2019 In Review

January

3The Family Career and community leader of America (FCCLA) baked bread with Mrs. Maves class and donated the baked bread to the backpack program.

A framed Thank-you letter presented to Sheriff Drew Hyer by Ariah Bingman. It reads HERO. "Dear Officer Hyer. Thank you for helping when I needed help. Thank you for sacrificing your life to save us. Thank you for keeping so many people safe as you can. Thank you for saving the town when you can. Thank you. You are my hero. From, Ariah."

Two Pirate wrestlers, freshman wrestler Braedyn White and Mason Baker won their matches in the annual Pomeroy Christmas Tournament.

10Pomeroy's historic Seeley Theater was awarded $19,000 for installation of the heat pump from the Shepherd Foundation.

State Rep. Mary Dye, R-9, spoke about goals for 2019.

City Council implemented a revised water fee for its active customers to provide a revenue base to make necessary upgrades.

17The 2018 annual New Year's Eve FFA fundraiser reaped $20,000 for scholarships, FFA events and contests, and other needs at the December 31 event.

A celebration banquet is planned for Garfield County's First Responders and families, hosted by Pataha Four Mill and the local Ministerial Association.

24The Port of Garfield County plans for fiber optic service to the fairgrounds.

Rep. Mary Dye (R-9th Dist. Pomeroy) has been a advocate of Broadband expansion in Washington state. She introduced a bill which was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee that gives port districts the ability to build open-access networks.

31Local Ag Issues team of Alyssa Wolf, Teagan Steele, Jaden Steele, Madison Dixon, Aiden Berglund, Makayla Miller, and Tyson Kimble took first place at a contest in Colton.

The Community Economic Development Forum met representatives of various local organizations with a full agenda to discuss pending and active projects, Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA) advancements, a presentation by Steve Van Ausdle, former president of Walla Walla Community College (WWCC), before opening the floor to ideas that could broaden vitality in the area.

February

7The Garfield County Transportation Authority (GCTA) will seek an agreement between the Washington Department of Transportation (WDOT) and GCTA for the use of a vehicle for van pool services.

The Pomeroy School District is seeking voter approval of a four-year replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy.

The former Umpqua Bank in Pomeroy was transformed into Bank of Eastern Washington.

Six Pomeroy Pirate wrestlers, Lane Lagergren, Braedyn White, Mason Baker, Devon Nofsinger, Gavin Gould, Devon Knuteson, qualified for the B-Eastern Region Tournament.

14 Under Sheriff Calvin Dansereau was recognized and awarded for his heroic efforts at the First Responders Dinner sponsored by the Pomeroy Ministerial Association and held at the Pataha Flour Mill. Sheriff Hyer had the honor of presenting the award to Under Sheriff Dansereau, as well as a red life-saving ribbon.

Tara Hodges, Oblenland & Low Representative, presented Hannah Bagby with December's Student of the Month Award.

21Camas Prairie and Spokesman Review Shoots Perfect Score. The Pomeroy Gun Club, with five shooters were able to hit all 25 targets from the 16-yard line.

A good show of attendees enjoyed the Girl Scout first "Power Puff Pinewood Derby" at the Pomeroy Elementary School Gym Sunday, Feb. 17.

28 Drastic changes outlined by hospital administration. The hospital district has reached a critical financial point where immediate changes are needed to stave off operational failure and possible closure in 65 days unless changes are implemented.

Teamwork and confidence spelled the difference for the Lady Pirates, 63-32 victory over Taholah in the Regional round of the 2019 WIAA 1B Girls Hardwood Classic basketball tournament.March

7Pomeroy High's Lady Pirates, Emma Severs, Heidi Heytvelt, Alyssa Wolf, Carmen Gingerich, Kiley Davis, Deana Caruso, Keely Maves, Maddy Dixon, Nikki Halbert, Sydney Smith, Sydney Watko, Jaden Steele, Head Coach Tai Bye, Manager Payton Northamer, Asst. Coaches, Brock Ledgerwood and Gena Sevenson, took second place at the State 1B Basketball Tournament.

The broadband project was approved for funding Jan. 17, 2019 in Olympia.

