2020 – Year in Review

Editor’s Note: Due to space constraints, this annual look back at the year just completed will be made in installments over the next several weeks.

–Charlotte Baker

AUGUST

6). New cemetery memorial dedicated to those who didn’t make it home just prior to Memorial Day in mid-May and dedicated to Garfield County military or related support personnel who served our country.

School plans for in-person classes, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has issued official guidance for reopening Washington Schools for the 2020-2021 school year.

The WIAA Executive Board voted to allow some alternate seasons for sports based on the Safe Start phase protocols and new season descriptions recently.

13). Save the Gazebo at the City Park, the 111-year old Gazebo in the Pomeroy City Part is in need of restoration and a fund drive is underway for that purpose and to renovate the City Park.

Sara Lunsford, Garfield County Fair Board President, reported that the Fair Board had voted to cancel the 2020 Garfield County Fair with the exception of the market sales and livestock showing.

School begins August 31, the first day of the 2020-21 school year.

Natalie Fuchs, 15 in September and a local high school student, cuts and donates 12 inches of her hair to an organization “Wigs for Kids”.

The Port of Garfield Director Diana Ruchert reported to the Port of Garfield Board of Commissioners, the cost for the U.S. Forest Service building maintenance repairs is approximately $44,485, painting services $28,485, paint $8,000, and patio concrete $8,000.

20). Scott Wolf Cattle Company, Pomeroy, is a new member of the American Angus Association.

The Port of Garfield will seek an estimate for the design work to add the fairgrounds to the broadband fiber construction in phase one after receiving approval from the Garfield County Commissioners

The Garfield County Fair Livestock Show and Sale must go on in some form, according to Garfield County Commissioner Justin Dixon.

Hamilton resignation creates opening. Garfield County Sheriff Drew Hyer announced the resignation of Deputy Richard Hamilton effective August 14, 2020.

A search to replace resigning Garfield County Emergency Management Director EMD John Hisch has been initiated and Garfield County Commissioner Wynne McCabe has recommended the newly hired Fire Chief, James Cleveland, would be a good candidate.

Summer-time construction is nearing its conclusion in Pomeroy, the Sixth Street Bridge was closed in preparation to begin the paving process, the sidewalks and curbs have been poured.

Local linksmen were tuning up for the upcoming Night Golf Scramble at the Pomeroy Golf Course.

27). Food Bank Receives Fund from the Innovia Foundation, helped Pomeroy Assist for 420 packages of three-pound bundles of hamburger for the local Food Bank. Valued volunteers are Rachel Anderson, Sarah Meyers, JoAnn Cassetto, Diane Burgess, Butch Burgess, Maggie Warren, Boone Schmidt and Susie Bowles.

The Garfield County Commissioners voted to Contribute $25,000 to the assistance of local small businesses in conjunction with $50,000 in funds being distributed through the Southeast Washington Economic Development Association at the August 17 meeting.

The Rattlesnake Fire is currently estimated at approximately 300-400 acres and is burning southward into the Tucannon Wilderness.