Week of March 5, 2026
Week of March 5, 2026
WAITSBURG - The Columbia Walla Walla County Fire District #2 holds between two and four trainings a month to learn and maintain essential skills. Last week, the district's Assistant Fire Chief, Dane Henze, ran an innovative training to familiarize the firefighters with the efficient use of their Personal Protective Equipment, including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. At the Waitsburg station, eleven firefighters participated in a game of dodgeball while wearing full firefighting PPE and...
DAYTON-A "Waystation" for the endangered Western Monarch butterfly is in early planning stages for a half-acre site at the Blue Mountain Station. With generous support from the Port of Columbia, a newly formed committee is working to make the Waystation and Pollinator Garden a reality. Spring is here, and there is much to do. The committee is seeking community-wide participation from people with extensive gardening experience, as well as from youth groups and seniors. Financial support and...
Waitsburg High School held its winter sports awards on Thursday, February 27, in the auditorium. Coaches for basketball, basketball cheer, and wrestling recognized their players for achievements. Scholar Athletes received a pin for maintaining high academic standards while balancing both studies and sports. Next, Coach Vickie Hamann presented letters and awards to the cheerleading team. Chloe McCaw and Madison Strickland received a cheer letter. Audrey Walker (SA) received a letter and the Most...
WAITSBURG - The Waitsburg Middle School girls basketball team won two close games during the week of February 23, 2026. Against DeSales on Monday, February 23, the team was shut out in the first quarter for the first time this season. Trailing 11-5 at halftime, the girls scored eight in the third to tie at 13-13. In the fourth, Ryleigh Fabian sank one of two free throws as time expired, securing an 18-17 win. Fabian finished with five points and four steals, Audrey Kiefel had four points,...
WAITSBURG - After a two-month winter break, Simply Sawdust will reopen on Thursday, March 5. Owner Gloria Wilson used the break to enhance the shop both inside and out. Wilson sold her CNC router, lathe, and milling machines to expand her workspace. She refreshed storefront displays and added products, all with shop-dog Kate's guidance. Customers will find new products, such as cloth bread bags paired with matching wooden spoons. The shop continues its commitment to supporting community...
WAITSBURG - The Waitsburg Commercial Club is reminding the public to send in nominations for this year's Community Service Awards. Don't delay, as the deadline for nominations is March 25, 2026. There are four awards, which will be presented during the club's annual meeting and dinner on April 21, 2026. The nomination letters should include a statement on why the person or business deserves recognition in one of the following categories: • Community Service Award – Recognizes a person who...
DAYTON — Based on a novella by Denis Johnson, “Train Dreams” is the story of Robert Grainier (Golden Globe-nominee Joel Edgerton), during an era of unprecedented change in early 20th-century America. Orphaned at a young age, Robert grows into adulthood among the towering forests of the Pacific Northwest, where he works in the expansion of the nation’s railroad. He works alongside men as unforgettable as the landscapes they inhabit. After a moving courtship, he marries Gladys (Academy Award-nominee Felicity Jones). They built a home...
WALLA WALLA — The Waitsburg Town Hall is holding its St. Patrick’s Day Dinner and Silent Auction onFriday, March 13, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The doors will open at 5 p.m. so guests can bid in the silent auction before dinner is served at 6 p.m. The cost is $25 per person, and tickets are available through Town Hall's board members. President–Jim Romine Vice-President–Louie Gagnon Secretary–Lance Carter Treasurer–Dave Tipton Board members Allen Huwe, Andrew Knee, and Janice McIntyre All proceeds go to the operations and...
WAITSBURG - The Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction selected the Waitsburg School District as one of five to offer the Natural Helpers program. The OSPI describes the program as a peer-to-peer support program designed for middle and high school students. Since friends tend to go to friends for support or advice, the program helps students recognize when peers need help, and how and when to connect them with, and how to do so. Natural Helpers refer to youth who are seen...
When I was a boy living in a linear neighborhood between beef cattle and silage corn fields, my best friend Sarah and I often hid among the branches of a sweeping eastern hemlock. The stately evergreen reached toward the sky with its conical shape, its low branches sprawling over the ground. Sarah and I would sit on the branches, laugh at each other's jokes, and invent silly childhood games, like creating our own language. Describing my and Sarah's unique language as nonsensical is an adult...
Fifteen Years Ago March 3, 2011 Cougars have been seen more often in recent years in Columbia County. Just two weeks ago, Dayton resident Derek Katsel found one roaming through his backyard before it was taken down by a Fish & Wildlife official. High School students from Dayton, DeSales in Walla Walla and Waitsburg competed in Tuesday's Knowledge Bowl at the WHS auditorium. Former Seattle Supersonic Shawn Kemp signs autographs for fans at Ski Bluewood on Saturday during the resort's first Snow...
WAITSBURG — Between February 23 and 28, Waitsburg FFA members wrapped up a fun week of activities during National FFA Week. On Monday, the members wore blue, treated the staff to a soda bar, and held a chapter meeting. On Tuesday, members dressed in blue and voted for the 2026 Harvest Court. The court result was announced on Western Wednesday. This year’s Harvest Ball Court consists of freshmen Carter Barron, Joslin Nodine, sophomores Gavin Mikesell, Makaelyn Mikesell, juniors Griffin Hinchliffe, Kayla Mikesell, and seniors Koyen Fortune...
As spring green colors are finally popping up in our yard, I found myself craving tender green flavors. Rainbow chard braised with aromatics in stock and wine, is a favorite side dish that I love to prepare throughout the year. Here, the addition of potato gnocchi and sweet peas turns the braised greens into a delightful main course. For serving, a dollop of ricotta cheese adds a luscious creaminess, while fresh lemon zest and juice adds brightness. Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 3...
Thursday, Dec. 11 Breakfast Pancake on a stick Lunch Chicken Alfredo Breadstick Fruit and Vegetable Friday, Dec. 12 Breakfast Breakfast Burrito Lunch Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza Fruit & Vegetable Monday, Dec. 15 Breakfast Breakfast Pizza Lunch Hamburger Tater Tots Fruit & Vegetable Tuesday, Dec. 16 Breakfast Biscuits & Gravy Lunch Nachos Fruit & Vegetables Wednesday, Dec. 17 Breakfast Ultimate Breakfast Round Lunch Turkey Sandwich Fruit &...