14Port of Garfield meetings in March includes updates and discussion about the broadband, septic systems, grants and Central Ferry clean-up.

Steve Kazda, secretary of the Evening Star Lodge No. 30, presented two students, Atalya Mitchell and Conrad Nelson, bikes they won in the January drawing for meeting their reading goals. The Evening Star Lodge donates four bikes a year to students who meeting reading goals in an effort to encourage reading early and reading often.

Nikki Halbert and Sydney Smith have been invited to play in the 2019 Washington State Girls Basketball Coaches Association Senior All State game.

21 Upgrades to the acoustics and sound system in the Dick Brown Building are in the works.

Pirate athletes honored for season's accomplishments. The Lady Pirates, Heidi Haytveit, Coach's Award, Deana Caruso, Most Inspirational, Sydney Smith, Career Achievement Award, Alyssa Wolf, Most Improved Player, Sydney Watko, Finisher Award, Madison Dixon, Most Valuable Player, Emma Severs, Most Valuable Player, Kiley Davis, Most Inspirational Player, Nikki Halbert, Most Dedicated Player, and Carmen Gingerich, Defensive Player, were honored at the Winter Sports Awards last week.

Pomeroy Wrestlers were applauded for their accomplishments during the recently completed season, Lane Lagergren, Captain Award, and Braedyn White, Most Valuable Wrestler Award. Lagergren finished sixth in state and was the league champion. Will Wynona, Most Improved Wrester, Mason Baker, Most Inspirational and Devon Nofsinger, Coach's Award.

Pomeroy High School Boys Basketball award recipients were honored for their accomplishments and hard work at the Winter sports Awards program last week. Members of the Basketball team are Trent Gwinn, Most Improved Award, Rylan Snyder, Defensive Award, Jace Gwinn, Profile Award, VanPelt, Free Throw Award and Aiden Berglund, Coach Award.

28An energetic crew, LeRoy and Harriet Hannas, Wayne and Sharon Davis, Steve Stilson and Jim Ruchart, gathered last Thursday at the Wayne Davis shop in Pataha to assemble acoustical panels for the Dick Brown Community Building..

The Pomeroy FFA Ag Issues Team performed a 15-minute presentation "Columbia Pulp-Straw Boss or Pulp Fiction?" to the County Commissioners. Team members include Tyson Kimble, Maddy Dixon, Teagan Steele, Alyssa Wolf, Jaden Steele, Mikayla Miller and Aiden Berglund.

Julie Leonard, hospital CEO, announced her resignation.

The Little Guy wrestling club hosted the Pomeroy Plunder Wrestling Tournament this past Saturday, March 23. Over 270 wrestlers from Washington and Idaho hit the mats.

APRIL

4The Gun Club held its annual potluck and fun day.

The increasingly popular Spring Tour heads north to the Snake River area for this year's upcoming excursion.

Congratulations to March student of the month Kiley Davis.

11The new indoor batting cage at the Shepherd Fields ballpark has received approval from the Garfield County Port District.

Columbia Straw Supply announced David Eller is its new General Manager.

Community members, business owners and staff wore blue to bring awareness to autism on April 2.

Two new Garfield County Hospital District (GCHD) co-CEOs, Jay Keener and Matt Slaybaugh, were introduced at the Senior Center during the regular board meeting on April 1. Hospital Commissioners dispelled a rumor, questioned by Joan Kimble, that the GCHD will be "shutting down the nursing home."

18Garfield County Superior Court Judge Scott D. Gallina was arrested April 10 on suspicion of second-degree rape, indecent liberties by forcible compulsion and fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Clay Barr has asked the City to vacate a portion of Columbia Street at the corner of Eighteenth and Columbia Streets.

25The Jackpot Preview event here on April 5, was populated with cattle and kids from around the region to practice showing their animals in Preparation for the Spokane Pre-show or fairs.

It looked like rain, at the Spinners sponsored Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Pomeroy Gof Course.

Marcia Ruchert chief cook, who began working in the Pomeroy School cafeteria in 1996, after decades of home-made entrees and tasty breads is retiring at the end of the school year. Gin Jenkins will also retire at the end of the school year.

