A Look Back at 2019

JANUARY

3 Columbia County elected officials were administered the oath of office by Superior Court Judge Scott D. Gallina on December 28. Newly sworn in Sheriff Joe Helm affixed his signature to a document to make it official, other county officials are Assessor Chis Mills, Auditor Anne Higgins Helm, Prosecuting Attorney C. Dale Slack, Treasurer Carla Rowe, Gallina, and Commissioner Charles Amerein. Also sworn in were District Court Judge G. Scott Marinella and Clerk Susan Marinella.

A 25-year-oldWaitsburg woman was charged with second-degree murder following the alleged stabbing death of a Waitsburg man on December 28, 2018.

County Commissioner Jim Duncan died unexpectedly on December 27, 2018. Duncan was re-elected last November to a second term serving Walla Walla County’s third district.

Quick response by Columbia County Fire District No. 1 firefighters in the first minutes of Christmas Day staved off disaster for the residents of 203 Baxter Street in Starbucks.

Four Dayton High School Students and an advisor recently traveled to Washington D.C. for a week-long civic-education program, sponsored by the Dayton Kiwanis Club and community donations. McKenzie Dobbs, Kylee Laughlin, Alex Jenkins and Kira Boggs attended a week long course in Civic Education in conjunction with the Close Up Foundation in November.

Dayton junior Carlos Norris lost a well-fought battle in the finals to finish second in the Pomeroy High School sponsored Christmas Tournament.

10The Dayton Kiwanis Club welcomed to its organization recently. The two new members, Chelsey Eaton and Ryan Ortuno, were presented with a Kiwanis apron and ball cap by Secretary Joe Huether

Carlos Norris wrestling in the Chiawana JV Duals Tournament, Conquered his opponents by five pins to take first. “Carlos Norris brought home a first-place medal after pinning all five of his opponents,” said Pomeroy Coach Ben Slaybaugh.

17Friends of the Fairgrounds gives arena a $75k upgrade. Last Thursday through Sunday, teams of volunteers and numerous pieces of heavy equipment converged on the Indoor Arena at the Fairgrounds to dig out the old dirt and replace it with a proper mixture—known as footing to the equestrians. The project was initiated by the Friends of the Fairgrounds (FOTF), a local group of individuals concerned about the operation and maintenance of the local fairgrounds that formed in September 2017.

24The Columbia Conservation District recognized Broughton Land Company as its 2018 Resource Stewardship Award recipient at the district’s Annual Meeting January 17 at the Fairgrounds Youth Building. Jay Broughton accepted the award on behalf at Broughton Land Co., which was presented by Clay Hutchens, vice chairman of the CCD.

Directors’ of the Dayton School District named Katie Leid as chairwomen at its January 16 meeting. Junior-Senior High Principal Kristine Brown and Elementary Principal Denise Smith displayed with Business Manager Paula Moisio the banner proclaiming Dayton Schools as a 2018 School of Distinction.

Local gifts made walk-in tubs possible at the Booker Rest Home, thanks to financial support from the Dayton Columbia County Fund, the Warren Community Action Fund and the Blue Mountain Community Foundation.

The Dayton FFA Chapter showed its appreciation to Rick Turner of Turner Farms, and Cody Chapman, chairman of the Columbia Conservation District for support when the FFA held a Land Evaluation Contest.

31Columbia County Commissioner Norm Passmore has submitted a letter of resignation to the Board of County Commissioners, effective as of January 30, 2019. Passmore represented District 1.

Morning fire destroys storage at Phoenix Pulp and Polymer. The metal-siding covered warehouse at Phoenix Pulp and Polymer challenged fire fighters trying to get water into the burning interior. Fire fighters from Dayton, Waitsburg, Walla Walla and College Place converged on the scene and fought the blaze reported at about 2:20 a.m.

Ambulance transport service provided by Columbia-Walla Walla County Fire District #(CWWFD2) will cease February 1, 2019.

Nine FFA students, Josiah White, Kira Boggs, Ben White, Tayven Seney, Tatumn Laughery, Sage Kilts, Samantha Davis, Juniper Kerr, and Carlos Norris, and Agriculture Teacher Kristina Knebel and FFA adviser, traveled to Colton High School to compete in the Ag Issues and Employment Skills Regional Competition on Wednesday January 23. With half of the team as returning students in the Ag Issues team, their experience boosted a better score, they finished in third place that will send the team to the state competition in May.

FEBRUARY

7An application with the FDIC to acquire the Dayton Umpqua Bank branch and three others in eastern Washington-Colfax, LaCrosse, and Pomeroy-has been approved and the conversion to Bank of Eastern Washington was put into action the first week in February.

Not bad at all, turning 90 years of age and being honored with the presentation of a Quilt of honor, Herb D. Bowen, a Navy Seaman 1st, who served in 1946-47 received a beautiful quilt from local quilters Sylvia Demaris of Dayton and Alice Gwinn of Pomeroy.

Friday, January 25, 2019, Sixteenth District Representative Bill Jenkin suffered a heart attack and underwent quadruple by-pass surgery at Kadlec Medical Center.

Dayton’s Carlos Norris won a decisive victory over challenger K. Forbes of Kittitas in the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference Sub-Regional Tournament. Norris will compete in the Central Regional Tournament in Oroville, where the top three finishers will advance to the state tournament in the Tacoma Dome, February 15-16.

Deputies Cesar Rivera and Jeff Jenkins from the Dayton Sheriff’s Office, and WWSO Deputy Frederico Diaz, investigated the theft of two motorcycles taken from Dayton resident Danny Eden on January 25. One was found in a field north of Bolles Road in Walla Walla County January 27. The other motorcycle, was reported discovered in Milton-Freewater, Ore., on January 30.

14 Sheriff Joe Helm joins other Washington Sheriffs against “unenforceable” 1-1639. “As sheriff of Columbia County, I take this position as your last line of defense against unconstitutional laws very seriously,” Helm said. I am instructing my deputies not to enforce 1639 while the constitutional validity remains in argument at the court level.

The trial date for Benjamin Orozco, charged with second-degree murder in the 1996 shooting death of Lance E. Terry, has been set for March 11 to 15, 2019.

