Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
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[Editor's Note: This week we look back with fondness on the midterm elections just past and hear what some of the experts at national media organizations think about what happened.] In a pre-election interview with CNN earlier this week, Vice President Joe Biden told me that the "President and I have to figure out how to better communicate." That may be true, but what happened last night is not a communications problem. It's a governing problem. Almost 8 out of 10 voters who voted yesterday don't trust the government to do the right thing --...
My reams of Christmas music and my big down coat both come out midway through autumn. I'm one of those people easily wearied by cold, dreary weather (not to mention the accompanying cold, dreary college admissions deadlines), so as soon as it gets chilly enough to induce the blues, I consider it chilly enough to break out the carols. And the cookies, which warrant much less of an objection from my little brother. Some people I know (Hi, Mom!) can get downright scrooge-y when it comes to unseasonably early Christmas displays, the playing of...
This week marked a series of historical anniversaries that, while mostly unrelated, all played important parts in our county's and our state's histories. On Tuesday, we celebrated Veterans Day and honored the sacrifice of the men and women who have served in our armed forces. It was the 96th anniversary of the end of World War I. In fact, many countries in Europe and around the world celebrate November 11 as Armistice Day. Students in schools throughout the Touchet Valley honored veterans on Mon...
The Times invites readers to share their thoughts on our Opinion Page. Letters to the Editor can be emailed to us at editor@waitsburgtimes.comeditor@waitsburgtimes.com, or mailed to The Times at P.O. Box 97, Waitsburg, WA 99361. Letters can also be hand-delivered to our office. Letters should be no more than 400 words long. All letters must be signed by the writer(s) using their actual name, and complete contact information for each writer, including address and phone number must be included. We reserve the right to decline to publish any...
Just over a month ago, we decided it'd be a good idea to get a new cat. We wound up with a wide-eyed little tabby from Black Dog Rescue. (Actually, he's mostly white, but he has a couple big tabby colored spots.) For the first few days, he was a lump - he didn't move much, didn't eat anything, and made next to no noise, although he would purr loudly whenever he was petted. In an effort to get him to come out of his shell, I would pry him out of his kennel and sit for hours with that lump on my l...
I 'm excited to announce my new column, "Q&A with Cathy." I hope you'll submit any questions you may have - whether about the government, jobs, health care, or anything else - and I'll answer them in this series. You can email your questions to QandAwithCathy@mail.house. gov. I look forward to hearing from you! -Cathy Can the Sales Tax Deduction be extended to the citizens of the State of Washington when filing our income tax? Almost a quarter of Americans live in states that do not have an...
(Stating the issue) As pastors and church leaders in the Touchet Valley, we recognize the presence of domestic violence and sexual assault in our communities; and the economic, social, and spiritual costs to persons and families. (Defining the issue for ourselves and the community) We recognize that domestic violence refers to a pattern of violent and/or manipulative behavior exercised by one adult in an intimate relationship over another, and may include physical, sexual and psychological forms of abuse; and that sexual assault refers to...
Dear Editor, During his first term as Walla Walla County Sheriff, John Turner has ably demonstrated his ability to work with the commissioners, persevering through disagreements to make the case for essential department upgrades, garner support for new procedures and equipment to keep his team and our communities safe, and manage the department's assets, personnel, and finances wisely. His list of supporters for re-election reads like a "Who's Who" of law enforcement, current and retired, within his department, the county, and throughout our...
Dear Editor, The Board of Directors of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the hospital bond because it is imperative to sustaining the community's quality of life and its economic viability. For the Chamber Board, economic growth is not our only concern. The wellbeing and sustainability of the community is also paramount, and this bond addresses just that. Having sufficient health care services is vital to the community and this bond is a creative and long-term solution to addressing the problems that threaten its very existence....
Dear Editor, We are writing to urge your support of the upcoming levy for the important work of the Columbia County Public Hospital District. When one of your residents is in need of emergency or specialty care, they frequently end up in one of our hospitals. It is the initial response and coordinated treatment they receive in Dayton that is crucial to their recovery. Providence St. Mary and Kadlec have worked very closely with the health professionals in your community to make sure your residents receive the best care possible. Supporting...
Dear Editor, We are voting YES for the hospital levy! We are paying the levy tax by not buying a cup of restaurant coffee a week for 52 weeks, assuming the tax would be $100. Other ways are to determine how many lattes, mochas etc. we need to deny ourselves to pay the extra tax. Which would you rather have: a hospital where you can get emergency, stabilizing help in an emergency or a cup of restaurant coffee a week for a year? Your choice! As for us, we are denying a cup of restaurant coffee a week for a year. Jan and Owen Agenbroad...
