Articles written by Melissa Gemmell
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 408
Wastewater treatment plant making progress
DAYTON–The City Council heard an update on the Wastewater Treatment Project (WWTP), and discussion on the possible dissolution of the county library district. Key updates were provided by Public...
2024 Comprehensive Plan coming together
DAYTON– Consultant Abbi Russell from Maul, Foster and Alongi presented the Comprehensive Plan to the Port Board of Commissioners; introduced the new Economic Development Coordinator Jill Essency;...
School Board: Time to consider a capital levy
DAYTON–The School Board heard a broad discussion on initiating a capital levy; and reviewed Washington Standards-Based Superintendent Framework and specific goals during the meeting on September 6....
Library cards provide another layer of protection
DAYTON-The Columbia County Rural Library Board of Trustees (CCRLD) were briefed on the process for parental notes on library cards; acknowledged the Library Dissolution proposition is now on the...
Businesses receive $50,000 from Downtown Development Task Force; tree project begins
DAYTON–The City Council was advised of $50,000 improvement grant recipients; the Main Street tree project; Water Waste Treatment Project (WWTP) progress; review of National Night Out; approved...
Port anticipates revenue increase, asks for COLA
DAYTON-The Port of Columbia discussed budget; approved broadband contract; approved a sale advocation letter; and other Port business during the meeting August 9. Budget talks began with Port...
Rural Library dissolution question will go to voters
DAYTON–The Columbia County Rural Library District Board (CCRLD) of Trustees called a special meeting on August 2 to vote on placing the Library Dissolution Resolution on the November ballot. The...
Port favorable for City's use of railroad easement for sewer line
DAYTON-The Port Commissioners favored the City’s use of the railroad right of way to run the main sewer line to the new wastewater treatment plant; Port Executive Director Jennie Dickinson reported...
Petition for library district dissolution certified sufficient
DAYTON–The petition to dissolve the Columbia County Rural Library District sponsor Jessica Ruffcorn received word July 24 all signatures had been certified by the Auditor's Office as sufficient and...
Interim Director moves specific books to different areas
DAYTON-The new Columbia County Rural Library District Interim Director Ellen Brigham has announced her intention to move specific books to different areas of library; and library dissolution petition...
School registration opens August 1
DAYTON-The School Board was informed school registration will open August 1, on-site August 17; the approval of Middle School Head Football Coach; and approved all but one action items....
City appoints Smith to position No. 7
DAYTON-The City Council chose Michael Smith from among three candidates for the vacancy of Board Position No.7 left by Tiger Deui, during the meeting July 1. Council heard three interviews from...
Notion of annexation of west end brought up–again
DAYTON-Dayton City Council heard from Council person Laura Aukerman about expanding city limits into Urban Growth Area (UGA); held a public hearing for the annual extension of the six-year...
Patriots Picnic in the Park
DAYTON-Many came out for some old-fashioned fun at the Third Annual Fourth of July Patriots Picnic in the Park sponsored by the Columbia County Conservatives (CCC). The family event offered free food,...
Library Director resigns; first dissolution petition short, second petition submitted to Auditor
DAYTON–Library Director Todd Vandenbark has submitted his letter of resignation, Board Chair Jay Ball informed library trustees meeting June 26, and Ball later learned on June 28 that an initial... Full story
Film production at Dayton Depot
DAYTON-Something unusual took place in Dayton on June 22-23. A film production came to town to make the short film, "Color of Threads" written by Walla Walla University alum Josie Henderson. The...
Improvements planned for Lyons Ferry Marina KOA, Port commissioners hear
DAYTON–The Port of Columbia reviewed the Comprehensive Plan with consultants from Maul, Foster and Alongi which focused on the Lyons Ferry Marina property, a Port asset; heard a report from Concessi...
Korinda Wallace resigns from Dayton School Board
DAYTON–School Board accepted the resignation of director Korinda Wallace; heard a briefing on this year's sixth grade Camp Wooten trip by coordinator Jamie Trump; 2023-24 superintendent and...
Auditor finds library dissolution petition insufficient
DAYTON–A petition to dissolve the Columbia County Rural Library District was shy of meeting the 10% threshold by six signatures. A letter addressed to Rural Library District Trustee Chairman Jay... Full story
Tiger Dieu steps down from City Council
DAYTON–The City Council was advised Tiger Dieu has stepped down from his position No. 7; advised the board of a meeting in regards the need for flood mitigation in the North Touchet; approved three...
Library director resigns amid library dissolution controversy
DAYTON–Columbia County Rural Library District (CCRL) Director Todd Vandenbark gave his resignation to the Board of Trustees effective July 14, and the State Attorney General's (AG) office delivered...
Bulldog Room and disciplinary approaches trending positive
DAYTON–Innovative approaches to behavior and discipline appear to be paying dividends, the Dayton School Board heard at a recent meeting. Dean of Students Hannelee Farrell provided a discipline...
Library Board approves two policies for review
DAYTON-The Columbia County Rural Library Board approved to send two revised policies to the CCRL attorney for review; gave direction and deadline for Library District Dissolution petition; heard...
Finalizing end of school year, laying plans for next
DAYTON-Five student presentations were given to the Dayton School Board to start their regular monthly meeting on May 17. Reports were provided by ASB President Hudson Reser and Athletic Director Sam...
Pool-only resolution heard by Dayton City Council
DAYTON-Dayton City Council approved Resolution 1509 during the May 9 meeting for the incorporation of the City of Dayton to be included into a proposed Columbia County Parks and Recreation District....