MAY

2The National Honor Society (NHS) received a $2,000 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (MSTEM) grant from the Blood Center Foundation of the Inland Northwest.

Phase I of the Dick Brown building Sound and acoustic project has been completed.

Fifteen Pomeroy FBLA members traveled to the FBLA State Conference to compete in 24 events.

9$2,500 from Puget Sound Energy provides 69 Easter baskets and grocery gift certificates distributed to local families by the member of the Pomeroy Assist board during the season of Good News!

Jim McKeirnan was presented with his Quilt of Valor on Easter Sunday April 14.The special token of honor was made by Sharon Ruchert and quilted by Alice Gwinn.

At an arraignment hearing here Monday, Garfield County Superior Court Judge Scott D. Gallina pleaded not guilty to three original charges second-degree rape, indecent liberties by forcible compulsion and fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation –and an additional charge of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation.

Pomeroy Assist representatives, Dan Lewis, Secretary, Hellen Burke, Sarah Meyers, and Roger Pedersen, Director, now handle emergency housing in addition to other basic needs.

16Garfield County voters will be asked to approve an $860,000 levy, to be on the November ballot, the Garfield County Hospital District Commissioners decided last week.

The Community Walk sponsored by the Public Health District, Garfield County Hospital District, and the Asotin County Aquatic Center took place and Mrs. Landkammer and her third grade class were the winners.

Sixth Street Bride Project, work to start end of May, S&L Underground was the sole bidder on the Sixth Street Bridge project with a total bid of $1,259,338.00

The Blue Ribbon 4-H Club team members, Tyler Dixon, Colby Ledgerwood, Kendall Dixon and Jack Baser, recently participated in a Livestock Judging clinic at the Asotin County Fairgrounds.

The post season for the Pirate Golf Team began with the team not only as sub-district champions, Deana Caruso earned a stellar score of 72 and won an individual championship.

Nikki Halbert signed a letter of intent to accept a scholarship to Lewis and Clark State College and a position on the Track and Field team next year

23The beautification project of the Chamber of Commerce Flower Baskets was launched when volunteers Kris Klaveano, Cindy Klaveano and Shirley Ginsborg, joined a large group of volunteers to spruce up Pomeroy's Main Street.

Garrett Lehman, Director of Development for Strata Solar, gave a presentation on the company's proposed solar farm in Garfield County.

City of Pomeroy positions up for election were filed by the incumbents, Paul Miller for Mayor, Mike Cassetto, James Fuchs and Adam Hodges for City Council Positions 1, 2 and 3, all will be unopposed.

The Fall Harvesters wresting team, Coach Prevost, Ethan Prevost, Charlie Prevost, Kyzer Herres, Ezra Prevost, Noah Prevost and Mason Baker, made high scores across all styles at the Three Style Tournament.

Here's a first: Alex Bremer won the Regional Pole Vault Championship, Joining her bother Tanner as the first Brother-Sister Regional Champs in the event. Bremer and fourth-place pole vaulter Katie Boyer, an eighth grader will compete at Cheney.

The young Pirate 4x100 Relay team, Colton Slaybaugh, Rylan Snyder, Sydney Bales and Devon Knuteson, qualified for the State meet with an impressive 48.02.

Five Pirate pole vaulters, Sydney Bales, Colton Slaybaugh, Tanner Bremer (defending State Champion), Rylan Snyder and Logan Ledgerwood, qualified for State. Regional Shot Put Champ Destany Herbert and Raelin Borley qualified for state.

30An agreement with PacifiCorp was approved and signed establishing power poles for use with the broadband system.

Nikki Halbert is one of PHS's speediest Lady Pirates-one of a foursome that won the 4x100 Relay and the 4x200 Relay as the 1B State Meet in Cheney last weekend. Teammates Tiffany Wessels, Carmen Gingerich and Sydney Smith, sparked a third-place finish in state.

Lady Pirate Golfer, Karrie Gould was one of three Pomeroy golfers to advance from the 80-women field to the second round of the State 1B Women's Golf Championships in Tumwater last week. Gould, Deana Caruso, Chase Caruso, the trio qualifying for the second day of play.

