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DAYTON–The Columbia County Commissioners (BOCC) heard comments from concerned citizens regarding the sexually explicit content in the library; certification of several levies; HVAC contract approval; set a public hearing for the 2023 budget; and heard other departmental reports. There have been several written and verbal requests made to Library Director Todd Vandenbark, to move sexually explicit content from the children's section of the library to the adult portion. Three people spoke up in o...
DAYTON-The City Council heard discussion on the Touchet River sediment removal; a brief update about the Wastewater Treatment Project and the Third Street Project; designated Councilman Jim Sueuga as the liaison with the Dayton School District. A preliminary presentation was given by a representative from planning firm AHBL, Inc. for the Jasper Pines annexation and zoning request; approved State lodging tax funds; and the 2023 proposed budget was presented to Council for review. Notable reports...
DAYTON–The Port of Columbia Commission held a budget hearing within their regular monthly meeting on November 9; met with a consultant firm by Zoom for beginning the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan; discussed the plan with Table Rock Meat Company for the purchase of port property, as well as obtaining an appraisal of a portion of the rail line to consider selling; and heard updates on the status of the Woody's and Eagles properties and the Broadband Project. Port Commissioners approve...
DAYTON-The Columbia County Commissioners (BOCC) approved three resolutions during their November 7 meeting, two for county roads and another ending the local state of emergency due to COVID. They also reviewed their budget, as well as departmental budgets for the Prosecutor's Office and Superior Court. The BOCC held a discussion with District Court Judge Kim Boggs, Prosecutor Dale Slack and Superior Court Clerk Krissy Chapman about the caseload for Superior Court Judge Brook Burns and the...
DAYTON-The November 2 Dayton School Board work session topics included a presentation from the Dean of Students Hannelee Farrell about the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) the district is using, as well as a discussion about the search for a permanent superintendent. ASB Representatives Grace Trump and Hudson Reser interviewed the Board and administrative staff for their leadership project, “Spill the Tea with ASB.” Farrell explained that the PBIS is based on systems and pra...
DAYTON-During the October 24 special meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) hired or made appointments for Emergency Management Director, Interim Assessor, County Engineer, and a recruiter for a Human Resources Director. They also held 2023 budget reviews for the assessor's office, public health, the treasurer's office, and planning and building. Budget reviews continued during the meeting on October 31 as they reviewed budgets for the Sheriff's Department, Internet Technology, WSU...
DAYTON-The School Board heard from Superintendent Rich Stewart about the goals of the district to improve community perception of the schools by having consistent discipline and a positive learning environment. The principals provided updates in the schools on ways they are using behavior interventions and promoting a positive school culture. Participants suggested expanding the methods outside of school in athletics and at The Club. Stewart presented information about the funding options of...
DAYTON-Attendees packed the Port of Columbia board room with more who attended by Zoom for a special meeting to continue the review of the 2023 budget that began during the regular October 12 meeting. Also on the agenda was the authorization of the contract for $1.165 million in grant funding from the Public Works Board for extending the broadband project west along Highway 12. Additionally, an executive session was held for the review of a public employee. The meeting began with several public...
DAYTON-The Columbia County Health System board reviewed budget matters, and was updated on Assisted Living facility certification. Washington hospitals continue to face operational cost losses for the first half of this year, according to the CEO for Columbia County Health System Shane McGuire. These losses have been reflected most months of 2023 in the financial reports for the hospital district. For September a net loss of $312,000 was reported during the October 26 meeting. For the first...
DAYTON-The Columbia County Commissioners (BOCC) appointed Jann Manwell as Interim County Auditor after an interview. Auditor candidate Jann Manwell has been working as Columbia County Deputy Auditor for the past year and is familiar with the various aspects of the job. She has previous experience in business operations and accounting. It was Amerein who moved to appoint Manwell as auditor. Commissioner Marty Hall voted no to defer to the election. Commissioner Ryan Rundell voted in favor because...
DAYTON-The Dayton City Council opened the October 11 meeting in with an American tradition, citing the Pledge of Allegiance. The new practice was suggested by Council member Laura Aukerman and approved by Council during the September meeting. The board addressed the flood mitigation of the Touchet River in town; was updated on the wastewater treatment project; approved broadband franchise agreement; advised of the progress made on the fishing pond; heard a report on the Sheriff's department and...
DAYTON-Superintendent Rich Stewart issued a correction to a previous statement he made at the October 5 work session regarding a $5 million State grant for capital projects that the Dayton School District applied for with the help of contracting with McKinstry. When asked by one of the School Board members about the status of the application, he replied that it was not awarded to the district. Stewart contacted the Chronicle to retract his statement about the grant, post publication. He...
DAYTON- Superintendent Rich Stewart made a correction to information of grant funding at the Dayton School Board meeting on October 19. Stewart corrected a previous report, confirming that the district is on the list to receive $5 million in State grant funding, likely next year. He assured the Board that he is aware of challenges in utilizing preventative behavior techniques with some of the students in the K-8 workroom and is working to develop strategies for success to discipline without...
