Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 2534
To the Editor, I spent 45 years living in Walla Walla County, and serving its citizens was one of the greatest privileges of my career. Even though I no longer live there, I’ll always care about the community and the people who call it home. That’s why I’m taking the time to write this. I’ve known Richard Schram since 2007, when I was hired as a Deputy with the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office. Over the years, I worked beside him on a wide range of cases, from death investigations and homicides to drug warrants and everything in between....
To the editor, Joe and I are voting for Tim Reeves for Walla Walla County Auditor. We believe he has the knowledge and experience to be an exceptional auditor. His priorities, as stated on his website, are: Build trust with County Commissioners, peers, and staff Promote customer service in county licensing and recording operations. Ensure detailed and timely reporting of county finances Embrace technology to streamline processes and reduce costs Protect the integrity of the election process These priorities align with our values. His work as...
To the editor, I’ve known Richard Schram for over 11 years now. I was with the Sheriff’s Office from November 2014 until December 2022 when I retired as Chief Civil Deputy. I watched Richard from the time he was a patrol deputy, to a sergeant and then to become the Chief Criminal Deputy. Richard has worked as the Chief Criminal Deputy under the last two Sheriffs and has developed outstanding leadership abilities. Richard knows how to run the agency at its best and always takes into consideration the needs of the community for whom he ser...
To the editor, During this election for Sheriff, many letters have noted Richard Schram’s leadership, devotion, professionalism, and vision for the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office. I agree with every word. But let me tell you about something that matters just as deeply: how Richard handles his mistakes. This job will humble you. No one escapes it entirely. We’ve all said the wrong thing or damaged a relationship. We’re only human. When it happens, the whole agency watches to see what kind of person you really are — especially with prov...
To the Editor: I’m impressed that Reeves has set himself five goals when elected auditor: Re-establish trust with county commissioners and staff. Provide accurate monthly reporting of county finances. (As of July 17, no expense reporting was available for 2026.) It is impossible for commissioners to plan without timely and accurate reports. Improve customer service. Leverage Technology. Reeves is already familiar with Workday, the new data management software that will be implemented in the auditor’s office. Protect election integrity and priva...
To the Editor: I am proud to fully endorse and support Richard Schram as sheriff for the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office. As a sergeant with the Sheriff’s Office, I have the opportunity to see Richard’s dedication to Walla Walla County firsthand. He repeatedly demonstrates his priority on the community and the deputies. He leads by example with service, putting others before himself. Richard has the experience needed to be sheriff. He progressed from deputy to sergeant to chief deputy under two sheriffs. Richard is Co-SWAT Commander of ou...
To the Editor: As a former WWSO deputy and current police chief, I believe I have a good understanding of what it takes to lead a law enforcement agency. I am proud to join so many respected law enforcement and community members in endorsing Richard Schram for sheriff of Walla Walla County. I have witnessed firsthand the passion, knowledge, and good judgment he brings to the office. He truly cares about the community and the men and women of WWSO. He has dedicated himself to continued education, exemplified by his completion of the FBI...
To the Editor Much like the way it felt to go into the Walla Walla County Democratic Headquarters every day last year before Kamala Harris was the nominee, I had little excitement for the field this cycle for CD5 until David Womack entered the race. In a state with a “jungle primary”, which moves the top two vote-getters to the General election, this ballot is crucial. Some say the candidate with the most money should win. Some say the candidate with the loudest voice should win. I say the candidate with the best qualifications, character and...
I am pleased to endorse Richard Schram for Walla Walla County Sheriff. During my tenure as Walla Walla County Emergency Management Director, I worked closely with Richard while he served as Chief Deputy for the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout that time, he consistently demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and a strong commitment to public service. In emergency situations, where sound judgment and steady leadership are critical, Richard was someone I could always depend on. He approached challenges calmly, worked e...
To the editor It is with great pleasure that I endorse Richard Schram for Walla Walla County Sheriff. I met Richard eight years ago while making the transition from a neighboring agency and continuing my law enforcement career here in Walla Walla. I immediately recognized three distinct leadership traits embodied by Richard. First, he presented himself in a professional manner and carried himself with confidence. Second, Richard maintained a positive attitude and made me feel welcome. Lastly, Richard took pride in his uniform. I served...
To the editor, Tim Reeves, candidate for WW County Auditor, has the experience and leadership to do a stellar job. I met Tim when he first arrived in Walla Walla and was impressed by how quickly and fully he embraced our community. He immediately served on the City Parks and Rec Committee and the Walla Walla Arts Collaborative Board and participated in our Civics and Police Citizen Academies. He regularly attends County Commissioner meetings and myriad other community gatherings to learn and contribute. He is kind, a listener, and a man of...
I am honored to announce my support for Richard Schram for the next Sheriff of Walla Walla County. I have known Richard for over 20 years. In that time, he became one of the most respected leaders that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Richard stands out as a mentor to all who know and work with him. He is highly praised by other law enforcement professionals in the Walla Walla Valley and throughout the state of Washington and across this great country in which we live. In my 43-year law enforcement career, I have literally worked...
Letter to the Editor: I am extremely proud to endorse Richard Schram for Sheriff. Richard has the experience, knowledge, and understanding of the issues in Walla Walla County, making him the right choice for Sheriff. I’ve known him since 2016 and he has shown absolute commitment to safeguarding the lives, property, and individual liberties for all people in Walla Walla. When I first met Richard, I immediately knew he was someone I could trust. He is dedicated to serving the community in ways that are hard to fathom. When Richard does s...