The Lady Pirate Golf Team brought home second in State. Lady Pirates Fast-Pitch Softball Team brought home a fourth-place Trophy in State fast-pitch.

Sprinters from Pomeroy's 2019 Track and Field Team won two state championships and the girls' team finished in third place At State 1B track meet at Eastern Washington University's Roos Field, Pomeroy sent 19 athletes to the meet a tie for most in school history.

JUNE

6The Pomeroy High School Class of 2019 graduated 32 members at commencement exercises in the P.H.S. with a presentation by Carmen Gingerich, Valedictorian, Makayla Miller, Salutatorian, and Vegas Vecchio, and Nikki Halbert Honor speakers. This year's graduates were presented with an abundance of financial aid to fulfill their undergraduate degrees. The sum of $307,646 was given to 26 graduating seniors.

The Pomeroy FFA Chapter held its annual banquet at the high school cafeteria, with $5,900 in FFA Alumni Scholarships and Awards given.

Long-time community volunteers David and Nancy Ruark, and other members of the Ruark family will represent the Thomas and John Ruark Families, 2019's Garfield County Pioneer Association Honored Pioneers.

13The focus of discussion at the Garfield County Hospital District meeting was the upcoming November levy election and the need for improved public relation. Co-CEO Matt Slaybaugh, suggested that the GCHD hire a person to handle public relations.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is currently in the process of transferring ownership of the property from BMAC to the Pomeroy Ministerial Association.

The 2019 Garfield County Pioneer Association Parade was a well-attended event last weekend during the Pioneer Day-All Class reunion-Tumbleweed Festival.

Superintendent Kenny Landkammer said the concrete work is finished and needs to cure, then primed and painted and will start filling the pool June 19.

Recruiter Staff Sergeant Robert Hauser presented an award to Toddette McGreevy as Athletic Director of the Year.

20Local School Resource Officer (SRO) Jim Nelson will receive a Community Leadership Award presented by the Southeast Washington Association of School Administration.

The Asotin, Columbia and Garfield County Commissioners met to discuss how to best work together when addressing matters concerning the three rural counties and approach the state for solutions primarily on mutual legislative issues and unfunded mandates

The Commissioners took a short walk with Director of public Works, Grant Morgan, to assess weather damage to county-owned buildings and formulate a plan to repair the damage that has occurred.

27A free swim day was given to local swimmers to kick off the season on the first day the pool opened June 18, 2019.

The Port Board signed the approved and completed agreement with Pacificorp for the use of power poles for the broadband fiber optics.

JULY

4Commissioners sign several agreements and contracts. 1. A Rock Royalty and Quarry Site Use Agreement for the New York Gulch Quarry, the agreement with the Fitzsimmons 1999 Revocable Living Trust. 2. Voluntary Stewardship Program 2019-2020 Contract, for two years, in the amount of $240,000 from the state's Washington Conservation district, 3.Developmental Disability FY20 Contract, provides $11,348 in assistance to a Garfield County resident for two years.

Three additional counts of Fourth-Degree Assault with Sexual Motivation are being sought by Washington Attorney General Robert W. Ferguson's office as a result of an ongoing investigation into allegations against Hells Canyon Circuit Judge Scott D. Gallina.

11Sheriff's Department Welcomes New Deputy, Richard Hamilton, who graduated from the Police Academy in Spokane on June 19.

There will be no merger with Tri-State Memorial and a $860,000 levy scheduled for November, 2019 ballot.

Kendall Dixon of Pomeroy, Wash., competed at the National FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) Convention with her STAR (Recycle Redesign Students Taking Action with Recognition) Event June 30-July4 at Anaheim, Calif., receiving a perfect score and a gold medal.

The annual 4-H Robotics Camp for ages eight through twelve was held at the Pomeroy Elementary School.

18 The Garfield County Fire District has erected a sign at the new addition to the $1.12 million Fire Station.

Fire Chief Kris Darby asked the Pomeroy City Council to waive its part of the $7,657.92 building permit fee since it is for a public building.

