Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

This is the third installment of the Dayton Chronicle's look back at the year 2022, as reported on the pages of Dayton and Columbia County's community newspaper.

June 23: Come one, come all and come they did to the Dayton Chamber of Commerce's 28th Annual All Wheels Weekend, soaking up the sights and sounds of hundreds of expertly maintained cars, vans, trucks and even a Pullman railroad car. Chamber Executive Director Belinda Larsen estimated close to 200 vehicles showed up along with hundreds of people eager to enjoy the day sauntering up and down Dayton's Main Street, checking out the vehicles in all their finery. Brief rain showers visited the event but the fun went on as planned. Friday opened with people registered and gathering for food and visiting, and other things kicked off with the Presentation of Cars, the cackle of cars snapping and popping in front of the Courthouse, Cruise Control lending their musicality to the atmosphere and plenty of people and cars cruising Main Street.

A Dayton man is in custody in the Columbia County Jail on charges of First-Degree Manslaughter following an incident here Monday evening, June 20, involving a firearm that apparently resulted in the death of a 54-year-old man whose last known address was Walla Walla. Christopher Gonzales was pronounced dead at Dayton General Hospital after sustaining a single gunshot wound to the chest, according to Prosecuting Attorney and Coroner C. Dale Slack and information released by the Sheriff's Office, the 22-year-old male suspect was booked into jail on June 20 on probable cause for Manslaughter First-Degree.

June 30: Another local bank is undergoing change this time by closing as it consolidates with another nearby branch. Washington Federal Bank, a successor to Bank of America and Seattle First National Bank, at the corner of Main and 2nd for the past eight years, will close at the end of July, bank officials informed the Dayton Chronicle. Dayton Personal Banker Anna Snell will continue with WaFd Bank in the Walla Walla Branch. Washington Federal assumed operation of the bank when Bank of America pulled out of rural communities in about 2014 but retained branches in more populous areas such as Spokane, the Tri-Cities and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Nearly 50 people peaceably assembled to show support for the flag of our country and historical values at a "Rally for the Flag," held on the sidewalk next to the Dayton Historic Depot on June 25. County Commissioner Chuck Amerein welcomed those in attendance and was followed by Undersheriff and Pastor Robbie Patterson, who spoke about the flag being a banner of freedom that cannot be suppressed. The rally was in reaction to the recent removal of a 1776 flag, placed by the Dayton Downtown Development Task Force's Decorating Committee.

July 7: Scores of patriotic citizens of Columbia County and environs joined in the Dayton City Park to celebrate Independence Day 2022 at an event sponsored by the Columbia County Conservatives, and "Old Fashioned Family Fourth of July." The fun included traditional picnic activities such as a cake walk, Bounce House, Dunk Tank, Tug of War, water games, balloon games, and, of course food such as hot dogs, ice cream and watermelon. Over 300 hot dogs were served along with over 200 servings of ice cream, said Chuck Amerein of the Columbia County Conservatives. Mixed in with the celebratory fun were appearances and talks by local political figures, including Ninth District representatives Mary Dye and Joe Schmick, County Commissioners Chuck Amerein, Sheriff Joe Helm and Prosecuting Attorney C. Dale Slack.

The Board of County Commissioners reviewed applications to fill the Director of Emergency Management vacancy and discussed filling the County Engineer position as well as scheduling interviews for the Board of Health applicants. Also requested was drafting a resolution to be presented on July 18 on the ballot formation of a metropolitan parks and recreation district. Seven applications have been received for the open Directors of Emergency Management position. Both Fire Chief Jeromy Phinney and Sheriff Joe Helm were present to request to take part in the interview process.

July 14: Commissioners approved the appointment of the Garfield County Engineer for Columbia County and interviews were held on July 11 in executive session for the Directors of Emergency Management after Commissioners reviewed interview questions with Sheriff Joe Helm and Fire Chief Jeromy Phinney.

-File photo

Rally Around the Flag Event.

Foodstock 2022 is around the corner and it includes rock painting, making tie-dye shirts, splashing down a water slide, and browsing the wares of area artists and crafters. Live music will feature regional musicians and groups, including Boe Stevenson, Gary Winston & the Real Deal, and Calico Bones.

July 21: The Council appointed Jim Sueuga, one of three applicants interviewed for the vacancy of Position No. 2, an opening created when Misty Yost resigned last month to accept the position of Deputy City Clerk.

The Friends of the Pool and the Focus Advisory Group is seeking volunteers to serve on the Proposed Columbia County Metropolitan Park District, a new, unfunded proposed taxing district to support the construction, maintenance and operation of a new aquatic facility.