DAYTON-Some 100 interested voters gathered to question candidates at the Columbia County Republican Central Committee (CCRCC)-hosted candidate forum at the Dayton High School Auditorium on October 13. The candidates were introduced by Moderator Fred White and given time to speak before answering questions from attendees. Candidate presenters were Jann Manwell for Columbia County Auditor as write-in candidate; Carla Rowe as unopposed Columbia County Treasurer; Joe Helm, incumbent Columbia County...
DAYTON-The Port of Columbia Commission unanimously approved moving forward on a proposal made by Table Rock Meat Company of Dayton to purchase Port property for the future site of a USDA-approved meat processing facility at its October 12 meeting. Port Executive Director Jennie Dickinson presented a proposal concerning Table Rock Meat Company's owners, who received a COVID relief business startup grant from the State last year. They since have sought grant funding to buy two Port lots of just...
DAYTON–Nearly 50 attended in person and another 20 online to give or hear comment on the book collection to the Columbia County Rural Library Board of Trustees at the monthly board meeting on October 17. The public comment period was the last item on the agenda, so attendees listened through the regular business, including Director Todd Vandenbark's report and a budget update. A special budget hearing was set for November 7 at 6:30 p.m. Board members Jay Ball, Charles Beleny, Michele Smith a...
DAYTON-Some 80 interested citizens attended when the American Association of University Women (AAUW) held a candidate forum for local candidates, including 5th District Representative, County Sheriff, County Commissioner District No. 3, and Joint Metropolitan Park District Commissioners, at the Liberty Theater last Wednesday, October 5. The forum drew a full house of attendees eager to listen to those running for a local and state governmental position. Attendees were able to submit questions...
DAYTON-The local School Board (DSB) heard information about bonds and levies; and about the Senior Life Class, at the work session on October 5. The DSB held their monthly work session on October 5 where Superintendent Rich Stewart provided information about bonds and levies followed by a brief discussion. Dayton was not awarded the $5 million state grant that McKinstry helped the district apply for. Stewart said that they need to address the building needs which will cost more than what can be...
DAYTON–The Friends of the Pool held a public forum workshop in an effort to seek input as to the type of swimming facility the community would support at the Dayton Elementary multi-purpose room September 28. The Friends of the Pool have been moving forward with facilitating a path toward establishing a community aquatic center. The city and county have been without a pool since 2018, when it was closed due to structural and operational issues. The Friends of the Pool has paid over $25,000 f...
DAYTON–The Columbia County Commissioners approved a job description and salary to establish an Environmental Health position for Public Health during the October 3 meeting. They also heard from a panel of representatives from a task force working to improve courthouse security in the State. County Treasurer Carla Rowe introduced State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, the Walla Walla and Columbia Counties Accessible Communities Advisory Committee Chair provided an annual update, and the Commission m...
DAYTON–The School Board meeting on September 24 coincided with Homecoming Week as reported by ASB representative and high school junior Grace Trump. Superintendent Rich Stewart announced during his report the end of the COVID shot requirements for schools and the trial of new key card door security system. Board Chair Jeff McCowen announced two additions to the agenda, one for an executive session and the other to schedule another Board retreat. Reports were provided about fall athletics by S...
DAYTON-The Dayton School District Interim Superintendent Rich Stewart held the first of what will be monthly meetings called Key Communicators on September 16 with the help of Administrative Assistant Suzi Tasker. He said the purpose is to have two-way communication at a personal level where all are welcome to attend. About sixteen community members participated at the first meeting held at the Delany Building at noon where lunch was provided by the school kitchen staff. Attendees included...
DAYTON–A wonderful time was had by the local Kiwanis Club at the 100th year celebration event held on September 17 at The Barn at Blue Meadows. Governors and Lieutenant Governors old and new from around the district attended and were introduced. Dinner was provided from The Q Wood Fire Grill and a club history presentation was given by Terry Nealey followed by the granting of Legion of Honor Awards to Dayton members. The event began with a welcome to about 100 in attendance given by current P...
DAYTON–There was standing room only for the hybrid monthly Library Board of Trustees meeting on September 19 which coincided with Banned Book Week. Members of the community came to listen in or give comment on books that have come into question during the August Board meeting. Prior to hearing public comment, Library Director Todd Vandenbark provided updates on the library, a financial report and presented to the Board a revised strategic plan for review. He also reviewed the library policy a...
DAYTON-The City Council was presented a broadband franchise agreement for review, as well as information about the project by Port of Columbia Executive Director Jennie Dickinson during the monthly meeting on September 13. Sheriff Joe Helm provided updates about law enforcement and reports were given from Mayor Zac Weatherford and council committees. A broadband franchise agreement, provided to City Councilmembers from Port Executive Director Dickinson, would allow for the utility to be offered...
