BRIEFS

SEATTLE BICYCLIST DIES

WALLA WALLA - Riding south with a friend on Middle Waitsburg Road Saturday, a 61-year-old Seattle woman was struck by a vehicle driven by a Dayton man, according to reports.

The woman, described as an avid cyclist, was identified as Sara Eustis. She died at a Walla Walla hospital later in the day, Sheriff's Office officials are quoted as saying in the Walla Walla Union Bulletin. She had been wearing a helmet.

The incident appears to have been an accident, involving a Dayton driver, Melvin Bohleen of 300 Cherry St. in Dayton, according to the newspaper.

CIRCUS TELEPHONE CAMPAIGN

DAYTON - Kicking off the ticket sales for the Carson & Barnes Circus shows on June 30 will be a phone calling campaign offering local businesses and professional groups blocks of tickets they can use for promotional purposes, an employee bonus or donation to disadvantaged children thorugh the Columbia County Community Network.

"We want the public to know that this telephone promotion is legitimate and one that the Dayton Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring," Chamber Director Claudia Nysoe said. For more information, call the Chamber at 509- 382-4825.

BUNKHOUSE SALVAGE BID

WAITSBURG - The Waitsburg City Council voted against a plan to let the local fire district use the former apple warehouse known as the "bunkhouse" east of the McGregor plant for a training exercise, citing numerous concerns about liability and the release of toxic materials in the aging structure.

Instead, the council decided to put out a bid to salvage companies to take the building down, possibly in exchange, whole or in part, for the valuable structural lumber. It might consider negotiating the release of the some of the lumber to local residents as part of a contract.

In other business at its regular Wednesday evening meeting last week, the council also voted to set up a special public meeting to discuss a U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers flood mitigation proposal for Coppei Creek and other flood control measures.

LIPIZZANER STALLIONS

WALLA WALLA - Tickets are on sale for Walla Walla performance of the renowned Lipizzaner Stallions scheduled at the Walla Walla County fairgrounds' rodeo arean on Sunday, June 5 at 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m.

The "Dancing White Stallions" present a spectacle of equestrian art and equine ballet seen by millions the world over, harkening back to a time when the horse was a symbol of grace and majesty.

Call 1-800-882-8258 for tickets or 509-527-3247 for show information.

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE

WAITSBURG - The public is invited to attend a Memorial Day Service conducted by the American Legion Post #35, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7021, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #35. The ceremony will be held on Monday, May 30, 2011 at 11 a.m., at the Veterans Memorial Wall in the Waitsburg City Cemetery, on East Eighth Street.

Stephan D. Xaudaro Jr., who serves as the Chief of Staff/ Military Operation Office for Naval Test Wing Pacific located at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, Calif., will be the featured speaker.

Commander Xaudaro hails from Kennewick. He graduated from Washington State University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematic Sciences and was commissioned an Ensign through NROTC. Following flight training in Corpus Christi, TX, CDR Xaudaro was designated a Naval Aviator June 1st, 1990.

Among the many deployments CDR Xaudaro has completed were to Misawa AFB, Japan, NAS Adak Alaska and Diego Garcia; and Aviano Italy.

In November of 2003 he reported to United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) in Norfolk VA, as a Joint Action Officer and Strategic Planner.

Commander Xaudaro's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, nine Air Medals to include five Individual Air Action Medals with the Combat 'V' and four Strike Flight Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and several other, personal, unit and campaign awards.

Stefan attended the ceremony last year when his father's name was dedicated to the wall. The Wall honors all deceased veterans who have served their country and are buried in the two Waitsburg cemeteries. All funds for this wall have been donated. Donations are welcomed for the future expense of adding names.

After the program, those attending are invited to a free Potato Bar in the Multipurpose Room at the Elementary School.