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DAYTON-The Dayton School Board hosted the Waitsburg School Board for a special meeting on June 29 to discuss the DW Athletic Combine. The agenda of items for discussion was created by Superintendents Guy Strot of Dayton and Mark Pickel of Waitsburg after considering discussion points and issues raised at previous meetings. These items would then be formalized in an updated combine agreement that would be approved at a later meeting. Also listed on the agenda was a public comment period and two...
DAYTON–Nearly 50 peaceably assembled to show support for the flag of our country and historical values at a "Rally for the Flag," held on the sidewalk next to the Dayton Historic Depot on June 25 at 11 a.m. County Commissioner Chuck Amerein welcomed those in attendance and was followed by Undersheriff and Pastor Robbie Patterson. He spoke about the flag being a banner of freedom that cannot be suppressed. "It is not what the current times make it to be, but is an 'Old Landmark,' referencing t...
DAYTON–City Council confirmed it is proceeding with the Wastewater Treatment Project and Misty Yost stepped down in business June 14. Following an executive session to discuss the Wastewater Treatment Project where no action was taken, Council confirmed they are proceeding with negotiations with a landowner for the project who requested anonymity until an agreement is reached. Representatives from Department of Ecology were present to guide the request for an extension on the project. On the m...
DAYTON–The Board of County Commissioners heard reports from the departments heads to start the regular meeting on June 21. A budget hearing has held to add Emergency Management projects to the budget. The Board of Health convened, and the new Coalition Manager Jasmine Helm gave a report on what she has been working, an update was provided about establishing an environmental health program and scheduling interview for applicants for the open Board positions was discussed. Misty Yost reported s...
DAYTON-The School Board approved the hire of secondary principal Guinevere Joyce; continued sport combine discussion; K-12 curriculum and policies at the meeting June 15. In addition, a proposed a joint meeting with the Waitsburg School Board on the athletic combine; schedule a budget meeting in July; and update on a grant. Reports were provided by the athletic director, district administrators, and the business manager on the budget status. Two district policies were up for review and approval...
DAYTON– Following an executive session to discuss personnel on June 13, County Commissioners approved action for separation of employment for cause with County Engineer Jeremy Weiland, effective immediately. At the special meeting, Commissioners also considered an emergency budget amendment hearing which was requested by interim Emergency Manager, Misty Yost. Yost will be leaving her position later this month and is working to follow through on an annual maintenance contract, radio upgrades, a...
DAYTON-The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office released a statement declaring their policy in the event the community has an active threat or shooter emergency as defined as one of more persons “actively engaging in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area.” The statement outlined that the first minutes matter most for saving lives and the first officer(s) on the scene would “move in as quickly as possible to eliminate the threat...with speed, surprise, and violence of action....
DAYTON-Port of Columbia Commissioners toured Lyons Ferry Marina before reviewing the Comprehensive Plan at the meeting June 8. Port Commissioners Genie Crowe and Seth Bryan toured Port asset Lyons Ferry Marina and then were joined by fellow Commissioner Johnny Walker for the meeting. Executive Director Jennie Dickinson proposed a review of the Comprehensive Plan with the help of a consultant to make revisions. This was in part spurred because of the presentation last month given on housing by...
DAYTON-The School Boards of Dayton and Waitsburg met with the district Superintendents Guy Strot, Mark Pickel, and Athletic Director Sam Korslund to discuss the future of the athletic combine on June 1 ahead of the regularly monthly work session for the Dayton Board. This was the first joint meeting since the early days of working out the combine. The purpose of the meeting was to address issues raised by Korslund at the May 18 meeting specifically the discipline policy for athletes at the two...
DAYTON-Former Dayton superintendent Rich Stewart will serve as interim superintendent, the Dayton School Board approved. Stewart was superintendent here from 2004-2009. The School Board approved an amendment to the district administration restructuring to allow for either a previously approved combined position of superintendent and high school principal or two part-time positions during the work session on June 1. They later approved the hire of Stewart as part-time interim superintendent as...
DAYTON-Newly formed local political action committee Neighbors United for Progress (NUP) held a hybrid town hall meeting at the high school auditorium on June 2. The town hall featured a panel of representatives who have been working on the wastewater treatment plant. The event was in response to the City Council voting down the purchase of land for a wetlands project twice in recent weeks. The "no" vote has essentially stalled the project while Council and City staff are addressing concerns,...
DAYTON-The Columbia County Health System board of commissioners were advised of a $46,000 net gain in April financial report given on May 25, the accounting firm DZA, PLLC presented an audit report that had no findings, and updates were given on projects and the decisions were made to pause the Acute Hallway Project and approve a simulation training program for staff. The CCHS board meeting reflected a net gain of $46,000 as opposed to the losses reported in the first quarter. However, the net...