The road usage charge pilot gives final assessment. J.J. Dippel, a retired government auditor has been meticulously collecting and analyzing information and experience as a pilot project participant over the past 12 months.

The Columbia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office welcomed a new deputy prosecutor. April King who is returning to Dayton after working for other counties around the state since her stint here between 2005-2006.

21The City Council unanimously adopted a resolution declaring support for the formation of a Columbia County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) during its meeting February 13.

Two local families, Cathy and Michael Haight and the Mead family (Dotty, Julia and Skip, Mary and Kay and husband Brad Anderson), recently made donations to the Touchet Valley Arts Council Endowment Fund which benefits the Liberty Theater. Their generous gifts helped the Endowment Fund campaign exceed $65,000, just six months after the launch of fundraising, ensuring the future of the “Liberty Theater.”

Main Street’s “26 Shops in 1” at is under new ownership and management. The sale of the Village Shoppes building and business by Candy Jones and Jim Dyke closed December 1. The new owner is Rori Budden, who has lived in Dayton for the past year and a half, working for Washington State Parks as manager of Camp Wooten.

28Representative Bill Jenkins R-Prosser, has returned to do the people’s work here following a heart attack he suffered on January 25.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation will host an open house to discuss future fish and wildlife habitat projects planned for the North and South Touchet rivers and the Rainwater Wildlife Area.

The Friends of the Fairgrounds adopted its 2019 budget at February 21 meeting, anticipating an income of $68,500 for various projects dedicated to the improvement of facilities at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

Dayton Days Inc. at their meeting February 25 signed Bar X Ranches, LLC as the rodeo contractor, according to Tim Donohue, Dayton Days president. The long-time goal is to reintroduce pair-mutuel horse racing to the Touchet Valley.

MARCH

7Three potential County Commissioner appointees to fill the vacant seat created by the resignation of Norman Passmore have been submitted by the Columbia County Republican Central Committee and a special meeting has been set for 7 p.m. Monday, March 11. Kaye Eaton, Thomas Konen and Ryan Rundell were among nine applicants for the District 1 seat on the Board of County Commissioners.

The American Legion Post No. 42 teamed up with members of Mr. Tracy Pearson’s shop class in a community-service project. Member of the class, Candy Harrison, Terri Schlachter, Nick Depaulo, Quintin Rapoza, Eloy Garcia-Romeroy, Max Schmidt, Josh Anderson, Iziaha Highsmith and Brandon Thompson constructed 125 white crosses with American flags that will be placed in the Dayton City Cemetery on all graves of service men and women on Memorial Day.

A tree-trimming crew has been thinning, pruning, crowning and removing the deadwood from Our Fair City’s downtown though fare. Arborists Garrett Hudson and Bret Mayberry are working courtesy of Pacific Power.

Citizen University Youth Kylee Laughlin took a flight to California to attend the first of four citizen University Youth collaborator trip.

14Columbia county’s new Director of the Emergency Dispatch Center and Emergency Management Department is Ashley Strickland. Strickland is a South Georgia native who spent most of his life in Indiana and was a 15-year veteran of the Indianapolis Fire Department and a firefighter-paramedic, where he rose to the rank of captain.

Ryan Rundell, one of three Columbia County District 1 candidate names submitted to the County Commissioners for consideration was selected to fill the seat made vacant by the recent resignation of Norm Passmore.

The Spellman High Voltage Clean Tech Competition, a global high school STEM competition administered by the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, announces an expanded competition. Students from around the globe can compete in two categories with 30 finalist teams invited to New York for presentation and judging.

21The Dayton FFA team, Juniper Kerr, Adam Puckett, Tayven Seney, Ashton Phinney and Jumee Griffen place 1st in the Metal Art Contest was held at Columbia Basin College on March 15. There were 15 teams competing.

The FFA team members Benjamin White and Kira Boggs competed in the Prepared Public Speaking contest. White placed first, qualifying him for Districts on March 27 and Boggs placed fifth.

Julia Brooks and Sagelyn Kilts competed in the FFA creed contest where they recited the FFA creed and answered questions, Sagelyn placed fifth and Julia placed thirteenth.

Dayton Bulldog Wrestler Carlos Norris received his D.H.S. Varsity wrestling letter and state participation award at the Pomeroy Winter Sports Awards.

Local members of the Quilt of Honor organization presented a trio of patriotically themed quilts to a family of Navy veterans, Terri Schlachter, Sara (Schlachter) Wilson, the fourth quilt intended for Joey Schlachter stationed in Houston Tex. who was unable to attend the ceremony.

Mayor Craig George submitted his resignation, effective April 30, 2019.

Draft revisions to the updated Comprehensive Plans for Columbia County, the City of Dayton and the Town of Starbuck, are being incorporated into the three local entities’ documents, with a goal of submitting the plans to the state for review in early May.

28Two-term Commissioner Gene Warren announced that he will not seek a third term on the Port of Columbia Commission.

Program and staff reductions are possible as the Dayton School District will be looking to reduce next year’s budget by $225,000, school directors heard.

The sixteenth-District lawmakers, at a Town Hall meeting here last Saturday, provided a brief update on the 2019 legislative session to date as well as an update on Legislation they are pursuing, then fielded questions.

Columbia County Health System’s Matt Ott and Chris Davis were honored for winning the 2019 Intalere Healthcare Achievement Award Winner for the Supply Chain/Data Management or Supply Cost Efficiencies Award.

Columbia County Health System’s Materials Management Redesign Project, headed by Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Skiffington and her materials management team of Chris Davis and Matt Ott, won the Supply Chain/Data Management or Supply Cost Efficiencies Award announced CEO Shane McGuire.

APRIL

4The Dayton School Distract and Columbia County Hospital District each received $83,376 to use for benefit of their respective needs in the local community, administrators of the William W. and Jessie B. Day Charitable Trust announced last week.

Columbia County Republicans will host Washington State Treasurer Duane Davidson at its Lincoln Day Dinner and Fundraiser, set for Saturday, April 6, at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

The fishing was hot and heavy at the Juvenile Fishing Pond near the Dayton City Park, where the pound anglers, Clive Bye, 3 and Elias Trevino, who will be five in a few days, and where pretty happy about their catch.