Water main break, air conditioning stoppage, bedevils Courthouse. The newly installed County Courthouse heating and air conditioning system, which had been working well until it was inspected on July 12, suddenly quit. Sunday, a city water main broke, flooding the jail and Sheriff's offices. It was discovered that during the inspection, a switch had been turned off.

The Blue Mountain Artisans Guild (BMAG) announced the featured artists for the July/August show, "Wonderful Wood", with featured artist Butch Kleavano and Meagan Tennant, and Junior Artist, Vegas Vecchio. Other new additions include new pottery from Robbie Zimmerman and other new works from John Zillach and Helen Boland.

The Pomeroy Swim Team splashed into the 2019 swim season with an opening met here July 9,with the team finishing third in both meets.

25The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has begun Bridge Preservation Project on the 1969 Elmer C. Huntley Central Ferry Truss Bridge, restoring the surface on a limited basis to make travel safer for vehicles crossing the Snake River.

The Port of Garfield Commissioners discussed the design phase of the broadband fiber network.

County Commissioners approved the award for providing fuel for the County Public Works Department, Garfield County Hospital District and the Garfield County Fire District to Coleman oil, the only bid received. Approved was a rock crushing contract bid to Konen Rock Crushing out of Walla Walla.

The Washington State Conservation Commission awarded the Pomeroy Conservation District with additional funding and the board of supervisors made a decision to use the funding to update all the existing rainfall stations and add new sites with a complete weather station.

Jim Heilsberg, FHFMA, CPA is Garfield County Hospital District's Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

AUGUST

1Voluntary Stewardship Program keeps stream water flowing longer. The Conservation District has been working on projects in the Alpowa area to increase water flow during times of the year when streams usually go dry. It appears that the projects are working and water is flowing for longer periods during the year.

School District Sets Budget for 2019-2020, Kelly McKeirnan, Fiscal Officer, gave a presentation of the budget planned for the next school year. The budget was set for an enrollment of 290 for 2019-2020, as a conservative estimate, revenues are expected to increase by $320,598 for the new school year and will be offset by an expenditure increase of $383,621.

David Ruak of the Eastern Washington Agricultural Museum (EWAM) said the windmill is coming along and is near completion.

8The Garfield County Accountable Communities of Health (GCACH) has made good progress on their plan, They received $500,000 this year that was given to the hospital, and hope to get another $250,000 next year.

The Garfield County Hospital District (GCHD) Board of Commissioners meeting had a clear agenda to find solutions to the present financial distress.

Steve Kazda, Secretary of the Evening Star Lodge No. 30, and Ron Kessler presented bikes to the two Bikes for Books winners, Heather Hastings and Braxton McKeinam on June 5.

Pomeroy finishes fifth at County Swim Meet, Two Pomeroy swim team girls, seven-year-old Peyton Newberg and 10-year-old Molly Warren won their individual races. Eight and Under Boys team, Josh Hastings, Josiah Ledgerwood, Robbie Wolf and Dutch Jones, captured firsts.

15The branch manager of Northwest Farm Credit Services (FCS) in Colfax, Wash., Ryan Kile, present a check for $1,000 to Tom Herres, owner of the Farm and Home Supply, Inc., and Northwest FCS member, Wayne Davis, fair board member and Wynne McCabe, Garfield County Commissioner, for the continuing upgrade efforts to the sound system in the Dick Brown Building at the fairgrounds.

Alyssa's Dance Studio presented its summer recital at the now air-conditioned Seeley Theater on Friday night, July 26, 2019. Alyssa Wolf took over the helm as dance instructor this year with well over fifty students.

22The Garfield County Fire District spends $85,813.35 to reach construction mid-point. The contractors, Wellens Farwell, demolished and removed the old concrete retaining wall at the north side of the building site, installed new manholes for a new sewer connection and connected a temporary sewer line that provides service to the residents at the top of the hill.

The first day of school for students is scheduled on Wednesday, August 28, 2019.

29County Commissioners take stand against dam breaching

SEWEDA hosted a Garfield County Community Forum Meeting at the Pataha Flour Mill, August 20.2019. Jack Peasley said housing is a critical need in Pomeroy.

