Podcasts about chelan county

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.

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON:• Website: https://pushinguplilies.com• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

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.

Washington state police are still looking for 32-year-old Travis Decker, suspected of killing his three young daughters last Monday, June 2, near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington. It's just another heartbreaking example of a judge not listening to a woman when she says a man is dangerous. How many examples will it take?   Meanwhile, admist his breakup with Elon, Trump is soothing himself with an ego parade on Saturday in D.C. the cost of which could literally eradicate homelessness, while weaponizing the National Guard in Los Angeles and allowing ICE to hunt down brown people for sport. Cool, cool, cool. In response, people with their sanity still intact are rising up in nationwide in more than 2,000 No Kings Day protests this coming Saturday, June 14. Grab a poster board, a sharpie and an American flag, because we're taking it back, and join us. Go to nokings.org to find the protest nearest you.    We want to hear from you. Do you have a story we need to discuss or a guest we should feature? Visit us at ToxicThePodcast.com and share your story.   If you're experiencing abuse or domestic violence, please reach out to someone you trust. You can also connect with a trained advocate near you through DomesticShelters.org.   Finally, help us keep this conversation going. Share an episode of Toxic with someone at the protest this Saturday, the cop who tries to tell you to move back or your racist uncle, just because. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform or social media, and please consider leaving us a review so we can be seen in this vast sea of equally talented podcasts. Your support helps us amplify these critical stories. Together, we can create change.

This episode was originally published on The Murder Sheet's main feed on June 6, 2025.The Cheat Sheet is The Murder Sheet's segment breaking down weekly news and updates in some of the murder cases we cover. In this episode, we'll talk about cases from Washignton, Indiana, Florida, and Georgia.Puck News on the recent artificial intelligence cases: https://puck.news/what-happens-when-ai-gets-sued-and-loses/?utm_campaign=The+Daily+Courant+-+SUBSCRIBERS+%285%2F28%2F25%29&utm_content=The+Daily+Courant+-+SUBSCRIBERS+%285%2F28%2F25%29&utm_medium=email_action&utm_source=customer.io&utm_term=f6c60606bf3de0bb0bUSA Today on the suicide of Sewell Setzer III: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/10/23/sewell-setzer-iii/75814524007/Pre-order our book on Delphi here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/shadow-of-the-bridge-the-delphi-murders-and-the-dark-side-of-the-american-heartland-aine-cain/21866881?ean=9781639369232Or here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Shadow-of-the-Bridge/Aine-Cain/9781639369232Or here: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Bridge-Murders-American-Heartland/dp/1639369236Join our Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/c/murdersheetSupport The Murder Sheet by buying a t-shirt here: https://www.murdersheetshop.com/Send tips to murdersheet@gmail.com.The Murder Sheet is a production of Mystery Sheet LLC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

Today - Curate by Dorrinda is a small Wenatchee chocolate boutique where founder and chocolate devotee, Dorrinda Carlson, merges her global travels and passion for cacao into an immersive tasting and learning experience for customers. And later - Sasha Sleiman, Executive Director for the Housing Authority of Chelan County & the City of Wenatchee, accepted the Public Life and Leadership Award at the North Central Washington Community Impact Awards on February 20th.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - we’re diving into a critical issue that could have devastating consequences for healthcare access across the state. Proposed federal Medicaid cuts are on the table, and experts warn that these cuts could severely impact our hospitals, clinics, and the patients who rely on them. And later - Sasha Sleiman, Executive Director for the Housing Authority of Chelan County & the City of Wenatchee, accepted the Public Life and Leadership Award at the North Central Washington Community Impact Awards on February 20th.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - we’re diving into a budget debate that played out in Chelan County this week—one that raised questions about fiscal responsibility, political dynamics, and the challenge of balancing local government finances. And later - we’re talking about recent 30 under 35 winner, Clint Williams. Clint is a 34-year-old attorney who has built a successful law practice while staying deeply involved in community leadership.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - we’re diving into an important update on homelessness resources in Chelan County. And later - we’re celebrating an incredible milestone—Otto Ross just turned 99, and he spent his birthday doing what he loves most: skiing at Mission Ridge.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today – we’re taking a closer look at a transformation happening just east of East Wenatchee. What was once an abandoned crypto mining site is now on its way to becoming a thriving small business hub. The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority is behind this effort, turning a series of vacant buildings into a small business incubator called the Trades District. And later – we’re talking about a recent ranking that puts Chelan County among the best places to raise a family in Washington.