The Liberty Theater’s spring revue “Show Stoppers.” Entertained full houses last weekend. The show, directed by Patti Jo Amerein and Julia Mead, reprised key scenes from many of the musicals produced by the troupes putting on the Liberty’s fall musicals.

11Yamatte Exchange arrival marks 50 years since the first group of Yamate High School culturl Exchange students first visited here, and the group of 40 students is expected to arrive at Dayton High School by charter bus Friday, April 12.

The Columbia County Fair Board and Dayton Days, Inc. will saddle up together to put on the rodeo that will follow the May 23 Dayton Days parade the coming Memorial Day.

“It’s for da kids, dat’s right,” the late Jimmy Durante would say. Durante, whose benevolence included the Eagles organization, is the namesake of an annual fund-raising and “fun-raising” event at the local Aerie. The Dayton Eagles Auxiliary, which held the annual Jimmy Durante Day in March, raised $9,600, and the proceeds were divided between The Club and the Columbia County 4-H Endowment Fund.

Columbia County Fair Board was presented with the beautiful fair-themed quilt, a gift from local resident Amy Amerein. The quilt was hand made by Linda Greer of Couch, Mo.

A reception honoring retiring three-term Dayton Mayor Craig George will be April 16 at the Delany Room.

The Touchet river was ticking right along following a wet weekend that resulted in increased flows in local rivers and creeks.

18Columbia County Superior Court Judge Scott D. Gallina was arrested here April 10 on suspicion of second-degree rape, indecent liberties by forcible compulsion and fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Two members of the City Council have delivered letters of interest to succeed Mayor Craig George. Both Michael L. Paris and Delphine Bailey are in the second year of four-year terms that expire at the end of 2021.

The Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the Dayton City Park Saturday, April 20. This annual event is again sponsored by Homestreet Bank and the Dayton Kiwanis Club.

With Judge Scott D. Gallina charged and under investigation for criminal s xual misconduct, concern for the safety of County employees and elected officials in Columbia County prompted the County Commissioners here to enact a policy prohibiting unaccompanied contact with Gallina.

The Japanese Exchange Students from Yamate High School in Yokohama arrived in Dayton.

25Fifth Congressional District, Representative Cath McMorris Rodgers (R-5th) addressed several issues ranging from global warming to health care at a town hall gathering at the County Fairgrounds Youth Building.

The Dayton Kiwanis– HomeStreet Bank Easter Egg Hunt was again a resounding success. The lucky finders were Everly Mitchell, Quincy Boggs, Parker Rossi, Melany Pollan, Mikayla Close-John, K.J. Hicks, Kylie Fletcher, Bruce Brandon, Harper Chapman and Jaelynn Chapman.

The local FFA hosted a five school District VI Vet Science contest here on April 16. Dayton FFA placed second, with Anna Fortier as the tenth best individual, on to State.

The Japanese exchange students from Yamate High School arrived here on April 12 just in time to enjoy the festivities of the DW Prom. Both Waitsburg and Dayton were honored.

MAY

2Sherrad John Lahd, 34, of Dayton, was arrested last Thursday afternoon, taken into custody without incident by Columbia County Sheriff and deputies following an “active shooter” report which brought numerous law enforcement equipment and personnel to the Cameron Street scene.

At 97, Eulalie Schreck retires from volunteer greeter position which at some point prior to her late husband Fred’s passing in 2008, and since then, she’s been an unwavering fixture at the hospital entrance and a testament to volunteerism.

Kim Lyonnais and Blaine Bickelhaught recently purchased the former Frontier Too Tavern building at 211 E. Main Street, which they plan to renovate the main floor and develop apartment on the second story.

Bill Clemens, Regional Community Manager for Pacific Power, presented a $4,000 check from the Pacific Power Foundation to Columbia County Health System CEO Sane McGuire and hospital Commission Chairman Bob Hutchens, to kick off a fund –raising effort to purchase a patient transportation van.

Garfield County Superior Court Judge Scott D. Gallina is on Voluntary leave until further notice.

9At an arraignment hearing Monday, Garfield County Superior court Judge Scott D. Galina pleaded not guilty to three original charges-second-degree rape, indecent liberties by forcible compulsion and fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation and an additional charge of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation which allegedly occurred in Columbia County last September.

Congratulations to the Students of the Month Benny Bryan, eighth grade, Carni Martin, seventh grade, and Karina Salguero, sixth grade. April students recognized are Cecilia Acevedo eighth grade, Rachel Klein, seventh grade, and Noa Tasker, sixth grade.

At a pre-Sub-District match last week, also at Veterans, DW’s Ashton Phinney shot a 98 to lead the team.

Kirstan Miller qualified for the District meet in four events, finishing second in the 300m int. Hurdles and third in three events the 100, 200, and 100 Hurdles.

16The City Council appointed Mayor ProTem Zac Weatherford to fill the remainder of recently resigned Mayor Craig George’s term.

The filings for elective office at the Columbia County Auditor’s Office as of Tuesday of filing week, are appointed mayor of the City of Dayton, Zac Weatherford, and City Councilman Michael Paris, for the position of Mayor. Christine Broughton for Council Position 2, Byron Kaczmarski Council Position 6, Ryan Rundell, District 1 County Commissioner, Rick Turner Fire Commissioner, Fire District No.3

Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner and so is the first Dayton Days rodeo to occur here in a number of years. The rodeo will be at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

Neylan Bryan, Valedictorian and Tatumn Laughery, Salutatorian, two high-achieving members of the Dayton High School Class of 2019, have been named as honor speakers for the June 8 Commencement Exercises.

Dayton FFA Ag Issues team, Samantha Davis, Sage Kilts, Tatumn Laughery, Tayven Seney, Kira Boggs, Carios Norris, Ben Whit and Josiah White, and adviser Kristina Knebel place third in state competition. Ben White and Tatumn Laughery received their State Farmer degrees.

Kirsten Miller and Mason Finney will compete for a berth to the 2B State Championships in Cheney

23Dayton High School seniors Kaleigh White, Tatumn Laughery, and Logan Literal were named as recipients of the 2019 Dayton Chapter BJ PEO Citizenship Award at a reception last week.