Second-year WSU Medical Student, Heidi Ness, spent a few days at the Pomeroy Medical Clinic as part of her training. She worked closely with Nurse Practitioner, Ronda Freeman.

Ecology Manager for Columbia Pulp, Steve Martin, spoke about some upcoming changes that will be occurring with the Pomeroy mill operations during its regular monthly meeting of the Port of Garfield Commissioners. Due to the Lyons Ferry plant opening planned for October, the Pomeroy plant will be shutting down operations for September and part of October.

The Senior Center was equipped last week with new window treatments in the upstairs portion of the Center's building, installed by Touch of Glass out of Lewiston, Id.

The 17th annual National Night Out burst into fun in the City Park on August 26.

SEPTEMBER

5Superintendent Rachel Gwinn announced at the School District Board meeting that the starting enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year is increased from what the district was expecting..

The 2019-2020 All-Boy Cross Country Team members are Will Entrup, Evan Bartels, Nick Vendeland, Tanner Bremer, Aiden Knutson, Cash Copher, Sam Lamb, Nick Bryson Asst. Coach Greg Sharp and Coach Marcus Pederson.

The Pirate Volleyball team with returning members Emma Severs, Jaden Steele, Maddy Dixon, Sidney Warko and Teagen Steele, Heidi Heytvelt, MacKenzie Watko and Alyssa Wolf, Head Coach Amy Smith, Asst, Coach Savannah Cranor, and volunteers Carrie Kimble and Gretchen Heytvelt.

12It's "Country Scenes and Children's Dreams" at the Garfield County Fairgrounds Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the 2019 Garfield County Fair kicks off.

Garfield County Hospital District is proud to announce August's Employee of the Month, Sherri Boyd, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

19Sixth Street bridge delayed, the progress was updated by Michelle Bly and Jim Whitbread of TD&H Engineering, they reported the girders were ordered in July but delays in procurement by the manufacturer have pushed the date back until the end of September.

To prepare for Phase 4 of the Gould City-Mayview project, County Engineer Grant Morgan presented Right-of-Way Agreements to the County Commissioners.

The Blue Mountain Artisan Guild (BMAG) featured photographer Vicky Sjoberg, a native of California who is currently resides in Asotin. The Blue Mountain Artisan Guild was represented in the Fair Parade by Mary Flerchinger, Laurel King, Linda McKiernan, Kris Klaveano and Suzan Grove.

Excavation of the site for the new fire station required extra machinery and time when the work crew ran into some very hard soil and rock material to remove a situation that may likely lead to change orders. Commissioners opt to pay for special equipment.

"The Levy is really needed to keep the hospital open and running; operational while the hospital district and board define the path forward," says Mat Slaybough, co-CEO of the Hospital District.

2019 Garfield County Fair Boasts County's best.

Shelby Valdez clocked a best 15.56 time in the Senior Barrels taking firs place in the event in the 2019 Garfield County Fair Rodeo.

26Garfield County Commissioners awarded a contract for the County wide Bridge and Guardrail project to Frank Gurney, Inc. for $602,009.70.

Retired pediatrician Ray Cardwell, M. D. attended the meeting of the Garfield County Hospital District on August 5, 2019, and made an offer of assistance to help the hospital district become more financially stable while maintaining current services.

OCTOBER

3Interim co-CEOs Jayd Keener and Mat Slaybaugh were officially appointed Superintendent Co-CEOs.

Long-time and beloved Band and Art Teacher Marcus Pederson will retire after 35 years of teaching.

Ed Fruh, 30-year veteran for the Garfield County Fire District is asking for votes as a write-in candidate for Garfield County Fire District Commissioner.

Maine-Husson University fifth-year student Hailey Hyer of Pomeroy, who is pursuing a Master of Science in occupational therapy, is recipient of a $1,000 Margaret Louise Burckes Scholarship.

Cattlemen's Association Wants Action on Cougar Issue. Sam Ledgerwood, Garfield County Rancher representing the Cattleman's Association, addressed the Garfield County Commissioners regarding the danger of cougar attacks in the county.