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - we’re diving into a critical issue impacting communities across Washington state and beyond: immigrant rights and the looming threat of mass deportations under the incoming Trump administration. And later - we’re diving into an important update from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - we're looking back at the Career and College Expo held at Wenatchee Valley College on November 7th. And later - we're talking about upcoming rate increases for Chelan County PUD customers.  Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - we're talking about an event that took place in Wenatchee this past week — a Silent Vigil, held by Wenatchee for Immigrant Justice. And later - The Chelan County Clerk's Office has closed its walk-up counter until Friday to catch up on paperwork delayed by a recent state court system outage.  Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - On Tuesday, the Chelan County commissioners passed a new resolution aimed at tackling unauthorized use of county property. This new code, formally known as Chapter 8.42, focuses specifically on homeless encampments. And later - we're back to our "30 Under 35" series, where we spotlight young leaders making a difference. Today, we're featuring Courtney Mitchell.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service is awarding $4.2 million to the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee. This funding is aimed at rehabilitating three apartment complexes that provide crucial housing for agricultural workers in the area. And later - Wenatchee is taking steps to replace a massive piece of its infrastructure—a four-million-gallon water reservoir located near the corner of Okanogan Avenue and Gehr Street.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - we bring you the story of Ului Teulilo, a man from Rock Island, who was found guilty of murdering his wife in 2018. This trial, which has been ongoing for six years, came to a conclusion in the Douglas County Superior Court, where Teulilo took the unusual step of testifying in his own defense. And later - Chelan County is now accepting applications for programs aimed at addressing substance abuse disorder. The county will be awarding funding to local agencies and organizations through October 11th.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - we turn our attention to Pangborn Memorial Airport, where significant developments are underway. The airport, located in Washington's North Central region, will soon undergo a rehabilitation of its 82-year-old runway. This decision follows an assessment that found a full reconstruction of the runway too costly for the time being. And later - we'll be discussing an important topic for residents of Chelan County—living with grizzly bears. Throughout September, residents will have the chance to learn and discuss this issue with someone who knows the subject well.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Two large steel crosses, one in Malaga and another under construction outside of Leavenworth, have recently come under scrutiny from local authorities.  And later - A soon-to-open brewery in downtown Wenatchee, Pinnacle Beerworks, has unveiled a striking mural on its north wall. Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This podcast hit paid subscribers' inboxes on May 3. It dropped for free subscribers on May 10. To receive future pods as soon as they're live, and to support independent ski journalism, please consider an upgrade to a paid subscription. You can also subscribe to the free tier below:WhoJosh Jorgensen, CEO of Mission Ridge, Washington and Blacktail Mountain, MontanaRecorded onApril 15, 2024About Mission RidgeClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Larry ScrivanichLocated in: Wenatchee, WashingtonYear founded: 1966Pass affiliations:* Indy Pass – 2 days with holiday and weekend blackouts (TBD for 2024-25 ski season)* Indy+ Pass – 2 days with no blackouts* Powder Alliance – 3 days with holiday and Saturday blackoutsClosest neighboring ski areas: Badger Mountain (:51), Leavenworth Ski Hill (:53) – travel times may vary considerably given weather conditions, time of day, and time of year.Base elevation: 4,570 feetSummit elevation: 6,820 feetVertical drop: 2,250 feetSkiable Acres: 2,000Average annual snowfall: 200 inchesTrail count: 70+ (10% easiest, 60% more difficult, 30% most difficult)Lift count: 7 (1 high-speed quad, 3 doubles, 2 ropetows, 1 carpet – view Lift Blog's inventory of Mission Ridge's lift fleet)View historic Mission Ridge trailmaps on skimap.org.About BlacktailClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Larry ScrivanichLocated in: Lakeside, MontanaYear founded: 1998Pass affiliations:* Indy Pass – 2 days with holiday and weekend blackouts (TBD for 2024-25 ski season)* Indy+ Pass – 2 days with no blackouts* Powder Alliance – 3 days with holiday blackoutsClosest neighboring ski areas: Whitefish (1:18) - travel times may vary considerably given weather conditions, time of day, and time of year.Base elevation: 5,236 feetSummit elevation: 6,780 feetVertical drop: 1,544 feetSkiable Acres: 1,000+Average annual snowfall: 250 inchesTrail count: (15% easier, 65% more difficult, 20% most