DW shortstop Tatumn Laughery and third baseman Kaleigh White have been named to the All-EWAC Softball First Team. Dayton-Waitsburg Fast Pitch is making its second consecutive appearance at the WIAA 2B State Softball Championship Tournament after winning two of three games at the Regionals.

There will be a three-way race for Mayor of Dayton, candidates are City Councilwoman Delphine Bailey, Zac Weatherford and Michael Paris, incumbent Dain Nysoe, Council Position 4, is being challenged by Cara M. James, incumbent Byron Kaczmarski position 6, is challenged by Seth Bryan, Incumbent Christina Broughton is being challenged by Misty Yost.

Fairgrounds spiffed up by Make A difference Day volunteers from the Columbia County community were joined by a group from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Make A Difference Day” cleaning, weeding, painting and repairing, in conjunction with Columbia County and the Friends of the Fairgrounds.

Dayton Days, Parade, Rodeo Saturday! Reigning over the parade and rodeo will be Columbia County Fair Hostesses Makena Culley, Mackenzie Forney and Cassidy Laughery

30Local Dayton and Columbia County residents and visitors from around the region enjoyed a pleasant Dayton days Weekend over last Memorial Day Weekend, taking in the glittering parade and enjoying the Columbia County Fair Rodeo held that evening at the Columbia county Fairgrounds.

Five local veterans were honored for their military service with the presentation of Quilts of Valor. Kent Shockley, Navy, receive a quilt made by Linda Clarys, Jon McFarland, Army, received a quilt made by Linda Clarys, Clarence Spenard, Air Force, received a quilt made by Karen Spann, Thomas Hutchen, USAF, received a quilt made by Linda Clarys, Jack McCaw, WW11 Navy , received a quilt made by Kaye Eaton.

Kirsten Miller, running at the 2B State Track and Field meet, advanced to the finals and finished fifth in the 300 m int. Hurdles, Miller st a new school record. Dayton-Waitsburg’s Mason Finney, running time was 11:05.35 competing at the Field and Track tournament finishing 15th.

JUNE

6Grant awards from two Columbia-County oriented charitable funds were announced this week with the Dayton/Columbia County Washington Fund approving 18 grants totaling $39,390 and the Warren Community Action Fund awarding 15 grants totaling $58,300.

Mural artist don brown of Kennewick added a sign on the side of chief Spring’s Brew Pub, at 148 E. Main Street in Dayton. The art work is 10 feet by13 feet high and commands attention of east-bound travelers through Dayton.

Twenty-five member of the Dayton High School Class of 2019 will go through commencement exercises Saturday, June 8 at the Dayton Gymnasium with Valedictorian Neylan Bryan and Salutatorian Tatumn Laughery at 1 p.m.

All through the school year, the Senior class has been hosting fundraiser for many projects that they would complete in their final months of high school. One of the main projects was the Senior Trip to Hayden, Idaho to spend the afternoon at the amusement park, Triple Play and then boarded a boat cruise with catered food snacks and entertained by a DJ around Lake Coeur d’ Alene.

13Defense attorneys for accused murderer Benjamin Orozco will claim self-defense when the 23-year-old case goes to trial in August

Commissioners hear Liberty State Information. A grassroots movement in Washington to create a fifty-first state—Liberty State presented information about the notion to the Columbia County Board of County Commissioners at the Monday work session.

All Wheels Weekend celebrates Silver Anniversary this weekend. With the 25th Show-N-Shine will be a few firsts: An Antique Tractor Show and a reinvigorated Friday Night “Cruise for Gene. In memory of the late Gene Crothers, husband of All Wheels Weekend Chairwoman Bette Lou Crothers.

Twenty-five members of the Dayton High School Class of 2019 walked in commencement ceremonies held in the gymnasium last Saturday, June 8. Most of the newly minted graduates and numerous alumnae were named as recipients of scholarships totaling over $230,000. Salutatorian Tatumn Laughery addressed those assembled, with Valedictorian Neylan Bryan spoke about the class’s unique bond.

Three Home Grown Go Wild 4-H members, Timothy Daves, Nathanael Bennett and Quinn Perry, will travel to Eatonville, Wash to participate in the 4-H Shooting Sports Tournament May 17-19. They will compete at the National competition June 2020.

The Columbia REA announces Community Grant program and is currently accepting application for its 2019 Community Grant Program.

Grants to improve health and access to health care in Asotin, Garfield and Columbia counties. The Greater Columbia accountable Community of Health (GCACH) and the Blue Mountain Community Foundation announce the: Social Determinants of Health” grant opportunity. Seven grants totaling $105,513.96 were awarded.

20Columbia County voters will vote in November on a county-wide excess levy of ten cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation to begin funding the newly created Columbia County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD), enacted into existence last Monday by resolution of the board of county Commissioners. County Commission Chairman Mike Talbott and Commissioners Charles Amerein and Ryan Randell voted unanimously to establish the FCZD and place an excess levy on the November ballot following a public hearing with one citizen offering comment.

The Columbia county Rural Library District, its Board of Trustees, Library Director Dusty Waltner, Columbia County and the County Commissioners have been named in a tort claim filed June 13 in Columbia County by a former library employee. Damages sought are in excess of $10,000.

The Asotin, Columbia and Garfield County Commissioners’ met at the Senior Center June 10, to discuss how to best to work together when addressing matters concerning the three rural counties and approach the state for solutions primarily on mutual legislative issues and unfunded mandates.

Everything was perfect for the 25th Anniversary of Dayton’s All Wheels Weekend-the weather, the turnout, the amazing number of unique and interesting automobiles, including a rare 1947 Bentley Sport Saloon, shown by James B Vetrand of Kennewick.

27Before getting out of school a few weeks ago Dayton Elementary Fourth and Fifth Grades worked picking up litter around Dayton to reinforce stewardship of the environment.

Three additional counts of Fourth-Degree Assault with Sexual Motivation are being sought by Washington Attorney General Robert W. Fergusons office as a result of an ongoing investigation into allegations against Hells Canyon Circuit Judge Scott D. Gallina.

The Dayton Kiwanis Club assisted the Dayton Memorial Library with a recent estate acquisition of a pickup load of books donated by Karen Duncan, daughter of the late Marilyn England, a prolific reader and collector of all genres of books.

