Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
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WAITSBURG — Since 2021, Columbia Walla Walla Fire District #2 has been looking for a full-time fire chief. The commissioners, volunteers, and community members have worked on a job description that would best serve the community. In February, the board hired Assistant Fire Chief Matt Spring to take over as chief. Spring is a Waitsburg resident with deep roots in the community and firefighting. “I grew up in a household watching my father work as a firefighter, then a fire chief, my entire childhood,” said Spring. Spring began volunteering in Wa...
This summer has been busy for fire and county emergency management departments. In July, there were fires that resulted in Level 3 evacuation orders. One fire went from Level 1 to Level 3 in eight minutes, according to Patrick Prucell, Walla Walla County Emergency Management Coordinator. Level 1–Be Ready to evacuate by having a plan and a go-kit ready. Level 2 – Be Set to evacuate at a moment’s notice, there is significant danger in the area, and it can change quickly. Level 3 – Go Now! Leave immediately, without delay. Do not stop to gather...
DAYTON - On August 2, The Scotsman, a new wedding and community events center in Dayton, officially opened. Emma Schutt, Kelli Schutt, and Gerrit DeVos did the honors at Saturday's ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by the Port of Columbia in celebration of their achievement. Guests were invited to tour the remodeled space and meet local vendors, including Hotel Hardware, Tipsy Boards, and Fifth & Willow, that are available for events at the new venue. DeVos, owner of DeVos Builders, said it...
DAYTON — This year’s “Superman” is not a remake of the 1978 movie with Christopher Reeve, but a new take inspired by the original. Director James Gunn adapts the story for the new DC universe. Updated with a quirky, socially conscious, and humanizing perspective, it introduces new characters to the DCU. This Superman is driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind. The cast includes David Corenswet as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. NPR critic Glen Weldon said, “James Gunn’s...
WAITSBURG — This summer, Waitsburg Parks and Recreation upped its game by offering a diverse series of free, fun summer camps. The series will wrap up with the Fly Casting Camp, cohosted with Palouse Outfitters on August 18, 19, and 20 at Preston Park. There will be one session per day, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., for all ages eight and up. “Fly fishing has been part of my life since I was 11 years old, tying flies in the garage. More than 30 years later, it’s what I do for a living. Fly fishing is more than just a sport around here. It’s closer...
WALLA WALLA — The City of Walla Walla launched its first Civics Academy, an interactive program designed to help residents gain a deeper understanding of local government operations and how they can participate in the process. Beginning on Oct. 2, 2025, the City of Walla Walla Civics Academy will offer participants a behind-the-scenes look at how the city’s departments work, how decisions are made, and how community members can become more involved with the city. “This program is about building connections and providing an opportunity for r...
Deveral Gail Milburn, former Dayton resident, passed away on July 10, 2025 in Anaconda, MT, after bravely battling a pulmonary disease. May her spirit find solace and peace beyond this life. Held in the hearts of all who loved her, Deveral will be deeply missed....
DAYTON – Columbia County Prosecuting Attorney Dale Slack is leaving the office on September 1, 2025. Slack was in private practice in Dayton for four years as a criminal defense attorney, and a contracted public defender in the Columbia County District and Superior Courts. Slack joined the prosecutor's office in 2015 as a deputy prosecuting attorney was elected to replace Prosecutor Rea Culwell in 2018. "One of the office's deputy prosecutors will fill the position until the Columbia County C...
MILTON-FREEWATER - For the first time, the Milton–Freewater Pioneer Posse will include a Junior Princess Court. The court consists of Waitsburg student Sydney Smith, Rylee Stowers from Prescott, Evangeline Pace, and Teagan Freemantle from Milton–Freewater. The Junior Princess Court is for girls aged 7 to 10 years old who can ride a horse on their own. The young princesses will join the Royalty Court to ride in the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days Parade on August 20. The Junior Princess Cou...
WAITSBURG - The week of July 28 was busy for many Waitsburg youth. A play in Dayton, a band concert in Walla Walla, Vacation Bible School in Waitsburg, and a basketball skills camp in the Tri-Cities. The Red Truck Tour, from the Missoula Children's Theatre, brought "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" to the Liberty Theater in Dayton. Two MCT directors worked with over 40 kids, including eight from Waitsburg, to learn lines, choreography, and build stage skills. In only one week, the students...
Jacque vacated his captain's seat to lean over the rear bench, head tucked into the hole by the screaming outboard. My immediate attention was drawn to the steering wheel and motor under the assumption that the boat would, at any moment, veer abruptly port or starboard, given no one was manning the controls. Against my better judgment to act immediately, I sat at the ready to course correct, should assistance be needed. Jacque reappeared momentarily to resume course toward a narrow cut between...
Fifteen Years Ago August 5, 2010 [Photo caption] TRADE SECRETS: Nicole West, an EMT with the Waitsburg Ambulance Service, shares safety tips with 4-year-old Dayton resident Tazie Betzler during Tuesday's Community Night Out in the Dayton City Park. Betzler returned the favor by telling West all about her temporary tattoo. Twenty-Five Years Ago August 3, 2000 Grain harvest in the Waitsburg and Prescott area is in full swing and yields and quality are reported to be excellent. Several yield...
The opening of Wolfing Coffee on Main St. in Waitsburg is getting closer as this week the building's exterior is being prepped for painting and the interior is framed and being drywalled....