difficult)Lift count: 4 (1 triple, 2 doubles, 1 carpet – view Lift Blog's inventory of Blacktail's lift fleet)View historic Blacktail trailmaps on skimap.org.Why I interviewed himSo much of Pacific Northwest skiing's business model amounts to wait-and-pray, hoping that, sometime in November-December, the heaping snowfalls that have spiraled in off the ocean for millennia do so again. It's one of the few regions in modern commercial skiing, anywhere in the world, where the snow is reliable enough and voluminous enough that this good-ole-boy strategy still works: 460 inches per year at Stevens Pass; 428 at Summit at Snoqualmie; 466 at Crystal; 400 at White Pass; a disgusting 701 at Baker. It's no wonder that most of these ski areas have either no snowguns, or so few that a motivated scrapper could toss the whole collection in the back of a single U-Haul.But Mission Ridge possesses no such natural gifts. The place is snowy enough – 200 inches in an average winter – that it doesn't seem ridiculous that someone thought to run lifts up the mountain. But by Washington State standards, the place is practically Palm Beach. That means the owners have had to work a lot harder, and in a far more deliberate way than their competitors, to deliver a consistent snowsportskiing experience since the bump opened in 1966.Which is a long way of saying that Mission Ridge probably has more snowmaking than the rest of Washington's ski areas combined. Which, often, is barely enough to hang at the party. This year, however, as most Washington ski areas spent half the winter thinking “Gee, maybe we ought to have more than zero snowguns,” Mission was clocking its third-best skier numbers ever.The Pacific Northwest, as a whole, finished the season fairly strong. The snow showed up, as it always does. A bunch of traditional late operators – Crystal, Meadows, Bachelor, Timberline – remain open as of early May. But, whether driven by climate change, rising consumer expectations, or a need to offer more consistent schedules to seasonal employees, the region is probably going to have to build out a mechanical complement to its abundant natural snows at some point. From a regulatory point of view, this won't be so easy in a region where people worry themselves into a coma about the catastrophic damage that umbrellas inflict upon raindrops. But Mission Ridge, standing above Wenatchee for decades as a place of recreation and employment, proves that using resources to enable recreation is not incompatible with preserving them.That's going to be a useful example to have around.What we talked aboutA lousy start to winter; a top three year for Mission anyway; snowmaking in Washington; Blacktail's worst snowfall season ever and the potential to add snowmaking to the ski area; was this crappy winter an anomaly or a harbinger?; how Blacktail's “long history of struggle” echoes the history of Mission Ridge; what could Blacktail become?; Blacktail's access road; how Blacktail rose on Forest Service land in the 1990s; Blacktail expansion potential; assessing Blacktail's lift fleet; could the company purchase more ski areas?; the evolution of Summit at Snoqualmie; Mission Ridge's large and transformative proposed expansion; why the expansion probably needs to come before chairlift upgrades; Fantasy Lift Upgrade; and why Mission Ridge replaced a used detachable quad with another used detachable quad.Why I thought that now was a good time for this interviewWashington skiing is endangered by a pretty basic problem: more people in this ever-richer, ever more-populous state want to ski than there are ski areas for them to visit. Building new ski areas is impossible – you'd have better luck flying an American flag from the roof of the Kremlin than introducing a new mountain to Washington State. That shortage is compounded by the lack of slopeside development, which compels every skier to drive to the hill every day that they want to ski. This circumstance reflects a false commitment to environmental preservation, which mistakes a build-nothing philosophy for watching over Mother Earth, an outmoded way of thinking that fails to appreciate the impacts of sprawl and car culture on the larger natural ecosystem.Which is where Mission Ridge, with its large proposed ski-and-stay expansion, is potentially so important. If Mission Ridge can navigate the bureaucratic obstacle course that's been dropped in its path, it could build the first substantial slopeside village in the Pacific Northwest. That could be huge. See, it would say, you can have measured development in the mountains without drowning all the grizzly bears. And since not everyone would have to drive up the mountain every day anymore, it would probably actually reduce traffic overall. The squirrels win and so do the skiers. Or something like that.And then we have Blacktail. Three-ish years ago, Mission Ridge purchased this little-known Montana bump, one of the West's few upside-down ski areas, an unlikely late addition to the Forest Service ski area network seated south of Whitefish Mountain and Glacier National Park. I was surprised when Mission bought it. I think everyone else was too. Mission Ridge is a fine ski area, and one with multi-mountain roots – it was once part of the same parent company that owned Schweitzer (now the property of Alterra) – but it's not exactly Telluride. How did a regional bump that was still running three Riblet doubles from the ‘60s and ‘70s afford another ski area two states away? And why would they want it? And what were they