Equestrians attend Buck Brannaman’s Colt Starting and Horsemanship Clinic’s all over the United States and beyond to learn from one of the world’s leading horse handlers, Buck Brannaman. Brannaman returns to Dayton for another consecutive year and will hold a Colt Starting Clinic today Thursday June 27 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

Retirement for Fourth-generation Columbia County producers Dan and Nancy Bickelhaupt wasn’t quite on their long-term plans but health issues made it-in a bittersweet way-clear to the Huntsville and Alto-area wheat growers that “it was time.”

JULY

4Winners of the Frank E. Bauer American Legion Post No. 42 School Patriot Award each received a handsome frame certificate containing a 24 carat gold foil laser etcher $100 bill. The awards were presented by Post Commander Charles Amerein to, Ashton Phinney, Logan Literal and Rebecca Milsten.

Dayton Hospital district’s financial picture continues to improve, Hospital Commissioners heard at June meeting last week, thanks to improved collection and good management of accounts payable.

Reconstruction of about a mile and a half of the South Touchet Road from Star Bridge to the Robinette Mountain Road intersection will begin in about a week, according to Chuck Eaton, County Engineer. The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners Awarded the $1.577 million project to Barker Inc. of Dayton.

Dayton High School’s Kristina Kneberl was awarded the Outstanding Ag Teacher of the Year Award for District 6 by the Washington Association of Agriculture Educators presented at a recent conference. The award recognizes agriculture education program and are innovators and catalysts for student success in agricultural education.

11The Fourth of July in Dayton was adorned by a patriotic-sized American flag-the star-spangled banner measuring 38 feet by 20 feet.

A Spokane County Superior Court Judge has signed an order allowing the recently filed Second Amended Information, which includes three additional counts of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation, against Hells Canyon Circuit Judge Scott D. Gallina.

18Becky Kurth, who celebrated her 100th birthday June 16, Class of 1937 is 2019 Parade Marshal for the 43rd Alumni Reunion here is weekend.

Primary Election 2019 ballots for the three-way City of Dayton mayoral race will be mailed to City voters by the Columbia County Auditor’s Office by July 19. The sole item on the Primary Ballot will be the Short and full-Term Mayor’s position listing Candidates Delphine Bailey, Michael L. Paris and Zac Weatherford.

Two Pacific Power wind farms in Columbia County are being upgraded and components of the turbines-blades hubs and nacelles-can be seen rolling through Dayton on their way to the northeast portion of the county.

25Dayton High School Senior Kira Boggs, the daughter of Tammy and Joe Boggs, achieved a high position at the American Legion Auxiliary’s Evergreen Girls State in June, and as Speaker of the House, had the rare privilege of introducing outgoing Girls State Governor and Dayton High School mate Tatumn Laughery during a “changing of the guard” ceremony.

Columbia County landowners adjacent to the proposed Touchet Valley Trail—9.7 mile “rails with trails” connections between here and Waitsburg—are expressing concerns about potential conflicts, practical considerations, costs and implementation of a public-use trail alongside the Columbia Walla Walla Railroad.

Marne Henderson, Dayton-Waitsburg Young Life director, heading to Olympia to join the staff of Greater Olympia Young Life and will be one of two staff along with the Area Director.

AUGUST

1Commissioner Gene Warren resigned his position on the Port Commission July 8, due to moving out of his commissioner district, according to Port Executive Director Jennie Dickinson.

Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the Fostering Opportunities for Resources and Education Spending through Timber Sales (FORESTS) Act of 2019 to encourage active forest management on federal forest land, local collaboration and decision-making within national forests, and reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to timber-dependent communities.

Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-5th, held a one of four regional town hall meetings here for a roundtable-type discussion on high speed internet access in rural areas in eastern Washington at the Senior Center, which included a visit from Washington State Rep. Mary Dye, R-9th-Pomeroy.

At a continuation of a Friday, July 26, hearing, a Tuesday afternoon motion by defense attorneys representing Benjamin Orozco asking for a one-week delay in the start of the start of the trial in the 23-year-old second-degree assault case was denied by sitting Superior Court Judge M. Scott Wolfram of Walla Walla. Instead the judge postponed the self-defense trial by one day, to Tuesday, August 20.

Rick Leclaire of Seedonk, Mass, a Cross-Continent cyclist, had an arduous day last week, he started in Clarkston and climbed the long Alpowa Grade, lunched n Pomeroy, reached the Lewis and Clark Trail State Park by evening and pumped his way up the Willow Creek Grade and rolled through Dayton.

8City voters narrowed a field of three mayoral candidates down to two for the November General Election and it will be Zac Weatherford and Delphine bailey in that runoff.

A 29-year-old Dixie woman is in custody and a 38-year-old Walla Walla Woman is hospitalized in the TriCities with gunshot wounds following a Saturday, August 3, pursuit of a stolen car that involved deputies from Columbia, Walla Walla and Franklin counties and troopers of the Washington State Patrol.

The Dayton Historical Depot Society held its annual Evening At THE DEPOT LAST Saturday with scores of quests and patrons joining forces in the Depot Courtyard for a sumptuous repost and lively fund-raising auction, led by Mike Himmelberger.

President of the Project Timothy Board Darcy Beleny, accepts a donation from Judith Pilcher, VP Community Branch manager of the Dayton branch of HomeStreet Bank.

15The seventh annual SWIM the SNAKE, paddling and open water swimming event held here last Saturday beat the approaching summer storm enabling all participants to enjoy and complete friendly competition with perfectly calm water and no wind conditions in the Snake River channel.

The Dayton Chamber of Commerce Board of Director has received letters of resignation from Executive Director Melissa Bryan and Assistant Director Caitlyn Robins, Chamber President Brian St. Clair announced in a news release this week.

The charred remains of the home of Norbert “Joe” Jr. and Candace Cush, and son Norbert “Guppy” Cush, wo lost their home at 740 s. 5th to fire last January 7 were swept up by volunteer crew coordinated by the Dayton Lions Club recently, with the help of Dan Culley, Jesse Yost and Jim Korsberg.

Three years after the suspect in the 1996 shooting death of Lance E. Terry was apprehended in Mexico, the jury trial of that former Dayton resident is set to begin next Tuesday, August 20, in Columbia County Superior Court.