10The generosity of the Harold and Helen Shepherd Foundation was recognized and honored at the Fortieth Annual Recognition Gala held at Beasley Colliseum by the Washington State University (WSU) Foundation.

Fifteen members and guests of the local chapter of the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington heard Cowlitz tribal member Dan Cottonware present an interesting program on Native American rituals, including traditional Native American commitment, Naming, Landing and First Fish ceremonies.

Lillian Heytvelt, Denny Ashby Librarian, met with the commissioners regarding approval of a contract for a $5,000 Digital Heritage Grant recently received.

17AWB tour swings through Garfield County. Association of Washington Business's Brian Mittge, and Paulette Beadling, listened intently to PGG General Manager Derek Teak, Kristofer Johnson, AWB President and CEO, marvels at the size of the 1.8-million-bushel grain pile at the Central Ferry facility. The terminal handles 14-18 million bushel of Garfield County soft white wheat a year from both ground-stored and 2.6-million-bushel storage tanks.

Chairwoman of the GCHD Board Cindy Wolf reported the only progress made with the strategic plan is that they have narrowed it down to two plans of action.

Mike Field, candidate for Hospital Commission, and is running because he believes his experience can benefit the hospital district.

FFA teams compete at Land Evaluation CDE. Dayton and District VI-FFA chapters hosted a Land Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) in Garfield County sponsored by Pomeroy Grain Growers and Farm & Home Supply on September 25. Over 130 students making up 27 teams competed at the event on the Richardson Family Farm.

24Broadband fiber optic system construction may start in January, 2020.

Two of St. John-Endicott-LaCrosse Football Players, Katie Boyer, ASB Secretary and Olivia Meyers, ASB President accepted a check on behalf of the Pomeroy High School ASB for $222 from Tom Sherry, Chief Meteorologist for KREM 2 News. SJEL football player and ASB President, Dylan Anderson, also received a check for $222 for his school.

Anne Walsh, Puget Sound Energy Senior Wind Resource Advisor, presented a contribution of $2,500 to the Garfield County Food Bank.

Change orders add to Fire Station cost. As construction has proceeded, contractor Wellens Farwell informed Commissioners of numerous errors and omissions in the plans.

31The Shrine Club is once again holding its Annual Drive for Shriners Hospitals for Children in Spokane. At this time of year, members of the Pomeroy Shrine Club accept donations from individuals and businesses of Pomeroy and Garfield County to help support the care provided to children.

NOVEMBER

7Diana Ruchert, Port of Garfield, discussed the County's request to include the Fairgrounds in the first phase of the Port's Broadband System.

Trick or Treat Main Street was overrun by kids and families dressed in their Halloween fare last Thursday October 31.

2019 Homecoming Royal Court: Freshman Football Escort Tyson Kimble and Freshman Princess Jillian Herres: Sophomore Football Escort Brandon Bales and Sophomore Princess Keely Maves: Junior Football Escort Brendon Reisinger and Junior Princess Maya Kowatsch: Senior Football Escort Danner Maves and Senior Princess Jaden Steele: Miss Volleyball Heidi Heytvelt and Mr. Football Byron Stallcop" and his royal highness Homecoming King Jack Lyle and her royal Highness Homecoming Queen Sydney Watko.

The Garfield County Pioneer Association met to discuss plans for 2020 Spring Tour and Pioneer Day.

14The Garfield County Hospital District one-year special levy received favorable votes calculating a 58.29% approval, but was 1.71% shy of the 60% needed to pass.

Pomeroy High School's Lady Pirates are making their sixth consecutive appearance at the WIAA State Volleyball Tournament in Yakima.

Vintage Fire Trucks, home again: the fire trucks have been donated to the Garfield County Vintage Fire Truck Association by Roy Bowman from Littleton, Colo., who is the son of the late Fire Chief John Bowman.

Recently the editor of Ageless Iron Almanac Dave Mowitz interviewed and taped local Jerry Willsey on his "Deere Herd" and the Eastern Washington Agriculture Museum and Walla Walla resident Robert McKinney.