going to do with it?All of which I discuss, sort of, with Jorgensen. Mission and Blacktail are hardly the strangest duo in American skiing. They make more sense, as a unit, than jointly owned Red Lodge, Montana and Homewood, California. But they're also not as logical as New York's Labrador and Song, Pennsylvania's Camelback and Blue, or Massachusett's Berkshire East and Catamount, each of which sits within easy driving distance of its sister resort. So how do they fit together? Maybe they don't need to.Questions I wish I'd askedThere's a pretty cool story about a military bomber crashing into the mountain (and some associated relics) that I would have liked to have gotten into. I'd also have liked to talk a bit more about Wenatchee, which Mission's website calls “Washington's only true ski town.” I also intended to get a bit more into the particulars of the expansion, including the proposed terrain and lifts, and what sort of shape the bedbase would take. And I didn't really ask, as I normally do, about the Indy Pass and the reciprocal season pass relationship between the two ski areas.What I got wrongI said that Mission Ridge's first high-speed quad, Liberator Express, came used from Crystal Mountain. The lift actually came used from Winter Park. Jorgensen corrected that fact in the podcast. My mis-statement was the result of crossing my wires while prepping for this interview – the Crystal chairlift at Blacktail moved to Montana from Crystal Mountain, Washington. In the moment, I mixed up the mountains' lift fleets.Why you should ski Mission RidgeMission Ridge holds echoes of Arapahoe Basin's East Wall or pre-tram Big Sky: so much damn terrain, just a bit too far above the lifts for most of us to bother with. That, along with the relatively low snowfall and Smithsonian lift fleet, are the main knocks on the place (depending, of course, upon your willingness to hike and love of vintage machinery).But, on the whole, this is a good, big ski area that, because of its snowmaking infrastructure, is one of the most reliable operators for several hundred miles in any direction. The intermediate masses will find a huge, approachable footprint. Beginners will find their own dedicated lift. Better skiers, once they wear out the blacks off lifts 2 and 4, can hike the ridge for basically endless lines. And if you miss daylight, Mission hosts some of the longest top-to-bottom night-skiing runs in America, spanning the resort's entire 2,250 vertical feet (Keystone's Dercum mountain rises approximately 2,300 vertical feet).If Mission can pull off this expansion, it could ignite a financial ripple effect that would transform the resort quickly: on-site housing and expanded beginner terrain could bring more people (especially families), which would bring more revenue, which would funnel enough cash in to finally upgrade those old Riblets and, maybe, string the long-planned Lift 5 to the high saddle. That would be amazing. But it would also transform Mission into something different than what it is today. Go see it now, so you can appreciate whatever it becomes.Why you should ski BlacktailBlacktail's original mission, in the words of founder Steve Spencer, was to be the affordable locals' bump, a downhome alternative to ever-more-expensive Whitefish, a bit more than an hour up the road. That was in 1998, pre-Epic, pre-Ikon, pre-triple-digit single-day lift tickets. Fast forward to 2024, and Whitefish is considered a big-mountain outlier, a monster that's avoided every pass coalition and offers perhaps the most affordable lift ticket of any large, modern ski area in America (its top 2023-24 lift ticket price was $97).That has certainly complicated Blacktail's market positioning. It can't play Smugglers' Notch ($106 top lift ticket price) to neighboring Stowe ($220-ish). And while Blacktail's lift tickets and season passes ($450 early-bird for the 2024-25 ski season), are set at a discount to Whitefish's, the larger mountain's season pass goes for just $749, a bargain for a 3,000-acre sprawl served by four high-speed lifts.So Blacktail has to do what any ski area that's orbiting a bigger, taller, snowier competitor with more and better terrain does: be something else. There will always be a market for small and local skiing, just like there will always be a market for diners and bars with pool tables and dartboards hanging from the walls.That appeal is easy enough for locals to understand. For frequent, hassle-free skiing, small is usually better than big. It's more complicated to pitch a top-of-the-mountain parking lot to you, a probably not-local, who, if you haul yourself all the way to Montana, is probably going to want the fireworks show. But one cool thing about lingering in the small and foreign is that the experience unites the oft-opposed-in-skiing forces of novelty and calm. Typically, our ski travels involve the raucous and the loud and the fast and the enormous. But there is something utterly inspiring about setting yourself down on an unfamiliar but almost empty mountain, smaller than Mt. Megaphone but not necessarily small at all, and just setting yourself free to explore. Whatever Blacktail doesn't give you, it will at least give you that.Podcast NotesOn Mission Ridge's proposed expansionWhile we discuss the mountain's proposed expansion in a general way, we don't go deep into specifics of lifts and trails. This map gives the best perspective on how the expansion would blow Mission Ridge out into a major ski area - the key here is less the ski expansion itself than