Week of June 25, 2026
Week of June 25, 2026
DAYTON — Dayton’s 2026 All Wheels Weekend was a fiery success, with over 5,000 visitors, 300 vehicles on display, races, a special movie showing, food, games, and the demolition...
DAYTON—It was standing room only when the Columbia County Rural Library Board of Trustees met for its regular board meeting on Monday, June 15. Of special interest to people attending was an agenda item to review the library display policy. Chair Dale Walling expressed regret about the optics and timing of placing that on the agenda in June, which is LGBTQ Pride Month, and about the possibility of reigniting past controversy over material seen as objectionable to some in the community. “It...
WAITSBURG — The Waitsburg City Council met on Wednesday, June 17, at City Hall. City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe, Mayor Marty Dunn, and Council members Jen Bishop, Jillian Henze, Brian Richards, Jim Romine, and Kevin House were in attendance. The council opened with a public hearing on the 6-year Transportation Plan, focusing on the Preston Street Bridge. The bridge, located on the state highway, can only be replaced or maintained by the Washington Department of Transportation. Jillian Henze proposed widening the bridge’s walkways and...
DAYTON — The Dayton School Board met at the high school library at 6:30 p.m. on June 16, 2026. Superintendent Jeremy Wheatley, Board Chair Jeffrey McCowen, and board members Ryan Paulson and Grant Griffin participated in person in the school library. Aneesha Dieu joined remotely. Pat Davidson was not present. The board approved the consent agenda, which included a list of surplus property and the personnel report. In this month’s personnel report, Dawn McGhan at the Elementary School will be retiring after 45 years of service. Also...
WAITSBURG - Kim Hamann organized the Class of 2026 Waitsburg High School graduation on June 5, finished her second year of teaching at WHS on June 11, and on June 13, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.9 GPA from Central Washington University with a Master of Science in Family and Consumer Science Education. Hamann, a 2014 WHS alumna, graduated from Walla Walla Community College in 2017 with an Associate of Arts degree in Human Services and a certificate in Adolescent Studies, graduated...
WALLA WALLA — The city of Walla Walla will host an Independence Day fireworks display on July 4, 2026, beginning at approximately 10 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at Walla Walla Community College, 500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla. “These shows are always a highlight of the year for our community,” said Walla Walla City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain. “We invite everyone to join us to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.” Pyrotechnics firm Western Display of Canby, Oregon, will produce the show, which...
“Disclosure Day” is Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi thriller about the lead-up to a worldwide revelation that humanity is not alone. The film follows a TV meteorologist and a whistleblower whose actions could expose proof of extraterrestrial life, sparking global consequences. Teased as a blend of mystery, tension, and Spielberg’s signature wonder, it’s set to deliver spectacle, big ideas, and emotional impact, making it one of 2026’s most anticipated releases. The cast includes Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo....
WAITSBURG — Waitsburg Commercial Club and Waitsburg Town Hall have invited all 2026 candidates for Walla Walla County Offices and Legislative District 16, Positions 1 & 2, to a candidate forum on Wednesday, July 8. The event at Waitsburg Town Hall will begin with an informal meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. Moderators Virginia Romine and Joy Smith will start the forum at 6:30 p.m. Each candidate will have two minutes to introduce themselves to the audience. After introductions, the audience will be invited to ask questions of specific candidates...
WAITSBURG - The Waitsburg Commercial Club organized a free watch party at the Waitsburg Farigrounds to cheer the U.S. team as it beat Australia, 2 -0, in a World Cup soccer game on Friday, June 19. The game was the US team's second match and its first played in Seattle for the 2026 World Cup. The USMNT opened the tournement with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay l advancing the team to Round 32. It marks the team's first group‑stage topping since 2010. The commercial club hosted over thirty people...
PORTLAND — Statewide fire restrictions remain in effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington. Many local regions have additional restrictions in place. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures posted at the BML website https://tinyurl.com/mu8dp2us. Visitors should research their destinations in advance, as restrictions vary by location and jurisdiction. The use of fireworks, exploding or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer...
WAITSBURG — Celebrate the country’s 250th Anniversary on Saturday, the July 4th, at the Bruce House. Children of all ages are invited to decorate their bikes and meet at the bank parking lot before noon to be in the parade with the Veterans. Enjoy a free lunch and flag raising...
Karen Huwe is coaching the Waitsburg Parks and Recreation's soccer camp in Preston Park on Tuesday morning. (l – r) Ana Pennington, Karen Huwe, Maddie Severe, Kaitlyn Miller, Emma Zuger, Stella Severe, and Walker...
Fifteen Years Ago June 30, 2011 Waitsburg-Prescott graduate Kris Cady got the opportunity of a lifetime when he played in the Washington State Football Coaches Association East-West all star game in Yakima this weekend. The West won the game 23-14. The Earl Barden Classic was played at Zaepfel Stadium and consisted of some of the best football players in the 1A, 1B and 2A divisions in the State of Washington. The players were selected by the coaches association. Farmers in the Touchet Valley...
Recently, while preparing for a dear friend's birthday celebration, I came across a recipe for an old-fashioned buttermilk cake. After adding orange zest to accentuate the tangy flavor of the buttermilk, the resulting cake was rich and moist with a perfect texture. Topped with an orange infused cream cheese frosting, this cake was a smashing hit with the guests of the party, and most importantly the birthday girl. This week, I plan on making this cake again for another summer birthday of...
Betty Branson October 11, 1937 – June 16, 2026 Betty passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 16, 2026. She loved her God and her family, her entire life. She cared for each of them in many different ways. Proceeded in death by her parents, Jay and Fern Weeks; brother, James Weeks; sister, Donna Jean Smith; and son, Brad Branson. Family, Kathy Payne, her sister; children, Lary and Nadine Branson; Greg and Kelly Zuger. Grandchildren: Shannon, Brittany, Jace, Justin, Zion, Cade, and eight Great Grandchildren. A graveside memorial will...
Thursday, Dec. 11 Breakfast Pancake on a stick Lunch Chicken Alfredo Breadstick Fruit and Vegetable Friday, Dec. 12 Breakfast Breakfast Burrito Lunch Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza Fruit & Vegetable Monday, Dec. 15 Breakfast Breakfast Pizza Lunch Hamburger Tater Tots Fruit & Vegetable Tuesday, Dec. 16 Breakfast Biscuits & Gravy Lunch Nachos Fruit & Vegetables Wednesday, Dec. 17 Breakfast Ultimate Breakfast Round Lunch Turkey Sandwich Fruit &...