DAYTON–The past, present and future of the Dayton-Waitsburg Athletic Combine (DW) was examined and explored by Dayton School Directors and school patrons in attendance, with recommendations by Athletic Director Sam Korslund presented and taken under advisement at the board’s meeting May 18. No decisions were made. The combined program started with football in 2016 and expanded to include all sports in middle and high schools, and was in place when Korslund moved to Dayton four years ago. Kor...
By Melissa Gemmell Dayton Chronicle Reporter DAYTON-A community forum was held at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion on May 23 to discuss childcare here. A panel was assembled to provide specific information while former State Representative Terry Nealey facilitated the discussion. Local representatives offered their insight into the lack of childcare in the community, proposed solutions, and updates on progress for establishing childcare. The panel included Columbia County Health System...
DAYTON–The City Council appointed Shannon McMillen to an open position, a updated resolution for the purchase of land for the waste water project (WWTP) was passed and other business was handled during the meeting May 10. McMillen was one of three candidates interviewed for the vacant position left by Marchand Hovrud who was elected last fall but since has moved out of the area. The other candidates were Dave Schreck and Heather Hiebert, who was appointed last September for the remainder of D...
DAYTON–A brief Flood Control Zone District meeting was called ahead of the regular Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on May 16. County Engineer Jeremy Weiland provided an update on the Comprehensive Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan which is funded by grants from the Department of Ecology. After soliciting bids for a consultant for professional services, he recommended the County begin contract negotiations with Perteet, Inc. The Commissioners authorized Weiland to negotiate the scope and fees o...
DAYTON-The Port of Columbia Commissioners heard a housing presentation, data analysis from 2020 census, and other Port business during the monthly regular meeting on May 11. It was given by representatives of the Community Council located in Walla Walla where they presented data for Columbia County. Port asset and project updates were also provided by Executive Director Jennie Dickinson along with economic development highlights. Three Community Council representatives presented data they...
DAYTON–Veteran Charles Amerein (center) was presented the Quilt of Valor on May 11 by fellow veteran Brian Black (right). The quilt was commissioned by his mother Amy before she passed away to be presented to any veteran. Linda Clarys (left) suggested it be presented to her son who served as an Army Ranger....
DAYTON– The Dayton School District and the community experienced the tragic loss of the one of its high school youths to suicide last week, school directors discussed during the May 9 work session. Prosecuting Attorney Dale Slack and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney April King, who also act as County Coroners, attended the meeting by Zoom and expressed concern during the public comment portion of the meeting about whether appropriate resources are being offered to students to curb negative impact. T...
DAYTON–Emergency Management Director Ashley Strickland has submitted his resignation, effective May 20. Strickland presented a brief letter of resignation to the Commissioners during the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on May 2. Strickland recommended that they "allow Misty [Yost] and Desi [Meza] to run the office for six months and then ask them if they want another director on or keep the office separated. "My salary is obligated to three different grants that can't all g...
DAYTON–Mayor Zac Weatherford scheduled a workshop for the wastewater treatment project on April 27, at the request of the Dayton City Council members, after they voted down the purchase of the Martin and Barker properties for the project at the last regular meeting. "This project is not dead...," said Mayor Zac Weatherford, "...no matter what, we still have a problem we have to find a solution for." Weatherford indicated his first solution is a low-slope flood plain type-area, but is not o...
DAYTON–Columbia County Health System (CCHS) reported at the monthly Board meeting on April 27 a net loss for the third consecutive month. Project updates were also given for the Rivers Walk Assisted Living and the Acute Care Hallway with talk of a $400,000 addition for a ramp. Also reported was the continued work with the community towards opening a childcare facility with a public forum scheduled for May 23. A presentation was given to the Board from the Rural Collaborative which was founded t...
DAYTON-The Board of County Commissioners met for a brief work session on April 25 before they went into an executive session to discuss personnel with Superior Court. They approved a contract with the Port of Columbia issuing them $90,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that was previously approved to contribute towards the matching funds requirement of a $2 million grant awarded to the Port for the broadband project. Also approved was the payroll change for Delphine Bailey at Public...
DAYTON-The School board was informed of the new COVID requirements for school entry; heard discussion on sex ed; advised of budget overage; and a $30,000 grant award were presented at the meeting April 20. In addition, written reports were provided in the Board Meeting Packet by principals Amy Cox and Kristina Brown who were not in attendance. Superintendent Guy Strot, Business Manager Veronica Perez, Athletic Director Sam Korslund and ASB and Student Board Representatives Aria Woodend and Madis...
DAYTON–County Engineer Jeremy Weiland updated the Columbia County Commissions about the lack of progress on the fairgrounds pavilion bathrooms at the recent meeting April 18. In addition, a public hearing was set for May 2 for the speed reduction proposed past milepost one on South Touchet Road. Public Works Engineer Jeremy Weiland updated the Commissioners about the fairgrounds pavilion restrooms and the lack of progress on the project. The sewer and water lines have been constructed, the i...