the housing that would attend it:Here's an overhead view:Video overviews:The project, like most ski area expansions in U.S. America, has taken about 700 years longer than it should have. The local radio station published this update in October:Progress is being made with the long-planned expansion of Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort.Chelan County is working with the resort on an Environmental Impact Statement.County Natural Resources Director Mike Kaputa says it'll be ready in the next eight months or so."We are getting closer and closer to having a draft Environmental Impact Statement and I think that's probably, I hate to put a month out there, but I think it's probably looking like May when we'll have a draft that goes out for public comment."The expansion plan for Mission Ridge has been in the works since 2014, and the resort brought a lawsuit against the county in 2021 over delays in the process.The lawsuit was dismissed earlier this year.Kaputa gave an update on progress with the Mission Ridge expansion before county commissioners Monday, where he said they're trying to get the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement right."You want to be as thorough as possible," Kaputa said. "You don't want to overdo it. You want to anticipate comments. I'm sure we'll get lots of comments when it comes out."In 2014, Larry Scrivanich, owner of Mission Ridge, purchased approximately 779 acres of private land adjacent to the current Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort. Since then, Mission Ridge has been forging ahead with plans for expansion.The expansion plans call for onsite lodging and accommodations, which Mission Ridge calls a game changer, which would differentiate the resort from others in the Northwest.I'm all about process, due diligence, and checks-and-balances, but it's possible we've overcorrected here.On snowfall totals throughout WashingtonMission gets plenty of snow, but it's practically barren compared to the rest of Washington's large ski areas:On the founding of BlacktailBlacktail is an outlier in U.S. skiing in that it opened in 1998 on Forest Service land – decades after similarly leased ski areas debuted. Daily Inter Lake summarizes the unusual circumstances behind this late arrival:Steve Spencer had been skiing and working at Big Mountain [now Whitefish] for many years, starting with ski patrol and eventually rising to mountain manager, when he noticed fewer and fewer locals on the hill.With 14 years as manager of Big Mountain under his belt, Spencer sought to create an alternative to the famous resort that was affordable and accessible for locals. He got together with several business partners and looked at mountains that they thought would fit the bill.They considered sites in the Swan Range and Lolo Peak, located in the Bitterroot Range west of Missoula, but they knew the odds of getting a Forest Service permit to build a ski area there were slim to none.They had their eyes on a site west of Flathead Lake, however, that seemed to check all the right boxes. The mountain they focused on was entirely surrounded by private land, and there were no endangered species in the area that needed protection from development.Spencer consulted with local environmental groups before he'd spent even “two nickels” on the proposal. He knew that without their support, the project was dead on arrival.That mountain was known as Blacktail, and when the Forest Service OK'd ski operations there, it was the first ski area created on public land since 1978, when Beaver Creek Resort was given permission to use National Forest land in Colorado.Blacktail Mountain Ski Area celebrates its 25th anniversary next year, it is still the most recent in the country to be approved through that process.On Glacier National Park and Flathead LakeEven if you've never heard of Blacktail, it's stuffed into a dense neighborhood of outdoor legends in northern Montana, including Glacier National Park and Whitefish ski area:On WhitefishWith 3,000 skiable acres, a 2,353-foot vertical drop, and four high-speed lifts, Whitefish, just up the road from Blacktail, looms enormously over the smaller mountain's potential:But while Whitefish presents as an Epkon titan, it acts more like a backwater, with peak-day lift tickets still hanging out below the $100 mark, and no megapass membership on its marquee. I explored this unusual positioning with the mountain's president, Nick Polumbus, on the podcast last year (and also here).On “Big Mountain”For eons, Whitefish was known as “Big Mountain,” a name they ditched in 2007 because, as president and CEO at the time Fred Jones explained, the ski area was “often underestimated and misunderstood” with its “highly generic” name.On “upside-down” ski areasUpside-down ski areas are fairly common in the United States, but they're novel enough that most people feel compelled to explain what they mean when they bring one up: a ski area with the main lodge and parking at the top, rather than the bottom, of the hill.These sorts of ski areas are fairly common in the Midwest and proliferate in the Mid-Atlantic, but are rare out west. An incomplete list includes Wintergreen, Virginia; Snowshoe, West Virginia; Laurel, Blue Knob, Jack Frost, and Ski Big Bear, Pennsylvania; Otsego, Treetops, and the Jackson Creek Summit side of Snowriver, Michigan; and Spirit Mountain and Afton Alps, Minnesota. A few of these ski areas also maintain lower-level parking lots. Shawnee Mountain, Pennsylvania, debuted as an upside-down ski