BRIEFS

ORV LAW BACK ON TABLE DAYTON - The ORV ordinance that went down on a split vote last month will be back on the Dayton City Council's agenda for a revote Monday night. Ordinance proponent Jeff Turner said he approached the city about the way the first vote was taken in the absence of Mayor Craig George, which meant Merle Jackson served as Mayor pro tem and abstained from voting. Turner argued that Jackson still should have voted in his capacity as a member of the council. To avoid getting into a legal debate about process, George said he decided to ask the council for a revote in his presence Monday night.

The controversial law is designed to allow legal access for ORVs on some Dayton city streets. It has drawn praise and opposition during past public hearings. Monday's vote would be for a first reading of the ordinance.

WAITSBURG'S FAME GROWS PORTLAND - The Sunday Oregonian this week featured Waitsburg in its Travel section with a brief story and many photos which can be viewed online at www.oregonlive.com/travel.

"Waitsburg, Wash., about 20 miles north of Walla Walla, has emerged as a small-town weekend destination with an Americana vibe and cutting edge eating and drinking estab­lishments," wrote Oregonian's Torsten Kjellstrand. Photos included shots at Laht Neppur Brewing Company, the Whoop Em Up Cafe, the Waitsburg Hardware and Mer­cantile and other downtown, about town and out-of-town locations.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE UNDER SCRUTINY

WALLA WALLA -Staff of the Walla Walla County Com­missioners' office, as well as in the sheriff's office and officeof the prosecuting attorney, have been dealing with inquiries regarding the status of the ongoing investigation of an em­ployee of the Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office by the State Auditor and the State Patrol, said county commissioner chair Gregg Loney. Loney states that the following notes are being provided to clear up some misinformation: 1. None of the candidates involved in the sheriff's election, or members of their families, are suspected of any wrongdo­ing.

2. A discrepancy was detected by Sheriff Michael Hum­phreys, and he requested the State Patrol and the State Audi­tor's office conduct an investigation.

It is not known how long these groups will take to com­plete their investigation. If the representatives of those entities believe any criminal activity occurred, they will refer a report to the Walla Walla County Prosecutor, who will then seek the assistance of the Criminal Division of the State Attorney General's Officeto handle the matter, Loney said.

LEADERS LOOK INTO AG HOUSING WALLA WALLA - The Washington State Farmworker Housing Trust's program, A Sustainable Bounty: Investing in Our Agricultural Future, reveals that half of the state's farm workers surveyed reported they either plan to leave agricultural work within the year or are uncertain how much longer they will continue to work in farming, yet 91 percent reported that more and better housing would encourage them to continue in farm work. The Trust is now releasing survey data that notes both farmers and farm workers help conserve Walla Walla's boun­ty and open space, and contribute over $340 million annually to the county's economy. The survey results also reveal that many Walla Walla farm workers and their families live in substandard and unafford­able housing. Nearly 70 percent of survey respondents are local residents while one-third travel from other places for harvest.

Local leaders, farm worker advocates, growers, and con­cerned citizens from the Walla Walla Valley will join the Trust at a community forum on Thursday, October 14, to discuss this survey of area farm workers and local efforts to improve farm worker housing conditions. The community forum is open to the public and will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Walla Walla Commu­nity College (Conference Center Room #185), 500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla. Please contact Rosalinda Mendoza at 206-389-2700 or visit www.farmworkerhousingtrust.org to attend the event.

LOCAL TIRE COLLECTION EVENT BURBANK - Households with members who can prove Walla Walla County residency with a valid driver's license will be able to dispose of up to 10 regular-sized car, light truck or motorcycle tires on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Burbank Fire Station, 460 W. Humorist Road. No tractor, large truck, other over-sized tires, or tires on rims or axles will be accepted. No tires will be accepted from businesses or other non-residential sources. Participants are reminded to make sure their load is secured before getting out on public roadways to avoid possible accidents caused by flying debris. The tire collection event is funded by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology's Waste Tire Re­moval Account which receives funds from the $1 fee charged on all new tires sold in the state. Information is available by calling 509-524-2617 or 509-524-4549.