more than 121,000 children statewide, including over 2,300 in North Central Washington. In this episode, we hear how local groups like CDCSA are responding, what the cuts mean for families, and what’s being done to try to save the program.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Alano Club of Wenatchee recently hosted an open house and barbecue to showcase its expanded recovery services. Once known mainly for 12-step meetings, the club now offers a wide range of support including detox transportation, résumé help, peer coaching, and sober social events like art classes and karaoke. With over 3,300 visitors in three months and services like free Narcan and housing referrals, the club aims to meet people wherever they are in their recovery journey, providing not just abstinence-based support, but tools for rebuilding a stable, meaningful life.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new seven-story apartment complex is breaking ground in downtown Wenatchee—and it’s doing more than adding housing. The Majestic Apartments will bring 212 new homes, retail space, and a creative reuse of the city’s 132-year-old jailhouse, blending historic preservation with a bold vision for the city’s future. Feature: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/business/weidner-breaks-ground-on-the-majestic-apartments-restoring-historic-jailhouse/article_51ab7e05-6296-4c62-a8a0-c073e2a73909.html Headlines: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/east-wenatchee-councilmember-abruptly-resigns/article_927d9381-6222-5b75-b0e1-6776616070a6.html https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/education/wenatchee-valley-community-transitions-students-gather-for-2nd-reunion-at-pybus-public-market/article_ebbb9568-5622-4cc7-b266-fac401cd6f92.html https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/education/cashmere-student-wins-valedictorian-eligibility-lawsuit-against-school-district/article_6472f443-7e3e-529c-8901-277803bcddb1.html https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/go/abstracts-as-therapy-paintings-after-mental-health-work-both-at-pybus-art-alley/article_c1b3c05e-4dc0-40d6-a977-e3cd88c3af0c.html Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around 60 people gathered in downtown Wenatchee for a moving march honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People. Led by a group of Indigenous women organizers, the event featured red handprints, handmade signs, and a banner listing over 140 missing individuals from Washington. With stories of personal loss and a call for justice, the march brought visibility to a crisis often overlooked, while uniting a community in healing and advocacy.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Button Jewelers, an independently owned jewelry store that opened in 1945, will close its doors in July, just shy of its 80th anniversary. Owners Joe and Jaimi Delagrave said they are retiring and shutting down the business ahead of the milestone. Read more: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/business/button-jewelers-to-close-after-nearly-80-years-in-wenatchee-begins-liquidation/article_2624c8b4-a36e-451a-8940-b65d7b88c04d.html Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Williams is nearing the end of a 14-year prison sentence, and preparing for a new life through Washington’s Graduated Reentry program. At the Wenatchee Valley Reentry Center, he’s finding freedom in structure, support in community, and purpose in education.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Albert and Sheri Rookard spent five years and $4 million transforming a crumbling 1906 building in downtown Wenatchee into their home, bringing new life to a historic space once left behind.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - we’re looking into the story behind Chelan County's Community Development Director, Deanna Walter — her challenges, her leadership style, and the controversy that's followed her.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Wenatchee, a new lowrider bike program is giving local youth more than just custom rides. Led by community members Valentin Mendoza and Francisco Jimenez through the nonprofit CAFÉ, the project pairs at-risk teens with mentors to build bikes, learn new skills, and connect to their cultural roots. It’s part of a growing effort to offer young people alternatives to gang involvement and a stronger sense of pride and belonging.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s not all glamor and glitter for Apple Blossom Queen Ella Johnson. In this episode, we follow Ella through a day packed with early mornings, community visits, donut devotionals, promposals, and even a few Nerf snowball battles. From leading younger girls in faith talks to bringing joy to senior citizens, Ella shares the real heart behind the crown — and her advice for anyone chasing big dreams.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.