2021 – Year In Review Pushing through the Pandemic

DAYTON–In the first week of 2022, the Dayton Chronicle again takes a look back at the stories which appeared in your community newspaper over the past 51 weeks

Due to space limitations, this “2021 In Review” is continued from last week and will be included in the next few editions of the Dayton Chronicle.

March 25: The BOCC made the decision to hold a public hearing after being presented with a draft for a proposed County Ordinance for Controlled Substance Possession by County Prosecutor Dale Slack.

APRIL

1) An adapted version of a perennial favorite the Dayton Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt will take place, due to virus precautions. A drive-through Easter Egg “Hunt” is sponsored by Kiwanis and Homestreet Bank.

The 2021 Alumni Reunion was canceled due to restrictions and risks for the second year.

The Port of Columbia will conduct a Zoom Webinar regarding the Touchet Valley Trail, to share information with the public.

Columbia County Health System has hired three new providers: Lindsay McLaughlin, nurse practitioner, Seth Alford, nurse practitioner and Practice Physician April Biggs. Andrew Park, M.D. has given notice for leaving the practice at the end of May.

Bette Lou Crothers, long-time local insurance agent who retired July 31, 2020, will be the guest of honor at a retirement celebration and grand opening this Saturday, sponsored by State Farm’s recently appointed agent Avren Childers.

8) All Wheels Weekend 2021 will return after a one-year COVID hiatus.

The Rainbow Trout were bitin’ this week at the Juvenile Fishing Pond. Five-year-old Samuel Dieu, son of Tiger and Aneesha Dieu, proudly displayed his latest catch.

New State Farm Agent Avren Childers, shared a laugh with recently retired State Farm Agent Bette Lou Crothers and Joe Helm during the agency’s Open House-Retirement Anniversary celebration.

Additional funds approved by Columbia County Commissioners for additional flood work in the Touchet River.

15) Sunday, April 18, will be Pastor Marj Johnston’s final Sunday in the pulpit at the Dayton First Congregational Church UCC.

Weinhard Hotel owners are making lemonade out of lemons. Sev Jones and Christina Dingman bought the business from Gary and Shellie McLeod in March of 2020, just at the initial shutdown due to COVID-19.

Heavy machinery was working near the confluence of Patit Creek and the Touchet River, part of the first phase of work in the streambed being directed by the Columbia County Flood Control Zone District.

22) Pendleton Round Up Queen Josilyn Fullerton of Dayton, and her Round Up Court, which includes Princess Kaleigh White, appeared at the Red Bluff (Calif.) Round Up last weekend for the first time since the coronavirus caused cancellation of many events across the United States. The Round Up Court is getting back to normal for the first time since the coronavirus caused cancellation of many events including the Pendleton Round Up.

A Community survey is available for those interested in providing input about what citizens want in their community.

Fred Crowe appointed to an opening on the City Council.

29) 100 Attend Trail Design webinar. The Port of Columbia presented the 30% design by Anderson8Perry & Associates on April 26.the 9-7-mile, 10-foot-wide paved multi-use trail spanning from Waitsburg to Dayton is projected to cost $10.38 million. AS the Webinar prepared to the begin via ZOOM , opponents of the trail gathered outside the post office in a peaceful protest of the meeting being held by limited public input., with the group insisting on future in-person meetings.

Katie Leid, chairwoman of the Dayton School Board, resigned citing person reasons.

A residential fire, suspected to be started by an electrical malfunction, gutted 104 W. Main.

MAY

6) The Columbia County Board of Health met with the Columbia County Commissioner to officially appoint Lewis Neace, DO as local Health Officer for three years.

Main Street Marketplace, a new business with proprietor Shane Laib opened with a ceremony and day-long Grand Opening event.

Eagles Aerie Roof project progressing with little rain in April, says Trustee Lupe Benavides. Volunteers are working to reinforce the roof’s structure and remove five layers of previous roofing materials in preparation for an application of torched down roofing system.

Kiwanis Club seeking new members, the month of May is the Kiwanis International organization’s membership month, a time when Kiwanis Clubs, like Dayton’s nearly 100-year-old, extend a hand to potential new members.

13) School District predicts $1 million ending balance.

The School Board interviewed Elementary Principal candidate Amy Cox on May 10, which included two forums one for staff and the other for the community.

Classes in the Dayton School District have been canceled for:

Wednesday, May 12, due to a threat.

A single-car rollover accident six miles north of Starbuck on Highway`261 resulted in the driver and a 3-month-old infant receiving injuries, according to the Washington State Patrol. Distracted driving is blamed for the mishap. Hope G. Wulf, 20, of Pomeroy, was driving a 2009 Dodge Caliber.

20) Dayton Days Rodeo and Parade set for Memorial Day Weekend. The Parade, brought to you by the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, will start at 10 a.m. Saturday May 29. The 2021 edition of the Dayton Days Columbia County Fair Association Jackpot Rodeo is set for two performances Friday and Saturday, May 28 and 29. Tucker Cool of Bar X Ranches will provide the rodeo stock.

Representing the Dayton Days-Columbia County Fair Association Jackpot Rodeo will be Tayla King, Hannah Peraiez, Mikayla Close-John and Jemma Anderson.

Columbia County Public Health Administrator Martha Larman advised the Columbia County Commissioners (BOCC) that there is recent change to COVID restrictions relating to masdk wearing put out by the CDC.

Trail proponents and opponents demonstrate during Port meeting May 12. Opponents of the Touchet Valley Trail again gathered outside of the Port office along the road with signs of protest. About a dozen supporter of the trail marched downtown holding signs of support for the project.

The City Council did not pass an 18% utility tax increase ending in a tie at the meeting May 12. A presentation made by Mayor Zac Weatherford addressing the current expense shortfall anticipated this fall due to the increased cost of law enforcement, dispatch and municipal court services to Columbia County totaling $612,500 as well as increased in pull from the retirement benefit.

27) Two nights of leather-slappin.’ rodeo action is set for this weekend at the Columbia County Fairgrounds as Dayton Days and the Columbia County Fair Association bring you the 2021 Jackpot Rodeo, Friday and Saturday nights in the outdoor arena.