Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
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Ray and I are celebrating one year of homeownership with a Vicki-and-Daniel style standoff; it's even garden-related! Ray works for one of the biggest agriculture-chemical supply companies in the area as a service manager. He knows all the ins and outs of various fertilizers, weed control chemicals, ground sterilizers, and basically anything applied by tractor or plane. It has become second nature for him to try and apply that knowledge at home. While I understand the need for chemicals when it...
WAITSBURG-Waitsburg Celebration Days, always the third weekend in May, is peaking over the horizon. After two years of event cancellations, a new Board of Directors has planned a jam-packed weekend to make up for their absence. Representing the Waitsburg Celebration Days as hostess are two local ladies, Ashlyn Brooks, of Waitsburg, and Hope Adkins, of Dayton. The hostesses are tasked with being the face of Waitsburg Celebration Days, and traveling to local parades and other events to promote...
WAITSBURG—The Waitsburg City Council met on Wednesday, April 20, for a regularly scheduled meeting. April was the first month that the council offered a Zoom option. The option will be available for future meetings, and log-in information is provided at www.cityofwaitsburg.com with upcoming meeting agendas. Those using Zoom said it was difficult to hear. The city is exploring options to improve the online sound quality for future meetings. Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office (WWCSO) pro...
Listening to Jolene while working a 9-5 might be where your mind goes when you think of Dolly, but mine goes straight to books. In December 2021, The Times received a press release from the United Way of the Blue (UWBM) Mountains, announcing that the Dolly Parton Imagination Library would be making its way to the children in the UWBM coverage area. Since I am a reporter with a young child, I volunteered to sign Gracie up for the upcoming Imagination Library program. I had forgotten about it...
DAYTON—Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Since 1995, the Columbia County Community Network, ComNet, has provided “umbrella” agreements under its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to local organizations that cannot afford or maintain non-profit status or waiting to file for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt determination. ComNet Board President Vicki Zoller explained that under the ComNet umbrella, smaller entities can apply for grants as a 501(c)(...
Bill and Teresa Ayotte have brought the beloved cafe back to Dayton DAYTON-After more than a year, Dayton-area golfers and foodies alike can finally enjoy their favorite Chicken Bill burger, breakfast, or chicken fried steak once again. Returning to the Touchet Valley Golf Course after taking a pandemic-year off, Chicken Bill's Cafe had its soft opening on March 31, and owners Bill and Teresa Ayotte have been busy ever since. "It's been so busy!" Ayotte said. "So many familiar faces are back."...
DAYTON—Drivers, prepare for a speed limit change on South Touchet Road in Dayton. Columbia County Commissioners voted to lower the speed limit from 50 to 35 miles per hour for certain sections of the road, and down to 40 mph for others. The need to reduce the speed limit is in part due to the density of driveways, intersections, cyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized transportation in the first mile of S. Touchet Rd., according to county engineer Jeremy Weiland. During the public c...
DAYTON—Columbia County is just one of many Washington government entities that received a Public Record Request from self-proclaimed ‘government transparency advocate’ Eric Hood. The state Public Records Act requires that state and local agencies disclose all records to the public unless the law specifically exempts them. Agencies must reply to requests within five business days to give an estimate of when records will be available and later provide a log to explain any redactions or exemp...
WAITSBURG-The Waitsburg City Council met for its regular meeting on March 23, 2022. Councilmembers Jim Romine and Jillian Henze were unable to attend the meeting. Mayor Marty Dunn, Councilmembers Kevin House, Court Ruppenthal, and Randy Charles were present. Twelve community members attended the meeting. After holding a brief public hearing, the council voted to vacate a defunct alleyway and give ownership to Paul and Karen Gregutt, who own the adjacent property. The alley has no utilities...
When Kate Hockersmith convinced me to join her music group after school in 2010, I never thought I'd be writing about it in The Times more than a decade later. I spent much of my childhood inspired by the Blue Mountain Troublemakers, a bluegrass band led by Hockersmith, who traveled as far as Sasayama, Japan (Walla Walla's sister city), to perform. Walking into the Hockersmith home as a peewee 4-H'er, I was awestruck by the music flowing out of the basement. The Troublemakers formed in 2003,...
WAITSBURG-A lack of volunteers at the Columbia-Walla Walla Fire District 2 has had an ongoing impact on the community it serves, primarily Waitsburg. Fire Commissioner Ashley Strickland cannot stress enough that emergency medical volunteers are in dire need in the area, especially those who can respond to daytime calls. Still, it's not just Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) that are being sought. If being at the forefront of saving lives or battling flames is not your thing, the department...
WAITSBURG-Spring is in the air, and there is opportunity at the upcoming Waitsburg Friday Market. Formerly the Waitsburg Farmers Market, the small outdoor market opened last year with a handful of local vendors, including Whoop'em Up Hollow Farms, Bread Head, and Dusty Britches Farm. This year, organizers are making changes as it prepares for opening day. Nancy's Dream Garden owners, Doug Biolo and Janet Lawrence, are the market's managers, and owner of Dusty Britches Farm, Noelle Olson, is the...
