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  • Census shows 6.7% increase in U.S. housing since 2010

    Aug 19, 2021

    WASHINGTON D.C.–The 2020 Census showed that on April 1, 2020, there were 140,498,736 housing units in the United States, up 6.7% from the 2010 Census. “While the national number of housing units grew over the past decade, this was not uniform throughout the country,” said Evan Brassell, chief of the Housing Statistics Branch in the Census Bureau’s Social, Economic and Housing Statistics Division. “Counties that composed some part of a metropolitan or micropolitan area saw increases of 3.8%, on average, while counties outside of these areas sho...

  • CTA discusses remodel

    Naomi Scoggin|Aug 19, 2021

    POMEROY–The Garfield County Transportation Authority board discussed plans for a building remodel for their facility on Main Street. The bidding process has been difficult because the contractors are very busy. Another option on the table is to combine the CTA office with the Public Works office and use the same building. County Commissioner and board member Justin Dixon encouraged the managers Rachel Anderson and Jeff Ruchert to draw up a proposal that includes the features that they need a...

  • Quick Look

    Aug 19, 2021

    4 Census Statistics Highlight Local Population Changes and Nation’s Racial and Ethnic Diversity WASHINGTON D.C.–The U.S. Census Bureau released additional 2020 Census results showing an increase in the population of U.S. metro areas compared to a decade ago. In addition, these once-a-decade results showed the nation’s diversity in how people identify their race and ethnicity. Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of Up To $500 Million in Emergency Rural Health Care Funds Under the American Rescue Plan Funding Will Expand Acces...

  • Population changes and nation's racial and ethnic diversity

    Aug 19, 2021

    U.S. Census Bureau Delivers data for States to begin redistricting efforts population changes across the country since the 2010 Census. WASHINGTON D.C.–Statistics from the 2020 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File, shows an increase in the population of U.S. metro areas and provide the first look at populations for small areas and include information on Hispanic origin, race, age 18 and over, housing occupancy and group quarters. They represent where people were living a...

  • BOCC to renew tower lease with Richardson Family

    Naomi Scoggin|Aug 19, 2021

    POMEROY–The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) met with local farmer Don Richardson to discuss the terms of a renewed lease for his family's radio tower at their meeting on August 9. The Richardson family has leased the tower to Garfield County for the Sheriff's and Road Crew radio. Richardson came to request an increase in compensation for Pacific Power's sublease on the grounds that it is a private industry, as well as a section to address weed issues on the enclosed grounds. The B...

  • National Night Out fills City Park

    Naomi Scoggin|Aug 12, 2021

    POMEROY–Garfield County's National Night Out event was held at the Pomeroy City Park on August 3. It was aimed at familiarizing the community with its law enforcement personnel, and saw a full, steady turnout. The Garfield County Sheriff's Department was present, as well as the County Fire District and officers from the Washington State Patrol. "We were asked to come support the community." Jake Grandstaff of the State Patrol said. "We are glad to serve the communities we work in." A GCFD f...

  • COVID vaccination policy for hospital employees in the workplace

    Naomi Scoggin|Aug 12, 2021

    POMEROY–The Garfield County Hospital District board of directors heard discussion on a policy to require staff to receive Covid-19 vaccinations at their meeting on August 2. The Washington State Hospital Association has advised hospitals throughout the state to create this policy. The policy is still in drafting stages, with no specific wording decided yet. An exemption process is planned for the employees who choose not to get a vaccine. "It's everybody's personal decision," Co-CEO Jayd K...

  • Department of Revenue to require sales tax for fiber internet

    Naomi Scoggin|Aug 12, 2021

    POMEROY–The Port of Garfield County Board of Commissioners announced at their meeting on August 3 that the United States Department of Revenue is requiring sales tax on the fiber internet, as well as the current leasehold tax. The sales tax is 7.9% of the bill, and will be collected starting with July bills. The Port is fighting this tax legally, as it is double taxation. A bid from Chris's Professional Electric was accepted for replacing flooring in the Forest Service building. The bid is f...