To the editor, I am proud to give my full endorsement to Richard Schram for Sheriff. As a deputy, I have personally witnessed Richard’s leadership during some of the most challenging times for the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office. Through changing conditions at both the county and state levels, Richard has consistently provided steady guidance, strong decision-making, and a commitment to improving the agency. There is no better choice to lead this office because Richard has already been leading from within, helping the department grow str...
Walla Walla Community- I am proud to endorse Richard Schram for Sheriff. Having worked with Richard for many years, I’ve seen firsthand the kind of leader and person he is. He leads with integrity, professionalism and genuine care for the people he serves. Richard has always put others before himself and approaches every situation with fairness, honesty and competence. As Chief Deputy, Richard provides guidance and support to those around him while leading by example every day. He is approachable, dependable and committed to helping others g...
To the Editor I was horrified to see your front page photo of junk candy sold at our New Dollar General. Our community deserves better options to healthy affordable foods not just cheap sugar. Obesity rates for children and teenagers have reached record highs. What do WA DOH and HHS have to say about the nutritional and health value of these products? Sincerely, Susan Hosticka Dayton, Washington...
Letter to the Editor Thank you, Joan, and all the volunteers who hatched the Spaghetti Fundraiser for the Prescott School earlier this month. Mamma mia, only Pavarotti could sing your praises more eloquently. Egg-cellent job making too much spaghetti! How did you know that wheat-flavored worms are our most treasured treat? Please, we beg you do it again. We will provide the eggs, promise. P.S. Joan, you’re im-peck-able! Merry Christmas, The Hens of Eternal Farm Waitsburg, Was...
To the Editor, Due to a recent health issue with my husband and my continued care for my mother, Dave and I have had a challenge keeping up with our yard work. All was manageable until the leaves all fell into our yard after the first frost. It was a huge comfort to be able to call on Nicole Abel’s Waitsburg FFA students to ask for help with leaf raking. In two visits, our front yard was leaf-free; the students had labored in true efficiency- my dad would have called it excellent workmanship. This was a reminder of how important healthy, v...
Letter to the Editor To the citizens of our beautiful Dayton, I’d like the opportunity as your elected Mayor to address a few situations and clarify some things that have recently been floating around the different channels of information we have at our fingertips. Some folks prefer the newspaper, some prefer the internet, and others utilize good old-fashioned face-to-face conversation. Some things recently have made “headlines” on social media, spreading false information about the City’s Public Works Director, Ryan Paulson. He has only been h...
To the Editor, I am voting YES to approve the Waitsburg Parks and Recreation District (WPR) levy on Nov. 4. As a parent, community member, and WPR commissioner, there are many reasons why I support a new pool in Waitsburg. Camaraderie. For 100 years, Waitsburg had a swimming pool. It was a gathering place for family and friends. Kids rode their bikes to the pool, for lessons, to meet friends, to play, and to beat the heat. They picked up snacks and drinks at the grocery store on the way. Families had BBQs and cooled off in the pool. Adult swim...
To the Editor, Having attended most City Council Meetings since 2012, I have been impressed and appreciate the governance and commitment by Councilman House and Mayor Marty Dunn. Kevin House is the Service Branch Manager for McGregor Co. in Waitsburg. He and his wife, Christy, have raised two children who have attended Waitsburg Schools. Kevin supports school and FFA events, along with many community events, through membership in the Lions Club and the Waitsburg Commercial Club. Because of his participation in Waitsburg organizations and...
Letter to the Editor On Nov. 4th, Columbia County has the opportunity to vote YES on Proposition No. 1 to support a yearly levy towards having a functioning public swimming pool in Dayton. Once the pool is built, levy funds will be used for pool maintenance, repairs, staffing, and other necessary items needed for a public pool. Our elected Pool Commissioners have worked hard to start building the framework for our future pool. They had the soil tested and the pool building evaluated to make sure it is the logical place to rebuild a pool. They...
To the Editor, I served on the Waitsburg City Council with Kevin House for five years, and have known Kevin, his wife Christy, and their sons for many, many years. I want to recommend Kevin for this upcoming City Council election. Kevin has served on the Waitsburg City Council for 15 years and has gained extensive experience in the process. He works well with the other council members, the mayor, and the Waitsburg City staff. Knowing the history behind past decisions made at the city level can be very helpful in navigating the financial...
Letter to the Editor: Good people have been working to promote the Waitsburg swimming pool. Many generous people have already contributed money and time to this cause, and they are greatly appreciated. However, this generosity isn’t enough. We need to support the pool by passing the pool levy. I grew up swimming with friends at the Waitsburg pool. Besides the fun, everyone needs to learn to swim, not to mention the exercise and health benefits for our whole community. Thus, I ask again, please support the kids and the pool levy. Ann Ahler W...
To the editor, Thank you for the images; they are a real treat, and a trip down what is now a 60-year memory lane. Working in harvest, whether green peas or later grain, never seemed like work. It was an experience that most of the area participated in, and they were glad to. The photojournalism ties well to another story, the railroad. In my opinion, the natural owner of the railroad should be the Northwest Grain Growers. Not for any partisan or political reason, but for the back to the future...