The Catalyst Church youth group is helping the American Legion veterans install a new sidewalk for their Post on 211 E. Clay St.

New Comer Art Bennett spends time restoring old bikes, recently restoring a 1919 Tacoma Speedway Special Bicycle, entering it in the car show in the Tri-Cities.

Charges were filed in Columbia County Monday, August 12, by Prosecuting Attorney Dale Slack, against Amanda M Warren 38, 811 N Main Street, Walla Walla, who was taken into custody on an arrest warrant with attempting to Elude, following a a high-speed chase through Walla Walla and Columbia County Counties.

22Jury selection consumed most of te first day of the second-degree murder and first-degree murder assault trial of Benjamin Orozco in Columbia County Superior Court Tuesday, August 20, with the empaneling of the jury and opening statements by the prosecution and defense being heard.

Dorietha K. Rothe, 69, died at the scene after the vehicle she was driving lost control on a curve, rolled coming to rest upside down in the borrow pit, catching fire trapping Rothe in the vehicle.

Former Dayton mayor, Craig George, died suddenly and unexpectly, Thursday, August 15, 2019 in Oracle, Arizona where he and his wife Kathy recently move to.

The summer fun continues in Yokohama, Japan when on July 19, nine adventurous students of Dayton High School set off for a cross-country trip to Japan.

Hayden Fullerton is living the cowboy life this summer, Fullerton, age 25, a 2012 graduate of Dayton High School, is a competitive steer wrestler. He enters three to five rodeos some weekends and to be successful he needs to carefully plan the trips and keep a tight schedule.

The Port of Columbia Commissioners Fred Crowe and Earle Marvin appointed Dan Aschenbrenner to fill former commissioner Gene Warren’s position on August 14. The District 1 Commissioner position was open following Warren’s resignation earlier this summer after Warren moved out of the district he served on July 8, 2019.

29After hearing three and a half days of testimony, a Columbia county jury; deliberated an hour and a half and found Benjamin “Benji” Orozco guilty on all counts in the 1996 death of Lance E. Terry and wounding of David “Davie” Eaton.

The Dayton Chamber of Commerce Board terminated Melissa Bryan, Executive Director and Events Co-coordinator and Caitlyn Robins, Assistant Director and Visitor Center Manager, on Wednesday, August 22.

The Touchet Valley Women’s Golf Club hosted their annual Invitational her on Wednesday,, August 21. Thirty-five guests and 10 home club members golfed in the nine-hole scramble.

The Dayton Kiwanis Club’s Road to Leadership Program, now in its second year, held a car wash recently to raise money for the November trip to Washington, D.C., for a civics lesson in the nation’s capital.

SEPTEMBER

5Columbia County 4-H members- present and past – embody the 2019 Columbia County Fair theme Timeless Traditions as this year marks the 100th year of 4-H in the county. Great grandparents, grandparents, moms and dads and their ;young’uns who have been involved in 4-H and given it their support through the years should all glow with pride for their part in helping Columbia County’s youth and families learn and develop the skills to be the best member of their community that they can be.

4-H Clubs in Columbia County has primarily focused on Livestock, but there was a time when there were nearly two dozen separate 4-H clubs in the county. Today there around half that number according to the 4-H Coordinator Donna Hanger. Many local people with agricultural ties count their development and education received as a 4-H member as crucial to their success in life .

Fair Hostesses Mackena Culley, Mackenzie Forney and Cassidy Laughery extend a warm welcome to the Columbia County Fair.

Mule Mania President, Beverly Rising presented a $742 check to Julia Mead President, of the Friends of the Fairgrounds, the proceeds were raised in the organization’s Live & Silent Auction last June.

Mule Mania President Beverly Rising, $1,000 of the proceeds raised at the Mule Mania Live & Silent Auction to the Dayton Community Food Bank and was accepted by Katie Powers Dayton Community Food Bank Representative, Zonia Dedloff Community Food Bank President and Laura Thorn, Community Food Bank Treasurer.

Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) has been awarded a $140,000 grant by the Washington State Office of Financial Management for census education and outreach.

12The 2019 Columbia County Fair got a rare pat on the back from the State Fair Commission in receiving not one, but two “Black and White” Special Awards, made extra special by being bestowed on the 100th anniversary of 4-H in Columbia County. The State Fair Commission judge found that the Fair’s 4-H and FFA exhibits in the Youth Building and livestock barns and the Pavilion exhibits were right on the money.

Columbia County Public Transportation is being sued for allegedly violating the Public Records Act. The plaintiff is Stephen Kirby, doing business as Tikor Consulting, represented by the Whipple Law Group of Spokane, who alleges the CCPT failed to respond in a timely manner to a request for some of 15 different records or classifications of records.

School Directors heard details of the Dayton School District’s anticipated levy in February.

Dayton Middle School is raising funds for an extracurricular ski trip to Bluewood and held a car wash last week to begin raising the dough to play on the snow. Seventy students signed on to the ski trip and all are washing cars to earn the $900 for transportation for the day.

Misty Yost is City of Dayton’s newest City Council member, filling Kathy Berg’s vacant seat.

The County Planning Director Meagan Bailey, has accepted the position of Director of Planning and Community Development with the City of Dayton.

19Over 110 people attended an informational open house about the proposed Touchet Valley Trail. In-depth details about the trail’s inception, the organizations involved in planning the project’s anticipated timeline and answers to frequently asked questions.

Music in the Wild presents a free outdoor summer concert, “In a Landscape” at the Buck-Hi Rodeo Arena with pianist Hunter Noack performing on a nine-foot Steinway.

Public comment in reaction to a letter to the editor in the September 12 Dayton Chronicle indicated support for the decision of Mayor Zac Weatherford and a hiring committee that convened to consider the three applicants for the City Planner position.

The Columbia County Commissioners adopted the 2019 Comprehensive Plan as recommended by the County Planning Commission. Commissioners start Community Concerns meetings, held in the evening to allow members of the public to attend and present any issue.

26The Dayton City Council voted unanimously to terminate a $1 million loan contract from the Public Works Board at a special meeting September 23. The $1 million loan was earmarked for land acquisition for the proposed Waste Water Treatment Plant Project.