WAITSBURG-Since accepting bids for two properties on Main Street last month, the city sees the surplus process coming to an end by the March City Council meeting. The sale of 124 Main Street, the lot that the City of Waitsburg purchased as a pocket park in 2018, was tabled in November after the council questioned the real estate policy and its lack of flexibility in accepting bids. The first call for bids gave the city only three options after receiving qualified bids: accept the highest offer,...
WAITSBURG-It was a full house on Saturday night at the Royal Block, when a crowd of more than 30 gathered for a book reading by local author Markeeta Little Wolf's from her new book, The Wrestler's Daughter. Little Wolf knows how to hold an audience, and the Royal Block has continued to create a space that works well for readings and live music. With Little Wolf, you get both. Sound system checked, podium in place, and a petite guitar on its stand, she launched into an entertaining introduction...
DAYTON-The Columbia County Rural Library District welcomes the WSU Extension's Master Gardening Program for a four-week intro into all things gardening, starting with the dirty work- literally! The program begins on March 7 and the first Monday of each month, through June. Director of Library Services Todd Vandenbark said the first class would be about seeds and soil. An introduction to soil, additives, composting, and the benefit of worms will be the second session's topic, and the third...
Prescott finds solutions to bring swimming and drowning prevention training to students. PRESCOTT-Students at Prescott Schools will soon be headed to the Walla Walla YMCA for swimming, CPR, and first aid courses. WWYMCA Executive Director Karen Hedine shared that the new program was made possible through a Community Impact Grant, offered by the Sherwood Trust. Hedine said the grant supports two primary objectives: Providing drowning prevention and swim lessons for all Prescott School District...
PRESCOTT—Flat tires, locked doors, and empty gas tanks are just a few common car troubles that Roadside Northwest can help with. Brian Danaher said that he founded Roadside Northwest in 2014, after he worked various jobs in auto shops and service stations. He said he left the car repair industry because, at the time, it was notorious for trying to sell services that customers didn’t need. He was working for a roadside service company in Hillsboro, Ore., and upon leaving that job, he took his las...
WAITSBURG-Sales agreements will be negotiated with the city for two Main Street properties after bids were accepted at the February 16 Waitsburg City Council meeting. Mayor Marty Dunn, Councilmembers Jillian Henze, Jim Romine, Randy Charles, and Kevin House were in attendance. Councilmember Court Ruppenthal was not available for the meeting. During the public comment portion, Tom Bennett asked if there was a way to address the dog waste left on the sidewalks and in the alley behind his building...
WAITSBURG—The Waitsburg School Board met Thursday, February 17, for a regular monthly meeting. Board members Christy House, Stephanie Cole, Lisa Morrow, Carol Clarke, and Sarah Boudrieau were all present. Secondary Principal Stephanie Wooderchak had a short report this month, sharing that the ski days had beautiful weather so far, and the kids were enjoying their time at Ski Bluewood. Wooderchak said the Social Studies curriculum committee had been meeting to determine if there is a need for a...
WAITSBURG-Wine enthusiasts, art lovers, and musicians have all enjoyed the opening of the Royal Block, in Waitsburg last year. Preparing for the third book reading in less than a month signals the interest in the new venue from local authors and readers alike. The Times columnist Brad Trumbo debuted his book, Wingshooting the Palouse, earlier this month at the Royal Block with a book signing event. The evening was well-attended by readers, upland game hunters, friends, and curious folks drawn...
Makaiwi Wachter is serving the Waitsburg, Dayton, Walla Walla, and Prescott area WAITSBURG-If that honey-do list just keeps getting longer, it may be time to change over to a handyman-do list. Coppei Creek Handyman Services is ready to lend a hand, whether your deck needs refinishing or the unruly TV cables are driving you crazy. Originally from the Vancouver, Washington area, Makaiwi Wachter pursued a career in hospitality, working in the food and wine industry. That field landed him in Dayton,...
WAITSBURG—The Waitsburg Community Health and Protection Committee met for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 15. The six committee members, Jillian Henze, Bill Rodgers, Lanny Adams, Cameron Hedges, Jim Romine, and Terry Lawhead, tuned in to the Zoom meeting. Chairperson Jillian Henze started the meeting with a brief update on the COVID-19 situation in Walla Walla County, sharing that positivity rates seem to be going down in the area. As of Monday, February 14, there were 886 Walla...
DAYTON—The Columbia County Commissioners met Monday, February 7, for a regular meeting. Equipment use and acquisition, and real estate acquisition were a few of the topics covered. The commissioners were presented with a real estate acquisition firm recommendation, signed by the County Engineer and the acting Public Works Director, for needs related to three projects; Bowman Grade, Barnes Smith Bridge, and Starbuck Bridge projects; for the necessary right of way acquisition. Hiring a real e...
DAYTON-Hail, fire, and drought are all words that make farmers shudder. Thankfully, farmers in the Touchet Valley can have a little more peace of mind, thanks to Obenland and Low. Pomeroy residents Tara and Adam Hodges are the owners of Obenland and Low Agency, offering small and large farm insurance, equine insurance, and home and auto insurance. The original company was founded in 1921 by C.E Obenland and became Obenland and Low in 1981. The couple purchased the agency in 2013 and has...