area, but, through a tremendous engineering effort, reversed that in the 1970s – a project that CEO Nick Fredericks detailed for us in a 2021 Storm Skiing Podcast.On LIDAR mappingJorgensen mentions LIDAR mapping of Mission Ridge's potential expansion. If you're unfamiliar with this technology, it's capable of giving astonishing insights into the past:On Blacktail's chairliftsAll three of Blacktail's chairlifts came used to the ski area for its 1998 opening. The Crystal double is from Crystal Mountain, Washington; the Olympic triple is from Canada Olympic Park in Alberta; and the Thunderhead double migrated from Steamboat, Colorado.On Riblet chairliftsFor decades, the Riblet double has been the workhorse of Pacific Northwest skiing. Simple, beautiful, reliable, and inexpensive, dozens of these machines still crank up the region's hills. But the company dissolved more than two decades ago, and its lifts are slowly retiring. Mission Ridge retains three (chairs 1, 3, and 4, which date, respectively, to 1966, 1967, and 1971), and has stated its intent to replace them all, whenever funds are available to do so.On the history of Summit at SnoqualmieThe Summit at Snoqualmie, where Jorgensen began his career, remains one of America's most confusing ski areas: the name is convoluted and long, and the campus sprawls over four once-separate ski areas, one of which sits across an interstate with no ski connection to the others. There's no easy way to understand that Alpental – one of Washington's best ski areas – is part of, but separate from, the Summit at Snoqualmie complex, and each of the three Summit areas – East, Central, and West - maintains a separate trailmap on the website, in spite of the fact that the three are interconnected by ski trails. It's all just very confusing. The ski area's website maintains a page outlining how these four ski areas became one ski area that is still really four ski areas. This 1998 trailmap gives the best perspective on where the various ski nodes sit in relation to one another:Because someone always gets mad about everything, some of you were probably all pissed off that I referred to the 1990s version of Summit at Snoqualmie as a “primitive” ski area, but the map above demonstrates why: 17 of 24 chairlifts were Riblet doubles; nine ropetows supplemented this system, and the mountain had no snowmaking (it still doesn't). Call it “retro” or whatever you want, but the place was not exactly Beaver Creek.On Vail and Alterra's Washington timelineI mentioned Washington's entrance onto the national ski scene over the past decade. What I meant by that was the addition of Summit and Crystal onto the Ikon Pass for the 2018-19 ski season, and Stevens Pass onto the Epic Pass the following winter. But Washington skiing – and Mt. Baker in particular – has always been a staple in the Temple of the Brobots, and Boyne Resorts, pre-Ikon, owned Crystal from 1997 to 2017.On Anthony LakesJorgensen mentioned that he applied for the general manager position at Anthony Lakes, a little-known 900-footer lodged in the western Oregon hinterlands. One triple chair serves the entire ski area:The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us.The Storm publishes year-round, and guarantees 100 articles per year. This is article 33/100 in 2024, and number 533 since launching on Oct. 13, 2019. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

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.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - we're exploring a magical destination that's capturing the hearts of visitors globally: the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm. And later - The U.S. Department of the Interior is allocating over $1 million to Chelan County as part of a larger $51 million national initiative.  Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Chelan County has been awarded a substantial grant of close to $1 million to enhance the region's resilience against wildfires and hazardous smoke. And later - We've got some updates for you regarding the North Central Educational Service District.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today – The Wenatchee School District, in collaboration with Chelan County, are discussing a proposed marketplace in Malaga.  And later – There's a new sushi restaurant in Wenatchee!Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - A local group has been working tirelessly to save an endangered plant. Now, their labor is being recognized by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. And later - The Chelan County PUD will lease land to a local fruit company.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - a former Bonaventure Senior Living director claims he was fired for reporting inadequate staffing levels at the facility. And later - A Chelan County judge set bail at $2 million for each of two inmates who police say attempted to kill a corrections deputy Monday morning.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison has appointed new officers to his top staff to change the agency's culture.  And later - we're excited to highlight 2023 Community Impact Award winners.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Chelan County PUD commissioners voted unanimously to establish anchor tenants. And later - After decades of development, a display of ceramics by Ruth E. Allan is at the MAC Gallery.