Dozens of children, adults and well-wishers attended the dedication ceremonies of Caboose Park, located west of the Dayton Historic Depot.

After more than a year of planning and research, the informational signs and a Green Giant figure were installed Tuesday, September 24 at a viewpoint on Highway 12 west of Dayton in sight of the 300-foot Green Giant that keeps silent vigil over “the Valley of the Jolly Green Giant.”

Pianist Hunter Noack perform on a nine-foot Steinway grand piano from atop the back of trailer bed in front of straw-bale-seated Columbia County residents in Starbuck.

OCTOBER

3Columbia County Hospital District Internal Billing Department recently discovered that Medicaid owed it over $1 million under three different Medicaid Managed Care Programs. The money had been inappropriately written off by contracted vendors who had previously processed billings for the hospital.

School Board hears details about upcoming levy. School Directors have until mid-November to act to place a replacement levy on the February, 2020 ballot and detailed information about the possible Enrichment Levy and Capital Projects Levy were present by Supt. Doug Johnson.

Historic homes, horses and more await 2019 Dayton on Tour will welcome visitors and locals alike to the eighth annual Dayton on Tour, sponsored by the Dayton Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Historic Dayton Depot Society and Blue Mountain Station.

10Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy Brook Connor Ehr was promoted to Chief Deputy by Sheriff Joe Helm and officially sworn in during a ceremony October 2, in the Superior Court Room at the Courthouse.

The Starbuck School District was able to expand its Broun Bag Lunch Program from four days per week to five, thanks to a recent donation from Columbia Pulp, Jon Begley, DEO of Columbia Pulp, presented the $1,000 check to Starbuck Superintendent Kevin Graffis.

Dayton Elementary School students Jemma Anderson and Shelby Treib enjoyed apples from Warren Orchards during the observance of Taste of Washington.

17The Columbia Pulp Mill at Lyon’s Ferry is up and running and straw pulp production will begin this week. The economic concern, however, is it does not appear that there is any increase in school enrollment, as the people moving here to work for the Pulp Mill do not seem to have children.

Homestreet Bank manager Judi Pilcher, presented a $2,000 donation to Jim Pearson of The Club for its Summer Program Scholarship Fund.

The Chamber of Commerce has hired Molly Weatherill-Tate as its new manager.

The Port of Columbia was approved for a grant of $26,625 in March of 2019 for a Feasibility Study to examine existing broadband networks.

Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an incident to assist neighboring agencies with an incident involving a 24-year-old Waitsburg man alleged to be threatening family and others with a baseball bat.

24Dayton Superintendent Doug Johnson accepted a $200 mini-grant award from the Walla Walla-Columbia County Retired Teachers Association, presented by Kris Takemura.

City holds key to pool recovery: The pool is basically a City of Dayton issue, Mayor Zac Weatherford stated that the City cannot afford a pool and it would be up to the citizens to pass a levy if needed.

The Port of Columbia and Touchet Valley Trail Steering Committee, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program, will host a design workshop here and Waits burg to develop early-stage general design concepts for a non-motorized trail connecting the two towns.

Puget Sound Energy presented a $2,500 check to the Community Food Bank of Dayton to help the organization stave off hunger in the community.

Middle School Students of the Month for September, Janae Helm, eight grade, Alex Milsten, seventh grade, Maddie Ortuno, sixth grade.

Dayton High School 2019 Homecoming Court is, Queen Kira Boggs and King Carlos Norris, Escort Tayven Seney, Senior Princess Jurnee Griffen, Sophomore Escort Gary Sams, Sophomore Princess Alicia Apodaca, Freshman Escort Isaac Finney, Freshman Princess Eve Talbott, Senior Escort Alex Jenkins, Senior Princess Kiya McCaw, Junior Escort Mason Finney, and Junior Princess Kaylene Slack

31Rail Crossings among issues of Touchet Trail Design. At the Design Charrette public presentation held at the Fair grounds on October 26, four landscape architect teams presented preliminary designs for the proposed Touchet Trail.

HVAC Project moves forward. The Courthouse HVAC System and the asbestos abatement at 112 North 1st. Approximately $110,000 had been received from the Historic Courthouse Program of Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation for the purpose of upgrading the HVAC.

The Dayton Parent-Teacher-Student Organization’s Halloween Costume Carnival was a hit with local families and the legions of dressed up kids.

Dayton-Waitsburg Volleyball celebrated its senior team member with family members joining players on court in pre-game recognition ceremonies.

Dick Rubenser, age 81, of Starbuck, won gold and set records recently in the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Ut.

Disaster exercise involves school administrators, Community’s emergency services, and hospital staff in a mock disaster involving an explosion of an undetermined cause at the Dayton High School.

Dayton Kiwanis Club Treasurer Joe Huether was presented a District Distinguished Member certificate by Kiwanis President Chuck Reeves, for Huether’s contributions to not only the local club but for Division 54 of the Pacific Northwest District of Kiwanis International.

NOVEMBER

7Splashing for a New Pool: The Friends of the Community Center/Pool (FCCP) recently met to discuss grant and other funding opportunities for the feasibility study. Currently the group has secured $6,500 from grants and donations.

Tribute to Green Giant, a roadside attraction and pullout, a short distance west of Dayton on Highway 12, showing the Touchet Valley’s history with the Green Giant Company, will be dedicated during a ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday, November 15.

County Commissioners Mike Talbott, Ryan Rundell, and Charles Amerein, Charlotte Baker, Chronicle Managing Editor met with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers R-5th for an hour-long listening session and to express their concerns about the impacts of federal programs and agencies on Columbia County

The City of Dayton incumbents Byron Kaczmarski, Zac Weatherford, and Dain Nysoe were re-elected to another term, write-in candidate Don Jackson is leading for a seat on the Town of Starbuck council. The Maintenance and Operation Levy for a county-wide Flood Control District was defeated.

14Dayton Chamber of Commerce 73rd Annual Awards Banquet named Liz Carson Citizen of the Year. Historical archivist Liz Carson was likened to “The History Channel”, for Blue Mountain Heritage Society, the Palus Museum and “decades of her life” dedicated to researching and documenting Columbia County history. Mauricio Ramos, who is employed by City Lumber is Employee of the Year, Rick Sabin of Sabin’s Auto was named Business of the Year. Tayven Seney was named youth Citizen of the Year.