  • Palace Meats and Deli to close

    Charlotte Baker|Aug 12, 2021

    eli will permanently close its 847 Main Street establishment as of August 23, 2021. Owners of Palace Meats and Deli, Al and Vickie Damon, opened the quaint local eatery opened for business on July 13, 2020 amidst the COVID pandemic. They served eight sandwiches made from their homemade specialties of sausages, pulled pork, smoked turkey, smoky braised tri-tip and house-made bacon. They included in the mix side salads and bread from the Walla Walla Bread Company. Now with “circumstances beyond their control,” they will close, but not wit...

  • Quick Look

    Aug 12, 2021

    Work to begin on Blue Mountain Scenic Byway through Great American Outdoors Act PENDLETON, Ore–Contractors have begun prep work to chip seal 33.6 miles of the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway on the North Fork John Day Ranger District. The road is the portal to both the Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. This project is one of two projects on the Umatilla National Forest that was funded this year through the Great American Outdoors Act. Expect delays from August 16–30. Umatilla National Forest seeks volunteer campground hosts for Bull Pra...

  • Adderson-Berglund receives teacher award

    Aug 12, 2021

    PULLMAN–Becky Adderson has been selected as the 2022 Northeast Washington ESD 101 Regional Teacher of the year, a communication, innovation and leadership award. The award is determined by a committee through a nomination followed by a written application, interviews, and a mock keynote. The teacher must have the respect of colleagues, be an expert in their field, collaborate with students and families, connect with stakeholders, and demonstrate leadership and innovations inside and outside t...

  • Lick Creek Fire in mop-up

    Aug 5, 2021

    ASOTIN COUNTY–Oregon Umatilla Forestry (ORUMF) reported that the Lick Creek fire is still 90% contained as of August 1, 2021. The fire started on July 7, 2021 from a lightning strike and has involved 80,392 acres. Fire crews have been working diligently over the past few weeks to bring the Lick Creek fire under control. With the recent storm Saturday, July 31, 2021, the area experienced 0.12" of rainfall which aided in the continuing firefighting efforts. With the exception of a small, s...

  • PHS baseball coach questions contract nonrenewal

    Naomi Scoggin|Aug 5, 2021

    POMEROY–The Pomeroy School District Board of Directors (PSD) heard audience input on their decision not to renew the high school baseball coaching contract with Dave Boyer at their meeting on July 27. The decision was made to open up the position for application in order to hear fresh ideas and perspectives on baseball. "It's not a firing," Board Member Jeremy Nelson stated. "We are only opening up application." Boyer is welcome to reapply for the coaching position, and the board is confident t...

  • Columbia Pulp CEO to retire

    Aug 5, 2021

    DAYTON–Columbia Pulp CEO John Begley will retire effective September 3. Begley has been CEO of Columbia Pulp since its inception and has led the Company through its development, financing, design, construction, and start-up phases including the time it was shuttered by the COVID 19 pandemic. "It has been an honor to be associated with this company and the many people who were part of planning and building this enterprise," said Begley. "Columbia Pulp is a game-changing technology and is now p...

  • First draft of redistricting maps coming in late September

    Sen. Mark Schoesler|Aug 5, 2021

    By Sen. Mark Schoesler OLYMPIA–Every 10 years, under Washington's constitution, the Redistricting Commission is re-established to draw new legislative and congressional district maps in our state for the next decade. The redistricting process occurs after the completion of the national census, which is taken every 10 years, most recently in 2020. The commission includes five members. The leader of each of the four major legislative caucuses appoints one commissioner. Those four commissioners t...

  • Winter Recreation Program seeks committee member for Southeastern Washington

    Aug 5, 2021

    OLYMPIA – July 20, 2021 – Washington State Parks requests nominations and applications for a winter sports enthusiast to represent Southeastern Washington on its Winter Recreation Program Advisory Committee (WRAC). Nominations and applications for a non-motorized winter sports advisor position (cross country skier, snowshoer, dog musher, skijorer) close Aug. 30. Nominees must live in “Area 6” of the state - Adams, Whitman, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield or Asotin counties. One advisor will be selected, and the appointment begins...

  • Immunization requirements for students

    Aug 5, 2021

    POMEROY––The Garfield County Health and School Districts advise that ALL students are required to be up to date on the required immunizations for their age, along with a medical office copy of the immunizations before or on the first day of school. Washington State is not allowing any exceptions for this, so please ensure your child is up to date before school starts or they will NOT be able to attend school until they are completely up to date with the required vaccines. Requirements can be found at: https://www.doh.wa.gov/.../348-284... If...