Dear Editor, As a local gunsmith and federally licensed firearms dealer, I have some knowledge of the procedures involved in transferring firearms, and I urge you to vote no on Initiative 594. The advertisements in favor of the initiative disingenuously state that there are no background checks on sales or transfers of firearms related to gun shows or internet purchases. This is absolutely false. Every gun bought over the internet will first go to a dealer like me, who then runs a background check before the firearm is transferred to the...
Dear Editor, Waitsburg is a unique "one-of-akind" community. The Commercial Club, Waitsburg's Chamber of Commerce, has represented the business community of Waitsburg for over 100 years. A big part of the Commercial Club mission is to remind community members of the importance of supporting local businesses to maintain our economic diversity. Waitsburg has many valuable components that help to make our community self sustaining and attractive to businesses and people relocating, and to visitors to our city. We are able to offer groceries seven...
Dear Editor, "What would you like to see in a good county commissioner?" A question my friend Dale Johnson has asked as he dialogues with the voters. My answer is to see Dale as a good new county commissioner. Dale has shown that in his work as a responder to disasters. He assisted a multi-faith group rebuild a home for a fire survivor in White Swan near Yakima; a demonstration of his interest and ability to use his construction talents to help people. We worked in New Jersey for nearly a month to help survivors of Hurricane Sandy. Our main...
Dear Editor, I am writing to encourage you to vote "YES" for the hospital levy. I have had a strong relationship with the hospital for the past 50 plus years. I have been a volunteer for the past 12 years, was an employee in the late '60s, and Fred was a 25- year board member. At the time the hospital was built there was a need for surgery, nursery and in-patient care. Over the years, healthcare has changed, especially for rural hospitals. We now have few in-patients, no surgery or nursery, but the physical therapy, lab, emergency and imaging d...
Dear Editor, I would like to state that I have worked with Merle Jackson for 18 years and have found him to be a very dedicated supervisor and knowledgeable advisor. He listens and gathers facts. He takes exceptional notes and acts on the pros and cons by asking the right questions and finding out what he doesn't know. As a longtime citizen of Columbia County, he will be sure that your concerns are listened to and acted on. He is committed to act in the best interests of the citizens of Columbia County. With his financial and engineering...
Dear Editor, Sheriff Turner has delivered a sorely needed and welcome upgrade to his department so appreciated by his hard working staff. We are fortunate to have him. I for one am grateful for the high education and years of law enforcement experience our current, successful Sheriff brings to the office. Please be careful. Research your facts. Then join me in voting for Sheriff Turner and keep Walla Walla county growing forward. Pat Stanley Matthews Walla Walla...
Dear Editor, I am writing to urge your support to reelect Rea Culwell as Columbia County Prosecutor. Rea serves Columbia County well and understands the duties and responsibilities of the Prosecutor. She has gone above and beyond the duties required of the position and realizes the importance of keeping current on Washington State law. In addition she cares about our community and is an active community member who has volunteered her time and expertise to make our county a better place for all. Rea was instrumental in helping secure our...
Dear Editor, While working a jury trial in Dayton, I had the privilege of working with Rea Culwell who was the Prosecuting Attorney for the case. She was prepared at all times and for all eventualities. She was knowledgeable of Washington state law and court rules. She treated all members of the court with respect. Rea is very educated and I believe she will continue to serve the people of Columbia County with passion and proficiency. I strongly urge a vote to re-elect Rea Culwell Prosecuting Attorney. Penny Blackburn Walla...
Dear Editor, My name is Richard Schram, and I have been a full time employee of the Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office since 2003. I began my career as a Corrections Officer in the jail and, in 2004, was promoted to patrol. I have lived in the Prescott, Walla Walla and Burbank communities as a resident deputy. For years, Sheriff Humphreys ran unopposed and everything was simply status quo within the department, even though the times and neighboring law enforcement agencies around us evolved. Sheriff Turner saw the desperate need to bring us...
Dear Editor, This is what is happening in our 5th Congressional District: One in five citizens rely on food stamps; unemployment is 30% higher than the national average; one in six people live below the Federal Poverty Level. These statistics will only worsen if we see Social Security and Medicare whittled at. If Cathy McMorris Rodgers would spend more time with her constituents instead of traveling around the country raising money for other Republicans, she might be more aware of the needs of her district and the above appalling statistics....
Dear Editor, I am writing this letter in support of Merle Jackson for the position of County Commissioner of Columbia County. I feel that Merle has the most experience in financial matters, how the county runs, and the pulse of the community. It is important to have experience in these three areas. Our county budget is around $18,000,000. The Commissioners determine how this money is allocated. Merles background in managing the family farm and in managing large projects for the nuclear energy industry will make the financial learning curve for...