Former Walla Walla County Commissioner Perry Dozier will run for the Senate position and Bill Jenkin, R-16-Prosser he will run to succeed Walsh.

The Friends of the Dayton Memorial Library (FOL) group is pleased to announce the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator (AEL) which is now installed at the Library.

21Both the City and County have opted in to adopt legislation at a future date for sale/use tax allocation for affordable and supportive housing in response to Washington State Substitute Bill 1406.

It’s a jolly ’oliday with Mary at the Liberty Theater as the cast of 2019’s presents the musical “Mary Poppins.

Visitors and passers-by traveling Highway 12 will now be able to learn about the Green Giant Company’s decades of impact on the Touchet Valley and get the story behind the 300-foot tall Green Giant on the hill.

Dave Elkins, twenty-two-year City of Dayton employee, was honored with a reception last week upon the occasion of his retirement.

The area’s Special Olympics Bowling Team is headed to state. Bowling champion April Goebel, daughter of Lori Goebel qualified at tournament held recently at Walla Walla’s Bowlaway Lanes and will compete in the Special Olympics State Bowling Tournament at Fairtime Bowling November 23 in Kennewick.

FFA President and a beef exhibitor at the 2019 Columbia County Fair, Tayven Seney, high-school senior and son of Byron and Kim Seney, pledged to contribute a portion of his sale-ring revenue to the Friends of the Fairgrounds.

28Christmas Kickoff in “The Town That Still Believes”. A new feature-a Festival of Trees-will treem up with the traditional lighted parade, fireworks and shopping at the 2019 Dayton Christmas Kickoff, which starts the day after Thanksgiving here in the “Town That Still Believes.”

Energized by a brisk walk down the sidewalk from Dayton Elementary School to Elk Drug’s corner of 1st and Main streets, the First Graders excitedly anticipate hanging their lovingly made Christmas ornaments on the Community Christmas Tree.

Nearly $10,000 in items and prizes-plus dozens of frozen turkeys to make the Thanksgiving holiday even better-were vied for by about 250 local and visiting folks at the Dayton Kiwanis Club’s Turkey Bingo, put on Last Saturday in conjunction with the Dayton Lions Club and the Frank E. Bauers, American Legion Post No. 42.

A converted school bus traveling down Hartsock Grade east of here left the roadway and rolled once, prompting emergency personnel to respond to remove the passenger and driver.

The Blues Intergovernmental Council (BIC) has been formed to help frame the process of developing a new methodology for forest planning for the Wallowa-Whitman, Malheur and Umatilla National Forests.

A 32-year-old Dayton man is in Custody in Columbia County jail, charged with two counts of rape of a child and one count of child molestation. Jose Guadalupe Flores Hernandez was taken into custody on October 30 by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the 700 block of West Commercial Avenue.

DECEMBER

5Dayton’s Josilyn Fullerton Queen of Pendleton Round-up. Dayton Will be well-represented on the royal court of the Pendleton Round-Up with 20127 Dayton High School graduate Josilyn Fullerton being named the 2020 Round-Up Queen, and 2019 D.H.S. grad. Kaleigh White selected as one of four members of the Round-Up court.

Dayton Days makes plans for 2020. At a Membership Meeting attended by about two dozen people, Dayton Days, Inc. voted to continue as a corporation and opted to put on a rodeo Memorial Day Weekend 2020. The November 25 meeting included resignation by long-time Secretary Kathy Arnzen and Treasurer Melissa Hansen.

Holidays flying high after Christmas Kickoff. Despite crackling cold, folks ventured to Dayton last Friday and Saturday to enjoy the community’s Christmas Kickoff and all that goes with it.

12Columbia County Fire units joined in escorting fallen firefighter Ashton K. Farley, a Walla Walla Fire District 1m3m and 7 volunteer, through the county on the way to Farley’s hometown of Troy, ID, December 6. Local units met the processional at the County Line and joined the somber line until meeting with Garfield County units east of Dayton.

Emergency Management Dept. looking for ways to retain current employees. Ashley Strickland, Columbia County Emergency Management Director, is looking for ways to attract employees to work for the County.

The County Commissions heard concerns about Fairground fees and Golf fees for 2020.

Packages were piling up in the front window of Dingle’s of Dayton, where Mindy Betzier, owner of Dingle’s of Dayton, contributes space and visibility for “The Giving Tree,” a local, grassroots effort that gives local people an opportunity to give to those in need a Merry Christmas.

The Dayton Historical Society is the recipient of a $2,000 grant from the Pacific Power Foundation, presented by Bill Clemens, regional Business Manager for Pacific Power to Tamara Fritze, Museum Director.

The Dayton Music Department under the direction of Scott Summer, presented its Holiday Concert in the gymnasium December 2, delighting a full house with Christmas music.

19Ski Bluewood to open Friday. The area will be open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on the holiday schedule through January 5, 2020 except for Christmas Day December 25, Clark said. Christmas Eve the hill will close at 2 p.m. with half-day price all day.

Port seeing positive indicators for Dayton. Graphs showing positive economic indicators for Dayton were presented.

A nearly full house enjoyed the Tri-Cities Steel Band’s Christmas Concert last weekend at Faith Chapel in Dayton.

Grant Griffen appointed to School Board. The Dayton School Board.

Six cases of Influenza B have been confirmed in Columbia County..

In celebration of her fiftieth birthday, Miya Kajikuiri and the Dayton Chronicle took a trip to visit her family to Japan last September.

The Puget Sound Energy Foundation awarded a $1,700 grant to Skyline Adventures this week. The grant will help the nonprofit purchases 40 additional helmets for its outreach program that transforms lives by bringing skiing and snowboarding to disadvantaged, high-risk youth, citizens with special needs and healing veterans free of charge at Bluewood.

The Port of Columbia Commissioners approved a resolution to support the continued operation of dams within the Federal Columbia-Snake Rivers System.

Commissioner Mike Talbott, District No. 2 steps down as Columbia County Board of Commissioners Chair after Commissioner Charles Amerein, District No. 3 was selected to fill that position for 2020. The CCBOC approved Commissioner salaries for the year 2023. Currently their salary is approximately $35,000.