  • COURT REPORT

    Aug 5, 2021

    Garfield County District Court – Judge Tom Cox June 9, 2021 Abbie R. Nutt, of Lewiston, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor Allowing an Unauthorized Driver to Drive. Nutt was sentenced to eight hours community service and must pay $43. Renee R. Vasquez, of Pomeroy, pleaded guilty to the gross misdemeanor offense of Possession of a Dangerous Weapon. Vasquez was sentenced to two days jail, must pay $43, and the illegal weapon was forfeited. July 14, 2021 Crista D. Ansel, of Clarkston, pleaded guilty t...

  • Lick Creek Fire 90% contained

    Jul 29, 2021

    POMEROY––As of early this week, the Lick Creek Fire is around 80,392 acres in size and is 90% contained, according to the U.S.F.S.'s Incident Information System. The was fire started by a thunderstorm on July 7 as two separate fires southwest of Asotin and some 15 miles southeast of Pomeroy, Lick Creek and Dry Gulch, and burned together on July 8 so is now being fought as one fire, dubbed the Lick Creek Fire. All evacuations in Asotin County have been lifted, an incident spokesperson announced M...

  • County to join lawsuit against police-reform legislation

    Naomi Scoggin|Jul 29, 2021

    POMEROY–The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) discussed proceedings with County Prosecutor Matt Newberg to join a multi-county lawsuit against a Washington State police reform statute at their meeting on July 26. Lewis County has filed suit against the legislation on the grounds that its requirement for a Sheriff to get the highest elected official's approval before using tear gas. This violates the balance of power in the county infrastructure and invests the board of county c...

  • Gwinn is sworn in as Grant County District Court Judge

    Jul 29, 2021

    EPHRATA, Wash.–Pomeroy native Brian Gwinn was sworn in to the Grant County District Court Judge position at a ceremony in the courtroom here July 22, 2021. Gwinn, son of Mike and Alice Gwinn of Pomeroy and a 1992 Pomeroy High School graduate, took the oath as Grant County District Court Judge in a swearing-in ceremony attended by family and friends, including the Honorable Garfield County District Court Judge Thomas Cox, left. Gwinn was sworn in to fill the district-court bench vacated by T...

  • Port of Garfield County awarded grant to extend fiber internet to Pataha

    Naomi Scoggin|Jul 29, 2021

    POMEROY–The Port of Garfield Commissioners announced the successful completion of a grant application to the Washington State Department of Commerce at their meeting on July 20. The grant is for $324,000 with an $89,000 match from the Port. Fiber optic internet will be put in through Pataha, as well as covering skips in the coverage in Pomeroy– specifically from the Pomeroy Cemetery to Falling Springs Road, and creating a system for the RV parks. Other missed places will be covered as well. Por...

  • A Fair Amount of Activity

    Dotty Van Vogt|Jul 29, 2021

    POMEROY–The Garfield County Fair Board approved a contract with Harvest Host to allow free one dry camp overnight stay dry at the fairground RV facility at the meeting July 20. Harvest Host is a 160,000 member Texas based RV club that promotes local museums and other attractions throughout the country. The contract allows members to dry camp at an RV site one overnight stay a year at a given location. Reservations are recommended and members who stay longer or use hookups would pay for the a...

  • Creative Kids program teaching children to garden

    Naomi Scoggin|Jul 29, 2021

    POMEROY–The Garfield County Health District announced the success of the creative kids program at their meeting on July 26. Program manager Jessica Nelson has been helping children tend the garden beds around the Pomeroy Elementary School. The children meet twice a month to weed the beds. The Health District is happy with the turnout. The last meeting had 10 children in attendance. Three resolutions were passed at the meeting. Resolution 2021-16 changes the dates on the consolidated contract t...

  • Lick Creek (Dry Gulch) Wildfire at 40% containment

    Jul 22, 2021

    PENDLTON, Ore.–The Lick Creek Fire 71,512-acre wildfire is 40% contained as of Monday, July 19, 2021 at 6 a.m. Ground crews continue to secure the containment lines and aerial operations will operate as long as there is safe visibility. Over the weekend, crews managed and contained the fire line along the perimeter to the north and east, along the South Fork of the Asotin Creek and Peola road, but remained in patrol status through Sunday, July 18, 2021. To the southeast, firefighters are c...

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