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Chelan County PUD is strategizing how to accommodate increased electric vehicle use and trying to maximize customer benefit as the state implements the Washington Clean Fuels Standard law this year. And later - Country musician Ian Jones is packing his guitar into a tour van for a five-week radio tour around the country, but before that, he stops at two venues in the Wenatchee Valley this weekend.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Chelan County PUD commissioners applauded staff efforts during the power outage that spanned the upper valley and other pockets of Chelan County during the December cold snap. And later - Growing up in the Wenatchee Valley, Jesus Celaya would work in the orchards and packing sheds with his family. Now, the Eastmont High School alumna is winning competitions and awards for the films he writes and directs.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - The family of a Wenatchee woman who died in the custody of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court against Chelan County and others. And later - The East Wenatchee City Council approved entering an agreement with the Douglas County PUD to launch an electric vehicle pilot program.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Chelan County PUD emphasized broadband funding as a legislative priority during the Tri-Commission meeting last week. And later - Chelan County commissioners have drafted a letter opposing federal agencies' plan to reintroduce grizzly bears into the North Cascades.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Chelan County prosecutors filed nine charges against a Bible study leader accused of sexually assaulting two men at his home. And later - Meet 30 under 35 winner Edwin Fonseca.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - The Title IX fix could cost Wenatchee millions. And later - Chelan County Fire Marshal Steve Rinaldi has a plan: Water tanks at a dozen sites throughout the county to save time and property during wildfires.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Two Wenatchee School Board members want more information on a plan that requires all five seats to be up for election next year. And later - One case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Chelan County, according to Chelan-Douglas Health District.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - One former and one current Chelan County PUD employee each recently received the Governor's Safety Award for saving a life at Wenatchee Riverfront Park. And later - Sasha Sysoeva Fair's painting of Martin-Scott Winery earned first place in last weekend's Plein Air Paint Out sponsored by Two Rivers GallerySupport the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Projekt Bayern, former organizer of the Leavenworth Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, is hosting the Leavenworth Oktoberfest this year at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee. The city of Leavenworth, is hosting Oktoberfest in Leavenworth ... in Leavenworth. The two parties are now suing each other. And later - A hacker took over the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - A regional aquatic center, Pangborn Memorial Airport, economics and more will be discussed at the Chelan County Tri-Commission meeting today. And later - Hana Wright is one of about 70 members of the Sunshine Bowling League, a group for disabled people. She joined several years ago.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - A look inside Chelan County PUD's new headquarters in Wenatchee's Olds Station And later - More night skiing options for the experts and a new “magic carpet” tow for the novices are coming this winter to Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Forest landowners looking for help with everything from wildfire preparedness to wildlife stewardship now have a one-stop shop. And later - Heavy wildfire smoke reduced air quality throughout much of Chelan County to hazardous levels yesterday.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Chelan County PUD commissioners officially shortlisted two developers for the Fifth Street Redevelopment project. And later - Local nonprofits, community agencies and small agricultural businesses qualify to apply for part of $4 million in grants from the federal American Rescue Plan Act through Chelan County.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Brandi Buck, a candidate for the Chelan County Clerk's office, faces two charges of first-degree driving with a suspended license. And later - Wenatchee and Eastmont school districts provided another summer of programming to help keep students caught up or ahead in their education.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today — Three candidates are running for Chelan County Clerk this year in a race to succeed Kim Morrison, who is retiring after serving 12 years on the job. Later — One Wenatchee boys soccer team won big in Colorado over the weekend, earning a national title. Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today — The largest Chelan County government project in history — the West Cashmere Bridge — opened to the public Monday, after two years of construction.  Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - All of Chelan County has an elevated fire risk. And later - Some events going on this weekend that you should know about. Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chelan County PUD commissioners are expected to sign off on an interconnection agreement with Microsoft at their June 20th meeting. Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.