Your Hometown News Source
Your Hometown News Source
DAYTON–Chief for the Day Valkan Walter was sworn in by Judge Hedine before going out on duty with Sheriff Joe Helm July 18. This program gives children with chronic health issues a chance to experience what our law enforcement personnel do to keep our community safe.
DAYTON–The rattle of jackhammers has been heard on Main Street here this week and last as crews from Humbert Rock Crushing of Milton-Freewater, Ore., broke out sections of heaved sidewalk around a dozen downtown trees due to tree roots heaving the sections and potentially creating tripping hazards. Four of the trees are slated for removal and have surrounding sidewalk replaced: in front of the Dayton Eagles Aerie, 258 E. Main Street; Fifth and Willow, 242 E. Main Street; Suffield Furniture, 362 E. Main Street; and Main Street Salon, 440 E. Main Street, according to Troy Humbert of Hubert Rock Crushing. Trees will remain but sidewalk giving more room for the trees will be replaced in front of Banner Bank, Chief Spring's Pizza, Dayton Fitness Center at 164 E. Main Street, Elk Drug, the former Woody's Bar & Grill, Annie's Attic, the shuttered Washington Federal bank, Moose Creek Café and Boggs Ortuno PLLC, the Palus Museum in the 400 block of East Main Street, the PDQ Chevron, Locally Nourished café and the Weinhard Hotel. Trees which are less conducive to heaving sidewalk will be planted where the four trees were removed.
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 employment agreements with city staff, and other business at the meeting August 8.
The Dayton Development Task Force acquired $50,000 in grants that went to making improvements for Main Street businesses. Belinda Larsen, Dayton Chamber of Commerce Director, told Council that the recipients included My Dad's Place, Fifth and Willow, Inland Cellular, The Weinhard Hotel and Vikkie's Sweet Shoppe. She also said a celebration is planned in September to commemorate 40 years since the revitalization of Main Street.
Public Works Director Ryan Paulson announced work was slated to begin the next day (August 9) on a portion of the Main Street sidewalks that have lifted around the trees. The other portion of the sidewalks will likely be replaced next year. Several tree replacements are anticipated at a time, providing deeper tree wells to force the roots downward.
The WWTP is progressing as expected, according to Mayor ZacWeatherford. There were two recent meetings with planning consultants from SCJ Alliance to confirm completion of the final requirements for land-use permits. The authorized completed checklist by the city and property owners to be submitted to the County. The project meetings with the various agencies and stakeholders continue each month to review progress. Currently they are working through the financials of the project.
National Night Out on August 1 was well attended this year, according to Sheriff Joe Helm, who acknowledged those who attended and the 40 organizations that participated, including the City. In addition, he recognized Valkan Walter as Chief for a Day on July 18. The Chief for a Day program gives children living with chronic medical conditions, disabilities, or severe illness a day to act as chief of their local law enforcement agencies. Walter was sworn in among other young chiefs by Judge Hedine and outfitted with an official department uniform and badge. Sheriff Helm accompanied him that day, as well as introduced him at the Walla Walla Sweets game on July 23.
In other business, the city approved authorizing employment contracts for City Clerk and Treasurer Deb Hays, Deputy Clerk Misty Yost, Public Works Director Ryan Paulson, and Eddie Strickland, also of Public Works.
Helm's incident report for July had five DUIs and 11 traffic accidents. He made mention of an increase in graffiti around town particularly on the northeast side of town and around the city park. He asked residents to be aware and if they see something to contact the Sheriff's Office.
Paulson informed Council that Charter anticipates beginning construction on September 1 for the telecommunication services in Dayton.
The mayor and city staff are sponsoring a Customer Appreciation Day on August 24 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. They will be serving hotdogs, chips, cookies, and water. Donations are welcomed.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled at City Hall, 112 S. 1st Street, on September 12 at 6 p.m.
