The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Ten Years Ago

January 25, 2007

Columbia County resident Brian Black has long held a vision of a memorial that would help honor all of the local veterans who have served their country. As it turns out, this is a vision that many want to help become reality. Several years ago, Waitsburg constructed a Veterans Memorial Wall, which was paid for by donations. Black, who helped fly a large American flag over East Main and Fifth streets during All Wheels Weekend several years ago, would like to see another memorial constructed in Dayton.

Waitsburg Commercial Club met January 16, 2007 with 31 people attending. The drawing of $18.50 was won by Laurette McCaw. She was present. Dues of $10 are due. Calendars are still for sale – there are 54 left – and are at the Mall, Cenex store, Delta Connection and American West Bank. Betty Branson thanked the Club for the generous donation to the Food Bank…Jeff Broom and Loyal Baker reported on the progress of the Waitsburg Community Revitalization Committee and the Streetscape Committee.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

January 23, 1992

The Days of Real Sport expects higher quality horse racing than in past years for the annual event in Waitsburg in May. Neil Carpenter, a member of the board of directors of the Days of Real Sport, said the local event will be able to offer larger purses for the races because of a special fund set up to help smaller tracks attract quality race horses.

Waitsburg Elementary School will hold its first science fair in May. Grade kindergarten through sixth are scheduled to participate and display science projects made by entire classes or by individual students. “The elementary school would like to get more students interested in science,” said Roseann Delp, a master’s degree candidate at WSU, who is an intern at the school and has been assigned to coordinate the program.

Joan Hays, Waitsburg City Clerk and long-time emergency dispatcher, was honored by Commercial Club Tuesday night for her dedication to the city in performing her duties. She was presented with a plaque by C-Club President Don Wills.

Fifty Years Ago

January 19, 1967

Roy Reed took his first Tahitian dance lesson at the Elks Club in Walla Walla last Friday night, taught by a very lovely young lady from the South Seas. From other Waitsburgites in the crowd, we learned that Roy was a most willing pupil.

Dick Harper, Bob Patton, Chuck Thompson and Vernon Marll of the Columbia County Wheat Growers introduced a measure before the National Wheat Convention I Seattle. The resolution would form a committee to explore means of better financing for a stronger national organization.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sickles entertained their bridge club Saturday night. They were assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Danforth. What started out as a sedate bridge party turned into a rousing surprise “farewell” party for Glen and Ginger Hofer. The Hofers are leaving on January 26 to make their home in Washington D. C., where he will be associated with the National Association of Wheat Growers.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

January 23, 1942

Citizens of Waitsburg responded so enthusiastically with their vote Tuesday of 329 to 3 in favor of the $30,000 bond issue to improve the water system and insure that the Bozeman Canning Co. will start construction of their new plant immediately.

Fire causing $5,000 worth of damage raged through Allen’s Red and White Store at 3 a.m. Thursday morning.

Ivan and Andy Keve were badly cut and bruised when their car turned over near Athena this weekend. Miss Juanita who was driving with her brothers, was un-injured.

One Hundred Years Ago

January 26, 1917

Floyd Steele, younger son of Mrs. Ella Steele, of this city, arrived home last Wednesday on furlough from the Battleship West Virginia.

The famous Washington State College Glee Club will appear here Monday, Feb. 5. Verl Keiser is a member of the Glee Club.

One of the dogs on the Amos Pettyjohn farm below Prescott had to be killed last week, owing to its queer actions, it being thought that rabies was the cause.

F. O. Cox, Grand Master Workman of the State of Washington, left Sunday for a three week’s trip to Sound Points, where he will officially visit a number of A. O. U. W. lodges.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

January 29, 1892

Ed Deveney last Friday sold his ranch north of the city to Lewis Neace, consideration $4,800.

Diptheria is said to be prevalent at Covello, in Columbia County. Several deaths have already been reported.

N. L. Davis, the man who is responsible for the superior quality of the Huntsville flour, was in the city Friday night.

Oakesdale is now lighted by electricity. Waitsburg must follow the example of her younger sisters in this matter. We must all work for it.