Michael Bates Retires

WALLA WALLA - Walla Walla Countty Commissioners invite the public to attend a retirement open house for Michael “Mike” Bates on Tues., Dec. 19 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the County Public Health and Legislative Building located at 314 W. Main.

Bates, who currently holds the position of Director of Corrections, plans to retire on Dec. 31. Bates began work with the county as an adult probation officer in 1975 and was promoted to assistant director in 1978. In 1989, he became the Director of the Walla Walla County Court Services Department. The Juvenile Justice Center was opened under his direction in 1997.

In 2015, Bates was name the Director of the Department of Corrections, which includes the Walla Walla County Jail and the Juvenile Justice Center.