Good Day
Walla Walla
Sunday, April 12th, 2026
Good morning, Walla Walla. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 12th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Chelsea Faden, born and raised here, is the first female lodge chief of the Walamootkin Lodge in the Order of the Arrow — part of Scouting America’s efforts to develop local leaders. She also bowls for Walla Walla High School and will study business and history at Northern Arizona University. Union-Bulletin
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Walla Walla native Chasity Lemus opened her salon to provide bridal hairstyling and blonding services while mentoring young stylists at her college alma mater (she balances her business success with family life). Union-Bulletin
- ➤ Harrison Laschinger works as a business associate processing loans and serves as director of Community Activities and Finance for the Exchange Club and on the board for Ducky Derby; he has built local ties (living in Walla Walla for nearly two years) while supporting business growth. Union-Bulletin
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Chef Jean-Fredno Occenac leads Maple Counter Cafe with 13 years of experience and culinary training from Walla Walla Community College (he began his career in Haiti and the Dominican Republic), inspiring his team and connecting the community through diverse cuisines. Union-Bulletin
- ➤ Carmen Nally, a Whitman College art student from the valley, co-founded the Transfer Collective Show to showcase work by transfer students — reflecting challenges she experienced at Walla Walla Community College — and she plans to expand local exhibitions nationally. Union-Bulletin
- ➤ 16-year-old Raphaella Negron from Walla Walla started writing songs at age 12 and performed at Carnegie Hall before releasing music as Light on YouTube; she volunteers locally + works as a stylist to save for her future. Union-Bulletin
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Samanta Valladares works at College Place High School as a pathway specialist and Latino Club advisor, helping seniors track graduation and prepare for college with live morning announcements. She also offers translation support for families (bridging language gaps) while pursuing a bachelor’s in software engineering. Union-Bulletin
- ➤ Professor Marley Olson works at WWCC as a sociology teacher and leads the Honors Program, advises students, and chairs the Faculty Senate. She shapes curriculum and supports career goals in a role that goes beyond the classroom. Union-Bulletin
- ➤ Walla Walla Community College head softball coach Logan Parker enters his sixth season by helping student-athletes thrive on the field and in the classroom — partnering with Assistant Coach Abby Giles to tackle recruiting challenges while balancing teaching and grading. Union-Bulletin
- ➤ Whitman College's director of fellowships and grants, Jessica Hernandez (first-generation), helps students and alumni apply for grants and scholarships that build self-reflection and courage. Originally from California, she now works in Walla Walla and plans to grow as a mentor over the coming years. Union-Bulletin
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A federal proposal to extend the work permit wait from 150 to 365 days may delay legal employment for Walla Walla asylum seekers. Comments are open until April 24 and the change could take effect as early as April 25 — local advocates worry it will add financial strain. Union-Bulletin
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Walla Walla native Cristina Lugo uses her personal experiences to offer mental health counseling at Thrive Community Support Services in Dayton. She works with youth & adults to build resilience while pursuing advanced doctorates to broaden support for vulnerable populations. Union-Bulletin
- ➤ Allie Hajduk works as a recovery advocate at Hope Street — a residence for women — where she helps secure essential resources and rebuild confidence. She began her own recovery in January 2024 and said watching each woman find self-worth motivates her daily work. Union-Bulletin
- ➤ Jacob Thomason uses integrative bodywork techniques to ease chronic pain, blending massage therapy with methods drawn from various traditions. As a lifelong Walla Walla resident, he mentors emerging therapists and gives back to the community he loves. Union-Bulletin
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Making Movies Concert
7-9 p.m. — Gesa Power House Theatre — $40-$50 ($20 for students) — Experience a vibrant blend of cultures through the sensational music of MAKING MOVIES.
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The Sunny Hours in Concert
7-9 p.m. — Gesa Power House Theatre — $30 – $35 — Experience an uplifting musical journey through the life of a determined high school girl in swing-era Seattle.
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Colors Ignited
7-9 p.m. — Cordiner Hall — Wine and treats available — Experience a vibrant symphony with works by Meyer, Bach, and Stravinsky featuring accordionist Hanzhi Wang.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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