The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Ten Years Ago

June 14, 2012

Most 21-year-old men can’t be described using words like selfless, kind and determined but then, Kristofer Wilbur isn’t like most 21-year-old men. Wilbur is a special-needs adult living in Dayton. He has seen his share of hurdles, but he doesn’t let his special needs set him back. In 2007 Wilbur joined the Blue Mountain Stampeders, a Special Olympics team based in Walla Walla. On the team, he runs, walks, throws shot put and brings home medals. “Track is fun and rewarding,” Wilbur said. “I like to see all of my friends and make new ones.”

Twenty-Five Years Ago

June 19, 1997

[Photo Caption] These Waitsburg FFA members were honored for their participation in the local organization at the FFA Annual Banquet June 11. Jane Conover, left, was awarded with the Star Chapter Farmer. Jacob Smith, center, received two awards, the Outstanding Senior Award and Outstanding Member Award. Emily Seney was recognized as the chapter’s Star Greenhand.

Fifty Years Ago

June 15, 1972

Two of our favorite “Golden Agers” are Mr. and Mrs. Orlie Katsel, who celebrated their 60th anniversary last Sunday. The Times cameraman was not able to get to the festivities, but chose rather to show them as they look at home. “Schucks, Orlie, people might not recognize you without your striped overalls.” Everyone should be fortunate enough to have in their memory bank a set of grandparents like the Katsels. Both of them love music, and are willing to perform. They have been active in the “Blue Mountain Hillbillies,” where Orlie plays a “fiddle” and Lida chords on the piano. Orlie plays the harmonica, mandolin, banjo, and a Jew’s harp. His good Jew’s harp is broken, and the ones they make nowadays “can’t hold the tune.” The Katsels have scads of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with a house full of pictures that they show proudly. It’s a pleasure to visit them and “jest set a spell.”

Seventy-Five Years Ago

June 20, 1947

Kenneth B. Hays received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon for work in Physical Education.

Jack Miller, Waitsburg jockey, died of injuries received in a Pomeroy horse race.

Lassie Smith and Janey Collins are attending Camp Fire Camp at Sweyolakan.

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Switzer (Doris Johnson) and daughter have moved to Dayton where they are farming.

One Hundred Years Ago

June 16, 1922

Lloyd and Barnes, Geo. McClure and other owners of racehorses in this locality, shipped a car of eleven head of running horses, by express, to Winnipeg, Canada, to participate in the racing there, which is to continue over a seven-week period.

A crowd of girls left Sunday for a camping trip in the mountains above Dayton. Those who expected to go were Nellie Harrington, Bessie Barnes, Serita Patton, Aletha Harsh, Nadine Golson, Lena Fox, Margaret Zuger, Marjory Spafford, and Miss Frank Harris Davis.

Alpha Fox and wife, and Lewis Atkinson and wife left the first of the week for a few days camping up the South Fork of the Touchet.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

June 18, 1897

We acknowledge the invitation to be present at the First Annual Commencement exercises of Washington Agricultural College and School of Science which begins June 18th. Edward Kimmel, a Waitsburg boy is in the graduating class.

Miss Ada Wright finished her first term of school in Smith Hollow, last Friday. She gave entire satisfaction as is simply proven by the fact that she has been asked to teach a second term in that district.

Mr. Chas. Taylor and daughter Stella, of Wilson Hollow, were in Spring Valley the first of the week. They report that grasshoppers are becoming troublesome in that vicinity.