21Lady Pirates No. 1 in State: Pomeroy's Lady Pirates hoist another championship trophy high in celebration of their rubber-match victory over Oakesdale in the 1B State Volleyball Tournament in Yakima.

Ian A. McWilliams pleaded guilty to felony Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Assault for the September 30, 2017 fatal collision on Highway 12 near milepost 421 for the death of John F. Seger and seriously injuring Heidi Wilson-Seger, both of Medical Lake, Washington, and was sentenced during a hearing in front of Judge Tom Cox on October 16, 2019.

A Salute to Veterans; The annual Veteran's program recognizing local active and retired military personnel for their service was held at the High School Gymnasium Tuesday, November 12. The Quilt of Valor ceremony and a slide show of service men and women residing in the Garfield County area. Quilts were presented to U.S. Marine Corps Jamie Flerchinger; U.S. Navy James D. Harris: U.S. Army Jem Cochran; U.S. Navy Richard Slaybaugh; U.S. Marine Corps Kyle Flerchinger; U.S. Air Force Roger Hill; U.S. Navy Wayne Slaybough; U.S. Army James A Harris; U.S. Army Eric Wommack; U.S. Marine Corps Richard Lyden.

28Pomeroy's Lane Shawley to compete in Junior World Finals for Rodeo. High School freshman Lane Shawley, in his first year of saddle bronc competitions, went to Ogden, UT., to qualify for competition in the Junior World Finals (National Finals Rodeo) taking place on December 5 and 7, 2019.

2020 Census could bring $2000 per person to County. At the recent Garfield County Commissioners meeting on November 18, representatives of the 2020 Census for the United States Census Bureau, Terry Nealey and Juan Sanchez, visited with the commissioners to discuss the importance of getting every citizen in the County to participate.

Another hospital levy anticipated in 2020. The final Garfield County Hospital District (GCHD) levy results were announced at the recently special meeting with 58.29% votes received of the required 60% that was needed to pass the levy.

Cornstalks and Cranberries Craft Bazaar well represented. Over the weekend, crafters, bakers and candlestick makers displayed their wares through Spinner's Maple Hall.

A determined group of parents, kids and other concerned citizens have been monitoring traffic entering Pomeroy from the west, holding up signs reminding vehicles to slow down to the posted 25mph. speed limit.

DECEMBER

5Welcome to Pomeroy, the best little Christmas town around, with a hand shake or a tip of the hat, you will find cheer and goodwill here. This year, parade watchers were treated to 14 Twinkle Light parade floats from businesses and clubs including candy treats.

School Superintendent Rachel Gwinn reported that the current enrollment in 301 students, at the recent board meeting on November 25. The budget planned on a student enrollment of 290.

Rachel Anderson and Operations Manager Jeff Ruchert outlined how the passage of Initiative 976 in November will affect the operations and budget of the GCTA for 2020.

Prices set for ISP. Wrandall Brenes-Monua, Outside Plant Director for Pocket iNet, attended the Port of Garfield Commissioners regular monthly meeting November 19, to discuss the fees that the Port will be charging internet service providers (ISPs) for hook-ups to the broadband system for consumers, and who will be responsible for paying for the construction of the drop to each location of hook-up.

12The Pomeroy Conservation District was handed a check for $25,000 from the Blue Mountain Community Fund (BMCF) on December 9 for the development of two habitat projects within Garfield County.

Garfield County Hospital District (GCHD) discussed contracting with Allevant Solutions, LLC for consulting services to strengthen the swing bed program, and get help with strategic planning during Board of Commissioners meeting December 2.

Community Salutes a Fallen Firefighter. Firefighters and law enforcement personnel escorted the body of Ashton K. Farley, a Walla Walla Volunteer firefighters, through Garfield County as he was transported from Prescott, WA. to Moscow, Idaho Friday morning, December 6, 2019, to his hometown of Troy, Id.

The Garfield County Hospital District (GCHD), has decided to run a Special Levy again in 2020, after its failure to receive enough votes to pass in November, 2019. This decision was made in light of the announcement by Jim Heilsburg, CFO, that the GCHD will run out of money to operate by September 2021).